Components of Computer System
Week 1-2
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Computer System
What is a Computer?
A computer is a machine that operates based on calculation, integration, differentiation, and logic
gates. (https://www.precisely.com/blog/mainframe/mainframes-vs-pc-4-things)
An electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to input, process,
retrieve, and store data.
Electronic - composed of Integrated circuits, resistors, transistors and other components.
Data - a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols.
Information - data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
Information processing cycle
Characteristics of a computer
1. It is a machine. It needs human intervention for the computer to work.
2. It is electronic. It is made up of electronic components and is powered by electricity.
3. It is automatic. It has the ability to execute a set of instructions consecutively once instructed.
4. It can manipulate data. It has the ability to come up with an output, given an input data.
5. It has memory. It has the ability to store and retrieve information.
Different types of computers
1. Personal Computer (PC) - A multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it
feasible for individual use.
2. Mini Computer - A smaller computer developed in the mid-1960s, sold for much less than
mainframe and mid-size computers.
3. Mainframe Computer - Large-scale computers used for core functions in business enterprises or
research institutes.
4. Supercomputer - A computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-purpose
, computer. Performance is measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second) instead of
MIPS (million instructions per second).
5. Workstation - A computer designed to accomplish professional tasks. Designed to handle heavy
computational or graphical tasks, often used for engineering applications.
Types of Personal Computers
Notebook
Desktop computer
Laptop
Subnotebook
Handheld
Palmtop
PDA
Computer System
A computer system consists of:
Hardware
Software
Operating System
Application programs
Five major hardware components of a computer
1. Motherboard
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3. Random-access Memory (RAM)
4. Power Supply
5. Video Card
6. Hard Drives and Floppy Drives
Motherboard
The main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expandable systems.
The backbone that ties the computer’s components together at one spot and allows them to talk to
each other.
Made of:
Layers of fiberglass for insulation
Week 1-2
Learning Outcomes
Understanding Computer System
What is a Computer?
A computer is a machine that operates based on calculation, integration, differentiation, and logic
gates. (https://www.precisely.com/blog/mainframe/mainframes-vs-pc-4-things)
An electronic device that manipulates information or data. It has the ability to input, process,
retrieve, and store data.
Electronic - composed of Integrated circuits, resistors, transistors and other components.
Data - a collection of raw unprocessed facts, figures, and symbols.
Information - data that is organized, meaningful, and useful.
Information processing cycle
Characteristics of a computer
1. It is a machine. It needs human intervention for the computer to work.
2. It is electronic. It is made up of electronic components and is powered by electricity.
3. It is automatic. It has the ability to execute a set of instructions consecutively once instructed.
4. It can manipulate data. It has the ability to come up with an output, given an input data.
5. It has memory. It has the ability to store and retrieve information.
Different types of computers
1. Personal Computer (PC) - A multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it
feasible for individual use.
2. Mini Computer - A smaller computer developed in the mid-1960s, sold for much less than
mainframe and mid-size computers.
3. Mainframe Computer - Large-scale computers used for core functions in business enterprises or
research institutes.
4. Supercomputer - A computer with a high level of performance compared to a general-purpose
, computer. Performance is measured in FLOPS (floating-point operations per second) instead of
MIPS (million instructions per second).
5. Workstation - A computer designed to accomplish professional tasks. Designed to handle heavy
computational or graphical tasks, often used for engineering applications.
Types of Personal Computers
Notebook
Desktop computer
Laptop
Subnotebook
Handheld
Palmtop
PDA
Computer System
A computer system consists of:
Hardware
Software
Operating System
Application programs
Five major hardware components of a computer
1. Motherboard
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3. Random-access Memory (RAM)
4. Power Supply
5. Video Card
6. Hard Drives and Floppy Drives
Motherboard
The main printed circuit board (PCB) in general-purpose computers and other expandable systems.
The backbone that ties the computer’s components together at one spot and allows them to talk to
each other.
Made of:
Layers of fiberglass for insulation
