Computer Science

Computer systems

Computer systems

A computer system will input data, process data, output the results and store data.

Examples:

  • Traffic light

  • Ipad

  • Dishwasher

  • Laptop

  • Car

  • Phone

Headphones and toaster do not have computer systems.

Input - Data (letters, numbers, sounds , videos, images) get entered into the computer. Examples include keyboard, mouse , touchscreen.

Process - This is where the computer manipulates the data to produce meaningful information.

Output - This is the part where the data that the computer has processed is presented in a suitable way. Examples include monitors, speakers, and printers.

Store - Data is stores in memory and retrieved by the processor when needed.

 

Example

Computer System

Input

Output

Process

Store

Tablet 

Touch Screen

keyboard

Home Button

Microphone

camera

Screen

Speaker (sound)

Vibration/notifications

Runs apps

Processes instructions

Convert inputs into actions

Apps, photos, videos, documents, settings, downloaded files


Hardware and Software

Hardware - Physical components of a computer system (anything that can be seen or touched. Examples include - A motherboard , CPU , a keyboard and a monitor

Software - The programs or applications that a computer system runs. Examples include - Windows 8, Microsoft word , Anti virus software and Photo editing.

Internal Hardware - Are components that are outside the computer system. Examples include - Monitor , USB flash drive , Speakers and Mouse.

External Hardware - These are components that are outside the computer system. These are called peripheral devices. Examples Include - optical disk drive, power supply , fan and Graphics card.

Application software - Is used to carry out tasks on a computer such as writing an email, creating a poster and doing homework.Examples include - powerpoint.



System Software - Is computer software designed to help run and maintain the computer. Examples include operating systems and utility software like anti-virus software.




Input and Output devices

Input devices - Is any device that allows you to pass data from the outside world into a computer system.

Output devices - Is any device that can take data stores in digital from and convert it into another format that humans can understand such as sound, images or vibrations.

Exam question