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Types and components of computer systems


Hardware
Memory There are two types of memory: RAM (random access memory) ROM (read only memory).
Random access memory

RAM is the computers working memory. RAM temporarily stores programs and data that are being used at a given time. The contents of RAM can be changed and are lost when the computer is turned off. This is known as volatile memory.
Read only memory

The main use of ROM is to store the program that runs when the computer is turned on which loads the operating system. The contents of ROM cant be changed and arent lost when the computer is switched off. This is known as non-volatile memory.
Bits and bytes

Computers store and process data using binary numbers. A single unit in binary is called a bit which stands for binary digit. Computer memory is measured in bytes. One byte is made up of eight bits.
1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

The eight-bit binary code in this byte represents the letter B. The size of a computers memory is normally measured in kilobytes (kB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). The table below shows some of the main units of size that we use to measure computer memory.

Unit kilobyte megabyte gigabyte terabyte

Abbreviation kB MB GB TB

Size 1 kB = 1024 bytes 1 MB = 1024 kB 1 GB = 1024 MB 1 TB = 1024 GB

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 1

Main components
Hardware all the parts of the physical equipment which makes the computer. Software all the programs that allow the hardware to carry out the data processing.

Input

Central processing unit (CPU)

Backing store

Output

Why use computers? Computers are extremely fast. Computers are very accurate. Computers can work 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Computers make some jobs possible. Disadvantages of using computers Computers can replace peoples jobs. Computers hold personal information which could be misused. Computers can fail and without them the job may not get done. Processing data Computers can: calculate sort search store draw.

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 2

Operating systems
An operating system (OS) is a set of programs that controls how the hardware and applications of a computer works. An OS is the way of communicating between the user and the computer. The OS loads and runs the other software application programs and other jobs. The operating system on a computer means that usually only certain applications will run on that computer.

Functions The operating system: enables communication between the user and the computer; loads and runs applications programs as well as other jobs; will only run applications written for that particular type of OS; handles input and output: taking data from the input devices and sending it to RAM; taking output and sending it to the correct output device; handles the transfer of data from memory to and from the backing storage devices; allocates memory space to programs and data; loads and runs the applications software in memory; handles any errors while the software is running; manages system security, with user ID and passwords; provides a humancomputer interface, or HCI, for the user. Humancomputer interface (HCI) This is the method by which the users communicates with the computer, sometimes called the user interface.
Two type of HCI are: command-line interface graphical user interface or GUI.
Command-line interface

The user types in the instructions using command words. The main advantage of command-driven interfaces is that, providing the user knows the commands, they can be quick to carry out, since they require less translation by the OS than GUIs. They can also be used in batch files to carry out repetitive administration tasks that would take a long time using a GUI.
Graphical user interface

The most widely used type of graphical user interfaces are WIMP (Windows Icons Menu Pointer) systems. The main advantage of a GUI it is easy to use. The main disadvantage is the large amount of memory, RAM and disk space that is needed.

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 3

Software
There are two main types of computer software system software and application software. Application software is used in particular situations and can be general-purpose (the same software used in differing situations) or specialist/custom-made (can only be used in one particular situation).

General purpose A general-purpose application package (generic) is software that can perform different related tasks.
Word processors, spreadsheets, databases, graphics and presentation software are all examples of application packages. They are: relatively cheap readily available can generally be installed quickly and easily thoroughly tested well supported with books and on-line help. Here are some examples: Database packages (e.g. MS Access, Foxpro, Open Office, Lotus Approach, Paradox) are used to store and retrieve information. Spreadsheet packages (e.g. MS Excel, Open Office, Lotus 123) are used for tasks that involve calculations or graphs and charts. Word-processing packages (e.g. MS Word, WordPerfect, Open Office) are used to produce letters, reports and memos. Desktop-publishing (DTP) packages (e.g. MS Publisher, PageMaker, PagePlus) are used to produce posters, newsletters. Graphics packages (e.g. Paint, PaintBrush, Serif Draw, Corel Draw) are used for artwork. Computer-aided design (CAD) packages (e.g. 2D-Design, AutoCAD, TurboCAD) are used to produce detailed designs and plans. Communications software (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox) is used to access the Internet and send and receive email. Presentation packages (e.g. PowerPoint, Open Office) are used to create slide shows and presentations. Web-page editors (e.g. MS FrontPage, Macromedia Dreamweaver) are used to create web pages.

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 4

Integrated packages

An integrated package combines different types of application together for instance, word-processing, spreadsheet and database in one single package. Integrated packages are cheaper than buying the different programs separately. Generally, interworking between the different applications is made easier with integrated packages.

Specialist software Specialist application software performs only one particular task. Examples include software for payroll, accounts, stock control, route planning and weather forecasting.

Types of computer
Mainframe computers Mainframe computers process large amounts of data and do so very quickly. Backing storage is provided on lots of disk drives.
A mainframe can have a large number of users connected to it at the same time. The most powerful mainframes are called supercomputers and are used for processing even larger and more complex amounts of data, such as in weather forecasting.

Personal computers A typical PC system consists of: a base or tower unit that contains the processor, backing storage devices (hard disk drive), DVD drive, USB connections, Firewire and other connections; input devices, normally a mouse and keyboard; output devices, typically a screen, printer and speakers. PCs are single-user computers and used to be called microcomputers. Laptop (notebook) A laptop is an example of a portable computer. Screens are typically 3547cm (1419in) and are used whilst travelling or at meetings. Netbook A netbook is an even smaller version of a laptop, screens typically 2025cm (810in). Palmtop and PDA (personal digital assistant) PDAs are small hand-held devices with limited functionality (diary, contact lists, email).
Palmtops are small computers with a small number of applications which can be synchronised with the main network system. If the PDA also has mobile phone capability, this is known as a smartphone.

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 5

Microprocessors A microprocessor is a single integrated circuit (chip) that performs the functions of a central processing unit (CPU).
Microprocessors are used to control devices such as washing machines, videos, burglar alarms, etc.
Advantages of microprocessors

Reliable no moving parts. Chips are cheap. Programmable so able perform different functions.

Disadvantages of microprocessors

Wasteful to replace whole unit when it could be repaired. Many of the extra features/programs may never be used. More complex more to go wrong and break down.

IGCSE ICT Cambridge University Press 2010

Revision notes: Module 1 6

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