Elements of a Computer System

Study Notes

Elements of a Computer System

Hardware: The physical components of the computer system. These are tangible aspects of the computer.
Software: The instructions that run the computer system. This is the program that makes the hardware work.
Peopleware: The people involved in the information technology system, whether as users or developers.

Classification of Computers

According to size: This classification focuses on the physical size and processing capacity of the computer.
- Supercomputer: Used for intensive computation, they are powerful machines designed for complex mathematical calculations. They have huge memories and processing speeds, making them ideal for tasks like weather forecasting, climate exploration, and molecular modeling.
- Mainframe: These are extensive systems typically used for bulk processing. They require skilled operators and have a wide range of peripherals. Mainframes are often found in large commercial places or government organizations for tasks like census data processing and transaction processing. They are sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and humidity.
- Minicomputer: They are smaller and less expensive than mainframes but still capable of handling significant workloads. They offer a limited range of peripherals and software options compared to mainframes but have more memory and storage capacity than microcomputers. They are relatively user-friendly and less sensitive to the environment.
- Microcomputer: Small, portable, affordable, and user-friendly, they are the most common type of computer. Microcomputers have limited peripherals but can perform simple processes.
According to data handling: This classification focuses on how the computer processes and represents information.
- Analog Computers: They represent data as continuous physical quantities, like electrical potential, fluid pressure, or mechanical motion. They are specifically designed for tasks involving continuous measurements and real-time calculations.
- Digital Computers: They process information as discrete digits, using a binary system of 0s and 1s. Digital computers are widely used for general-purpose computing, from web browsing to complex scientific simulations.

Examples of Computers

Fugaku: Developed by Fujitsu and the Japanese government, this supercomputer is known for its incredible processing power—performing 415 quadrillion computations per second. It required years of development and occupies a large space.

Elements of a Computer System

The physical components of a computer system, including tangible aspects like monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Instructions that make the hardware work, also known as software.
People involved in the information technology system as users or developers.

Classification of Computers By Size

Supercomputer: Used for intensive computation and complex mathematical calculations with huge memories and processing speeds. E.g., Weather forecasting, climate exploration, and molecular modelling.
Mainframe: Used for bulk processing, they are complex systems sensitive to environment and require qualified operators. They have a wide range of peripherals and large storage capacity. They are not user-friendly and can be used for mathematical calculations.
Minicomputer: Smaller than mainframes in terms of size, price, memory, speed, and functionality. They offer a limited range of peripherals and software, and are less sensitive to the environment than mainframes.
Microcomputer: Portable, cheap, and user-friendly computers with limited peripherals. They are not sensitive to the environment.

Classification of Computers By Data Handling

Analog Computers: Devices where continuously variable physical quantities like electrical potential, fluid pressure, or mechanical motion are represented. E.g., Speedometers, thermometers.
Digital Computers: Devices that work based on discreet signals like 0s and 1s. They process information in the form of electrical pulses and use binary codes. E.g., Desktops, Laptops.
Hybrid Computers: Computers that combine both analog and digital features. They can process both continuous and discrete signals, and often have higher accuracy than analog computers.