KEY COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
10/20/2022 (3:00 – 5:00 pm)
Key Components of a Computer System
Hardware
 Processor
 Memory
 I/O Devices
Software
 System Software
 Application Software
Peopleware
HARDWARE
The word Hardware refers to the physical part of the
machine or elements of an electronic data processing
system. It may also pertain to as the equipment that
performs the mechanics of operations. Each element is
designed to carry out one or more of the following
functions: data preparation, input, processing, storage
and output.
INPUT DEVICES
Input is any information or commands which can be
utilized by a computer. They can come directly from you
or from different sources. You deliver input every time
you use system or application programs.
e.g., keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, web camera,
microphone
KEYBOARD
Keyboard is the well-known input device which helps to
input data to the computer. The format of the keyboard
is like the conventional typewriter, despite the fact that
there are a few extra keys furnished for appearing extra
functions
MOUSE
Mouse is the well-known pointing tool. It is a totally
well-known cursor-manipulator tool having a small palm
length container with a spherical ball at its Base, which
senses the movement of the mouse and sends
corresponding signs to the CPU at the same time as the
mouse buttons are.
SCANNER
Scanner is an input device, which does more like a
photocopy machine. It is used when several information
or data is in the paper and wants to be transferred to the
hard disk of the computer for more manipulation.
WEB CAMERA
A webcam is an input device that captures digital
images. These are transferred to the computer, which
moves them to a server. From there, they can be
transmitted to the hosting page. Laptops and desktops
are often equipped with a webcam.
MICROPHONE
Microphone is an input device used to input sound that
will be stored in a digital form. The microphone is used
for many applications including adding a sound to a
multimedia presentation or for blending music.
OUTPUT DEVICES
Output device is any piece of computer hardware system
used to connect the outcomes of data processing carried
through an information processing system (such as
computer) which converts the electronically generated
data into human-readable form. Output device take
information from the computer system and transform
it to a form that may be understood by humans
e.g., monitor, printer, speaker, headphones, projector
MONITORS
Monitors, normally referred to as Visual Display Unit
(VDU), are the main output device of a computer. It
makes images from tiny dots, referred to as pixels which
has been organized in a rectangular form. The sharpness
of the image relies upon the quantity of pixels.
PRINTERS
Printer is an output device that is used to print data on
paper.
SPEAKERS AND HEADSETS
Audio-output devices translate audio records from the
computer into sounds that humans can understand. The
maximum broadly used audio-output devices are
audio system (like speakers) and headsets. These
devices are linked to an audio jack at the system unit.
 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
CPU is considered as the brain of the
computer.
 CPU performs all types of data processing
operations.
 It stores data, intermediate results, and
instructions (program).
 It controls the operation of all components of
the computer.
STORAGE DEVICE
 CACHE MEMORY
 PRIMARY MEMORY (MAIN MEMORY)
 SECONDARY MEMORY
CACHE MEMORY
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor
memory that can accelerate the CPU. It acts as a buffer
among the CPU and the main memory. It is used to hold
those parts of data and program that are most often
utilized by the CPU.
PRIMARY MEMORY (MAIN MEMORY)
Primary memory holds only those data and commands
on which the computer is presently working. It has a
limited capacity and data is lost when the power is
switched off. It is mostly made up of semiconductor
device. These memories are not fast as registers. The
data and information required to be processed is resides
in the main memory. It is divided into two subcategories
RAM and ROM.
SECONDARY MEMORY
This kind of memory is likewise referred to as external
memory or non-volatile. It is slower than the primary
memory (main memory). These are used for storing
data/information permanently. CPU directly does not
access these memories, alternatively they may be
accessed through input-output routines. The contents of
secondary memory are first transferred to the primary
memory, after which the CPU can get admission to it.
For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
SYSTEM BOARD (MAIN BOARD OR
MOTHERBOARD)
The system board is likewise called the mainboard or
motherboard. The system board controls
communications for the whole computer system. Every
component inside the system unit connects to the system
board. All external devices along with the keyboard,
mouse, and monitor connect with the system board. It
acts as a data path and traffic monitor, permitting
the various component to communicate effectively with
one another.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The user often interacts with application software.
System software allows the application software to have
interaction with the computer hardware. System
software is “background” software program that
facilitates the computer manage its own internal
resources.
OPERATING SYSTEM
OPERATING SYSTEM are programs that coordinate
computer resources, offer an interface among the users
and the computer, and run applications. Microsoft’s
Windows 8 and Apple’s Mac OS X are two of the best-
identified operating Systems
 Resources
 User Interface
 Application
DEVICE DRIVERS
DEVICE DRIVERS are specialized programs designed
to allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is probably defined as end user
software. Three kinds of application software are
general-purpose, specialized and mobile apps
.
PEOPLEWARE
The term “peopleware” represents the personnel
concerned in system analysis, programming, computer
operations, system maintenance and the like. Systems
analysis and design are the roles of the systems’ analyst.
Program development is the specialty of the
programmer. Systems development is the job of
computer operators, input data preparation staff, and
output preparation clerks. Output preparation includes
collating, busting, and binding the reports before they
are delivered to the user. Commonly, analysts do certain
programming in addition to analysis. Correspondingly,
programmers do certain systems work in addition to
programming. Such an arrangement distributes the
overall work load among the existing staff. It also helps
programmers prepare for greater involvement in systems
analysis in the future.
Peopleware can discuss with something that has to do
with the role of people in the improvement or use of
computer software and hardware systems, such as such
problems as developer productivity, teamwork, group
dynamics, the psychology of programming, project
management, organizational factors, human interface
design, and human-machine-interaction.