Ch1.

Types and components of computer systems

Internal Hardware Devices
Motherboard: The motherboard is a printed circuit board found in all computers. It allows the
processor and other computer hardware to function and communicate with each other. In
addition to circuits, a motherboard contains several sockets and slots to connect the other
components.

Random access memory (RAM): Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip where
data is temporarily stored when running applications. This memory can be written to and read
from. RAM stores the data, files or part of the operating system currently in use.

Read-only memory (ROM) : Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store

information that needs to be permanent. It is often used to contain, for example, configuration
data for a computer system.

Central processing unit (CPU)/processor: A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is

an electronic circuit board in a computer that can execute instructions from a computer
program.
The two main components are:
• arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) where arithmetic and logical operations are carried out
• control unit (CU) which takes instructions the decodes and executes the instructions.

Network interface card (NIC): A network interface card (NIC) is a component that allows a
computer or any other device (for example, a printer) to be connected to a network (for
example, the internet); it can be wired or wireless. Each NIC is hard-coded with a unique MAC
(media access control) address.

Graphics card: A graphics card allows the computer to send graphical information to a video
display device such as a monitor, television, or projector. Graphics cards are usually made up
of:
• a processing unit
• memory unit (usually RAM)
• a cooling mechanism (often in the form of a heat sink since these cards generate a lot
of heat)
• connections to a display unit (monitor, TV or projector).
Sound card: A sound card is an integrated circuit board that provides a computer with the
ability to produce sounds. These sounds can be heard by the user either through speakers or
headphones. Sound cards also allow a user to record sound input from a microphone connected
to the computer, and manipulate sound stored on a disk.
Internal hard disk drive/ solid-state drive (HDD/SSD): Hard disk drives (HDDs) are
magnetic in nature and are one of the main methods for storing data. More modern computers
(and all tablets) use the newer storage systems which make use of solid-state (SSD) technology
and are replacing HDDs in many cases. Their function is the same as an HDD.

Application Software
(Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks)
Word processing: Word processing software is used to manipulate a text document, such as
an essay or a report. Some of the functions of word processing software include:
• creating, editing, saving and manipulating text
• copy and paste functions
• spell checkers and thesaurus
• import photos/images into a structured page format
• translation into foreign language.

Spreadsheet: Spreadsheet software is used to organise and manipulate numerical data (in the
form of integer, real, date, and so on). Some of the functions of spreadsheets include:
• use of formulae to carry out calculations
• ability to produce graphs
• ability to do modelling and 'what if' calculations.

Database (management system): Database software is used to organise, manipulate and

analyse data. A typical database is made up of one or more tables. Some of the functions
include:
• ability to carry out queries on database data and produce a report (DBMS)
• add, delete and modify data in a table.

Apps and applets:

Applets are small applications that perform a single task on a device (they are usually
embedded in an HTML page on a website and can be executed from within a browser).

Apps refer to software which can perform a fairly substantial task (such as, video and music
streaming, banking application or social media). The term originally referred to software that
ran on a smartphone and could be downloaded from an ‘app store’.
Control and measurement software:
Control and measuring software is designed to allow a computer or microprocessor to interface
with sensors so that it is possible to:
• measure physical quantities in the real world (such as temperatures)
• control applications (such as a chemical process) by comparing sensor data with stored
data and sending out signals to alter process parameters (for example, open a valve to
add acid and change the pH)

Computer-aided design (CAD) software: This is software used to help in the creation,
manipulation, modification and analysis of a drawing/design. It can be used to produce 2D or
3D diagrams:
• can be rotated to view the drawing from any angle
• can produce full dimensions
• can be used to estimate manufacturing costs of the final product
• predict any structural problems.

Audio editing software: Audio editing software allows a user to edit, manipulate and generate
audio data on a computer. It allows the user to alter:
• length of track
• start/stop time of track
• conversion between audio file formats
• volume of track
• fading in/out
• combine multiple sound tracks
• noise reduction
• to create another version of the sound track (for example, a continuous loop or phone
ring tone).

