Types and components of computer systems

1. Hardware-
 Physical components that make up a typical computer system.

 Can be internal or external

Examples (in detail)

Motherboard:

 Printed circuit board found in all computers

 Allows processor and hardware to function and

communicate with each other

 Acts as a hub to which other devices connect to

Random access memory: Internal chip where data is stored

temporarily
 Can be written and read from

 Lost when computer is turned off (volatile)

 Stores data files or part of the operating system currently in

use
Read only memory:
 Used to store info that needs to be permanent

 Chips cannot be altered

 Can only be read

 Info not lost if computer is turned off

 Non-volatile

 Contains coding known as boot file

 Tells what to do when computer starts up

Central processing unit:

An electronic circuit board
Execute instructions
Discrete components
Numerous small integrated circuits

 Arithmetic and logic unit

Small memory locations called registers
 Control unit

Network interface card:-

 Computer to connect to a network

 Wired/ Wireless

 Hard-coded with MAC address

Graphics card
Send graphical info to a video display device
Connects to motherboard
Parts-
Processing unit
Memory(RAM)
Cooling
Connections
Sound card:-
 Integrated circuit board

 Produce sounds

 Needs speaker or headphones

 Input frm microphone

 Can manipulate sound stored on a disk.

HDD/SDD:-
 HDD are magnetic in nature

 Main method of storage

 SSD have same function as HDD

 2. Software:
 Programs that control the computer system and process data
 Two types- application and system
Application- provides services user requires
 Word processing:
Manipulate text document
Text-keyboard
Provides tools for formatting
 Spreadsheet:
Organize and manipulate numerical data
Made up of grids
Can do calculations produce graphs and do modelling
 Database:
Organize, manipulate and analyze data
Made up of tables, can carry out queries
 Apps and applets:
Applets-small applications that perform a single task
Apps- software that can perform a fairly substantial task
 Computer aided design software-
To create, manipulate and analyze drawings. Can be 3d or 2d.
 Graphics editing software:
Bitmap and vector images can be changed
Bitmap- made up of pixels
 Video editing software
Manipulate videos
Can add or alter colors
 Audio editing software
Edit, manipulate and generate audio
3. System software: provide a platform for other hardware to work
and communicate
 Compiler-
Translate high level language to machine code (binary)
OG program-source code
Code after compilation-object code
 Linkers:
Takes codes made by compiler and puts together a single program
 Device driver:
Enables hardware to communicate with OS
Without drivers, hardware cannot communicate
 Utilities:
Software designed to carry out a specific task, for example: antivirus,
backing up files
 OS:
It is software running in the background
Manages basic functions
4. Analogue and digital data:
Digital- machine code, binary code 1’s and 0’s; it I discrete and
continuous
Analogue- real world data; changes smoothly form one value to the
next
Analogue to digital converter and digital to analogue data

5. Input and output devices:

Input devices-hardware allows data to be entered.
Can be manual entry or direct data entry

Output devices: shows computer’s output in a form understood

by humans.

6. Backing storage:
 Main internal storage where applications software etc. are
stored.
 It stores data permanently, and it must be non-volatile.
 Not directly addressable (cannot be read directly by the CPU).
 Longer data access time
 Larger storage than RAM or ROM
 Less expensive per byte
 Can be fixed or removed
 Because It can be removed, backing storage can be used as a
backup in case of data loss or corruption
INTERNAL MEMORY VS BACKING STORAGE
7. User interfaces:
 Command line interface [CLI]
Type instructions for answers
User has to learn numerous commands
Slow, because have to key in commands every time operation is
carried out
Direct communication with computer

 Graphical user interface [GUI]

 Interaction using pictures and symbols

 Touch screen uses post-WIMP interaction, can use fingers to

pinch or rotate.
 8. Types of computers:
 Desktop:
General computer made up of different components
 ADVANTAGES:
 Lower cost
 Easier and less expensive to upgrade
 Cannot be stolen
 Stable connection
 DISADVANTAGES:
 Not portable
 Clutters up desk [too many wires]
 Cannot work anywhere else
  Laptop:
Lightweight and low power consumption and low heat output
 ADVANTAGES:
 Portable

 No trailing wires

 More space

 Wireless connectivity

 DISADVANTAGES:

 Can be stolen

 Limited battery life

 Not always possible to upgrade them

 Smartphones
Allow phone calls and have OS
 ADVANTAGES:
 Small in size and lightweight

 Portable

 Can make phone calls

 Has sensors

 Reasonable battery life

 DISADVANTAGE:

 Small screen and small keyboards

 Slow to type

 Quick battery drainage

 Not much memory space

 Compatibility issues

 Can be lost or stolen

 Data transfer with mobile data slower than Wi-Fi

 Tablets
Virtual keyboard and touch screen; uses Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot
Advantage:
  Fast to switch on
 Fully portable
 Simple to use, do not need additional input devices
 Can use several apps as standard
 Not much heat (uses SSD)
 Battery life longer
 Remains connected to network when switched off, notifications
and alerts
Disadvantages:
 Expensive compared to laptops
 They have limited memory or storage
 If mobile hotspot is used, expensive
 Slow and error prone typing
 Irritating to transfer files often
 Laptop supports more file types
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
AI is a machine or application which carries out a task hat requires
some degree of knowledge.
Duplicates human tasks which require decision-making and problem-
solving skills
 Impacts on AI on everyday life
 Job losses

 Dependency on technology

 Loss of skills

 Extended reality
- AR

 Mix of both worlds

 Use special goggles

 Not isolated from real world, can still communicate with the real

world
  Impacts on
 Safety and rescue operations
 Entertainment
 Shopping and retail
 Healthcare
- VR
 Completely virtual
 Need a headset
 Impacts on
 Military application
 Healthcare
 Entertainment
 Fashion
 Heritage
 Business
 Engineering
 Sport
 Media
 Scientific visualization