IGCSE ICT Components of the computer 0417

Unit 1 - Components of computer

What is Hardware?
 Hardware is the physical parts of the computer system – the parts that you can touch and see.
A motherboard, a CPU, a keyboard and a monitor are all items of hardware.

What is Software?
 Software is a collection of instructions 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.
 An operating system such as Windows XP or Mac OS X, applications such as Microsoft Word, and
the instructions that control a robot are all examples of software

The Difference between Hardware and Software

 Computer hardware is the physical components that make up the computer system. Hardware is
useless without software to run on it.
 Software is instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. Software is useless unless there is
hardware to run it on.
 For a computer system to be useful it has to consist of both hardware and software.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer. It is the device that carries out software instructions.
 The Pentium processor made by Intel is an example of a CPU.
 It is plugged into a large socket on the main circuit board (the motherboard) of a computer.
 It has large fan attached to their top to keep them cool.
 The speed of a CPU is measured in Hertz (Hz) - the number of actions the CPU can perform every
second. Generally CPU runs at around 2.8GHz. That means it can perform almost 3 billion actions
every second!

Main Memory / primary storage

Any data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be placed into main memory .

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the part of the computer that temporarily stores the instructions that the
computer is running, and the data it is processing. RAM is a volatile storage device. This means that if the
computer’s power is turned off the contents of RAM disappear and are lost. RAM, like the CPU, also plugs in to
sockets on the motherboard.
When a computer is in use, its RAM will contain… The operating system software, the application software
currently being used & any data that is being processed

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Read-Only Memory (ROM) is used in most computers to hold a small, special piece of software: the 'boot up'
program. This software runs when the computer is switched on or 'boots up'. The software checks the computer’s
hardware and then loads the operating system. ROM is non-volatile storage. This means that the data it contains is
never lost, even if the power is switched off.

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IGCSE ICT Components of the computer 0417
ROM(Read Only Memory) RAM(Random Access Memory)
1) ROM is read only memory – can only be read from. 1) RAM is Random Access Memory where data can
be read from and written to.
2) Part of the memory which stores data permanently 2) Volatile, stores data until the power to the
and cannot be changed. computer (processor) is switched ON.
3) It is small in capacity and stores programs needed 3) It has large capacity even up 2 -6 GB and retains
for the computer to Start Up. all the programs currently being used.
4) ROM is non-volatile & cannot be changed. 4) Volatile and data can be changed.
5) ROM holds instructions that need to be unchanged 5) Stores all programs and files currently being
such as BIOS or program cycles in a washing used or the user’s work.
machine or program instructions in games such as
game boys, play stations etc.

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

Input Devices- Devices that pass data into the computer are known as input devices. A keyboard, a mouse and a
webcam are all examples of input devices. They all take information from the outside world (key presses, hand
movements, images), convert them into data and then send this data into the computer for processing

Output Devices- Devices that take data from the computer are known as output devices. A monitor, a printer and
a loudspeaker are all examples of output devices. They all take information from the computer and convert it into real
world things (images, paper hardcopy, sound).
Secondary / Backing Storage - Secondary storage is the name for all of the devices (apart from ROM and RAM)
that can store data in a computer system. Secondary storage is non-volatile, so data that is stored on these devices
remains there safely.

Saving a file - Moving data from volatile RAM to non-volatile secondary storage.
e.g. If we are typing a letter using Word, the data for the letter is in RAM (if the power goes off we lose it all).
When we save the letter, the data is copied from RAM to a storage device such as a memory stick or hard-drive for
safe-keeping.

Operating System - A software to manage the general operations of a computer system.

1. It provides a user interface so that we can interact with the computer
2. It manages applications that are running on the computer, starting them when the user requests, and stopping
them when they are no longer needed
3. It manages files, helping us save our work, organize our files, find files that we have saved and load files
4. It manages the computer’s memory, deciding what should be loaded into memory and what should be
removed
5. It looks after computer security, preventing unauthorized access to the system
6. It manages the computer’s input and output hardware such as printers, etc.

