Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Your notes
ICT
Components of Computer Systems
Contents
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Internal Memory
Input Devices
Output Devices
Storage
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Your notes
CPU
What is the purpose of the CPU?
The purpose of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is to fetch, decode and execute
instructions
The CPU is the brain of the computer and its job is to take an input, process data and
produce an output
What is the Fetch-Execute cycle?
The Fetch-Execute Cycle is the cycle that the central processing unit (CPU) runs
through billions of times per second to make a computer work
The CPU is made up of 4 key components
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)
Cache
Registers
A computer takes an input, processes the input and then delivers an output for the user
Input: Clicking a button on the gamepad
Process: The CPU inside the console follows a set of instructions to carry out the
task
Output: The player moving on screen
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The Fetch-Execute cycle stages
Fetch stage Your notes
During the fetch stage of the cycle, the next instruction or data must be fetched from the
computer's memory (RAM)
The instruction or data is brought back to the CPU
Decode stage
During the decode stage of the cycle, the CPU needs to work out what is required from
the instruction
This could be a range of tasks depending on what the instruction or data included
Execute stage
During the execute stage of the cycle, the CPU will carry out the instruction that was
fetched
Some examples that would take place at this stage are
Performing a calculation
Storing a result or data back in main memory (RAM)
Going to main memory to fetch data from a different location
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Internal Memory
Your notes
RAM
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is primary storage that is directly connected to the CPU
and holds the data and instructions that are currently in use (temporary)
RAM is volatile which means the contents of RAM are lost when the power is turned off
For the CPU to access the data and instructions they must be copied from secondary
storage
RAM is very fast working memory, much faster than secondary storage
RAM is read/write which means data can be read from and written to
In comparison to ROM, it has a much larger capacity
RAM capacity can be increased to improve performance
ROM
What is ROM?
ROM (Read Only Memory) is primary storage that holds the first instructions a computer
needs to start up (Boot file)
ROM contains the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
ROM is a small memory chip located on the computers motherboard
ROM is fast memory, much faster than secondary storage but slower than RAM
ROM is non-volatile which means the contents of ROM are not lost when the power is
turned off
ROM is read only which means data can only be read from
In comparison to RAM, it has a much smaller capacity
ROM capacity can not be increased
Differences between RAM & ROM
Feature RAM ROM
Stores Data & programs in use Boot file (start-up instructions)
Capacity Variable Fixed
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Contents Temporary Permanent
Your notes
Read/Write Read & write Read only
Volatile/Non-volatile Volatile Non-volatile
Worked Example
State two characteristics of RAM
[2]
Answer
Two of:
RAM can be read from and written to [1]
RAM is volatile memory [1]
RAM is temporary storage [1]
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Input Devices
Your notes
Input Devices
What is an Input Device?
Input devices are hardware components that allow users to interact with a computer
system
They enable the user to input data or commands into the system, which the computer
then processes to produce an output
Types of input devices
Input device Advantages Disadvantages
Keyboard Easy method of entering Repetitive strain
data injury
(Entering data into a
computer) Very common Slow to enter data
compared to direct
data entry
Numeric Keypad Fast Size of buttons can
impede some users
(ATMs , chip and PIN Easy to use
devices) Button layouts not
always the same
Pointing Devices Intuitive and precise control RSI (strain on wrist)
(Mouse) Fast to make on-screen Requires flat surface
choices
People with
disabilities can find
them difficult to use
Remote Control Easy to use May require line-of-
sight
(TV, hi-fi remotes) Can control from a distance
Easily lost
Needs regular
battery
replacements
Pointing Devices Enhances Expensive
gameplay/simulation
(Joystick/Driving Wheel) experience Limited use outside
of gaming and
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Improve realism simulators
Accurate Your notes
Touchscreen Intuitive Screens can get
dirty
(Smart phones & tablets) No need for a separate
pointing device Easily scratched
Easy to keep clean Less precise than a
mouse
Scanner Accurate reproduction Quality depends on
resolution
(Convert paper Easy to share and store
documents to electronic) High quality means
Combined with barcodes can be slow
becomes a DDE
Digital camera Vast amounts can be Storage
captured compression can
(Taking photos/videos) lead to a loss in
No developing quality
Easy to share Need to be tech-
savvy to use
effectively
Microphone Hands-free input Variable quality
(Input speech, sensor to Can be used for voice Verbal inputs can be
pick up sounds) recognition inaccurate
Fast Need to remember
key words/phrases
Analogue sensors Generally accurate May require
calibration
(Measure environmental Provides real-time
data e.g. temperature, information Data must be
light, sound, humidity etc.) converted to digital
Automatic data (ADC)
Can collect data from Data may need to be
places where they may be checked for
threat to human life accuracy
Light pen Accuracy for fine detail Lag
(Select/write on screen) Small & lightweight Only work on certain
types of screen
Easy to use
Dated technology
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Your notes
Worked Example
A house contains a microprocessor-controlled central heating system.
