What is a computer system? | Computing for Year 2 PDF Download

Understanding Computer Systems

• Definition of a Computer System: A computer system comprises various components, each with specific functions.
• Hardware and Software: Computers consist of hardware components, while software programs dictate their operations.
• Interconnection: Components within a computer can be either internal or external, connected by wires or wirelessly.

Components of a Computer System

• Hardware: Refers to the physical parts composing a computer system.
• Software: Programs that direct the hardware on what tasks to perform.

Types of Computer Systems

• Laptop: A portable computer with an integrated monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Tablet: Features a touchscreen monitor instead of a traditional mouse and keyboard.
• Smartphone: A mobile device functioning as a computer system.

Examples of Computer Systems at Home

Aside from laptops, tablets, and smartphones, other computer systems found at home include:

• Smart TVs: Televisions with built-in computing capabilities for streaming and browsing.
• Smart Home Devices: Devices like smart thermostats, lights, and security cameras controlled via apps or voice commands.
• Gaming Consoles: Devices like PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch that offer gaming and multimedia capabilities.
• Home Security Systems: Systems that use cameras and sensors to monitor and secure homes.

Understanding Computer Hardware

• Introduction to Computer Hardware: A computer system comprises various hardware components that work together to process and present information.
• Input and Output Devices: Hardware can be categorized into input devices, which provide data to the computer, and output devices, which display processed information.
  • Input Devices: These devices feed information into the computer. An example is the mouse, where clicking buttons provides input to the system.
  • Output Devices: These devices present information from the computer to the user. An example is the monitor, which displays visual output.
• Key Hardware Components: Inside a computer, crucial components include:
  • Processor: The processor executes instructions from programs and coordinates activities within the computer.
  • Memory: This is where programs and data are stored for quick access by the computer.
  • Illustrative Examples:
    • Processor and Memory: Think of the processor as the brain of the computer, interpreting instructions, while memory acts like short-term memory, storing data temporarily for quick access.
    • Monitor: The monitor acts as an output device, displaying information such as text, images, and videos for users to see.
    • Mouse: As an input device, the mouse allows users to interact with the computer by clicking buttons and making selections.

Computer Input and Output Devices

• Mouse: The mouse serves as an input device. By clicking its buttons, users can make selections and provide information to the computer.
• Keyboard: The keyboard functions as an input device for entering words, numbers, and symbols by typing.
• Printer: The printer acts as an output device. It receives information from the computer and prints it on paper.
• Webcam: A webcam is an input device used for taking pictures, recording videos, and enabling video calls with others.

Computer Components

• Processor: The processor is a crucial part of a computer that executes instructions from programs and directs other components on what to do.
• Memory: Memory in a computer stores programs and data for quick access and retrieval by the processor. 

Glossary 

Here's some explanations for key terms:

• Computer: A computer is a device capable of executing instructions stored in its memory.
• Computer System: It refers to a combination of hardware and software that can be programmed to carry out various tasks.
• Hardware: Hardware constitutes the physical components of a computer system.
• Inputs: Inputs are data that are provided to a program for processing.
• Outputs: Outputs denote the outcomes generated by a computer after processing data.
• Programs: Programs are lists of instructions comprehensible by a computer.
• Software: Software encompasses the programs employed to manage computers and execute specific functions.