Chapter 1- types and components of computer

systems
Hardware- the general term for physical components that make up a typical
computer system.
Software- the general term used for programs that control the computer system
and process data.
System software- the software designed to provide a platform on which all other
softwares can run. For example, operating systems, compilers, utilities etc.
Computers can usually understand date that is in binary form (a base of 2 number
system usually 1 and 0). This is often referred to as digital data. However data in
the real world is analogue. If analogue data is sent to the computer, it must first
be converted into digital data using a hardware called analogue to digital
converter (ADC). If vice versa digital to analogue converter (DAC) must be used.
Input devices- keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, sensor, scanner.
Output device- monitor, printer, speaker, projector.
Secondary storage devices- hard disk, solid state drive, pen drive.

CPU

• The central processing unit is the part of the compute that interprets and
executed the commands from the computer hardware and software.
• The CPU is currently referred to as the microprocessor
• The CPU is made up of an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) that carries out
calculations and makes logical decisions.

Random access memory (RAM)

(RAM) is an internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running
applications. this memory can be written to and read from. because its
contents are lost when powered to the computer is turned off it is often
refer to as volatile or temporary memory
 Read only memory (ROM)
(ROM) is a memory used to store information that needs to be permanent.
chips used for ROM cannot be altered and can only be read from. the
information stored on the ROM chip is not lost even when power is turned
off they are often referred to as non volatile memories

RAM ROM
Temporary memory device Permanent memory device

Can be written to and read Read only, data stored can be

from altered

Used to store data files, Used to store BIOS and other

programs, and part of OS. data needed at start up.

Input devices-

• An input device is any hardware device that allows the user to enter data or
instructions into a computer directly
• An input device can send data to another device but it cannot receive data
from another device
• Input devices are necessary for a computer to receive commands from its
users and data to process
• Input devices can be fairly complicated because they have to ensure that
the user can interact with the computer correctly.

Output-

• An output device is any hardware device that takes the output data from a
computer and puts it into human readable format.
• An output device is capable of receiving data from another device in order
to generate an output but it cannot send data to another device.
• Output devices that are needed by a computer so it can share the results of
its processing with the human
 • Output devices are less complex than input devices because they only have
to turn computer signals into an output.

Backing storage
The main memories in a computer are RAM and ROM however to permanently
store large amounts of data it is necessary to use backing storage this normally
takes the form of the internal hard disk drive (HDD) or the solid-state drive (SSD)
• Backing storage devices hold their contents permanently even when
powered down.
• Have considerably larger capacity to store data than (RAM) and (ROM)
• Have much slower data access time than (RAM) and (ROM)
• Is much cheaper than (RAM) and (ROM)
• can either be fixed (external or internal) or it can be removable or it can be
removable.
• backing storage is not directly addressable by the CPU.

Command line interface (CLI)

It requires the user to type in instructions to choose options from menus open
softwares etc there are often a number of commands that needs to be typed in.
Advantages:
• The user is in direct communication with the computer
• The user is not restricted to a number of predetermined options
• It is possible to alter computer configurations settings Disadvantages:
• The user needs to learn a number of commands to carry out basic
operations.
• All commands need to be typed in which takes time and can be error prone
• Each command must be typed in using the correct format spelling and so on

Graphical user interface (GUI)

 Allows the user to interact with a computer using pictures and symbols.

Advantages:

• The user does not need to learn any commands

• It is more user friendly icons are used to represent applications
• A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch the application
Disadvantages:

• It uses up considerably more computer memory than a CLI interface

• The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen
• Needs a more complex operating system

Dialogue based interface

Uses human voice to give commands to the computer system.
Advantages:

• No need for a driver to take their hands off the wheel.

• Useful for people with disabilities
• Possible to use as a security feature.
Disadvantages:

• Unreliable with some commands not being detected.