User Interfaces - The system to give it commands to the computer, to see the results of those commands from the
computer.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) - Don’t have to type in commands, just use mouse to select options. Easier to
change, edit action. Don’t have to learn or be familiar with a lot of commands. Easier to open or load programs.
 Windows are regions of the screen used to display information
 Icons are small pictures that are used to represent folders, software, etc.
 Menus are lists of options the user can select from
 A pointer is an arrow that can be moved around the screen and is used to select things

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Command Line Interface (CLI) : The user would see nothing but a black screen. They would have to type a
command to make anything happen. The user would have to learn a set of commands so that they could make
use of the computer system. It is not very interesting look at – no visual clues to tell you what to do next.
Computers were difficult to use, so this type of interface is only really suitable for expert users.

Command line Interface Graphical User Interface

The user interacts with a computer by typing text User interacts with a computer by using a keyboard
commands into a terminal window. or mouse to manipulate visual elements on the
screen
It allows the user to customize commands with Advanced operations are not accessible via GUI.
special parameters to more precisely control how The user performs actions by directly manipulating
the computer or device functions. It is a graphical objects on the screen.
mechanism that allows interacting with the
computer operating system by typing commands.
It requires the memorization of numerous A GUI is easier to use for more casual users. Many
commands over time. Hence, is used only by common operations, such as copying and pasting,
professionals and advanced home users. can be performed by using just the mouse. Icons
and menus take the place of text commands and do
not have to be memorized. It is also easier to switch
between multiple active tasks using a graphical
interface.
Many command line environments offer GUI systems make it easy to multitask, by
multitasking, but it is harder to view several providing graphical means of monitoring several
processes at once process at once.

Types of Computer
Mainframe Computer - A large computer, often used by large businesses, in government offices, or by
universities. They are
 Powerful - they can process vast amounts of data, very quickly
 Large - they are often kept in special, air-conditioned rooms
 Multi-user - they allow several users (sometimes hundreds) to use the computer at the same time,
connected via remote terminals (screens and keyboards)

The circuit-boards of these computers were attached to large, metal racks or frames. This gave them the nickname
'mainframe' computers.
Some of the most powerful mainframe computers can process so much data in such a short time, that they are referred
to as 'supercomputers'
Personal Computer (PC)– They are small enough to fit on a desk, and cheap enough that everyone could
have their own, personal computer.
 These computers came to be known as desktop computers, or personal computers (PCs).
A typical PC contained the same basic components as a mainframe computer (CPU, RAM, storage,
etc.) but at a fraction of the size and cost.
Features of early PCs :
 Displays were black and white, and only displayed text (no graphics)
 No hard-drives (way too expensive), No mouse (no pointer to move!)
 Just a few 100 KB of RAM (not MB or GB!)
 Slow - a typical speed would be 5MHz (not GHz!)
 Light brown case (for some reason every early PC was brown!)

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Laptop Computer
 A 'laptop' computer is a light, compact and portable PC.
 It contains a rechargeable battery so that they can be used even when not plugged in to a mains
power supply. It has a built-in LCD monitor.
 Instead of a mouse, a track pad is used. Instead of a wired connection to a network or printer,
'wireless' radio connections are used.
Palmtop Computer
 A palmtop is similar to a laptop but smaller. It's small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.
 Palmtops are not very powerful & have a very small keyboard. The user types using both thumbs.
Also there is no room for a trackpad, so a touchscreen or tiny joystick is used instead.
 Palmtops are extremely portable, but the small keyboard and screen make the devices tiring to use
for long periods.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) (today resembles to ipad & tablet PC)
 A PDA more compact than palmtop, and has no keyboard, using a touch screen for all data input.
Since the screen is so small, many PDAs have a small stylus that is used to press things on the screen.
 Most PDAs use some sort of handwriting-recognition system to allow the user to write on the
screen, and have their writing converted into text.
 PDAs tend to be used a 'digital diaries' allowing users to take their e-mail, documents,
appointments, etc. with them wherever they go.
Applets: A program designed to be executed from within another application. These cannot be executed
directly from the operating system. Because applets are small in files size, cross-platform compatible, and
highly secure they are ideal for small Internet applications accessible from a browser.

