Types and component

of computer systems
Mr Walusimbi kenneth
 Define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system
 Identify internal hardware devices (e.g. processor, motherboards, random access
memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), video cards, sound cards and internal
hard disk drives.
 Identify external hardware devices and peripherals (such as monitors, keyboards,
mice, keyboards, printers as input and output devices and external storage devices in
general)
 Define software as programs for controlling the operation of a computer or
processing of electronic data
 Identify the two types of software – applications software and system software
 Define applications software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database
management systems, control software, measuring software, applets and apps,
photo-editing software, video-editing software, graphics manipulation software)
 Define system software (e.g. compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and
utilities)
What is Hardware?

 Hardware are the physical components which make up the computer

system.
 Each item of hardware have their specific roles in a computer system.
 Hardware components can either be internal or external.
Internal hardwaredevices

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries out
calculations to complete software instructions.

Motherboard
The motherboard is circuit board which is connects to main components of
the computer system.

Memory
Any data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed
into main memory.
Internal hardwaredevices

Graphic Video Cards

A graphics card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to
enable the computer to process and display graphics.

Sound Card
A sound card is a device that attaches to the motherboard to enable
the computer to input, process, and deliver sound

Internal Hard Disk

A hard disk drive is a hardware device that's used to store
information like software and files. The capacity of hard drive
ranges from GB to Tera Bytes.
Internal hardwaredevices

Network Card
A network card provides the computer with a network (internet
connection) either through wireless signals or a physical cable
connection.
Optical Disk Drive
The optical disk drive (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray) allows for optical disks to
run on the computer. Also some optical disk drives are able to write
“burn” data onto discs.

Power Supply
The power supply is connected to main power sources to give
power to the computer system. The power supply connects to all
the main components of the computer system including the
motherboard, hard drive, optical drives etc.
External hardwaredevices
Input Hardware Devices – Input data into a Computer
Examples
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Microphone

Output Hardware Devices – Outputs data from a computer

Examples
• Monitor
• Speakers
• Printers

External Storage Devices – Provides external storage or backup solutions

Examples
• External Hard
drive
Computer Software

What is Software?
Software are programs that give instructions to a computer
These instructions tell the computer what to do.

Software is not a physical thing (but it can of course be stored on a

physical medium such as a CD-ROM)

For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both hardware

and software.
ApplicationsSoftwareandSystemSoftware
Application Software
Examples Application software are designed to allow users to
• Word Processor complete specific tasks. This may be to:
• Spreadsheet • Write a letter/Present information
• Databases
• Browse the internet
• Manipulate data in a spreadsheet or database
• Manipulate graphics, sound or video.

System Software
Examples System software is designed to run a computer's
• Operating Systems
• Device Drivers
hardware and application programs
• Utilities (antivirus) Operating systems to provide a user interface
• Device drivers which allow hardware components to
work.
• Utility software which maintain the computer
performance.
ApplicationSoftwareExamples

Word Processing Spreadsheet Database

Used to prepare reports, Use to create to organise and Database is used to insert
school essays etc. manipulate numeric data. and organise data using
fields and records.

• Create New or edit • Use of various formulas to • Create a table so that

existing text documents. carry out set tasks: records can be inserted.
• Formatting tools • Sum, Max, Min, Average • Run queries using search
• Create font styles • Count, CountA criteria to find specific
• Importing tables/images • CountIf & SumIF data.
• Spell Check • Lookups • Create reports including
• Copy/Paste • IF and Nested Ifs labels from the search
• Find/Replace • Apply various formatting to criteria.
• Page layout cells/
• Create graphs (Ba/Pie charts)
 Software(Continued)
Application software and its uses
are used to produce letters, reports
Word-processing applications and memos.

Database Programs are used to store and retrieve

information.

Spreadsheet applications. are used for tasks that involve

calculations or graphs and charts.

Presentation applications are used to create slide shows and

presentation.

Desktop Publishing (DTP) applications are used to produce posters, letters

and magazines.

Graphics Programs are used for artwork. 11

ApplicationSoftwareExamples

Photo Editing Graphics Manipulation Video Editing

Used to edit digital images to Used to create and edit Used to edit and format video
either touch up or to apply bitmap and vector graphics. using various tools and
various formatting techniques.
techniques.

