Computer System | Introduction to Computer [Short Notes]

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

System

A system can be defined as a collection of interrelated components that work together towards a collective goal. The function of a system is to receive inputs and transform them into outputs.

Information System

An information system is a system that accepts data resources as input and processes them into information products as output.

Computer System

A computer system is a collection of entities that work together to process data and manage information using computers.

Components of a computer system

A computer system consists of three main components namely;

(i)   People (liveware/orgware)

         People are required for the operation of all computer systems. These people resources include end users and specialists.

·   End users (also called users or clients) are people who use computer system or the information it produces. They can be accountants, salespersons, engineers, clerks, customers, or managers. Most of us are information system end users.

·   Computer Specialists are people who develop and operate computer systems. They include systems analysts, programmers, computer operators etc.

(ii)   Hardware

         Computer hardware includes all physical or tangible components of a computer system.             Examples of computer hardware are:

·  Central Processing Unit

·   Input devices e.g. keyboard, mouse

·   Output devices e.g. printers and monitors

·   Secondary storage devices e.g. hard disks and flash disks

(iii)  Software

         Computer software refers to the instructions that tell the computer hardware how to perform a task.

COMPUTER HARDWARE

The hardware elements of a computer are generally grouped into four major categories namely:

· Input devices

· The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

· Output devices

· Secondary Storage devices

The diagram below shows functional organization of the computer hardware.