Book One:
 Hardware
 Software
 Types of Computers
Contents
Section 1: Types and components of computer sys-
tems
 hardware and software
 the main components of computer systems
 operating systems
 types of computer
 Internal Hardware
Hardware Definition: Hardware is used to describe the physi-
cal parts of the computer which you can touch. Examples in-
clude
monitors, keyboards, printers, hard disk, wiring, CPU etc.

Internal Hardware:
What are internal hardware components?
Hardware are physical parts of the computers and internal hardware is
hardware that goes inside the tower of the computer to make it work e.g. a
sound card allows you to hear sound through the speakers of the computer.
Internal Hardware Components:
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is a microchip that is installed on a motherboard and acts as the
computer’s brain - performing calculations and coordinat-
ing the hardware components. The CPU is the brain of the
computer and no device can function without it.
Motherboard
The Motherboard is the main circuit board in the
computer.
It has many sockets into which the CPU, memory (RAM and
ROM), cards (sound, graphics, network interface etc) and
peripheral devices are connected. The Motherboard is essential as a means
of connecting all of the computer's parts together.
Random Access Memory
Random access memory (or simply RAM) is the memory in a
computer that is used to store computer programs while
they are running any information the programs need to do
their job.
Usually, the RAM is emptied every time the computer is
turned off. It is known as 'volatile memory'.
 Internal Hardware
Internal Hardware Components:
ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM is a memory chip where essential system instruc-
tions (BIOS) are permanently stored.
The data held on ROM can be read but not changed. This
is done during manufacturing.
ROM is non volatile, meaning that the data stored on it
will not be lost when the computer is switched off.

Video Card
This is a device which fits into an expansion slot on the
Motherboard and can be used to produce high quality
displays for your monitor.

Sound Card
A component which can be slotted into the computer s
motherboard to allow the use of audio components for
multimedia applications.

Internal Hard Disk Drive

A hard disk is a magnetic storage device for digital
data. Most personal computers contain an internal hard
disk that can store large amounts of data, often hundreds
of Gigabytes.
A hard disk is made up of a number of rotating platters
mounted on a spindle which housed in a metal casing. On
each side of a platter there is a read/write head. The
hard disk drive is the main storage component which
stores the operating system, applications as well as your
files.
 External hardware and Peripherals
Peripheral Definition: A peripheral is any device which sends or receives
data from the CPU.
Peripherals may be internal or external devices.
Examples of peripherals include printers, monitors, scanners, hard disk drive, sound
cards, speakers and so on.

External Hardware and Peripherals:

Monitors
A monitor is an output device similar to a television screen. It receives sig-
nals from the computer and
displays that information for the user to view.
There are many different types of monitors available, CRT, TFT,
LCD etc.
Keyboard
A computer keyboard is an input device that enables the user to
enter characters (letters, numbers and symbols) into a computer.
The keyboard consists of rows of keys with
each key representing a different charac-
ter.
There are different types of keyboards
available, for example, QWERTY key-
boards, ergonomic keyboards, braille key-
boards.

Mouse
A mouse is a hand held pointing device that is classed as a
manual input device.
A mouse usually has between 1 to 3 buttons which users
'click' in order to point and select objects on the screen.
The data from the mouse is transmitted to the computer.

Printer
A printer is an output device.
A printer is a piece of hardware, often connected to a computer directly or
through a local area network (LAN).
Users can print text and pictures on to paper. A printer can also work with
digital cameras to print directly without the use of a computer.
 External hardware and Peripherals
External Hardware and Peripherals:
Multifunctional Printer
This printer serves as an input and an output device be-
cause the scanner attached inputs the data and the print-
er will output the data as a hardcopy.

External Storage Devices

These are devices that are connected to the computer via the USB port.
They will not store the data on the internal hard drive and it will be stored
on the external which can be taken to another
computer.
 Practise Questions

1 

2 
3 

4 
 Software
Software Definition: All computers need a set of instructions to follow in
order to run or even boot up. These instructions are called "software code" or just
"software" for short.
A group of instructions that together perform a specific task is called a "software
program". Software programs are stored either as files on devices such as hard
disks or as permanent instructions burned into non-volatile memory such as ROM
chips.

Application Software
 
An application in a software program which enables you to
perform a range of useful tasks. Examples of applications
are word processing programs, spreadsheet software,
databases or graphics packages.

System Software
System software is a set of programs that act togeth-
er to allow the hardware and the application programs
to work.
Examples of system software include the operating
system, utility programs and hardware drivers.

Word Processing Software

A word processor is a software application that

is used to produce, edit and format mainly text
based documents . It is used for writing
letters, memos, reports, creating letterheads,
mail merging and producing labels.

Spreadsheet Software
A spreadsheet is a piece of software which is used to
carry out calculations.
Spreadsheets are very common in business, as they are
excellent for handling data such as sales, engineering or
financial data
 Software
Database Management Systems
 
software that handles the storage, retrieval, and up-
dating of data in a computer system.

