Types and

compone
nts of
computer
systems
1.1.1 Hardware
 Do Now Task
Grab an exercise book from the front and write as below:
Name: (write name here)
Teacher: Mr Al-Siddiq
Subject: GCSE ICT
Class: 10O5IT1

Open and write today’s date and title: 1.1.1 Hardware

 Course Aim
● knowledge of ICT including new and emerging technologies
● autonomous and discerning use of ICT
● skills to enhance work produced in a range of contexts
● skills to analyse, design, implement, test and evaluate ICT
systems
● skills to consider the impact of current and new technologies on
methods of working in the outside world and on social, economic,
ethical and moral issues
● ICT-based solutions to solve problems
● the ability to recognise potential risks when using ICT, and use
safe, secure and responsible practice.
 Information Communication
Technology
21 Topics known as Units

3 Exams:
● Paper 1 -Theory Paper – 40%
● Paper 2- Practical Two – 30%
● Paper 3 - Practical Three – 30%
 First unit: Hardware and Software
● Define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system
● Identify internal hardware devices (e.g., processor, motherboards, random
access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), video cards, sound cards
and internal hard disk drives)
● Identify external hardware devices and peripherals (such as monitors,
keyboards, mice, keyboards, printers as input and output devices and
external storage devices in general)
● Define software as programs for controlling the operation of a computer or
processing of electronic data
● Identify the two types of software – applications software and system
software
● Define applications software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheet, database
management systems, control software, measuring software, applets and
apps, photo-editing software, video-editing software, graphics manipulation
 Know and understand:

• Internal components including Central Processing Unit

Syllabus

(CPU), processor, motherboard

• Internal memory including random access memory
(RAM), read-only memory (ROM)
• Hardware components including graphics card, sound
card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera,
internal/external storage devices, input and output
devices
 Computer Systems
Computer systems are now integrated into our daily lives. This
chapter looks at the basic components which make up such systems.
Both hardware and software play an integral role. Here is a brief look
at both:
1. Internal hardware - the electronic components such as the
motherboard and memory chips.
2. External hardware - the physical parts of the computer, such as
screens, keyboards, mouses etc.
3. Applications software - programs such as word processors and
spreadsheets that are used to do specific tasks.
4. System software - the core programs which make up and
maintain the computer system, such as operating systems.
 Hardware Internal
Hardware - the physical parts
of a computer system - the
Hardware
parts you can touch. This
includes the motherboard,
CPU, keyboard, mouse,
printer, and so on
Internal
Hardware
 Motherboard
The motherboard is a fundamental element of all computers,
forming the nexus for the processor and other hardware to link up
and interact. It contains several slots and ports for connecting
peripheral components, and is composed of a non-conductive
material, such as hard plastic, with thin layers of copper or
aluminium acting as printed circuit pathways. In brief:
1. The motherboard is essential to any computer system.
2. It features sockets and slots for linking other components.
3. It is made from a non-conductive material.
4. Printed pathways of copper or aluminium are arranged on its
surface.
5. It acts as a communication 'hub' for the processor and other
hardware.
 Random access memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is an internal chip
where information is held temporarily whilst
programs are running. The contents can be both
read from and written to. Due to the fact that all
data is lost when the system is turned off, it is
usually referred to as a volatile or transitory
memory. Some key points regarding RAM:
● Stores data, files or part of the operating system
for current usage.
● Information can be written to and read from.
● Volatile memory, as contents are lost when
power is cut off.
 Read-only memory (ROM)
ROM is a type of memory designed to retain
information without being changed or powered
down. These types of chips are referred to as non-
volatile memories for their ability to maintain
their data storage.

The following are some of the advantages ROM

offers:
● Fixed memory which can only be read from,
not altered
● Non-volatile memory, as stored data
remains intact even when power is off
 The Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
The Central Processing Unit (CPU), or
Microprocessor, is the electronic
circuitry of a computer which is
responsible for executing instructions
from software. It is composed of two
main components:
● Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) which
carries out mathematical and logical
operations
● Control Unit (CU) which interprets and
implements instructions given by a
programme
 Network Interface Card (NIC)
A Network Interface Card (NIC) allows a
device, such as a computer or printer, to
access a network, either via cabled or
wireless connection. It has a unique Media
Access Control (MAC) address assigned to it.
In brief:
● A NIC enables a device to link with a
network.
● It can be wired or communicated over
wirelessly.
● Each one has a unique Media Access
Control (MAC) address code incorporated
 Graphics card
A graphics card facilitates the transfer of
graphical data from a computer to a
visual display, such as a monitor, television
or projector. It usually links up with the
motherboard. Graphics cards are usually
made up of:
● A processing unit
● Memory unit (usually RAM)
● A cooling mechanism (often in the form of
a heat sink since these cards generate a
lot of heat)
● Connections/ports to a display unit
 Sound Card
A sound card is an electronic component that
allows a computer sound capabilities. This
includes the potential to generate sounds
which can be heard by the user with either
headphones or speakers, as well as record
sound from a microphone and manipulate
audio stored on a disk. Summarised:
● Sound card is a part of a computer for
sound
● It creates audio to be heard through
headphones or speakers
● Records sound input from a connected
 Internal Storage
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
● Hard disk drives (HDDs) use magnetic
technology for data storage.
● This includes text, photos, music and system
software.
Solid-State Drive (SSD)
● More modern computers and tablets are
utilising solid-state (SSD) technology.
● SSD use non-volatile flash memory for data
storage.
● SSDs are replacing HDDs in many situations.
Computer System
CPU

Control Unit
Input Output
Devices Devices
Arithmetic &
Logic Unit

Memory
Unit