Computers: hardware,

processing and
software
Hardware and software
 Hardware: physical components that we can hold/ pick up, such as mouse,
monitor
 Software: programs, commands and instructions that use the hardware to
carry out a specific job
Types of computer
 Desktop computer
 Laptop computer
 Tablet
 Smartphone
 Other smart devices, such as watches, speakers and television
Computer components
What is ROM?
 ROM describes a programmable chip within a computer system that can
store information.
 This information is stored permanently, even when the power is removed,
and the stored instructions cannot be easily edited/ changed.
 ROM stores BIOS (basic input/output system), which is responsible for
initiating the boot process.
What is RAM?
 It is installed in the form of flash chips on a circuit board that are added to
the motherboard.
 This means it is easy to replace or upgrade.

The role of RAM within a computer

 Instructions are carried out by the CPU
 Files, documents and applications are stored and accessed from the hard drive
 Current instructions and data being processed by the CPU is held in RAM.
RAM and performance
Temporarily storing current data in RAM (main memory) is much more
efficient than storing it in the hard drive (secondary storage). This is
because:
 RAM storage is flash-based, so data can be read from and written to it
much faster
 RAM is closer to the CPU in both position structure, allowing faster
communication
 It is easy to increase the size of RAM so that more processing tasks can be
carried out at once, resulting in a faster computer.
Volatile and non-volatile memory
 On a volatile memory chip, any data stored will be erased if the power is
removed. When the power is turned back on, it will be empty.
RAM (Random access memory) is an example of volatile memory.
 In non-volatile memory, data is permanently stored even if the power is
removed. It is stored until it is deliberately removed or edited.
ROM is an example of non-volatile memory.
Virtual memory
 Virtual memory is a function built into most operating systems, which is
used if too much RAM is being taken up and the computer is in danger of
crashing. At this point the operating system creates additional ‘virtual’
memory to support the RAM.
How is virtual memory used?
The operating system cannot create additional RAM, since RAM needs to be
physically installed. Virtual memory follows this process:
 The computer’s RAM is almost full and is slowing down
 Part of the hard drive that is not being used is designated as temporary
RAM.
 Non-essential RAM data is transferred to this new virtual memory on the
hard drive.
 This frees up normal RAM and the computer functions normally.
Advantage and disadvantages of virtual memory
Advantages Disadvantages
- Virtual memory is free, providing there is -Read/write access is slower to a hard drive than
space on the hard drive. to RAM directly

- Allows more process to continue -The more virtual memory is used, the less space
there is on the hard drive.
- Ideal for temporarily increasing RAM for
occasional use. -If too much virtual memory is used, the whole
system will slow down.
Why there is secondary storage is required?
 To store data permanently

 To act as virtual memory if main memory(RAM) is full.

What is storage media?
Storage media are the components of a computer system that store data.
 CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray discs
 Magnetic hard disks
 Magnetic tape (found in cassettes)
 Portable flash drives
 USB pens or sticks
 Memory cards
What is storage device?
A storage device reads and writes data to and from storage media.
 An internal hard drive
 A CD, DVD or Blu-ray drive
 An external hard drive
Storage technology
Magnetic storage Optical storage Solid-state storage
Description: Uses spinning magnetic Uses a laser to read Stores data on memory
discs that contain data tiny patterns on the chips
disc
Used in: Hard disk drives, floppy CDs, DVDs SSD hard drives, USB
discs, cassette tapes flash drives
Cloud storage
 Accessing high-capacity data storage via the internet
 There are many paid for and free services, but access is limited to locations
with internet access
Storage characteristics of common devices and
media
Portable storage
Portable storage describes any device or media that can be easily
transported from one location to another.
Portable storage allows people to:
 Copy files from one computer to another without needing internet access
 Remote working, at home or away from an office
 Work on the move, for example, on a train or bus.
Examples of portable
storage
Portable storage can be found in computer systems and personal devices.
 USB pens or sticks, used to transfer files
 Portable hard drives, both magnetic and solid-states
 Solid-state memory cards
 Laptops, which contain storage in hard drives
 Smartphones and tablets
 Portable gaming devices
 Global positioning satellite (GPS) devices, used for navigation
 Digital cameras and drones
 Portable music players
Recommendations based on key requirements
The computer input and output
system
Input and output devices
Input devices Output devices
• Keyboards • Monitors, screens, televisions
• Mouse • Speakers or headphones
• Touch or track pads • Printers (inkject, laser, 3D)
• Controllers and joypads • Projectors
• Scanners (text, image, barcode) • Robots
• Digital cameras and camcorders
• Webcams
• Microphones
• Sensors (temperature, light, pressure)
Input and output scenarios
Input and output
Devices that can process both input and output data
 Touch screen devices
 Storage devices such as external drive: they allow data to be saved onto
them and also opened and read.
 Virtual reality (VR) headsets: their input is user movement, and their
outputs are sounds and visuals.
 Interactive whiteboards: users can interact directly with the board while it
displays a computer screen output.
Types of software
 Application software: programs we use for day-to-day tasks
 Operating system: the link between the hardware, the computer itself, and
the software programs we use every day.
 Utility software: software that supports the operating system and performs
specific tasks. This might be checking for and removing viruses or making
sure the hard disk is running efficiently.
Software examples
Application Operating system Utility
Web design Windows based system Anti-virus
Graphics software Apple based system Disk-defragmentation
Image editing Linux based system Back-up
Video games Compression
Video and sound editing Encryption
Computer aided design (CAD) Formatting tools
Office applications: word
processing, spreadsheet,
presentation or databases
Choosing the right software
Scenario Software type Reason
Concerned that a computer Utility Anti-malware software, designed to scan a
may have a virus computer and remove any evidence of a
virus
Having just built a new Operating system Required to allow all components to
computer from bought communicate
components
Wanting to type up a school Application Any software with a user-based purpose,
project for example to type or draw something, is
an application.
Why do we need an operating system?
 Operating system: the link between the hardware, the computer itself, and
the software programs we use every day.
 It allows devices to communicate and application or utility software cannot
be installed without one.

We couldn’t do any of the following without operating system:

 Install applications or games from other creators
 Install a printer, microphone, webcam or any other devices
 Update our security settings to stay safe online
 Check that internal components are running effectively
Key roles of any operating system
 User interface: it is the on-screen display that allows the user to interact
with the computer
 Memory management: allocating memory space to programs and data.
 Peripherals: allow applications to interact with devices connected to the
computer, from mouse control to printing or playing music through
speakers
 Multi-tasking: allows tow or more applications to run at the same time.
 Security: preventing any unauthorized access to the system
How we interact with an operating
system
 Graphical user interface (GUI)
 Command line interface (CLI)
 Dialogue
 Gesture/ touch screen
Why do we need utility software?
 Third-party programs, which means they have been designed by a different
company

Utility software usually falls into one of three categories:

 Security: preventing unauthorized access to your computer or repairing any
damage done by malicious software
 Disk organization: ensuring files are organized, disks are correctly formatted
and file space isn’t wasted.
 Maintenance: keeping an eye on system updates, running back-ups or removing
unwanted files and applications.
Types of utility software
 Security
 Antivirus
 Anti-spyware/ malware
 Firewall
 Encryption

• Disk organization
 Disk formatting
 Disk defragmentation
 File transfer
 Compression

• Maintenance
 System information
 Back-up
 System clean-up