Chapter 1 - Types and components of computer systems

Hardware

Physical components that you can touch

Internal hardware

Motherboard, NIC, CPU, Graphic Card, RAM, ROM

External hardware

Monitor, Speaker, Mouse, Keyboard

Software

Programs that can control the computer

Application software

Powerpoint, Excel, Word, VB, Office, MS Access, Photoshop

System software

Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Compiler

Word processing

Typing and inserting text into the computer and printing out the paper style

Spreadsheet

Typing and inserting text and numbers for calculations using formulas

Database

Organizing, manipulating, and analyzing data

Apps and Applets

Small applications that perform a single task on a device

Control and measurement software

Designed to allow a computer or microprocessor with sensors to measure or control

Audio editing software

Editing sound and producing sound

Video editing software

Editing video and producing videos

Graphic editing software

Editing pictures and producing pictures

System Software

Compiler, Linkers, Device driver, Utilities, Operating Systems (OS)

Analogue data

Data in the real world that is continuous and not in binary format

Digital data

Data in binary format that computers can understand

Main components of computer systems

Input, Processing, Output

Input devices

Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone

Processing

CPU (ALU, CU, MU)

Output devices

Speaker, Monitor, Projector

Internal memory

Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM)

RAM

Temporary, volatile memory for storing data, files, programs, part of operating systems

ROM

Permanent, non-volatile memory for storing BIOS and other data

Difference between RAM and ROM

RAM is temporary and volatile, while ROM is permanent and non-volatile

Input devices

Devices used to insert data into the computer

Output devices

Devices used to see data from the computer

Backing storage

Storage devices for storing large amounts of data

Internal backing storage

HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid-state drive)

Key feature of backing storage

Must store data permanently

Operating Systems

Software that allows users to communicate with computer systems

User Interface

Command line interface (CLI), Graphical user interface (GUI), Dialogue-based user interface, Gesture-based user interface

CLI

Type instructions to choose options from menus, open software

GUI

Allows the user to interact with a computer using pictures or symbols (icons)

Who would use each type of interface

CLI - programmers, system analysts; GUI - end users who don't need to learn coding

Difference between CLI and GUI

CLI requires typing instructions and learning coding, while GUI uses icons and doesn't require coding knowledge

Advantages and Disadvantages of CLI

Advantages - direct communication with the computer, flexibility, control; Disadvantages - learning commands, error-prone

Advantages and Disadvantages of GUI

Advantages - no coding required, user-friendly, control; Disadvantages - limited control, slower execution, limited icons

Types of computers

Desktop, Mobile Computers (Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Phablet)

Desktop Computers

General purpose computer made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit

Advantages of Desktop computers

Large data storage, easy replacement of accessories, lower cost of spare parts, easier to upgrade or expand, stable internet access

Disadvantages of Desktop computers

Takes up space, not portable, harder to copy files

Laptop Computers

All-in-one unit with monitor, keyboard, pointing device, and processor

Features of Laptop computers

Lightweight, low power, low heat output

Advantages of Laptop computers

Portable, space-saving

Disadvantages of Laptop computers

Expensive to repair, less powerful than desktop, limited battery life

Smartphones

Phones with an operating system and the ability to run applications

Features of smartphones

High-definition displays, cameras, lightweight, flash memory, cloud storage

Advantages of smartphones

Lightweight, portable, internet access, phone calls

Disadvantages of smartphones

Small screen and keyboard, limited website compatibility, slower mobile data

Tablets

Similar to smartphones with touch-screen capability

Advantages of tablets

Fast startup, fully portable, multiple apps, solid-state technology, longer battery life

Disadvantages of tablets

Expensive, limited memory/storage, slow typing on touch-screen, file transfers require application software

Phablets

Larger screens than smartphones, smaller than tablets

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