• Contrast/Brightness • Pixels in bitmap images • Split and Trim videos

• Use of layers can be changed to • Create split screens
• Filter tools produce a different image. • Rearranging order of clips.
• Lighting effects • Vector images use: • Transitions between clips
• Liquify (change features of • Lines (Fade)
a face) • Curves • Inserting Audio
• Brush tools • Text • Applying filters and using
• Clone/Stamp tool video enhancement
techniques
ApplicationSoftwareExamples

Apps (Phone Applications) Measuring and Control Software

Apps are the software which runs on mobile Measuring and control software which are
phones. They usually come with the phone or responsible for changing physical conditions in
can be downloaded and updated. an environment.

• Games (Angry Birds) Measuring

• Video/Music Streaming (YouTube) • Sensors take readings which are processed
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, by the computer or microprocessor.
Instagram)
• Communication (Whats App, Viber) Control Software
• Camera (Editing images) • By comparing sensor readings to a pre-set
• GPS (Satellite navigation) level the control software will decide on an
• Health/ Fitness output (For example to increase or
decrease the heat in a green house.
SystemSoftwareExamples

Operating Systems Device Drivers

Is a computer software that Allows hardware devices to

manages hardware and other run on the computer
software including printers, sound,
Also provides users with a GUI graphics and network cards.
interface
System
Software

Utilities Compiler

Software programs Linkers Translates a source program

that add functionality written
to your computer or Combines object files In a specific language which
help your computer produced by a complier into a Can be understood by the
perform better. A single program. computer.
Components of a
computer
MainComponentsof aGProcessor
eneralandPurposeOutput
Computer System
Input Devices Internal Devices
Input device sends data to processor. Memory Processor outputs information to output
device.
Data going out from the storage device. Data going into the storage device.
Secondary
Storage
Devices
Main Unit
Monitor (CPU, RAM, and
(Output Device) Storage Devices)
Printer
(Output Device)

Keyboard
(Input Device) 16
Computer components
All the different pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make
up the complete computer system
central processing unit
• The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer.
• It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating and decision
making takes place.
• The speed of the CPU is measured in Gigahertz (GHz).
• A 1 GHz CPU can carry out 1 billion instructions per second!
• Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU brands.
The CPU 'controls' what the computer does and is
responsible for performing calculations and data processing.
It also handles the movement of data to and from system
memory.
Internal Memory (RAMandROM)
There are two types of internal memory - RAM and ROM.
RAM and ROM are used to store computer data and this can be directly
accessed by the CPU.
RAM and ROM are sometimes referred to as 'Primary Storage/internal
memory'.
Temporary data from Applications in use are held in the Main Memory.
RAM(RandomAccessMemory)
RAM stands for Random Access Memory
RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in use by
the computer. This can include anything from word documents to videos.
RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored in
RAM can change all the time (it depends what tasks you are using the
computer for).
RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM very
quickly. RAM is generally measured in GB (Gigabytes).
RAM is volatile which means that when the computer is turned off all
data is lost
ROM(ReadOnly Memory)
ROM stands for Read Only Memory
ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the computer how to
boot (start up). It also loads the operating system (e.g. Windows).
These instructions are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output system) or the
boot program. Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means
that the contents of ROM cannot be altered or added to by the user.
ROM is fast memory. Data stored in ROM can be accessed and read very
quickly.
ROM is non-volatile memory which means that memory is not lost when
computer is turned off.
 ROMvs. RAM
Read Only Random
Memory Contains Access Contains
BIOS Memory running App.

Data is Data is
Permanent Temporarily

Written to and
Read only
Read from

Contents are Contents are

not lost lost

Small Non-Volatile Large Volatile

(2MB) (4GB)
22
Input devices
These are devices that allow the user to enter data into
a computer in text or other formats.
An input device is a hardware or peripheral device used
to send data to a computer
Output device
Output devices are pieces of hardware that send information out of the
computer.
These are devices that allow the computer to communicate with the users.
The communication can take any form video, pictures, auditory, text,
Definesecondary/backingstorage

Backing storage is also known as secondary storage

Backing storage is non-volatile which means that data is not lost

when computer is turned off.

Backing storage is used to store data for a long time (data can be
read from and written to)

Users tend to make copies of original files on backing storage.

Operating system
Roles of an Operating System
An operating system is a system software that manages the general
operation of a computer system:
Role of an Operating System
An operating system is a system software that manages the general operation of a
computer system:
Allows users to
Provides security
load, run and
and prevents
store applications.
unauthorised
Also resolve errors
access to a system
occurring
applications
Helps the user
interact with the Role of an
computer through a operating System Decided what
user interface. should be loaded
and deleted from
memory
Helping save,
organise, find and Manages input,
delete files output and backing
devices.
Graphical User Interface(GUI)
GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a user interface built around graphics.

