Components of Computer Systems: Hardware and Software
Hardware and Software
Hardware: physical components that make up a computer system (keyboard, mouse)
Software: programs that control the computer system with 2 types
Systems software: allow the hardware to run properly
Applications software: allow the user to do specific tasks
Components of Computer Systems
A computer is made up of hardware and software with:
Input devices (inputting the data into the computer)- keyboard, mouse
Output devices (data output from a computer)- monitor, printer
Secondary storage devices- DVD R/W drive, removable hard drive
1 important part of the computer system consists of:
CPU- interprets the commands from the computer hardware and software -contains coding like BIOS to tell what the computer should carry out
RAM- internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications
ROM- storing informations that needs to be permanent
Hard disk- computer’s main memory
Operating Systems * Controls the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices * Supervises the loading, running and storage of application programs * Deals with errors * Maintains a computer log with the details of computer usage
Examples:
CLI (Command line interfaces):
A user will type in instructions to choose options from menus, open softwares and more. (Commands need to be memorised to carry out basic operations)
*Combination of letters and words, basically codes*
GUI (Graphical user interfaces):
A user will interact with a computer using pictures or symbols rather typing in a number of commands.
(WIMP is used for PCs where a cursor moves and select icons)→ Daily life screen
Types of Computers
PCs and Laptops:
-PCs have separate monitor, mouse and keyboard and laptops, have all in 1
-PCs are not portable and laptops are
-Laptops have short battery life
Mainframe computers:
-Large computer system for jobs which require large memories and very fast processor time
-Used for banking
Hardware: physical components that make up a computer system (keyboard, mouse)
Software: programs that control the computer system with 2 types
Systems software: allow the hardware to run properly
Applications software: allow the user to do specific tasks
Components of Computer Systems
A computer is made up of hardware and software with:
Input devices (inputting the data into the computer)- keyboard, mouse
Output devices (data output from a computer)- monitor, printer
Secondary storage devices- DVD R/W drive, removable hard drive
1 important part of the computer system consists of:
CPU- interprets the commands from the computer hardware and software -contains coding like BIOS to tell what the computer should carry out
RAM- internal chip where data is temporarily stored when running applications
ROM- storing informations that needs to be permanent
Hard disk- computer’s main memory
Operating Systems * Controls the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices * Supervises the loading, running and storage of application programs * Deals with errors * Maintains a computer log with the details of computer usage
Examples:
CLI (Command line interfaces):
A user will type in instructions to choose options from menus, open softwares and more. (Commands need to be memorised to carry out basic operations)
*Combination of letters and words, basically codes*
GUI (Graphical user interfaces):
A user will interact with a computer using pictures or symbols rather typing in a number of commands.
(WIMP is used for PCs where a cursor moves and select icons)→ Daily life screen
Types of Computers
PCs and Laptops:
-PCs have separate monitor, mouse and keyboard and laptops, have all in 1
-PCs are not portable and laptops are
-Laptops have short battery life
Mainframe computers:
-Large computer system for jobs which require large memories and very fast processor time
-Used for banking