Computer Systems

Im ONLY a
machine!
Standard Grade Revision
Hardware
Hardware refers to all the parts of the
Computer System that we can touch.
An item of hardware is called a device.
Microprocessor
Main memory
Input / Output
Backing Storage
Central Processing Unit
CPU
RAM
Backing Storage
Input
Output
ROM
The Processor
Carries out the actual process
Follows a set of instructions called
a program
Representing Graphics & Text
Bit-Mapped Graphics
Dots called pixels
Each pixels is either
On (1 black) or Off (0 white)
Text ASCII standard file format
010011010101010101001010010101000100000010100001000
100000010000100100010100100000010100010101010101001
0010100010101010100
= MUJTABA BE QUIET
Units of Storage
Binary Unit Value
Bit 1 or 0
Byte 8 bits
Kilobyte (KB) 1024 bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1024 Kilobytes
Gigabyte (GB) 1024 Megabytes
Terabyte (TB) 1024 Gigabytes
Main Memory
CPU
RAM
Backing Storage
Input
Output
ROM
Main Memory
Where the computer stores programs &
data
Types:
RAM
Random Access Memory
ROM
Read Only Memory
Main Memory
RAM Chip
Temporary storage
Data is lost when computer
switched off
Data can be written to RAM
Upgrading is easy with RAM Chips
ROM Chip
Permanent storage
Data is safe when computer is
switched off
Data can not be added to ROM
Some OS are stored on ROM Chips
Input
CPU
RAM
Backing Storage
Input
Output
ROM
Input Devices (Navigational)
Mouse
Trackball
Track pad
Touch Screen
Joystick
SmartBoard
Input Devices (Data Input)
Keyboard
Graphics Tablet
Scanner
Digital Still camera
Digital Video
Camera
Webcam
Microphone
Backing Storage
CPU
RAM
Backing Storage
Input
Output
ROM
Backing Storage
Method used to physically store data.
Constantly increasing in capacity to meet
demands.
Magnetic Storage
Floppy disc, Hard Disc, Magnetic Tape
Optical Storage
CD, DVD
Solid State
USB Flash Drive
Drive or Media
Drive Media
Magnetic Storage
Hard Disk Drive
Usually main type of backing store
Non-removable media
Floppy Disk
Plastic disk with rectangular cover
Removable media
Magnetic Tape
Sequential Access
Think VHS tape
Removable media
Optical Storage
Optical Storage
CD-ROM
Read by a laser beam that reflects of surface
pits and lands
DVD-ROM
Similar to CD but with larger capacity because
of multiple layers
CD-Recordable (CD-R) / DVD-R
Write Once, Read Many
CD-Rewritable (CD-RW) / DVD-RW
Still uses a laser but contents can be changed
USB Flash Drive
Universal Serial Bus:
Computer interface used by
different devices.
Solid State Memory
No moving parts
Advantages
Portable
Can have large memory
(currently 8GB)

Flash Memory Cards

Solid State Memory
No moving parts
Used in cameras and mobile
phones
Advantages
Portable
Can have large memory
(currently 8GB)
Can be read by a card reader

Output
CPU
RAM
Backing Storage
Input
Output
ROM
Output Devices
Printer
Laser
Inkjet
Comparison of Printers
Resolution
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
Speed
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
Cost
Capital Cost
Running Costs
Output Devices
Plotter
Monitor (VDU)
LCD
Liquid Crystal Display
TFT
Thin Film Transistor
Multimedia Projector
Speakers
Types of Computer
Desktop
Laptop/Notebook
Palmtop
Types of Computer
Mainframe