Types and components of
Computer systems
Table of contents:
1.1
Hardware and Software
1.2
Main components of computer systems
1.3
Operating systems
1.4
Types of computers
1.5
Emerging technologies
1.1 Hardware and Software
Hardware is the general term used for the computer components that can be used and seen outside
(physically).
Hardware as stated is divided into two categories: internal and external.
Some examples of internal and external hardware:
1.1.2 Software
It is the common general term used for programs that controls the computer system and process
data.
They fall to two categories: Applications and system.
Application software examples:
o Word processing
o Apps and applets
o Video editing
o Audio editing
System software examples:
o Compliers
o Linkers
o Device drivers
o Operating systems
1.1.3 Analogue and digital data
Computers only understand in
binary formant and the
numbers 0 and 1. These are
known as and referred to as
digital data.
In the real world data is
analogue in nature which
means physical data that
changes from one value to
the next and not in discrete
step like with digital data.
1.2 Main components of computer systems
There are many components in the computer but the main parts consists of:
1.2.1 CPU
Part of the computer that interprets and executes commands from the computer hardware and software.
It is normally part of the computer mother board.
Made up of discrete components and numerous small integrated circuits.
However due to modern manufacturing techniques, CPU is now referred to as microprocessor. This is a
single integrated circuit which is known as the heart of most PC’s.
1.2.2 Internal memory
1.2.3 Input and output devices
1.2.4 Backing storage
1.3 Operating system
To enable computer systems to function and to allow users to communicate with computer
systems, special software, known as operating systems (OS), have been developed.
Some of the general tasks for a typical operating system include:
▪ control of the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices
▪ supervising the loading, running and storage of applications programs
▪ dealing with errors that occur in application programs
1.3.1 User interfaces
Operating systems offer various types of user
interface. Some of the considered four different types
are:
➢ Command line interface (CLI)
➢ Graphical user interface (GUI)
➢ Dialogue-based user interface
➢ Gesture-based user interface.
Command line interface (CLI)
o Requires a user to type in instructions to choose options from menus, open software, etc.
o It’s often a number of commands need to be typed in,
o However, the main advantage is that the user is in direct communication with the computer and is not restricted to a
number of pre-determined options.
Graphical user interface (GUI)
o Allows the user to interact with a computer (or MP3 player, gaming device, mobile phone, etc.)
o Uses pictures or symbols (icons) rather than having to type in a number of commands.
o GUIs use various technologies and devices to provide the user interface
(CLI) & (GUI) Advantages and Disadvantages
Dialogue-based user interfaces
Uses the human voice to give commands to a computer system.
By speaking certain commends the system allows natural speech to enable and so.
Devices such as Amazon Alexa, Google Now, Apple Siri and Microsoft Cortana have all been
developed to interact with a human by recognizing verbal commands.
Gesture-based interfaces
o Relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet.
o Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in a more natural fashion
without the need for any mechanical devices.
o This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and image processing.
(D-bi) and (G-bi) Advantages and Disadvanatges
1.4 Types of computers
There are many types of computer systems in existence. But some of the existing are,
➢ Desktop computers
➢ Mobile computers
Such fall into four categories:
➢ laptop computers
➢ smartphones
➢ tablets
➢ phablets
Desktop computers
o Usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up Uses:
of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse and processor unit.
o Office and business work
Advantages:
o Educational use
o Are easier, and less expensive to upgrade or expand.
o Gaming
o There is less likelihood of them being damaged or stolen
o Internet access can be more stable.
Disadvantages:
o Not portable
o Tend to be more complicated.
Smartphones
o Allow normal phone calls to be made,
o Can communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G mobile phone networks.
Advantages:
o Very small in size and lightweight
o Have a reasonable battery life compared to laptop
o They can be used almost anywhere
Disadvantages:
Tablets
o They work in a similar way to a smartphone.
o Part of the touch screen and keys are activated by simply touching them with a finger or a stylus.
Advantages:
o Very fast to switch on
o Fully portable
o Battery life is so much longer
Disadvantages:
o Tend to be rather expensive
The main uses of smartphones, tablets and phablets:
o Entertainment
o Gaming (including group games)
o Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR codes, and so on)
o Telephone banking (sending and receiving money using the banking apps)
o Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – telephone network using the internet which also allows video
calling)
o Instant access to social networks and Instant messaging.
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