IGCSE ICT – Notes (Chapter 1: Types &
Components of Computer Systems)
1.1 Hardware & Software
Hardware
• Definition: Physical components of a computer system.
• Types:
• External: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, camera.
• Internal: motherboard, CPU, RAM, ROM, graphics card, sound card, NIC,
HDD, SSD.
Key Internal Components:
• Motherboard – main circuit board; connects all components.
• CPU (Processor) – executes instructions.
• ALU (Arithmetic & Logic Unit) → calculations & logic.
• CU (Control Unit) → interprets/executes instructions.
• RAM – temporary, volatile memory for active programs/files.
• ROM – permanent, non-volatile memory (e.g., BIOS).
• HDD/SSD – permanent storage. HDD = magnetic; SSD = solid-state (faster).
• Graphics Card – processes/display visuals.
• Sound Card – processes sound input/output.
• NIC – allows network connection (wired/wireless); has unique MAC address.
Software
• Applications Software – user tasks:
• Word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, audio/video editing,
CAD, apps/applets, control systems.
• System Software – manages hardware & provides platform:
• OS, compilers, linkers, device drivers, utilities.
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1.1.3 Analogue vs Digital Data
• Analogue data – continuous (e.g., temperature, sound).
• Digital data – discrete (0s & 1s).
• Conversion:
• ADC → Analogue ➝ Digital (e.g., sensor input).
• DAC → Digital ➝ Analogue (e.g., sound output).
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1.2 Main Components of Computer Systems
• A computer system includes input, output, storage, and processing.
CPU
• Executes instructions.
• Contains CU, ALU, registers.
• Modern CPUs = microprocessors.
Internal Memory
• RAM: volatile, stores running programs.
• ROM: non-volatile, stores BIOS/start-up instructions.
• BIOS: start-up program stored in ROM.
• CMOS: stores system date/time/configuration.
RAM vs ROM Comparison
• RAM = temporary, volatile, editable.
• ROM = permanent, non-volatile, read-only.
Input Devices
• Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, sensors.
• May require ADC to convert analogue → digital.
Output Devices
• Monitor, printer, projector, speakers.
• Convert digital → human-readable output.
Input vs Output Devices
• Input → sends data to computer.
• Output → receives & presents data.
Backing Storage
• Long-term, non-volatile storage.
• Internal: HDD/SSD.
• External/Removable: USB, Blu-ray, external HDD/SSD.
Internal Memory vs Backing Storage
• Memory (RAM/ROM): small, fast, expensive, volatile/non-volatile.
• Storage: large, slower, cheap, permanent.
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1.3 Operating Systems
• Functions:
• Control I/O devices.
• Manage memory, security, logs.
• Load & run applications.
• Provide User Interface (UI).
Types of User Interfaces
1. CLI (Command Line Interface)
• Direct commands typed in.
• Pros: powerful, flexible.
• Cons: difficult to learn, error-prone.
2. GUI (Graphical User Interface)
• Uses icons, menus, windows, pointing device.
• Pros: user-friendly, intuitive.
• Cons: needs more memory & processing power.
3. Dialogue-based Interface (Voice-controlled)
• Uses speech recognition (e.g., Siri, Alexa).
• Pros: natural, hands-free.
• Cons: limited commands, may fail in noisy environments.
4. Gesture-based Interface
• Uses motion sensors/cameras.
• Pros: natural interaction, no physical device needed.
• Cons: limited recognition range, misreads unintended gestures.
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1.4 Types of Computers
Desktop Computers
• Pros: cheaper upgrades, better performance, stable internet, lower theft risk.
• Cons: not portable, bulky, wired setup.
• Uses: office, education, gaming, entertainment.
Mobile Computers
1. Laptops
• Portable, wireless, all-in-one unit.
• Pros: mobility, space-saving.
• Cons: limited battery, harder to upgrade, theft risk.
2. Smartphones
• Small, portable, multi-functional (apps, calls, internet, camera, GPS).
• Pros: highly portable, connected anywhere.
• Cons: small screen/keyboard, short battery, limited storage, easier to lose.
3. Tablets
• Touchscreen, portable, apps, internet.
• Pros: lightweight, quick start-up, long battery.
• Cons: limited features compared to laptops, smaller storage.
4. Phablets
• Hybrid of smartphone & tablet (large-screen phones).