Windows – areas Menus - lists of

for displaying options or
information applications users
can select from

GUI
Icons -small images Pointers –Mouse
used to represent pointer can be used
files/folders or to select and open
applications files/applications

• GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of

the interface
• The user has lots of visual clues as to what things do.
WIMP
 Graphical User Interface(GUI) (continued)

Post-WIMP Interface
- Used in portable devices such as mobile phones, PDA's and tablets.
- Icons and menus are used to input commands.
- Uses more than one finger as the input device together with a touch
screen.
Features Post-WIMP Interface
Pinching – where you pinch your fingers together to zoom in
or spread them further apart to zoom out.

Rotating – where you use two fingers – one finger moves up

and the other finger moves down to rotate the object such as
an image.
Swiping – where you swipe your finger over the touch screen
to turn over a page of a document. 30
Example GUI Operating Systems
Graphical User Interface(GUI) Examples
CommandLineInterface(CLI)
• CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the computer.
• CLI are normally used by expert users as it allows them to directly access the
computer and is more complicated to use.
• CLI and is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.

Example Command Prompts

ATTRIB: Displays or changes file attributes.

CD: Displays the name of current directory
CHKDSK: Checks a disk and displays a status
report
Copy: Copies one or more files to another
location
DIR: Displays a list of files and sub
directories
 ComparingCLI andGUI Interfaces
• Advantages of GUI • Disadvantages of GUI
• Easy to use due to the visual nature of • To display all of the nice graphics required
the interface. by a GUI takes a lot of computing power
• The user has lots of visual clues as to so quite a powerful computer is needed.
what things do. • User restricted to pre-determined
• Less chance of user input errors. options.
• Quicker to input commands.
• Don’t have to learn a lot of commands
• Easier to edit action
Advantages of CLI Disadvantages of CLI
 The User has direct communication  User must remember complex
with computer. commands.
 Lots of typing needed for quite simple
 Has a wider range of commands to tasks.
use.  With CLI syntax has to be precise
 Commands difficult to edit once entered34
DifferencesbetweenCLI andGUI
The GUI allows the users to interact by using windows, icons etc while CLI
the users interact by typing text commands into the terminal window.
GUI let the users create shortcuts and other tasks, while command line
enables the users for scripting any sequence of the commands for
performing any task.
The shortcut keys of GUI helps in reducing the amount of the times that
the users move from the keyboard to the mouse and the command line
always allow the users for keeping their hands on the keyboards without
even touching the mouse.
Command line makes the multitasking easy for the users.
Command line offers more control for the users.
GUI offers more efficiency and ease.
 Types of
computers
 • Computers used to be huge and would sometime take
Desktop/Personal Computer up the whole space of a room.
• In the 1980s (desktop/personal) computers were created
and were small enough to fit on desks.
• These computers were cheap and affordable for the
public.
• Desktop Computer normally have a separate monitor,
keyboard, mouse, speakers etc.

Advantages of Desktop Disadvantages of Desktop

• They usually have a better specification • Desktops are not particularly
(e.g. faster processor, more RAM and portable.
ROM, a higher capacity hard disk drive).
• Parts and connections tend to be • All the components need to be
standardised, which usually results in hooked up by wiring.
low costs. • It is necessary to copy files, when
• The large casing allows good dissipation you want to do some work
of any heat build-up. elsewhere.
• Less likelihood of them being damaged
since they are fixed in one location
LaptopComputer • Laptops refers to a computer where all the components
(monitor, keyboard etc.) are together on a single device.
• The main advantage of a laptop computer is that it is portable
and can connect wirelessly to network connections.
• Portable due to light weight
• Lower energy consumption
• Less noisy and easy to handle

Advantages of Laptop Disadvantages of Laptop

• Much smaller and lighter than • The keyboards and pointing
desktop so easily transportable. devices can sometimes be difficult
• Since they are portable, they can to use.
link into any multimedia system • Heat dissipation is more difficult
(e.g. Projector). due to the structure of the laptop
• Files do not need to be computers.
transferred between work and • They have limited battery life so
home which saves time.
the user may need to carry a heavy
• They are Wi-Fi enabled which adaptor.
means they can access networks
including the Internet when a • Since they are portable, they are
signal is available. easy to steal!
 • Tablets are very similar to smart phones.

