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Chapter 1 Notes

Chapter 1 discusses the types and components of computer systems, focusing on hardware, software, and data types. It explains internal and external hardware, the distinction between system and application software, and the conversion between analogue and digital data. Additionally, it covers the main components of a computer system, including the CPU, internal memory, input-output devices, and backing storage.

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2 views4 pages

Chapter 1 Notes

Chapter 1 discusses the types and components of computer systems, focusing on hardware, software, and data types. It explains internal and external hardware, the distinction between system and application software, and the conversion between analogue and digital data. Additionally, it covers the main components of a computer system, including the CPU, internal memory, input-output devices, and backing storage.

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rianshah143
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Chapter 1: Types and Components of Computer Systems

Hardware
 Hardware is the general term for the physical components that make up a
typical computer system.
 Hardware is of 2 types: Internal and External
 Internal Hardware device: Motherboard, CPU (Central processing unit), RAM
(Random Access memory), ROM (Read only memory), graphics card, sound
card, Network Interface card (NIC), internal storage devices: hard disk drive
and Solid-state drive (SSD)

Software
 Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer
system and process data.
 Software are of 2 types: System Software and Application software.
 Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a
given task. For example, Microsoft apps, other applications, database etc
 System software is the software designed to provide a platform on which all
other software can run. For example, compilers, operating system (OS),
device drivers, utility software etc.

Analogue and Digital Data


 Data that is in binary format is termed as digital data.
 Analogue data is the data in real world that is more physical and changes smoothly
and not in discrete steps like digital data.
 If analogue data is being sent to a computer, it must first be converted into
digital data; this is done by hardware known as an analogue to digital
converter (ADC).
 If the computer is controlling a device (such as a motor) then the digital output
from the computer needs to be converted into analogue form. This is done by
a digital to analogue converter (DAC).

Main Components of a Computer System

CPU
 part of the computer that interprets and executes the commands from the
computer hardware and software.
 Normally a part of the computer motherboard.
 CPU in nowadays referred to as a microprocessor
 This is a single integrated circuit made up of many small circuits.
 This is made up of a control unit, which controls the input and output devices;
an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which carries out calculations and makes
logical decisions, and small memory locations called registers.

Internal Memory
 Random Access Memory (RAM): internal chip where data is temporarily
stored when running applications. It is referred to as temporary/ volatile
memory as its contents are lost as soon as the computer is powered off.
 Read- Only memory (ROM): Memory used to store data that is permanent.
The chip used cannot be altered, rather can only be read. The are known as
non-volatile memory. Example: Configuration data on computer.
 ROM contains coding known as boot file. This tells the computer what to do
when it first starts up. It is often referred as BIOS (Basic Input Output
System). When the computer turns on, BIOS checks whether all the devices
are running properly and then it loads the OS into the RAM. The BIOS stores
the date, time and system configuration in a non-volatile chip called a CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.

Input-Output devices
 Input devices are hardware that allows data to be entered into a computer
 They use either manual or direct data entry.
 These basically turn the input into a form that the computer can understand.
For example, the mouse turns the hand movements into cursor movements
that the computer understands.
 The computer may have to go through an ADC (Analogue to Digital
Converter)
 before the computer reads it.
 When the human operator wants to see the processed data by the computer,
we use output devices.
 An output device shows the computer’s output in a form that is understood by
a human – for example, as text on a printer or moving images on a monitor.
 Some devices can also act as both input and output devices such as
touchscreen.

Backing Storage

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