Identify two input devices that would be used in this system.
[2]
Answer
Two from:
Keypad
Temperature sensor
Override switch for timing
Touch screen
Remote control//smartphone//tablet
Direct Data Entry
What is a direct data entry device?
A direct data entry device is a device capable of inputting data into a computer with
little/no human interaction
Data collection and transfer is completed automatically
Types of direct data entry devices
Direct data entry device Advantages Disadvantages
Magnetic stripe reader Fast Magnetic stripes can get
damaged and become
(Debit/credit cards) Simple to use unreadable
Secure (unreadable) Reader must be in close
contact
Chip and PIN reader Secure Requires PIN input
Reduced fraud risk Potential for skimming
High payment limits an
issue for stolen cards
RFID reader (read only) Fast transaction (no Transaction limit is smaller
pin)
(Contactless payment) RFID signals can be
Data wirelessly read/intercepted
transferred securely
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Retailers don't have to
access customer
credit/debit Your notes
information
RFID reader Very fast Radio waves can be
blocked/jammed
(Security tags on clothes, Data can be sent both
location tracking ) ways Tag collisions
Bulk detection Possible to hack
Optical Mark Recognition Fast processing Limited to specific forms
(OMR, read marks on
exam paper in Reduced human error Cannot read handwriting
pen/pencil) Form must be completed
accurately
Optical Character Fast data entry Can struggle with complex
Recognition layouts
Accurate and less error
(OCR, text to digital data) prone Font dependent
Not always 100% accurate
Expensive
Barcode reader Fast and accurate Requires line-of-sight
(reads barcode labels) Low cost Barcodes are easily
damaged
Allows for automatic
stock control Barcodes can be
swapped/altered by
Tried & trusted consumers
QR scanner Can store more data QR codes can store
than barcodes malicious code
(QR codes)
Versatile uses Different QR code formats
Easy to read
Can be encrypted
Worked Example
For each of the following uses of data capture, name one appropriate direct data
entry device. The devices must be different in each case
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a. Contactless credit cards [1]
Radio Frequency Identification/RFID reader [1] Your notes
b. Multiple choice answers in an examination paper [1]
Optical Mark Reader/OMR [1]
c. To scan items at a computerised till [1]
Bar Code reader/scanner [1]
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Output Devices
Your notes
Output Devices
What is an output device?
Output devices are hardware components that receive information from a computer
system and present it to the user in a comprehensible form
They enable the computer to communicate the results of processed data or commands
Types of output devices
Output device Advantages Disadvantages
Monitor Large viewing angles Run hot
(CRT) Can be used with light Heavy
pens
Consume more power (than
other monitor types)
Monitor Low power Motion blur/ghosting
(LCD) Lightweight Colour & contrast variable
from different viewing
No flickering angles
No image burn-in
Monitor No motion More expensive (than LCD)
blur/ghosting
(LED) Contrast can be poor
Low power
Long life
Touch screen Intuitive Susceptible to smudge
(Output) Space-saving Potential calibration issues
Multimedia projector Large display Requires darkened room
(Output computer Good for presentations Expensive bulbs
usually to much larger
display) Space saving Need separate audio
Quality is variable
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Laser printer Fast Expensive initial cost
(Dry ink) High-quality prints Limited to flat surfaces Your notes
Lower cost per page
Inkjet printer Lower initial cost Slower
(Four/five wet inks) High-quality prints Higher cost per page
Ink can be refilled Ink may smudge
Dot matrix printer Low cost Noisy
(Inked ribbon) Can print multi-part Low print quality
forms
Slow
Very good for long print
runs
Plotters High accuracy Slow
(Drawing & blueprints) Can print on various Expensive to buy
materials
Large size
Inexpensive to run
3D printer Customisable designs Limited materials
Rapid prototyping Slow process
Medical benefits Counterfeit items easier to
produce
Very expensive
Speakers Range of sizes and Expensive for higher quality
power outputs output
Immersive audio Varying sound quality
Helps people with
disabilities
Actuators Precise movement Requires power
(Control motors, Programmable Potential mechanical wear
pumps, switches etc.)
Allow automatic control Requires DAC interface
of many devices
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Worked Example
Your notes
Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate items from the list
below.
A 3D printer An ADC A compiler An interpreter A microphone
A monitor A numeric keypad A speaker A switch A USB
a. ________ is a device used to input a pin
[1]
A numeric keypad [1]
b. ________ analyses and executes a program line by line
[1]
An interpreter [1]
c. ________ produces output in the form of solid objects
[1]
A 3D printer [1]
d. ________ produces output in the form of sound
[1]
A speaker [1]
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Storage
Your notes
Storage Devices
What is a storage device?
