Chapter 6 Components Of Computer System

1. Introduction to Computer
What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that accepts data (input), processes it, and gives the result
(output).
It can also store data for future use.

Definition:

A computer is an electronic device that takes input, processes it, stores it, and produces output.

Working of a Computer –:

Step Function Example

Input Data is entered into the computer Typing using a keyboard
Process Data is processed by the CPU Calculating total marks
Output Result is shown to the user Displaying marks on screen
Storage Save data for future use Saving marks in a file
Basic Features of a Computer:

1. Speed – Can perform millions of tasks in seconds

2. Accuracy – Gives accurate results
3. Storage – Stores large amounts of data
4. Automation – Works automatically once programmed
5. Multitasking – Can do many things at the same time
6. Diligence – Never gets tired or bored

Examples of Computer Use:

 Schools – for learning and exams

 Banks – for transactions and records
 Offices – for documents and presentations
 Homes – for games, entertainment, browsing
 Hospitals – for patient records and tests

2. Input and Output Devices

Input Devices (used to enter data into the computer):

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Scanner
 Microphone
 Webcam

Output Devices (used to show the result from the computer):

 Monitor
 Printer
 Speakers
 Projector

3. Components of a Computer
1. Input Unit – Devices like keyboard, mouse
2. Output Unit – Devices like monitor, printer
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) – Brain of the computer
o ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – Performs calculations
o CU (Control Unit) – Controls operations
4. Memory/Storage Unit – Stores data and instructions
What is Hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer — the parts you can see and touch.

Example: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, CPU, Printer

Types of Hardware:

Type Examples

Input Devices Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner

Output Devices Monitor, Printer, Speakers

Processing Unit CPU (Central Processing Unit)

Storage Devices Hard disk, Pen drive, CD/DVD

What is Software?

Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do.
You cannot touch software, but it runs the hardware.

Example: Windows, MS Word, Paint, Google Chrome

Difference Between Hardware and Software

Feature Hardware Software

Meaning Physical parts of the computer Instructions that run the system

Touch Can be touched Cannot be touched

Examples Keyboard, CPU, Monitor Windows, MS Word, Antivirus

Failure May damage physically May crash or become corrupted

How They Work Together

 Hardware needs software to work.

 Software needs hardware to run.

Example: You use a keyboard (hardware) to type in MS Word (software), and the result shows
on the monitor (hardware).

Types of Software
Software is divided into two main types:

1 System Software

This software controls and manages the working of computer hardware.

It helps the computer to function properly.

Examples:

 Operating System (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS)

 Utility Software (e.g., Antivirus, Disk Cleaner)
 Device Drivers (e.g., printer driver)

2 Application Software

This software helps users to do specific tasks like writing, drawing, calculating, etc.

Used by people to perform work on the computer.

Examples:

 MS Word – for writing

 MS Excel – for calculations
 Paint – for drawing
 Web Browser – for internet browsing (Chrome, Firefox)
Further Classification of Application Software

Type Description Examples

General Purpose Used by many people for common tasks MS Office, Paint, Chrome

Special Purpose Made for specific work or industry Railway reservation software

Customized Software Made for one person or company’s special need Hospital billing software

Comparison Chart

Software Type Main Use Examples

System Software Runs the computer system Windows, Linux, Drivers

Application Software Performs user tasks (writing, browsing, etc.) MS Word, Paint, Chrome

Types of System Software

System Software is a set of programs that control and manage computer hardware and support
other software to run.

There are 4 main types of system software:

1 Operating System (OS)

Controls the overall working of the computer.

Functions:

 Starts the computer

 Manages hardware and software
 Provides user interface
 Manages files and folders

Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android

2 Utility Software

Helps in maintaining, analyzing, and optimizing the computer.

Functions:

 Protects the system (antivirus)

 Cleans junk files
 Compresses files
 Takes backup
Examples:

 Antivirus (Avast, Quick Heal)

 Disk Cleanup
 WinZip
 Backup tools

3 Device Drivers

Helps the operating system to communicate with hardware devices.

Examples:

 Printer driver
 Sound card driver
 Graphics card driver
 USB driver

Without drivers, hardware like mouse or printer won’t work.

4 Language Translators

Converts programming language code (like Python, Java) into machine language that the
computer understands.

Types of Translators:

 Compiler – Converts whole code at once

 Interpreter – Converts code line-by-line
 Assembler – Converts assembly language to machine code

Examples: Python Interpreter, Turbo C Compiler, Java Compiler

Summary Table:

Type of System Software Purpose Examples

Operating System Manages the computer system Windows, Linux
Utility Software Maintains and protects system Antivirus, Disk Cleanup
Device Drivers Connects hardware with OS Printer Driver, USB Driver
Language Translators Converts code into machine language Compiler, Interpreter
What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is a type of system software that manages the computer hardware,
software, and all other programs on a computer.

It acts as a bridge between the user and the computer.

