Types and Components of a Computer System

Computer
System

Hardware Software

Hardware
All physical components of a computer system comprise hardware.
Hardware are all those parts of a computer that you can touch.

Hardwar
e

Internal External

Internal Computer Hardware

• Printed Circuit board

Motherboard
• Acts are a hub for other computer parts to
connect to
• Consists of
 a non-conductive sheet (Plastic)
 circuit printed on the sheet with
copper/aluminium
 sockets and slots to connect other
components
• Internal chip where temporary data is
Random Access
stored when running applications.
Memory
• Can be written to and read from.
• While computer is being used, RAM will
contain the following:
 data,
 files,
 code (application software), and,
 parts of operating system being
used.
• Also called volatile memory
• Stores information required to boot a
Read Only Memory
computer
• Cannot be altered. Can only be read from
• Also called non-volatile memory
 • Stores data, files (text, photos, and music)
Internal Storage
and most of system and application
Device
software.
(Hard Disk Drive - • Hard Disk Drives (HDD) have a rotating
HDD/ Solid State magnetic disk that stores data. HDD are
Drive - SSD) normally used in desktop computers.
• Solid State Drives, like RAM, have no
movable parts.
• SSD are rapidly replacing HDD as internal
storage devices.
• It is an integrated circuit board that provides
Sound Card
computer ability to produce sounds.
• It also allows a user to record sounds via a
microphone.
• In addition, it allows user to manipulate
sounds stores in the computer.
• Allows computer to send graphic
Video Card
information to a display device like a
monitor, television or a projector.
• It usually consists of:
 A processing unit
 Memory unit (RAM of its own)
 A cooling mechanism (Fan of some
sort)
 Connections to a display unit.

External Computer Hardware

Also called peripheral devices, the most common external computer hardware are:

1. Monitor: Display device

2. Keyboard
3. Mouse
4. Speaker
5. Microphone
6. Printer

We will look at these devices in detail in subsequent units.

Software
Software are programs that allow a user to use the computer.

Software

System Application
System Software

Systems software are a type of software that communicate with underlying hardware and provide a platform to
application software. System software help the users utilise hardware.

Operating • Manages computer hardware and

Systems software resources.
(OS) • Provides common services for
computer programs.
• Operating Systems allow:
• Input output operations
• Users to communicate with the
computer
• Error handling
• Loading & unloading programs
from RAM
• Managing security (User
accounts, passwords etc.)

Device • Device drivers are programs that

Driver allow hardware devices to interact
with the operating system.
• Every peripheral device requires a
driver to interact with the operating
system.
• When a device is plugged in,
operating system looks for
appropriate driver. If it can’t be
found, operating system generates
an error message.

Utilities • Software that are designed to carry

out specific tasks on a computer:
• Anti-virus
• Anti-spyware
• File backup
• File management
• Security
• Screensavers
• Disk fragmenters

Compilers When we revisit the topic, we will look

at these system software
Linkers

Application Software

Application software are a type of software that communicate with underlying hardware and provide a platform
to application software. System software help the users utilise hardware.
 • Word processing software allow
Word
users to:
Processor
• Create, edit, save and
manipulate documents
• Spell check, collaborate and
review others’ documents
• Translate documents to other
languages.

Presentation • Presentation software allow users

Software to present information in an
engaging way.
• In addition to text, users can use
sounds & videos, in a presentation
software.

• Spreadsheet software are used to:

Spreadsheet
• Organise and manipulate
numeric data
• A spreadsheet software comprises
of a grid lettered columns and
numbered rows.
• The grid is made of cells.
• Each cell can contain numbers of
different format – integer, decimal,
date, etc. Cell may also house a text
string.
• Database allows a user to store,
Database
manipulate and analyse data.
• Database consists of tables. These
tables may contain related
information.
• Each row of a table is called a
‘record’.
• These software are designed to
Control and
allow a computer to interface with
measuring
sensors measuring real-world date,
software
like temperature, humidity etc.
• Software/applications that run on
Apps
smartphones or tablets.
• These software allow users to
Photo Editing
manipulate digital photographs.
Software
• Photo editing software are used to
manipulate contrast, exposure,
brightness etc.
 • Image manipulation software are
Graphics
used to add/remove elements from
Manipulation
the image.
Software

• These software allow users to

Video Editing
manipulate digital videos.
Software
• Users can
• Add/edit/remove audio from
clips
• Trim video frames

Main Components of a Computer System

A computer system consists of hardware and software. Software allow hardware to be utilised by users.
There are two types of hardware, internal and external.
Main Internal hardware devices are as under:

