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 consists of hardware and software that work together to process data / complete tasks
• Hardware is the physical stuff that makes up your computer system
• The CPU , motherboard, monitor and printer are all examples of hardware
• Software is the programs or applications that a computer system runs
• An operating system, a word processor or video game are all examples of software
• Peripherals are external pieces of hardware
• What name is given to external pieces of hardware?

  Peripherals
• The mouse, keyboard and printer are all examples of peripherals
• There are many types of computer system - these range from small devices up to large supercomputers
• Calculators and watches are examples of small devices
• Large supercomputers may be used by banks or for scientific applications
• Computers may be general purpose (designed to perform many tasks) or dedicated systems (designed for one particular function)
• General purpose computers are computers that have designed to perform many tasks
• PCs and tablets are examples of general purpose computers
• Dedicated systems are computers that have been designed for one particular function
• Computers that have been designed to control traffic lights or an aeroplane are examples of dedicated systems
• Embedded systems are computers built into other devices / a larger system
• Computers that are built into devices like microwaves , dishwashers and TVs are examples of embedded systems
• Embedded systems are usually dedicated systems
• Embedded systems are often used as control systems - they monitor and control machinery to achieve a desired result
• In a dishwasher , the embedded system could control water pumps and water release mechanisms , manage the various 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
• Why are embedded systems cheaper , easier to design and more efficient than a general purpose computer?

  Because they're dedicated to a single task
• Computers contain contain components which work together
• The power supply supplies power to the motherboard, optical and hard drives, and other hardware
• The case cooling fan extracts hot air from the computer case
• The CPU heat sink cooling fan keeps the CPU at a steady temperature
• The CPU heat sink and cooling fan need to keep the CPU at a steady temperature as the CPU generates a lot of heat
• The CPU (which is hidden under the heat sink) does all the processing (the most important component of a computer)