Control Software
A control program is software which schedules and
supervises the execution of instructions for a control
process.
Quite often the control program is placed into a com-
puter control unit. For example, a CAD CNC machine
would have a control program to ensure that the in-
structions to cut out a shape were carried out in the
correct order and for the correct length of time.

Applets
An Applet is a small program which is written in Java and de-
signed to run on a web page. It can be used to display scrolling
text such as a marquee across the top of a page or other ani-
mations.

Apps
'App' is short for 'application' - which is an-
other name for a computer program. Normally,
when people talk about apps they are almost al-
ways referring to programs that run on mobile
devices, such as smartphones or tablet comput-
ers. Apps can let your phone or tablet do al-
most anything that the programmers can imag-
ine, within the technical limitations of the de-
vice. This means that you can turn your phone
into a remote control for a toy helicopter, your
 Software
Photo Editing Software
 
Photo editing software allows the user to edit and adjust photographs.
Usually these photos come from a digital camera, but they
could also be scanned from existing photos. Digital photos
are bitmap images.

Video Editing Software

Video editing software is an application software which handles the post-
production video editing of digital video sequences on a
computer non linear editing system

Graphics Manipulation Software

In computer graphics, graphics software or image editing software is a pro-
gram or collection of programs that enable a person
to manipulate visual images on a computer. These are
the application software which lets the user to cre-
ate and manipulate any type of comput-
er graphics with the use of an operating system.
 Software
System Software
System software is a set of programs that act togeth-
er to allow the hardware and the application programs
to work.
Examples of system software include the operating
system, utility programs and hardware drivers.

Compiler
A compiler is a special program that processes statements written in a par-
ticular programming language and turns them into machine language or "code"
that a computer's processor uses. Typically, a programmer writes language
statements in a language such as Pascal or C one line at a time using an edi-
tor .
Linkers
In computing, a linker or link editor is a computer program that takes one or
more object files generated by a compiler and combines them into a single
executable file, library file, or another object file.
Utility Software
A Utility is a piece of software that performs a specific and useful task, for
example compressing files, defragmenting the hard disk.
Many Utilities come as part of the Operating System.
Operating Systems
The operating system is a software program that man-
ages the components of a computer system and its re-
sources.
The operating system performs many tasks such as re-
source allocation, scheduling, data management and in-
put / output control.
 The Main Components of Computer systems
Secondary Storage Definition: Data and programs that are not
running on a CPU are stored in secondary storage. Hard disks, DVD and
magnetic tape are examples of secondary storage.
Secondary storage is normally non-volatile, meaning the data is retained
even when the power is switched off. Sometime secondary storage is al-
so called auxiliary storage
Backing Storage Definition: A type of computer memory used to store
data even with the power turned off.
Magnetic Hard disks are the most common form of backing store. When
the computer requires data, it is copied from the slower backing store
into much faster volatile memory such as RAM, ready for processing.

The Central Processing Unit

What is the Central Processing unit?
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the
computer. CPU's come in a variety of speeds which are
known as 'clock rates'. Clock rates are measured
in 'Hertz'. Generally, the faster the clock rate, the
faster the performance of the computer.

What is it role?
CPU's come in a variety of speeds which are known as 'clock rates'. Clock
rates are measured in 'Hertz'. Generally, the faster the clock rate, the
faster the performance of the computer.

Task
Describe the difference between and input devices and output devices
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 The Main Components of Computer systems
Input Device Definition: An input device is any piece of hardware
which is used to enter data or content into a computer system. Input
devices are usually categoried as either manual or automatic.
Examples of manual input devices are the keyboard, mouse and scanner.
Examples of automatic input devices are MICR, Barcode readers, OMR.
Output Device Definition:
In computing terms, an output device is a piece of hardware that obeys
a computer command to do something in the real world.
For example a Printer is an output device that will produce a page page
of information when the correct commands are sent to it from a com-
puter. There are many types of Output Devices.

The Difference Between ROM and RAM

Task:
Describe the difference between ROM and Ram:
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
 Practise Questions
4 

5 

6 

7 
8 
 Operating Systems
Command Line Interface Definition: A command line interface or CLI
is a type of User Interface which enables you to interact with a com-
puter by typing in a series of text commands. MS-DOS is an example of
a command line interface.
CLIs require you to know the exact, specific commands in order to make
something happen. They are unforgiving; any mistakes will result in an
error message.
Graphical User Interface Definition:
A person needs to interact with a machine in order to make it do some-
thing useful. The way it is done is through an 'interface'.
There are a number of interface types. One of which is the Graphical
User Interface or GUI for short.
A GUI is a graphics-based user interface that incorporates windows
(W), icons (I), menus (M)and pointers (P). You often hear a gui referred
to as a WIMP interface.
 Practise Questions

9 

10 
Types of Computer
 Types of Computer
What are Standalone Computers? A computer that is not connected to
a network is called a standalone.
If you wish to use this type of machine, then all of the applications you
want to use will have to be loaded on to the hard disk.
Your data may be stored on the hard disk or it may be loaded from an
external storage device such as a flash drive, DVD disk or an external
hard drive. If you wish to print a document or scan an image, then you
will need to connect a printer and scanner to the machine as well.
You will not be able to communicate with any other computer whilst in
this mode. For example, you may have a personal laptop that you use in
this manner. The advantage of using a computer in standalone mode is
that you have sole use of the machine and there are no problems with
bandwidth limitations that a network may impose.
However, there are many advantages in connecting to a network of some
kind.