• Can be complex to set up.
• User needs to learn which commands can be used.
Gesture based interface
Relies on human interaction to give commands.
Advantages:

• Replaces mechanical input devices

• No physical contact required
• No training needed
 Disadvantages:
• Possible for unintentional movement to be picked up
• Only works near to the sensor
• May only accept a limited number of movements

Artificial intelligence
AI is a machine or application that carries out different tasks that need a certain
level of human intelligence.
Negative Impacts of AI

• Lead to job losses

• People can become too dependent on it
• Loss of skills

Extended reality
Refers to real and virtual combined environments.
Augmented reality (AR):

• Allows the user to experience the relationship between the digital and
physical world.
• Virtual information and objects are overlaid in real world situations
• The user is not isolated from the real world and can still interact and see
what’s in-front of them.
• Will affect safety and rescue operations, entertainment and shopping in the
future.
Virtual reality (VR):

• Takes the user out of the real world environment into a virtual
environment.
• The user is fully immersed in a simulated digital world
• The user must wear a VR headset.
• Will impact military applications, healthcare, fashion, business,
entertainment etc in the future.
Unit 2- Input and output devices

Uses of keyboards:

• Input of data
• Typing in commands

Advantages of keyboards:
• Fast entry
• Well known method
• Easy to use
Disadvantages of keyboards:

• Difficult to use if user has limited arm use

• Slow method
• Uses a lot of desk space

Uses of numeric keypads:

• ATM’S
• Point of sale terminals

Advantages of numeric keypads:

• Faster than standard keyboards when entering numbers

• They are easy to carry around Disadvantages of numeric keypads:

• Small keys
• Order of the numbers on the key bad are not intuitive
Uses of a mouse:

• Opening, closing minimizing software, controlling the pointer etc.

Advantages of a mouse:

• Faster method for choosing options

• Quick way of navigating through applications
• Doesn’t need a large desk area

Disadvantages of a mouse:

• Difficult to use for people with restricted wrist movements

• Easy to damage
• Difficult to use if no flat surface is available

Advantages or a touch pad:

• Same as the mouse

• Requires no desk space
Disadvantages of a touch pad:

• Can be more difficult to control when compared to a normal mouse

• More difficult to use when doing certain operations such as drag and drop

Uses of a tracker-ball:

• Food alternative for a mouse with people with RSI

• Used in luxury cars
Advantages of tracker ball:

• Does not need the same control as a mouse

• More accurate positioning of the pointer on screen
• More robust than a mouse
• Need less desk space
Disadvantages of tracker ball:

• More costly than a mouse

• User may need training Uses of remote control:

• Televisions, AC’s, satellite systems.

Advantages of remote control:

• Can be operated from a reasonable distance Disadvantages of remote

control:
• It is easy to block the signal

Uses of joysticks:

• Used in video games

• Used in simulators
Advantages of joysticks:
• Easier than a keyboard to navigate the screen
• Control is more realistic
Disadvantages of joysticks:
• More difficult to control the on screen pointer
Uses of driving wheel:
• Same as joystick
Advantages of driving wheel:

• Easier than any divorce to control steering movements

• The ‘driving experience’ is realistic.
Disadvantages of driving wheel:

• It can be an expensive device

• Movements can be too sensitive
Uses of scanners:
• Scanning documents
• Scanning old documents and protecting the original
• Scan barcodes at POS terminals
Advantages of scanners:

• Images can be stored for editing at a later date

• When used with OCR it’s much faster and more accurate Disadvantages of
scanners:
• Limited quality
• Some scanners are slow at scanning

Uses of microphones:

• To input speech/sound to be used in various applications

• Can be used as a sensor to pick up sounds

Advantages of microphones:

• Faster to read in text than to type it using a keyboard

• Possible to manipulate sound in real time
• Can in improve safety if used in voice activation system
Disadvantages of microphones:
• Sound files can use up a lot of computer memory.
• Voice recognition software is not as accurate as typing in manually

2.2 direct data entry devices

Uses of Magnetic strip readers:

• On credit cards at ATM’s

 • Security devices to allow entry into buildings, hotel rooms etc.
Advantages of magnetic strip readers:

• Fast data entry

• Error free
• Secure
• Physically very robust

Disadvantages of magnetic strip reader:

• If the magmatic strip is damaged, the data is lost.

