Introduction to Computer Systems
1. Introduction
A computer system is an integrated combination of hardware, software,
data, and users designed to perform a wide range of computational tasks
efficiently. It takes input, processes it, and produces meaningful output.
Modern computer systems are essential for education, business, research,
communication, and entertainment. Understanding their structure and
functionality helps students grasp how digital devices work internally and
interact with users.
Example: When you use a laptop to type a report, the keyboard acts as
the input device, the processor manipulates the data, and the screen
displays the result together forming a working computer system.
2. Components of a Computer System
A computer system comprises four main components: hardware,
software, data, and users. Each component performs specific roles to
ensure smooth system functionality.
2.1 Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that can be
touched and seen. It includes input devices, processing units, output
devices, and storage units.
Input Devices: Used to enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
Processing Unit: Includes the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the
brain of the computer, responsible for all calculations and logical
operations.
Output Devices: Display processed information (e.g., monitor,
printer).
Storage Devices: Save data permanently or temporarily (e.g., hard
drives, SSDs, USBs).
Example: When you play a video, the hardware components like the
CPU, GPU, and monitor work together to decode and display images
smoothly.
, 2.2 Software
Software is a set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware
what to do. It can be divided into two main categories:
System Software: Controls the computer’s basic functions and
manages hardware components (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).
Application Software: Helps users perform specific tasks (e.g.,
Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, web browsers).
Example: The operating system loads automatically when you turn on
your computer and allows you to open applications such as Word or
Chrome.
2.3 Data
Data is the raw input given to the computer for processing. When
processed, data becomes information, something meaningful and useful.
Example: Typing “50” and “20” into a calculator are data inputs; after
processing, the result “70” is the information.
2.4 Users
Users are the people who operate or interact with the computer system.
Without users, computers have no purpose. Users can be categorized as:
End Users: Individuals who use applications for tasks.
System Analysts, Programmers, and Technicians: Professionals
who design, develop, and maintain systems.
Example: A bank clerk entering transaction details and a programmer
writing code both act as computer users but at different operational levels.
3. Working of a Computer System
The functioning of a computer system follows the Input–Process–
Output (IPO) Cycle:
Input: User provides data to the system.
Process: CPU processes the data according to instructions.
Output: Processed information is presented to the user.
Storage: Data or results may be saved for future use.
1. Introduction
A computer system is an integrated combination of hardware, software,
data, and users designed to perform a wide range of computational tasks
efficiently. It takes input, processes it, and produces meaningful output.
Modern computer systems are essential for education, business, research,
communication, and entertainment. Understanding their structure and
functionality helps students grasp how digital devices work internally and
interact with users.
Example: When you use a laptop to type a report, the keyboard acts as
the input device, the processor manipulates the data, and the screen
displays the result together forming a working computer system.
2. Components of a Computer System
A computer system comprises four main components: hardware,
software, data, and users. Each component performs specific roles to
ensure smooth system functionality.
2.1 Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer that can be
touched and seen. It includes input devices, processing units, output
devices, and storage units.
Input Devices: Used to enter data (e.g., keyboard, mouse, scanner).
Processing Unit: Includes the Central Processing Unit (CPU), the
brain of the computer, responsible for all calculations and logical
operations.
Output Devices: Display processed information (e.g., monitor,
printer).
Storage Devices: Save data permanently or temporarily (e.g., hard
drives, SSDs, USBs).
Example: When you play a video, the hardware components like the
CPU, GPU, and monitor work together to decode and display images
smoothly.
, 2.2 Software
Software is a set of programs and instructions that tell the hardware
what to do. It can be divided into two main categories:
System Software: Controls the computer’s basic functions and
manages hardware components (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS).
Application Software: Helps users perform specific tasks (e.g.,
Microsoft Word, Adobe Photoshop, web browsers).
Example: The operating system loads automatically when you turn on
your computer and allows you to open applications such as Word or
Chrome.
2.3 Data
Data is the raw input given to the computer for processing. When
processed, data becomes information, something meaningful and useful.
Example: Typing “50” and “20” into a calculator are data inputs; after
processing, the result “70” is the information.
2.4 Users
Users are the people who operate or interact with the computer system.
Without users, computers have no purpose. Users can be categorized as:
End Users: Individuals who use applications for tasks.
System Analysts, Programmers, and Technicians: Professionals
who design, develop, and maintain systems.
Example: A bank clerk entering transaction details and a programmer
writing code both act as computer users but at different operational levels.
3. Working of a Computer System
The functioning of a computer system follows the Input–Process–
Output (IPO) Cycle:
Input: User provides data to the system.
Process: CPU processes the data according to instructions.
Output: Processed information is presented to the user.
Storage: Data or results may be saved for future use.
