01 TYPES AND

CHAPTER

COMPONENTS OF A
COMPUTER SYSTEM

Wai Lin • 09798447984

 In this chapter you will learn about:

● 1.1 – Hardware and Software

Learning ● 1.2 – Main Components of Computer System

Objective ●

●
1.3 – Operating Systems

1.4 – Types of Computer

● 1.5 – Impact of emerging Technologies

1.1 Hardware & Software
Hardware
● Hardware is tangible physical component of a computer system

● Tangible means that it can be touched and picked up

● Hardware falls into two categories:

External Hardware Devices: Internal Hardware Devices:

● Monitor ● Processor

● Keyboard ● Motherboard

● Mouse ● RAM & ROM

● Printer ● Video & Sound Cards

● External Storage Devices : Memory ● Internal Hard Disk Drives : HDD, solid
Stick, External HDD, etc. state drive (SSD)
Hardware Functions

Works with software to carry out jobs such as:

● Producing images on a computer screen (Monitor)

● Producing sound (Speaker)

● Moving cursors/ pointers around a screen (Mouse)etc.

*Peripheral devices : Devices that connect directly to a computer, but does not contribute to
the computer's primary function.
External Hardware Devices: Internal Hardware Devices:
● Monitor ● Central Processing Unit (CPU)

● Keyboard ● Motherboard

● Mouse ● Random Access Memory (RAM)

● Microphone ● Read-Only Memory (ROM)

● Speaker ● Sound Card

● Webcam ● Graphic/Video Card

● Scanner ● Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

● Printer ● Internal Solid State Drive (SSD)

● Memory Stick, ● CD/DVD Drive

● External HDD/SSD, etc. ● Power Supply Unit (PSU)

● SATA cable, etc.

Software
● Programs that control computer systems

● Set of instructions that make computer do something (display, sound)

● You cannot physically touch software

● Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects

● Without software, most hardware would be useless

Two types of software:

● System software

● Application software
System Software

Works with software to carry out jobs such as:

● Programs that allow the hardware to run properly

● Control computer's hardware and application program

● Communicate with user

● Eg: OS, Drivers, Utilities, Compiler, Linker, Interpreter, Device Manager, Error handling,
Task Manager, etc.
Levels of Programming Languages
Different Operating System (OS)
Application Software

Programs that allow the user to do

● specific task

● Design to carry out tasks

● Can be general purpose software or custom-made software (specialist software)

● Eg: Word Processing Software, Spreadsheet Software, Database Software,

Presentation Software, Video Editing Software, Web Browser, Games, etc.
Basic Layers of a Computer System
Any Questions?
1.2 – Main Components of
Computer System
What is Computer System?
A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and
information.

● Processing devices detail in Chapter 1

● Input, output & DDE devices detail in Chapter 2

● Storage devices detail in Chapter 3

Motherboard

● main printed circuit board

● holds and allows communication between many of the electronic components

● Communicate and send signals to each other via then BUS network.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)

● Part of computer that interprets and executes the commands from the computer
hardware and software.

● Processing done by central processing unit (Brain of most PCs)

● Made up of discrete components & small integrated circuits

● Due to modern techniques, referred as Microprocessor

 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Three main components:

● Control unit (CU) - coordinates input and output devices and carries out program
instructions

● Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) – performs calculations and logical comparison: 1 + 1 = 2, A>B ?

● Memory Unit (MU) - Stores data and instructions to process data.

❑ Immediate access store (IAS) - holds data and program instruction in current use (RAM)
Von Neumann Architecture
Internal Memory

● There are two types of internal memory:

○ Random Access Memory (RAM)
○ Read Only Memory (ROM)
● Store computer data
● Directly accessed by CPU
● RAM and ROM are sometimes referred to as ‘Primary Storage’
Random Access Memory (RAM)

● Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip

● where data is stored temporarily
● Contents are lost when computer power is turned off
● Referred to as volatile memory
● Memory can be written (save) to and read (open) from very quickly
● Very fast data transfer speed
● Stores anything that needs to be changed
● All program and data are being used on RAM
● More RAM → more programs can run at the same time
● Measure in GB (Gigabytes) 2GB, 4GB, 8GB
Read Only Memory (ROM)

● ROM is memory used to store permanent information

● Chips cannot be altered, only read (open) from
● Data not lost when computer is turned off
● Referred to as non-volatile memory
● Used to contain configuration data for a computer etc.
● Configuration file such as boot file → know as BIOS
BIOS (Basic Input Output System)

● Program instruction code, tells computer what to do when turned on.