• Does not work at a distance
• Information is not human readable

How to use contactless debit card readers:

1. Costumers look for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal

2. The shop assistant enters the amount for payment
3. The card reader informs the costumer to present their contactless card
4. The costumer holds their card close to the front of card reader
5. The terminal display will indicate that the card has been read successfully.
Advantages of using contactless cards:

• No PIN code is needed

• Faster transactions
Disadvantages or using contactless cards:

• They are more expensive than normal cards

• Transactions are limited to small maximum values
• A thief could easily spend the money on the card without the need of a PIN
code.

Uses of chip and pin readers:

• Any place where payments are made using cards

Advantages of chip and pin readers:
• More secure system than contactless
• More robust system than magmatic stripe cards
Disadvantages of chip and pin reader:
• Fraud.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) readers:
Radio frequency identification readers use radio waves to read and capture
information stored on A tag. An RFID tag is made-up of two components:
1. a microchip that stores and processes information.
2. An antenna which is used to receive and transmit data/information.
Uses of RFID:

• Tracking livestock
• Retail
• Libraries
Advantages of RFID:

• No line of sight contact is necessary

• A very robust and reliable technology
• Very fast read rate
Disadvantages of RFID:
• Tag collision
• Radio waves can easily be jammed or interrupted
• Easy to hack into
• RFID is expensive

Optical mark recognition (OMR)

optical mark recognition or OMR is a device which can read marks written in pen
or pencil on a form.
Uses or OMR:

• Used to read questionnaires

• MCQ exams
Advantages of OMR:

• Very fast way of inputting data

• More accurate then keying in data

Disadvantages of OMR:
• The forms need to be carefully designed
• There can be problems if the forms aren’t filled in properly.

Optical character recognition (OCR)

Optical character recognition OCR is the name given to a device that converts
the text on a hard copy document into an electronic form
Uses of OCR:
• Processing passports and identity cards.
• Converting hard copy documents into electronic form.
Advantages of OCR:

• Much faster data entry system then keying in data

• Number of errors are reduced
Disadvantages of OCR:
• The system has some difficulty reading some handwritings
• Still not very accurate.

OMR OCR
 The information obtained is limited to It is possible for costumers to extend
the choices in the questions. their answers to questions
Relies on reading where marks are Can read handwriting but if the
made on a page. handwriting is poor, it may cause
errors
The recognition system is simpler than Requires a complex recognition
OCR system
More accurate method of reading Can have trouble accurately reading
data than OCR the data

Uses or barcode readers:

 Used in supermarkets and other shops where items are marked with
a barcode
 Used in libraries to keep track of books

Advantages of barcode systems:

• Much faster than keying in data

• Fewer mistakes
• Allow automatic stock control
• Tried and trusted technology
Disadvantages or barcode systems:
• Relatively expensive
• Not fool proof
• Can be more easily damaged than RFID tags.

Quick response (QR) code scanners:

QR codes are made-up of a matrix of filled in dark squares on a light
background. QR codes can hold considerably more information than the more
conventional barcodes described earlier
Uses of QR codes:
• Used in advertising
• Contains links to apps
• Used in restaurants for menu’s
Advantages of QR codes:
• They hold more information than barcodes
• Fewer errors than with barcodes
• Easier to read
Disadvantages of QR codes:

• More than 1 QR formate is available

• QR codes can be used to transport malicious codes.

How to read QR codes:

1. Point the phone or tablet camera to the QR code
2. The apps will process the image and convert the squares into readable data
3. The browser software will read the data generated by the apps, and de ode
any web address within the QR code
4. The user will be sent to a website if the code contained a link, or be sent to
the phones app if it contained a phone number
5. If the QR code contained a boarding pass it will be sent to the phone/tablet

Uses of CRT monitors:

• They are used in specialist areas such as CAD

• They are used with light pens

Advantages of CRT monitors:

 • The screen can be clearly seen at a wider range of viewing angles
• They allow the use of light pens
Disadvantages of CRT monitors:
• They tend to be very heavy
• They run very hot and can cause fires if left unattended
• They consume more power than LCD monitors.

