Lecture Two: Computer Systems and Hardware

Dr. Hiba Jabbar Aleqabie

Computer System Components

A computer system is defined as an integrated structure that performs Input, Processing, Storage,
Output, and Communication operations. These components form the fundamental architecture of
digital computing systems.

Deeper Breakdown of Components

Component Technical Role Detailed Explanation
Input Data Acquisition Converts human symbols (text, audio, gestures) into binary
electrical signals readable by hardware circuitry.
Processing Computation & CPU and GPU coordinate arithmetic operations, branch logic,
Control parallel threads, and instruction execution.
Storage Data Preservation Uses magnetic, optical, or solid-state mechanisms to store binary
states (0/1) using charge, magnetism, or pits.
Output Data Translation Reverses encoding to human-readable formats like pixels, sound
waves, and hardcopy.
Communication Network & Uses protocols like TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to exchange
Transfer digital packets between systems.

Input
Definition:
Input is the stage where raw data and user commands enter the computer using specific input
devices.
Function:
It converts human-readable information (text, sound, clicks) into digital signals (binary 0/1) that
the computer can process.
How it works:
• User acts (typing/clicking/speaking).
• The device detects and interprets the event.
• Data is encoded into binary and sent to the CPU or memory.
Examples:
Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Touch Screen, Barcode Reader, Scanner.
‫عربي‬
‫) حتى يفهمها‬1‫ و‬0( ‫ يتم تحويل المعلومات إلى إشارة رقمية‬.‫ مثل كتابة نص أو لمس الشاشة‬،‫مرحلة إدخال البيانات للجهاز‬
‫الحاسوب‬.
 Processing
Definition:
Processing is the phase where the computer manipulates, analyzes, and transforms input data
into meaningful output.
Function:
The CPU executes instructions, performs calculations, makes logical decisions, and manages
how data flows inside the system.
Key Components:
• CPU (main processor)
• ALU (math + logic)
• CU (instruction control)
• Cache & Registers (fast internal memory)
What happens during processing (cycle):
Fetch → Decode → Execute → Store Results
‫عربي‬
‫ المعالج‬.‫ يعالجها وينفذ أوامر البرامج‬،‫( هنا الجهاز يشتغل على البيانات‬CPU) ‫يقوم بالحسابات والمنطق وينسّق كل العمليات‬
‫حتى يطلع الناتج‬.

Storage
Definition:
Storage refers to devices and systems that hold data and programs either temporarily or
permanently.
Function:
Keeps the operating system, applications, and files ready for use — and stores results for later
access.

Types of Storage:
Type Purpose
Primary Storage (RAM) Holds active programs temporarily
Secondary Storage (SSD/HDD) Permanent storage for files and software
Cache High-speed CPU-access memory
Flash Portable data storage

Examples: RAM, SSD, HDD, Flash Drive, NVMe, Memory Card.

‫عربي‬
‫ إما بشكل مؤقت‬،‫( هنا يتم خزن البيانات‬RAM) ‫ أو بشكل دائم مثل‬،‫ أثناء تشغيل البرامج‬SSD/HDD ‫لحفظ الملفات‬
‫والبرامج حتى بعد إطفاء الجهاز‬.
 Output
Definition:
Output is the phase where processed information is presented back to the user in a human-
understandable form.
Function:
Transforms binary results into text, visuals, audio, or printed documents.
How output is delivered:
• The CPU sends results to the output device driver.
• The driver converts data into device-specific signals.
• The output device displays/plays/prints the result.
Examples:
Monitor, Printer, Projector, Speakers, Headphones.
‫عربي‬
‫ يعني الحاسبة ترجع‬.‫ أو طباعة ورقة‬،‫ نص‬،‫ صوت‬،‫ مثل عرض صورة‬،‫هنا تظهر نتائج المعالجة للمستخدم بشكل مفهوم‬
‫الناتج إلنا‬.

Communication
Definition:
Communication is the process of sharing data between computers or devices using network
hardware and communication protocols.
Function:
Allows systems to connect to the internet, transfer files, communicate with other devices, and
access remote services.
How it works:
• Devices encode data into packets.
• Packets travel over wired/wireless media.
• Protocols like TCP/IP manage sending, receiving, and security.
Examples:
Network Card, Wi-Fi Adapter, Router, Modem, Bluetooth Hardware.
‫عربي‬
‫مرحلة تبادل البيانات عبر الشبكات أو اإلنترنت — يعني األجهزة تحجي ويا بعضها من خالل بروتوكوالت وقطع شبكة مثل‬
.‫الراوتر وكارت الواي فاي‬
All Together
Stage Purpose (EN) ‫الفكرة بالعربي‬
Input Data enters the computer ‫ندخل البيانات للجهاز‬
Processing Data is worked on ‫الجهاز يعالج ويحسب‬
Storage Save data for now/later ‫نخزن الملفات والمعلومات‬
Output Show results to user ‫الجهاز ينطينا النتائج‬
Communication Data sharing ‫تواصل ونقل بيانات‬
System Software vs Application Software

System Software
• Definition: Software that controls hardware and manages system resources.
• Examples: Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), Drivers, Utilities.
• Purpose: Helps the hardware work and provides a platform for applications.
Application Software
• Definition: Programs designed for user tasks.
• Examples: MS Office, Browsers, Games.
• Purpose: Help users perform work or entertainment.

‫ بينما تطبيقات المستخدم هي البرامج اللي نستخدمها للشغل‬،‫برمجيات النظام يشغّل الجهاز ويتحكم بالهاردوير‬
.‫والدراسة‬

Operating System (OS) Basics

Role of OS
• Manages hardware & software resources
• Controls memory & CPU scheduling
• Provides user interface
• Manages files & security
Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

.‫ يوزع المهام وينظم الذاكرة ويوفّر واجهة للمستخدم‬،‫نظام التشغيل هو العقل المنسّق بين البرامج والهاردوير‬
Computer performance
refers to how fast and efficiently the computer operates while running programs and
tasks. It shows how well the system responds without slowing down or freezing.
.‫أداء الحاسوب يعني سرعة وكفاءة الجهاز أثناء تشغيل البرامج بدون بطء أو تهنيگ‬

Why it matters?
Because it affects:
• Program speed.
• Multitasking.
• System smoothness.
.‫األداء مهم ألنه يحدد سرعة الجهاز وسالسته‬
Computer Performance Factors
• CPU Speed: Faster processor = faster device.

.‫سرعة المعالج = سرعة الجهاز‬

• Cores: More cores = better multitasking.

.‫أنوية أكثر(نواة المعالج) = مهام أكثر بدون بطء‬

• RAM: More RAM = smoother programs.

‫رام أعلى = برامج تمشي بدون ما تقفل‬ •

• Storage Type: SSD is faster than HDD.

HDD.‫أسرع من‬SSD •
• GPU: Important for games & graphics.

.‫مهم لأللعاب والتصميم‬ •

• System Optimization: Clean software = better performance.

.‫ضبط النظام يقلل البطء‬ •