● Hardware check (present or not, functional)
● Loads the operating system OS into RAM
● Store date/time and system configuration in non-volatile chip → CMOS
● CMOS (Complementary metal oxide semiconductor) → need power for date/time
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) / Solid State Drive (SSD)

● Main internal storage device

● Sometime referred as ‘Secondary Storage’
● Store:
○ Operating System (OS)
○ Software
○ Files – text, photo, music, etc.
● More detail in Chapter 3
Graphic Card / Video Card

● Allows computer to send graphical information

● Send to display devices → monitor, television, projector
● Connects to the motherboard
● Made up of:
○ A processing unit
○ Memory unit (RAM)
○ A cooling mechanism (heat sink, fan)
○ Connection ports (VGA, HDMI, DVI)
Sound Card

● Allows computer to produce and accept audio information

● Send to → speaker
● Accept from → microphone (mic)
● Connects to the motherboard
● Useful in the conversion of analogue data into digital and vice versa
Any Questions?
1.3 – Operating System (OS)
Operating System (OS)
● OS is a software program that manages computer resources

● Enables users to communicate with computer systems

● Controls operation of input, output & backing storage

● Supervises loading, running & storage of application program

● Deals with error in application programs

● Maintains security of whole computer system

● Maintains a computer log

User Interface (UI)

Two main types of interfaces:

● Command Line Interface (CLI)

● Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Command Line Interface (CLI)

● Types commands to tell the computer what to do

○ The user must know all the commands
○ Must not make typing errors
● Used by technicians
● Can access everything on the computer system
● GUI users can only access places they have icons for
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Advantages Disadvantages
● Knowing the correct commands, this ● Can be confusing
can be much faster than any other
interface type ● Commands must be typed precisely, if
there is a spelling error the command will
● Uses much less RAM than any other fail
interface type
● Low resolution, cheap monitors can be ● If you mistype an instruction, it is often
used necessary to start all over again

● CLI does not require Window to run ● Large number of commands need to be
learned
Graphical User Interface (GUI)

● Uses graphics to stand for the complicated actions

● Uses icons
● Uses a mouse to selector the icons
● Screen divided into windows allows different things on each
● WIMP - Windows Icons Menus Pointers
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Advantages Disadvantages
● Easy to use because requires little IT ● Larger amount of hard disk space than other
knowledge interfaces
● Easy to explore and find your way ● Significantly more memory (RAM) to run than
around the system other interface type
● Do not have to learn complicated
commands ● GUI use more processing power than other
types of interfaces
● Exchange data between different
software ● GUI can be slow for experienced programmers
to use, they find CLI much faster
● Good help facilities provided with GUIs
Any Questions?
1.4 – Types of computer
What is computer?
● Computer is electronic device that can accept information and then manipulate it to
produce a result.

● Many Types of computer, some common types are:

○ Desktop computer (Desktop PC)

○ Laptop computer (Laptop PC)

○ Tablets

○ Smartphone

○ Smartwatch

○ Mainframe computer
Desktop computer (Desktop PC)

● Refers to general purpose computers

● Used by one person at a time

● PC refers to IBM compatible computers, distinguishing them from the Macs

● Made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and processing unit

Uses of desktop PC

● Standalone computer

○ Self-sufficient and can operate without connecting to other PC

● Networked computer

○ PC joined together on a network

○ Share resources – printer, programs and information

○ Designed for multiple users

Network Topology Example
Laptop computer (Laptop PC)
● Refers to computers where monitor, keyboard, pointing device and
processor together in a single unit
● Extremely portable systems
○ Lightweight
○ Low power consumption
○ Processor doesn't generate too much heat

Uses of laptop PC
● Can be used as standalone or networked computer
Desktop PC over Laptop PC

Advantages Disadvantages
● Components are easily upgradeable ● Not portable since they are made up of
separate components, large and bulky
● Spare parts standardized results in low
costs ● Wiring clutters up desk space
● Tend to have better specifications for
given price ● Necessary to copy files as they aren't
portable
● Large casing allows good dissipation of
heat build up ● Need constant power supply as no
batteries
● Less damage due to fixed in one location
● Better internet access since no moving
around (same data transfer rate)
Laptop PC over Desktop PC

Advantages Disadvantages
● Portable because monitor, pointing ● Easy to steal
device, keyboard,
● Limited battery; need to carry charger
● processor & backing store units are
together in one box ● Keyboard and pointing device awkward to use
● No trailing wires
● Heat dissipation is difficult due to laptop
● Full advantage of Wi-Fi (built in Wi-Fi) structure
● Can link into any multimedia system
Tablets
● These are small hand-held devices that can perform many functions that PCs & laptops do
● Often use touch screens to operate
● On-screen virtual keyboard replaces physical keyboard
● Often used by graphic designers to digitize their content with a stylus pen
● Can be used like a PC and/or a Smartphone

Uses of tablet
● Multimedia, Internet access (Wi-Fi or 3G,4G,5G), Game, e-book reader
Tablet

Advantages Disadvantages
● Small light & portable ● Less storage spaces
● Built in cameras for photos & videos ● Lacks power of laptop/PC
● Touchscreen can be used with a stylus pen ● Digital keyboard can be difficult to use
● Long battery life ● Touchscreen may be difficult to use for
detailed work
Smartphone
● Main use of smartphones is social media & day-to-day planning
● Operating System (iOS, Android or Windows)
● Use varies from person to person

