THEORY

Types and Components of Computer

Systems
Hardware & Software
Hardware

 the electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer system.

These may include input and output devices as well.

 Internal Hardware Devices:

o Central processing unit

o Processor

o Motherboard

o Internal memory consisting of; RAM & ROM

o Graphics & Sound Cards

o Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drive

(SSD)

o Network interface card (NIC)

 External Hardware Devices:

o Monitor

o Keyboard

o Mouse

o Printer

o External Storage Devices

Software

 The techniques, methods, commands, and instructions tell the device what to do

and how to do it. They are the programs that control the computer system and

process data.

 Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.

Two types of software:

 Application software:

o Provides services that allow the user to do specific tasks.

o It can be general-purpose software or custom-made software. (Specialist

software)

o E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, word processing.

 System Software:

o The software is designed to provide a platform all other software can run.

For example:

1. Compilers: The software translates the High-level language into

Machine code (Language Processor).

2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links between Language

processors into workable solutions (Data definition language).

3. Device drivers: A software that enables the device to work with

another, externally connected device.

4. Utilities: A system software that provides the necessary facilities

(Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk Defragmentation etc.)

 5. Operating systems: enable computer systems to function and allow

users to communicate with computer systems; special software,

known as operating systems (OS), have been developed.

Analogue and digital data

Computers can only understand data in the form of binary digits (0,1); this is commonly

known as digital data. However, data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two

specific values.

The figures show how data

changes in analogue and digital forms; analogue data forms smooth curves, whereas

digital data changes in discrete steps.

So, for a computer to be able to process real-world data, it first needs to convert the

received data into digital form. This is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to
digital converter), and its output is given back in analogue form using DAC (digital to

analogue converter).

The Main Components of Computer Systems

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The component of the computer that understands and executes hardware and

software operations. Nowadays, it’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a

single integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is also present in many

household gadgets and equipment where some control or monitoring is required.

 It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the input and output devices, an

arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that performs computations and makes logical

judgments, and tiny memory regions known as registers.

 It processes the input and produces the outcome of the processing in the form of

output.

Internal Memory

1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory storage, lost after power is

shut down, performs read and write functions, used to store data that are

currently in use, and can be increased in size to improve operational speed.

2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory storage, non-volatile, can only be

read from, used to store computer’s configuration data, such as BIOS.

N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the date, time and system

configuration on a non-volatile chip called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide

semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.

Differentiating between Internal memories:

1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is a permanent one.

2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.

3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be read from.

4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs and parts of OS in current use.

However, ROM is used in storing start-up data.

Input & Output Devices

 Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to enter data into

computers.

 An output device displays the computer's output in a human-readable format. For

example, words on a printer or moving graphics on a monitor.

Input devices Output devices

An output shows the result or solution

An input device is any hardware that
of the input after it has been
enables data entry.
processed.
An output device can only receive
An input device can only send data.
data.
Input devices are necessary for a Output devices are needed in order to
computer to receive commands from the display the outcome of the processing
user for processing to be permitted. that took place to the user.
Input devices are complex as they must
Output devices are simpler as they
ensure proper communication between
only need to display the finale.
the computer and the user.

Backing/Secondary Storage

 Required to store significant amounts of data permanently.

  Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-state drives.

Differentiating between internal memory and backing storage:

1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing

storage is permanent even without power.

2. RAM and ROM are much smaller as compared to backing storage.

3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in accessing data than backing storage.

4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.

5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage can be fixed or portable.

6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU while backing storage needs

to be moved into the RAM before being read by the CPU.

Operating Systems
 Controls operation of input, output & backing storage

 Supervises loading, running & storage of application programs.

 Deals with errors in application programs.

 Maintains security of the whole computer system

 Maintains a computer log.

Operating systems offer various types of user interfaces, for example:

1. Command line interface: user needs to type in commands to communicate with

the computer. The user is in direct communication with the computer. Not

restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter computer configuration

settings. Needs to learn many commands for basic operations. All commands

need to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error prone, as commands

must have correct format, spelling etc.

 N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have direct communication with

the computer.

2. Graphical user interface: Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing

device). The user does not need to learn any commands. It is more user-friendly;

icons are used to represent applications. A pointing device is used to click on an

icon to launch the application, this is simpler than typing in commands. This type

of interface uses up considerably more computer memory than a CLI interface.

The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen. Needs a more complex

operating system.

N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great knowledge of how the

computer works.

3. Dialogue-based user interface: use the human voice to give commands to a

computer system. no need for a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel.

In a home, it is especially useful for people with disabilities because many tasks

can be carried out by the spoken word only. Possible to use it as a security

feature because voice recognition could be used to identify a person. Still

unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated

several times (especially if there is background noise). Can be quite complex to

setup. User needs to know which commands can be used.

4. Gesture-based user interface: relies on human interaction by the moving of

hands, head or even feet. Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical

contact is required. Very natural interface for a human operator. No training is

needed to interface with the computer. It is possible for unintentional movement

 to be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor (maximum of 1.5 meters).

May only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may take

several attempts to determine exactly what finger movements are recognized).

Types of Computers
Desktop Computers

 Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up of a

separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. It is distinguished from,

for example, a laptop computer by the fact that it is made up of several separate

components, which makes it not very portable.

