Unit 1 – Types and Components of a

Computer system
Hardware
Hardware is a general term for physical components which make up a
computer.
There are 2 types of hardware known as Internal and External

Internal consists of Motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), random

access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), video cards, sounds cards,
internal storage devices like hard disk drive (HDD) and solid state drive (SSD),
network interface card (NIC)
External consists of Keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers

Software
Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer
system and process data. The software considered in this book falls into two
categories:
• applications
• system.

Application software provides service to the user to solve a given task.

Eg: Database, Spread sheet

System software provides a platform where all other platforms can run.
Eg: Compliers, operating systems, device drivers
ADC and DAC
Computers can only understand data in binary format. This is known as Digital
Data. So when real world data(Analogue) is sent to the computer it needs to
be converted an ADC. This applies in the opposite way using a DAC.
Components of a computer
The 4 most important internal hardware devices are:
-CPU
-HDD
-RAM
-ROM
-BIOS
CPU
The CPU(also known as microprocessor) interprets and executes instructions
sent from hardware and software. It is a single integrated circuit.
Main parts include the Control Unit, ALU and registers.
Internal Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory) is where data is stored temporarily when
applications are being run.
It is volatile therefore contents are lost when computer is turned off.
ROM (Read Only Memory) is where permanent information is stored.
-Contains configuration data.
-Cannot be altered only read.
-Non-volatile.
Input and Output devices
Input device-device used to input data into computer.
Output device-device used to output information/device that you use to
receive data from the computer.

Backing storage
Permanent store of data
-HDD and SDD
Used to sore application softwares and files.
-Non-volatile
Advantages
-Faster data transfer then USB DVD and Cd
-Large data storage
-Permanent storage

Disadvantages
-Not directly addressable by CPU

Operating Systems
To enable computer systems to function and allow users to communicate with
the computer system.
Tasks
-Control operation of input output devices and backing storage.
-supervising with running/loading of application programs.
-dealing with errors
-maintaining security
User Interfaces
CLI- Command Line interface requires users to type in instructions to choose
options from menus, open software etc… Commands need to me manually
typed in. Programmers and technicians would most likely use this.
GUI- Graphical User interface allows user to interact with computer using
picture of icons. Uses various technologies such as WIMP (windows on icon
menu pointing device). Person who doesn’t have to know any great knowledge
to use a computer would use this.

Dialogue Based user interface- Uses human voice to give commands to a

computer system. Eg: Voice recognition in cars.
Lots of company makes personal assistant devices like Siri and Alexa that
recognise verbal commands and are able to interact.
Gesture based interface- Uses human gestures (usually hand, head or even
feet) to interact with the computer. This allows a more natural fashion of
interaction without mechanical devices.
Uses techniques known as computer vision and image processing.
Types of computers
PC/desktop computers uses:
-Office and Business work (word processing, spreadsheets etc…)
-Educational use (interactive software to teach or learn) (Mr Shahab)
-Used for gaming
-Entertainment(Tv etc…)
MOBILE COMPUTERS
A group of computers which are more portable then PC.
-Laptops
-Smartphones
-Tablets
-Phablets
Laptops(Notebooks)
Is a type of computer where monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor
are all together in one unit,
-Light weight
-Low power consumption
-Lower heat generated
Uses:
-Office and business
-Educational use
-Used for gaming
-Entertainment
-Control and monitoring

Smartphones
Allow normal phone calls but also have an operating system allowing them to
run a number of computer applications. They access the internet via WIFI.
Apps can be used for:
-Send and receive emails
-Surf the net
-GPS
-Calander
-Stream videos
-Stream music
-Social networks
-Instant messaging
Features of smartphones:

Adv and Disadv

Tablets
Uses of Smartphones, Tablets and Phablets

IMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Artificial Intelligece
AI is a machine or application which can arry out a task which requires some
degree of intelligence like using language, recognising someone’s face,
operating machinery, analysing data etc…
3 laws of robotics-
1)Robots may not injure human
2)Robots must obey orders given by humans
3)Robot must protect itself unless contradicting laws above
Impacts of AI

Negative Impacts of AI
-Can Lead to job losses in area of work
-Dependency on technology could be a problem
-Humans may lose skills in the process above
EXTENDED REALITY
Refers to the real and virtual combined environment, and is a “catch all” term
for immersive technology.
-Augmented reality (AR)
-Virtual reality (VR)
-Mixed reality (MR)
AR
Features:
-Allow users to experience the relationship between digital and physical world.
-Virtual information and objects are overlaid into real world scenarios.
-Real-world details are enhanced with animation, images and text.
-User can experience this via special goggles.
Eg: Pokemon Go
AR in the future can impact:
-Safety and rescue operations (by helping make 3d images of the rescue area)
-Entertainment (make you go into a virtual environment where you can
interact with fictional characters)
-Shopping (can use this to see how products look like on you before you
actually buy something)

VR
Features:
-Ability to take user into a digital environment.
-User is fully immersed into digital world.
-Users must use VR headset which allow 360 view of world.
VR in the future can impact:
-Military (training to use equipment)
-Education (looking at artifacts for history)
-Entertainment (games which use equipment can be won making it feel more
realistic)
-Sport (sportsman can improve his ability virtually)