📘 Grade 7 Computing Lesson
Topic: Introduction to Computing – Components of a Computer System
📖 Definitions
1. Computer System
Textbook Definition:
A computer system is an integrated set of hardware, software, and peopleware working together to
receive data, process it, store it, and produce information.
Simple Definition:
A computer system is a group of parts (the machine, programs, and people) that work together to make
the computer useful.
2. Components of a Computer System
Textbook Definition:
The components of a computer system are the fundamental elements—hardware, software, and
peopleware—that combine to enable data input, processing, storage, and output.
Simple Definition:
The parts that make a computer work, such as the physical machine, the programs, and the people who
use it.
🖥️Explanation of the Components
A computer system cannot function if one of its major components is missing. The three main components are:
1. Hardware
Meaning: The physical, tangible parts of the computer that can be touched and seen.
Examples: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, printer, hard drive, speakers.
Types of Hardware:
o Input devices – allow the user to enter data (keyboard, mouse, scanner).
o Output devices – show the results of processing (monitor, printer, speakers).
o Storage devices – keep data for future use (hard drive, flash drive, CD).
o Processing unit – the CPU, often called the “brain” of the computer.
Importance: Without hardware, there would be nothing to physically run the software or allow people
to interact with the computer.
2. Software
Meaning: The set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do. It cannot be touched
but can be used.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Windows, Photoshop, Google Chrome, games.
Types of Software:
o System software – runs and controls the computer (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
o Application software – allows users to do specific tasks (e.g., Word, Excel, browsers).
Importance: Without software, the hardware would just be a useless box with no instructions.
3. Peopleware
Meaning: The people who design, use, and maintain the computer system.
Examples: Students, teachers, programmers, IT technicians, data entry clerks.
Importance: Without people, the computer cannot decide what problems to solve or how to be used.
People give commands, create programs, and interpret results.
💡 Analogy
Think of a computer system like a cooking setup:
Hardware is the stove, pots, and utensils.
Software is the recipe that gives instructions.
Peopleware is the cook who follows the recipe and uses the utensils.
👉 Without the cook, the recipe and utensils are useless. Without the utensils, the recipe and cook cannot
prepare food. All three must work together.
🔎 Importance of Studying the Components
1. It helps us know how computers function.
2. It shows the relationship between physical devices, instructions, and users.
3. It prepares students to solve real-world problems using computers effectively.
📝 Exercise: Objective Questions 1. Which of the following best describes a computer
system?
A. A collection of input devices only
Choose the correct answer from A – D.
B. Hardware and electricity working together A. Hardware is invisible while software is visible.
C. Hardware, software, and peopleware working B. Hardware is physical, while software is
together intangible.
D. A machine that can only calculate numbers C. Both are intangible components of a computer
✅ Answer: C system.
D. Hardware always works without software.
✅ Answer: B
2. The physical parts of a computer such as the
monitor and keyboard are known as:
A. Peopleware 7. Which of the following is NOT correctly
B. Software matched?
C. Hardware A. Hardware – Printer
D. Middleware B. Software – Windows
✅ Answer: C C. Peopleware – Programmer
D. Software – Mouse
✅ Answer: D
3. A teacher using Microsoft PowerPoint to deliver
a lesson is an example of:
A. Hardware in use 8. A student types a document using Microsoft
B. Software only Word. Which sequence of components is being used
C. Peopleware making the system useful in order?
D. Processing unit A. Peopleware → Software → Hardware
✅ Answer: C B. Hardware → Peopleware → Software
C. Software → Hardware → Peopleware
D. Peopleware → Hardware → Software
✅ Answer: A
4. Without which of the following will a computer
system still remain useless?
A. Hardware
B. Software 9. Which of these best shows why peopleware is
C. Electricity important in a computer system?
D. Peopleware A. Peopleware produces electricity for the system.
✅ Answer: D B. Peopleware controls and decides how to use the
computer.
C. Peopleware manufactures only the software.
D. Peopleware makes the hardware visible.
5. Which statement about software is correct? ✅ Answer: B
A. Software can be touched and moved like
hardware.
B. Software controls hardware and tells it what to
do. 10. If a computer has hardware and software but no
C. Software is not necessary for the functioning of a peopleware, what will happen?
computer. A. The computer will still perform tasks
D. Software is another name for a CPU. automatically.
✅ Answer: B B. The system will not serve any real purpose.
C. The software will act as the user.
D. The hardware will replace the need for people.
✅ Answer: B
6. The difference between hardware and software is
that:
