THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
WEEK 1&2
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Explain the term computer system
- Explain computer hardware and software
CONTENT
Meaning of Computer System
A computer is an information machine that can store, retrieve and process data. A computer is also an electronic machine that accepts data as input, processes data and gives out information as results or output. Data are figures, words and symbols that the computer works upon.
A computer system is one that is able to take a set of inputs, process them and create a set of outputs. This is done by a combination of hardware and software. Computer systems will include the computer along with any software and peripheral devices that are necessary to make the computer function. Every computer system, for example, requires an operating system.
Components of the computer system
The computer system has three components. These are the hardware, the
software and the users.
Hardware components
The hardware components of the computer system are the parts that we can see, feel or touch.
The three types of hardware components of the computer system are:
- Input devices
- System unit
- Output devices
- Input devices
We enter data into the computer through the input devices these input devices are the keyboard, mouse, joystick, microphone and light pen.
THE SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit is made up of the central processing unit (CPU), and the main memory. Data is processed in the CPU and it has two parts. These are the:
- arithmetic and logic unit
- control unit
Output devices
Through the output devices, the computer gives
out information to the user. This information is the result of the processing activities in the CPU. The monitor, printer and speakers are these output devices.
EVALUATION
- Explain the term computer system
- Explain computer hardware and software