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Overview of Computer System Components

A computer system is defined as a collection of hardware, software, and liveware designed to process and present information. Key components include computer hardware (physical devices), software (programs), and liveware (users). The hardware consists of input, processing, storage, output, and communication devices, with the central processing unit (CPU) serving as the core component that manages operations and data processing.

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236 views4 pages

Overview of Computer System Components

A computer system is defined as a collection of hardware, software, and liveware designed to process and present information. Key components include computer hardware (physical devices), software (programs), and liveware (users). The hardware consists of input, processing, storage, output, and communication devices, with the central processing unit (CPU) serving as the core component that manages operations and data processing.

Uploaded by

jowindel mandabon
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Computer System

Definition: Is a collection of entities (hardware, software and liveware) that are designed to receive, process,
manage and present information in a meaningful format.

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

 Computer hardware - Are physical parts/ intangible parts of a computer. eg Input devices, output
devices, central processing unit and storage devices
 Computer software - also known as programs or applications. They are classified into two classes
namely - system software and application software
 Liveware - is the computer user. Also, kwon as orgware or the humanware. The user commands the
computer system to execute on instructions.
a) COMPUTER HARDWARE

Hardware refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and devices, which provide support for
major functions such as input, processing (internal storage, computation and control), output, secondary storage
(for data and programs), and communication.

HARDWARE CATEGORIES (Functional Parts)


A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information.
Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device. There are five main
hardware components in a computer system: Input, Processing, Storage, Output and Communication devices.

1. INPUT DEVICES
Are devices used for entering data or instructions to the central processing unit. Are classifie
according to the method they use to enter data.

A. KEYING DEVICES
Are devices used to enter data into the computer using a set of Keys eg Keyboard, key-to- storage and
keypad.

Three Types of Keys:


The keys on your keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:
 Typing (alphanumeric) keys. These keys include the same letter, number, punctuation, and symbol
keys found on a traditional typewriter.
 Special (Control) keys. <Shift>, <Ctrl>, <Alt>, <Home>, <Scroll Lock> etc. These keys are used alone
or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions. The most frequently used control keys are
CTRL, ALT, the Windows key, and ESC.
 Function keys. The function keys are used to perform specific tasks. They are labelled as F1, F2, F3,
and so on, up to F12. The functionality of these keys differs from program to program.
 Cursor Movement (Navigation) keys. These keys are used for moving around in documents or
WebPages and editing text. They include the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN,
DELETE, and INSERT and ARROW KEYS.
 Numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped
together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine.

B. POINTING DEVICES
Are devices that enter data and instructions into the computer using a pointer that appears on the
screen. The items to be entered are selected by either pointing to or clicking on them.e.g mice, joystick, touch
sensitive screen, trackballs

1. THE MOUSE

A mouse is a small device used to point to and select items on your computer screen. Although mice come in
many shapes, the typical mouse does look a bit like an actual mouse.
A mouse usually has two buttons: a primary button (usually the left button) and a secondary button. Many
mice also have a wheel between the two buttons, which allows you to scroll smoothly through screens of
information.
Most mouse actions combine pointing with pressing one of the mouse buttons. There are four basic ways to use
your mouse buttons:.

a. Clicking (single-clicking)
To click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the primary button (usually the left
button).
Clicking is most often used to select (mark) an item or open a menu. This is sometimes called single-
clicking or left-clicking.
b. Double-clicking
To double-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then click twice quickly. If the two clicks are
spaced too far apart, they might be interpreted as two individual clicks rather than as one double-click.
Double-clicking is most often used to open items on your desktop. For example, you can start a program or
open a folder by double-clicking its icon on the desktop.
c. Right-clicking
To right-click an item, point to the item on the screen, and then press and release the secondary button (usually
the right button).

C) SCANNING DEVICES

Are devices that capture an object or a document directly from the source. They are classifie according
to the technology used to capture data e.g. Scanners and Document readers.
Scanners
Used to capture a source document and converts it into an electronic form.

Document readers

Are documents that reads data directly from source document and convey them as input in the form of
electronic signal. e
Types of Document Readers

i) Optical Mar Reader (OMR)

ii) Barcode readers

iii) Optical Character Readers

Magnetic Readers
Reads data using magnetic ink.t uses principle of magnetism to sense data which have
been written using magnetized ink.