Memory/Storage Unit

Definition:

The Operating System is software that controls the overall working of a computer system and
allows users to interact with the hardware and software. . Memory/Storage Unit

Stores data, instructions, and results temporarily or permanently.

a) Primary Memory (Main Memory)

 Stores data temporarily.

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

Types of Memory in a Computer

Memory in a computer is divided mainly into two types:

1. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Used directly by the CPU to store data temporarily during processing.

a) RAM (Random Access Memory)

 Temporary memory
 Stores data currently in use
 Volatile (data lost when power is off)

b) ROM (Read-Only Memory)

 Stores permanent instructions (like booting system)

 Cannot be changed easily
 Non-volatile (data stays even when power is off)
Difference Between RAM and ROM
Feature RAM (Random Access Memory) ROM (Read-Only Memory)
Full Form Random Access Memory Read-Only Memory
Temporarily stores data and Stores permanent instructions (like
Function
programs in use booting system)
Volatile – Data is lost when power Non-volatile – Data remains even when
Volatility
is off power is off
Read/Write Read and Write memory Read-only (some types can be updated)
Usage Used while running applications Used to store firmware/BIOS
Speed Fast Slower compared to RAM
Data Stored Temporary data Permanent instructions
Can be
Yes, data can be changed frequently No (or limited, depending on type)
changed?
Used to run MS Word, games,
Example Stores , boot instructions
browsers

2. Secondary Memory (Storage Devices)

Used for permanent storage of data and programs.

Examples:

 Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

 Solid State Drive (SSD)
 CD/DVD
 Pen Drive
 Memory Card

Non-volatile (data is not lost when power is off)

Secondary Memory

 Stores data permanently.

 Examples: Hard Disk, SSD, Pen Drive, CD/DVD
Hard Disk
A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is the main permanent storage device in most computers.

a) Fixed Hard Disk

 Built inside the computer (desktop/laptop).

 Stores the operating system, software, files.
 Large capacity (500GB to 2TB+).

b) Portable/External Hard Disk

 Connected via USB.

 Used for backup and data transfer.
 Easy to carry.

2. CD and DVD (Optical Storage)

a) CD (Compact Disc)

 Stores about 700 MB of data.

 Used for songs, small software.

b) DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)

 Stores about 4.7 GB (single-layer).

 Used for movies, large files, software.

Both are read using a CD/DVD drive.

3. Pen Drive (USB Flash Drive)

 Small, portable storage device.
 Connected via USB port.
 Storage ranges from 4GB to 1TB.
 Used for file transfer and backup.

4. Memory Card (SD Card)

 Used in mobile phones, cameras, tablets.
 Very small and portable.
 Capacity ranges from 2GB to 512GB or more.
5. Measuring Storage Capacity
Data is measured in bits and bytes:

Unit Symbol Size

1 bit b Smallest data unit (0 or 1)
1 byte B 8 bits
1 KB Kilobyte 1024 bytes
1 MB Megabyte 1024 KB
1 GB Gigabyte 1024 MB
1 TB Terabyte 1024 GB

Example Comparison

Devic Storage Capacity

CD 700 MB
DVD 4.7 GB
Pen Drive 4 GB – 1 TB
Memory Card 2 GB – 512 GB
Hard Disk (HDD) 500 GB – 2 TB+
SSD (modern PC) 128 GB – 4 TB

Motherboard
Definition:

The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. It connects and allows
communication between all parts of the computer like the CPU, RAM, hard disk, graphics card,
and input/output devices.

It is also called:

 Mainboard
 System board
 Logic board (in Apple devices)

Motherboard Ports and Connections

The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer. It has several ports and connections
that allow communication between different hardware components.
1. USB Ports (Universal Serial Bus)

 Function: Connects external devices like keyboard, mouse, printer, pen drive, webcam,
etc.
 Types:
o USB 2.0 – Slower (black inside)
o USB 3.0 – Faster data transfer (blue inside)
o USB-C – Newer, reversible, high speed

2. Display Port (Video Output)

Used to connect monitor/display screen.

 Types:
o VGA Port (Blue, 15-pin) – Older monitors
o DVI Port – Digital Video Interface (better than VGA)
o HDMI Port – High-quality video & audio, used for HD screens
o DisplayPort – High performance video/audio, mostly in modern computers

3. Audio Ports

Used to connect sound-related devices.

 Audio Out (Green) – For speakers or headphones

 Microphone In (Pink) – For mic input
 Line In/Out (Blue) – For external audio systems

4. Ethernet Port (LAN Port / RJ-45)

 Function: Connects the computer to wired internet or network

 Looks like a big phone jack with LED lights showing connection
 Speed: Fast and stable internet (up to 1 Gbps or more)

5. Power Port (ATX Power Connector)

 Function: Supplies power to the motherboard

 Connected to: SMPS (Power supply unit)
 Two main power connectors:
o 24-pin ATX main power connector
o 4/8-pin CPU power connector