Chapter 1 lesson 2

The main components of computer

system
 Objective

 State the main components of computer

 Describe the central processing unit and its role
 Describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences
between them
 Define input and output devices and describe the difference between
them, as well as secondary/backing storage
 Describe operating systems which contain a command line interface
(CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI)
 Define dialogue- based interface and Gesture – based interface
 IPO (Input –process-output)
diagram
Processor and
Input devices internal Output devices
memory

Backing/ secondary
storage devices

The main components of

 computer
CPU (central processing unit)
 Internal memory
 Input devices
 Output devices
 Backing Storage devices
 Backing storage media
 Central processing unit and its role
CPU (central processing unit) known as processor, is the brain
of the computer, processing and executing instructions.

The main components of CPU:

 ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit): handling all
mathematical and logical operations.
 CU (Control Unit): Controls all the computer components.
 IAS (Immediate Access Store or cache memory) : is a
high-speed memory component within the CPU.
 System Clock: synchronize the operations of CPU
components.
 Internal memory

Internal
memory

Random-
Central Read-only
access Internal hard
processing memory
memory(RAM disk drive
unit (CPU) (ROM)
)
ROM and RAM and the differences between
them
ROM RAM
Read – only memory Random access memory

Data and program instructions are Data and program instructions are
stored permanently stored temporarily

The computer can read and write the

The computer can read the contents
contents

Non-volatile Volatile
The contents of memory are The contents of memory are lost
retained when there is no power when there is no power
Store BIOS (basic input / output
system) program used to boot ‘start’
the computer up when the power is
.turned on
 Input devices

Input devices are hardware devices that are used for the entry of their
instructions or data into the computer for processing by CPU.

Example of manual input devices: (operated by human)

Mouse, keyboard, touch screen, microphone…

Example of automatic input devices: (input the data on their own)

Optical mark readers, optical character readers..
 Output devices

Once the raw data has been processed it

becomes information and this information needs
to be output from the computer using an output
device.

Example of output devices:

Monitors/screen – printers – speakers – plotters
 Backing storage

Backing storage is used for the storage of programs, data,

and copies that are not needed instantly by computer in case
the original data is lost.

Example of backing storage devices:

DVD – R/W drive – internal hard disk drive

Example of backing storage media:

Internal hard disk - memory stick – flash memory cards –
optical disk – CD – magnetic tape.
 Operating system
Operating system are programs that control the hardware by giving step-
by-step instructions that tell the computer hardware what to do.
OS performs the following tasks:
 Handles inputs and outputs: Select and control the operations of
hardware devices.
 hardware recognition: OS recognize the hardware device has been
attached to computer, and loads the software it needs to control the
device.
 Supervises the running of the other programs: it provides a way
for applications software to work with the hardware.
 Handles the storage of data: track all files and folders on the disk.
 Maximises the use of computer memory: OS decides where the
program instructions placed in memory.
 Handles interrupt and decides what action to take.
Types of interface used with operating system
User interface is how the user interacts with the operating system.

Examples of user interfaces:

 Command line interface (CLI)
 Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 Dialogue – based
 Gesture - based

CLI GUI
 Types of interface used with operating system

Dialogue- Gesture-
Feature CLI GUI
based based

Visual
Human
elements
interaction
How do users Text – based (WIMP)
Spoken word (hands,
?interact commands [Windows,
fingers, head,
Icons, Menus,
or feet)
Pointers]
MSDOS
Microsoft( Smartphones(
Examples disk Windows Siri - Alexa swiping,
Operating zooming)
)system
Types of interface used with operating system

Interface Advantage Disadvantage

• Commands are often • You need to learn
faster to type than and remember lots
navigating menus. of commands.
• Doesn’t takes up more • Commands should
hard disk space when be in specific order.
being stored.
CLI • Doesn’t require more
memory (RAM,ROM)
when being run.
• Useful for automation of
tasks.
• Don’t need powerful
processor to run.
Types of interface used with operating system

Interface Advantage Disadvantage

• Takes up more
hard disk space
when being stored.
• User friendly. • Require more
• There no commands to memory
remember. (RAM,ROM) when
• Enable data to be being run.
GUI
passed easily (drag and • Need powerful
drop, cut, paste). processor to run.
• Information is visual, • Typing commands
easy to understand faster than moving
or clicking the
mouse.
 Types of interface used with operating system

Interface Advantage Disadvantage

• Can be used by people • Not always reliable.
Dialogue - based
with disabilities.
• Can be used by people • Limited support.
with disabilities. • Users need to learn
Gesture - based
• Natural way of and remember
communicating. gestures.
Question1

 1. Who am I? I can be navigated using commands like "cd" and "ls."

(CLI/GUI)
 2. Who am I? I use windows, icons, and menus to help users interact with
the computer. (CLI/GUI)
 3. Who am I? I often requires users to type text commands for
operations. (CLI/GUI)
 4. Who am I? Users can drag and drop files in my environment. (CLI/GUI)
 5. Who am I? I may be intimidating for new users due to my text-based
nature. (CLI/GUI)
Question1

 1. Who am I? I can be navigated using commands like "cd" and "ls."

(Answer: CLI)
 2. Who am I? I use windows, icons, and menus to help users interact with
the computer. (Answer: GUI)
 3. Who am I? I often requires users to type text commands for operations.
(Answer: CLI)
 4. Who am I? Users can drag and drop files in my environment. (Answer:
GUI)
 5. Who am I? I may be intimidating for new users due to my text-based
nature. (Answer: CLI)
Question2

Which of the following devices is/are input devices?

Question2

Which of the following devices is/are input devices?

Answer : C
Question 3
Question 3

Answer : ii
Question 4
 Question 4

Answer : a
 Question 5

d
 Question 5

Answer : a
Question 6
 Question 6

Answer : d
 Question 7
Device Input Output Storage

Memory card 
Mouse 
Microphone 
Solid State Drive 
Scanner 
Projector 

Touch pad 
Hard disk drive 
Headphones 
Barcode reader 
 Question 7
Device Input Output Storage

Memory card 

Mouse 

Microphone 

Solid State Drive 

Scanner 

Projector 

Touch pad 
Hard disk drive 

Headphones 
Barcode reader 
 Question 7
Device Input Output Storage

Memory card 

Mouse 

Microphone 

Solid State Drive 

Scanner 

Projector 

Touch pad 
Hard disk drive 

Headphones 
Barcode reader 
Question 8
True of false

1. ROM can be easily changed or erased.

2. RAM is used to temporarily store data that the computer is

currently using. (True)

3. ROM usually retains its data even when the computer is turned
off. (True)

4. RAM is faster than ROM. (True)

Question 8
True of false

1. ROM can be easily changed or erased. (False)

2. RAM is used to temporarily store data that the computer is

currently using. (True)

3. ROM usually retains its data even when the computer is turned
off. (True)

4. RAM is faster than ROM. (True)