IGCSE ICT COURSE

FOR GRADE 9
CHAPTER ONE
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

This chapter will cover:

1.Hardware
2.Software
3.Analogue an digital data
4.Central processing unit
5.Internal memory
6.Input and output devices
7.Backing storage
8.Operating system
9.Types of computers
10.Emerging technologies
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Internal computer hardware

1.Desktop computer
2.Mobile computer
3.Laptop (notebook) computer
4.Smartphones
5.Tablet computer
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hardware
Hardware refers to the PHYSICAL
components of a computer system; i.e.
those things which can be touched.

Hardware includes:
• Processor

• Video cards

• Motherboards

• Internal hard disk drives

• Read-only Memory (ROM)

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The system unit (also called Tower) is

where all the computer components are
stored. It is the main part of a Personal
Computer.

It contains the:

• Motherboard

• CPU

• Memory

• Internal hard disk

• and more…
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Motherboard
It is the main circuit board of a micro-
computer

Connects all the different components to

each other thus allowing them to
communicate with each other

• Connects the:

• CPU

• RAM

• and all other devices…

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Central processing Unit (CPU)

CPU (Central Processing Unit) can be
considered to be the brain of the computer
where most calculations take place.

It determines the speed of the computer,

and it performs all the major functions of
the computer.

The CPU speed is measured in Gigahertz

(Ghz).

The CPU is inserted directly into a CPU

socket, pin side down on the motherboard

Consists of two components: CU and ALU

The Control Unit (CU) is responsible to

perform control operations, where data is
send/received within the computer.
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Arithmetic Unit
Responsible for performing arithmetic and
logical calculations.
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Random Access Memory (RAM) If the computer is switched off, the

contents of the RAM will be lost. For this
A type of computer memory, where data is reason RAM is called a volatile memory.
temporarily stored when applications are So any information which is in the RAM and
running needs to be stored permanently must be
Data can be written to and read from and stored in the hard disk
it is often described as ‘read/write’
memory

It is VOLATILE (when the computer is

switched off ALL is lost)

Stores the data, files or part of OS

currently in use

When you want to use a program, you

instruct the system to load the program
required. In a matter of seconds, the
computer reads the program from the disk
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Read Only Memory (ROM) When the computer is switched off, the
This is a computer memory with which data
contents of the ROM are not lost.
can be pre-recorded (by manufacturer

• Once data has been written, it cannot be

altered or removed.

• Non-volatile, all data will remain intact

when computer is turned off.

• Contains BIOS (basic input output system)

which is executed when the computer is
turned on.

• ROM refers to chips that have a series of

instructions built into them by the
manufacturer.

• The ROM chip retains important instructions

in a permanently accessible, non-volatile
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Sound card
Audio output
Also known as an audio card Is an
internal circuit board which produces input
and output audio signals

• Sound cards allow the user to record,

input sound via a microphone.
Manipulate

• sounds stored on a disk for multimedia

applications

Audio input
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Hard disk drive (HDD) and Solid state drive
(SSD) are data storage devices used for
storing and retrieving digital information

They are used for storing booting

instructions, Operating System, software
applications and other personal files.
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Comparison
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Software
1.System software
2.Application software
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

System software
Programs that allow the hardware to run
properly and allow the user to
communicate with the computer.
User Interface
Operating System
Peripheral Memory
Runs in the background of a computer Management OS Management
system providing a platform to run
application software
Multi-tasking Security
Allows communication between the user
and the computer (use of HCI)

Allows to manage the security (user

accounts, password protection.

Enables hardware to communicate with OS

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Compiler is a computer program that

translates source code written in a
programming language into binary, also
known as object code or machine language.

A linker is a computer program that takes

one or more object files generated by a
compiler and combines them into a single
executable file, library file that can run on a
computer

Device driver is a program that enables a

particular device which is connected to a
computer, to communicate with the
operating system.

Utility software are software that have

been designed to carry out specific tasks to
help configure, optimize or maintain a
computer system.
base: Helps to organise, manipulate

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Application software Database: Helps to organise, manipulate and

analyse large quantities of data. Provides the ability to
Programs that allow the user to do specific carry out queries and produce reports. Also enables to
tasks. add, delete and modify data in a table.

Examples of application software are: Word Presentation: Used for displaying information
processor, Spreadsheet, Database, Control if the form of slide show. Enables to manipulate
and measuring software etc text, inserting graphics or audio. Include
animations and slide transitions to keep
Word Processing: used to manipulate audience attention
text documents, such as letters or reports.
Provides tools for inserting photos/images, Control and measuring software: are
chancing text formatting, spell checking designed to allow a computer or microprocessor
and mail merging control devices to measure physical variables in
the real world and control applications
Spreadsheet: used for organising and
manipulating numerical data. These Video editing software: Can manipulate
numbers are organised in a grid of cells. videos to produce an edited video, by adding
Can use formulas to carry out calculations, titles, altering sounds of frames. Also can colour
produce graphs and it is also used for correct and include transitions between clips
base: Helps to organise, manipulate

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Application software
Graphics manipulation software:
Allows bitmap and vector images to be
manipulated

Graphics manipulation software:

Allows bitmap and vector images to be
manipulated

Apps and applets, also known as

applications, normally refers to the
applications running on mobile devices,
such as phones or tablets
base: Helps to organise, manipulate

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Quiz

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TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Operating System
The user interface (UI) is the
industrial design which enables a
human to interact with a
machine/computer using a display
screen, keyboard or mouse. The
following are discussed;
1.Command line (CLI)
2.Graphical User Interface
3.Dialogue Based
4.Gesture-based
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Command line (CLI) User interface

