1. Types and Components of 3.

Device drivers: A software that enables the

device to work with another, externally
Computer Systems connected device.
4. Utilities: A system software that provides
1.1. Hardware & Software the necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan
Disk, Disk Defragmentation, etc.)
Hardware 5. 5. Operating systems: To enable computer
systems to function and allow users to
• the electronic, physical components that make up communicate with computer systems,
atypical computer system. These may include special software, known as operating
input and output devices as well. systems (OS), have been developed.
• Internal Hardware Devices:
• Central processing unit
• Processor Analogue and Digital Data
• Motherboard
Computers can only understand data in the form of
• Internal memory consisting of RAM &
ROM binary digits (0,1); this is commonly known as digital
• Graphics & Sound Cards data. However, data in the real world is analogue, not
• Internal Storage devices like Hard disk limited to two specific values.
drives (HDD)
• and solid-state drives (SSD)
• Network interface card (NIC)
• External Hardware Devices:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Printer
• External Storage Devices

Software
• The techniques, methods, commands, and
instructions tell the device what to do and how to
do it. They are the programs that control the
computer system and process data.
• Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical
objects.

Two types of software:

• Application software:
• The figures show how data changes in analogue
• Provides services that allow the user to do
and digital forms; analogue data forms smooth
specific tasks.
curves, whereas digital data changes in discrete
• It can be general-purpose software or custom-
steps.
made software. (Specialist software)
• So, for a computer to process real-world data, it
• E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word
first needs to convert the received data into digital
processors.
form. This is done by hardware known as ADC
(analogue to digital converter), and its output is
• System Software:
given back in analogue for musing DAC (digital to
• The software is designed to provide a analogue converter).
platform all other software can run. For
example:
1. Compilers: The software translates the
High- level language into Machine code
(Language Processor).
2. Linkers: A Software that creates the links
between Language processors into
workable solutions (Data definition
language).
1.2. The Main Components of Computer
Systems
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• The component of the computer that understands
and executes hardware and software operations.
Nowadays,
• It’s also known as a microprocessor. It is a single
integrated circuit at the core of most PCs and is
also present in many household gadgets and
equipment where some control or monitoring is
required.
• It consists of a control unit (CU) that manages the
input and output devices, an arithmetic and logic
unit (ALU) that performs computations and makes
logical judgments, and tiny memory regions
Backing and Secondary Storage
known as registers.
• It processes the input and produces the outcome of • Required to store significant amounts of data
the processing in the form of output. permanently.
• Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives
and Solid-state drives.
Internal Memory
1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory
Differentiating between internal memory and
storage, lost after power is shut down, performs read backing storage:
and write functions, is used to store data that are
currently in use, and can be increased in size to 1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is
improve operational speed. read-only, and backing storage is permanent even
without power.
2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory 2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing
storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used to storage.
store computer s configuration data, such as BIOS. 3. RAM and ROM are significantly faster in
accessing data than backing storage.
N.B: The BIOS (basic input/ output system) 4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal
stores the date, time and system configuration memory.
5. Internal memories are fixed, and backing storage
on a non-volatile chip called a CMOS
can be fixed or portable.
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) 6. Internal memories can be directly read by the
-this is usually battery powered. CPU,
while backing storage needs to be moved into the
Differentiating between Internal memories:
RAM before being read by the CPU.
1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas
ROM isa permanent one.
1.3. Operating Systems
2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can • Controls operation of input, output & backing
only be read from. storage
4. RAM is used to store data, files, programs, and • Supervises loading, running & storage of
parts of OS that are currently in use. However, application programs.
ROM is used in storing start-up data, • Deals with errors in application programs.
• Maintains security of the whole computer system
Input & Output Devices • Maintains a computer log.
Operating systems offer various types of user
• Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow interfaces, for example:
users to enter data into computers.
• An output device displays the computer's output in 1. Command line interface: user needs to type in
a human-readable format. For example, words on a commands to communicate with the computer. The