Uses of smartphone
● Phone calls
● SMS (short message service)
● Camera
● Streaming (music, video)
● Internet access
● Game
● Social media
● Instant messaging
● Recorder
● Calendar and Organizer
● GPS satellite navigation
● Wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)
● etc.
Smartphone

Advantages Disadvantages
● Smallest lightest most portable ● Small screen may be difficult to use
● Integrated/virtual keyboard ● Not as powerful as other devices
● Often the least expensive device ● Often has the lowest battery life
● More practical for day-to-day use ● Small size makes it easy to steal/lose
Smartwatch
● Allow user to wear mini-computer on wrists
● OLED display technology
● Connects to smartphone with Bluetooth

Uses of smartwatch
● Internet connectivity (browsing, sending emails and so on)
● Ability to make and take phone calls
● Messaging via text or video
● Weather forecasts
● Fitness and health-monitoring capability
● GPS
Smartwatch

Advantages Disadvantages
● More convenient than smartphones ● Large and bulky display
● Very easy to use for monitoring fitness ● Need to charging battery
and health
● Easy to steal
Mainframe computer Uses of mainframe computer
● Large size ● Large organizations (Enterprise)
● Very Powerful ● Server (file, web, mail, game)
● Several CPUs ● Commercial/ Critical applications
● Very fast processor speeds ● Banking
● Multiple operating systems ● Insurance
● Huge amounts of storage capacity ● Hospital
● Huge amounts of RAM ● Governments
Any Questions?
1.5 – Impact of Emerging
Technologies
Emerging Technologies
● Artificial intelligence (AI) biometrics
● Vision enhancement
● Robotics
● Quantum cryptography
● Computer-assisted translation (CAT)
● 3D and holographic imaging
● Virtual reality
Artificial intelligence (AI)

● Artificial Intelligence is a trending field in computer science that is focused on

creating computer systems that simulate human intelligence.

● The term was first used in 1956 by a computer scientist at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology (MIT) who was focused on trying to make computers
behave like humans.

● Here is the link to the facial recognition AI that I’ve created before:
https://wlobjdetection.netlify.app/
Artificial Intelligence In Different Areas

● Game Bots

○ Computers developed to play games against human players.

○ For example: In 1997, a computer named ‘Deep Blue’ defeated a world champion in
a game of chess.

● Expert Systems

○ These are computers that have been programmed to make decisions based on
information they are given.

○ For example: Medical expert systems can diagnose patient’s illnesses based on
symptoms entered.

● Languages

○ This type of AI involves computers that can understand different human languages
as they are spoken to them.
Artificial Intelligence In Different Areas
● Robotics

○ Robotic artificial intelligence is where machines are programmed to imitate a human.

● Weather Prediction

○ AI software will soon be used to sift through weather data more accurately that humans
can and will be used to predict approaching storms and automatically issue warnings.

● Household Chores

○ Robotic vacuum cleaners are becoming more and more popular. These can detect walls
and other objects in order to vacuum around them.

○ People can leave them running whilst they enjoy extra spare time.

● Safer Transportation

○ Cars that can self-park already exist and it’s predicted that cars that drive themselves
will be available in the near future. These could drastically reduce road accidents.

○ Driverless trains already exist in some countries!

Artificial Intelligence In Different Areas

● Personal Safety

○ Modern home alarm systems use artificial

intelligence software that can tell the
difference between the home owners and
the intruders.

○ The software automatically alerts the

police when the intruders are detected.

● Improved Medical Care

○ Robotic Surgery Assistants are being used

to quickly and accurately pass the correct
surgical tools to the doctors.

○ A split second saved in getting the correct

tools to the doctor can save patients’ lives.
Vision Enhancement

● Low-vision enhancement systems (LVES)

○ Use video technology

○ Projected images in front of the eyes

○ Bring object closer

● Night vision enhancement (NVE)

○ Amplifies infrared light and visible light

○ Image can see in darkness

○ Military use

○ Converts light into electrons

Robotics

● Manufacturing industry
● Weld/ Spray car bodies
● Fit items such as windscreens
● Drones → flying devices
● Reconnaissance mission
● Survey → weather condition/ phenomena (hurricane, fire fighting in natural disasters)
● Surgical procedures (camera arms, interactive mechanical arms)
● More precision
● Flexibility
Quantum Cryptography

● Making message unintelligible to any unauthorized user (hacker)

● Referred to as encryption
● Security system (Web)
● Quantum cryptography → based on the use of photons (light)
● Fiber optic cables
● Chapter 8 – Safety and security
Computer-assisted Translation (CAT)

● Language translator
○ Terminology database
○ Translation memories
3D & Holographic Imaging

● Holography → 3D image
○ A source of laser light
○ Interference of light
○ Light diffraction
○ Light intensity recording
Virtual Reality

● Artificial environment
● Data goggles
● Sensor suits
● Data gloves or helmets
● Feel reality
● Training
● Education
● Entertainment
THE END
Any Questions?