ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

Hardware and software

Hardware
Hardware are the physical components of a computer system.
Hardware has two categories:
1- Internal: inside the computer device.
2- External: outside the computer device.
We will explain the following internal hardware devices:
1) Motherboard 5) Graphics Card
2) Central Processing Unit (CPU) or 6) Sound Card
Processor or Microprocessor 7) Network Interface Card (NIC)
3) Random Access Memory (RAM) 8) Internal Storage Devices (Hard
4) Read-Only Memory (ROM) Disk Drive and Solid-State Drive).
INTERNAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
1) Motherboard
A board that connects the processor and other computer hardware to
work with together.
2) Random access memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is an internal chip that store data
temporarily (when running applications).
3) Read-only memory (ROM)
Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a memory store information and settings
permanently.
4) Central processing unit (CPU)/processor
A circuit that executes all instructions given to a computer.
Main components are:
1) Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): doing all arithmetic and logical
operations.
2) Control unit (CU): Controls and manages the execution of instructions.
5) Network interface card (NIC)
A hardware device connects a computer to a network. It is wired or
wireless. Each NIC is has a unique MAC (media access control) address
code).
6) Graphics card
A hardware device allows the computer to process graphical information.
It’s connected to the motherboard.
Graphics cards parts are:

1 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
1- Processing unit.
2- Memory unit.
3- Cooling fan (avoid heat)
4- Connections to a display unit (monitor, TV or projector).
7) Sound card
A hardware device that input/stores/produces sound.
They allow a user to input sound by a microphone and heard (output) by:
speakers or headphones.
8) Internal Hard Disk Drive/ Solid-State Drive (HDD/SSD)
Are magnetic and the main storing unit of data, files, applications software
and the system.
Solid-state (SSD) technology replacing HDDs in many cases. They have
the same function of HDD. Found in modern computers and tablets.
Software
Software are programs that control the computer system and process data.
Software types are:
1- Applications
2- System.
APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE: Programs used to do specific tasks.
Like:
1- word processing 5- apps and applets
2- spreadsheet 6- video editing
3- database (management system) 7- graphics editing
4- control and measurement 8- audio editing
software 9- computer-aided design (CAD).
1- Word processing
Used to process a text document or a report. Text is entered using a
keyboard.
2- Spreadsheet
Used to process and manipulate data and calculations.
3- Database (management system):
Used to organise, manipulate and analyse data. A database contains one or
more tables.
4- Apps and applets
Applets are small applications that perform a single task on a device
(they are embedded in an HTML page). Apps are software that

2 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
perform a particular task. They are used on smartphone and
downloaded from an ‘app store’.
5- Control and measurement software
Are designed to allow a computer or microprocessor to work with sensors.
6- Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
Used in the creation, manipulation, modification and analysis of a
drawing/design. It is used to produce 2D or 3D diagrams.
7- Audio editing software
Allows a user to manipulate audio/sound data on a computer.
8- Video editing software
Allows a user to manipulate videos data on a computer.
9- Graphics editing software
Allows a user to manipulate images data on a computer.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
Programs allow the user to communicate with the computer and the hardware to
run properly.
Examples:
1- compilers
2- linkers
3- device drivers
4- operating systems
5- utilities.
Compiler
A program translates a program written in a high-level language (HLL) into
machine code (code understood by the computer) to perform a required
task.
Linkers
A program collects all object files produced by a compiler into a single
program to run on a computer.
Device driver
A software allows hardware devices to communicate with the operating
system and runs properly.
Operating systems (OS)
A software used to start and manage all of computer system.
Operating systems Tasks are:

3 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
1- Controls input, output and backing storage operations.
2- Supervising programs (loading, running, storage).
3- Errors Handlers.
4- Maintaining security.
5- Maintaining a computer log.
6- Communication between user and the computer system (user interface).
Utilities
Are software used to do specific tasks on a computer. They help to
manage, maintain and control computer resources.
Examples include:
1- antivirus 5- file management
2- anti-spyware 6- security
3- backup of files 7- screensavers
4- disk repair 8- disk defragmenter.
Analogue and digital data
Computers understand only a binary data format (uses only the values 0
and 1).
It’s called digital data.
Analogue data is physical data. Data in the real world is analogue.

