GCSE Unit One

Parts Of A Computer

There are four basic parts of a computer system:

  • Hardware
  • Backup storage
  • Software
  • Operating System

Types of Hardware

Hardware can be classified according to what it does for the computer system. There are 4 main types of Hardware.

  • INPUT DEVICES (INPUT PERIPHERALS)

Input Devices are used by the computer system to gather data into the computer system.

Examples – Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone

  • OUTPUT DEVICES (OUPUT PERIPHERALS)

Output devices are used by the computer system to send data out of the computer system.

Examples: - Monitor, Printer, Loudspeaker.

  • PROCESSING COMPONENTS

These devices are used to handle the data and run the programs.

Examples: - Processor (CPU), RAM, ALU, Clock.

  • BACKING STORES

Backing stores store data when the computer is switched off.

Backup Storage

(Also called Backing Storage)

The parts of the computer that store information when the computer is turned off.

Name / Size / Description
Floppy disk / 1.4 Mb / Small portable magnetic disk
Zip disk / 250 Mb / Small portable magnetic disk
CD-ROM / 650 Mb / Optical disk.
CD-R and
CD-RW can be written on.
Jaz drive / 2000 Mb / A larger and faster version of a Zip disk
DVD / 4700 Mb / Digital Versatile disk.
Similar to CD-Roms but stores 7 times more data.
Hard Drive / 10 000 Mb / The C drive on computers. A magnetic store.
Tape Streamer / Used to back up hard drives.

The Main types of Application Software

Application software / Uses / Examples
Word processor
(WP) / Production of text.
Editing of text.
Printing text. / Microsoft Word
Creative Writer
Desk top publisher
(DTP) / Importing pictures and text.
Organising pictures and text. / MS Publisher
Spreadsheet / Storing data
Performing calculations
Drawing graphs / MS Excel
Lotus 123
Database / Storing data
Searching
Sorting / MS Access
Key Plus
Computer control / Sensing
Making decision
Output of control signals
Data logging / Sensing
Storing data
Art package / Drawing pictures
Editing pictures. / Paintbrush
Corel Draw

Operating System

The operating system is the software which runs the computer and the application software.

They have four main functions:

  • To allow the application software to communicate with the hardware correctly.
  • To manage the transfer of data to and from the peripherals.
  • To manage the computer system.
  • To manage system security.

Examples of OS:

  • MS-DOS Now out of date, but still used on most computers.
  • Windows 98Used on single computers.
  • Windows NTLike Windows 98, but is used on computer networks.

QUESTIONS

  • Draw a block diagram showing how data is transferred between the 4 types of hardware.
  • What type of software is needed to allow the hardware to communicate?
  • On a new page draw a table with the following headings

INPUT / OUTPUT / PROCESSING / BACKING STORES

For each type of hardware list as many examples as possible in your table.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

The central processing unit of the computer is part of the hardware of a computer system. The CPU does the actual processing of the data.

Within the CPU are the:

  • CU Control Unit – That sequences the movement of data and the performing of calculations with a clock. The clock speed is usually quoted in MHz.
  • IAS - Immediate Access Store – This is memory that stores the programs and data that are being run by the computer. It consists of both RAM and ROM. The memory of the computer system is quoted in Mega bytes of RAM.
  • ALU – Arithmetic and Logic Unit – This performs all of the mathematical and logical operations on the data.

Questions.

Explain how the buttons and icons in Word make it easy to use?

What is the difference between OS and application software?

Why does the school network back up the H drive onto a Tape Streamer every night?

Which part of the computer manages the peripherals?

Give three examples of input peripherals.

Give three examples of output peripherals.

Give one advantage of using a DVD instead of a CD-ROM.

Why should floppy disks not be left near magnets?

What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Draw a flowchart for buying a Can of Pepsi from the Drinks machine.

Flow Charts

A Flow Chart is used to illustrate computer processes in the order the various stages take place.

Symbols Used


Start or StopInput or Output Decision Process

From computer (yes or no) (something is)

(being done)















Example Do you need to turn the lights on?


HOMEWORK – UNIT ONE

WEEK 1

  • Obtain an advert for a computer system. List the types of hardware and software been sold. Divide the software into operating systems and applications software.

WEEK 2

For a computerised system for notes

  • What problem is this project intended to solve?
  • Who will use your project?
  • Why will they find your project useful?
  • What are the advantages of solving the problem using a computer system rather than doing it manually.
  • Design a Data Capture Sheet to find out what type of hardware and software your users have access to and how competent they are at using the software.

