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CAIE IGCSE

ICT Types and Components of Computer

0417

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Systems
Theory
Hardware & Software
Hardware
Types and Components of the electronic, physical components that make up a typical computer system. These may include
Computer Systems
input and output devices as well.
Input & Output Devices
Internal Hardware Devices:
Storage Devices & Media Central processing unit

Networks & the E ects of Processor

Using them
Motherboard Theme
The E ects of Using IT Internal memory consisting of RAM & ROM

ICT Applications Graphics & Sound Cards

System's Life Cycle Internal Storage devices like Hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD)

Network interface card (NIC)

Safety & Security
External Hardware Devices:
Audience
Monitor
Communication
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 which control the computer system and process data.

Relates to ideas & instructions for using physical objects.

Two types of software:

Application software:

Provides services that allow the user to do speci c tasks.

It can be general-purpose software or custom-made software. (Specialist software)

E.g., Spreadsheets, databases, and word processors.

System Software:

The software is designed to provide a platform all other software to run on. 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 de nition language).

3. Device drivers: A software that enables the device to work with another, externally
connected device.

4. Utilities: A system software that provides the necessary facilities (Antivirus, Scan Disk, Disk
Defragmentation, etc.)

5. Operating systems: To enable computer systems to function and allow users to

communicate with computer systems, special software, known as operating systems (OS),
have been developed.

Analogue and Digital Data

Computers can only understand data in the form of binary digits (0,1); this is commonly known as
digital data. However, data in the real world is analogue, not limited to two speci c values.

The gures show how data changes in analogue and digital forms; analogue data forms smooth

curves, whereas digital data changes in discrete steps.

So, for a computer to process real-world data, it rst needs to convert the received data into digital
form. This is done by hardware known as ADC (analogue to digital converter), and its output is

given back in analogue form using DAC (digital to analogue converter).

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

known as registers.

It processes the input and produces the outcome of the processing in the form of output.

Internal Memory
1. Random access memory (RAM): temporary memory storage, lost after power is shut down,
performs read and write functions, is used to store data that are currently in use, and can be
increased in size to improve operational speed.

2. Read-only memory (ROM): permanent memory storage, non-volatile, can only be read from, used
to store computer’s con guration data, such as BIOS.

N.B: The BIOS (basic input/output system) stores the date, time and system con guration on a non-
volatile chip called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) – this is usually battery powered.

Di erentiating between Internal memories:

1. RAM is a temporary memory device, whereas ROM is a permanent one.

2. RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.

3. RAM can be written to and from, but ROM can only be read from.

4. RAM is used to store data, les, programs, and parts of OS that are currently in use. However,
ROM is used in storing start-up data,

Input & Output Devices

Input devices Output devices

An input device is any hardware that enables data An output shows the result or solution of the
entry. input after it has been processed.

An input device can only send data. An output device can only receive data.

Input devices are necessary for a computer to Output devices are needed in order to display
receive commands from the user for processing to the outcome of the processing that took
be permitted. place to the user.

Input devices are complex as they must ensure Output devices are simpler as they only need
proper communication between the computer and to display the nale.
the user.

Input devices are pieces of hardware that allow users to enter data into computers.

An output device displays the computer's output in a human-readable format. For example, words
on a printer or moving graphics on a monitor.

Backing and Secondary Storage

Required to store signi cant amounts of data permanently.

Most commonly in the form of Hard disk drives and Solid-state drives.

Di erentiating between internal memory and backing storage:

1. RAM contents are lost when power is lost, ROM is read-only, and backing storage is permanent
even without power.

2. RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing storage.

3. RAM and ROM are signi cantly faster in accessing data than backing storage.

4. Backing storage is much cheaper than internal memory.

5. Internal memories are xed, and backing storage can be xed or portable.

6. Internal memories can be directly read by the CPU, while backing storage needs to be moved into
the RAM before being read by the CPU.

Operating Systems
Controls operation of input, output & backing storage

Supervises loading, running & storage of application programs.

Deals with errors in application programs.

Maintains security of the whole computer system

Maintains a computer log.