If analogue data is sent to a computer, it converts into digital data by a

hardware called Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC).
If digital data is sent out from a computer, it converts into analogue data
by a hardware called Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC).

Main components of computer systems

Computer system parts are:
1- Hardware
2- Software.

4 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
Table shows Examples of: input, output and secondary storage devices
Device Uses Examples
keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone,
Input devices Enter data into the computer
sensor, scanner
Get out information from the
monitor, printer, speakers, projector,
Output devices
computer (graph) plotter
Secondary Store / save information hard disk drive, solid-state drive, pen
storage devices permanently drive
The four internal hardware devices are:
1- The Central Processing Unit (CPU).
2- Internal Hard Disk Drive or Solid-State Drive.
3- Random Access Memory (RAM).
4- Read-Only Memory (ROM).

1) The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

It’s also called a microprocessor. It is used to process and executes all
the commands of the computer.
The CPU/parts are:
1- Control Unit: controls the input and output operations.
2- Arithmetic And Logic Unit (ALU): performs all calculations and logical
decisions
3- Registers: small memory locations stores data temporary.

2) Internal memory
Random access memory (RAM):
Internal chip stores data and programs temporarily (when running
applications).
RAM features:
1) Read And Write Memory.
2) Volatile or Temporary memory (lost contents when turned off).
3) Stores: data, files or part of the operating system currently in use.
4) Variable size (increased or decreased).
5) User communicate with it.
Read-Only Memory (ROM):
A memory stores information and settings permanently.
ROM features:
1) Read Only Memory.

5 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
2) Non-volatile - permanent memory (never lost contents when turned
off).
3) Stores configuration and settings.
4) Static size (not be increased or decreased).
5) User never communicate with it.

ROM contains the boot file also called the BIOS (basic input/output
system)). It manages the computer when it is turned on.
The BIOS tasks:
1- Check all hardware devices (found and functional).
2- Loads the operating system into the RAM.

RAM and ROM Differences

RAM ROM
Temporary memory Permanent memory
Volatile memory Non-volatile memory
Read and write memory Read only memory
Stores: data, files, programs, part Stores: BIOS and settings
of operating systems in use
Can be changed in size Cannot be changed in size

Input and output devices

Hardware that enters data into a computer.
Used either as:
1- Manual entry (keyboard or a mouse)
2- Direct Data Entry (sensors or optical character readers).
Input devices change the input data into a form the computer can
understand (binary). After a computer processed data, it sends the
data to an output device to be displayed.

Comparison (Differences) of input and output devices

Input devices Output devices
Enter data or instructions into a computer.utput data or control another device.
Sends data to another device. Receives data from another device.
Never receive data from another device Never send data to another device

6 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

Receive commands and data to be shares the results of its processing

process from users. with the users.
Controlled or direct data entry by the userControlled by the computer.
Complicated (user must interact with the Less complex (turn computer signals
computer correctly). into an output).

Backing storage
Used to store large data and files permanently (non-volatile). It is the
main internal storage that store: applications software, disk
operating system and data files. There is internal hard disk
drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD).
Backing storage features: -
1- Not directly read by CPU.
2- Data accessing time is longer (slower) than RAM and ROM.
3- Larger size than RAM.
4- It’s Fixed or Removable.
The advantage of removable backing storage:
Used as a backup in case of data loss or corruption.
Examples of removable storage:
1- External hard disk drives (HDD)
2- External solid-state drive (SSD)
3- Blu-ray discs.

The differences between backing storage and internal memory.

Internal memory (RAM – ROM) Backing storage
RAM contents are lost Store permanently, even when
ROM contents are not lost, readable only, powered off.
when computer is powered off
Smaller capacity Larger capacity
Data access time faster Data access time slower
Fixed inside the computer Fixed or Removable
Read directly by CPU Not read directly by CPU
Operating systems
A software used to run computer systems and allows users to
communicate with computer systems.
Operating system general tasks include:

7 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

7- Controls input, output and backing storage operations.