Tablet Computer
• They have an internet connection via a wireless connection
including 3G/4G.
• Tablets make use of touch screen technology to select options on a
menu or to select particular icons.
• Applications can be downloaded and installed.
• Sensors including speech recognition
• Portable
• Allow users to view display screens in portrait or landscape mode.

Advantages of Netbook Disadvantages of Netbook

• Much lighter than laptops • Smaller keyboard can make them
(smaller screen and no CD/DVD more difficult to use.
drive reduces the weight). • Smaller screen can make the text
• Longer battery life (their low- hard to read.
power components require less • Smaller hard disk so less data can
energy). be stored.
• Cheaper – because some of the • Low performance when doing
more expensive components are certain tasks. (e.g video editing)
left out. • Very small size makes them easy
to get stolen.
Smart Phone
• Smart phones can use traditional methods to make phones calls
and send messages using mobile network.
• Smart phones have operating systems which allows them to run
multiple applications.
• Like the Tablets Computers Smart Phones have many features
including:
• Touch Technology
• Internet connection (Wireless/3G/4G)
• Sensors
• Cameras
Use
• Send and receive emails
• Browse the internet
• Voice over Internet Protocol (Voip) – voice/video calls.
• Streaming music/video content
• Communication via social networking applications
• Global Positioning System – to help navigate
Advantages and disadvantages of each type
of computer
Type Advantages Disadvantages
Desktop/Personal • Always connected to the mains. • Not portable, large and bulky
Computer • Monitors can come in any sizes • Takes up more desk space.
• Can be upgraded and parts easily replaced. • Separate components like keyboard, mouse, monitor,
• Tend to have a higher specifications than laptop computers. speakers etc.
• Cheaper to buy due to component being easy to make • Loose cables which could be trip hazards.
• Constant power supply

Laptop Computer • Its portable due to small size and weight. • Limited battery life.
• Battery can be recharged. • Laptops are difficult to repair and upgrade.
• Can connect wireless to internet. • Can be stolen or lost.(while in public places )
• No loose cables. All components connected together. • Some users find it difficult to use pointing device.
• Low power consumption

Tablet Computer • High definition anti glare display. • Limited memory compared to laptops.
• Wireless , 3G/4G & Bluetooth connection. • Expensive to use 3G/4G internet
• Data can backed up or synchronised with other devices. • Typing can be more difficult compared to a normal
• Touch screen technology keyboard.
• Battery life longer than a mobile phone. • Not all files are compatible with tablets.

Smart Phone • Small in size and easier to carry around. • Small screens make it difficult to read.
• Can be used whilst on the move using wireless or 3G/4G • Battery life is short
Connectivity. • Could be misplaced or stolen
• Touch screen technology • Limited storage/memory compared to other types of
computers.
• Slow data transfer rates
Impact of emerging
technologies
 New technologies are those that are currently being developed or will be developed
in the next 5 to 10 years, and which will alter the business and social environment.“
The technologies (and their impacts on everyday life) that we are going to focus
on
 Artificial intelligence
 Biometrics
 Robotics
 Quantum cryptography
 Computer assisted translation
 3D and holographic imaging
 Virtual reality
EmergingTechnologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) This is a computer science that is focused on creating computer
systems that simulate human intelligence.

• The term was first used in 1956 by a computer scientist at the

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who was focused on trying to
make computers behave like humans.
Artificial Intelligence is being developed in the following areas:
Game Playing - Computers developed to play games against human
players.
For example: In 1997 a computer named 'Deep-Blue' defeated
Kasparov, a world champion in the game of chess.
Expert Systems - These are computers that have been programmed
to make decisions based on information they are given.
For example: Medical expert systems can diagnose patient's illnesses
based on symptoms entered.
Languages - This type of AI involves computers that can understand
different human languages as they are spoken to them.
Robotics - Robotic artificial intelligence is where machines are
programmed to imitate a human.
Impactsof AI oneveryday life

