The main components of computer system

1. Central processing unit (cpu)

The main component of computer that understands and exates hardware and
software operations. Nowadays it is also known as a microprocessor. It is a single
intergrated circuit that is at the care of most Pis and is also present in many
household gadgets and equipment where some control or monitoring is required.

Three parts of CPU

 Control unit (Cu): it manages the input and output devices.

 Arithmetic logic unit (ALU): it performs computations and makes logical,
judgement and tiny mamory reion known registers.

Internal memory

1) Random Access Memory temporary memory storage

 Lose data after power is shut down.
 Performs read and write functions.
 Used to store data that currently in use.
 Can be increased in size to improve operational speed.

Network

Network is two or more computers that are linked together so that they are able to
share resources could be a printer, scanner, software or even a connection in the
internet.

Network devices

o NIC
o Routers
o Hubs
 o Switch
o Bridges
o Modem

Router – network device that can be hardware device that reads the address
information to determine the final destination of the packet from details stored in a
table in the router, the router can direct the packet into the next networks on its
journey. The data packet is then received by routers on other network and sents on its
way until finally ending up at the final destination networks.

When data is transferred from one network to another, the data is put into packet. The
packet contains details of destination address of the network it is intended for
computers on the same network all have the same first part of the internet protocol
address and this is used to locate a particular network.

Each computer linked to the internet is given a number which is called its IP (Internet
Protocol) address. An IP address looks like this 123.456.1.68 and its unique for each
device while linked to the internet.

Network interface cards (NICs) – before a computer can be connected to a network,

it will have to need a network interface card. A network cards allows a connection to be
made between the network cables and the motherboard of the computer.

Basically a NIC does the following

 It prepares the data for sending

 It sends the data
 It controls the flow of data from the computer to the transmission media

Hubs

It is a simple device that does not manage any of the data traffic

Switches
Are used to join computers and other devices together in a network but they work in a
more intelligent way compared to hubs.

Bridges

Are used to connect LANs together when one of the LANs sends a message all devices
on the device on the LAN receive the message. This increases the amount of data
flowing on the LAN often a large LAN is divided into series of smaller LANs. If a
message is sent from one computer in a LAN to another computer in a different LAN
then message needs to pass between LANs using a bridge.

Modem

Have been largely replaced by routers for providing access to the internet as routers are
much faster. A modem converts the data from the COMPs (digital data) into sound
(analogue data) that can be sent a long ordinary telephones lines once the data arrives
at the other end of the line, the sound will need to be converted.

Internal hard disc drive (HDD) or Solid State drive (SSD)

 Computers main internal storage

 This stores the application software, operating software and files.
 They have fast data transfer rates data access times
 Large memory capacity to store data

RAM (Random Access memory)

It is an internal chip where data is stored temporarily

 Memory can be written to and read from

 Stores anything that needs to be changed
 All programs and data being used are on RAM
 Contents lost when computer is turned off
 Refed to as volatile memory

ROM (Read Only Memory)

It is the memory used to store permanent information

 Used to contain configuration data for a computer

 Chips cannot be altered, only read from
 Data not lost when computer is turned off
 Referred to as non-volatile memory

Computer

It is an electronic machine that receives data, store processed data and gives out
information.

Parts of computer

1. Hardware – physical part of the computer

2. Software – instruction that guides the hardware to function

Types of hardware

1. Internal – hardware that are found inside the system unit. E.g RAM, ROM
2. External – hardware that are not found inside the system unit. E.g Monitor

Software – programs for controlling the operating of a computer or for processing

electronic data.

Software consist of sets of instructions that tells the computer hardware what to do.
Software is written in a computer language and there are quite a few different ones,
computer hardware is useless without a software.

Types of software

1) Application software – programs that are designed to carry out certain operations
for a particular applications.
2) System software – programs for controlling the operation of a computer or for
processing electronic data.