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

2. Internal hard disk drive (HDD)
3. Random Access Memory (RAM)
4. Read-Only Memory (ROM)

1. Central processing unit (CPU)

CPU executes the commands from computer hardware and software. A CPU has three components:

a. Control Unit
Controls input and output devices
b. Arithmetic Logic Unit
Carries out calculations and makes logical decisions
c. Memory Unit (Works in conjunction with RAM)
2. Internal hard disk drive (HDD)
HDD (Or SSD in case of laptops) is the main storage device in a computer. HDD stores files, application
software, and operating software. Carries out calculations and makes logical decisions

3. Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is the primary memory in a computer where data and program being used by the CPU are stored
temporarily. IT can be read from and written into. RAM is called a volatile memory. Content stored in RAM is
lost when the power is out.
4. Read-Only Memory (ROM)
ROM stores information used to boot a computer (start a computer). ROM cannot be written to. ROM is called a
non-volatile memory. Content stored in ROM is retained when the power is out. We will revisit ROM again
later.
ROM also contains some coding known as the boot file. This code tells the computer what to do when it first
starts up; it is often referred to as the BIOS (basic input/output system).
When the computer is turned on, the BIOS carries out a hardware check to find out if all the devices are present
and whether they are functional. Then it loads the operating system into the RAM.
The BIOS stores the date, time and system configuration in a non-volatile chip called a CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.

Operating System
OS is the system software that allows the end user to communicate with the underlying hardware.
OS typically performs following tasks:

1. Control input, output and storage devices

2. Load, run, and unload applications while being used
3. Maintain security of the computer system
4. Maintain a computer log

User Interface
The user interface (UI) is the point at which human users interact with a computer, website or application.

1. Command Line Interface

A command line interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface used to view and manage computer files.

2. Graphical User Interface

A graphical user interface (GUI) is a type of user interface through which users interact with the computer via
pictures (icons). There can be different types of GUI. The most common is WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menu,
Pointing Device). Modern GUIs do not use menu. With touchscreens, users tap, pinch, rotate the images on the
screens.

Interface Advantages Disadvantag

Command Line 1. greater control of an OS or application; 1. comma
Interface 2. faster management of many operating be learn
 systems; 2. commands used have to
3. Uses less memory (RAM space) than be remembered;
GUI; 3. commands used have to
4. Requires less processing (CPU) power; be typed in/entered
5. faster than GUI; EXACTLY;
6. basic command-line interface 4. users have to remember
knowledge to help with troubleshooting, the correct location and
such as network connection issues. names of files;
5. different commands
used in different shells;
6. more prone to errors on
data entry;
7. Tends to be used by
specialist people while
GUI is more user-
friendly and can be used
by non-experts
Graphic User 1. users don’t have to learn any 1. uses more computer
Interface commands; memory (RAM);
2. user friendly; 2. users have limited control;
3. intuitive

Q. Who would use each type of interface?

Types of Computers

Computers come in many shapes and sizes. They can occupy an area as big as an entire building or be as
miniscule as a grain of rice, or even smaller. For the purpose of this course, following are the main types of
computers

1. Mainframes
A mainframe computer is a large computer, often used by large
businesses, banks, government offices, research institutes, or
universities.

Mainframe computers are typically:

1. Powerful - they can process vast amounts of data, very quickly
2. Large - they are often kept in special, air-conditioned rooms
3. Multi-user - they allow several users (sometimes hundreds) to use the computer at the same
time, connected via remote terminals (screens and keyboards)

2. Desktop Computers /Personal Computers (PC)

A typical desktop computer contained the same basic components as a mainframe
computer (CPU, RAM, storage, etc.) but at a fraction of the size and cost.
Development of Desktop computers started a revolution in computing. Since then
there has been an exponential increase in computer users and usages.
Features of a desktop computer

1. Standardised pieces of technology that sits on top of a desk.

2. Not very portable, although a PC can be moved from one location to another.
 3. PC requires constant poser supply to work.

3. Laptop
A laptop computer is a light, compact and portable PC.
Laptops contain a rechargeable battery so that they can be used even when not
plugged in to a mains power supply. They also have a built-in LCD monitor.

