Hardware, Software, and

the Roles of Support Personnel

Dr. Walaa Nasr

By the end of this lecture the students will be able to identify :

Computer systemHardware and its contentsSoftwareNetworks and its typesCriteria for selection of computer equipment

Roles of support personnel

Objectives

A computer system is made up of :

1.Hardware - The physical components.

2.Software – The programs or lists of instructions.

Computer system

A hardware is physical parts of the computer you can actually touch.

The hardware for a computer system consists of:

1. Input devices.2. System unit.3. Output devices.4. Secondary storage devices.

Hardware

Input devises are hardware components that convert data from an external source into electronic signals understood by the computer.

Input device types:

1. Input Devices

Key Board

ScannerMicrophone

Digital Camera

Barcode Reader

Mouse

2. System Unit

Hard Drive

Processor Chip(CPU)

Memory

Optical Disc Drive

The system unit is contained in a case

Power Supply

1. Motherboard:◦ The motherboard is the main circuit board of the

system unit. It contains slots for the processor chip, memory slots, and slots for adapter cards for video, sound, and connection to peripheral devices.

2. Processor chip (CPU):◦ The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the portion of

a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer programs. It acts as the BRAIN OF COMPUTER.

Main system unit components:

3. Memory:◦ It stores operating system commands, programs and

data.

Memory types:1. ROM (Read Only Memory)

2. RAM stores data that the computer needs to use temporarily.

Main system unit components – cont’d

4. Hard drive◦ The hard drive is used to stores data

permanently. 5. CD/DVD ROM◦ Often called CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive,

these let your computer (read /write ) CDs or DVDs.

6. Power supply◦ Necessary to run the computer.

Main system unit components – cont’d

Devices that allow a computer to give information to the user.

Output device types:

3.Output Devices

Printer

Headsets

Data Projector

Speakers

Monitor

The computer has both primary and secondary storage spaces.

1) Primary storage devices – Memory.2) Secondary storage devices :

1. Hard disk:- Internal hard drive.- External hard drive.

2. CD/DVDs.3. USB.4. SD Card.5. Floppy disk.

4.Secondary storage devices

Secondary storage devices

Internal hard drive.

CD/DVD

USB

Floppy disk

External hard drive.

SD Card.

700 floppy disks = 1 GB Flash Drive

Processor

Memory

Hard driveProcessor speed is

measured by : *Hertz.

Memory capacity is measured in: * byte.

Hard disk capacity is measured in: * byte.

* Kilo (K), Mega (M), Giga (G)……

Software programs consist of step-by-step instructions that direct the computer hardware to perform specific tasks such as multiplying, dividing or delivering data.

Software

Computer categories

Supercomputer Mainframe computerDesktop computer

Server Mini computers

Laptop

Mobile devices

Handheld computer

Personal Digital Assistant iPhone

Black Berry

A network is "a combination of hardware and software that allows communication and electronic transfer of information between computers"

Networks

Home Networks - within a home

Local Area Networks (LAN) - networks within an area, location or business. The University connects all its computers on a LAN.

Types of Networks

Wide Area Networks (WAN) - several LAN connected together

Internet - many WAN connected together around the globe to give us the Internet that we use today

Types of Networks (cont’d)

When selecting a computer system or related hardware, you must take into consideration the following:

1. The types of applications required. Some people need word processing, while others may need database or spread sheet software.

Selection Criteria for Computer Equipment 

2. The program execution time and computer capacity needed to process jobs. Complex jobs require more processor speed and memory.

Selection Criteria for Computer Equipment (cont’d)

3. Storage Capacity: Needs are determined by the amount of information that must be kept and the length of time that it must be retained.

4. Backup options: When information is critical to conduct daily business, another backup system may be need if the primary one fails.

Selection Criteria for Computer Equipment (cont’d)

Support for computer systems and networks is extremely important in order to maintain system functionality

The role of support personnel include: 1) User must have education and

training. 2) Able to make installation and upgrading

for operating systems and various applications

3) Be troubleshooting

Roles of Support Personnel

Dr. Walaa Nasr