CSC 101

GROUP PROJECT
GROUP 4

EXERCISE 4
 GROUP MEMBERS

1. AKPAN NATHANIEL MIUSTD2023432 Software Engineering

2. AHMAD FATIMA MIUSTD2023444 Cyber Security
3. AISHA BALA ABUBAKAR MIUSTD2023441 Cyber Security
4. ADNAN DAUDA MIUSTD2023385 Software Engineering
5. MUSHIN UMAR MIUSTD2023404 Cyber Security

Table of Contents
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER ............................................................................................................ 2
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES ......................................................................... 4
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOFTWARE AND USERWARE ........................................................................... 6
CATEGORISATION OF COMPUTER COMPONENTS .................................................................................. 7
INTERDEPENDENCY OF SYSTEM COMPONENTS IN PROBLEM SOLVING ................................................ 8
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 9

1
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, performs operations,
displays results, and stores the data or results as needed. It is a combination of
hardware and software resources that integrate and provide various
functionalities to the user. (Januganesh, 2023)
Components of a Computer
There are basically three important components of a computer:

Input Unit
Central Processing Unit(CPU)
Output Unit
1. Input Unit:
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These
devices take input and convert it into binary language that the computer
understands. Some of the common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick,
scanner etc.
The Input Unit is formed by attaching one or more input devices to a computer.
A user input data and instructions through input devices such as a keyboard,
mouse, etc.
The input unit is used to provide data to the processor for further processing.
2. Central Processing Unit:
The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control centre of
the computer. It first fetches instructions from memory and then interprets them
so as to know what is to be done. If required, data is fetched from memory or
input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the required computation,
and then either stores the output or displays it on the output device. The CPU
has three main components, which are responsible for different functions:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers

A. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU, as its name suggests performs
mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions. Arithmetic calculations
include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical decisions

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involve the comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller
or equal.
Arithmetic Logical Unit is the main component of the CPU.
Arithmetic and Logical Unit is a digital circuit that is used to perform arithmetic
and logical operations.

B. Control Unit: The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and
out of the CPU, and also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers
and also input/output units. It is also responsible for carrying out all the
instructions stored in the program
The Control Unit is a component of the central processing unit of a computer
that directs the operation of the processor.
It instructs the computer’s memory, arithmetic and logic unit, and input and
output devices on how to respond to the processor’s instructions.

C. Memory Registers: A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU.

These are used to store the data, which is directly used by the processor.
Registers can be of different sizes(16 bit, 32 bit, 64 bit and so on)
Memory attached to the CPU is used for the storage of data and instructions,
and is called internal memory The internal memory is divided into many storage
locations, each of which can store data or instructions. The internal memory is
also called the Primary memory or Main memory. This memory is also called
RAM, i.e., Random Access Memory. The time of access of data is independent
of its location in memory, therefore, this memory is also called Random Access
memory (RAM).
Memory Unit is the primary storage of the computer, It stores both data and
instructions.
Data and instructions are stored permanently in this unit so that they are
available whenever required.
3. Output Unit :
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached to the computer. It
converts the binary data coming from the CPU to human understandable form.
The common output devices are monitor, printer, plotter, etc. (Januganesh,
2023)
3
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN INPUT AND OUTPUT
DEVICES
Input and output devices are essential components of a computer system. They
allow interaction between the user and the computer, facilitating data entry and
retrieval. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the differences between input and
output devices:
Input Devices
(David Patterson, 1994)
Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into a computer system.
Examples:
1. Keyboard: Allows users to type text and commands.
2. Mouse: A pointing device that lets users interact with graphical elements
on the screen.
3. Scanner: Converts physical documents and images into digital format.
4. Microphone: Captures audio input.
5. Camera: Captures video and images.
6. Touchscreen: A display that also serves as an input device by detecting
touch gestures.
7. Joystick: Used for gaming and controlling devices.
8. Graphics Tablet: Allows for precise control in drawing and design
applications.

Characteristics:
• Converts user actions or physical data into a form that the computer can
process.
• Usually involves some form of manual interaction by the user.

