TOPIC ONE:COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM AND MODES OF USE

1.1.1 DEFINING TERMS AND THEIR PURPOSES:

1)HARDWARE-Different components that make up a functioning computer.

2)SOFTWARE- A program or instructions, that direct the hardware to solve problem and run the hardware.

3)INPUT DEVICES-Convert data into a form which can be understood by computer.

Purpose-Information that is needed for the computer as a command to do work:

• Keyboard-key in letters and numbers into the computer.
• Mouse-control the cursor on the computer screen.
• Scanner-scan any document to the computer.
• Webcam-Capture images and record videos .
• Joystick-Controls the game.

4)STORAGE DEVICES-Store huge amount of data.

Purpose-Store a lot of data to be used by the computer

• Hard disk-commonly used storage devices, used to install Operating System on it.
• Pendrive-portable storage devices.
• DVD-mostly store movies, pictures and music.

5)OUTPUT DEVICES-Create data in a form of a hardcopy/visually from the computer.

Purpose-Create hardcopy of the information from the computer

• Monitor-display text and picture.
• Printer-produce hardcopy documents and pictures.
• Speaker-produce sounds.

1.1.2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF SOFTWARES:

1)Operating System-brain of the CPU that controls all the things involved and tasks within the computer, allowing hardwares to operate and softwares to be execute correctly.

Example: Windows, Apple MAC and Linux.

2)Generic Softwares-Aim to help users in creating specific tasks.

Example: MS Word, MS Powerpoint, MS Excel, MS Access.