Topic 1: Types and Components of Computer System

Lesson objectives:

1. To understand the parts of computer, Hardware, Software, and the importance of analogue and digital data
conversion.
2. To understand the main components of computer system; CPU, Internal memory, Input and output devices and
backing storage.
3. To understand the operating systems.
4. Identify the different types of computers, Desktop computer, Mobile computer.
5. To describe the impact of emerging technologies.

1.1 Hardware.

Hardware consists of the physical components of a computer system. It consists of internal and external
components.

External parts of
computer

Internal
parts of
computer

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 Internal parts of computer system Name Function

Motherboard

Processor

Hard disc

CD-ROM drive

Power Supply

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 Internal parts of computer system Name Function

Sound Card

Network
Interface Card
(NIC)

Graphic Card

Random Access
Memory (RAM)

Read-Only
Memory (ROM)

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External parts of computer are devices that are attached to the casing of the CPU. There are divided into three
parts:

 Input devices: Takes in data.

 Output devices: Gives out/ Display information in any kind of form either image/ sound.
 Storage devices: Store data.

Input devices Name Function

Keyboard

Mouse

Joystick

Tracker ball

Scanner

Touchscreen

Webcam

Microphone

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 Output devices Name Function

Monitor

Printer

Speakers

Headphones

Projectors

Touchscreen

Plotter

Storage devices

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1.2 Software

Software is divided into two parts: System software and Applications software.

___________________ software is designed to allow users to complete specific tasks.

___________________ software is normally involved in the running of the computer.

By referring to your notes, complete the following puzzle:

Teacher’s remark and marks:

Complete the following Table stating the correcting description on each of the application software:

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Match the following system software to its icons and functions.

Software Icons Function

 Manages computers functions

including hardware devices
Operating System 
(input/output). Also provides
users with a GUI interface

 Help to manage and maintain

computer resources and
Device Drivers 
performance by running specific
tasks.

 Combines object files produced

Utilities  by a complier into a single
program.

 Allows hardware devices to run

on the computer including
Linkers 
printers, sound, graphics and
network cards.

 Translates a program written in

a specific language which Can
Compiler 
be understood by the
computer.

2. The Main components of Computer System

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CPU: Fill in the blanks using this word: Billion, Decision, Gigahertz, brain, Calculating, Instructions.

a) The CPU is the ____________ of the computer.

b) It is where all the searching, sorting, _____________ and _____________ making takes place.

c) The speed of the CPU is measured in _____________ (GHz).

d) A 1 GHz CPU can carry out 1 ____________ _____________ per second!

e) Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU brands.

By referring to your notes, completer the following puzzle: _E_I_ _ _ _ A_

Main Memory – Arrange the sentence below into its correct sequence (from 1-6).

Sequence Task
If the data is not in the cache, then the CPU will check the RAM and transfer data to the CPU.

The CPU will again check the Cache for the next piece of data. This time the CPU will be able to get
the data from the Cache Memory.

Temporary data from Applications in use are held in the Main Memory.

The CPU will first check the Cache for the required piece of the data so that it can be processed.

Applications are installed in the Secondary Storage (Hard drive).

The Cache will then transfer the next piece of data from the RAM into Cache.
RAM, ROM & Backing Storage: Place the correct definitions in the appropriate category.

Random Access Memory Non-volatile memory which means that memory Volatile which means that when the
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 is not lost when computer is turned off. computer is turned off all data is lost

Memory that cannot be Non-volatile memory which means that memory Is used to store data for a long time
changed is not lost when computer is turned off. (data can be read from and written to).
Read Only Memory Holds the ‘boot up’ instructions to start the Users tend to make copies of original
computer files
Stores the instructions temporarily
whilst data is process by the CPU

RAM ROM Backing Storage

3. Operating Systems

Fill in the blanks using the following word:

loaded security graphical System applications save

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 Computer Manages Interact memory Access file
devices

a) An operating system is a _________ software that _________ the general operation of a ___________
system:

b) Helps the user _________ with the computer through a graphical user interface.

c) Provides _________ and prevents unauthorised ________ to a system.

d) Helping _______, organise, find and delete _________.

e) Manages ________, output and backing _________.

f) Allows users to load, run and store ______________. Also resolve errors occurring applications

g) Decided what should be __________ and deleted from __________.

Complete the following puzzle:

System interfaces: WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers)

Explain the benefits of the of the components:

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 Explain

GUI VS CLI: Answer the following questions:

1. Why is it easier to learn to use a GUI interface?

2. Give one example of a GUI interface and one feature that you like?

3. Why would you not recommend a user to use a CLI interface?

4. Who do you think would use a CLI interface and give one reason.

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4. Types of Computers
Complete the following table:
Types Describe Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Desktop/ Personal Computer

Laptop Computer

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Types Describe Uses Advantages Disadvantages
Tablet Computer

Smart Phone

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5. Impact of emerging technologies

Impact Describe briefly what you understand by the following impact due to emerging
technologies. (You may also give its uses and examples)
Artificial
intelligence (AI)

Biometrics

Vision
Enhancement

Robotics

Quantum
Cryptography

Computer-
assisted
Translation

3D and
holographic
Imaging

Virtual reality

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