Uses of LCD monitors:

• Used as the main output device for most modern computers.

• Offer touch screen input
Advantages of LCD screens:
• Very efficient, low power consumption.
• Lightweight device
• Very sharp image resolution
• Screens can be made in variety of sizes.

Disadvantages of LCD screens:

• Motion blur
• Lower contrast than CRT monitors
• Can have weak stuck pixels

Laser printers
Laser printers produce very high-quality hard copy output. the print rate per page
is very quick if a large number of pages are being printed.
Uses of laser printers:

• They are used where low noise is require.

• For high quality high volume printing.
Advantages of laser printers
 • Printing is fast
• They can handle very large printing jobs
Disadvantages of laser printers:
• Only fast if several copies are being made.
• Color laser printers can be expensive to run
• They produce ozone and volatile organic compounds.

Inkjet printers
Used to produce good quality hard copies.
Uses of inkjet printers:

• Used where low output volumes are required

• If high quality printing is required for one page
Advantages of inkjet printers:
• High quality output
• Cheaper than laser printers
• Very lightweight and have a small physical footprints
Disadvantages of inkjet printers

• Slow output of several copies are needed

• Cannot do large print jobs
• Can be expensive if used a lot

Uses Dot matrix printers:

• They can be used in noisy and dirty environments

• Widely used in till receipts

Advantages of dot matrix printers:

 • Can be used in dusty/dirty/moist atmospheres • Carbon copies or multi-
part outputs can be made.
• Very cheap to run and maintain
Disadvantages of dot matrix printer:

• Very noisy
• Very slow, poor quality printing
• More costly then inkjet printer

Uses of (Graph) plotters:

• Producing architectural drawings

• Producing engineering drawings
• Drawing animation characters
Advantages of plotters:
• Very high quality
• Able to print on variety of materials
• Able to produce large monochrome drawings

Disadvantages of plotters:

• Very slow at printing

• Expensive equipment
• Have a very large physical footprint

How to creat a solid object using 3D printers:

1. A design is made using computer aided design CAD software

2. the finished drawing is imported into a special software that prepares it
in a format that is understood by the 3D printer
3. the 3D printer is set up to allow the solid object to be made
4. the solid object is built up layer by layer often only 0.1 millimeters thick
5. the object is removed from the printer and is then prepared
Uses of speakers

• Used in most phones and built into most computers

• Helps visually impaired people
• Plays downloaded sound files

Advantages of speakers:

 Sounds amplified through speakers can be much louder than the originals
 It can creat a good atmosphere when watching a movie for example
Disadvantages of speakers:
• Can output sounds that are disturbing to others
• Can be expensive to output high quality sounds
• Can take up slot of desk space

Unit 3- Storage devices and media

Magnetic tape
A magnetic tape is a very thin strip of plastic which is coated in a magnetic layer.
Uses of magnetic tape:
• Used in applications
• Used as backup media
• Used in long term archiving of data

Advantages of magnetic tapes:

• They are less expensive than hard disk drives

• Very robust technology
• Huge data storage capacity
• Fast data transfer rates
Disadvantages of magnetic tapes:

• Very slow data access time

• When updating, another tape is needed
• They are affected by magnetic fields

Hard disk drives HDD:

Hard disk drives (HDD) are still one of the most
common methods used to store data on the
computer data is stored in a digital format on the
magnetic surfaces of the hard disks.
Uses of fixed hard disk drives:

• To store the operating system

• Storing application software
• Used in real time systems
• Used in file servers for computer networks
Advantages of fixed hard disk drives:

• Very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.
• Large memory capacities.
Disadvantages of fixed hard disk drives:

• Can be easily damaged

• They have many moving which can affect their overall reliability
• Their read/write operation can be quite noisy

Uses of Portable hard disk drive:

• Can be used as a backup system to prevent loss of data

• Can be used to transfer data

Advantages of portable hard disk drive:

 • The data access time and data transfer rates are very fast.
• They have a large memory capacity
• Can be used as a method of transferring information between computers.
Disadvantages of portable hard disk drives:

• Can be easily damaged

• Data transfer rate is not as fast as fixed HDD’s

Uses of CD-R and DVD-R:

• Home recording of music and films

• Used to store data to be kept for later use.
Advantages or CD-R and DVD-R:

• Cheaper medium than RE disks.