WEEK 3

For your project on notes

  • Draw a table listing all of the examples Hardware that you know about and describing them as INPUT, BACKING, PROCESSING or OUTPUT?
  • What types of hardware do you think will be needed to solve the notes problem?
  • Will the users have to purchase any hardware?
  • Estimate the cost of the hardware needed to run the project.

WEEK 4

  • Draw a flow diagram for making a cup of tea.
  • Draw a flow diagram for your notes project.

WEEK 5

  • State what you have achieved on your project.
  • How do you think you could have improved your project?
  • Find out the names of 3 word processing packages other than MSWord.
  • Design a data capture sheet that could be used to evaluate your project.

WEEK 6

Revise for your test by defining the following words.

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GCSE Unit One

  • Computer System
  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Systems Software
  • Applications Software
  • Data
  • Edit
  • Format
  • Style
  • File
  • Document
  • File extension
  • Backing Store
  • Hard Copy

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GCSE Unit One

GCSE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Name: / Mark:
/25
Teacher:
Group: / Percent:
%
Date: / 16th – 20th October 2000

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

  1. Describe the meanings of the following words(5 Marks)

(a)Hardware

(b)Software

(c)Backing Store

(d)Applications Software

(e)Operating System

  1. For each item of hardware listed in the table below state whether it is a backing store, input device, output device or processing element.

(5 Marks)

Device /

Type

Keyboard / Input Device
(a) / Scanner
(b) / Floppy Disc
(c) / CD ROM
(d) / CPU
(e) / RAM
  1. Complete the following sentences. (Answers such as it is better or it will work are not acceptable) (5 Marks)

(a)RAM is used for

(b)We save files on baking storage because

(c)Why do computer systems need both application software and systems software?

(d)What part of the computer is responsible for transferring data between hardware?

(e)What is meant by a computer file?

  1. The diagram below shows the relationships between the types of hardware that make up a computer system. Complete the diagram by naming each box and indicating with arrows the direction of data flow. (5 Marks)
  1. A garden centre is installing a computer system to send out letters to its customers. The problem to be solved is identified below:
  • The customers’ details have to be entered onto the computer system and then saved.
  • The letter is to be composed on the computers and saved.
  • The letters are to be produced as hardcopy in black and white.
  • The letter and customer details will need to be transferred from the secretary’s computer to the manager’s computer.
  1. Explain what hardware and software they will need to buy:(5 Marks)

HARDWARE / Reason
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
SOFTWARE / Reason
(a)
(b)

GCSE INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Name: / Mark:
/25
Teacher:
Group: / Percent:
%
Date: / 16th – 20th October 2000

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

  1. Describe the meanings of the following words(5 Marks)

(a)HardwareA part of the computer

(d)SoftwareThe programs that are used to work the computer

(e)Backing StoreAn example of where computer files can be stored permantently

(d)Applications SoftwareSoftware that does a particular job e.g. Word, Excel

(e)Operating SystemThe software that mangaes the computer system e.g. Windows 95

  1. For each item of hardware listed in the table below state whether it is a backing store, input device, output device or processing element.

(5 Marks)

Device /

Type

Keyboard / Input Device
(a) / Scanner / Input Device
(b) / Floppy Disc / Backing Store
(c) / CD ROM / Input Device
(d) / CPU / Processor
(e) / RAM / Processor
  1. Complete the following sentences. (Answers such as it is better or it will work are not acceptable) (5 Marks)

(a)RAM is used for

(b)We save files on baking storage because

(c)Why do computer systems need both application software and systems software?

(d)What part of the computer is responsible for transferring data between hardware? The Processor or CPU

(e)What is meant by a computer file? A

  1. The diagram below shows the relationships between the types of hardware that make up a computer system. Complete the diagram by naming each box and indicating with arrows the direction of data flow. (5 Marks)



Input Peripheral / Processor / Output Peripheral
Backing Store
  1. A garden centre is installing a computer system to send out letters to its customers. The problem to be solved is identified below:
  • The customers’ details have to be entered onto the computer system and then saved.
  • The letter is to be composed on the computers and saved.
  • The letters are to be produced as hardcopy in black and white.
  • The letter and customer details will need to be transferred from the secretary’s computer to the manager’s computer.
  1. Explain what hardware and software they will need to buy:(5 Marks)

HARDWARE / Reason
(a) / Processor
(b) / Monitor
(c) / Keyboard Mouse
(d) / Printer
SOFTWARE / Reason
(a) / OS i.e. Windows 98
(b) / WP i.e. MS Word

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