computer science from 1
Chapter 3: Computer System
Setting up a Computer System- Connecting Hardware
The typical minimum hardware components of a computer system include the following:
- Monitor
- system unit
- Keyboard
- mouse
- Printer
- Power supply cables
- Signal cables or data cables.
|
Component |
Description |
|
Monitor |
The monitor communicates with the system unit through a data cable. The monitor gets its power through a power supply cable that is connected to a power source. |
|
System unit |
A computer system unit is the enclosure for all the other main interior components of a computer. It is also called the computer case, computer chassis, or computer tower. |
|
Keyboard |
The keyboard is connected to the system unit and the cable is fixed to the keyboard. |
|
Mouse |
A serial mouse connects to a serial port on the system unit mother board. |
|
Printer |
Printer generally used a parallel connection data cable, however some printers use serial connections that link the printer to the system unit. |
|
Ports |
A port is an interface through which data passes to and fro from the system unit. Different devices use different connectors and ports for plugging into the computer. |
|
Power connections |
The system unit, monitor and printer each have separate power supply cable. These cables should be firmly plugged to a socket. A typical desktop computer uses about 65 to 250 watts, 20-40 watts for LCD monitor, and about 80 watts if you have a 17” CRT. Voltage ratings are either 110volts to 250volts. |
- SOFTWARE
Software is a set of instructions that the computer hardware follows in order to process in formations that tell the computer hardware what to do.
- System software
This Is software that controls how the computer carries out essential tasks such as writing to a disk, sending a document to printer, changing date and time, and working across multiple application software at the same time.
System software consists of operating systems, device drivers, firmware, servers and utilities.
- Operating system: It controls the application software, and manages how the hardware devices work together. Examples are Microsoft Windows, Linux.
Functions of the operating systems include;
- Manage hardware and software resources such as files, memory, task executed by processor.
- Provide an interface between hardware and application programs and in some cases interface with the user.
- Device drivers
This is software that enables your computer to send instructions to, or correctly interpret data from a specific type of device. For example, if you buy a new printer, it usually comes with a CD that contains its driver.
- Utility software
This is software that allows you to perform additional functionality to your computer operating system. Examples include anti-virus software.
- Application software
This is software that allows you to perform a specific information-processing task such as writing a letter, creating slides tor presentation, tracking income and expenses, designing a building, etc.
Application software can be broadly classified into three;
- Tailor-made software: This is software written specifically to meet the needs of a particular organization. It is also known as bespoke software
- General Purpose software: This type of software is not specific to a particular type of business. Examples include word processors, spread sheets and databases.
- Specialist software: Specialist software are designed to be used for specific tasks such as company payroll, stock control systems, appointment systems, or e-commerce sites