Unit 1.2
Components of a Computer System
IT 231: IT and Application
Learning Objectives
- Identify the five essential components of a computer system.
- Explain the role of hardware and software in computing.
- Describe how data flows through a computer system.
- Explain why procedures and people matter in IT systems.
A System, Not Just a Machine
A computer system is an integrated set of components that work together to turn data into useful information.
🖥️ Hardware
The physical parts
💾 Software
The instructions
📋 Procedures
The rules for use
👥 People
The users and IT staff
1. Hardware: Four Functional Groups
Hardware is the physical, tangible part of a computer that you can see and touch.
| Group | Job | Examples |
|---|
| Input | Enter data | Keyboard, mouse, scanner, webcam |
| Processing | Work on data | CPU, GPU |
| Output | Present results | Monitor, printer, speakers |
| Storage | Keep data and programs | SSD, hard disk, USB drive, RAM |
Hardware Component Sorter
Drag each device into the correct hardware category
2. Software: The Instructions
Software is the set of intangible programs that tell the hardware what to do.
⚙️ System software
Manages the hardware and provides a platform for other programs.
Windows, macOS, Linux, device drivers, utilities
📝 Application software
Helps users do specific tasks.
Word, web browsers, accounting software, games
Without software, hardware is essentially useless.
Hardware or Software?
Click a card to select it, then press the correct category button
3. Data and Information
Data
Raw, unprocessed facts.
85, 90, 78, 92 (test scores)
Information
Data that has been processed into something meaningful.
"The class average is 86.25%"
The processing cycle: Input → Process → Output, with Storage keeping data and results for later use.
IPO Cycle: Classify the Steps
Drag each item into the correct IPO (Input / Process / Output) lane
4. Procedures: The Rules of Use
Procedures are the rules, guidelines, and instructions that govern how the system is used.
- Operating procedures: step-by-step instructions for tasks
- Security procedures: how to protect data and systems
- Backup procedures: how and when data is copied
- Disaster recovery procedures: how to restore service after a failure
Written procedures keep operations consistent, help train new staff, and support security compliance.
Procedures: Which Type?
Drag each procedure into the correct category column
5. People: The Most Important Component
- End users use the computer to do their work.
- IT professionals (administrators, programmers, technicians) build and maintain it.
- Managers decide what systems the organization needs.
- Data entry operators put data into the system.
Without skilled people, even the most advanced technology is ineffective.
Who Does What? IT Roles Quiz
Read the job description and identify the correct IT role
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How the Five Work Together
Example: a cashier processes a sale at a supermarket.
| People | The cashier scans the items |
| Hardware | Barcode scanner, POS terminal, receipt printer |
| Software | The point-of-sale application |
| Data | Product codes, prices, and quantities become an invoice |
| Procedures | Checkout steps and the store's discount policy |
Nepal Example: A Bank Branch
- Hardware: teller PCs, receipt printers, core banking servers
- Software: the core banking system and operating systems
- Data: customer accounts and transactions
- Procedures: KYC checks and end-of-day balancing
- People: tellers, IT officers, and customers
If one part fails (a printer breaks, staff skip KYC, or data is entered wrongly), the whole service suffers.
Key Takeaways
- Hardware is the physical foundation, but it needs software to function.
- Data becomes information only after processing.
- Procedures keep operations consistent and secure.
- People remain the most critical component.
- All five components must work together.
Exam Practice: Short Answer
- List the five components of a computer system.
- Why are people considered the most important component?
- What is meant by procedures in a computer system? Give an example.
Exam Practice: Long Answer
- Explain the five components of a computer system with examples.
- Using a business example, show how the five components work together.
Revise the chapter note before writing these answers.