8- Supervising programs (loading, running, storage).
9- Errors Handlers.
10- Maintaining security.
11- Maintaining a computer log.
12- Communication between user and the computer system (user
interface).
User interfaces
Operating systems four types of user interface types are:
1- Command Line Interface (CLI)
2- Graphical User Interface (GUI)
3- Dialogue-Based User interface (DBUI).
4- Gesture-Based User interface (GBUI).
1- Command line interface (CLI)
CLI features:
1- User type in instructions.
2- Commands need to be typed in.
3- User has to learn the commands to carry out basic operations.
Advantage of a CLI:
User has a direct communication with the computer.
Disadvantage of a CLI:
1- Slow.
2- Repeat type in commands every time to perform an operation.
2- Graphical user interface (GUI)
GUI features:
1- Using pictures or symbols (icons) (no typing in commands).
2- Selecting icons executes all the commands automatically.
3- Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device) technology that
used on personal computers (PC). Mouse is used to control and selecting
icons to open/run windows.
4- Each window contains an application
5- Allow opening several windows at the same time.
In touch screen smartphones and tablets use post- WIMP interaction,
where fingers are used with the screen allowing actions such as
pinching and rotating.

8 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

Advantages and Disadvantages of CLI and GUI interfaces

Command Line Interface CLI

Advantages Disadvantages
Direct communication with Needsthe to learn a number of
computer. commands to perform.
No pre-determined options
All commands need to be typed in
(menus contains options). (takes time and error- prone).
can alter computer configuration
Typed in commands correctly (format,
settings. spelling, and so on).

Graphical User Interface GUI

Advantages Disadvantages
No need to learn commands. Uses more computer memory.
More user-friendly (using icons). The user is limited to the icons provided
on the screen.
uses pointing device to click Needs
and more complex operating systems
select. (can be slower to execute
commands).
Easier than typing commands.

Who would use each type of interface?

CLI: a programmer, analyst or technician. Why?
It is the best method to:
1- Have direct communication with a computer
2- to develop new software
3- Locate errors and remove them
4- Initiate memory dumps, and so on
GUI: the end-user who does not have any great knowledge of how the
computer works.
It is the best method to:
1- Run software faster
2- Play games
3- Store/manipulate photographs, and so on
3- Dialogue-based user interfaces (DBI)
DBI features:

9 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
1-Uses human voice to give commands.
2-Operate electronic devices by using voice commands.
3-Act as a personal assistant.
4-Used in: luxury modern cars (driver interacts with the car and satellite
navigation system to automatically direct the driver) - home (switch on/off
lights).
5- Examples of similar devices:
Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana all interact with
a human by recognising verbal commands.

4- Gesture-based interfaces (GBI)

GBI features:
1- Rely on human interaction (moving hands, head or the feet).
2- No need for buttons.
3- No need for mechanical devices to interact with a computer.
4- Uses computer vision and image processing techniques.

Examples of using Gesture-based interfaces:

1- Rotating a finger near the radio to increase the sound volume.
2- Moving a hand near a window switch automatically opens a window.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dialogue-Based (DBI) and

Gesture-Based interfaces. (GBI)

Dialogue-Based (DBI)
Advantages Disadvantages
No need for a driver Unreliable (commands not recognised or repeated
several times)
useful for disable people complex to set up
use as a security feature (voice
user needs to know which commands can be
recognition) used

10 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
Gesture-Based interfaces. (GBI)
Advantages Disadvantages
Replaces mechanical input devices Picked unintentional movement
No physical contact required works fairly near to camera or sensor
Natural interface for a human operator Accept a limited number of movements
No training needed

11 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
Types of Computers
Types of computer systems are:
1) Desktop computers
2) Mobile computers: like: laptop computers – smartphones - tablets -
phablets.
1- Desktop computers
Are a general-purpose computer that is made up of a
number of separate components (monitor, keyboard,
mouse and processor unit), which makes them not very
portable.
The main uses of desktop computers include:
1) Office and business work
2) Uses as a gaming device
3) General entertainment

Advantages Disadvantages
Desktop over laptop Desktop over laptop
Less expensive. Not portable
Have faster processor More complicated
Fixed in one location Take desk space
Stable Internet access Need to copy files to work elsewhere