To make them as portable as possible, most laptops try to avoid any sort of cable
or wire. Instead of a mouse, a trackpad is used. Instead of a wired connection to a network or printer, 'wireless'
radio connections are used.
Features of a laptop

1. Lightweight
2. Low power consumption
3. Generates less heat. (It is more a requirement for laptop parts since all the components are
compact and placed in close proximity to each other, it is important that the laptop
components, most notably the processor, do not produce much heat, or are cooled quickly)

Computer Advantages Disadvantages

Desktop 1. Spare parts tend to be standardised, 1. Not portable;
lowering the costs 2. Moving data from a
2. For a given price, desktop offer better desktop to another
configuration (processing speed, computer is
memory, etc) than laptop. cumbersome and
3. Power consumption is not critical since requires copying data
the computer is always plugged in. into external storage
4. Since a desktop is usually fixed in a devices to move it;
single location, there is less chance of 3. Desktop computers
damage, of being stolen. clutter desk space due to
5. Internet is stable because a desktop is lots of wires, and their
not being moved around. inherent size.
Laptop 1. Portable 1. Easy to steal;
2. No trailing wires 2. Limited battery life;
3. Travel friendly due to its small size; 3. Trackpad is difficult to
4. Less power consumption; use.

4. Tablet
Tablets are touchscreen devices, similar to a smartphone. A tablet may or may not have calling facility (phone
calls). A tablet has a screen bigger than a mobile phone.
Features of a tablet

1. Large screen
2. Lower weight and longer battery life than laptops
3. SSD storage
4. Contains several sensors to carry out following functions
a. Proximity sensor: to detect the objects screen in near to. For example ear, to avoid
accidental touch input
b. NFC: Near Field communication, allow tablet to connect to other NFC devices, like a
payment device (swipe machine)
c. Accelerometer: to detect movement and orientation of the tablet.
 d. Speech recognition system (e.g. Siri) to allow voice commands.
Advantage of a tablet over a laptop

1. Fast to switch on
2. More portable
3. Touchscreen, minimal movable parts
4. Don’t generate heat
5. Longer battery life
Disadvantage of a tablet compared to a laptop

1. Limited storage space

2. Typing on a screen is slower than on a laptop using a physical keyboard.
3. Apps tend to offer less features on a tablet than on a laptop

5. Smartphone
Smartphones are phone that have an operating system, which let the user use the phone for many more functions
than just calling, and messaging.
Advantage of a smartphone

1. Very small and lightweight

2. Highly Portable
3. Can be used to make phone calls over mobile networks, or internet.
4. Several apps are offered by different vendors to help use a smartphone for various tasks and
games.
Disadvantage of a tablet compared to a laptop

1. Small screen makes pages difficult to read

2. Typing on a screen is slower than on a laptop using a physical keyboard.
3. Apps tend to offer less features on a smartphone than on a laptop
4. Not all websites features are compatible with smartphone operating systems
5. Due to its small size, it is much easier to lose a smartphone.

6. Smartwatch
Smartwatch is a wearable minicomputer. Some smartwatches have a slot for a mobile sim card and can work as
independent devices. Most smartwatches work in conjunction with a smartphone.
Smartwatches can be used to monitor various health parameters.

Impact of Emerging Technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence Biometrics
Biometrics are used to identify a person. However, sometimes identification systems fail due to
incorrect placement of fingers. AI Biometrics use tools like dynamic profiling, to overcome these
problems. System learns by using AI about a person’s metrics over time.
Identification systems using facial features may fail in case of soft biometric changes, like
addition of spectacles, change in facial hair, etc. AI biometrics learn with each scan and take the
soft changes into account while identifying a person.
2. Vision Enhancement
There are two types of visons enhancement systems: Low Vision enhancement system (LVES)
and night vision enhancement systems (NVES). LVES allow a person with poor vision to see.
NVES find utility in aviation and military.
3. Robotics
A robot is a semi-autonomous machine that works without any human intervention. Robotics
found its uses in factory floors, doing repeated tasks or tasks deemed too dangerous for human.
Nowadays, robots like drones are used by military for reconnaissance, and patrolling. Robots are
also used in precision surgeries, like brain surgery.
4. Quantum cryptography
Cryptography is the science of making a message unreadable to any unauthorised reader. Current
cryptography systems use mathematic functions to encrypt a message. New cryptography systems
are being developed that use photons(light) instead of math to encrypt messages. Messages
encrypted with quantum cryptography are near impossible to crack.
5. Computer Assisted Translation
CAT uses two tools: Terminology database, and translation memories to efficiently and accurately
translate messages from one language to another.
6. 3-D & Holographic Imaging
The technology finds utility in engineering designs, architectural modelling, simulations,
advertising, gaming etc.
7. Virtual Reality
VR is an artificial environment created by a software. Users use VR goggles, sensor suits, sensor
gloves etc to get a feel of reality. The technology is being used in training future pilots, astronauts,
etc. VR is also used to in military, healthcare, tourism, etc.