Computer Systems

• A computer is a machine that processes data
• The purpose of a computer is to take data, process it, then output it
• Computers were created to help process data and complete tasks more efficiently than humans
• A computer systems consists of hardware and software that work together to process data / complete tasks
• External pieces of hardware like the keyboard, mouse and printer are called peripherals
• Hardware are the physical components that make up your computer system, like the CPU, motherboard, monitor and printer
• Software is the programs or applications that a computer system runs, e.g. an operating system, a word processor or a video game
• There are many types of computer system. These range from small devices like calculators and watched, up to large supercomputers used by banks or for scientific applications
• Computers maybe general purpose (designed to perform many tasks) or dedicated systems (designed for one particular function e.g. controlling traffic lights)
• Embedded systems are computers inside a larger system
• Embedded systems are computers built into other devices, like dishwashers, microwaves and TVs
• Embedded systems are often used as control systems - they monitor and control machinery in order to achieve a desired result
• In a dishwasher the embedded system could control the water pumps and water release mechanisms, manage the various dishwasher cycles and control the thermostat to keep the water at an appropriate temperature
• As they're dedicated to a single task, embedded systems are usually easier to design, cheaper to produce, and more efficient at doing their task than a general purpose computer
• Computers contain components which work together
• Power supply - supplies power to the motherboard, optical and hard drives, and other hardware

  
• Case colling fan - extracts hot air from the computer case
• Case colling fan - extracts hot air from the computer case

  
• CPU heat sink and cooling fan - keeps the CPU at a steady temperature (CPU generates a lot of heat)

  
• CPU (hidden under the heat sink) - the most important component. Does all the processing

  
• Graphics card slots

  
• Motherboard - the main circuit board in the computer, where the hardware is connected

  
• Hard disk drive - Internal secondary storage

  
• RAM sticks (computer memory) slot in here

  
• Optical drive - for read / writing of optical discs