STRAND: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING

SUB-STRAND: COMPONENTS OF COMPUTERS & COMPUTER SYSTEMS.

CONTENT STANDARD: EXAMINE THE PARTS OF A COMPUTER
DATE:
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions as input, uses the instructions to process and transform data into information,
stores and communicates the information.
Below is a flow chart of the computer system

Computer System

Hardware Software Liveware (User)

Input Processing Output Storage Application System

Devices Devices Devices Devices

Operating Device Language

Utilities Firmware
System Drivers Translators

The computer system can be grouped into three components; Computer Hardware, Computer Software and Liveware (Computer User).
a- Computer Hardware- They are the physical and tangible parts of the computer system which provide support for major functions as input,
processing, output, storage and communication.
i- Input device is the part of the computer which is used to send or feed instructions and commands in to the computer. Examples include mouse,
keyboard, joystick, light pen, barcode reader.
ii- Processing device is the part of the computer which converts the instructions and commands sent into the computer into meaningful forms to
the computer user. An example is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) also known as the microprocessor which is found in the system unit.
iii- Output device is the part of the computer which brings out or displays the processed information out to the computer user, Examples include
monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, projector.
iv- Storage device is the part of the computer that keeps data and processed information for future use. Examples include Hard Disk Drive (HDD),
flash drive, floppy disk, memory card, Random Access Memory (RAM).
v- Communication or Distribution Device is the part of the computer that sends, receive or transmits processed information. Examples include
modulator demodulator (modem), network interface card, facsimile (fax) machine.
There are four computer hardware components that form the main or basic parts of the computer system. These are the computer keyboard,
computer mouse, the monitor and the system unit.
Apart from the Keyboard, Mouse and Monitor, there are other parts that can be attached to the system unit for specific use which are classified as
Peripheral devices. Some examples include printer, microphone, speaker, scanner, joystick, flash drive, etc.
b- Computer Software- Also known as a programs or applications is a set of related instructions written in machine language usually in binary form
used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. Computer Software is classified into System Software and Application Software. The System
software refers to the low-level software that manages and controls a computer’s hardware and provides a platform for other software. Types of
System Software are Operating System, Firmware. Language Translator, Device Driver and Utility Software.
i- Operating System Software (OSS) is a type of system software that manages a computer’s hardware and software resources. Examples of
operating system software include Windows, macOS or iOS, Android, Linux, etc.
ii- Firmware is a pre-installed low-level software on computer motherboards that assist the operating system to control a device’s basic functions.
Examples of firmware include Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and Unified Extended Firmware Interface (UEFI)
iii- Language Translators are programs that translate code written in one programming language into another programming language. Examples
include compiler, interpreter, assembler.
iv- Device Driver is a software that enables the communication between a peripheral and the Operating System. Examples include video card driver,
printer driver, USB devices driver.
v- Utility is a software created for maintenance and optimization of the computer system. Examples include antivirus, disk cache, disk defragmenter.
Application Software are software designed to perform a specific task for the computer user. Types of application software with some examples
include
i- Word Processing Software (Microsoft Word, WordPad, Google Docs, Writer),
ii- Spreadsheet Software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets),
iii- Presentation Software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides)
iv- Database Software (Microsoft Access, Oracle)
v- Educational Software (Microsoft Encarta, Google Classroom, Mavis Beacon)
vi- Multimedia Software (Windows Media Player, VLC Player)
vii-Web Browser (Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome)
viii- Graphic Software (Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop)
ix- Desktop Publishing Software (Microsoft Publisher)
x- Email and Communication Software (Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Microsoft Teams, Skype)
xi- Learning Management Software (Edutask, Moodle)
xii-Productivity Software (Word Processing, Spreadsheet and Presentation Software)
Generation of Computers
When referring to computers, Generation means a significant change in the technology used in computers. There are five distinct generation of
computers.

