Parts of the Computer System

A complete computer system consists of four main components:

1. Hardware: The physical parts of the computer you can touch (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.).
2. Software: The programs or instructions that make the computer perform tasks.
3. Data: The raw facts or information that is processed by the computer.
4. User: The person or people who use the computer.

1. Hardware

Hardware refers to the physical devices that make up a computer. These are things you can
physically touch. Hardware is divided into two categories:
External Hardware (Peripherals):
Monitor: The screen that displays the output from the computer.
Keyboard: A device used to type letters, numbers, and commands into the computer.
Mouse: A pointing device used to control the cursor on the screen.
Internal Hardware (Inside the Computer Case):
Hard Disk Drive: Stores all the data and programs on the computer.
Motherboard: The main circuit board that holds the CPU, memory, and connectors for other
components.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer that processes data and instructions.
RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage that helps the computer run programs and
process data quickly.

2. Software

Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do. Software can be divided into
two main types:

1. System Software:

System software controls the basic functions of the computer and manages the hardware. Without
system software, a computer cannot work. The most important type of system software is the
Operating System (OS).
Operating System: Acts as a bridge between the user and the computer hardware. It performs
tasks like managing files, memory, input/output, and controlling devices (e.g., MS-DOS, Windows,
Linux).
GUI (Graphical User Interface): A user-friendly interface that allows users to interact with the
computer through visual icons and menus.
Tasks performed by the OS:
 Manages CPU time, memory, files, and devices.
 Loads and runs programs.
 Provides a secure environment (e.g., by allowing password protection).

Device Drivers:Software that acts as a translator between the hardware and the operating
system. Each device (e.g., keyboard, printer) has its own driver that helps it communicate with
the computer.

2. Application Software:

Application software allows users to perform specific tasks, such as writing a document, playing
a game, or browsing the internet. Examples include:
 Word Processors: MS Word (for writing documents).
 Spreadsheets: MS Excel (for working with numbers and data).
 Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox (for accessing the internet).
 Presentation Software: MS PowerPoint (for creating slideshows).

3. Data

Data refers to raw facts or pieces of information that are processed by the computer. Data on its
own may not be useful, but when processed, it becomes meaningful information.

The computer follows an Information Processing Cycle to handle data:

1. Input: The computer receives data (from a keyboard, mouse, etc.).

2. Processing: The computer processes the data based on instructions from software.
3. Output: The processed data is displayed as information (on a monitor, printer, etc.).
4. Storage: The processed information can be saved for future use (on a hard drive, USB drive,
etc.).

4. Users

Users are the people who interact with the computer. Even if some systems can run automatically
(like servers), humans are still needed to design, build, and maintain them.
 Essential Computer Hardware
Hardware is divided into several categories based on its function.

1. Processor (CPU):

The CPU processes raw data and turns it into useful information. It is often referred to as the brain
of the computer.
It follows instructions from software to execute tasks.

2. Memory Devices:

RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary memory that stores data currently being used by
the computer. It is fast but loses data when the computer is turned off (volatile memory).
Larger RAM size allows for faster processing.
Information in RAM can be easily read, changed, or deleted.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent memory that stores critical data needed to operate the
computer. Data in ROM stays even when the computer is turned off (non-volatile memory).

3. Control Unit (CU):

The Control Unit coordinates and controls the flow of data within the computer. It directs data
between the CPU, memory, and input/output devices.

4. Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU):

The ALU performs all arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical
operations (comparison of numbers like "greater than" or "equal to").

Input Devices
Input devices are hardware components that allow the user to provide data and commands to the
computer.

Keyboard: Used to type text and commands.

Mouse: Controls the cursor on the screen.

Joystick: Similar to a mouse, often used for gaming.

Scanner: Copies physical documents into the computer as digital files.

Digital Camera: Captures images or videos that can be used by the computer.

Output Devices
Output devices show the results of the computer's processing.

Monitor: Displays visual output from the computer.

Speakers: Output sound from the computer.

Printer: Produces hard copies of digital documents.

Projector: Displays the computer's output on a larger surface like a wall.

Storage Units
Storage refers to how data is saved and organized in the computer. Here are the common storage
units:
Bit (Binary Digit): The smallest unit of data, representing 0 or 1.
Nibble: A group of 4 bits.
Byte: A group of 8 bits, the smallest unit that can represent a character.

Storage Size:

1 Byte = 8 Bits

1 KB (Kilobyte) = 1024 Bytes

1 MB (Megabyte) = 1024 KB

1 GB (Gigabyte) = 1024 MB

1 TB (Terabyte) = 1024 GB
 CHAPTER 2
1. What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a system where two or more computers are connected together so they
can share resources, like files, data, and programs. These resources could be anything from
simple documents to large databases. When computers are connected, they can also send
messages to each other and work together on the same tasks.

Simple Definition: A computer network is when two or more computers are connected, either
with wires or wirelessly, so they can communicate, share, and exchange data, files, and other
resources.

ADDITIONAL: In a network, different computers can share printers, scanners, and even Internet
connections. This is very useful in businesses, schools, and even at home because it helps people
work together easily and saves money by not needing separate devices for each computer.

Types of Computer Networks

Networks can be of different sizes. Some are very small, like the ones we have at home, and
some are very large, like the Internet. The main types of computer networks are:

a. PAN (Personal Area Network)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the smallest type of network. It usually covers a very small
area, like a room or a person’s workspace, usually within a range of about 10 meters (around 30
feet).

