Computer System Components

Computer System Components

• A computer system combines hardware and software to perform tasks.
• All computer systems have hardware, software, a user, and data.

Hardware

• Hardware refers to the tangible, physical parts of a computer.
• Includes mechanical aspects.
• Examples: mouse, keyboard, monitor.

Input Devices

• Used to enter data or instructions.
• Fall into two categories:
  • Manual input devices, operated by a human.
  • Automatic input devices, input data on their own.

Output Devices

• Output devices sends information from the computer to people.
• They create usable information from raw data.
• Examples: CRT Monitor, TFT Monitor, Laser Printer, Inkjet Printer, Dot Matrix Printer, Plotter, Speakers, Multimedia Projector.

Peripheral Devices

• Input/Output devices are known as 'Peripheral Devices'.
• These are non-essential hardware that connects externally.
• The computer can operate without them.

System Unit

• Houses the electronic components for processing data.

Motherboard

• The main circuit board of the system unit.
• Central to any computer system.
• Components connect directly or indirectly (via USB) to it.

Processor

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's brain.
• It interprets and carries out instructions.
• The CPU performs calculations and data processing.

Memory

• Memory stores instructions and data needed for those instructions.
• Has two types: Internal, which can be directly accessed by the CPU.
• RAM and ROM are sometimes called 'primary storage'.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• ROM permanently stores boot instructions and loads the OS.
• Instructions/boot program are known as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output system).
• Information in ROM is read-only, meaning can't be altered by the user.
• It's fast memory to access data and read quickly.
• ROM is non-volatile, and doesn't lose stored information when power is lost.
• Examples: DVDs/CDs with pre-recorded files, ROM in printers to store font types.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Temporarily stores information currently in use.
• This includes word docs and videos
• It is fast memory where data can be rapidly written to and read from
• RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB).
• Volatile Memory stores data ‘non-permanently’ meaning data is deleted as soon as the computer is turned off
• More RAM means a computer can run faster since more programs can be open at once.

Storage Devices

• Hold data, instructions, and information permanently for future use.
• They record (write) and/or retrieve (read) items to and from storage media.

Secondary Storage Devices

• Used to store data not instantly needed by the computer.
• They permanently store data and programs as long as needed.
• There are two categories:
  • Internal storage like internal hard disk drives.
  • External storage like external hard disk drive and memory sticks.

Magnetic Storage Device

• One of the most popular types of storage.

Hard Drive

• An internal hard drive is the main storage device in a computer.

External Hard Drive

• Also known as a removable hard drive, used to store portable data and backups.

Optical Storage Device

• Uses lasers and lights to save and retrieve data.

Blu-Ray Disc

• A digital optical storage device intended to replace the DVD format.

CD-ROM Disc

• An optical storage device that is read-only and cannot be modified or deleted.

CD-R and CD-RW Disc

• CD-R is a recordable disc that can be written to once.
• CD-RW is a rewritable disc that can be written to multiple times.

DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW Disc

• DVD-R and DVD+R are recordable discs that can be written to once.
• DVD-RW and DVD+RW are rewritable discs that can be written to multiple times.
• The "+" and "-" differ in formatting and compatibility.

Flash Memory Device

• Replacing magnetic storage device as it is economical, functional, and dependable.

Memory Card

• An electronic flash memory device used to store digital information, commonly used in mobile electronic devices.

Memory Stick

• A removable memory card.

SSD - Solid State Drive

• A flash memory device that uses integrated circuit assemblies to steadily save data.

USB Flash Drive, Jump Drive, or Thumb Drive

• A small, portable storage device that connects through the USB port.

Online and Cloud

• Becoming widespread as people access data from different devices.

Cloud Storage

• Data is managed remotely and available over a network.
• Basic features are free, upgraded versions are paid monthly.

Network Media

• Audio, Video, Images or Text that are used on a computer network.
• Community of people create and use the content shared over the internet.

Communication Devices

• Enable a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information.
• A device transmits an analog or digital signal over wires or wirelessly.
• Examples: Bluetooth, Infrared, Modem, Network, Smartphone, Wi-Fi.

Software

• Instructions that enable the computer to perform tasks.
• Terms ‘program’ or ‘application’ refers to any piece of software.
• Some software manages resources.
• Others are more specific.
• Types: systems software and application software.

System Software

• Programs dedicated to managing the computer, like the operating system and file management utilities.
• Without it, no instructions could be executed.
• Examples: Utility software (antivirus, disk tools), system servers, device drivers, operating systems, windows/GUI.

Application Software

• User programs that execute specific tasks like data reports.
• Can be simple like a calculator or as complex as video editing software.
• Examples: MS Office Word, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Edge, Calculator, Minesweeper, Steam.

Explore essential components of a computer system: hardware, software, user, and data. Learn about input/output and peripheral devices. Understand the role of each component in computer functionality.