GROUP 1: COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MAINTANANCE

Definition

A computer system is a set of interconnected components that work together to process data and
perform tasks. Its structure includes hardware components, software programs, and user
input/output devices.

1. Hardware Components:

- Central Processing Unit (CPU):

It executes instructions and performs calculations. The “brain” of the computer that performs
calculations and executes instructions.

- Memory

RAM-RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY

Temporary storage for data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly.

- Storage Devices:

Such as hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) for long-term data storage.

- Input Devices:

Like keyboards, mice, touchscreens, etc., for providing data to the computer.

- Output Devices:

Such as monitors, printers, speakers, etc., for displaying or outputting processed data.

2. Software Programs:

 Operating System (OS):

[Type here]
GROUP 1: COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MAINTANANCE

Manages hardware resources and provides services to application software.

 Application Software:

Programs designed to perform specific tasks, like word processors, web browsers, games, etc.

Main memory, also known as primary memory or RAM (Random Access Memory), is a type of
computer memory that stores data and instructions that are actively being used by the CPU
(Central Processing Unit). It is volatile, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is
powered off. Main memory is crucial for the smooth operation of a computer system, as it holds
the data and instructions that are currently being processed by the CP

1. Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory in a computer system that

stores data permanently, even when the power is turned off. Unlike RAM, which is
volatile and loses its contents when the power is off, ROM retains its contents
indefinitely. ROM is used to store firmware, essential system software, and BIOS (Basic
Input/Output System) programs that are needed to boot up the computer and perform
basic input/output tasks. ROM is typically not modifiable by normal computer operations
and is used for critical system functions that should not be altered.U.

2. Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of computer memory that allows data to be
read or written in almost the same amount of time regardless of the physical location of
data inside the memory. It's a volatile memory, meaning its contents are lost when the
power is turned off. RAM is used by the CPU to store data and instructions that are
actively being used or processed. It serves as a temporary workspace for the CPU,
allowing for faster access to data compared to other types of storage like hard disk drives
(HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs). RAM capacity and speed significantly affect a
computer's performance, especially when running multiple applications simultaneously or
handling large datasets.

3. Flash memory is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and
reprogrammed. It is commonly used in devices like USB flash drives, memory cards,
SSDs (Solid State Drives), and various embedded systems. Flash memory is organized
into blocks, each containing multiple pages of data. Unlike traditional hard disk drives
(HDDs) that use spinning disks and magnetic storage, flash memory uses transistors to
store data, which allows for faster read and write speeds and greater durability due to its
[Type here]
GROUP 1: COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MAINTANANCE

lack of moving parts. Flash memory is widely used in consumer electronics and
computing devices due to its compact size, low power consumption, and fast access
times.

4. Cache memory is a small, high-speed type of volatile computer memory located between
the CPU and main memory. Its purpose is to store frequently accessed data and
instructions to reduce the average time to access data from the main memory. By keeping
a copy of frequently used data closer to the CPU, cache memory helps improve system
performance by speeding up data access.

Secondary Storage

Secondary storage refers to non-volatile storage devices that are external to the computer's main
memory (RAM) and CPU. These devices are used for long-term data storage, such as hard disk
drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, optical discs (e.g., CDs, DVDs, Blu-
ray discs), and magnetic tape. They provide a way to store data persistently even when the
computer is turned off.

1. Solid-state refers to electronic devices or systems that are built entirely using
semiconductor materials (such as silicon) rather than mechanical parts like moving disks
or tapes. In the context of storage, solid-state refers to solid-state drives (SSDs), which
are non-volatile storage devices that use flash memory to store data. Unlike traditional
hard disk drives (HDDs), which use spinning disks and magnetic storage, SSDs have no
moving parts, resulting in faster read/write speeds, lower power consumption, and greater
durability. SSDs are commonly used in laptops, desktop computers, and servers for faster
data access and improved performance. They are also used in various other applications,
such as digital cameras, smartphones, and gaming consoles, due to their reliability and
speed.

2. Magnetic disks are a type of secondary storage device that use magnetic fields to store
and retrieve data. These disks include hard disk drives (HDDs) and floppy disks. HDDs
are widely used in computers for long-term storage of data, operating systems, and
software applications. They consist of one or more rotating disks coated with a magnetic
material, with read/write heads that move across the surface of the disks to read and write
[Type here]
GROUP 1: COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MAINTANANCE

data. Floppy disks, on the other hand, were a common form of portable magnetic storage
in the past but have largely been replaced by more modern storage technologies.

3. Magnetic tapes are a form of magnetic storage that use a long, narrow strip of plastic
coated with a magnetic material to store digital data. They are typically used for long-
term archival storage and backup purposes due to their high capacity and relatively low
cost per unit of storage compared to other forms of storage media. Magnetic tape drives
use read/write heads to record and retrieve data from the tape as it moves past the drive
mechanism. While magnetic tapes are not as commonly used in consumer computing
devices today, they are still widely used in enterprise environments for data backup and
archival purposes.

3. Structure and Functions:

 Input:

Data is entered into the system through input devices.

 Processing:

The CPU processes data by executing instructions stored in memory.

 Storage:

Data is stored temporarily in RAM during processing and can be stored permanently on storage
devices.

 Output:

Processed data is displayed or outputted to users through output devices.

 Control:

The operating system manages the execution of programs, resources, and user interactions.

[Type here]
GROUP 1: COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MAINTANANCE

In summary, a computer system comprises hardware components for processing and storage,
software programs for controlling and executing tasks, and input/output devices for user
interaction. It functions by receiving input, processing it, storing data, producing output, and
managing system resources through control mechanisms.

[Type here]