Apps: A self-contained program or piece of software designed to fulfill a particular purpose; an application,
especially as downloaded by a user to a mobile device.

A compiler is a computer program that transforms source code written in a programming language into
another computer language. The most common reason for converting a source code is to create an executable
program.

Linker or link editor is a computer program that takes one or more object files generated by a compiler and
combines them into a single executable file, library file, or another object file.

Device driver (driver) is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is
attached to a computer. It provides a software interface to hardware devices, enabling operating systems and
other computer programs to access hardware functions without needing to know precise details of the
hardware being used.

Utility software is system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer. It
focuses on how the computer hardware, operating system, software and data operates. Example: Anti-virus
utilities scan for computer viruses.
What is 3G - 3G is shorthand for “3rd generation,” and refers to a networking standard in cell phone
technology that is capable of providing high-speed data service to mobile devices. You connect to and use
the Internet at practical speeds with a 3G-enabled smart phone.
What is 4G- 4G stands for “4th generation” mobile data protocol. 4G LTE stands for Long Term Evolution.
It’s a term used for 4G protocol that delivers the fastest mobile Internet experience. Here, you can download
files from the Internet up to 10 times faster than with 3G. To join the 4G revolution, you need to have a
Smartphone that is configured to work with a 4G network and a mobile plan.

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Features of a smart phone:
 Ability to make and receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemail
 Ability to access the Internet
 Sending and receiving e-mail and instant messages
 Showing the user the GPS location
 Ability to make use of small computer programs called apps, everything from looking up sport scores
to displaying animated cartoons for key functions can be carried out with the use of apps.
 User can load music, video, and pictures onto their phone and be able to enjoy all of their media
while on the go. Hence, users have fewer items to carry around, less expense to invest in technology,
and more convenience by being able to access, share, and utilize their digital media all from one
easy-to-use interface.
Impact of emerging technologies:
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence exhibited by machines or software. It is also the name
of the academic field of study which studies how to create computers and computer software that are
capable of intelligent behavior.
2. Quantum cryptography: This method is used in secure communication. It enables two parties to
produce a shared random secret key known only to them, which can then be used to encrypt and
decrypt messages which are exclusively over the internet.
3. Computer-assisted translation: Is a form of language translation in which a human translator uses
computer software to support and facilitate the translation process.
4. Holographic imaging: These are usually intended for displaying three-dimensional images.
Holography is a photographic technique that records the light scattered from an object, and then
presents it in a way that appears three-dimensional.
5. Virtual reality: A computer-simulated life that replicates an environment that simulates physical
presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds. Example: Flight simulators.
Advantages:
 We plan trips using GPS systems that rely on AI to cut through the complexity of millions of routes
to find the best one to take.
 Our smart phones understand our speech
 AI algorithms detect faces as we take pictures with our phones and recognize the faces of individual
people when we post those pictures to social media.
 Internet search engines on a day provide hundreds of millions of people with search results, traffic
predictions, and recommendations about books and movies.
 AI is at work in hospitals helping physicians understand which patients are at highest risk for
complications.
Disadvantages:
 One set of risks stems from programming errors in AI software can cause loss of life or property.
 A second set of risks is cyber attacks: criminals and adversaries are continually attacking our
computers with viruses and other forms of malware. Since, AI algorithms are being asked to make
high-stakes decisions, the impact of successful cyber attacks could be much more destructive than
any other cyber attack.
 A third set of risks is where humans have failed to correctly instruct the AI algorithm in how it
should behave in unusual circumstances.
 AI system that interacts with people is not able to reason about what people intend rather than
carrying out commands in a literal manner.
 It should also be continuously monitoring itself to detect abnormal internal behaviors, which might
signal bugs, cyber attacks, or failures in its understanding of its actions.
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