Computer Systems Overview

Hardware

The electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer system, including input and output devices.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The component of the computer that understands and executes hardware and software operations, consisting of a control unit, arithmetic and logic unit, and registers.

Software

The programs that control the computer system and process data, providing techniques, methods, commands, and instructions for device operation.

Application software

Software that provides services enabling users to perform specific tasks, which can be general-purpose or custom-made.

System software

Software designed to provide a platform for all other software to run, including compilers, linkers, device drivers, utilities, and operating systems.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Temporary memory storage that is volatile, lost after power is shut down, used for data currently in use, and can be increased to improve operational speed.

Read-only Memory (ROM)

Permanent memory storage that is non-volatile, can only be read from, and used to store computer configuration data like BIOS.

Input devices

Hardware that allows users to enter data into computers for processing.

Output devices

Hardware that displays the computer's processed output in a human-readable format.

Backing and Secondary Storage

Storage required to store significant amounts of data permanently, commonly in the form of hard disk drives and solid-state drives.

Operating Systems

Software that controls the operation of input, output, and backing storage, supervises application programs, deals with errors, maintains security, and offers various user interfaces.

Command Line Interface

A user interface where commands are typed to communicate with the computer directly, mainly used by programmers.

Graphical User Interface

A user interface that uses windows, icons, menus, and pointing devices, making it more user-friendly and mainly used by end-users.

Dialogue-based User Interface

A user interface where human voice commands are used to interact with the computer system, useful for people with disabilities.

Gesture-based User Interface

A user interface that relies on human gestures for interaction, replacing mechanical input devices and requiring no physical contact.

Desktop Computers

General-purpose computers made up of a separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit.

Laptop computer

Type of computer with monitor, keyboard, pointing device, and processor in one unit, extremely portable.

Smartphones

Mobile phones with an operating system allowing various computer applications, communicate with the internet using Wi-Fi or mobile networks.

Tablets

Similar to smartphones but bigger in size, used for emails, apps, camera, and music/videos.

Phablets

Hybrid between smartphone and tablet with larger screens than a smartphone but smaller than a tablet.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Machine/application performing tasks requiring intelligence like language use, facial recognition, and data analysis for predictions.

Extended Reality

Combination of real and virtual environments, including augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).