Chapter 1

Hardware and software

Hardware - is the physical parts of the computer system the parts
that you can touch and see.
E.g. CPU, a keyboard and a monitor
Software - is a collection of instructions that can be run on a
computer. These instructions tell the computer what to do.
E.g.

Difference between hardware and software

Computer hardware is the physical components that make up the

computer system.
Software is instructions that tell computer hardware what to do.

Main computer components

Central processing unit (CPU) - is the 'brain' of the computer. It is
the device that carries out software instructions.
Main memory
Data or instructions that are to be processed by the CPU must be
placed into main memory (sometimes known as primary storage).
Random accesses memory (RAM) - is the part of the computer that
temporarily stores the instructions that the computer is running, and
the data it is processing.
Read only memory (R0M) - Is used in most computers to hold a
small, special piece of software: the 'boot up' program.

Peripheral devices
Other devices need to be connected to allow data to be passed in and
out of the computer.
Usually categorized into input devices, output devices and storage
devices.
Input devices
Devices that pass data into the computer.
E.g. A keyboard, a mouse and a webcam

Output devices

Devices that take data from the

computer.
E.g. A monitor, a printer and a
loudspeaker
Secondary (backing storage)
Devices that can store data in a computer system.
E.g. hard drive, a CD-ROM, a floppy disc and a USB memory stick.

Operation system
A piece of software that manages the general operation of a computer
system.
Useless
On its own the hardware of
Computer is useless.

the

It works (but nor very useful)

Add an operation system and the computer actually works

+
Useful
To do useful work you have to add an application software.

+
+
User interference
When people use a system to interact with a computer e.g. to give
commands
Two types to be aware of:
1. Graphical User Interference (GUI)
2. Command Line Interference (CLI)
Graphical User Interference
Built around visual things.

Windows the screen used to display information.

Icons small pictures that represent folders, software etc.
Menus lists of options a user can select.
Pointer an arrow that can be moved around the screen to select things.

Command Line Interference

No visual clues to tell you what to do next so its only used by experts.

Types of computer
Mainframe computer
A large computer used by big businesses
Mainframe computer are:

Powerful
Large
Multi user

Personal computer (PC)

Known as desktop computers or PCs
Smaller than a mainframe but contains the same components but
differs in cost.

Laptop computer

Light
Compact
Portable

Has a rechargeable battery so it can be used as it charges.

Has a built in LCD monitor.

Instead of a mouse they have a track pad.

Instead of a wired connection to a network printer it can be wirelessly
connected.

Chapter 2
Input and Output devices
Input Keyboards
Alphanumeric keyboard
Allows text (abc), numbers (123) to be entered into a computer.
Numeric keyboard
Small keyboard that only has numbers.
Used to enter numeric data into computers like an ATM.
Pin Pad

A devise with a numeric keypad used to enter a personal identity

number (PIN).

Input pointing devices

Used with Graphical User Interference (GUI)

Mouse

A pointing device found on Pcs. the sensors on the bottom can detect
when the mouse is being moved.
Used to control the pointer in a GUI
Touchpad / Trackpad

A pointing device found on laptops.

Takes up less space.
Used to control the pointer in a GUI.
Tracker ball

It is a large ball that the users spins and depending on the direction the
ball is spun the data can be passed to the computer.
Can be used to control a GUI pointer
Used by disabled people and very younger people, as its easier to use
than a mouse.
Touch screen

An alternative to a separate pointing device.

The user selects items on the screen by touching the surface.
Simple to use.
Graphics tablet

A pointing device used by designers and artists to allow natural hand

movements.
Joystick

Mainly used for playing games.

The user moves the joystick left/right; forward/back and data about
these movements are sent to the computer.
Light pen

A device used as a pointing device or to write on the screen of the

computer.
Rarely used as graphic tablets and high quality touch screens provide
the same function.