Types of components of computer systems
1. Hardware
Hardware is the general term for the physical components that make up a typical computer system.
a. Internal Components
Motherboard
The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers. It allows the processor and other computer
hardware to function and communicate with each other. One of the major functions of a typical motherboard is
to act as a kind of 'hub' which other computer devices connect to.
Central processing unit (CPU)/processor
A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an electronic circuit board in a computer that can execute
instructions from a computer program. The two main components are:
• arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) where arithmetic and logical operations are carried out
• control unit (CU) which takes instructions the decodes and executes the instructions.
Graphics card
A graphics card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video display device such as a monitor,
television, or projector.
Sound card
A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the ability to produce sounds.
Network interface card (NIC)
A network interface card (NIC) is a component that allows a computer or any other device (for example, a
printer) to be connected to a network (for example, the internet); it can be wired or wireless.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
The power supply is connected to main power sources to give power to the computer system. The power supply
connects to all the main components of the computer system including the motherboard, hard drive, optical
drives etc.
Internal hard disk drive/ solid-state drive (HDD/SSD)
For storing data, files (text, photos and music) and most of the system and applications software.
HDD
Uses of fixed hard disk drives
» To store the operating system, systems software and working data/files.
» Storing applications software.
» Used in real-time systems (for example, robots, control of a chemical plant) and in online systems (for
example, booking airline tickets, automatic stock control (using EPOS)).
» Used in file servers for computer networks.
Advantages of fixed hard disk drives
» They have a very fast data transfer rate and fast access times to data.
» They have very large memory capacities.
Disadvantages of fixed hard disk drives
» They can be fairly easily damaged (for example, if the correct shut-down procedure on a computer has not
been correctly carried out, it is possible to sustain a head crash).
» They have many moving parts which can affect their overall reliability.
» Their read/write operation can be quite noisy when compared to solid-state drives.
SSD
Solid-state drives have revolutionised computers over the last few years, and they are rapidly taking over from
HDDs as the main type of backing storage
Advantages of SSDs:
» they are more reliable (no moving parts to go wrong)
» they are considerably lighter (which makes them suitable for laptops)
» they do not have to ‘get up to speed’ before they work properly
» they have a lower power consumption
» they run much cooler than HDDs (both these points again make them very suitable for laptop computers)
» because of no moving parts, they are very thin
» SSD data access time is only 0.1 milliseconds compared to 10 milliseconds for HDD
» data transfer speed for SSDs is also much faster than for HDDs.
Random access memory (RAM)
• RAM stands for Random Access Memory
• RAM is the part of the computer that temporarily stores the instructions that the computer is running whilst
the data is being processed by the CPU.
• RAM is volatile which means that when the computer is turned off all data is lost.
Read-only memory (ROM)
• ROM stands for Read Only Memory
• ROM is a built-in memory that cannot be changed (Read Only).
• ROM normally holds the ‘boot up’ instructions to start the computer – without it the computer wouldn’t know
what to do when on button is switched on (e.g. the operating system will not start).
• ROM is non-volatile memory which means that memory is not lost when computer is turned off.
Cache
• Cache is the fastest type of Memory.
• It is located between the processor and the RAM.
• Cache collects data from the RAM.
• Holds onto commonly used data.
• The Cache will automatically transfer the next set of data from the RAM in to the Cache so that it can be
processed by the CPU
b. Input Devices
Input Devices allow data to be input into a computer.
Keyboard
Numeric Key Pad
Mouse
Touch Pad
Joystick
Touch Screen
Scanners
Cameras
Microphone
c. Output Devices
Output Devices allow data to be displayed or represented.
Monitor
Touch Screen
Projector
Printer
Speaker
2. Software
Software is the general term used for the programs that control the computer system and process data. The software
considered in this book falls into two categories: applications and system.
a. Application Software
Applications software provides the services that the user requires to solve a given task. For example:
» word processing
» spreadsheet
» database (management system)
» control and measurement software
» apps and applets
» video editing
» graphics editing
» audio editing
» computer-aided design (CAD).
b. System Software
System software is the software designed to provide a platform on which all other software can run. For
example:
» compilers
» linkers
» device drivers
» operating systems
» utilities.
3. Operating System
The operating system provides the user interface which allows the user to interact with the system. In addition the
operating system provides security and prevents unauthorised access to a system. Files and folders can be created and
organised. Furthermore the operating system allows users to load, run and store applications also decides what should
be loaded into the computer memory (RAM). The operating system also manages the input/output/storages devices.
a. User Interfaces
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
GUI (Graphical User Interface) is an user interface built around graphics.
• GUIs are quite easy to use due to the visual nature of the interface
• The user has lots of visual clues as to what things do.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
• CLI requires the user to enter command prompts to interact with the computer.
