Components of a Computer – JSS1 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (First Term)

A computer system is a group of parts, made up of hardware, software and peopleware, working together to process information.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define a computer system and name its three components.
2. State the four groups of hardware and give two examples of each.
3. Distinguish between system software and application software with examples.
4. Explain the role of peopleware and name four types of computer personnel.
5. Identify the hardware, software and peopleware in a simple everyday task.

What is a computer system?

A computer system is a set of parts that work together to take in data, process it, store it and give out results.

• System: a group of parts working together to get a job done.
• Not only the screen: a computer system is more than the monitor or the keyboard.
• School example: a school needs a building, books, teachers and students to work as a school system.
• Computer example: a computer also needs all its parts together to work.

What are the components of a computer system?

There are three components of a computer system: hardware, software and peopleware.

• Hardware: the body, the physical parts you can touch.
• Software: the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
• Peopleware: the people who use, design and repair the computer.

What is computer hardware?

Hardware is the physical parts of a computer that you can see, touch and feel.

There are four groups of hardware: input devices, processing devices, output devices and storage devices.

Input devices

Input devices are tools used to send information into the computer.

• Keyboard: used for typing text and numbers.
• Mouse: used for clicking and selecting items.
• Scanner: used to copy paper documents and photos into the computer.

Processing device

The processing device is the part that carries out instructions and works on data.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): the “brain” of the computer that processes data.

Output devices

Output devices are parts that show the result of the work the computer has done.

• Monitor (screen): shows what we are doing.
• Printer: puts information from the screen onto paper.
• Speakers: let us hear sounds and music.

Storage devices

Storage devices keep our work safe so we can find it later, like the cupboards of the computer.

• Hard drive: found inside the computer, it holds most of the files and programs.
• Flash drive (USB): small and portable, used for moving files around.

What is computer software?

Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware exactly what to do.

• Cannot be touched: you cannot hold software, but you can see it working on the screen.

There are two main types of software: system software and application software.

System software

System software is the software that manages the computer and its hardware.

• Role: acts like the “manager” of the computer.
• Importance: without it, the computer cannot start or run other programs.
• Examples: operating systems such as Windows, Android (on phones) and macOS.

Application software

Application software is a program designed to help us do a specific task.

• Microsoft Word: for typing letters and assignments.
• WhatsApp: for chatting with friends.
• Chrome or Safari: for browsing the internet.
• Games: such as Candy Crush or Chess.

What is the difference between hardware and software?

Hardware is the physical part of a computer, while software is the set of instructions that makes the hardware work.

What is the difference between system software and application software?

What is peopleware?

Peopleware is the human beings who operate, design and maintain the computer system.

• Why it matters: even the most expensive laptop is only plastic and metal if nobody uses it.
• Users: people like you who use computers to do homework or watch videos.
• Programmers: people who write the code that creates software and games.
• Computer engineers: experts who fix the hardware when it breaks.
• System analysts: people who design big computer systems for offices and banks.

Evaluation

1. Name the three components of a computer system.
2. List the four groups of hardware and give one example of each.
3. If you are playing a game on a phone, identify the hardware, the software and the peopleware involved.
4. Can a computer work without system software? Give a reason.
5. State two differences between system software and application software.

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns headed Hardware, Software and Peopleware. Write four examples under each heading.