Video editing software: Video editing software allows a user the ability to manipulate ideos
to produce a new video. Essentially it includes:
• rearranging, adding and/or removing sections of video clips and/or audio clips
• applying colour correction, filters and other video enhancements
• creating transitions between clips in the video footage.

Graphics editing software: Graphics editing software allows bitmap and vector images to be
changed. Bitmap images are made up of pixels. Bitmap graphics editors can change the pixels
to produce a different image. Vector graphic editors operate in a different way and do not use
pixels. This type of software manipulates lines, curves and text to alter the stored image as
required.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
(Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user
to communicate with the computer)
Compiler: A compiler is a computer program that translates a program written in a high-level
language (HLL) into machine code. The original program is called the source code and the
code after compilation is called the object code.
Linkers: A linker (or link editor) is a computer program that takes one or more object files
produced by a compiler and combines them into a single program that can be run on a computer.
Device Drivers: A device driver is the name given to software that enables one or more
hardware devices to communicate with the computer’s operating system. All hardware devices
connected to a computer have associated drivers.
Operating systems (OS): The operating system (OS) is essentially software running in the
background of a computer system. It manages many of the basic functions. Operating systems
allow:
• input/output operations
• users to communicate with the computer (for example, Windows)
• error handling to take place
• the loading and running of programs to occur
• managing of security (for example, user accounts, log on passwords).

Utilities: Utility programs are software that has been designed to carry out specific tasks on a
computer. Essentially, they are programs that help to manage, maintain and control computer
resources. Examples include:
• antivirus
• anti-spyware
• backup of files
• disk repair
• file management
• security
• screensavers
• disk defragmenter.
User Interfaces
Operating systems offer various types of user interface. We will consider four
different types:
• command line interface (CLI)
• graphical user interface (GUI)
• dialogue-based user interface
• gesture-based user interface
Command line interface (CLI): A command line interface (CLI) requires a user to type in
instructions to choose options from menus, open software, etc.

Advantages:
• The user is in direct communication with the computer.
• The user is not restricted to a number of pre-determined options.
• It is possible to alter computer configuration settings.

Disadvantages:
• The user needs to learn a number of commands to carry out basic operations.
• All commands need to be typed in, which takes time and can be error prone.
• Each command must be typed in using the correct format, spelling, and so on.

Graphical user interface (GUI): A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to interact
with a computer using pictures or symbols rather than having to type in a number of commands.
GUIs use various technologies and devices to provide the user interface. One of the most
common is WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device) which was developed for use
on personal computers (PC).

Advantages:
• The user does not need to learn any commands.
• It is more user-friendly; icons are used to represent applications.
• A pointing device (such as a mouse) is used to click on an icon to launch the application
- this is simpler than typing in commands.
Disadvantages:
• This type of interface uses up considerably more computer memory than a CLI
interface.
• The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen.
• Needs a more complex operating system, such as Windows, to operate, which can be
slower to execute commands.

Dialogue-based user interfaces: Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to give
commands to a computer system.
Advantages:
• no need for a driver to take their hands off the steering wheel
• in a home, very useful for people with disabilities, because many tasks can be carried
out by the spoken word only
• possible to use as a security feature, because voice recognition could be used to identify
a person
Disadvantages:
• still unreliable, with many commands not being recognised or needing to be repeated
several times (especially if there is background noise)
• can be quite complex to set -up
• user needs to know which commands can be used

Gesture-based interfaces: Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving

of hands, head or even the feet.

Advantages:
• Replaces mechanical input devices
• no physical contact required.
• very natural interface for a human operator
• no training needed to interface with the computer
Disadvantages:
• possible for unintentional movement to be picked up
• only works fairly near to the camera or sensor (maximum of 1.5 metres)
• may only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may take several
attempts to find out exactly what finger movements are recognised)