IGCSE Types and Components of Computer Systems

IGCSE Types and Components of Computer Systems

1. Hardware, Software and Computer Types

   • Hardware
     • What is the meaning of 'Hardware'?
       • Hardware is 'physical' meaning it can be seen, touched and picked up
     • How does it work?
       • Hardware works with computer code to carry out jobs
         • Producing an image on a computer screen
         • Producing sound
         • Moving cursers / pointers around a screen
     • Examples
       • Keyboard
       • Mouse
       • Monitor
       • Scanner
       • Printer
       • Motherboard
       • Digital Camera
       • Speakers
       • Web Cam
       • RAM
       • Hard disk
       • Processor
       • Microphone
       • Memory Stick (Thumbdrive)
       • Cable
       • Cooling Fan
   • Software
     • What is the meaning 'software'?
       • Coded programs that control how the computer works (cannot be touched or picked up)
     • How does it work?
       • Without software, most hardware would be useless.
       • Software is basically a set of instructions (written in computer code) that tells the hardware what to do
     • Examples
       • There are 2 types of software
         • System Software
           • *This type of software includes operating systems and different utilities to allow your system to run smoothly. System software often manages the computer's resources.*
             • Operating Systems
             • Disk Cleaners
             • Disk Defragmenter
             • Virus Protection
             • Disk Check
         • Application Software
           • Everyday programs that you use to produce something useful. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint are good examples.
             • Word Processors
             • Graphics Editors
             • Web Design Programs
             • Spreadsheet Programs
             • Web Browser
             • Media Players
   • Computer Types
     • Personal Computer (Desktop PC)
       • Personal Computers are usually found in the home.
       • They are designed to be used by one person at a time and perform tasks such as school work, gaming, household accounts, internet access and emailing.
       • Personal Computers are made up of input devices, output devices and storage devices all held together within a base unit which houses all the hardware components that make the PC work.
     • Laptop
       • Laptops are portable computers and are small enough to sit on your lap.
       • They can be used almost anywhere due to their small size and a built-in battery which powers the laptop when there is no access to a plug socket.
       • Modern laptops are generally almost as powerful as a Desktop PC and are used for similar tasks and purposes.
       • They have LCD screens (Liquid Crystal Display) which use low-power. This helps increase the run-time of a laptop's battery.
     • Mainframes
       • Mainframes are very large and expensive and are capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users at the same time.
       • They are used in large organisations for processing huge amounts of data or to control massive networks of computers.
       • Mainframes use more than one processor (parallel processing) which means they can process many jobs at the same time.

2. Components of a Computer System and Storage Devices

   • common components Computer Hardware
     • Definition
       • All the different pieces of electrical hardware that join together to make up the complete computer system.
     • Examples
       • Motherboard
       • CPU
       • RAM
       • ROM
       • Graphics card
       • Peripherals
       • Storage devices
       • Storage devices
   • Internal Hardware Components
     • Motherboard
     • Processor (CPU)
     • Internal Memory (RAM n ROM)
     • Graphic Card
     • Sound Card
     • Storage Devices (secondary backing storage)
       • Internal Storage
         • internal Hard Disk Drives
       • External Storage
         • External Hard Disk Drive, Memory Stick
   • External Hardware Components
     • Input devices
     • Output devices
     • Peripheral Devices