Chapter-1

Types and components of a computer system

Topics

 Hardware and software

 Main components of a computer system
 Operating systems
 Types of computer
 Impact of emerging technologies
 What is a computer?

• A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input,

processes data into information, stores information for future uses,
and outputs the information whenever it is needed.

Storage

Input Process Output

Hardware and software
 What is Hardware?

• Hardware are the physical components which make up the computer system.
• Hardware can be either external or internal.
• Internal hardware devices:
 motherboard
 random access memory (RAM)
 read-only memory (ROM)
 video cards
 sound cards
 network interface card (NIC)
 internal storage devices: hard disk drive (HDD) and solid state drive (SSD).
• External hardware devices:
 monitor, speaker, keyboard, printer and external storage devices
Motherboard

• The motherboard is a printed circuit board

found in all computers.
• It allows the processor and other computer
hardware to function and communicate with
each other.
Random access memory (RAM)

• Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip

where data is temporarily stored when running
applications.
• This memory can be written to and read from.
• Its contents are lost when power to the computer
is turned off, it is often referred to as a volatile or
temporary memory.
• RAM stores the data, files or part of the operating
system currently in use.
 Read-only memory (ROM)

• Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store

information that needs to be permanent.
• It is often used to contain, for example, configuration
data for a computer system.
• These chips cannot be altered and can only be read
from.
• ROM chip is not lost even when power is turned off
to the computer.
• They are often referred to as non-volatile memories.
RAM and ROM differences

BIOS (basic input/output system)

Video cards

• A video card allows the computer to send graphical

information to a video display device such as a
monitor, television or projector.
• It usually connects to the motherboard.
• Video cards are usually made up of:
–a processing unit
–memory unit (usually RAM)
–a cooling mechanism (often in the form of a heat
sink since these cards generate much heat)
HDMI = High-Definition Multimedia Interface
–connections to a display unit (monitor, television or
DVI = Digital Visual Interface
projector)
 Sound cards

• A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the
ability to produce sounds.
• Sound cards also allow a user to record sound input from a microphone
connected to the computer, and to manipulate sounds stored on a disk.
• Sound cards use two basic methods to translate digital data into analogue
signals (needed for speakers)
 FM synthesis mimics different musical instruments according to
built-in formulas
 wavetable synthesis relies on recordings of actual instruments
to produce sound
 Analogue Vs digital data

• Digital data - binary format (0 and 1)

• Analogue data - physical data that changes smoothly from one value to the next
 Network interface card (NIC)

• A network interface card (NIC) is a component that

allows a computer or any other device to be connected
to a network (for example, the internet); it can be wired
or wireless.
• Each NIC is hard-coded with a unique MAC (media
access control) address code.
 Internal hard disk drive/solid state drive (HDD/SSD)

• Hard disk drives (HDD) are magnetic in nature and are one of the main methods for
storing data, files (text, photos and music) and most of the system and application
software.
• More modern computers (and all tablets) use newer storage systems that make use
of solid state drive (SSD) technology and are replacing HDD in many cases.
• Their function is the same as HDD.
 Peripherals

• A peripheral device is any equipment that is externally connected to the system unit
such as: keyboard, printer, mouse, monitor, speakers, etc.
Quiz
Q1 What is the physical components of a computer?

1 Software

2 Hardware
3 Operating System

4 Application Software

A
N
Hardware
S
W
E
R
Quiz
Q2 _______is volatile storage.

1 ROM

2 RAM
3 Sound card

4 Video card

A
N
RAM
S
W
E
R
Quiz
Q3 _______is non-volatile storage.

1 ROM

2 RAM
3 Sound card

4 Video card

A
N
ROM
S
W
E
R
 Quiz

Tick (✓) whether the following are examples of internal or external

hardware devices.
internal external

Mouse

Video card

Printer

NIC
 Quiz

Tick (✓) whether the following are examples of internal or external

hardware devices.
internal external

Mouse ✓

Video card ✓

Printer ✓

NIC ✓
What is Software?

• Software is a collection of instructions (programs) that can be ‘run’ on

a computer. These instructions tell the computer what to do.
• Software is not a physical thing (but it can of course be stored on a
physical medium such as a CD-ROM), it is just a bunch of codes.
• There are two types of software:
– application software
– system software
 Application Software

• Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks.

