Computer Systems ICT GCSE
Computer SystemsICT GCSE
The CPU
Central Processing Unit The ‘brain’ of the computer
CPUCPU
Backing Storage
Output Device
Input device
Inside the CPU
Backing Storage
ALU(Arithmetic and Logic
Unit)Immediate Access Store
Input device
Output Device
Control Unit
Typical Computer System
MonitorTower/Base Unit
Keyboard
Mouse
Types of Computer Microcomputer Mainframe
Laptop PC
Desktop PC
Largest type of computer, can
be used by multiple users
at one time
Designed to be used by one
user at a time
Uses PDA (Personal Digital
Assistant): To take the place of a diary/address book, make minor change to documents, check e-mail, on the move
Laptop PC: Any situation where a portable computer is needed
Desktop PC: Any situation where a computer does not need to be moved
Mainframe: Used where vast amounts of processing power and storage is needed, ie banks
PC Types
Networked PC
Connected to a server which it
relies on to operate
Stand alone PC
Will still function fully without any
network connection
Hardware
The hardware is the equipment that makes up a computer system
If you can touch it, it’s hardware! Examples
Input and Output Devices The CPU Storage Devices Media (CDs, DVDs etc)
Software
Programs which run on the computer system (hardware)
For example a MS Office CD is hardware
The program stored on it is software