COMPUTER SYSTEM

Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• Explain the term computer system.
• Mention the components of a computer system.
Defining a Computer system
A computer system is a set of interrelated parts working together to
process data.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes
it and gives information.
PARTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
System
Unit
1
Monitor
2

Keyboard
Mouse

4
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM
• There are 3 major components of a computer system, namely;
Hardware
Software
User
WEEK 1 EVALUATION ACTIVITY
1. Define the following terms;
(a) Computer system (b) Computer
2. Mention any five parts of a computer system.
3. Write the three components of a computer system.
4. Why is a computer referred to as an electronic device?
 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
Learning Outcomes:
SYSTEM
In this lesson, you will:
• Explain the term computer system.
• Mention the components of a computer system.
• Explain the meaning of hardware and software.
(a) Hardware
Computer hardware are the parts that can be seen, touched and felt.
Examples include;
keyboard, system unit, Monitor, Mouse, Printer, Speakers, Scanner,
Webcam, Card reader, flash drive, CDs / DVDs
(b) Software
These are written programs, instructions or protocol that control and
make computers to function.
Software can not be touched but can only be seen on a computer
monitor.
Types of software:
There are two types of computer software, namely;
 Application software
 System software
Application software performs certain task depending on the program.
System software runs the whole computer system.
 WEEK 2 EVALUATION ACTIVITY

1. ______ is the component of a computer system that can be

touched and seen.
2. _____is the component of a computer system that can not be
touched but seen the computer monitor.
3. State the difference between hardware and software.
4. Mention any 5 components of computer hardware.
5. Mention the two types of computer software.
COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• Explain the term computer system.
• Mention the components of a computer system.
• Define computer users
There are three components of a computer system, namely;
(c) Computer users
Computer users are also known as human ware. They are human
beings that use the computer system.
 CATEGORIES OF COMPUTER USERS
There are different categories of computer users;
• Computer teachers - Computer programmers
• Computer engineers - Computer operators
• Computer managers - Computer policy makers
• Computer analysts - Computer Librarians
• End users
WEEK 3 EVALUATION ACTIVITY
1. ______ is the human being that uses the computer system.
2. Mention 5 components of computer hardware.
3. Give the three components of a computer system.
 CLASSES OF COMPUTERS
Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• Identify types of computers.
• Mention the types of computers.
A computer accepts data, processes the data and gives out information.
Types of Computers
There are three types of computers, namely;
Analog computer
Digital computer
Hybrid computer
(a) Analog computer
The analog computer is used for measuring things.
Examples include:
- Thermometer - scale machine
- Speed meter - Rain gauge
- Blood pressure machine - Gasoline pump
(b) Digital Computer
The digital computer is used for counting.
Examples include:
- Wrist watch - Digital thermometer.
- Calculator
(c) Hybrid Computer
The hybrid computer is an analog computer controlled by a digital computer instead of a
human being.
The hybrid computer is used for both measuring and counting.
Examples include:
- Super computer - Mobile computer.
- Mainframe computer - Mini computer
- Micro – computer
WEEK 4 EVALUATION ACTIVITY
1. Mention any 4 analog computers.
2. Mention any 3 digital computers.
3. Write any two hybrid computer.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE
Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• Identify computers by size.
• Mention different sizes of computers.
Computers are classified according to size and capacity.
The following types of computers can be identified as follows;
(a) Super computers:
- Are the fastest, largest and most powerful digital computers today.
- They are used by big organisations, government agencies and universities
that can afford them.
- They are best used in Weather forecasting, Nuclear Science, Aerodynamic
modeling etc.
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY
(b)SIZE
Mainframe computers:
- Are the second largest and powerful computers.
- They are used by government agencies like URA, EC, UBOS etc.
- Small and large retail companies use mainframe computers to register sales, update stock and
manage inventory.
(c) Mini computers:
- Are smaller than mainframe computers and less expensive.
- They are used by hospitals as well as school labs.
(d) Micro Computers:
- Are the most frequently used type of computers.
- Also known as Personal Computer (PC)
- The Desktop computer, and portable computers are good examples of micro computers.
(e) Embedded computers:
- Are mostly used in household appliances and electronic devices.
- Dish washers, microwave ovens, washing machines, watches, sewing machines, DVD players,
TV sets are designed to perform designated tasks.
 WEEK 5 EVALUATION ACTIVITY
Circle the letter with the most correct response
1. ______ is the PC.
A. Mainframe B. Mini C. Micro D. Embedded
2. _______ is found in the household appliances and electronic devices.
A. Mainframe B. Embedded C. Macro D. Mini
3. Super computers are most smallest and powerful computers by size.
A. True B. False C. Not sure
4. The second largest and powerful computer is ___________
A. Macro B. Mini C. Main D. Super
5. ______ is the most frequently used type of computer.
A. Main B. Macro C. Micro D. Embedded
6. TVs, DVDs, washing machine are good examples of ________
A. Main B. Macro C. Mini D. Embedded
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY GENERATION
Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• List computers by Generation.
• Mention generations of computers.
Each New computer was better than the one before it. Each new type of computer is therefore
known as a Generation of computers.
The following types of computers can be identified as follows;
(a) First Generation: (1942-1955)
- 1st generation computers are the first computers.
- They used vacuum tubes.
- They needed much electricity before they could be used.
Advantage: Vacuum tube technology made possible the advent of electronic digital computers.
Disadvantage: - Too bulky in size
- Prone to frequent hardware failure.
- Slow input and output operations.
(b) Second generation: (1955-1964)
- Is the second computer made.
- The second generation computer used Semi-conductor transistors and
needed less power.
- It was more reliable, faster and could store more information than 1st
generation computers.
Disadvantage: Manual assembly of individual components into a functioning
unit was a cumbersome task.
(c) Third Generation: (1964-1975)
- Is the 3rd computer made.
- The third generation computers used Integrated Circuits (or IC Chips) that
allow flow of electricity.
- They were cheaper, smaller and faster than 2nd generation computers.
Disadvantage: The manufacture of IC chips required Highly sophisticated
technology.
(d) Fourth Generation (1975 onwards)
- Is the fourth computer made.
- They used micro processors.
- These were cheaper, smaller, faster and could store more information than
the 1st , 2nd and 3rd generations.
Disadvantage: - The manufacturing of VLSI chips required Highly sophisticated
technology.
- Highly skilled people are required in its manufacturing
(e) Fifth Generation (Future Generation: 1991 onwards )
- The fifth generation computers are under development stage.
- These are to contain Artificial Intelligence software with genuine I.Q.
(Intelligence Quotient).
- That provide the ability to reason logically and with real knowledge of the
world like human do.
WEEK 6 EVALUATION ACTIVITY
1. _____ computer generation used transistors.
2. _____ computer generation used vacuum tubes.
3. _____ computer generation used integrated circuits.
4. Give the difference between the 1st and last computer generation.
5. State the difference between the 2nd and 3rd computer generations.
6. _____ is the fastest computer generation.
7. _____ needed much electricity to work.
8. _____ is the most used computer generation.
9. _____ contains Artificial Intelligence software.
 MICRO COMPUTERS
Learning Outcomes:
In this lesson, you will:
• Describe the size and speed of micro computers.
• Use a micro computer.
- Are the most frequently used type of computers.
- Also known as Personal Computer (PC)
- The Desktop computer, and portable computers are good examples of micro
computers.
- Generally used by one person at a time.
Uses:
1. It is used by individual and businesses.
2. It has replaced most basic paper work.
3. It has become a fixture of design and architecture firms and film studio.