IT spot

Overview of Computer Systems
1.1 The Parts of a Computer System
Let us first look at what a Computer and a Computer System is.
A computer can be classified as a device that takes in raw data as input and processes it and
provides information as the output. The computer also has the ability to store data and
information.
The computer system consists of hardware (Physical components), software and users (people
who use the computer) that are necessary to make the computer function and to processes data in
a meaningful way and store data.
The physical organisation of devices and the organisation according to functionality of a
computer system can be developed by reference to the above definitions. Figure 1.1 and figure
1.2 can be used to illustrate this physical and functional organisation of a computer system.
A study of the figure 1.1 and figure 1.2 shows that a computer system has four clear
categorisations for hardware and functionality of that hardware. They can be listed as:


1. Processor, memory and integrating devices
2. Input devices
3. Output devices
4. Storage devices
All hardware components in a computer can be put into one of these four categories.
Following are some of the hardware devices that are commonly found in modern day computer.
1.1.1 Processor, memory and integrating devices
• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
• Motherboard or Main board
• Main Memory
• Power supply
• VGA card
• Sound card
• LAN Card
• TV Card
1.1.2 Input Devices
• Keyboard
• Pointer device (e.g. Mouse, track-ball)
• Joystick and Game Pads
• Scanner
• Microphones, Still Digital Cameras and Video Cameras
1.1.3 Output Devices
• Monitor and LCD Panel
• Printers
• Speakers
• Plotters
1.1.4 Storage Devices
• Hard drives
• DVD and CD ROM
• Tape Drives
• Flash Disks and Memory Cards
• Floppy disks
1.2 Computer Hardware
This section gives a description of the features and the functionality of the parts of a computer.