A storage device is the hardware that reads from and writes to different storage
medias
Storage devices are non-volatile secondary storage, that retain digital data within a
computer system
They provide a means of storing, accessing, and retrieving data, which can include
software applications, documents, images, videos, and more
There are 3 types of storage device:
Magnetic
Solid State
Optical
Examiner Tips and Tricks
The term ‘backing storage’ is often used interchangeably with ‘storage device’
Always remember: RAM is primary memory, but everything else that stores data
permanently is backing storage
Magnetic storage
Magnetic storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses magnets (polarity) to store
binary 0s and 1s
Advantages Disadvantages
Capacity - High storage Durability - Moving parts can get damaged if dropped
Cost - Low per gigabyte Portability - Heavy & bulky making them less
convenient for transport
Speed - Moderate read/write Reliability - Prone to mechanical failure
access
Noise - Loud (spinning disks)
Solid state storage
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Solid state storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses electronic circuits to store
binary 0s and 1s
Your notes
Advantages Disadvantages
Capacity - Medium/high storage Cost - Very high per gigabyte
Speed - Very fast read/write access Reliability - Limited read/write cycles
Durability - No moving parts
Portability - Small and no moving parts
Noise - Silent
Optical storage
Optical storage is a type of non-volatile media that uses lasers to burn the surface of a
disk, creating pits and lands suitable for storing binary 0s and 1s
Advantages Disadvantages
Cost - Very low per gigabyte Capacity - Very low
Durability - No moving parts Speed - Very slow read/write access
Portability - Small and no moving parts Reliability - Prone to scratches
Noise - Silent
Backing storage
Backing storage (also called secondary storage) refers to any non-volatile storage
device
Used to store data and programs when they are not actively being used in RAM
It is essential for long-term data storage
Common types of backing storage include:
Hard disk drives (HDDs)
Solid state drives (SSDs)
Optical disks (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray)
Portable storage devices like USB sticks and external drives
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Storage Media
Your notes
What is storage media?
Storage media is the physical media that holds non-volatile data
Storage devices have a specific read/write mechanism built in to interact with a
particular storage media
For example, magnetic tape media is read by a magnetic storage device
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Try not to get confused between storage devices and storage media.
Think of storage devices as large pieces of furniture in your home e.g. bookshelf,
chest of drawers etc.
Storage media is what you store in the furniture e.g. books on the shelf or clothes
in the drawers
Storage media all hold data, but the way it stores/accesses it can be very
different, so just like you wouldn't store clothes on a bookshelf, you need to pair
the correct storage device and storage media
Example storage media
Media Use Advantages Disadvantages Storage
Devices
Hard disk General-purpose Large storage Moving parts, Magnetic
drive storage in computers capacity (5TB), vulnerable to
and servers relatively fast physical damage
(HDD)
Portable External storage for Portable (5TB), Slower than SSDs, Magnetic
hard disk data transfer and large storage vulnerable to
drive backup capacity physical damage
Magnetic Backup and archiving, High storage Slow access time, Magnetic
tape especially for large capacity (10TB), sequential access
volumes of data low cost
CD Audio and data storage, Affordable, Low capacity Optical
software distribution widely (700MB),
compatible susceptible to
scratches
DVD Higher capacity Higher capacity Susceptible to Optical
storage for data, video, than CD scratches, lower
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and software (8.5GB), capacity than Blu-
distribution affordable ray
Your notes
Blu-ray High-definition video High capacity More expensive, Optical
and high capacity data (50GB), high- and requires
storage resolution video specific hardware
storage
Solid state Fast internal storage for Fast access More expensive, Solid
drive modern computers time, no moving limited write state
parts, high cycles
(SSD) capacity (30TB)
Portable External storage for fast Fast access More expensive, Solid
solid state data transfer and time, portable, limited write state
drive backup no moving cycles
parts, high
capacity (2TB)
USB Portable data storage Small size, fast Limited capacity Solid
memory and transfer for various read/write compared to state
stick devices speeds, high other storage
capacity (1TB) devices
Flash Removable memory Very small, Easy to lose due to Solid
memory cards used in durable, large size, expensive per state
smartphones/digital capacities GB compared to
(SD/XD) cameras HDD
Worked Example
A program collects a large amount of data and this could be stored using either a
fixed solid-state drive (SSD) or cloud storage.
a. Describe four advantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than using
the SSD
[4]
Answer
Four of:
The cloud has greater storage capacity [1]
The data could be sent directly to/from the cloud from any computer/device [1]
Storage capacity can be increased without adding additional physical devices [1]
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Many people can share the data [1]
The school would only pay for the storage used [1] Your notes
There is an automatic backup of data [1]
b. Describe three disadvantages to the school of using cloud storage rather than
using the SSD
[3]
Answer
Three of:
More security issues as multiple copies of the data are stored [1]
The school loses control over the storage of the data [1]
Cloud storage has an ongoing cost [1]
Users must have a reliable internet connection to store data [1]
Users must have an internet connection to access data [1]
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