1.2components of Computer Systems

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CIE IGCSE ICT Your notes
1.2 Components of Computer Systems

Contents
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Memory
Input Devices & Direct Data Entry
Output Devices
Storage
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Your notes
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain" responsible for processing
instructions entered into the computer
The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to produce an output
CPU Functions
Fetches instructions from memory
Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
Executes the operation
Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device
CPU Components
The CPU is made up of 3 main components:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)
Registers
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Memory
Your notes
Memory
Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer to process
Characteristics of ROM and RAM
ROM RAM
Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when powered

Volatility
powered off ) off )
Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)
Stores essential instructions (e.g. Stores data and instructions in use

Main Purpose
BIOS) by CPU
Differences between ROM and RAM

ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions currently in use
Worked example
State two characteristics of RAM
[2]
Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to [1]
RAM is volatile memory [1]
RAM is temporary storage [1]
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Exam Tip
Your notes
Make sure you know the difference between RAM & ROM - it's easy to get them mixed up
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Input Devices & Direct Data Entry

Your notes
Input Devices
Characteristics of Input Devices
Input devices: allow users to enter data or instructions into a computer system e.g.:
Keyboard
Mouse
Scanner
Microphone
Touch screen
Differences between Input & Output Devices
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data from
the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages
Keyboard & The steeper learning

Fast and accurate input
Numeric Entering text and numbers curve, repetitive strain
for experienced users
Keypad injury
Pointing Navigate and interact with Intuitive and precise Requires flat surface, the
Devices computer interfaces control strain on the wrist
Convenient, no direct
Remote Control devices from a distance, Limited range, may
physical contact is
Control e.g., TVs and media players require line-of-sight
needed
Enhances gameplay
Joystick/Driving Expensive, limited use
Simulation and driving games experience, realistic
Wheel outside of gaming, bulky
control
Intuitive, no need for a The screen may get dirty,

Direct interaction with the screen
Touch Screen separate pointing less precise than a
using fingers or a stylus
device mouse
Scanners and Capture images and convert them Accurate Quality depends on
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Cameras into digital format reproduction, easy to resolution, which can be

share and store expensive
Your notes
Hands-free input can
Capture a sound for recording or May pick up background
Microphone be used for voice
communication purposes noise, the quality varies
recognition
Sensors detect changes in the Can automate tasks, May require calibration,
Sensors and
environment; light pen interacts provides real-time affected by the
Light Pen
with screens information environment
Exam Tip
Note that a mouse isn't built into a laptop - instead, it would be another pointing device e.g.
trackpad
All the devices listed here are input devices. Some people think microphones and webcams
are output devices
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Direct Data Entry

Your notes
Direct Data
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Entry Device
Reading information stored Data can be easily erased,

Magnetic Stripe Fast, simple to use,
on magnetic stripes, e.g., and limited storage
Reader reliable
credit cards, ID cards capacity
Chip and PIN Secure, quick

Processing debit and credit Requires PIN input,
Reader transaction, reduced
card transactions in stores potential for skimming
fraud risk
Reading information from No line-of-sight is The expensive system,
RFID Reader RFID tags, e.g., inventory needed, multiple tags and potential privacy
tracking, access control are read simultaneously concerns
OMR (Optical Reading marked areas on

Fast processing, Limited to specific forms,
Mark forms, e.g., multiple-choice
reduced human error cannot read handwriting
Recognition) exams
OCR (Optical Converting printed text into

The fast and accurate, Can struggle with complex
Character digital text, e.g., digitising
searchable digital text layouts, font dependent
Recognition) books
Scanning barcodes to
Fast and accurate, low Requires line-of-sight,
Barcode Reader retrieve product information
cost limited data storage
and prices
Scanning QR codes for Requires a smartphone or

Can store more data,
QR Scanner information retrieval or linking specific scanner, quality
versatile uses
to websites dependent
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Worked example
Your notes
For each of the following uses of data capture, name one appropriate direct data entry device.
The devices must be different in each case
a. Contactless credit cards
[1]
Radio Frequency Identification/RFID reader [1]
b. Multiple choice answers in an examination paper
[1]
Optical Mark Reader/OMR [1]
c. To scan items at a computerised till
[1]
Bar Code reader/scanner [1]
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Output Devices
Your notes
Output Devices
Characteristics of Output Devices
Output devices: display or produce the results of data processing from a computer system
e.g.:
Monitor
Printer
Speakers
Projector
Differences between Input & Output Devices
Input devices send data or instructions to the computer, while output devices receive data from
the computer
Input devices are used for user interaction and data entry, while output devices display or
produce the results of data processing
Output
Use Advantages Disadvantages
Device
Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption,

