The Computer System (JSS2 FIRST TERM)
The Computer System
A computer is an electronic device that has the capability of accepting data through the input devices and processes it on the system unit and produces meaningful output called information with the aid of a stored program.
Components of a Computer System
There are three (3) major components which will determine the performance of the computer. They are:
1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Peopleware
Hardware Components
A computer is made up of multiple physical components of computer hardware upon which operating system can be installed and other software to perform the operators desired function or tasks.
Therefore, it is the physical part of the computer which can be seen and touched. Simply, it is the tangible components of the computer. The computer hardware is responsible for performing four (4) basic functions:
1. Input
2. Processing
3. Output
4. Storage
The hardware includes:
1. CPU (which comprises of ALU, control unit, memory).
2. Input devices
or unit.
3. Output devices.
Software Components
The computer software
also called a program is a collection of instructions that enable the hardware to function effectively. Without the software,
no computer can function.
It controls and directs the hardware on what to do.
There are basically two (2) major types of software namely:
1. System Software
2. Application Software
Peopleware Components
Peopleware
is a term used to refer to one of the three
core aspects of computer technology i.e. hardware, software
and peopleware.
Peopleware can refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the development or use of computer software and hardware components.
Peopleware can be divided into two distinct groups:
1. Computer professionals
2. Computer user
Hardware Components
A computer is made up of multiple
physical components of computer hardware
upon which operating
system can be installed and other software
to perform the operators desired function or tasks.
Therefore, it is the physical part of the computer which can be seen and touched. Simply, it is the tangible components of the computer. The computer hardware is responsible for performing four (4) basic functions:
1.
Input
2. Processing
3. Output
4. Storage
1. CPU (which
comprises of ALU, control unit,
memory).
2. Input devices
or unit.
3. Output devices.
2. keyboard
3. Joystick
4. Digital Camera
5. Web Camera
6. Light pen
7. Scanner
8. Barcode reader.
Output Devices:
These are devices that the computer uses to communicate with the users. They are used to display processed data to the users. The result of the processed data is sent to the outside world through the output devices.
Examples of output devices include:
1. Monitor/ Video Display Unit (VDU)
2. Speaker
3. Printer
4. Plotter
5. Pointer
Storage Devices:
The storage unit or main memory stores data and instructions that are about to be processed.
It has the ability to store data and instructions temporarily or permanently. There are two major types of storage namely:
1. Primary storage
2. Secondary storage
Primary Storage
It is divided into the following:
1. RAM (Random Access Memory)
2. ROM (Read Only Memory) The ROM:
The ROM is the Read-Only
Memory. Once this memory is programmed, it cannot be re-written. The computer can only read its contents.
They store information that cannot be
altered.
The content of the boot accord which is the set of instructions that takes control of the computer when it is switched on is stored inside the ROM The RAM:
The RAM is the “Random
Access Memory”. The computer can read from it and store/write on it. It is volatile
because its data/content is lost when the power goes off. Most
RAMs are used to store information/data that the CPU is processing.
Secondary Storage / External Storage Devices
It is the memory used for storing information, data/programs that the CPU is not referencing. They are mainly used for backup. The secondary storage that is inside the computer is called the hard disk while others are external devices.
The secondary storage
is also known
as auxiliary storage
or external storage
or secondary memory.
Examples of secondary storage devices are:
1.
Magnetic tapes
2. Magnetic disks
3. Floppy diskettes
4. Compact Disk Read Only Memory CD-ROM
5. Flash drives
6. External hard disk
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU):
This has two main duties.
It carries out all the required arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. ALU also performs some logical operations
like comparing two numbers to know which is bigger or smaller.
It has temporary storage locations called REGISTERS. The data are stored temporarily before calculation and after calculation, the data again come back to the memory. Note that the control unit and ALU are known as CPU.
PEOPLEWARE COMPONENTS
Peopleware is a term used to refer to one of the three core aspects
of computer technology i.e. hardware, software
and peopleware. It can refer to anything
that has to do with the role of people in the development
or use of computer software and hardware components.
Peopleware can be divided into two distinct groups:
1. Computer professionals
2. Computer user
Computer Professionals:
These are individuals who have in one way or the other required formal education or training in the use of computers.
Examples of computer professionals include:
1. Computer Managers
2. Computer Programmers / Software Developers.
3. Computer Operators
4. Computer Engineers
5. System Analysts
6. Software Engineers
7. Database Administrators
Functions of the Computer Professionals
Functions
of a Computer Manager:
1. Responsible for day to day running
of the computer department.
2. Ensures computer
installations run efficiently in satisfying the computing needs of the organization.
3. Coordinates the staff of the computer
department.
4. Plans for improvement to the organisation’s activities through new and improved
systems.
Functions
of a System Analyst:
1. Design of computer-based systems,
their implementation and review.
2. Produces flow charts for the programmer to use.
3. Analysis of existing systems
with a view to computerizing them.
Functions of the Computer Engineer:
1. Installation of a new computer or additional peripherals.
2. Repairs or replaces defective
components in the computer.
3. Periodically clean the computer
and the sensitive
inner parts.
Computer Programmer
He encodes/writes the procedures detailed by
the system analyst in the language suitable for a given computer.
Writes computer programs
Computer Educator
Computer educator trains people on how to use
computer hardware and software
He enlightens people on new computer policy.
Computer Instructor
He teacher trains others on the computer
science and application of computer.
They make policies
and laws concerning the manufacturing, and the use of computer systems
They enforce these
laws as well.
Qualities of a good Computer Professional
The qualities include
the following:
1. Must be ready to work with others as a team.
2. Must be able to correct errors
on the computer.
3. Must not commit computer
crime such as fraud.
4. Must be ready to improve himself.
5. Must be up to date on computer issues.
6. Must not allow computers to get infected
with a computer virus.
Computer Users:
These are the group of people who make use of the computer
system in discharging their day to day activities or simply those who work with the computer system.
These people may not have had
any formal training in a computer but can exchange their services of some
computer professionals.
Examples of computer
users include:
1. Administrator
2. Standard
user
3. Guest
4. Child
5. Hacker
6. Teachers
7. Gamers
8. Artists
9. Researchers
10. Programmers
11. Scientists
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