Computer System Components, Basic Functions, and Types

Core Computer System Components

• A computer system is fundamentally comprised of four primary components:
  • DATAWARE
  • HARDWARE
  • SOFTWARE
  • PEOPLEWARE

Dataware

• Definition: The systematic and organized collection of data and procedures relevant to the computer organization.
• BIOS (Basic Input/Output System):
  • Controls the dialogue between the various devices within the computer system.

Hardware

• Tangible Parts: Represents the physical components and tangible parts of the computer.
• Physical Nature: Encompasses all physical machinery, devices, and circuitry that can be physically touched and manipulated.

Software and Data Measurement Units

• Definition:
  • Serves as the intermediary between computer users and the computer hardware.
  • Represents the intangible part of the computer system consisting of step-by-step instructions, routines, and programs.
• Units of Data Representation:
  • Bit:
  • The smallest unit of data.
  • Short for Binary Digit.
  • Represents a value of either $0$ or $1$.
  • Size corresponds to $\frac{1}{8}$ of a byte.
  • Byte ($\text{B}$):
  • Value is equal to $8\text{ bits}$.
  • Size is equal to $1\text{ byte}$.
  • Kilobyte ($\text{KB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^1\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Megabyte ($\text{MB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^2\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Gigabyte ($\text{GB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^3\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Terabyte ($\text{TB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^4\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Petabyte ($\text{PB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^5\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Exabyte ($\text{EB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^6\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Zettabyte ($\text{ZB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^7\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.
  • Yottabyte ($\text{YB}$):
  • Value is equal to $1000^8\text{ bytes}$.
  • Size is equal to $1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000\text{ bytes}$.

Peopleware

• Definition: Refers to the personnel who manage and use the computer system.
• Core Responsibilities:
  • Designing the applications and systems software.
  • Writing and encoding the programs.
  • Running and maintaining the hardware.
• Professional Roles and Classifications:
  • Administrator
  • Project Manager
  • System Analyst/Designer
  • Network Engineer
  • Network Administrator
  • Database Administrator
  • Computer Engineer
  • Computer Programmer
  • Computer Operator / User / Data Encoder

Computer Basic Functions and Operational Flow

• Input Function:
  • Accepts and gathers data entered into the computer.
  • Allows the user to communicate with the computer by "reading" programs and data, then converting these into electronic pulses that computers can interpret and understand.
  • Typical input devices include hardware such as keyboards and mice.
• Processing Function:
  • Serves as the heart or the brain of the computer that handles the entire operation of the system.
  • Executed by the processor (e.g., CPU, such as an Intel Core i7), which transforms raw DATA into processed Information.
• Storage Function:
  • Serves as the storage area for data and information, interacting bi-directionally with the processor.
  • Divided into two distinct categories:
  1. Primary Memory or Main Storage:
     • Stores data temporarily.
     • Operates as volatile memory, meaning when the computer is turned off, all stored data and information are erased.
  2. Secondary Memory or Secondary Storage:
     • Stores data permanently.
     • Operates as non-volatile memory.
     • Used to store programs and data not currently in active use by the computer.
• Output Function:
  • Allows the computer to communicate with the user.
  • Operates by transforming the results of computer processing (internal electrical impulses) into a human-readable form.
  • Typical output devices include peripherals such as monitors, speakers, and printers.

Types of Computers

• PC (Personal Computer):
  • A computer designed specifically for general use by a single individual.
  • Historically known as microcomputers because they were complete, fully functional computers built on a much smaller physical and operational scale compared to the massive computing systems used by large businesses and enterprises.