• Once burned, they behave like ROM.
Disadvantages of CD-R and DVD-R:

• Can only be recorded once

• Not all CD/DVD players cab read CD-R and DVD-R.
Uses of CD-RW/DVD-RW

• Used to record television programs

• Used in CCTV systems
• Can be used as a backup device Advantages of CD-RW/DVD-RW:

• Can be written over many times

• Can use different file formats.
• Not as wasteful as R format.
Disadvantages of CD-RW/DVD-RW:

• Can be relatively expensive media

• Possible to accidentally overwrote data

Uses of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM:

 • They are read only which means they cannot be written in.
• Used to store music files
• DVD-ROM is used to store movies
Advantages of CD-ROM,DVD-ROM

• They are less expensive than HDD systems

Disadvantages of CD-ROM, DVD-ROM

• The data transfer rate/data access time is slower than for hard disks.

Blu-Ray discs:

• A blue laser is used to carry out read and write operations.

• Using blue laser light means that pits and lands can be much smaller.
• Blu-ray’s can store up up to five times more data than normal DVD’s.

Comparison of the capacity and interactivity of DVD and Blu-ray Discs.

• A standard single layer DVD had 4.7 GB but a single Blu-ray Disc had a
capacity of 27GB.
• Blu ray devices allow greater interactivity than DVD devices. ➢ For
example: record high-definition television programs.
Skip quickly to any part of the disc
Creat playlists

Uses of Blu-ray Discs:

• Home video consoles

• Storing and playing back movies.

Advantages of Blu-ray Disc:

 • Very large storage capacity
• Very fast data transfer
• Data access speed is greater than with other optical media.
Disadvantages of Blu-ray Discs:

• Relatively expensive discs • Encryption problems

• Introduction of HD.
Comparison of CD,DVD and blu-ray
Disk Laser Wavelength Disk Track
type color of construction pitch
laser
light
CD red 780nm Single 1.2 mm 1.60
polycarbonate micrometer
layer
DVD red 650nm Two 0.6 mm 0.74
polycarbonate micrometer
layers
Blu-ray (single blue 405nm Single 1.2 mm 0.30
layer) Polycarbonate micrometer
layer
Blu-ray (dual blue 405nm Two 0.6 mm 0.30
layer) polycarbonate micrometer
layers

Uses of Solid state drives (SSD)

• Can be used the same way as HDD’S

• They have given rise to the development of smartphones and tablets.
Advantages of SSD’s

• They are more reliable than HDD

• They are considerably lighter
• They have lower power Disadvantages of SSD’s
 • The longevity of the technology
• The SSD endurance

Uses of memory sticks/pen drives:

• Transporting files between computers

• Used as a security device to prevent software piracy
Advantages of memory sticks/pen drives:
• Very compact and portable media.
• Very robust.
• Not affected by magnetic fields.
Disadvantages of memory sticks/pen drives:

• Easy to lose
• The user needs to be very careful when removing a memory stick so to not
corrupt the data.
Memory cards:

➢ SD cards (Secure digital card)

➢ XD cards (extreme digital card)
➢ CFast card (compactfast card)
Uses of memory cards

• Storing photos on digital cameras

• Used as mobile phone memory cards
• Used in MP3 players
Advantages of memory cards

• Very compact
• Durable
• Hold large amount of data
Disadvantages of memory cards:

• Have a lower storage capacity than hard disks

• Expensive per gigabyte
• Likely to be lost or stolen.
The future of storage devices:
CD’s and DVDs are showing signs of becoming obsolete. Many computer systems now
only come with a USB connector. The main method of transferring files has become flash
memories. Many people now store their music on hard disk drive systems or MP3
formats on their phones/tablets etc. using cloud or streaming the music from the
internet. Smart televisions make it possible to stream movies on demand.