Application software include:

a) Word processing – software that allows the computation editing, re-formation,
storing and printing or documants, e.g Microsoft word.
b) Spread sheets
Software that stores data in cells formed by the intersection of rows and columns
that can be used to help to sort data, arrange data and calculate values, it can
calculate values using mathematical formulae and the data contained in the cells,
e.g Microsoft excel
c) Databased management system
Software that provides facilities for the organization and management or the
body of information required for a particular application.
d) Control system
e) Software used to supply instructions in order to tell devices such as washing
machines, automatic cookers and how to operate.
f) Measuring software
Software used to issue instructions to sensors to take measurements of physical
quantities such as temperature, pressure e.t.c and input the readings into the
computers for processing.
Examples of system software
Operating system
Utilities
Device driver

File management
File management on a computer is similar to filling documents in a cabinet.
A filling cabinet is used to store proper files in cardboard folder in the same way
we can store files and folders on a computer.
File management it is a built-in application that used to organize files and
folders.
Basic concept of file management
 File folders are used to organize a computer files so that it can be found easier.
The path it shows the location where a file web page or item is located on the
computer. It shows which storage device the file is saved line the drive letter
which folders and sub-folder the file is saved, the name of the file and type of
file.
Presentation files
It stores information using sliders that can be shown consecutively, sliders are
short, they can contain pictures and animations and are generally attractive file
extension for presentations are:
Spreadsheet file:
They store information in a large table or do calculations.

Printers
Printers are used to provide users with output in hard copy form. This means the
output is printed on paper.
Loser printer
Are the type of printers used by businesses and organization because of their
high speed after this reason, they are usually choosen a printer user for network.
Advantages of loser printer
 Very quit important when used as a network printer in an office where
plans are also being used.
 Supplies last longer – the toner cartridge lasts longer than inkjet cartridge.
 High printing speed essential to have high speed of lots of people on a
network are using one printer.
 Very reliable fewer problems compared to inkjet printer.
 High quality printouts
 They are cheaper to run, e.g they have a lower cost per page compared
to inkjet printer.

Disadvantages of laser printers

  More expensive to buy but one they are cheaper to run.
 Power consumption is high
 Colour laser are more expensive to buy
 Most laser printers are laser than inkjet printer

Inkjet printer

A popular with home users because they are relatively cheap to buy, however, they are
more expensive to run because of the high cost of ink cartridge. They work by spraying
ink onto a paper and can produce very good colour or black and white printout.

Advantages of inkjet printers

 Relatively small compared to laser printer

 They do not provide on zone or organize vapour which can cause health
problems
 High quantity printed ideal for printing photograth trauses and illustrated text
 Quietness of operation – this is important in on office as telephone call or
conversation with collagues can be conducted during printing
 Inkjet printers are usually cheap than laser printers

Disadvantages of inkjet printers

 Cartridge do not last long, this means they need to be replaced frequently.
 High cost of ink cartridge this is a key for low volume work but fore volume it is
cheaper to use a colour laser printer.
3) Wide format printers

Can hande printing on sheets of paper 24 inches or wide. Some businesses may have a
need to produce, maps, plans and other large format document and may decide to
purchase one.

Advantages of wide format printers

  Can print on paper than A4 so its ideal for printing maps, sale drawings, posters
e.t.c
 Do not need to use the series of professional print shops which can be expensive
 Printouts larger than A4 such as maps can be printed

Sensors

Sensors are able to measure quantities such as temperature, pressure and amount of
light. The sign picked up by the sensors can be sent to and analysed by the computer
sensors.

Be found in lots of devices such as burglar alarm control heading system washing
machines, e.t.c and as well as sensing, they are also used to control the device in same
way.

Advantages of using sensors

 The readings are more accurate than those taken by humans.

 The readings can be taken more frequently than by a human
 They work when a human is not present so costs are less
 They work in dangerous environments (e.g down deep mines or in nuclear
reators).

Disadvantages of sensors

 Purchase cost
 Dirt and greate may affect performance

Pressure sensor

Measures liquid pressure, the pressure in a liquid increases depth and physical pressure
when something is pressing down a pad some pressure sensor measure at atmosphere
pressure which is an important quantity for predicting the weather.

Light sensor
These are used to measure light intensity and can be used in security which come on
when it gets dark and go off when it gets light sensors can be used to or for burglar
alarm systems, production line control and environmental monitoring ( e.g the
conditions in a green house).

The internet

A huge group of world wide networks joined together. Each of these network consists
of lots of smaller network.

Advantages of the internet

 Huge amounts of information can be accessed almost anywhere.

 Improved communication system. It includes the uses of test messages, email,
instant messaging, e.t.c
 Changes in the way we shop – many people prefer to shop online.

