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Components of A Computer System

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22 views28 pages

Components of A Computer System

ict

Uploaded by

bmia52054
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER

SYSTEM
TWO MAIN COMPONENTS
• Hardware
• Software
Hardware
• These are the parts of the computer that are
visible. They can be touched or felt or handled
physically. These include:
• Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Processor, the
main board, e.t.c
• Hardware can be grouped into Internal and
external.
Internal Hardware
• Central Processing Unit
• ROM and RAM
• Motherboards
• Video cards
• Sound cards and
• Internal hard disk drive
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• It is the brain and heart
of the computer.
• It functions during the
processing stage of
computing and controls
how the rest of the
computer works
Functions of the CPU
• carries out the instructions within the
software
• handles the control signals
• Stores data
• Carries out arithmetic operations
The (system/main/internal) Memory

• This is the working space of the computer.


• It enables a computer to store data and
instructions temporarily

• There are two types of Memory


RAM
• Means Random Access Memory
• this holds the program and data for the computer.
• It holds data temporary.
• access to stored data in RAM is almost immediate.
• It also holds data/or program currently in use.
• data held in RAM is lost when the computer is
turned off or goes wrong.
• It is a volatile memory
ROM
• Means Read Only Memory
• This holds data permanently.
• These instructions can be read but not
changed.
• It is a non-volatile memory
• ROM is available every time the computer
is switched on.
External hardware

• Input devices
• Output devices
• Secondary/backing storage
Input Devices
• An input device is
anything that can get data
into a computer.
• They function during the
input stage of computing.
• Examples of such devices
include a mouse, a
keyboard and a scanner
Output Devices

• To get processed
information out of
a computer, an
output device such
as a printer or
monitor is needed.
Storage Devices
• Storage devices, also
known as secondary/
backup storage devices,
enable data to be saved
for future retrieval. These
include hard disk drives,
floppy disk drives, CD
ROM drives and their
respective storage media.
Software
• These are programs/set of instructions a
computer need to manipulate data.
• There are two types of software
System software

• The software/program that allow the


hardware to run/function properly.
• It also controls how other software work and
provides an interface between the user, the
application and hardware.
• E.g. operating systems
System software includes:
• Operating system
• Device drivers
• Compilers
• Linkers and
• Utilities
Functions of the operating system
• Allocating RAM
• Scheduling programs according to preset priorities
• Transferring program and data between disk and
RAM
• Controlling input and output devices
• ‘Booting up’ the computer
• checking and controlling user access
• logging of error
Compilers
• These are programs that change the
instructions within a programming
language into binary numbers (0’s and 1’s).
• it converts the whole program in the
programming language into binary at a go
and then stores it.
• This allow the program to run faster.
Device drivers
• These are software that supply
instructions to hardware on how to
operate the device that is connected
to the computer.
• Examples: printers, scanners,
keyboards, pen drives, e.t.c.
Linkers

• Linkers are programs that are


part of compilers.
• Linkers link the codes written by
the programmer to other
resources and libraries contained
in the entire program.
Utilities
These are programs that help the user with
everyday tasks. Tasks such as:
– Managing files: creating folders, renaming
files, copying and deleting files.
– Formatting disks.
– Checking for and removing viruses.
– Installing and uninstalling programs.
– Compressing files and folders.
– Burning data onto CDs and DVDs.
Application software
• These are programs used by people to carry
out specific task.
• E.g. databases, word processor, e.t.c.
USER INTERFACES
• A user interface is means/screen that
allows a user to interact with a
computer by allowing input as well
as displaying output.

• Two types of user interfaces


• Command Line Interface (CLI)
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Command Line Interface (CLI)
• The user has to type in
commands in order to be able to
select from menus or open a
software.
• The user has to learn the
commands to be able to
perform the appropriate task.
E.g. Ms DOS
• e.g. To copy a text file called
NOTES from a floppy disc to the
hard drive the user would have
to type:
• > COPY A:\NOTES.TXT C:\
Advantages and Disadvantages of CLI
Advantages/Benefits Disadvantages/Drawbacks

• It can be faster to use than • User needs to learn and


GUI if the user is an expert. remember lots of command
• Commands must be issued
• CLI does not use a lot of
in a particular order else, it
hard disk space when will be rejected.
being stored. • All commands needs to be
• CLI use less memory (ROM typed in which takes time.
and RAM) when being run. • Difficult to edit commands
• Do not need a powerful when entered.
microprocessor to run.
• User not restricted to
predetermined options
• User communicates
directly with PC.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• GUI allows the user to select


from menus options using
pictures or symbol called
icons.
• It employs the use of
Windows, Icons, Menus and
Pointers (WIMP)
• Allows for more than one
task to be performed.
Advantages and Disadvantages of GUI

Advantages/Benefits Disadvantages/Drawbacks
• Don’t have to type in or • GUI takes up more hard disk
remember commands - just space when being stored.
use mouse to select options
• Powerful/high speed
• Easier to change/edit action processor is needed to run
• GUI is more user friendly as latest version of GUI
new users can easily
perform simple task. • More memory (ROM/RAM)
• Easier to open/load/find is need to run GUI
running programs using • User limited to options
GUI. provided on screen.

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