FORM 4 IT

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS
MAJOR HARDWARE COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

Basic functions of a computer system

A computer system is all the hardware devices and software (programs) that make the computer function.
Computers may be used for many different purposes, but all computers carry out four (4) basic functions.

Operation Activity
Input Accept data and instructions
Processing Process data according to instructions stored in the computer’s memory
(happens in the CPU)
Output Produce results that people can understand and use

Storage Store data for future use

Input Processing Output Storage (IPOS) Cycle

The computer carries out whatever

processing it was instructed to do.

Data and instructions are The results are outputted

entered into the computer. from the system.

The results are stored in

electronic form for future use.
EXAMPLE: Purchasing items at a retail store/supermarket

Components of a Computer System

Compuuter systems consists of a variety of hardware components that work together with software and
peripheral devices to achieve specific tasks.

✓ Hardware Components - set of physical components in a computer system.

✓ Software - set of instructions (program) that governs the operation of a computer system and makes the
hardware run.
✓ Peripheral Devices - parts of computer hardware that are connected to the computer either internally or
externally.

Hardware components of a computer system

1) Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor

• Found inside the system unit (computer case or tower) of the computer system.
• “brain” of the computer
• Has 2 main parts, the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
• ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations and the CU controls the flow and execution of data and
instructions.

2) Main Memory
• Commonly referred to as primary storage or immediate access storage.
• Used by the computer for its own use.
• Holds data that is currently being executed by the computer.
• There are 2 types; Volatile (RAM) and Non-volatile storage (ROM).
• RAM holds data and instructions that are being processed by the computer.
– Variants: DRAM (Dynamic RAM), SRAM (Static RAM), SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random
Access Memory) and RDRAM (Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory
• ROM contains data that tells the computer what to do when it starts up.
– Variants: PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) and EEPROM
(Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)

3) Secondary Storage
• Commonly referred to as permanent storage
 • Retains programs and data for future use
• Examples include hard disks, CD-ROMs, USB flash drive

4) Input Devices
• Allow data and instructions to be entered into the computer system
• Examples include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, scanner

5) Output Devices
• Allow processed data to be displayed or communicated to the user
• Examples include monitor (screen / display), printer, speakers, headphones

Storage Mediums/Devices

A storage medium is the physical material on which a computer stores data, e.g. CD-ROM. There are TWO
types of storage devices:

• Main memory (Primary storage)

• Secondary storage

Primary Storage (Main Memory)

Primary storage devices are used by the computer for its own use. Some of these devices hold data
temporarily while the computer is working on it, while other devices store data that does not change
frequently.

There are two types of primary storage devices.

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile storage devices. RAM holds software and data that is currently being processed by the
computer. The content is lost once the computer power is turned off.

Variants of RAM includes:

o Dynamic RAM (DRAM) - requires constant refreshing to maintain the data stored in it.
o Static RAM (SRAM) - does not require constant refreshing, making it faster but more expensive
than DRAM. Used primarily in cache memory.
o Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM) - type of DRAM that is synchronized with the system’s
clock, allowing operations to be performed in a more orderly and efficient manner.
o Rambus Dynamic RAM (RDRAM) - designed to offer higher performance and bandwidth for
memory-intensive applications.

• Read Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile storage devices. ROM is a permanent storage device that contains data that cannot be
changed. This data is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do when it starts up. The
content on these devices is retained when the computer power is turned off.
 Variants of ROM includes:
o Programmable ROM (PROM) – can be programmed only once after manufacturing. Once
programmed, the content cannot be changed.
o Erasable and Programmable ROM (EPROM) – can be programmed like PROM, however, the
content can be erased and re-programmed repeatedly using ultraviolet (UV) light.
o Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM (EEPROM) - can be electrically erased and
reprogrammed without removing the chip from the circuit board.

Secondary Storage

Devices such as hard disks, CD-ROMs and USB flash drives provide secondary storage for data and programs.
There are a number of different types of storage media used to store data on a computer system. Some such
types of devices are:
• Magnetic Storage Media (e.g. magnetic tape, hard disk, floppy disk/diskette)
• Optical Media (e. g. CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Blu-Ray)
• Solid State Drives (USB flash drives, memory cards)

Magnetic Storage Media

Floppy disk (diskette)

• Most popular form of portable media up to 2000
• Lost its popularity due to availability of higher capacity portable storage media
• Limited storage capacity of 1.44MB
• Unreliable as dust, moisture and magnetic interference can damage the data stored
• Divided into tracks and sectors; data is stored in one and more sectors
• Data is accessed directly (direct access)

Hard disk drive

• Most common medium used to store data
• Found inside the system unit
• Central storage for programs and data
• Consists of a set of metal disks called platters, mounted on a spindle
• Each platter has its own read/write head
• A set of matched tracks on all platters is called a cylinder
• Data is accessed directly (direct access)

Magnetic tape
• Also known as data tape
• Commonly used for data archiving
• Often used for off-site storage
• Popular because they store large quantities of data at a relatively low cost
• Portable
• Data is accessed sequentially (sequential access)

Optical Storage Media

• Use laser beam or Blu-ray to read or write data to disk

 • Small, lightweight and very portable with large capacity
• Drives labelled as ROM can only read data
• Drives labelled as RW can read and write data
• Data is accessed directly (direct access)

Solid State Drives

Flash drives
• Also referred to as thumb drives, jump drives, USB drives, pen drives
• Popular because of their size and portability
• Faster than a floppy disk
• Data is accessed directly (direct access)

Flash memory cards

• Commonly used on digital cameras, music players and mobile phones
• Come in different sizes and are very small and portable
• There are different types to enable them to be used on different devices
• Data is accessed directly (direct access)

Try These!

1. What is a computer system?

2. What are the four (4) basic function of a computer? What is each function responsible for?
3. What are the components of a computer system? Describe and give examples of each component.