Disadvantages of the internet

 Misinformation – there are many bogus or fake sites so you need to check the
information you obtain carefully or use only reliable sites.
 Cyber-crime – we have to be extremely careful about revealing personal
information such as bank and credit card details.
 Addiction to gambling as there are many casino, bingo, horse racing e.t.c beting
sides.

The difference between internet and world wide web (www)

The internet is the huge network of networks. It connects millions of computers

globally and allows them to communicate with each other. The world wide web is the
way of accessing the information on all these networked computers and makes use of
web pages and web browsers to store and access the information.

The intranet
An intranet is a private network that is used inside an organization and makes use of
web pages, browsers and other technology just like the internet.

The difference between an intranet and internet

 Internet stands for interaction network, whereas intranet stands for internal
restricted access network.
 An intranet contains only information or informing concerning a particular
organization that has set it up where as the internet contains information about
everything.
 With an intranet you can block sites which are outside the internet network using
a proxy server.
 An intranet can be accessed from anywhere with correct authentication.

Advantages of intranet

 The internal email system is more secured compared to sending emails using
the internet.
 Only information that is relevant to the organization can be accessed and this
prevents employees accessing sites that are inappropriate or which will cause
them to a waste of time.

Two types of network LAN and WAN

LAN WAN
Confined to a small area Covers a wide geographical area
Usually located in a single building In lots of different buildings and cities
Uses cables, wireless, infrared and Use more expensive telecommunication
microwave links which are usually owned links that are supplied by
by the organisation telecommunication companies (e.g.
satellite links)
Less expensive to build as equipment is More expensive to build as systems are
owned by the organization used involving rental of communication
 lines

WLAN

Stands for wireless local area network and means LAN where the computers are able to
communicate with each other wirelessly WLAN is the type of network you have in your
home where several computers are all able to access the internet wirelessly at the same
time.

A WLAN

Allow a group of computers or allows users to move around an area and yet still stay
connected to the internet.

Advantages and disadvantages of WLAN compared to cable LAN

Advantages of a WLAN

 It is cheaper as there is less cabling needed

 Very easy to link devices such as printer and scanner to the network
 You can work anywhere in the building in range the wireless signal

Disadvantages of a WLAN

 There may be areas in a building where the radio signal is too weak
 Wireless signals are not as reliable as wired cables and the data transfer speeds
are not as high
 There are security problems as the radio signal could be intercepted hackers

The advantages and disadvantages of using different

types of computer to access internet
Advantages of using a smart-phones to access the internet and
disadvantages

Advantages

 The internet can be accessed anywhere provided, there is Wi-Fi or a mobile

signal.
 Encourage users to socialize with the social networking application.
 You can stay connected while moving around.

Disadvantages

 Smart-phones are not easy for parents to police it possible that children could
access unsuitable content of arrange to meet up with strangers
 The small screen and keyboard can be frustrating to use compared to tablets,
desktop or laptop
 As the smart-phone is usually carried all the time, the frequent checking of email
and internet application may take time and attention away from interpersonal
relationship

Advantages and disadvantages of using a table to access the internet

Advantages

 Tablets are smaller and lighter than most laptops and desktops which makes
them easier to carry
 Tablets have larger access or screens compared to smartphones which makes
using the internet easier
 Tablets are easy to use when standing up, making them useful for accessing
information about places of interest ,galleries e.t.c, when you are visiting them

Disadvantages

 Tablets have a smaller screen than most laptops and desktops so it is hard to
see a page without the need to scroll it
  Tablets come with a virtual keyboard which is not as easy to use as real
keyboards used with laptops and desktops
 The awkward position in which tablets are used may lead to future health
problems

Advantages and disadvantages of using a laptop computer to access the

internet

Advantages

 Designed to be portable so they are smaller and lighter compared to a desktop

 Can be used when a flat surface is not available to use mouse
 Has an almost full-sized keyboard which make typing search conditions easier

Disadvantages

 Not as portable as a smart-phone or tablet because of it’s size and weight

(typically 21kg)
 The screen and keyboard are attached, which lead to incorrect posture being
used which can cause backache, or other health problems

Advantages and disadvantages of using a desktop computer to access the

internet

Advantages

 A full size keyboard and mouse make it easier to type search and make
selections
 The majority of web pages are designed to be viewed using a desktop and this
enables the pages to be viewed as the website designed meat to be viewed

Disadvantages

 Desktop computers are not portable as they are large and heavy.
 Desktop computers are hard to use while standing up.