Chapter [1]

Types and components of Computer System

1.1 Hardware and Software

Hardware

• Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system

• These components can be internal or external

Internal Components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): the computer's "brain" that performs

calculations, processes instructions, and controls other components
• Processor: a chip inside the CPU that carries out instructions from a
program
• Motherboard: the main circuit board that connects all internal
components

Internal Memory

• Random Access Memory (RAM): temporary storage for running

programs and data; it is volatile, meaning data is lost when the
computer is turned off
• Read-Only Memory (ROM): permanent storage for essential data,
like the computer's BIOS; it is non-volatile, meaning data is retained
even when the computer is turned off
Hardware Components

• Graphics card: processes images and videos for display on a

monitor
• Sound card: processes audio for output through speakers or
headphones
• Network Interface Card (NIC): enables connection to a network,
such as the internet
• Camera: captures images or video for input into the computer
• Internal/external storage devices: stores data permanently, such as
hard drives or USB flash drives
• Input devices: allow users to enter data, like keyboards and mice
• Output devices: display or produce results, like monitors and
printers

Worked example

A computer contains internal hardware. Write down the most appropriate

item of internal hardware to match the descriptions.

a. This handles all the system instructions [1]

Processor / CPU [1]

b. A printed circuit board that contains the main components of the

computer [1]

Motherboard [1]
c. This generates output for the speaker [1]

Sound card [1]

d. A type of memory where data is lost when the computer is switched off

[1]

RAM / Random Access Memory [1]

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Software

• Software refers to programs that control the operation of a computer or the

processing of electronic data

Application Software

• Application software provides the services that users require to solve a task
• E.g.:
o Word processing: creating and editing text documents
o Spreadsheet: organising and analysing data in a grid format
o Database management systems: storing, retrieving and managing
data in databases
o Control/measurement: uses sensors to measure and control a system
o Applets and apps: specialised software for specific tasks
o Video editing: creating and modifying video files
o Graphics editing: creating and modifying images
o Audio editing: creating and modifying sound files
 o Computer Aided Design (CAD): designing and modelling objects in
2D or 3D

System Software

• System software provides the services that the computer requires to operate
e.g.
o Compilers: translating high-level programming languages
into machine code
o Linkers: combining object files into a single executable program
o Device drivers: controlling hardware components and peripherals
o Operating systems: managing the computer's resources and
providing a user interface
o Utilities: tools for maintaining and optimising the computer's
performance

Worked example

Tick whether the following are examples of applications software or system

software [2]

Applications software Systems software

Control software
Compiler
Word processor
Device driver
 Applications System
Software Software
(✓) (✓)

Control software ✓

Compiler ✓

Word processing ✓

Device drivers ✓
2 marks for 4 correct ticks
1 mark for 2 or 3 correct ticks
0 marks for 0 or 1 tick

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Operating Systems

An Operating System has a user interface to allow the user to interact with the
computer. There are different types of user interfaces:

• Command Line Interface (CLI)

o Text-based interface
o Users type commands to perform tasks
o Requires knowledge of command syntax
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
o Visual-based interface with icons, windows, and menus
o Users interact with the system using a mouse and keyboard
o Easier for beginners to learn and use
• Dialogue-based interface
o Users communicate with the system through text or voice
o The system responds with appropriate actions or feedback
• Gesture-based interface
o Users interact with the system through physical gestures
o Requires a camera or sensor to detect movements

Differences between types of interface

• CLI has a steeper learning curve compared to GUI

• GUI is more resource-intensive than CLI
• Dialogue-based and gesture-based interfaces enable more natural and
intuitive interaction
 Advantages & Disadvantages

Type of Operating
Advantages Disadvantages
System

• Faster for experienced

• Difficult for beginners
users
Command Line to learn
• Consumes fewer
Interface • Less visually appealing
system resources

• Slower for some tasks

compared to CLI
• User-friendly and • Consumes more system
easier to learn resources (RAM /
• Visually appealing HDD)
Graphical User • Better help facilities • Slower to run as
Interface • Can exchange data graphics have to be
between different loaded
applications • Restrictive as can only
use pre-defined
functions

• Natural and intuitive

Dialogue-based & interaction • May require additional
Gesture-based • Accessible for users hardware
Interfaces with disabilities
 • Limited functionality
compared to CLI and
GUI

Analogue & Digital Data

• Analogue data is continuous and varies smoothly over time

• Digital data is discrete and represented in binary form (0s and 1s)

Differences between Analogue & Digital Data

• Analogue data can have any value within a range, while digital data
has a limited set of values
• Digital data is less prone to noise and distortion compared to analogue
data
• Digital data can be easily manipulated, stored, and transmitted by
computers

Converting Analogue to Digital Data

• Analogue data must be converted to digital data so it can be processed

by a computer
• This process is called analogue-to-digital conversion (ADC) and is
performed by an analogue-to-digital converter
Converting Digital to Analogue Data

• Digital data must be converted to analogue data so it can be used to

control devices
• This process is called digital-to-analogue conversion (DAC) and is
performed by a digital-to-analogue converter

Worked example

A greenhouse is used to grow plants and is computer controlled.

