TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM Hardware Hardware

TYPES AND COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

Hardware • Hardware is a general term of the physical components that make up a computer system like keyboard, mouse, monitor, processor, circuit board, etc

Software • Software is a general term for the programs that control the computer system. There are two types: systems and application.

Main components of computer system • A typical computer system is made up of hardware and software. • Example: -Input devices: keyboard, mouse. -Output devices: monitor, printer. -Secondary storage devices: DVD R/W drive, removable hard drive.

Processor and internal memory devices CPU: the main part of the computer where most calculations take place. Internal hard drive: the computer’s main memory; typically contains the operating system, software applications, and other files. Random access memory(RAM): where data is temporarily stored when running applications. Read only memory(ROM): memory used to store information that needs to be permanent.

Operating system • It’s most important program that supports a computer's basic functions aka the brains. • General tasks: -Controlling the operation of the input, output and backing storage devices. -Supervising the loading, running and storage of application programs. -Dealing with errors in applications programs. -Maintaining security. -Maintaining a computer log. -Allowing communication between user and the computer system.

Types of user interface • Command line interfaces • Graphical user interfaces

Command line interfaces • Allow users to type in instructions in order to choose options from menus, open software, etc • Disadvantages: - Users have to learn a number of commands before they can carry out basic operations. - It is slow having to key in these commands every time an operation has to be carried out. • Advantage: -The user is in direct communication with the computer and is not restricted to a number of pre-determined options.

Graphical user interfaces • Allow users to interact with a computer(or MP 3 player, gaming devices, mobile phone, etc) using pictures or symbols rather than having to type in a number of commands. • Uses various technologies and devices to provide the user interface. One of the most common is window icons menu and pointing device. This uses a mouse to control a cursor, which then selects icons to open up windows.

Types of computers Laptop: a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and processor are all together in one single unit. Ad: portable, full advantage of wifi. Dis: easy to steal, limited battery life. Netbook: a computer that can almost fit onto a hand. Ad: same features as laptop Dis: don’t have optical drives, keyboards are small.

PC/Desktop: a general purpose computer which is made up of separate monitor, keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. Ad: the large casing allows good dissipation of any heat build-up. Dis: Aren’t portable, need to be hooked up by wiring. Personal digital assistants: small handheld computers that usually come with a touch screen that is activated using a stylus. Ad: can be used anywhere, lightweight Dis: difficult to enter text quickly, limited capabilities.

Mainframe computers • A large, powerful computer system. Uses: -can have several CPU -very fast processor speeds. -can support multiple operating systems. -have huge amounts of storage capacity. -huge internal memories. -often operating using time sharing or patch processing. Ads: -can be used to do a large job. -capable of very large number, crunching Dis: -very expensive to to operate and maintain. -not portable

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