• Examples of application software are:
 Word processor
 Spreadsheet
 Database
 Control and measuring software
 Graphics editing
 Video editing
 Audio editing
 Apps and applets
 computer-aided design (CAD)
Examples of application software

• Word Processing: used to manipulate text documents, such as letters

or reports. Provides tools for inserting photos/images, chancing text
formatting, spell checking and mail merging.
• Spreadsheet: used for organizing and manipulating numerical data.
These numbers are organized in a grid of cells. Can use formulas to
carry out calculations, produce graphs and it is also used for modelling
and predictions.
Examples of application software

• Database: Helps to organize, manipulate and analyze large quantities

of data. Provides the ability to carry out queries and produce reports.
Also enables to add, delete and modify data in a table.
• Control and measuring software: are designed to allow a computer or
microprocessor control devices to measure physical variables in the
real world and control applications.
Examples of application software

• Audio editing: Audio editing software allows a user to edit, manipulate

and generate audio data on a computer.
• Video editing: Can manipulate videos to produce an edited video, by
adding titles, altering sounds of frames. Also can colour correct and
include transitions between clips.
Examples of application software

• Graphics manipulation software: Allows bitmap and vector images to

be manipulated.
• Apps and applets: also known as applications. Apps are the software
which runs on mobile phones. They usually come with the phone or
can be downloaded and updated. Applets are small applications that
perform a single task on a device.
• Computer-aided design (CAD) software: This is software used to help in
the creation, manipulation, modification and analysis of a
drawing/design. It can be used to produce 2D or 3D diagrams.
System Software

• Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to
communicate with the computer.
• Examples of system software are:
 Operating Systems
 Device Drivers
 Utilities
 Linkers
 Compiler
Examples of system software

 Operating Systems: Manages computers functions including hardware

devices (input/output). Also provides users with a GUI interface.

 Device Drivers: Allows hardware devices to run on the computer

including printers, sound, graphics and network cards.

 Utilities: Help to manage and maintain computer resources and

performance by running specific tasks.
Examples of system software

 Linkers: Combines object files produced by a compiler into a single

program.

 Compiler: Translates a program written in a specific language which can

be understood by the computer.
Quiz
Q1 What are the two main categories of software?

1 System and Office

2 OS and Office
3 System and Application

4 Windows and Application

A
N
System and Application
S
W
E
R
 Quiz

Tick (✓) whether the following are examples of applications software or

system software.
Application Software System Software

Word processing

Compilers

Spreadsheets

Database

Device Drivers
 Quiz

Tick (✓) whether the following are examples of applications software or

system software.
Application Software System Software

Word processing ✓

Compilers ✓

Spreadsheets ✓

Database ✓

Device Drivers ✓
Q. Describe the difference between Hardware and Software?

• Hardware are the physical components which make up the computer system.
• Software is a collection of instructions that can be ‘run’ on a computer. These
instructions tell the computer what to do.
Q. Describe the difference between Application and System Software?

• Application software are designed to allow users to complete specific tasks. For
example a Word Processor is used to write a letter.
• System software is used to manage and maintain the computer system. An
operating system such as Windows 10 is used to manage the functions of the
computer system.
Main components of a computer system

• Input devices (keyboard, mouse,..)

• Processor and internal memory (RAM,ROM)
• Output devices (printer, monitor, speakers, etc.)
• Backing/ secondary storage devices (hard disk drive, solid-state drive, pen drive etc.)
 Main components of a computer system

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Central processing unit ( CPU)

• CPU is the part of the computer that interprets and executes the commands
from the computer hardware and software.
• It is part of the computer motherboard.
• CPU is referred to as a microprocessor.
• CPU is made up of a control unit (CU), which control the input and output
devices;
• An arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which carries out calculations and make
logical decisions;
Tasks for a typical Operating System (OS)

• Control of the operation of the input, output and storage devices.

• Supervising the loading, running and storage of programs
• Dealing with errors that occur in programs
• Maintaining security of the whole computer system
• Maintaining a computer log
• Allowing communication between the user and computer
User Interfaces (UI)

• Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Dialogue-based User Interface
• Gesture-based User Interface
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• GUI allows the user to interact with a computer using picture or icons.
• Who use GUI ?
• End-user who doesn't have any great knowledge of how computer works and
who want to play games, run software, store photos.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Advantages:
• User doesn't need to learn any commands.
• It is more user-friendly; icons are used to present applications
• WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menu and Pointing Device)
• Post-WIMP (touch-screen, screen rotating/pinching plus WIMP)
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Disadvantages:
• It uses more computer memory than CLI
• The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen
Command Line Interface (CLI)

• CLI requires a user to type in instructions to choose options from menus, open
software, and so on.
• Who use CLI?
• Programmer, System Analysts, Security Person or Technician; who needs to have
direct communication with a computer to develop new software, locate errors,
etc.
Command Line Interface (CLI)

