Scribd
Upload
11 views

Y9-25-04-2024-Main Components of A Computer System

Uploaded by

mike.saunders
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
11 views

Y9-25-04-2024-Main Components of A Computer System

Uploaded by

mike.saunders
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 13

Computer

Science
With: Mr Mike
Main components of a computer system
Date: 25 April 2024

LO: What are the Main components of a computer


system

Success criteria: Students understand the Main


components of a computer system.
Computer systems

As already mentioned in Section 1.1,a typical computer system is made up of


hardware and soffware. Figure 1.5 shows an example of a computer system
consisting of input devices,output devices and secondary storage.

These will be discussed in more detail in Chapter 2, but examples are given in
Table 1.1.
Internal Hardware

Internal hardware devices were discussed in Figure 1.3-these consist of four


key components:

● the central processing unit (CPU),contained on the motherboard

● internal hard disk drive

● random access memory(RAM)

● read-only memory (ROM).


Internal Hardware

Internal hardware devices were discussed in Figure 1.3-these consist of four


key components:

● the central processing unit (CPU),contained on the motherboard

·internal hard disk drive

·random access memory(RAM)

● read-only memory (ROM).


Central processing unit

The central processing unit (CPU)is the part of thecomputer that interprets and
executes the commands from the computer hardware and sofiware.

It isnormally part of the computer motherboard.

CPUs used to be made up of discrete components and numerous small


integrated circuits; these were combined together on one or more circuit
board(s).

However, due to modern manufacturing techniques, the CPU is now referred to


as a microprocessor.
Central processing unit

The CPU is made up of a control unit, which controls the input and output
devices; an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), which carries out calculations and
makes logical decisions; and the immediate accessstore (RAM).
The internal hard disk drive(HDD)/SSD

The internal hard disk drive(HDD)or solid state drive (SSD) is thecomputer's
main internal storage; this is where the applications software, disk operating
system and files (for example, text, photos or music) are stored.

The main advantage of these storage devices is the fast data transfer/access
times and their large capacity to store data.

(see Chapter 3 for further discussion).


Random access memory (RAM)

Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip where data is temporarily


stored when running applications.

This memory can be written to and read from.

Since its contents are lost when power to the computer is turned off, it is often
referred to as a volatile or temporary memory.

This was fully defined in Figure 1.3. Page 5 of the textbook


Read-only memory (ROM)

Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store information that needs to


be permanent.

It is often used to contain, for example, configuration data for a computer


system.

These chips cannot be altered and can only be read from (hence their name).
The BIOS

The BIOS stores the date, time and system configuration in a non-volatile chip
called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)-this isusually
battery powered.
Pop Quiz
1. What is hardware?
» physical components that make up a computer system
2. What is software?

» programs that control the computer system


3. What does RAM and ROM stand for?
» Random access memory
» Read only memory
4. What is the CPU?
» Central processing unit
» Like the brain of the computer
5. What are the main parts of all computer systems?
» Input, process, output and storage
Thank you.

In our next session, I will discuss:


Main components of a computer
system.

You might also like