Monitor
visual information on a screen adjustable settings potential glare
Touch Displaying visual information and Susceptible to smudges,

Screen allowing user interaction with the Intuitive, space-saving potential calibration
(Output) screen issues
Projecting computer-generated
Multimedia Large display, good for Requires darkened
images and videos onto a larger
Projector presentations room, expensive bulbs
surface
Printing high-quality text and Fast, high-quality prints, Expensive initial cost,
Laser Printer
graphics quickly lower cost per page limited to flat surfaces
Printing text and graphics using Lower initial cost, high- Slower, higher cost per
Inkjet Printer
liquid ink quality prints page, ink may smudge
Dot Matrix Printing text and simple graphics Low cost, can print Noisy, low print quality
Printer using a print head that strikes an ink- multi-part forms
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soaked ribbon
Creating large-format graphics,

High accuracy, can print Slow, expensive, large
Your notes
Plotter such as architectural plans and
on various materials siz e
engineering designs
Creating three-dimensional objects Customisable designs, Limited materials, slow

3D Printer
by adding material layer by layer rapid prototyping process
Range of siz es and

Converting digital audio signals into Can be power-hungry,
Speaker power outputs,
sound the sound quality varies
immersive audio
Converting electrical signals into Requires power,

Precise movement,
Actuator physical movement, e.g., motors potential mechanical
programmable
and valves in robotics wear
Holographic imaging
Holographic imaging is a technique that creates three-dimensional images by recording and
reconstructing light waves
These images provide a realistic and immersive visual experience
This could be used in medicine to create:
MRI scan images
Ultrasound images
3D views of our internal organs
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Worked example
Your notes
Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list below.
A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone

A monitor A numeric keypad A speaker A switch A USB
a. ________ is a device used to input a pin

[1]
A numeric keypad [1]
b. ________ analyses and executes a program line by line
[1]
An interpreter [1]
c. ________ produces output in the form of solid objects
[1]
A 3D printer [1]
d. ________ produces output in the form of sound
[1]
A speaker [1]
Exam Tip
Make sure you know which printer is which. Some people get mixed up between dot matrix
and laser
Detail is needed in the description in order to achieve full marks. Relating the answer back to
the scenario is important as some printers would not work in the given scenario
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Storage
Your notes
Storage
Characteristics of Backing Storage
Backing storage: long-term storage used to store data, files, and programs when not in use e.g.:
hard disk drives (HDD)
solid-state drives (SSD)
USB flash drives
optical discs (CDs, DVDs)
Backing storage is typically slower than internal memory but has a larger capacity
It is non-volatile, meaning it retains data when the computer is powered off
Differences between Backing Storage & Internal Memory
Backing Storage Internal Memory
Long-term storage of files, Temporary storage of data and essential

Function
programs, and data instructions while the computer is running
HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, optical

Examples RAM, ROM
discs (CDs, DVDs)
Access
Slower Faster
Speed
Capacity Larger Smaller
Non-volatile (retains data when

Volatility RAM: volatile, ROM: non-volatile
powered off )
Storage Media
Storage
Examples Use Advantages Disadvantages
Media
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Magnetic Hard disks, Long-term data storage, High capacity, Slower access time,
Drives backup, and archiving low cost per GB moving parts, susceptible
Magnetic tape to magnets Your notes
Data storage, audio,

