CPD 2113TECHNOLOGY IN ELT

Chapter 2COMPONENTS OF

COMPUTER SYSTEM

MURNI SALINAB.Sc. Ed (TESL) UTM, Skudai M’sia

COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

A computer system has three main components :◦ Hardware◦ Software◦ Warmware

A computer system performs 4 important tasks (Sharp, 2005:35)◦ Receiving input : figures, facts or sets of instructions◦ Storing information : place in memories◦ Processing the data : act on the information◦ Outputing the information : process and generate

results

4 MAIN ASPECTS OF DATA HANDLING

1. Input devices - accept data or commands in a form that the computer can use: they send the data or commands to the processing unit.

2. The Processor- known as CPU, has electronic circuitry that manipulates input data into information that people require. The CPU execute computer instructions.

3. Output Devices- display the people the processed data; information in understandable and usable form

4. Storage- means secondary storage; consists of secondary storage devices such as hard disk, diskettes, pendrives.- can store data and programmes outside the computer itself.- these devices supplement memory or primary storage, can hold data or programmes temporarily.

1. What is Input?

Input refers to any data or instructions that are used by a computer. All computer processing requires data.

Whenever you use computer or application software, you are providing input. You typically use a keyboard to type text and a mouse to issue commands.

Input DevicesKeyboardMouseJoystickTouch ScreenLight PenScannerBar code readersDigital camerasVideo camerasGraphic tabletsVoice recognition systems

2. What is Process?

The computer manipulates the data to create information.

Information refers to data processed into a form that has meaning and is useful.

Processing Devices/System Units

Mother board/SystemCPU/MicroprocessorMemory – RAM, ROMExpansion Slots and CardsSystem ClockBus LinesPorts and Cables

3. What is Output?

Is a processed data or information.Output devices provide output to

people by translating what the computer has processed into a form that people can understand and use.

Output Devices

Monitor – CRT, LCDLCD projectorVideo scan converterPrinter

4. What is Storage?

Information can be stored in a computer for future use.

All computers have a hard disk drive to store programmes and data.

Storage Devices

Hard DiskRemovable Disks

◦Floppy Drive◦CD-ROM, R, RW◦DVD-ROM, R, RW◦Pen Drive, Thumb Drive, Zip Drive◦External Hard Disk

TEST YOUR

UNDERSTANDING!

Visualize these components and draw them!

KeyboardMouseMonitorSpeakerWebcamPrinterCPU

Mother boardSlot CardRAMUSB portPS2 portParallel portSerial portFloppy Drive