Unit 02: Components of a Computer System

A lot of people believe that computers are extremely complicated devices

because of the tasks they perform. Like any machine, there are components
that are complicated from an outsider perspective, but as soon as you learn
about these components, the complexity unravels and becomes
understandable.

As previously discussed, a computer is a machine, a collection of parts that work

together. The collection of parts is categorized in many ways, in this case they
are categorized according to their function. In this unit, we learn the different
components (parts) of a computer system. The most important parts, how the
different components work together to achieve success in terms of using a
computer will be shown.

Figure 02-A: The Computer System

A computer system is a collection of parts, a computer combined with hardware

and software used to perform desired tasks. No matter the size and capability,
a computer system consists of four components: HARDWARE, SOFTWARE,
DATA, and the USER.
HARDWARE
This is the first component of a computer system. It refers to the tangible,
physical computer equipment and devices which provide support for the major
functions of the computer system. Mainly the mechanical aspects of the
computer. As seen in Figure 02-A, the hardware controls the input of data into
the computer system and the output of information from the computer system.

Page | 1
All these devices are interconnected with each other. Below are some
classifications of hardware based on their functions.

1. Input Devices – Used to enter data or instructions into a computer system.

Input devices fall into two categories: manual input devices (needs to be
operated by a human to input data) and automatic input devices (can input
data on their own. Each input device is concerned with a specific type of
data: Scanner – documents or images, Digital Camera – still and moving
images

Figure 02-B: Common Manual Figure 02-C: Common Automatic

Input Devices Input Devices

2. Output Devices – Used to convey information from the computer system to

one or more people. When raw data has been processed it becomes usable
information. Output devices are pieces of hardware that send this usable
information out of the computer. Output devices send information out
temporarily and some send information out permanently: temporary output
device (monitors) and permanent output devices (printers which output
information onto paper as hard copy).

Figure 02-D: Common Output Devices

Page | 2
3. Input-Output Devices are hardware devices that have the capability to accept
data and information and at the same time send them.

3.1 Headset is a Headphone combined with a microphone. Used in call

centers and by people in telephone-intensive jobs, headsets provide the
equivalent functionality of a telephone handset with hands-free
operation.

3.2 All in 1 Printer is a single printer device that serves several functions,
including printing, faxing, scanning, and copying.

3.3 Mobile Device is a computing device small enough for a user to hold in
his or her hand.

3.4 MP4 Device is a device that lets you listen to music, watch movies, listen
to the radio, has a built-in microphone that lets you record up to 16 hours,
can view photos, and can read e-books.

Almost all input and output devices are known as ‘Peripheral Devices’.
These are nonessential hardware components that usually connect to the
system externally. Peripherals are called non-essential because the system
can operate without them.

Page | 3
 Figure 02-E: Common Peripheral Devices
4. System Unit – houses the electronic components to process data
• Motherboard – This is the main circuit board of the system unit. The
motherboard is central to any computer system. All components are
plugged into the motherboard either directly
(straight into the circuit board) or indirectly (vis USB ports)

Figure 02-F: Motherboard

Page | 4
• Processor – The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the
computer. Electronic component that interprets and carries out basic
instructions. The CPU 'controls' what the computer does and is
responsible for performing calculations and data processing.

Figure 02-G: Examples of a processor

• Memory – Electronic component that store instructions waiting to be

executed and data needed by those instructions. There are two types of
internal memory. These two memories are used to store computer data
and this can be directly accessed by the CPU.
The RAM and ROM device are sometimes referred to as ‘primary
storage’.
 ROM (Read Only Memory)
- ROM is used to permanently store instructions that tell the
computer how to boot (start-up). It also loads the operating system
(e.g. Windows).
- These instructions are known as the BIOS (Basic input/output
system) or the boot program.
- Information stored in ROM is known as READ ONLY. This means
that the contents of ROM cannot be altered or added to by the
user.
- ROM is fast memory. Data stored in ROM can be accessed and
read very quickly.
- ROM is Non-Volatile memory. This means that stored information
is not lost when the computer loses power.

Page | 5
 Other examples of ROM include:
- DVD/CD ROMS bought in stores containing pre-recorded music
and movie files.
These are played back at home but cannot be altered.
- ROM in printers which is used to store different font types.

Figure 02-H: Example of a Read-only Memory

 RAM (Random Access Memory)

- RAM is used to temporarily store information that is currently in
use by the computer. This can include anything from word
documents to videos.
- RAM can be read from and written to and so the information stored
in RAM can change all the time (it depends what tasks you are
using the computer for).
- RAM is a fast memory. Data can be written to and read from RAM
very quickly. RAM is generally measured in GB (Gigabytes).
- RAM is Volatile Memory and stores date ‘non-permanently’. This
means that information stored in RAM is deleted as soon as the
computer is turned off.
- The more RAM you have installed in your computer -- the faster it
can perform. You can open and use more programs at the same
time without slowing the computer down.

Figure 02-I: Example of a Random-Access Memory

Page | 6
 Table 03-A: Differences between RAM and ROM

RAM ROM
Contents are lost when the computer is turned off. ✓
Contents are not lost when the computer is turned off. ✓
Stores instructions that tell the computer how to start up. ✓
Stores data and programs currently in use. ✓
Your computer will perform faster with more of this. ✓
This cannot be written to (altered) ... only read. ✓
Stands for Random Access Memory. ✓
Stands for Read Only Memory. ✓

5. Storage Devices – Holds data, instructions and information permanently for

future use. It records (writes) and/or retrieves (reads) items to and from
storage media. Secondary storage devices are used to store data that is not
instantly needed by the computer. Secondary storage devices permanently
store data and programs for as long as we need. These devices are also
used to back-up data in case original copies are lost or damaged. There are
two categories of storage devices: internal storage (internal hard disk drives)
and external storage (external hard disk drive, memory sticks, etc.)