printer or moving graphics on a monitor. user is in direct communication with the computer.
Not restricted to pre-defined options. Possible to alter 1.4. Types of Computers
computer configuration settings. Needs to learn many
commands for basic operations. All commands need Desktop Computers
to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error
• Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose
prone, as commands must have correct format,
computer that is made up of a separate monitor,
spelling etc. keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. It is
distinguished from, for example, a laptop
N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have
computer by the fact that it is made up of several
direct communication with the computer. separate components, which makes it not very
portable.
2. Graphical user interface: Uses WIMP (windows
Uses:
icons menu and pointing device). The user does not
need to learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; 1. office and business work
icons are used to represent applications. A pointing 2. educational use
device is used to click on an icon to launch the 3. general entertainment
4. gaming device
application, this is simpler than typing in commands.
Advantages:
This type of interface uses up considerably more
computer memory than a CLI interface. The user is 1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade
limited to the icons provided on the screen. Needs a and expand.
more complex operating system. 2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes
them cheaper.
N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great 3. They tend to have better specifications for
knowledge of how the computer works. a given price.
4. No critical power consumption because
3. Dialogue-based user interface: use the human they plug into a wall socket.
voice to give commands to a computer system. no 5. Due to fixed positions, they are less likely
need fora driver to take their hands off the steering to be damaged or stolen.
6. As they usually have wired connections,
wheel. In a home, it is especially useful for people
they have more stable internet access.
with disabilities because many tasks can be carried Disadvantages:
out by the spoken word only. Possible to use it as a
security feature because voice recognition could be 1. They are not particularly portable because
used to identify a person. Still unreliable, with many they are made up of separate components.
2. More complicated because all the
commands not being recognized or needing to be
components need to be hooked up by
repeated several times (especially if there is wiring, which also clutters up the desk
background noise). Can be quite complex to setup. space.
User needs to know which commands can be used. 3. Because they aren’t portable, files must be
copied to another portable storage device
4. Gesture-based user interface: relies on human to take work elsewhere.
interaction by the moving of hands, head or even feet.
Replaces mechanical input devices. No physical
contact is required. Very natural interface for a human Mobile Computers
operator. No training is needed to interface with the
1. Laptop computer:
computer. It is possible for unintentional movement to
be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor • (Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where
(maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and
number of movements (for example, it may take processor are all together in one unit. This makes
them extremely portable. lightweight (to aid
several attempts to determine exactly what finger
portability). Low power consumption (and also
movements are recognized). long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is very
important).
Uses:
1. office and business work
2. educational use
3. used as a gaming device.
4. general entertainment
Advantages: 2. more difficult and slower when typing things
in.
1. Portability: all components are in a single unit,
3. Web browsing and photography can quickly
so they can be taken anywhere.
drain the battery.
2. Because of one single unit, there are no
4. Memory size in most phones is not very large
trailing wires and desk clutter.
when compared to laptops and desktops.
3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can
5. Not all website features are compatible with
be easily used in public spaces.
smartphone operating systems.
4. portability allows them to take full advantage
6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to
of Wi-Fi features.
lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen
Disadvantages: compared to laptops or desktops.
7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone
1. portability makes it easier for them to be
networks can be slower than with Wi-Fi.
stolen.
2. limited battery life means the user needs to 3. Tablets:
carry a charger at all times.
3. keyboards and pointing devices may be • They work similarly to a smartphone. The only
main difference is that they are somewhat bigger
awkward to use.
in size as compared to a smartphone.
4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM. Uses:
2. Smartphones: 1. They allow users to send/receive emails.
2. They allow users to use a number of apps.
• Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also
have an operating system (such as iOS, Android, 3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to
or Windows), allowing them to run a number of take photos or videos).
computer applications (known as apps or applets). 4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for
Smartphones communicate with the internet either music and videos).