Give two reasons why data from the sensors need to be converted for use
by a computer. [2]

Two of:

So that the data from the sensor can be understood by the computer [1]

The output from a sensor is analogue [1]

The input to the computer is digital [1]

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1.2 Components of Computer System

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer's "brain"

responsible for processing instructions entered into the computer
• The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations in order to
produce an output

CPU Functions

• Fetches instructions from memory

• Decodes the instructions to determine the required operation
• Executes the operation
• Stores the result back in memory or sends it to an output device

CPU Components

• The CPU is made up of 3 main components:

o Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
o Control Unit (CU)
o Registers

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Memory

Memory is used to store data and instructions temporarily for the computer
to process

Characteristics of ROM and RAM

ROM RAM

Non-volatile (retains data when Volatile (loses data when

Volatility
powered off) powered off)
Read-only (data cannot be Read-write (data can be
Access
modified) modified)
Main Stores essential instructions (e.g. Stores data and instructions in
Purpose BIOS) use by CPU

Differences between ROM and RAM

• ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile

• ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
• ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and
instructions currently in use
Worked example

State two characteristics of RAM [2]

Two of:

RAM can be read from and written to [1]

RAM is volatile memory [1]

RAM is temporary storage [1]

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1.3 Types of Computer

Desktop Computers

Characteristics of a Desktop Computer

• Designed to be used on a desk or table

• Comprised of separate components (monitor, keyboard, mouse,
tower)
• More powerful than laptops and tablets
• Easier to upgrade and customise
• Typically less portable than other computer types
Uses of a Desktop Computer

• Office and business management:

o Word processing
o Spreadsheet creation and management
o Email communication
o Data storage and backup
• Education:
o Access to educational resources
o Creating and editing multimedia content
o Conducting research
o Distance learning and virtual classrooms
• Gaming and entertainment:
o High-performance gaming
o Streaming movies and TV shows
o Social media browsing
o Creating and editing video and audio content

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Mobile Computers

Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and

phablets, that allow users to access and use computer applications and
resources on the go.
Characteristics of Mobile Computers

• Laptop Computers:
o Portable with integrated display, keyboard, and touchpad
o Battery powered
o Less powerful and less expandable than desktops
• Smartphones:
o Portable and lightweight
o Touchscreen interface
o Multifunctional (phone, internet access, camera)
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on screen keyboard
• Tablet Computers:
o Larger touchscreen than smartphones
o Ideal for media consumption and web browsing
o Limited expandability
o Anti-glare screen
o Front and rear facing camera
o Battery powered
o Portable and lightweight
o Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
o Has an on screen keyboard
 • Phablet Computers:
o Combine features of smartphones and tablets
o Larger screen than smartphones
o Can be used for phone calls

Uses of Mobile Computers

• Office and business management:

o Remote access to office applications
o Email and communication on the go
o Mobile payment processing
o Calendar
• Education:
o E-books and digital textbooks
o Educational apps and tools
o Note-taking and research
• Gaming and entertainment:
o Mobile gaming apps
o Streaming movies and music
o Social media
• Remotely controlled devices:
o Controlling smart home devices
o Remote access to surveillance systems
o Controlling drones and other devices
 • Communication:
o Video calling
o Text messaging
• Other:
o Sat Nav
o Online banking
o Searching the Internet
o Taking photos
o Language translation

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to carry and use on the go Limited expandability (Difficult to

(Portability) upgrade hardware)
Access to internet and resources from Less powerful (Lower performance
anywhere (Flexibility) compared to desktop computers)
Can be used for various tasks and Shorter battery life (Needs frequent
activities (Multi-functionality) charging)
Worked example

Circle two input devices that could be used in a smartphone. [2]

magnetic stripe
HDD microphone mouse
reader
remote control speaker touchpad touch screen
Microphone [1]
Touch screen [1]

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