 Uses:

1. office and business work

2. educational use

3. general entertainment

4. gaming device

 Advantages:

1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and expand.

2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them cheaper.

3. They tend to have better specifications for a given price.

4. No critical power consumption because they plug into a wall socket.

5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely to be damaged or stolen.

6. As they usually have wired connections, they have more stable internet

access.

 Disadvantages:
 1. Not particularly portable because they are made up of separate

components.

2. More complicated because all the components need to be hooked up by

wiring, which also clutters up the desk space.

3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be copied to another portable

storage device to take work elsewhere.

Mobile Computers:

1. Laptop computer:

 (Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing

device and processor are all together in one unit. This makes them extremely

portable. lightweight (to aid portability). Low power consumption (and also long

battery life). Low heat output (cooling is very important).

 Uses:

1. office and business work

2. educational use

3. used as a gaming device.

4. general entertainment

 Advantages:

1. Portability, all components are in a single unit so they can be taken

anywhere.

2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing wires, and desk cluttering.
 3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be easily used in public

spaces.

4. portability allows them to take full advantage of Wi-Fi features.

 Disadvantages:

1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen.

2. limited battery life means user needs to carry charger at all times.

3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward to use.

4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM.

2. Smartphones:

 Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an operating system (such

as iOS, Android, or Windows) allowing them to run a number of computer

applications (known as apps or applets). Smartphones communicate with the

internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone

networks.

 Uses:

1. They allow users to send/receive emails.

2. They allow users to use a number of apps.

3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).

4. They allow users to use a MP3/4 player (for music and videos).

 Advantages:

1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them portable.

2. connecting to the internet while on the move.

 3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks, they can be used

almost anywhere.

4. they have apps which can tell instant location, which is a feature that isn’t

available in either desktops or laptops.

5. they have reasonable battery life.

 Disadvantages:

1. small screens and keyboards make pages difficult to read.

2. more difficult and slower when typing things in.

3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain the battery.

4. Memory size in most phones is not very large when compared to laptops

and desktops.

5. Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating

systems.

6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to lose a smartphone or for it

to be stolen compared to laptops or desktops.

7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone networks can be slower than

with Wi-Fi.

3. Tablets:

 They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main difference is that they are

much somewhat bigger in size as compared to a smartphone.

 Uses:

1. They allow users to send/receive emails.

2. They allow users to use a number of apps.

 3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).

4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music and videos).

 Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the operating system to

load up).

2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they can be carried anywhere.

3. touch screen technology means they are simple to use and don’t need any

other input devices.

4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology.

5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.

6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into standby but remains

connected to the internet so the user still hears alerts when emails or

other ‘events’ are received.

 Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to laptops.

2. they often have limited memory/storage when compared to a laptop.

3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a

standard keyboard.

4. laptops tend to support more file formats than tablets.

4. Phablets:

 Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid between a

tablet and a smartphone, referred to as a phablet. They have much larger

screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet.

 Uses:

1. Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and television programs).

2. Gaming (including group games).

3. As a camera or video camera.

4. Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR codes, and so on).

5. Sending/receiving emails.

6. Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to a location).

7. Calendar functions.

8. Telephone banking (sending and receiving money using banking apps).

9. Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using the internet, which

also allows video calling.

10. Instant access to social networks (social contact with friends no matter

where you are in the world).

11. Instant messaging.

 12. Office and business management (allows rapid voice and video

communication).

13. Education use (using interactive software to teach or learn from).

14. Remotely control devices.

Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while

smartphones are the most portable. Tablets and phablets fall

somewhere in between, offering a balance of portability and

expandability. The choice of device will depend on your specific

needs and use case.

Impact of Emerging Technologies

 Artificial Intelligence (AI): There are many definitions of artificial intelligence

(AI). Essentially, AI is a machine or application which carries out a task that

requires some degree of intelligence. – the use of language, – recognizing a

person’s face, – the ability to operate machinery, such as a car, airplane, train,

and so on, – analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future event, for example

weather forecasting. Impact: Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of

science fiction fantasies and think of robots. The science fiction writer Isaac

Asimov even went as far as producing his three laws of robotics: » Robots may

not injure a human through action or inaction. » Robots must obey order given by

humans without question. » A robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the

two laws above. Everyday uses:

 1. An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have driverless trains

and autopilots on airplanes, but future developments include driverless

cars.

2. Robotic research is leading to improvements in technology to help

amputees and people with disabilities.

3. Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant tasks –

for example, bomb disposal, Negative impacts of AI:

4. Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious human tasks with

much more efficiency and excellence than humans.

5. Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the future.

6. De-skilling: tasks that used to be considered a talent are now part of

general, tedious processes that are done on a regular process by

machines.

 Extended reality: refers to real and virtual combined environments. The two

most common examples at the moment are: » Augmented reality (AR) is a

merger between the virtual and physical (real) world, it lays objects onto the pre-

existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety and rescue operations’

training, shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car before the purchase),

healthcare (better understanding of a patient’s body) » Virtual reality

(VR) enables an entirely new world to be created, unlike AR, this has no link to

the actual surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be specially equipped

with a VR headset, joystick, and headphones. Impact: Military applications,

educational purposes (looking at ancient buildings), healthcare, media

(interactive special effects in a movie), scientific visualization (part of molecular

structures/cells).