A-Level Computing#BristolMet

Session Objectives#

Must identify some common types of computer system

Should describe the meaning of a computer system

Could explain how data moves around a computer system

Work in a group to assemble and boot a Raspberry Pi.

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

What are computer systems?

TASK 1: List as many computer systems that you can think of (2 mins)

Define what it is meant by the term ‘computer system’:

A complete, working computer. Computer systems will include the computer along with any software and peripheral devices that are necessary to make the computer function. Every computer system, for example, requires an operating system.(http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/computer_system.html) 9/9/12

Basically it can be any device that has a processor or ‘chip’ in it and turns a given input(s) into a desired output(s).

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

2.1.1 Fundamentals of computer systems

Computer systems can be put into 3 categories:

Personal Computer – designed for one person to use at a time i.e desktop, laptop, smartphone etc

Servers – Powerful computers which are used to control networks and share resources.

Embedded systems –An embedded computer is a single chip that contains all the elements of a computer i.e input, output, RAM, ROM, CPU etc. They are hidden inside other machines, such as televisions, washing machines etc.

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

Fundamentals of computer systems

TASK 2: Create a table using the headings and sort your list

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

Data Flow Diagram of a common PC

TASK 3: Arrange the component blocks and arrows to represent the flow of data around a computer system

Processor (CPU)

Main memory(RAM)

Storagee.g hard disk

Input Devicee.g keyboard

Output Devicee.g monitor

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

Data Flow Diagram of a common PC

Arrange the component blocks and arrows to represent the flow of data around a computer system

Processor (CPU)

Main memory(RAM)

Storagee.g hard disk

Input Devicee.g keyboard

Output Devicee.g monitor

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

1. Programs and other files are stored on the

2. The processor loads up a software application by copying it from the

3. New data is entered into the

4. The processor stores the

5. The processor sends

6. The processor saves data to the

TASK 4: Join together the sentences which explain how data flows around a computer system when in operation.

hard disk storage

hard disk into main memory

processor via input devices

data in main memory

data to output devices

hard disk storage when instructed to do so

Data Flow Diagram Explained

A-Level Computing#BristolMet

1. Programs and other files are stored on the

2. The processor loads up a software application by copying it from the

3. New data is entered into the

4. The processor stores the

5. The processor sends

6. The processor saves data to the

Join together the sentences which explain how data flows around a computer system when in operation.

hard disk storage

hard disk into main memory

processor via input devices

data in main memory

data to output devices

hard disk storage when instructed to do so

Data Flow Diagram Explained