Accurate prediction of weather

Increased leisure time
Safer transport
Increased Personal safety
Improved medical care
 Biometrics
 Biometrics is where parts of a person's body are used for
identification purposes
Examples of biometrics
Fingerprints - These are impressions embedded at the end of
human fingers and thumbs. Fingerprints kept in a database can be
matched to those left at crime-scenes to help identify the culprit.
Eye recognition - Eye scans analyse the iris which is the coloured
ring that surrounds the pupil.
Face recognition - This is where the shapes of individual's faces are
analysed.
Voice recognition - Pitch, tone and frequency of voices are unique
and can be analysed to identify people
All of these parts of the human body are unique from person to
person and can be used to authenticate identity
Impactsof Biometricsoneveryday life
Better airport security
Increased building security
Reduced car theft
More secure mobile phones
 Robotics
 Robots are used to perform a wide range of physical tasks.
 They are either automated (controlled by a computer chip) or manually
controlled by a human.
How Are Robots Used in a Factory?
• Robots can be programmed to complete specific tasks or used manually.
1. Lift heavy items into from place to
• No human intervention is required once the robot has been place
programmed. 2. Assemble parts together to create
Tasks of robots things
3. Join parts together using glue, or
Dangerous jobs - E.g. disposing of bombs, spray painting or cleaning up by welding (melting metal)
nuclear waste. 4. Paint items
Exploring extreme environments - E.g. inside volcanoes, planets or the
depths of the ocean.
Repetitive manufacturing jobs - E.g. production lines, packing and welding
etc
Moving heavy objects - E.g. installing large engines, moving pallets of items
etc.
Impactsof Roboticsoneveryday life:
Increased personal time
More efficient manufacturing
Loss of jobs
Safer working environments
QuantumCryptography
Quantum cryptography (encryption) is an emerging technology that allows
messages and data to be sent with complete privacy.
Encryption is where digital data and files are scrambled so that
only authorized people are allowed to read it.
In quantum cryptography, messages are encrypted using photons.
These are tiny packets of light.
Impactsof QuantumEncryptiononeveryday life
Completely secure voting
Completely secure communication
Completely secure bank transfers
Completely secure personal information
ComputerAssistedTranslation(CAT)
CAT is where a human translator uses computer software to help in the
translation process.
Examples of different types of CAT tools
Spell checkers - These are usually built-into word processing software and can
automatically flag-up spelling errors and suggest translations of miss-spelt words.
Translation memory software - Translation memory software are databases which
store translated text as the human translator works through it in order to be
reused in the future
Language search-engine software - These are Internet based systems which allow
translators to enter any text that they want translating and also to select which
language they want the text translating into.
 Impactsof Computer AidedTranslationoneveryday life
More accurate documents - Spell checkers can quickly
scan your word processed documents and
automatically find spelling errors.
A more multilingual society - Anyone with an Internet
connection can access tools such as Google Translate
Quicker and more efficient translations - Foreign
visitors to countries can be communicated with much
easier through these CAT tools.
3D and holographic imaging
3D and holographic imaging is a technology that allows 3D
images to be produced. A holographic image moves in the same
way as the original image in three dimensions (3D)
Holograms work by taking two regular two-dimensional images of
the same object and laying one on top of the other
Two different types of laser beams are used to record the two-
dimensional images onto a single photographic plate.
Impactsof 3DImagingoneveryday life
Improved security - Credit cards, ID cards, software and some bank
notes include holograms as a way of trying to prevent forged
duplicates being created.
Better movie experiences These provide the viewer with a much
more immersive experience. Eg in hollywood
Greater data storage It is thought that the technology behind holograms
will eventually be used to provide the means to store large amounts of
data.
Virtual Reality
 Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software
that users can interact with as if it were real.
 The user will normally wear a head mounted display which will
simulates their physical presence in places in the real world or
imagined worlds.
Virtual reality is not really meant for gaming purposes. It is used for more serious
purposes such as:
 Allowing architects to walk around a virtual version of their
design (this gives a better idea of what the finished building will look
like)
 Training soldiers in combat (flight simulation, battlefield simulation)
 Training surgeons (virtual patients can be operated on to provide
experience to trainee surgeons).
 Equipment needed to create the virtual reality experience includes the
following:
 Eye Goggles
 Special Gloves
 Headphones
 Powerful Computer
Impactsof Virtual Reality oneveryday life
Improved medical surgeons
Construction of Larger and stronger buildings, An organisation can not only
render the resulting structure in 3D but also experience them as they would in
the real world.
More effective treatment of phobias
Training in dangerous situations
More realistic education
Computer Games: users are able to immerse themselves into a gaming
platform.
Sports: It is used as an aid to measuring athletic performance as well as
analysing technique