CHAPTER 1B

Looking Inside the Computer System

PARTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
 Computer systems have four parts
 Hardware
 Software
 Data
 User

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PARTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
 Hardware
 Mechanical devices in the computer
 Define: The physical components of a computer or
electronic device that you can touch and see. This
includes everything from the internal parts (like the
CPU and RAM) to external devices (like keyboards
and monitors).
 Software
 Define: A collection of instructions, programs, or
data that tells a computer how to perform specific
tasks. Software can be categorized into system
software (like operating systems) and application
software (like word processors and games).
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PARTS OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
 Data
 Pieces of information
 Computers organize and present data
 Refers to information that is processed or stored
by a computer.
 Users
 People operating the computer
 Most important part
 Tell the computer what to do

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INFORMATION PROCESSING CYCLE
 Steps followed to process data
 Input: Collecting raw data from various sources.
 Processing: Manipulating and organizing the data using software to
convert it into usable information.
 Output:Displaying or presenting the processed information in a
useful format.
 Storage: Saving the data and information for future use.

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ESSENTIAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
 Computers use the same basic hardware
 Hardware categorized into four types

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ESSENTIAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
 Processing devices
 Processing devices are hardware components in a
computer system that perform computations and process
data. Here are some key types:
 1.Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Example: Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen.
 2. Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
 Example: NVIDIA GeForce RTX, AMD Radeon.

 Brains of the computer

 Carries out instructions from the program
 Manipulate the data
 Most computers have several processors
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)
 Secondary processors
 Processors made of silicon and copper
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ESSENTIAL COMPUTER HARDWARE

 Memory devices
 Stores
data or programs
 Random Access Memory (RAM)

•Type: Volatile memory.

•Function: Temporarily stores data and programs that the
CPU is currently using. It allows for quick read and write
access.

 Read Only Memory (ROM)

•Type: Non-volatile memory.

•Function: Permanently stores firmware or software that is
not intended to be modified frequently (e.g., the BIOS).

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ESSENTIAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
 Input and output devices
 Allows the user to interact
 Input devices accept data
 Keyboard, mouse
 Output devices deliver data
 Monitor, printer, speaker
 Some devices are input and output
 Touch screens

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ESSENTIAL COMPUTER HARDWARE
 Storage devices
 Hold data and programs permanently
 Different from RAM
 Magnetic storage
 Floppy and hard drive
 Uses a magnet to access data

 Optical storage
 CD and DVD drives
 Uses a laser to access data

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SOFTWARE RUNS THE MACHINE
 Tells the computer what to do
 Reason people purchase computers

 Two types
 System software
 Application software

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SOFTWARE RUNS THE MACHINE
 System Software
 Definition: Software designed to manage

and control computer hardware and provide

a platform for running application software.
 Examples:
 Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux.
 Device Drivers: Software that allows the
operating system to communicate with hardware
devices (e.g., printer drivers).
 Utility Programs: Software that performs
maintenance tasks, like disk management or
antivirus programs. 1B-
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SOFTWARE RUNS THE MACHINE
 Application Software
 Definition: Software designed to perform

specific tasks or applications for the user.

 Examples:
 Productivity Software: Microsoft Office (Word,
Excel), Google Workspace.
 Media Players: VLC Media Player, Windows
Media Player.
 Web Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
 Games: Video games and simulation software.

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COMPUTER DATA
 Computer data refers to information that is
processed or stored by a computer. It can take
various forms and is essential for the functioning
of applications and the overall computing
process. Here are the key aspects of computer
data:
 Types of Computer Data
 Text: Characters and strings of text, such as
documents, emails, and code.
 Numbers: Numeric values used in calculations,
such as in spreadsheets or databases.
 Images: Visual representations, including 1B-
photographs, graphics, and drawings (e.g., JPEG, 14
PNG formats).
COMPUTER USERS
 Computer Users and Their Roles
 Setup the System:
 Role: Users, especially system administrators, are responsible for
configuring hardware and software to ensure that a computer system is
ready for use.
 Install Software:
 Role: Users often install applications, updates, and system software to
enhance functionality or security.
 Tasks: Downloading, installing, and configuring software applications as
needed.
 Manage Files:
 Role: Users organize and maintain their files and data for easy access
and efficient workflow.
 Tasks: Creating folders, saving documents, backing up data, and
deleting unnecessary files.
 Maintain the System:
 Role: Regular maintenance ensures the system runs smoothly and
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 Tasks: Performing updates, running antivirus scans, managing storage,
and troubleshooting issues.
COMPUTER USERS
 "Userless" / Automated Computers
 Definition: Computers that operate without

direct human input.

 Characteristics:
 Automation: These systems can perform tasks
automatically based on pre-set instructions or
algorithms.
 Examples:
 Embedded Systems: Devices like washing machines
or microwave ovens that operate without user
intervention.
 Server Systems: Data centers that run automated
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processes for cloud computing or database 16
management.