What are Networked Computers? A computer that is connected to a

network is called a 'workstation'. With a networked machine you are
able to share information with other computers in the form of
 Email
 Data files (documents, videos, images etc)
 Instant messages
 Share peripherals (e.g. printers)
 Use online / networked applications
 Types of Computer (Tablet)

A tablet computer is a mobile, quite thin device, having a flat surface. The device can be easily
held in your hand.

It contains a touch screen which is operated using your fingers

in various ways such as tapping, double tapping, swiping and
pinching.

The screen view can be changed automatically from landscape

to portrait mode by simply by changing the orientation of the
tablet. This is possible because the tablet has a built-in three
axis gyroscope unlike standard laptops.

Other sensors include an accelerometer, magnetometer, and

one or more cameras. It can also receive GPS signals for map-
ping and geo-location.

Tablet computers can connect to the internet using wi-fi or 3G

- although you might need to pay a monthly fee to use this service and there may be a limit on
the amount that you can download each month.

Storage within the tablet is by solid state flash memory rather than a hard disk that is com-
monly used in a laptop.

Tablet computers run from an internal battery which needs to be recharged after a number of
hours.
The unique combination of advanced sensors and a fairly powerful CPU has resulted in an in-
credible array of imaginative applications (Apps) being developed. For example, there is a star
gazing app that shows the stars that would be seen on a clear night sky by simply holding the
tablet up in the air in the relevant direction. There are 'augmented reality' apps that make use
of the camera to overlay information on the scene being viewed.
Advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

 Tablets are mobile. As business begins to fully utilize cloud computing, having your work remotely ac-
cessible becomes a must. A tablet can make you more accessible and, in turn, more productive.
 Tablets are very practical tools. As developers continue to design new business apps that improve
over time, there will be a growing amount of potential work uses for tablets.
 Tablets express capability. In a business setting, having and using a tablet can communicate to your
clients a sense of professionalism. If you use your tablet to enhance your work productivity, you will ap-
pear more capable.
Cons:

 Tablets haven’t reinvented the wheel. Almost all of the functions performed by a tablet can be per-
formed on a laptop or desktop computer. Yes, tablets may be far more convenient, but does that make
them absolutely necessary?
 Tablets are toys. Much like smartphones, tablets are designed to function as entertainment, making
it easy to become distracted with streaming video or games.
Tablets are a new technology. Though this makes them exciting and cutting edge, it also makes them ex-
pensive and sometimes faulty. Developers often release these items before they are perfected, and it
might be a few years down the road until a fully reliable tablet is released at a reasonable cost.
 Types of Computer (Smart Phone)
Quite recently the mobile phone has developed into what is now called a 'smartphone'. These are true
multifunctional devices. Yes, they can do all that mobiles can do but also so much more.
Part of the reason for the improvement in their capability has been the addition of
some extra sensors in the device - namely an gyroscope that can measure angle, tilt
and
orientation.
They also contain GPS chips to pick up your exact location and touch screen technolo-
gy.
Smartphones are now supported by thousands of independent developers around the
world who dream up new things you can do with smartphones.
There are apps that tell you the name of any song just by 'listening' to a few bars of
music, apps to find out what is on at your local cinema, apps that track your exercise
and calories, games, video players, joke generators and so on.
Basically, if you want to do something with your smartphone, there is generally an app
to help you.
All these are available in the 'app store' of the smartphone maker. Some apps are free, some are availa-
ble for purchase for a small fee.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Smart Phones:
Advantages

 Smart phone has the ability to browse full websites with large amount of data and it will appear the same
way as it is in the desktop browser.
 Also has QWERTY keyboard which is similar to the computer keyboard. The key board can be hardware
(physical keys that you type) or it can be software (on a touch screen like you will find on an IPhones).
 Smart phones have got application that can help you create and edit Microsoft office documents.
 Smart phone also has a GPS which can be used to locate place that are new to you. When traveling to un-
known places it is a good idea to have a GPS to help you find the place you’re looking for. Smart phones will
help makes your tour navigable.
When it comes to messaging a smart phone will send messages and also email messages. A smart phone can
synchronize your personal and most likely your professional email account. Some smart phone can support
multiple accounts depending on the make and model.

Disadvantages of smart phones

 Smart phone not durable especially when not taken good care of. For example it can malfunction easily
when they come into contact with water.
 It is very expensive to buy compared to other phones.
 More complex when it comes to operating because of the many applications which need to be mastered to
avoid confusion when operating it.
 can only work efficiently where there is accessible internet connection when it comes to browsing . Smart
phone cannot be used to store large amount of data due to their storage memory. You cannot depends on
smart phone for all your work you will all need a computer to do some tasks.
 Practise Questions
11 

12 
 Answers
1 

2 

3 

4 
5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 
12