Use: A PAN is often used to connect personal devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets,
and printers. For example, when you connect your phone to your computer using Bluetooth or
WiFi, you are using a personal area network.

Types:
Wireless PAN: This is created using wireless technologies like WiFi or Bluetooth.
Wired PAN: This uses cables, like a USB cable, to connect the devices.

b. LAN (Local Area Network)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers in a small area like a home,
office, or school. LANs are very common and useful for sharing resources such as printers, files,
or an Internet connection among several computers.
Use: LANs are often used in offices to connect all the computers together. They can also be used
in schools to connect the computers in different classrooms.

 Cost: LANs are relatively cheap because they use simple and affordable equipment like
hubs, switches, and Ethernet cables.

 Speed: The data transfer in LANs is usually very fast, allowing users to work efficiently.

 Security: LANs provide good security because they are limited to a small area, making it
easier to control who has access.

c. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is larger than a LAN but smaller than a Wide Area Network
(WAN). It covers a larger area, like a town or city.

Use: MANs are used by organizations or businesses that have multiple offices in different
locations within the same city. They are connected using high-speed technologies such as fiber-
optic cables.

d. WAN (Wide Area Network)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is the largest type of network, covering a vast area like a country or
even the entire world.

Use: The best example of a WAN is the Internet, which connects millions of computers worldwide.
WANs are used by large businesses, governments, and educational institutions to communicate
and share resources across long distances.

How it works: WANs use telephone lines, fiber-optic cables, and satellite links to connect
computers in different locations.

RoleS OF COMPUTER in a Network

In a network, computers play different roles depending on their functions. Two main roles are:

Server: A server is a computer that provides resources or services to other computers on the
network. For example, it can store files that other computers (clients) can access.
Client: A client is a computer that uses the resources or services provided by the server. For
instance, a client computer can use a shared printer connected to the server.

Benefits of a Network

The main advantage of having a computer network is sharing information. Without a network, it
would be very difficult to share data and resources between computers. Here are some benefits:

Easy Communication: You can send emails, messages, or data to other computers on the
network instantly.

Resource Sharing: Printers, scanners, and files can be shared between different computers
without needing separate devices for each one.

Cost-Efficient: Networks reduce the cost of buying hardware. For example, a single printer can
serve many computers in an office through a network.

Components of a Computer Network

To set up a computer network, certain devices and tools are required. These include:

a. Router

A router is a device that connects a local area network (LAN) to the Internet. It allows multiple
computers in the LAN to access the Internet at the same time. It also connects different networks
together, ensuring that the data reaches the correct destination.

b. Hub

A hub is a central device in a network that connects multiple computers together. When a
computer wants to send data, it sends it to the hub, which then forwards the data to all the
computers in the network.

c. Switch

A switch is similar to a hub, but it is smarter. It only sends data to the computer that needs it,
rather than sending it to every computer in the network. This makes the network faster and more
efficient.
 Network Topologies

Network topology refers to the way computers and other devices are arranged in a network.
Different topologies have different strengths and weaknesses.

a. Bus Topology

In a bus topology, all the devices are connected to a single central cable called the "bus." This
cable acts as the backbone of the network. All devices share this cable to send and receive data.

Advantage: It is simple and inexpensive to set up.

Disadvantage: If the main cable (bus) fails, the entire network goes down.

b. Ring Topology

In a ring topology, each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular path for the
data to travel. Data travels in one direction around the ring.

Advantage: Easy to set up and troubleshoot.

Disadvantage: If one device fails, it can disrupt the whole network.

c. Star Topology

In a star topology, all the devices are connected to a central hub or switch. This hub manages the
data and ensures it reaches the correct device.

Advantage: If one device fails, it doesn’t affect the rest of the network.

Disadvantage: If the central hub fails, the whole network goes down.

d. Mesh Topology

In a mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device. This provides multiple paths
for data to travel.

Advantage: It is highly reliable because if one connection fails, data can still travel through other
connections.
Disadvantage: It is expensive and complex to set up.

Basic Components in Network

Communication

For communication to happen in a network, several components are involved:

Sender: The device (computer or phone) that sends the message.

Message: The data being sent, such as text, video, or audio.

Medium: The path through which the message travels (e.g., cables or wireless signals).

Receiver: The device that receives the message.

Protocol: A set of rules that allows computers to communicate. Without protocols, devices
wouldn’t understand each other.

Data Communication Modes

Data communication can happen in three ways:

Simplex Mode: Data flows in only one direction. For example, a keyboard sends data to the
computer but doesn’t receive data back.

Half-Duplex Mode: Data flows in both directions, but only one direction at a time. For example,
walkie-talkies allow two people to talk, but only one person can speak at a time.

Full-Duplex Mode: Data flows in both directions at the same time. For example, a telephone
allows both people to speak and listen at the same time.

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)

TCP is a communication protocol used to transfer data over the Internet. It breaks down the data
into small units called segments. These segments are sent separately over different routes and
reassembled at the destination.
 MS PowerPoint

Microsoft PowerPoint is a program used to create visual presentations. A PowerPoint

presentation is made up of slides that contain text, images, charts, and other information. It is
widely used in schools and businesses to present information in a simple and engaging way.

File Extension: PowerPoint files have the extension .PPTX.