Transcript Session2

Session Objectives#2
Could explain the different roles and functions of systems software and applications
packages
Should describe the purpose of input devices, storage devices and output devices
Must define the terms hardware, software, input device, storage device and output
device;
Assemble and boot Raspberry Pi using the ‘wheezy’ operating system.
A-Level Computing#BristolMet
3.1.1 Components of a computer system
A computer system consists of both hardware and software.
Hardware are the physical parts (or components) which you can
touch. Software are the computer programmes which are installed
onto to the hardware giving computers a useful function or
purpose.
Let’s start with hardware...
TASK: How many pieces of computer hardware can you list in 30
secs???
A-Level Computing#BristolMet
3.1.1 Components of a computer system
Hardware can be broadly split into 2 main categories:
– processor components and peripheral devices
Can you explain the difference??
Peripheral devices can be sub-divided into input, output and
storage devices.
TASK: With your partner sort the following peripherals into
their correct category.
A-Level Computing#BristolMet
Peripheral Devices
Make notes of the purpose for each of the devices
Input devices – so that the computer can be told what to do and
the data to be used.
Output devices – so that the computer can tell us what it has
done or it can control some device to do something useful, such
as alter the central heating because it is too hot.
Storage devices – so that the computer can remember what is
meant to do after being switched off. NB storage devices do not
need power to hold data unlike RAM (Random Access Memory) which
is wiped when power is cut.
A-Level Computing#BristolMet
Types of Software
There are 2 main groups of software:
Operating Systems (or systems software)- these are the programs
that allow the hardware to work.
Applications Software – these are a set of programs which allow
users to do something useful on a computer.
Key Term – Kernel – the lowest level of an operating system that controls the hardware.
TASK
a) List 5 generic applications software used in school. For
each, explain its principle use
b) Identify and explain the use of any non-generic applications
used by the school.
A-Level Computing#BristolMet
Operating Systems
Go For 5 – can you name 5 o/s’s in 30 secs??
Read and take notes from the Boardworks Presentation on
Operating Systems – complete all activities as you go.
A-Level Computing#BristolMet