Operating systems o er various types of user interfaces, for example:

1. Command line interface: user needs to type in commands to communicate with the computer.
The user is in direct communication with the computer. Not restricted to pre-de ned options.
Possible to alter computer con guration settings. Needs to learn many commands for basic
operations. All commands need to be typed in, which is time-consuming. Very error prone, as
commands must have correct format, spelling etc.

N.B: Mainly used by programmers who need to have direct communication with the computer.

2. Graphical user interface: Uses WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device). The user does

not need to learn any commands. It is more user-friendly; icons are used to represent
applications. A pointing device is used to click on an icon to launch the application, this is simpler
than typing in commands. This type of interface uses up considerably more computer memory
than a CLI interface. The user is limited to the icons provided on the screen. Needs a more
complex operating system.

N.B: Mainly used by end-users who don’t have great knowledge of how the computer works.

3. Dialogue-based user interface: use the human voice to give commands to a computer system.

no need for a driver to take their hands o the steering wheel. In a home, it is especially useful for
people with disabilities because many tasks can be carried out by the spoken word only. Possible
to use it as a security feature because voice recognition could be used to identify a person. Still
unreliable, with many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated several times
(especially if there is background noise). Can be quite complex to setup. User needs to know
which commands can be used.

4. Gesture-based user interface: relies on human 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 operator. No training is needed to interface with the computer. It is
possible for unintentional movement to be picked up. Only works near the camera or sensor
(maximum of 1.5 meters). May only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may
take several attempts to determine exactly what nger movements are recognized).

Types of Computers
Desktop Computers
Desktop usually refers to a general-purpose computer that is made up of a separate monitor,
keyboard, mouse, and processor unit. It is distinguished from, for example, a laptop computer by
the fact that it is made up of several separate components, which makes it not very portable.

Uses:

1. o ce and business work

2. educational use

3. general entertainment

4. gaming device

Advantages:

1. They are easier and less costly to upgrade and expand.

2. Spare parts are standardized, which makes them cheaper.

3. They tend to have better speci cations for a given price.

4. No critical power consumption because they plug into a wall socket.

5. Due to xed positions, they are less likely to be damaged or stolen.

6. As they usually have wired connections, they have more stable internet access.

Disadvantages:

1. They are not particularly portable because they are made up of separate components.

2. More complicated because all the components need to be hooked up by wiring, which also

clutters up the desk space.

3. Because they aren’t portable, les must be copied to another portable storage device to take

work elsewhere.

Mobile Computers

1. Laptop computer:
(Or notebook) refers to a type of computer where the monitor, keyboard, pointing device and
processor are all together in one unit. This makes them extremely portable. lightweight (to aid
portability). Low power consumption (and also long battery life). Low heat output (cooling is very

important).

Uses:

1. o ce and business work

2. educational use

3. used as a gaming device.

4. general entertainment

Advantages:

1. Portability: all components are in a single unit, so they can be taken anywhere.

2. Because of one single unit, there are no trailing wires and desk clutter.

3. take up much less room on a desk, so they can be easily used in public spaces.

4. portability allows them to take full advantage of Wi-Fi features.

Disadvantages:

1. portability makes it easier for them to be stolen.

2. limited battery life means the user needs to carry a charger at all times.

3. keyboards and pointing devices may be awkward to use.

4. not easy to upgrade, like adding more RAM.

2. Smartphones:
Allow normal phone calls to be made, but also have an operating system (such as iOS, Android, or
Windows), allowing them to run a number of computer applications (known as apps or applets).
Smartphones communicate with the internet either by using Wi-Fi hot spots or by using 3G/4G/5G
mobile phone networks.

Uses:

1. They allow users to send/receive emails.

2. They allow users to use a number of apps.

3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).

4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music and videos).

Advantages:

1. very small in size and lightweight, makes them portable.

2. connecting to the internet while on the move.

3. because they use Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks, they can be used almost anywhere.

4. they have apps which can tell instant location, which is a feature that isn’t available in either
desktops or laptops.

5. they have reasonable battery life.

Disadvantages:

1. small screens and keyboards make pages di cult to read.

2. more di cult and slower when typing things in.

3. Web browsing and photography can quickly drain the battery.

4. Memory size in most phones is not very large when compared to laptops and desktops.

5. Not all website features are compatible with smartphone operating systems.

6. Because of their small size, it is much easier to lose a smartphone or for it to be stolen
compared to laptops or desktops.

