IGCSE

Cambridge ICT
0417

Types and Components of Computer Systems

By: Mr. Salaheldin Edam

Diversity International School

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1.3 Operating systems
Operating Systems

An operating system is a special piece of software that manages

the general operation of a computer system:
Task Explanation
Provides User Helps the user interact with the computer through
Interface Windows, Icons, menus and pointers
Manages
Starting and stopping applications when user requests
Applications

Manages Files Helping save, organise, find and delete files

Manages
computer Decided what should be loaded and deleted from memory
memory

Computer
Prevents unauthorised access to a system
security
Manages
Manages input and out devices such as printers
peripherals
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 Cont. …
The operating system has programs, called
managers, that:
Manage all of the hardware devices
Control all of the processes running in the
computer, e.g. when several programs are running,
it allows each one in turn to use the CPU
Manage the internal memory
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 Cont. …

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 User interfaces
 Users interact with the operating system through a user

interface that converts what a user inputs to a form that the

computer can understand and vice versa.
 But there are different ways to interact with a computer

system. The four main types are:

 command line interface (CLI)

 graphical user interface (GUI)

 dialogue-based interface
 gesture-based interface
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1.3 Operating systems
User Interfaces

The system that people use to interact with a computer (to give it commands, to see the
results of those commands, etc.) is known as the user interface.

Graphical User Interface (GUI) Command Line Interface (CLI)

A GUI is an interface built around visual (graphical) The user would see nothing but a black screen. They would
things: have to type a command to make anything happen.
Windows are regions of the screen used to display
information e.g. To copy a text file called NOTES from a floppy disc to
• Icons are small pictures that are used to represent the hard drive the user would have to type:
folders, software, etc.
• Menus are lists of options the user can select from  COPY A:\NOTES.TXT C:\
A pointer is an arrow that can be moved around
the screen and is used to select things The user would have to learn a whole set of strange
• Windows XP is an example of an operating system commands so that they could make use of the computer
with a GUI. system. Plus it was not very interesting look at – no visual
clues to tell you what to do next.
GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of
the interface – the user has lots of visual clues as to This meant computers used to be quite difficult to use, so
what things do. this type of interface is only really suitable for expert users.

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1.3 Operating systems
Identify the following GUI’s

Examples of GUI

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1.3 Operating systems
Graphical User Interface

GUI is an interface built around graphics.

• Windows – areas for displaying
information

• Icons -small images used to represent

WIMP
files/folders or software
• Menus - lists of options users can
select from
• Pointers – arrow that can be moved
around the screen to select items

GUI’s are easier to use that CLI’s as you don’t have to be an expert user
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1.3 Operating systems
Command Line Interface (CLI)

• Many years ago computers were not

powerful enough to process colourful
graphics.

• Users would therefore only see a black

screen in front of them
Very difficult
• They would have to type commands to to use and
make something happen
really only
• Users would have to learn a whole set of suitable for
commands which meant that computers
were difficult to use and suitable for expert users
expert users
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 Cont. …
 Advantages of a CLI:
 CLIs require very little processing so run very quickly and on
computers that aren’t powerful.
 Advanced computer users who know how to use the commands
can operate them faster than users who need to move a mouse.

 Disadvantages of a CLI:
 Commands need to be learnt and often aren’t obvious.

 Looks intimidating for new users

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 Advantages of a GUI:
 It is intuitive as files and directories are represented by
icons.
 Users do not have to learn complicated commands, they
merely have to click a mouse or select an item from a
menu.
 It is easy to use, for example, to move a file a user just has
to drag an onscreen representation (icon) of that file
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 Cont. …
Disadvantages of a GUI:
GUIs use up a lot of the computer’s internal
memory to run.
They are large and take up lots of storage space.
They need to use the CPU a lot more than CLIs

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 Dialogue-based interface
 A dialogue-based interface allows a user to interact
with a computer through the spoken word.
 Advantages of a dialogue-based interface:
 It allows hands-free control.

 The user does not have to be trained but may have to learn
the necessary key words that the computer will accept.
 It is safer when operating machinery such driving and is
useful for disabled users.

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 Cont. …
Disadvantages of a dialogue-based interface:
 Users have to learn which commands can be used.
 Users have to train the interface with their voice.
 May not be reliable especially if there is
background noise.
 Not suitable for safety-critical commands.
 Complex to program and are therefore expensive
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 Gesture-based interface
A true gesture-based interface uses computer
sensors to detect and understand human
gestures and movements, usually of the face
and hands, without actually touching a
physical device.

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 Cont. …
Partial gesture-based interfaces are available
today on smartphones and tablets where a user
has to swipe the screen in a particular way to open
and close programs and zoom in or out of maps.
But the user has to touch the screen.

It is using a GUI without a mouse.

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 Advantages of a gesture-based interface:
 The user does not have to use a mouse or other pointing
device.
 The user does not have to enter commands using
a keyboard.
 The user does not have to move to the device as they can
make the gestures from where they are sitting or standing.
 The user does not have to touch a screen that others have
been touching. It prevents to spread of disease

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 Disadvantages of a gesture-based interface:

Users have to learn the gestures for

particular requests.
 A system is required to recognise face movements
and hand gestures.
 Users may have to wear motion tracking gloves.
 Users may become fatigued after performing the
gestures.
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1.4 Types of computer
Personal Computer (PC) or Desktop

• The early 1980s saw a revolution in

computing: The creation of computers
that were small enough to fit on a
desk, and cheap enough that everyone
could have their own, personal
computer, instead of having to share
access to a mainframe.

• 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.

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 Cont. …
 Desktops are very versatile (multipurpose), general purpose
computers used by many organisations and individuals for:
 Office work and business management, using word
processing, spreadsheet and database management
software.
 Management in education and student learning.
 Playing computer games.
 Other entertainment such as watching movies and editing
images and video.
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 1.4 Mobile computers
 In the 1990s, portable (moveable) computers became popular and

became known as laptops.

 Because they are more portable than desktops, they have many

advantages for mobile work and they have the power and flexibility of
desktop computers.
 These days there are many forms of mobile computer, not just laptops.

– Tablets, smartphones and phablets are all popular mobile

computers and, because of the weight and size of a laptop, are far
more portable.

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1.4 Types of computer
Laptop Computer

• A 'laptop' computer is a light, compact

and portable PC.

• Laptops contain a rechargeable

battery so that they can be used even
when not plugged in to a mains power
supply. They also have a built-in LCD
monitor.

• To make them as portable as possible,

most laptops try to avoid any sort of
cable or wire. Instead of a mouse, a
touchpad is used. Instead of a wired
connection to a network or printer,
'wireless' radio connections are used.

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1.4 Types of computer
Tablet Computer

• Thanks to popular tablets like the iPad, the whole

idea of what a tablet PC is has changed.

• Modern tablets are thin and light with touchscreens

that respond to finger touch--no stylus or keyboard
needed.

• They connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or mobile

broadband 3G or 4G networks, just like smartphones.

• Some tablets make getting work done on the go

easier, while others prioritize entertainment. The
best tablets balance long battery life with speedy
performance.

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1.4 Types of computer
Smart Phone

A smartphone is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds in
features that, in the past, you would have found only on a personal digital
assistant or a computer.

Key Smartphone Features

Operating System: In general, a smartphone will be

based on an operating system that allows it to run
applications.

Apps: While almost all cell phones include basic

applications (additional apps can be downloaded)

Web Access: More smartphones can access the

Web at higher speeds, thanks to the growth
of 4G and 3G data networks. Access to the internet
can allow users to:
Browse, stream, download, communicate and
share files.
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