TYPES & COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

IGCSE-ICT 0417
 Learning Intention
In this chapter, we aim to revise

1.1 Hardware and software

1.2 Main components of computer systems

1.3 Operating systems

1.4 Types of computer

1.5 Emerging technologies

 1.01 Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system that you can touch.

The internal components of a computer are: The motherboard, RAM, CPU, graphics card,
sound card, internal storage, and network interface card.

Internal Hardware:
The motherboard - circuit board that acts as the central hub. CPU - central processing
unit is the brain of the computer. RAM - random access memory is a temporary storage for
programs and data. Internal Storage - hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) for
permanent storage. Other components - graphics card, sound card, and network interface
card.

External Hardware:
External hardware can be grouped into input, out put and peripheral or extras.
Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, webcam, microphone (touchscreen for laptops/tablets)
Output: Monitor, printer, speakers
Extras: External storage (HDD/Flash Drive), webcam
 Examples of Internal Hardware

CPU

Mother board RAM HHD SSD

Examples of External Hardware:

Keyboard Scanner
Web Cam Mouse
 1.02 Software
Software are sets of instructions that tell the computer hardware what to do.
There are two types of software: system software and applications software.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Applications software are programs System software is the software designed

designed to help users perform specific tasks: to provide a platform on which all other
• word processing software can run.
• spreadsheet • compilers
• database (management system) • linkers
• control and measurement software • device drivers
• apps and applets • operating systems
• video editing • utilities.
• graphics editing
• audio editing
• computer-aided design (CAD).
 1.02 System software
Software are sets of instructions that tell the computer hardware what to do.

Operating System (OS): The core software that manages computer hardware
and software resources. It provides a platform for other software to run.
Device Drivers: Programs that allow the operating system to communicate
with specific hardware devices. For example, a printer driver allows the
operating system to send printing instructions to a printer.
Compilers: Software that translate source code into machine code that the
computer can understand.
Linkers: Programs that combine multiple object files (created by a compiler)
and libraries into a single executable program.

Utilities: These are programs that assist users with tasks like file maintenance,
compression, software installation/removal, and virus scanning.
 1.03 Analogue and digital data
Digital data is data processed in binary format and represented by 0s and
1s (Discrete).

Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly, representing physical

quantities like sound or temperature.

When sending analogue data to a computer, it requires conversion to digital

data via an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC). Conversely, to control devices
like motors, the digital output from the computer must be transformed into
analogue form using a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC).
1.2 Main components of computer systems
 1.2 Main components of computer systems
Input devices: These are devices that are used to enter data into the computer
system. Examples of input devices include keyboards, mice, microphones, and
scanners.

Processor: This is the brain of the computer and it interprets and executes the
commands given to it by the hardware and software. It is sometimes known as the
central processing unit (CPU).

Internal memory : This is where data and instructions are held that are needed
immediately by the processor. There are two types of internal memory: ROM (read
only memory) and RAM (random access memory).

Backing/secondary storage devices : This is storage other than internal memory

(i.e. RAM and ROM) and includes the internal hard disk, portable hard disk, optical
disks, and pen drives.

Output devices: These are devices that are used to output the results of processing
the input data. Examples of output devices include screens, printers, and speakers.
 Internal memory and backing storage
Random access memory (RAM) is a chip within a computer that temporarily stores
data, which is lost when the computer is powered down.
In contrast, read-only memory (ROM) is another internal chip that permanently
stores data, retaining it even when the computer is turned off. Additionally, ROM
contains a boot file, instructing the computer on its initial startup actions. As part of this
startup process, the basic input-output system (BIOS) stores computer settings on a
complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip.
Summary for ROM and RAM

RAM ROM

Volatile Non-volatile

Read and Write Read Only

Stores data, files, part of operating system
Used to store BIOS and other start-up data
currently in use
Can be increased in size to improve computer's
Not upgradable
performance
 1.3 Operating systems
An operating system (OS) is software that facilitates a computer's operation and
user interaction by:
• Managing input/output and storage devices, regulating data flow.
• Supervising the loading, execution, and storage of applications (apps).
• Handling errors in real-time.
• Ensuring system security.
• Logging computer events.
• Facilitating communication between the computer and user.
 1.3.0 User interfaces
The two main ways operating systems interact with users are:

Graphical user interface (GUI): This is a user interface that allows users to interact
with the computer using windows, icons, menus, and pointers. Selections are made by
clicking a mouse or similar pointing device.

Command line interface (CLI): This is a text-based user interface where users
enter commands to interact with the computer.
Benefits and drawbacks of GUI (Graphical User Interface) and CLI
(Command Line Interface):

Feature Benefits Drawbacks

GUI More user-friendly, No commands to More hard disk space needed to store
remember, Easy to pass data between operating system, More RAM and ROM
software packages needed
CLI Can be faster to type commands than to Commands need to be remembered,
move and click a mouse, Does not need Commands need to be given precisely
as much hard disk space as a GUI
 1.4 Types of computer
Desktop computers are the traditional style, meant for desk use, with a tower
housing the CPU and other hardware, connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Laptops are portable versions, lighter and smaller, but containing the same
components as desktops, with a built-in screen, keyboard, and touchpad.

Tablets are even smaller and lighter, with a touchscreen display for input and output,
sometimes with a detachable keyboard.

Smartphones are mobile phones with computer capabilities, used for calls, texts, web
browsing, and apps.

Laptop Tablet Smartphone

Desktop
 1.5 Emerging technologies
Artificial intelligence (AI) involves machines or applications performing tasks requiring
some level of intelligence.

AI offers several benefits:

Benefits Drawbacks
Enhancements in safety and quality Potential job displacement and skill
erosion
Accelerated product development Increased reliance on technology
Advancements in autonomous vehicles Concerns about machines usurping
human roles

Virtual Reality (VR) immerses users in a fully artificial digital environment through VR
headsets, replacing their physical reality with a virtual one for a completely immersive
experience.
 1.5 Emerging technologies
Extended reality (XR) combines real and virtual environments, with augmented reality (AR) and
virtual reality (VR) .

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances the real world by overlaying digital content onto
it, using devices like smartphones, tablets, or AR glasses.

Augmented Reality (AR) Virtual Reality (VR)

User is not isolated from the real world User is fully immersed in the simulated world
and can still interact with it

Exists in the real world with virtual Completely virtual environment

objects overlaid
Special goggles or smartphone/tablet VR headset

Education, gaming, product visualization Medicine/surgery, construction, education,

military
 1.5 Emerging technologies
Robots are used for:
• Welding panels
• Assembling components
• Paint spraying
• Moving and packing stock
• Vacuuming or washing floors
• Mowing grass in homes.

Advantages of using robots Disadvantages of using robots

Can operate continuously 24 hours per
day Initial purchase cost is high
Don't have to pay them wages Equipment can go wrong
Can be reprogrammed to perform Fewer people employed leads to
different tasks unemployment
Expensive specialist programmers
More accurate than humans needed
 References:
Brown, G., & Watson, D. (2021). Cambridge ICT Information and Communication Technology (2nd ed.).
Cambridge University Press.

Doyle, S (2016). Complete ICT for Cambridge IGCSE. Oxford University Press.