CLI crequires a user to type in instructions

(commands) to chose options from the
menu.

typed.
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Graphical user interface (GUI)

This user interface uses WIMP
technology
– windows
– icons
– menu
– pointer
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Comparison

Command Line (CLI) Graphical user interface (GUI)

User has direct communication with the User doesn’t need to learn commands
computer

It is not restricted to a number of It is more user-friendly and can launch

predetermined options applications easily

Can alter configuration settings It uses more computer memory due to OS

graphics provided

User must learn and understand

commands
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Types of computer
1.Desktop computer
2.Mobile computer
3.Laptop (notebook) computer
4.Smartphones
5.Tablet computer
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Desktop Computer Disadvantages

This is also called general-purpose Not portable

computer which is made up of monitor,
Complicated because the parts need to be
keyboard, mouse and processor unit.
hooked up by wiring cluttering a desk
Advantages place,

Spare parts and connections are When trying to work else where you have
standardized that’s why they have a lower to transfer your information to an external
cost. drive.

Easier and cheaper to upgrade/expand Uses

Better specs for a given price Office and business work

Power consumption is not critical Educational use

Cant be easily stollen or damaged Used for gaming

Internet access can be stable because of General entertainment
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
Mobile Computers Disadvantages

Unlike desktop computers these computers are • They are easier to steal
indeed mobile and more portable. These include:
• They have a limited battery life
laptops, tablets, smartphones and phablets,

Laptop computer
• The keyboard and pointing device can be
awkward to use depending on the computer
Refers to computers with keyboard, pointing
device, monitor and processors are all in one • It is not always easy to upgrade
unit making them very portable.
Uses
Advantages
• Office and business work
• Portability
• Educational use
• No trailing wires
• Used for gaming
• They take much smaller space
• General entertainment
• Access to wi-fi is easier
• Used in control and monitoring (portability
• Linking them to any multi-media is much and battery allows them to be carried
easier around. )
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Smartphones • They use a number of sensors including:

1. Proximity sensors-when you are on a

Allow normal phone calls to be made, run a
call the phone blocks unintended
number of applications known as applets,
touches if the phone is close to a body
send and receive emails, take pics and
videos etc. 2. Accelerometers – used to detect
movements and orientation
Some typical features include
3. Can use sophisticated speech
• High-definition, anti-glare displays recognition
• Front and back cameras They use Organic Light Emitting diode
(OLED) making them lighter and thinner. In
• Lower weight longer battery life
future they maybe coated with crystalline
• Use Bluetooth to connect to other layer allowing them to use solar to charge
the battery. This will allow them to use Li-Fi
gadgets
and not Wi-Fi.
• Using flash, memory cards and cloud
Li-Fi uses light to communicate while Wi-Fi
storage
uses radio waves.
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM
Disadvantages
Smartphones
• They are easier to steal
Advantages
• They have a limited battery life
• Portability • The keyboard and pointing device can be
awkward to use depending on the computer
• to any multi-media is much easier
• It is not always easy to upgrade

Uses

• Office and business work

• Educational use

• Used for gaming

• General entertainment

• Used in control and monitoring (portability and

battery allows them to be carried around. )
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Emerging technology Advantages

Impact of emerging technology • Improved services

Artificial Intelligence • Improved security

• This is a machine or application which • Improved products

carries out tasks that require some level
• New technical jobs could be created
of intelligence like:

• Learning how to use languages Three Robotic laws produced by Isaac

• Robots may not injure a human through

• Recognizing a person
action or inaction
• Operating machines like driving a car
• Robots must obey orders given by human
• Analise data to predict the outcome
• The robot must protect itself unless it
• This will eventually replace human conflicts with the two laws
beings in many work areas/places
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Emerging technology Augmented reality

Disadvantages • This includes

• Could lead to a number of job losses in • Allow the user to experience

many areas relationship between virtual and
physical worlds
• Dependency on technology
• Virtual information and objects are
• Loss of skills (Relaced by robots) overlaid onto real world situations
Extended reality • Augmented reality can be
experienced through special goggles
• This refers to real virtual combined or smartphone
environments like
• The user is not separated from the
• Augmented reality real world
• Virtual reality • Pokémon GO game is an example
• Mixed reality
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Emerging technology Virtual reality

Future impact of augmented reality • Features include

• Safety and rescue operation(3D image of an • Taking the user out of the world
area) • Users fully immersed in simulated worlds
• Entertainment (Interacting with characters • User must ware VR headsets or head
eg. movie stars) mounted display with 360 view of the
world
• Shopping and retail (trying out outfit before
buying, virtual tour of a car before buying) • Can be used in teaching procedures

• Healthcare doctors now use echopixel to Impact of VR

build a 3D image to better understand
• Military application (training)
patient bodies
• Education (looking inside a patient)

• Healthcare (Diagnostic tools)

• Entertainment (games)
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Emerging technology Virtual reality

Fashion (trying out clothes before the real • Features include

show begin) • Taking the user out of the world
Heritage (allow user to walk around • Users fully immersed in simulated worlds
monuments like stone henge)
• User must ware VR headsets or head
Business (training course) mounted display with 360 view of the
world
Engineering (designs of houses, bridges etc.)
• Can be used in teaching procedures
Sport (golf)
Impact of VR
Media (movie special effects)
• Military application (training)
Scientific visualization (Molecular structure)
• Education (looking inside a patient)

• Healthcare (Diagnostic tools)

•
TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

End of chapter one