Example of Storage Devices

• Magnetic Storage Device - one of the most popular types of storage
used.
 Hard drive – An internal hard drive is the main storage device in a
computer. An external hard drive is also known as removable hard
drive. It is used to store portable data and backups.

Page | 7
• Optical Storage Device – uses lasers and lights as its mode of saving
and retrieving data.
 Blu-ray disc – A digital optical storage device which was intended to
replace the DVD format.
 CD-ROM disc – An optical storage device that is read-only or cannot
be modified nor deleted.
 CD-R and CD-RW disc – CD-R is a recordable disc that can be written
to once, while CDRW is a rewritable disc that can be written to
multiple times.
 DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW disc – DVD-R and DVD+R
are recordable discs that can be written to once, while DVD-RW and
DVD+RW are rewritable discs that can be written to multiple times.
The difference between the + and – is in the formatting and
compatibility.

• Flash Memory Device – is now replacing magnetic storage device as it is

economical, more functional and dependable.
 Memory card – An electronic flash memory device used to store digital
information and commonly used in mobile electronic devices.
 Memory stick – A memory card that is removable.
 SSD – Solid State Drive – A flash memory device that uses integrated
circuit assemblies to save data steadily.
 USB flash drive, jump drive or thumb drive – A small, portable storage
device connected through the USB port.

• Online and Cloud Storage – is now becoming widespread as people

access data from different devices.
 Cloud storage – Data is managed remotely and made available over
a network. Basic features are free to use but upgraded version is paid
monthly as a per consumption rate.
 Network media – Audio, Video, Images or Text that are used on a
computer network. A community of people create and use the content
shared over the internet.

Page | 8
CLASSIFICATION OF MEMORY AND STORAGE DEVICES
• According to Data Retention
a. Volatile Memory
• Device requires power to retain its stored data – data is
lost as soon as power is cut-off from the device
b. Non-Volatile Memory
• Device can retain stored data even after computer power
is turned-off

• According to Access Technique

a. Random Access
• Data stored in the device can be accessed in any order,
i.e. random
b. Sequential Access
• Data stored in the device can be accessed only in
sequential order from start to finish
• Example: A movie stored in a BluRay Disc is accessed in
sequential order so that the movie stored therein can be
viewed from start to finish

• According to Access Rights

a. Read/Write Access
• The device allows data to be read and written onto it.
b. Read-Only Access
• The device only allows data to be read from it – its
contents is prefabricated during the production of the
device.

Page | 9
Example:

Memory Device Data Retention Access Technique Access

Rights
RAM Device Volatile Random Read/Write
ROM Device Non-volatile Random Read-Only
BluRay Disc Non-volatile Sequential Read-Only
Magnetic Tape Non-volatile Sequential Read/Write
Audio CD Non-volatile tracks can be chosen Read-Only
(containing at random;
multiple a single track is
tracks for a single played sequentially
album)

6. Communication Devices – Enables a computer to send and receive

data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers. A
hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or digital signal over the
telephone, other communication wire, or wirelessly.
Examples: Bluetooth devices, Infrared devices, Modem (over phone line),
Network card (using Ethernet), Smartphone, Wi-Fi devices (using a Wi-Fi
router)

Page | 10
SOFTWARE
This is the second component of a computer system. Software is known as the
series of related instructions that make the computer perform tasks. In other
words, software tells the computer what to do. The term ‘program’ or
‘application’ refers to any piece of software. Some software exists to help the
computer perform tasks and manage resources; some software performs tasks
that are more specific. The types of software are systems software and
application software.
● Systems Software – Systems software includes the programs that are
dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as the operating system,
file management utilities, and disk operating system (or DOS). Without
systems software installed in your computers, no instructions would be
executed for the tasks needed to be done.

Examples: Utility software (antivirus, disk tools), system servers, device

drivers, operating systems, windows/graphical user interface (GUI)
systems

● Application Software – Simply referred to as ‘applications’, these are end-

user programs that execute specific tasks like report generation,
spreadsheet management, running games, sending emails, and online
research among other functions. They can be as simple as a calculator
or as complex as a video editing software.

Examples: MS Office Word, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Edge,

Calculator, Minesweeper, Steam

DATA
This is the third component of a computer system. These are unprocessed items
of knowledge or facts like text, numbers, images and videos which are
processed and converted by the computer to produce useful information for the
user. Examples of data are letters, numbers, images and others. Without this,
hardware, software and peopleware will be useless because nothing is being
processed by the computer to be able to produce information.

Page | 11
Example: The grades of fifty students in one class, all different pieces of data
which doesn’t make much sense yet, but when a chart is created from the data,
and frequencies are developed. This now makes sense at a glance.

USERS
This is the fourth component of a computer system. The operator of a computer
is known as
‘peopleware’, other books call them liveware, or human ware. The user
commands the computer system to execute on instructions. Some computer
systems are complete without a person’s involvement, but not all computers are
totally autonomous. Basically, anyone who communicates with a computer
system or uses the information it generates.

Example: programmer, developer, teacher using MS Excel, student using MS

Word

Knowing the parts of a computer system allows us, users, to understand better
each function of the computer system and our make the experience of using the
computer system more efficient.

Page | 12