Advantages:
• The user is in direct communication with the computer
• The user is not restricted to a number of predefined options
• It is possible to alter computer configuration settings.
Command Line Interface (CLI)

Disadvantages:
• The user needs to learn a number of commands to carry out basic operations.
• All commands need to be typed in.
• Each command must be typed in user the correct format.
Dialogue-based user interfaces

• use the human voice to give commands to a computer system

• could also be used in the home; by using voice commands, it is possible to
switch on/off lights, operate electronic equipment and so on
Dialogue-based user interfaces

Advantages:
• no need for a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel
• in a home, very useful for people with disabilities, because many tasks can be
carried out by the spoken word only
• possible to use as a security feature, because voice recognition could be used
to identify a person
Dialogue-based user interfaces

Disadvantages:
• still unreliable, with many commands not being recognised or needing to be
repeated several times
• can be quite complex to set up
• user needs to know which commands can be used
Gesture-based interfaces

• rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet
• Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in a more
natural fashion without the need for any mechanical devices.
• This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and image
processing.
Gesture-based interfaces

Advantages:
• replaces mechanical input devices
• no physical contact required
• very natural interface for a human operator
• no training needed to interface with the computer
Gesture-based interfaces

Disadvantages:
• possible for unintentional movement to be picked up
• only works fairly near to the camera or sensor
• may only accept a limited number of movements
 Quiz

The Central Processing Unit consists of three components.

Tick (✓)whether the following statements refer to the ALU, the Control unit
or the Main memory. ALU Control Main
unit memory
This is the immediate access
storage
This carries out the calculations

This carries out logical decisions

This directs the input and output

flow in the CPU
 Quiz

Tick (✓) whether the following statements refer to a Command Line

Interface (CLI) or a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
CLI GUI

The user has to type in every instruction

The user does not need to learn any of

the instructions
Each instruction has to be typed in
correctly
The user is in direct communication with
the computer
Types of computer

• PC/desktop computers
• Laptop computers
• TabIets
• Phablets
• Smartphones
 Advantages and Disadvantages of each type of computer
Type Advantages Disadvantages

Desktop/Personal • Always connected to the mains. • Not portable

Computer • Monitors can come in any sizes • Takes up more desk space.
• Can be upgraded and parts easily replaced. • Separate components like keyboard,
• Tend to have a higher specifications than laptop mouse, monitor, speakers etc.
computers. • Loose cables which could be trip
hazards.
Laptop • Its portable due to small size and weight. • Limited battery life.
Computer • Battery can be recharged. • Laptops are difficult to repair and
• Can connect wireless to internet. upgrade.
• No loose cables. All components connected • Can be stolen or lost.
together. • Some users find it difficult to use
pointing device.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of each type of computer
Type Advantages Disadvantages

Tablet Computer • High definition, anti-glare display. • Limited memory compared to

• Wireless , 3G/4G & Bluetooth connection. laptops.
• Data can backed up or synchronised with other • Expensive to use 3G/4G internet
devices. • Typing can be more difficult
• Touch screen technology compared to a normal keyboard.
• Battery life longer than a mobile phone. • Not all files are compatible with
tablets.
Smart Phone • Small in size and easier to carry around. • Small screens make it difficult to
• Can be used whilst on the move using wireless read.
or 3G/4G Connectivity. • Battery life is short
• Touch screen technology • Could be misplaced or stolen
• Limited storage/memory compared
to other types of computers.
• Slow data transfer rates
Impact of emerging technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) biometrics

2. Robots
3. Virtual reality (VR)
4. Augmented reality
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Biometric

• AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines

• AI biometric system learns by using AI about a person fingerprints on every
scan.
• The system learns from the different alignments
• It is still able to match the fingerprints stored on a database
• Use: facial-recognition system, eye-recognition system
2. Robotics

• Use in manufacturing industry.

• Use in car factories to weld, spray car bodies
• Use of drones by military and civilians
• Civilians use to survey landscape, to investigate weather
• Use in surgical procedures
3. Virtual Reality (VR)

• Virtual reality is an artificial environment created by software.

• The user makes use of data goggles, sensor suites, data gloves, helmets to get
a feeling of reality.
Virtual Reality is used in all of the following areas:

• Military applications • Business

• Education • Real Estate
• Healthcare • Engineering
• Entertainment • Sports
• Fashion • Media
• Heritage • Scientific visualisation
4. Augmented Reality (AR)

• Augmented Reality is a technology that

superimposes a computer-generated
image on the user’s view of the real
world, thus providing a composite view.
Augmented Reality (AR) is used in all of the following areas:

• Safety and rescue operation

• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Shopping and retail