Mobile computers
Mobile computers are more portable than desktop computers.
Fall into four categories:
1- Laptop computers
2- Smartphones
3- Tablets
4- Phablets.
2- Laptop (or notebook)
All parts are all together in one single unit, so it’s portable.
Features in a laptop Uses of laptop:
Light weight Office and business work
Portable Educational
Long battery life Gaming
Low heat output Control and monitoring
12 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410
ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

Advantages Disadvantages
Laptop over Desktop Laptop over Desktop
Portable (taken anywhere) Easier to steal
No wires limited battery
Less desk space Not possible to upgrade
Linked into any multimedia system Hard to use (keyboards and touchpad)

3- Smartphones

Smartphones used for making phone calls. It Has an

operating system to run computer applications. Smartphones
applications called apps or applets.

Smartphones uses Smartphones features

Send/receive emails High-definition displays
Use apps Front- and back cameras
Use camera, MP3/4 players, and so
Lower weight
on
Connect to the internet Longer battery
Use Bluetooth for connection
Use flash memory
Use sensors

Smartphones Advantages Smartphones Disadvantages

Small in size and light weight Drain the battery
Make phone calls, connect to internet Small Memory size
Used anywhere Slow Data transfer rate
Battery life Easier to lose

13 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

4- Tablets

Tablets are type of mobile computer, that works like

smartphone.
Has the same smartphones features. (read it)

5- phablet
Are a hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone. They have larger screens than
a smartphone but smaller than a tablet. All the features of a smartphone and
tablet (described earlier) also apply to phablets.

The main uses of smartphones, tablets and phablets include:

1- Gaming
2- Internet
3- Sending/receiving emails
4- Global positioning system (GPS)
5- Calendar functions
6- Telephone banking
7- Office and business management
8- Education

14 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer

Emerging technologies
Impact of emerging technologies
Artificial intelligence:
Definitions of artificial intelligence (AI):
1- AI is a machine or application which doing tasks that requires intelligence.
2- AI is technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human
decision making.
Examples:
The use of language
Recognising a person’s face
Ability to manage machines
Analysing data to get a future event
Many tasks done by humans can be replaced by robots or computers, which lead
to unemployment.
But this improvements safety and quality of services and products.

The impact of AI on life Negative impacts of AI

High safety Job losses.
High quality of services and products
Completely Dependency on technology.
The three laws of robotics: Inability to do tasks done by robots in the
 Robots must not injure a human future.
through action.
 Robots must obey order given by
humans without question. Loss of skills
 A robot must protect itself unless it
conflicts with the two laws above

AI covers many areas, such as those shown in Figures:

15 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410

 ICT IGCSE 0417 Chapter 1 - Types and components of Computer
Extended reality:
Extended reality (XR) refers to real and virtual combined environments.
Extended reality (XR) three most common examples are:
1- Augmented reality (AR)
2- Virtual reality (VR)
3- Mixed reality (MR).
But we will consider the two examples:
1- Augmented reality (AR)
2- Virtual reality (VR)
1) Augmented reality (AR):
AR features are:
1- Allow the user to experience the digital (virtual) and physical worlds.
2- Embedd virtual information onto real-world situations.
3- Enhance real world with digital details (like: images).
4- The user can experience the AR world (via smartphone/phablet screens).
5- The user is not isolated from the real world and is still able to interact.
6- Examples: the Pokémon GO game.

,
Augmented reality impact in the future on the areas:
1- Safety and rescue operations.
2- Entertainment.
3- Shopping and retail.
4- Healthcare.
2) Virtual reality (VR)
VR features are:
1) Taking the user from the real-world into a virtual digital environment.
2) The user is focused in a simulated digital world.
3) Users wear a VR headset or a head-mounted.
4) This technology used in: medicine, construction, engineering and the military.

In the future, virtual reality will have an impact on all the following areas:
Military applications Business
Education Entertainment Sport
Healthcare Engineering Scientific visualisation

16 Mr. Abubakr Hassan – ICT & Computer Science IGCSE - 0900612410