THE CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT ( C P U)

Is the brain or the heart of a computer. Is also known as processor and consist of three units namely -
i) Control Unit ( C U)
ii) Arithmetic logic Unit ( A L U)
iii) Main Memory unit ( M M U)

The system unit is the core of a computer system. Usually it's a rectangular box placed on or underneath your
desk. Inside this box are many electronic components that process data. The most important of these
components is the central processing unit (CPU), or microprocessor, which acts as the "brain" of your computer.
Another component is random access memory (RAM), which temporarily stores information that the CPU uses
while the computer is on. The information stored in RAM is erased when the computer is turned off.
Almost every other part of your computer connects to the system unit using cables. The cables plug into
specific ports (openings), typically on the back of the system unit. Hardware that is not part of the system unit is
sometimes called a peripheral device. Peripheral devices can be external such as
a mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor, external Zip drive or scanner or internal, such as a CD-ROM drive, CD-R
drive or internal modem. Internal peripheral devices are often referred to as integrated peripherals. There are
two types according to shape: tower and desktop.

Tower System Unit Desktop System Unit


A motherboard (mainboard, system board, planar board or logic board) is the main printed circuit
board found in computers and other expandable systems. It holds many of the crucial electronic components of
the system, such as the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, and provides connectors for
other peripherals.
Motherboard

TYPES OF PROCESSORS
I) Comples Instruction Set Computers (CISC)
ii) Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC)

FUNCTIONS OF CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT


- Process data
- Control sequence of operaions within the computers
- It gives command to all parts of a computer
- It control the use of the main memory in storing of data and instructions
- it provides temporary storage (RAM) and permanent storage(ROM) of data

THE CONTROL UNIT


Is the center of operations for the computer system, it directs the activities of the computer system.
Funlctions of Control Unit

COMPUTER SYSTEM
Definition: Is a collection of entities(hardware,software and liveware) that are designed to receive, process,
manage and present information in a meaningful format.

Common questions

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Input devices are used for entering data or instructions into the central processing unit using various methods such as keying, scanning, and pointing. Keying devices like keyboards enter data using a set of keys, while scanning devices capture objects or documents directly from the source . Pointing devices, such as mice and trackballs, enter data by allowing the user to interact with items on the screen through pointing and clicking mechanisms .

Peripheral devices interact with the system unit through specific ports and connectors. These devices, which can be internal or external, either support additional functions such as storage, input, and output or enhance existing capabilities. External peripherals like mice, keyboards, and monitors plug into ports on the system unit to communicate with the CPU, while internal ones are integrated, such as CD-ROM drives . By doing so, they expand the computer's functionality and usability for the user.

Complex Instruction Set Computers (CISC) and Reduced Instruction Set Computers (RISC) differ primarily in their design philosophy. CISC processors are designed to complete complex tasks in as few lines of assembly as possible by executing complicated commands. This often results in more power-intensive operations but can simplify programming. In contrast, RISC processors use a simpler set of instructions that are designed to execute very quickly. This often increases performance by enabling more instructions to be processed per clock cycle and typically results in better energy efficiency .

System software and application software serve different roles within a computer system. System software primarily manages the computer hardware and provides a platform for running application software. It includes the operating system and utility programs. In contrast, application software is designed to help the user perform specific tasks such as word processing, browsing the web, or playing games .

Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a critical role in a computer system by serving as temporary storage for data that the CPU uses while the computer is on. It allows for quick access and processing of information during active tasks. When the computer is turned off, the data stored in RAM is erased, making it a volatile form of memory that aids in improving the system's speed and responsiveness during operation .

The central processing unit (CPU) primarily functions to process data, control the sequence of operations within the computer, give commands to all parts of a computer, control the use of the main memory for storing data and instructions, and provide both temporary (RAM) and permanent (ROM) storage of data .

The motherboard supports the functioning of a computer system by housing the central processing unit (CPU) and memory, providing connectors for other peripherals, and serving as the main printed circuit board that integrates and facilitates communication among various components. It essentially acts as the backbone of the computer, coordinating the various units to function harmoniously .

Input devices differ from output devices in their primary functions within a computer system. Input devices, such as keyboards and mice, are used to enter data and instructions into the computer, facilitating user interaction with the system. Conversely, output devices, like monitors and printers, are used to present or display the results of computer processing operations to the user .

Liveware, or the human component of a computer system, is significant because it involves the user who operates and interacts with the software and hardware to execute instructions and manage data input and output. It is sometimes referred to as 'orgware' because it encompasses the organizational aspect of computer use, emphasizing the human role in managing and processing information within the system .

The control unit within the CPU is crucial because it oversees and directs the operations of the CPU and the entire computer system. It manages the sequence and execution of instructions, ensuring that data is processed correctly and efficiently. By controlling the use of main memory in storing data and instructions and coordinating all inputs and outputs, the control unit significantly impacts the processing power and efficiency of computing operations .

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