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Chapter 1

The document discusses the types and components of computer systems. It describes hardware components like the motherboard, RAM, ROM, CPU, network cards and graphics cards. It also discusses software types like application software for tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and system software that provides the platform for hardware and applications. The document outlines different types of computers from desktops to laptops, smartphones and tablets. It concludes with a section on artificial intelligence and how AI is impacting various fields like jobs, extended reality applications in AR and VR, and daily life.

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Anabella
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33 views

Chapter 1

The document discusses the types and components of computer systems. It describes hardware components like the motherboard, RAM, ROM, CPU, network cards and graphics cards. It also discusses software types like application software for tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and system software that provides the platform for hardware and applications. The document outlines different types of computers from desktops to laptops, smartphones and tablets. It concludes with a section on artificial intelligence and how AI is impacting various fields like jobs, extended reality applications in AR and VR, and daily life.

Uploaded by

Anabella
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Types and components of computer systems

1. Hardware-
 Physical components that make up a typical computer system.

 Can be internal or external

Examples (in detail)


Motherboard:

 Printed circuit board found in all computers


 Allows processor and hardware to function and

communicate with each other


 Acts as a hub to which other devices connect to

Random access memory: Internal chip where data is stored


temporarily
 Can be written and read from

 Lost when computer is turned off (volatile)

 Stores data files or part of the operating system currently in

use
Read only memory:
 Used to store info that needs to be permanent

 Chips cannot be altered

 Can only be read

 Info not lost if computer is turned off

 Non-volatile

 Contains coding known as boot file

 Tells what to do when computer starts up

Central processing unit:


An electronic circuit board
Execute instructions
Discrete components
Numerous small integrated circuits

 Arithmetic and logic unit


Small memory locations called registers
 Control unit

Network interface card:-


 Computer to connect to a network

 Wired/ Wireless

 Hard-coded with MAC address

Graphics card
Send graphical info to a video display device
Connects to motherboard
Parts-
Processing unit
Memory(RAM)
Cooling
Connections
Sound card:-
 Integrated circuit board

 Produce sounds

 Needs speaker or headphones

 Input frm microphone

 Can manipulate sound stored on a disk.

HDD/SDD:-
 HDD are magnetic in nature

 Main method of storage

 SSD have same function as HDD


2. Software:
 Programs that control the computer system and process data
 Two types- application and system
Application- provides services user requires
 Word processing:
Manipulate text document
Text-keyboard
Provides tools for formatting
 Spreadsheet:
Organize and manipulate numerical data
Made up of grids
Can do calculations produce graphs and do modelling
 Database:
Organize, manipulate and analyze data
Made up of tables, can carry out queries
 Apps and applets:
Applets-small applications that perform a single task
Apps- software that can perform a fairly substantial task
 Computer aided design software-
To create, manipulate and analyze drawings. Can be 3d or 2d.
 Graphics editing software:
Bitmap and vector images can be changed
Bitmap- made up of pixels
 Video editing software
Manipulate videos
Can add or alter colors
 Audio editing software
Edit, manipulate and generate audio
3. System software: provide a platform for other hardware to work
and communicate
 Compiler-
Translate high level language to machine code (binary)
OG program-source code
Code after compilation-object code
 Linkers:
Takes codes made by compiler and puts together a single program
 Device driver:
Enables hardware to communicate with OS
Without drivers, hardware cannot communicate
 Utilities:
Software designed to carry out a specific task, for example: antivirus,
backing up files
 OS:
It is software running in the background
Manages basic functions
4. Analogue and digital data:
Digital- machine code, binary code 1’s and 0’s; it I discrete and
continuous
Analogue- real world data; changes smoothly form one value to the
next
Analogue to digital converter and digital to analogue data

5. Input and output devices:


Input devices-hardware allows data to be entered.
Can be manual entry or direct data entry

Output devices: shows computer’s output in a form understood


by humans.

6. Backing storage:
 Main internal storage where applications software etc. are
stored.
 It stores data permanently, and it must be non-volatile.
 Not directly addressable (cannot be read directly by the CPU).
 Longer data access time
 Larger storage than RAM or ROM
 Less expensive per byte
 Can be fixed or removed
 Because It can be removed, backing storage can be used as a
backup in case of data loss or corruption
INTERNAL MEMORY VS BACKING STORAGE
7. User interfaces:
 Command line interface [CLI]
Type instructions for answers
User has to learn numerous commands
Slow, because have to key in commands every time operation is
carried out
Direct communication with computer

 Graphical user interface [GUI]


 Interaction using pictures and symbols

 Touch screen uses post-WIMP interaction, can use fingers to

pinch or rotate.
8. Types of computers:
 Desktop:
General computer made up of different components
 ADVANTAGES:
 Lower cost
 Easier and less expensive to upgrade
 Cannot be stolen
 Stable connection
 DISADVANTAGES:
 Not portable
 Clutters up desk [too many wires]
 Cannot work anywhere else
 Laptop:
Lightweight and low power consumption and low heat output
 ADVANTAGES:
 Portable

 No trailing wires

 More space

 Wireless connectivity

 DISADVANTAGES:

 Can be stolen

 Limited battery life

 Not always possible to upgrade them

 Smartphones
Allow phone calls and have OS
 ADVANTAGES:
 Small in size and lightweight

 Portable

 Can make phone calls

 Has sensors

 Reasonable battery life

 DISADVANTAGE:

 Small screen and small keyboards

 Slow to type

 Quick battery drainage

 Not much memory space

 Compatibility issues

 Can be lost or stolen

 Data transfer with mobile data slower than Wi-Fi

 Tablets
Virtual keyboard and touch screen; uses Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot
Advantage:
 Fast to switch on
 Fully portable
 Simple to use, do not need additional input devices
 Can use several apps as standard
 Not much heat (uses SSD)
 Battery life longer
 Remains connected to network when switched off, notifications
and alerts
Disadvantages:
 Expensive compared to laptops
 They have limited memory or storage
 If mobile hotspot is used, expensive
 Slow and error prone typing
 Irritating to transfer files often
 Laptop supports more file types
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
AI is a machine or application which carries out a task hat requires
some degree of knowledge.
Duplicates human tasks which require decision-making and problem-
solving skills
 Impacts on AI on everyday life
 Job losses

 Dependency on technology

 Loss of skills

 Extended reality
- AR

 Mix of both worlds

 Use special goggles

 Not isolated from real world, can still communicate with the real

world
 Impacts on
 Safety and rescue operations
 Entertainment
 Shopping and retail
 Healthcare
- VR
 Completely virtual
 Need a headset
 Impacts on
 Military application
 Healthcare
 Entertainment
 Fashion
 Heritage
 Business
 Engineering
 Sport
 Media
 Scientific visualization

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