No. Generations of Period Evolving Hardware Features Examples

Computer
1 First 1940-1956 Vacuum Tubes i. Used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for ENIAC (Electronic Numerical
memory. Integrator and Computer),
ii. Programs were written in machine language (binary). UNIVAC I (Universal Automatic
iii. Used punched cards to enter information. Computer)
iv. Printed results on paper.
2 Second 1956-1963 Transistor was first invented in i. Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes. UNIVAC 1108, IBM 1620, IBM
1947 by William Bradford ii. Used punched cards for input and printouts for output. 7094
Shockley, John Bardeen and iii. Programs were written using symbolic languages (assembly
Walter House Brattain. but languages).
was first used in the TX-0 iv. High level programming languages were being developed.
computer in 1956. v. Memory was stored on magnetic core memory instead of
magnetic drums.
3 Third 1964-1971 Integrated Circuit also known i. Used integrated circuits, which allowed more components to IBM 360 series, PDP-8, Honeywell
as Microchip LSI (Large-Scale fit into a smaller space. 6000 series, TDC 316
Integration) circuit ii. Used monitors and keyboards for input and output.
iii. Could run multiple programs at the same time (multitasking).
4 Fourth 1972-2010 Microprocessor, VLSI (Very i. Used microprocessors by Integration of CPU, memory, and I/O IBM PC, Apple Macintosh
Large-Scale Integration) controls onto a single chip (e.g., Intel 4004).
circuit ii. Introduction of personal computers (laptops, palmtops,
notebooks, and handheld devices like smartphones and
PDAs.) for everyday use.
iii. Used advanced programming languages like C and Java.
iv. The internet became widely used, allowing computers to
connect and communicate.
v. Introduction of Graphical User Interface (GUI), User-friendly
graphical interfaces for operating systems.
vi. Integration of Microprocessors used in everyday items like
microwaves and washing machines.
5 Fifth 2010-Beyond Artificial Intelligence, ULSI i. Uses artificial intelligence to help computers think and learn Google’s Sycamore quantum
(Ultra Large-Scale like humans. computer, IBM Watson
Integration) circuit ii. Includes advanced technologies like quantum computing and
neural networks.
iii. Computers can interact with people using voice commands
and smart assistants.
Major Components of the Computer Motherboard
The motherboard, or system board (also known as "planar" in older terminology), is the main circuit board that connects and supports all computer
components. The first system board was introduced by IBM in 1981 and was called "planar."

1. CPU Socket:
Function: Houses the central processing unit (CPU), which performs calculations and processes tasks.
2. RAM Slots:
Function: Hold random access memory (RAM) modules for temporary data storage while programs run.
Types: DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)- For desktops, SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM)- For laptops.
3. Power Supply Plug in:
Function: Supplies electrical power from the power supply unit (PSU) to the motherboard and components.
Types- 20-pin ATX Connector- Older standard, used in older systems, 24-pin ATX Connector- Newer standard, provides additional power for
modern motherboards.
4. Expansion Slots:
Function: Allow for the addition of extra cards (e.g., graphics, sound) to enhance performance.
Types - PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)-Modern, high-speed expansion slots, PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)- Older,
slower slots.
5. BIOS/UEFI Chip:
Function: Contains the basic input/output system (BIOS) or unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) for system startup and hardware
management
6. Chipset:
Function: Manages data flow between the CPU, RAM, and other components.
Types:- Northbridge- Manages high-speed communications, Southbridge- Manages lower-speed communications.
7. SATA Connectors:
Function: Connect storage devices (e.g., hard drives, SSDs) for data transfer.
8. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Ports:
Function: Connect peripheral devices (e.g., keyboards, mice).
Types: USB 2.0- Older, slower, USB 3.0/3.1- Faster, often blue, USB-C- Reversible connector for newer devices.
9. CMOS Battery:
Function: Powers the CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) chip to store settings and maintain the system clock when off.
10. Mouse and Keyboard Ports:
Function: Connect input devices.
Types: PS/2 Ports- Older, round ports (green for mouse, purple for keyboard), USB Ports- Modern, rectangular.
11. Parallel Ports:
Function: Connect older peripherals like printers.