Optical Portable, Limited capacity,
CD, DVD, Blu-ray video, and software
Discs durable, low cost susceptible to scratches
distribution
Memory cards
Solid- (SD, xD, Fast data storage for Fast access
More expensive, limited
State CFast), USB portable devices and time, no moving
write cycles
Media Drives, Solid modern computers parts
State Drives
Worked example
Give two error messages that may appear when trying to save to a CFast solid-state memory
card.
[2]
Two of:
Medium is full [1]
Corrupt card [1]
Write error [1]
Card error [1]
Card not initialised [1]
Virus found on the card [1]
Device not recognised [1]
Storage Devices
Storage Use Media Advantages Disadvantages
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Devices
Your notes
High capacity Slower access time,
Magnetic Long-term data storage,
Magnetic (10TB), low cost per moving parts, susceptible
Drive backup, and archiving
GB to magnets
Fixed Large storage

General-purpose storage Magnetic Moving parts, vulnerable
Magnetic capacity (5TB),
in computers and servers Hard Disk to physical damage
Hard Drive relatively fast
Portable Portable (5TB), Slower than SSDs,

External storage for data Magnetic
Magnetic large storage vulnerable to physical
transfer and backup Hard Disk
Hard Drive capacity damage
Backup and archiving, High storage

Magnetic Magnetic Slow access time,
especially for large capacity (10TB), low
Tape Drives Tape sequential access
volumes of data cost
Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),

CD CD
software distribution compatible susceptible to scratches
Higher capacity storage Higher capacity Susceptible to scratches,

DVD for data, video, and DVD than CD (8.5GB), lower capacity than Blu-
software distribution affordable ray
High capacity
More expensive, and
High-definition video and (50GB), high-
Blu-ray Blu-ray requires specific
high capacity data storage resolution video
hardware
storage
Fast access time,

Fixed Solid-
Fast internal storage for Solid- no moving parts, More expensive, limited
State Drive
modern computers State high capacity write cycles
(SSD)
(30TB)
Fast access time,

External storage for fast Solid- portable, no moving More expensive, limited
Portable SSD
data transfer and backup State parts, high capacity write cycles
(2TB)
Pen Drive Portable data storage and Solid- Small siz e, fast Limited capacity
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transfer for various State read/write speeds, compared to other

devices high capacity (1TB) storage devices
Your notes
Worked example
A program collects a large amount of data and this could be stored using either a fixed solid-
state drive (SSD) or cloud storage.
a. Describe four advantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using the SSD
[4]
Four of:
The cloud has greater storage capacity [1]
The data could be sent directly to/from the cloud from any computer/device [1]
Storage capacity can be increased without adding additional physical devices [1]
Many people can share the data [1]
The school would only pay for the storage used [1]
There is an automatic backup of data [1]
b. Describe three disadvantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using the SSD
[3]
Three of:
More security issues as multiple copies of the data are stored [1]
The school loses control over the storage of the data [1]
Cloud storage has an ongoing cost [1]
Users must have a reliable internet connection to store data [1]
Users must have an internet connection to access data [1]
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CIE IGCSE ICT Your notes

1.2 Components of Computer Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when powered

Access Read-only (data cannot be modified) Read-write (data can be modified)

Stores essential instructions (e.g. Stores data and instructions in use

Differences between ROM and RAM

Input Devices & Direct Data Entry

Input Device Use Advantages Disadvantages

Keyboard & The steeper learning

Intuitive, no need for a The screen may get dirty,

Cameras into digital format reproduction, easy to resolution, which can be

Direct Data Entry

Reading information stored Data can be easily erased,

Chip and PIN Secure, quick

OMR (Optical Reading marked areas on

OCR (Optical Converting printed text into

Scanning QR codes for Requires a smartphone or

Displaying computer-generated Real-time display, Power consumption,

Touch Displaying visual information and Susceptible to smudges,

Creating large-format graphics,

Creating three-dimensional objects Customisable designs, Limited materials, slow

Range of siz es and

Converting electrical signals into Requires power,

A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone

a. ________ is a device used to input a pin

Backing Storage Internal Memory

Long-term storage of files, Temporary storage of data and essential

HDD, SSD, USB flash drives, optical

Capacity Larger Smaller

Non-volatile (retains data when

Data storage, audio,

Storage Use Media Advantages Disadvantages

Fixed Large storage

Portable Portable (5TB), Slower than SSDs,

Backup and archiving, High storage

Audio and data storage, Affordable, widely Low capacity (700MB),

Higher capacity storage Higher capacity Susceptible to scratches,

Fast access time,

Fast access time,

transfer for various State read/write speeds, compared to other

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