• CLI are normally used by expert users as it allows them to is more complicated to use.
• CLI and is not restricted to a number of predetermined options.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Advantages:
• The user does not need to learn any commands.
• The interface is easier to use.
• Can use a pointing device to clicks and select icons or menu options.
Disadvantages:
• Takes up more memory than a CLI interface.
• Requires an operating system to operate.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Advantages:
• The user has more freedom to use specific command in interacting with the computer.
• It is possible to alter computer settings.
Disadvantages:
• User needs to learn commands
• Commands must be typed in without errors.
• No visual aids.
4. Direct Data Entry Devices
a. Magnetic Strip Readers
Magnetic Strip Readers are used to read data found on magnetic stripes found on the back of cards.
b. Chip and Pin Readers
Chip and Pin Readers are used POS terminals to make a secure payment using a debit or credit card.
c. Contactless Cards
Contactless Cards Readers are used by customers to pay for products at the POS without the need to enter a PIN
Number using RFID technology. Transactions are normally restricted to a small amount (up to £20)
d. Radio Frequency Identification
RFID reads information stored on tags (small silicon chip that can be placed on a sticker) using radio waves. RFID
tags can be attached to objects or animals/people.
e. Magnetic Ink Character Reader
MICR is able to read characters printed in a special ink. These characters are then converted into a form which
could be understood by the computer
f. Optical Mark Reader
OMR is able to read marks written in pen or pencil. The position of the mark is stored in the computers memory.
g. Optical Character Reader
OCR scans text from hardcopies and converts it into an editable form which can be used and edited in a range of
software including word processors.
h. Barcode Scanner
Barcode Scanners are used to scan bar codes which contains unique information about a product including
price.
5. Emerging Technologies
a. AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is computer systems that can simulate human intelligence (able to make decisions
typically made by a human).
• As seen in the movies AI could be potentially used in the military and police force.
• However, the issue would be whether a robot could demonstrate empathy in certain situations.
b. Biometrics
Biometrics authentication is used as a form of identification which recognises individuals body parts. Biometrics
uses unique characteristics of the human which means it cannot be replicated by other people.
Facial and voice recognition is also another form of biometrics. The main purpose of biometrics is to improve
security with regards to access to computer systems.
c. Vision Enhancement
Vision Enhancement uses video technology which is projected to the user through the lens. The system can
bring distant objects closer and into focus.
• The vision enhancement system amplifies infrared light so that an image can be clearly seen even in darkness.
• Militaries across the world use this technology to complete missions and carry out surveillance at night.
d. VR
Virtual reality is an artificial environment that is created with software. The user will normally wear a head
mounted display which will simulates their physical presence in places in the real world or imagined worlds.
e. AR
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated 3D
content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and
olfactory.
f. 3D & Holographic Imaging
3D and holographic imaging is a technology that allows 3D images to be produced. A holographic image moves
in the same way as the original image in three dimensions (3D)
g. Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Cryptography is a technology will allows for securing communications whilst online. Commonly use in
online shopping and banking website to secure data.
h. Robot
Robotics are used commonly in the manufacturing industry typically completing labour intensive jobs.
• Robots can be programmed to complete specific tasks or used manually.
• No human intervention is required once the robot has been programmed.
• Robots can complete tasks with more precision including robotic surgery.
• Robots can work in extreme conditions or environments.
6. Sensors and Actuators
a. Sensors
A sensor is a device that converts a real world property into data that a computer can process.
Sensor Example Use
Temperature Used in green houses to measure temperature
Light Umpires check light conditions in cricket match
Moisture To check the moisture in the soil in a green house
Water-Level Used in washing machine to measure water level
Proximity Used when parking cars to judge distance
Movement Detects movement which could trigger an alarm
Pressure Used in burglar alarms
b. Actuators
Actuators are part of the control process – digital signals are sent by the computer to actuator to affect or
control the real world.
Type Use
Motors (Spins things around) • Washing machines
• Control Fans
• Control Robot Arms in manufacturing
Buzzer (Creates a noise) • Used in burglar alarms
• Microwave ovens and other household
appliances
• Sporting events/Game shows
Heater (Increases temperature) • Control heat in a central heating system
• Control heat in a green house
• Control heat in an oven
Lights (Creates light) • Security lights
• Car Dashboard – e.g. to alert driver of low fuel.
• Lights in greenhouse
c. ADC
An ADC (Analogue-to-digital converter) is needed to convert the signal so a computer understands the signal
1. Real world measurements are collected as an analogue signal from the sensor. Data collected from Sensor is
in Analogue.
2. ADC - Analogue-to-digital converter; converts Analogue signals into Digital signals
3. Analogue Signal now can be understood by computers.
Analogue signal
Digital Signal
