Types and components of computer system

Components of computer System Hardware and software Main components of computer

system Operating system Control devices

Hardware• The physical parts that make up a computer • Examples: Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard, Speaker,

Microphone, Printer, Web cam, Scanner

Software$ Genreally mean: “ set of instructions that operates the

computer”$ Application software: “ programs that enable a user to do

specific task”. Example: Word processor, Spreadsheet, Database, Presentation, Web browser, Desktop Publisher, Graphics Program$ System software: “programs that enable hardware to run

properly” Example: GUI and CLI

Main components of computer system

£ A typical computer is made up of hardware and software1. Input devices: keyboard, mouse2. Output devices: speaker, monitor3. Secondary storage device: magnetic tapes, optical disk4. Processor and internal memory devices:

∞ CPU is a one or more circuit board which is made up of discrete components which interprets and execute commands from hardware to software.

∞ Internal hard drive is the main memory which stores the software and data files. Fast data transfer and large memory capacity.

∞ Random Access Memory(RAM) is an internal chip where data of running application is stored temporarily. This memory can be written and read from.

∞ Read Only Memory(ROM) is used to store permanent memory(NON-VOLATILE). Can only be read but not written. Contains some coding known as boot file [ Basic input/ output system(BIOS)]

Main component

s of computer system

Output devices

Input devices

Processor and

internal memory devices

Secondary storage device

Key-board

mouse

monitorspeake

r

Magnetic

tape

Optical disk

CPU

Internal

hard drive

Random

Access Memory(RAM)

Read Only

Memory(ROM)

more circuit board

Operating system€ To enable users to communicate with computer systems.

♫ Controlling the operation of input, output and backing storage device

♫ Supervising the loading, running & storage.♫ Dealing with errors♫ Maintaining security of program♫ Maintaining a computer log♫ User interface (allowing communication between user and

computer)€ Command Line Interface(CLI)

λ Require to type in instructions in order to choose optionsλ Must learn commands and slow to have to key in commandsλ Direct communication with computer and not restricted to a

number of pre-determined option.

€ Graphical User Interface(GUI)ћ Using icons(pictures/symbols) to represent

applications.ћ Windows icons menu and pointing device/ WIMPћ Uses cursor to select icons