Output Devices
Output devices are used to present data from the computer to the user.
Examples:
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1. Monitor: Displays visual output from the computer, such as text, images, and
videos.
2. Printer: Produces physical copies of digital documents and images.
3. Speakers: Output sound from the computer.
4. Projector: Projects visual output onto a larger screen or surface.
5. Headphones: Personal audio output device.
6. Plotter: Produces high-quality printed graphics and designs.
7. Display Panels: Used in various devices like TVs and information displays.
Characteristics:
• Converts digital data into a form perceivable by humans, such as visual or
auditory formats.
• Typically passive, with the user receiving information rather than providing it.
Key Differences

1. Direction of Data Flow:

• Input Devices: Data flows from the user to the computer.
• Output Devices: Data flows from the computer to the user.
2. Purpose:
• Input Devices: Used for entering data and commands into the computer.
• Output Devices: Used for presenting data from the computer to the user.
3. Examples of Data Interaction:
• Input: Typing on a keyboard, clicking a mouse, scanning a document.
• Output: Displaying a webpage, printing a document, playing music.
4. Role in User Interaction:
• Input Devices: Enable users to provide instructions and data to the computer.
•Output Devices: Allow users to view or hear the results of the computer’s
processing.

5
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SOFTWARE AND
USERWARE
Software and Userware are two related but distinct concepts in the context of
computer systems:

Software: Refers to the programs, operating systems, and other digital products
that run on computer hardware. (Silvia T. Acuna, 2005)
- Encompasses a broad range of applications, including:
- System software (operating systems, device drivers, etc.)
- Application software (productivity tools, games, etc.)
- Utility software (disk formatting, backup tools, etc.)
- Focuses on the functionality and features provided to the user.

Userware: Refers to the aspects of software that focus on the user experience,
interface, and interaction.
- Encompasses the design, usability, and accessibility of software, including:
- User interface (UI) design
- User experience (UX) design
- Human-computer interaction (HCI)
- Focuses on how users interact with the software and the overall user
experience.

In summary: Software is the broader category that includes all types of

programs and digital products. While, Userware is a subset of software that
specifically focuses on the user-centric aspects of software design and
development.
Think of it like a car:
- Software is the engine, transmission, and other mechanical components.
- Userware is the dashboard, seats, and overall driving experience.

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 CATEGORISATION OF COMPUTER
COMPONENTS

INPUT OUTPUT STORAGE

DEVICES DEVICES DEVICES
Mouse Printer Flash drive

Keyboard Plotter Hard disks

Joystick Monitor Memory card

Mouthpiece Speaker Compact disc

Scanner Headphone External Hard drive

Light pen
Microphone

7
 INTERDEPENDENCY OF SYSTEM
COMPONENTS IN PROBLEM SOLVING
A computer system is a complex interplay of hardware and software
components, each
dependent on the other for optimal performance. To effectively solve
problems, it's crucial to understand this interdependence.
Diagrammatic Representation

Components and their interplay

• Input: this is the starting point, where data is fed into the system.
It includes devices like keyboards, mice scanners, etc.
• Processors(CPU): The brain of the system, it interprets and
executes instructions. It relies on input data to perform
calculations and decisions.
• Memory: Temporarily stores data and instructions for the
processor. It’s essential for the CPU to access data quickly.
• Output: Displays or produces results processed by the Monitors,
printers, speakers are examples.

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 • Storage: Permanently stores data and programs. Hard drives,
SSDs, and external drives belong to this category.
Example: Solving a Mathematical Equation
a. Input: The equation is entered using a keyboard.
b. Processor: The CPU breaks down the equation, performs
calculations based on stored formulas (in memory).
c. Memory: Stores the equation, intermediate results, and
necessary formulas.
d. Output: The calculated result is displayed on the monitor.
e. Storage: The equation and solution can be saved for later
reference

REFERENCES
David Patterson, J. h. (1994). Computer Organisation and Design: The Hardware/Software Interface .
San Francisco, California: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers.

Januganesh. (2023, July 13). GeeksforGeeks. Retrieved from GeeksforGeeks website:

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/computer-and-its-components/

Silvia T. Acuna, N. J. (2005). A Software Process Model Handbook for Incorporating People's
Capabilities. New York: Springer.