Summary ICT - IGCSE - Theory - Types and Components of a Computer System

Chapter 1 - Types and Components of a Computer System
1.1 Hardware and Software
Hardware - physical components of a computer
Internal hardware - Hardware that is not visible from the outside
- Computer cannot operate without these
ex.
Motherboard  act as a “hub” for other computer devices to connect
to
 allows processor and other hardware to
communicate with each other




Random Access Memory  internal chip where data is temporarily stored




(RAM)

Read-Only Memory  memory used to store permanent information
(ROM)  cannot be altered




Video Card  allows computer to send graphical information to a
video display device




Sound Card  provides computer with ability to produce
sound

, Internal Storage Devices
Internal hard disk drive Internal solid state
(HDD) drive (SSD)




 one of the main  has the same
method of storing data function as HDD
 commonly used in
modern
computers and
tablets


External hardware - Hardware that is visible from the outside
- Computer can operate without these
ex. Keyboards, Mouse, Microphone, Headsets

Software - sets of instructions that tell the computer how to operate

Application software - Software that allows the user to do specific tasks
ex.
Word Processor  create or manipulate word documents/texts

Database  organize, manipulate and analyze data

Spreadsheet  manipulate calculations and numerical data

Apps  software that runs on mobile phones/tablets

Control/ Measuring  uses sensors to manipulate physical factors in the
Software surrounding environment

Photo Editing Software  manipulate photos

Video Editing Software  manipulate videos

Graphics Manipulation  manipulate bitmap and vector images