ICT IGCSE Theory

1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems

Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

• Describe the central processing unit including its role

• Describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences between them
• Define input and output devices and describe the difference between them
• Define secondary/backing storage
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Describe the central processing unit including its role

• The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer.

• It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating

and decision making takes place.

• The speed of the CPU is measured in Gigahertz

(GHz).

• A 1 GHz CPU can carry out 1 billion instructions per

second!

• Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU brands.

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Main Memory

Applications are installed in the Secondary Storage (Hard drive).

Temporary data from Applications in use are held in the Main Memory.

The CPU will first check the Cache for the required piece of the data so that it can
be processed.

If the data is not in the cache then the CPU will check the RAM and transfer data to
the CPU.

The Cache will then transfer the next piece of data from the RAM into Cache.

The CPU will again check the Cache for the next piece of data. This time the CPU will
be able to get the data from the Cache Memory.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Cache

• Cache is the fastest type of Memory.

• It is located between the processor and the RAM.

• Cache collects data from the RAM.

• Holds onto commonly used data.

• The Cache will automatically transfer the next set

of data from the RAM in to the Cache so that it
can be processed by the CPU.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• RAM stands for Random Access Memory

• RAM is the part of the computer that temporarily

stores the instructions that the computer is
running whilst the data is being processed by the
CPU.

• RAM is volatile which means that when the

computer is turned off all data is lost
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• ROM stands for Read Only Memory

• ROM is a built in memory that can not be changed

(Read Only).

• ROM normally holds the ‘boot up’ instructions to

start the computer – without it the computer
wouldn’t know what to do when on button is
switched on (e.g. the operating system will not
start).

• ROM is non-volatile memory which means that

memory is not lost when computer is turned off.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Describe the difference between the Cache, RAM & ROM?

Cache RAM ROM (Read only memory)

Fastest, CPU, Common Data Temporary data, volatile (data
Read Only, Bootup & Non-
lost on startup)
volatile (Data not lost)
Exam Question
The Cache memory is the fastest type of memory. It is located between the CPU and
RAM. It holds commonly used data. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile
type of memory which means all data is lost on startup. In contrast ROM (ReadOnly
Memory) is non-volatile which means data is not lost on startup. The ROM memory
is Read Only and contains boot up instructions. The RAM memory hold temporary
data which is processed by the CPU.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Input and Output devices

Devices need to be connected to a computer to allow data to be inputted and

outputted.

The general name for these extra devices is ‘peripheral devices’. They are usually
categorised into input devices, output devices and storage devices.

Input Output Storage

An input device is a device that can pass date into the computer
Devices that take data from the computer are known as output devices.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Define secondary/backing storage

Backing storage is also known as secondary storage

Backing storage is non-volatile which means that

data is not lost when computer is turned off.

Backing storage is used to store data for a long time

(data can be read from and written to)

Users tend to make copies of original files on

backing storage.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Describe what is backing storage (secondary storage)?

Key Words: non-volatile, data, long time, Read, Write &
copies
Exam Question

Backing storage also known as secondary storage is non-volatile which means that data
is not lost when computer is turned off. An example of backing storage is a fixed hard
drive. Data is stored for a long time and can be accessed at any point (Read and write).
Users tend to make copies of original files on backing storage.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

• Define and describe operating systems which contain a Command Line Interface
(CLI)
• Define and describe operating systems which contain a Graphical User Interface
(GUI)
• Describe the differences, including the benefits and drawbacks, between operating
systems which contain a CLI and those which contain a GUI
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Role of an Operating System

An operating system is a system software that manages the general operation of a

computer system:
Allows users to
Provides security
load, run and
and prevents
store applications.
unauthorised
Also resolve errors
access to a system
occurring
applications
Helps the user
interact with the Role of an Decided what
computer through a operating System should be loaded
user interface. and deleted from
memory

Helping save,
organise, find and Manages input,
delete files output and backing
devices.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Describe the main functions of the operating system?

Key Words: User Interface, Security, Files, memory,

applications, input/output/storages devices
Exam Question

The operating system provides the user interface which allows the user to interact
with the system. In addition the operating system provides security and prevents
unauthorised access to a system. Files and folders can be created and organised.
Furthermore the operating system allows users to load, run and store applications
also decides what should be loaded into the computer memory (RAM). Theoperating
system also manages the input/output/storages devices.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Example GUI Operating Systems

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

GUI (Graphical User Interface) is an user interface built around graphics.

Windows – areas Menus - lists of

for displaying options or
information applications users
can select from

GUI
Icons -small images Pointers –Mouse
used to represent pointer can be used
files/folders or to select and open
applications files/applications

• GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of

the interface
• The user has lots of visual clues as to what things do.
WIMP
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Post GUI (GUI) Touch Screen Technology

Post GUI allows the use of touch screen

Post GUI allows the use of pinching, scrolling, expanding

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Examples

 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Command Line Interface (CLI)

• CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the
computer.
• CLI are normally used by expert users as it allows them to is more
complicated to use.
• CLI and is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.

Example Command Prompts

ATTRIB: Displays or changes file attributes.

CD: Displays the name of current directory
CHKDSK: Checks a disk and displays a status
report
Copy: Copies one or more files to another
location
DIR: Displays a list of files and sub
directories
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Main Differences between CLI and GUI

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Advantages:
• The user does not need to learn any commands.
• The interface is easier to use.
• Can use a pointing device to clicks and select icons or menu options.
Disadvantages:
• Takes up more memory than a CLI interface.
• Requires an operating system to operate.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Advantages:
• The user has more freedom to use specific command in interacting
with the computer.
• It is possible to alter computer settings.
Disadvantages:
• User needs to learn commands
• Commands must be typed in without errors.
• No visual aids.
 ICT IGCSE Theory
1.3 Operating systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer systems

Discuss the difference between a CLI and GUI interface?

Key Words: Windows, Icons, Menus, Pointers, visuals aids,

learn, command prompts, pre-determined options, expert user
Exam Question

The GUI (Graphical user interface) allows the users to interact with the interface by
using a pointer to select windows, icons and menu options. The GUI will have visual
aids which it make it easier for users to learn how to use the interface. On the other
hand users are required to enter command prompts to interact with the CLI
(Command Line Interface). The command prompts have to be learned by the user
and entered correctly. This would make the CLI interface more challenging to for the
user to learn. However the advantage of using the CLI for expert users is that you
are not restricted to pre-determined options which would be the case in the GUI.
This would allow for greater freedom when using the CLI.

WWW.YAHMAD.CO.UK