Cambridge

IGCSE ICT
Second Edition
Graham Brown
Brian Sargent
David Watson
 Chapter 1: Types and components of a
computer system
• In this chapter you will learn about:
– Hardware,
– Software,
– the main components of a computer system,
– operating system,
– different types of computer systems, and
– the impact of emerging technologies
1.1 Hardware and software
• Hardware is a general term for the physical
components that make up a computer system.
• Can you name some examples of hardware?
(Hardware can be either external or internal)
• E.g. Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer
• Software is a general term for the programs
that control the computer system.
• Two types of software:
– application
– system
• (the examples of each will be discussed later)
Application software

Programs that allow users to

do specific tasks
What are some of the application software?
WORD PROCESSOR
WORD PROCESSOR
• Used to manipulate text documents, such as
an essay or a report.
• Creating, editing and manipulating text
• Copy and paste function
• Spell checker and thesaurus
• Importing photos/images
• Translation into other languages
SPREADSHEET
SPREADSHEET
• Used to organise and manipulate numerical
data.
• Numbers are organised in grid, which is made
up of cells that is used to identify a unique
combination of columns and rows.
• Functions include:
– use of formulas to carry out calculations,
– produce graphs, and
– do modelling and ‘what if’ conditions.
DATABASE
DATABASE
• Used to organise, manipulate and analyse
data.
• A typical database is made up of one or more
tables. Each row is called a ‘record’ and each
column is called a ‘field’.
• Functions include:
– carry out queries on database data and produce a
report, and
– add, delete and modify data in a table.
 Which are TRUE about
Microsoft Word?

A. Creating, editing and manipulating text

B. Use formulas to carry out calculations
C. It has spell checker and thesaurus
D. Use to analyse data
E. Translation into other languages
 Which are TRUE about
Microsoft Excel?

A. Use to analyse data

B. Creating, editing and manipulating text
C. Use formulas to carry out calculations
D. It can be used to produce graphs
E. It can add, delete and modify data in a table
Which of these belong to the internal part of
a computer?
1. Laptop 11.Monitor
2. RAM 12.Microprocessor
3. ROM 13.Power supply
4. Mouse 14.Network card
5. Keyboard 15.Video card
6. Motherboard 16.Sound card
7. Heat sink 17.Router
8. CPU fan 18.Thermometer
9. Speaker 19.CMOS battery
10.Solid State Drive 20.Printer