Chapter 1 Types and components of computer systems.

Chapter 1
Types and components of computer systems.

Poll

How confident are you in identifying and explaining the functions of key hardware components such as the CPU, RAM, ROM, and various internal/external devices?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes hardware?

• Intangible instructions that tell the computer what to do.

• Physical components of a computer system that you can touch.

• Programs and applications used for specific tasks.

• The operating system of a mobile device.

Hardware

What is hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These are the tangible parts you can touch and see

What is hardware?

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system. These are the tangible parts you can touch and see

​Network interface card

​CPU

​These are examples of internal hardware

Open Ended

Go to https://www.ictlounge.com/html/computercomponents_new.htm and list out the Hardware you see. Don't forget to briefly explain it's function.

1. Form pairs or groups of three.

2. Visit the following webpage: https://www.ictlounge.com/html/computercomponents_new.htm

3. On the webpage, you'll find pictures of various computer components.

4. For each picture:

   • Identify the computer component.

   • Describe its primary function within a computer system. Ensure you list at least three points for each component.

5. Cut out the pictures.

6. Paste each picture onto the papers provided.

7. Beneath each pasted picture, write:

   • The name of the component.

   • The three points describing its function.

• Introduction: Start by introducing your group members and giving a brief overview of what you'll be presenting.

• Body: For each computer component:

  • Show the picture.

  • Name the component.

  • Describe its primary functions (at least three points).

• Conclusion: Summarize the main points you've covered. You can also share any interesting facts or observations you made during the activity.

• Questions: Open the floor for any questions. If you don't know the answer, that's okay! It's a learning opportunity for everyone.

​How do you present?

Open Ended

Write down what you think "hardware" means in the context of computers. Think about the physical aspects of a computer you've interacted with.

​Motherboard

1. ​Central Hub: The motherboard is like the main highway or central hub of a computer, connecting all other components together.

2. Provides Power & Communication: It distributes power to different parts and allows them to communicate with each other.

3. Slots & Sockets: Contains various slots and sockets for components like the CPU, RAM, and expansion cards.

​Random Access Memory

1. Short-term Memory: RAM is the computer's short-term memory, temporarily storing data that the CPU is currently processing.

2. Volatile Storage: When the computer is turned off, all data in RAM is lost.

3. Speeds Up Processing: The more RAM a computer has, the faster it can run multiple applications simultaneously.

​Read-Only Memory

1. Permanent Instructions: ROM contains permanent data and instructions that the computer needs to boot up.

2. Non-volatile Storage: Unlike RAM, data in ROM remains even when the computer is turned off.

3. Not Easily Modified: As the name suggests, data in ROM is "read-only" and isn't typically changed or written to by the user.

NIC (Network Interface Card)

1. Connectivity: The NIC allows a computer to connect to networks, including local area networks (LAN) or the internet.

2. Physical Port: Typically has an Ethernet port where network cables are plugged in.

3. Wireless Variants: Some NICs are wireless, enabling connections to Wi-Fi networks.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

1. Brain of the Computer: The CPU processes instructions and performs calculations, making it the central "thinking" part of the computer.

2. Handles Tasks: Every action, from typing a letter to playing a game, is processed by the CPU.

3. Speed Matters: Measured in GHz, a CPU's speed determines how quickly it can process information.

Sound Card

1. Audio Processing: Converts digital data into audible sound that's sent to speakers or headphones.

2. Inputs & Outputs: Has ports for microphones (input) and speakers or headphones (output).

3. Enhances Audio: Advanced sound cards can provide better audio quality and support for surround sound setups.

Graphics Card

1. Visual Processing: Handles rendering images and videos, ensuring they display correctly on the monitor.

2. Enhances Gaming & Design: Especially important for tasks like gaming or graphic design, where detailed visuals are crucial.

3. Own Memory: Many graphics cards have their own RAM, known as VRAM (Video RAM), dedicated to storing visual data.

HDD/SSD (Hard Disk Drive/Solid State Drive)

1. Long-term Storage: Both HDDs and SSDs store the computer's files, documents, and the operating system.

2. Moving vs. No Moving Parts: HDDs have spinning disks and moving read/write heads, while SSDs have no moving parts, using flash memory instead.

3. Speed & Durability: SSDs are generally faster and more durable than HDDs but tend to be more expensive per GB of storage.

Poll

How confident are you in identifying and explaining the functions of key hardware components such as the CPU, RAM, ROM, and various internal/external devices?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident

​Short Break

Poll

How confident are you in differentiating between application software and system software, and providing examples of each?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident

Multiple Choice

What is software?

• The physical parts inside a computer, like the CPU and RAM.

• The screen where you view content on a computer.

• The set of digital instructions that guide the computer's hardware.

• The power supply that provides electricity to a computer.

What is software?

Software refers to the collection of instructions and data that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which is tangible and physical, software is intangible and cannot be touched.

What is software?

Imagine a computer as a musical instrument, like a piano. The hardware is the physical piano itself, while the software is like the sheet music that tells the musician (or computer) what notes to play and when.

Open Ended

Write down your definition of "software." Consider the programs and applications you use daily.

Poll

How confident are you in differentiating between application software and system software, and providing examples of each?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident

Poll

How confident are you in distinguishing between analogue and digital data, and explaining the need for their conversion in computer systems?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident

Poll

How confident are you in distinguishing between analogue and digital data, and explaining the need for their conversion in computer systems?

• 1. Not Confident At All

• 1. Slightly Confident

• 1. Moderately Confident

• 1. Very Confident

• 1. Extremely Confident