7. The data transfer rate using mobile phone networks can be slower than with Wi-Fi.

3. Tablets:
They work similarly to a smartphone. The only main di erence is that they are somewhat bigger in
size as compared to a smartphone.

Uses:

1. They allow users to send/receive emails.

2. They allow users to use a number of apps.

3. They allow users to use a camera feature (to take photos or videos).

4. They allow users to use an MP3/4 player (for music and videos).

Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. very fast to switch on (no time delay waiting for the operating system to load up).

2. fully portable – they are so lightweight that they can be carried anywhere.

3. touch screen technology means they are simple to use and don’t need any other input devices.

4. not much heat, they use solid-state technology.

5. The battery life of a tablet is a lot longer.

6. when the power button is pressed, it goes into standby but remains connected to the internet

so the user still hears alerts when emails or other ‘events’ are received.

Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:

1. tend to be rather expensive when compared to laptops.

2. they often have limited memory/storage when compared to a laptop.

3. typing on a touch screen can be slow and error-prone compared to a standard keyboard.

4. laptops tend to support more le formats than tablets.

4. Phablets:
Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid between a tablet and a
smartphone, referred to as a phablet. They have much larger screens than a smartphone but are
smaller than a tablet.

Uses:

Entertainment (streaming of music, videos, and television programs).

Gaming (including group games).

As a camera or video camera.

Internet use (online sales, social networks, using QR codes, and so on).

Sending/receiving emails.

Global positioning system (use of maps to navigate to a location).

Calendar functions.

Telephone banking (sending and receiving money using banking apps).

Voice over Internet Protocol: telephone network using the internet, which also allows video
calling.

Instant access to social networks (social contact with friends no matter where you are in the
world).

Instant messaging.

O ce and business management (allows rapid voice and video communication).

Education use (using interactive software to teach or learn from).

Remotely control devices.

Laptops are the most expandable of these devices, while smartphones are the most portable.
Tablets and phablets fall somewhere in between, o ering a balance of portability and
expandability. The choice of device will depend on your speci c needs and use case.

Impact of Emerging Technologies

Arti cial Intelligence (AI): There are many de nitions of arti cial intelligence (AI). Essentially, AI is
a machine or application which carries out a task that requires some degree of intelligence.

The use of language

recognizing a person’s face, the ability to operate machinery, such as a car, aeroplane, train, and
so on,

and analyzing data to predict the outcome of a future event, such as weather forecasting.
Impact:

Whenever AI is mentioned, people usually think of science ction fantasies and think of robots.
The science ction writer Isaac Asimov even went as far as producing his three laws of robotics:
» Robots may not injure a human through action or inaction. » Robots must obey orders given by
humans without question. » A robot must protect itself unless it con icts with the two laws
above. Everyday uses:

An autonomous (driverless) vehicle – we already have driverless trains and autopilots on

aeroplanes, but future developments include driverless cars.

Robotic research is leading to improvements in technology to help amputees and people with
disabilities.

Robots are used to help people carry out dangerous or unpleasant tasks – for example, bomb

disposal.

Negative impacts of AI

Unemployment, robots are capable of doing tedious human tasks with much more e ciency and
excellence than humans.

Dependency on technology could lead to problems in the future.

De-skilling: Tasks that used to be considered a talent are now part of general, tedious processes
that are done on a regular basis by machines.

Extended Reality refers to combined real and virtual environments. The two most common
examples at the moment are:

Augmented reality (AR) is a merger between the virtual and physical (real) world; it lays objects
onto pre-existing objects. e.g., Pokémon GO! Impact: safety and rescue operations’ training,
shopping and retail (getting a better look at a car before the purchase), healthcare (better
understanding of a patient’s body)

Virtual reality (VR) enables an entirely new world to be created, unlike AR, which has no link to
the actual surroundings of the user. It requires the user to be specially equipped with a VR
headset, joystick, and headphones.

Impact: Military applications, educational purposes (looking at ancient buildings), healthcare,

media (interactive special e ects in a movie), scienti c visualization (part of molecular
structures/cells).

Input & Output Devices

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