by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G
mobile phone networks. Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:
Uses:
1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting
1. They allow users to send/receive emails. for the operating system to load up).
2. They allow users to use a number of apps. 1. 2. fully portable they are so lightweight that
3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to they can be carried anywhere.
take photos or videos). 2. touch screen technology means they are
4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for simple to use and don t need any other input
music and videos). devices.
3. not much heat, they use solid-state
technology.
Advantages: 4. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.
5. when the power button is pressed, it goes into
1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them
standby but remains connected to the
portable.
internet so the user still hears alerts when
2. connecting to the internet while on the move.
emails or other ‘events’ re received.
3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone
networks, they can be used almost anywhere. Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:
1. 4.they have apps which can tell instant
1. tend to be rather expensive when compared
location,
to laptops.
2. which is a feature that isn’t available in either
2. they often have limited memory/storage
desktops or laptops.
when compared to a laptop.
4. they have reasonable battery life.
3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and
Disadvantages: error-
1. prone compared to a standard keyboard.
1. small screens and keyboards make pages
4. laptops tend to support more file formats
difficult to read.
than tablets.
4. Phablets: • Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually
think of science fiction fantasies and think of
• Some of the latest smartphones have been
designed as a hybrid between a tablet and a robots. The science fiction writer Isaac Asimov
smartphone, referred to as a phablet. They have even went as far as producing his three laws
much larger screens than a smartphone but are of robotics: Robots may not injure a human
smaller than a tablet. through action or inaction. Robots must obey
Uses: orders given by humans without question.
1. Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, A robot must protect itself unless it conflicts with the
and television programs). two laws above. Everyday uses:
2. Gaming (including group games).
3. As a camera or video camera. 1. An autonomous (driverless) vehicle we already
4. Internet use (online sales, social networks, have driverless trains and autopilots on airplanes,
using QR codes, and so on). but future developments include driverless cars.
5. Sending/receiving emails. 2. Robotic research is leading to improvements in
6. Global positioning system (use of maps to technology to help amputees and people with
navigate to a location). disabilities.
7. Calendar functions. 3. Robots are used to help people carry out
8. Telephone banking (sending and receiving dangerous or unpleasant tasks for example,
money using banking apps). bomb disposal, Negative impacts of AI:
9. Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone 4. Unemployment, robots are capable of doing
network using the internet, which also allows tedious human tasks with much more efficiency
video calling. and excellence than humans.
10. Instant access to social networks (social 5. Dependency on technology could lead to
contact with friends no matter where you are problems in the future.
in the world). 6. De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a
11. Instant messaging. talent are now part of general, tedious processes
12. Office and business management (allows rapid that are done on a regular basis by machines.
voice and video communication). • Extended reality refers to real and virtual
13. Education use (using interactive software to combined environments. The two most common
teach or learn from). examples at the moment are:
14. Remotely control devices. • Augmented reality (AR) is a merger between
the virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects
Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, on to pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokѐmon GO!
while smartphones are the most portable. Tablets and Impact: safety and rescue operations training,
phablets fall somewhere in between, offering a shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car
balance of portability and expandability. The choice of before the purchase), healthcare (better
device will depend on your specific needs and use understanding of a patient s body)
case. • Virtual reality (VR) enables an entirely new
world to be created, unlike AR, which has no link
1.5. Impact of Emerging Technologies to the actual surroundings of the user. It requires
the user to be specially equipped with a VR
Artificial Intelligence (AI): There are many headset, joystick, and headphones. Impact:
definitions of artificial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI Military applications, educational purposes
(looking at ancient buildings), healthcare,
is a machine or application which carries out a task
• media (interactive special effects in a movie),
that requires some degree of intelligence. scientific visualization (part of molecular
• the use of language structures/cells).
• recognizing a person s face
• the ability to operate machinery, such as a car,
aeroplane, train, and so on,
• analyzing data to predict the outcome of a
future event, for example, weather
forecasting. Impact: