This document provides an overview of the basic components and functions of a computer system. It discusses that a computer system consists of hardware, software, data, and users. The hardware includes processing devices like the CPU, memory devices like RAM and ROM, and input/output and storage devices. Software tells the computer what to do and includes operating systems, utility programs, and applications. Data are pieces of information stored and organized in files. Users are people who operate the computer and provide instructions.

1. Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
McGraw-Hill Technology Education Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

2. Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Chapter 1B
Looking Inside the
Computer System

3. 1B-3
Parts of the Computer System
• Hardware
– Mechanical devices in the computer
– Anything that can be touched
• Software
– Tell the computer what to do
– Also called a program
– Thousands of programs exist

4. 1B-4
Parts of the Computer System
• Data
– Pieces of information
– Computer organize and present data
• Users
– People operating the computer
– Most important part
– Tell the computer what to do

5. 1B-5
Information Processing Cycle
• Steps followed to process data
• Input
• Processing
• Output
• Storage INPUT OUTPUT
PROCESS
STORAGE

6. 1B-6
Essential Computer Hardware
• Computers use the same basic
hardware
• Hardware categorized into four types
– Processor
– Memory Device
– Input/Output Device
– Storage

7. 1B-7
Motherboard

8. 1B-8
Essential Computer Hardware
• Processing devices
– Brains of the computer
– Carries out instructions from the program
– Manipulate the data
– Most computers have several processors
– Central Processing Unit (CPU)
– Secondary processors
– Processors made of silicon and copper

9. 1B-9
Essential Computer Hardware

10. 1B-10
Essential Computer Hardware
• Memory devices
– Stores data or programs
– Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Volatile
• Stores current data and programs
• More RAM results in a faster system
– Read Only Memory (ROM)
• Permanent storage of programs
• Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is a ROM
• BIOS holds the computer boot directions (Firmware)
• BIOS’ task: Power On Self Test (POST)

11. 1B-11
Essential Computer Hardware
• RAM and ROM

12. 1B-12
Essential Computer Hardware
• Input and output devices
– Allows the user to interact
– Input devices accept data
• Keyboard, mouse
– Output devices deliver data
• Monitor, printer, speaker
– Some devices are input and output
• Touch screens

13. 1B-13
Essential Computer Hardware
• Storage devices
– Hold data and programs permanently
– Different from RAM
– Magnetic storage
• Floppy and hard drive
• Uses a magnet to access data
– Optical storage
• CD and DVD drives
• Uses a laser to access data

14. 1B-14
Software Runs The Machine
• Tells the computer what to do
• Reason people purchase computers
• Two types
– System software
– Application software

15. 1B-15
Software Runs The Machine
• System software
– Most important software
– Operating system
• Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 10
– Network operating system (OS)
• Windows Server 2003
– Utility
• Symantec Antivirus
– Drivers
• Manage Hardware

16. 1B-16
Software Runs The Machine
• Application software
– Accomplishes a specific task
– Most common type of software
• MS Word
– Covers most common uses of computers

17. 1B-17
Computer data
• Raw Facts when processed become
information
• Fact with no meaning on its own
• Stored using the binary number system
• Data can be organized into files

18. Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
Chapter 1B
End of Chapter