What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (2024)

What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (1)

What is a computer system?

A computer system is made up of different parts and each has a special job.

Some will be inside the computer and others will be outside. Some parts are connected by wires and others are wireless.

The parts that make up a computer are called hardware.

Programs which tell a computer what to do are called software.

The hardware needs the software to tell it what to do.

What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (2)

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What different types of computer system are there?

Computer systems don't always look the same.

  • A laptop is a computer system, but the monitor, mouse and keyboard are all built into the computer.
  • A tablet is a computer system, which has a touchscreen monitor instead of a mouse and keyboard.
  • A smartphone is a computer system too.

Can you think of any other computer systems you might find at home?

What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (4)

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What hardware can be found in a computer system?

A computer system can be made up of lots of different pieces of hardware.

Some pieces put information into a computer. This information is called inputs.

Other pieces allow computers to send information out. This information is known as outputs.

Let's look at some hardware to learn more.

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Slide 1 of 6, , Computer Inside the computer there are two very important parts: the processor and the memory. The processor follows the instructions in computer programs and sends out messages telling the other parts of the computer what to do. The memory is where the computer stores programs and information.

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Glossary

Here's some meanings to some important words.

Computer - A device that can follow instructions stored in its memory.
Computer system - A combination of hardware and software that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks.
Hardware - The physical parts of a computer system.
Inputs - Data that is sent to a program to be processed.
Outputs - The result of data processed by a computer.
Programs - A list of instructions a computer can understand.
Software - The programs used to control computers and perform specific tasks.

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Activities

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Bitesize Summer Holiday pack - week 3

Join us this summer for weekly games to play, quizzes and ideas for fun activities like designing a Chinese shadow puppet and making a French castle!

What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (6)

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What is a computer system? - BBC Bitesize (2024)

FAQs

What is meant by a computer system? ›

A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device. There are five main hardware components in a computer system: Input, Processing, Storage, Output and Communication devices.

What is a computer system for kids? ›

A computer system is made up of different parts and each has a special job. Some will be inside the computer and others will be outside. Some parts are connected by wires and others are wireless. The parts that make up a computer are called hardware . Programs which tell a computer what to do are called software .

What is a computer system bitesize? ›

Computer systems consist of hardware. and software. Hardware is the physical components of the computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), hard disk, monitor, keyboard and mouse. Software is the programs that run on a computer.

What are the three main components of a computer system? ›

Computer systems consist of three components: Central Processing Unit, Input devices and Output devices, Memory. Input devices provide data input to the processor, which processes data and generates useful information that's displayed to the user through output devices. This is stored in the computer's memory.

What are the 7 components of a computer system? ›

You can still see it here:
  • Motherboard. The motherboard is the computer's main circuit board. ...
  • CPU/processor. ...
  • RAM (random access memory) ...
  • Hard drive. ...
  • Power supply unit. ...
  • Video card. ...
  • Network card. ...
  • Bluetooth card (or adapter)

Which of the following defines a computer system? ›

The correct answer : c. hardware + software + data. Explanation : The combination of hardware, software and data would be the most perfect combination to define a computer correctly.

How do you explain a system to a child? ›

A system is a group of parts or elements that work together to produce a whole. Within this whole, the parts affect each other, and the result is different from the sum of all the parts. I know, a bit wordy. How to explain that to a child?

What are the main elements of a computer system? ›

It is generally composed of three major elements: the processor (central processing unit or CPU), the memory, and the input output (I/O) devices. The immediate forerunner of the electronic computer was an electromechanical computer that became operational in 1944.

What is computer system in 100 words? ›

Paragraph on the Computer in 100 Words

A computer is an electronic device that was discovered by Charles Babbage. He is known as the father of computers. There are various parts to a computer. The four major parts of a computer are the mouse, keyboard, monitor and CPU.

What best describes a computer system? ›

A computer system consists of hardware components that have been carefully chosen so that they work well together and software components or programs that run in the computer.

Why is a computer described as a system? ›

Computer is referred to as a system because it is made up of integrated components (input, output, storage and CPU) which work together to perform steps called for in the program being executed.

What is a system short answer? ›

A system is a way of working, organizing, or doing something which follows a fixed plan or set of rules. You can use system to refer to an organization or institution that is organized in this way.

What is the difference between a computer and a computer system? ›

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data (input), process it and generate result (output). A computer along with additional hardware and software together is called a computer system.

What is the computer system? ›

A computer system is a setup that consists of both hardware and software components organised to perform complex operations. These components include the central processing unit, memory, input devices, output devices and the operating system.

What are the 3 main types of computer systems? ›

The three main types of computers that are differentiated based on their data handling capabilities are:
  • Analog computers.
  • Digital computers.
  • Hybrid computers.

What is the best definition of a system? ›

: an organized set of doctrines, ideas, or principles usually intended to explain the arrangement or working of a systematic whole.

What is a system example? ›

A system is a general set of parts, steps, or components that are connected to form a more complex whole. For example, a computer system contains processors, memory, electrical pathways, a power supply, etc. For a very different example, a business is a system made up of methods, procedures, and routines.

How does a computer system work? ›

A computer is a machine composed of many computer hardware and software components, each playing a unique role. A computer works by receiving data through an input unit based on the instructions it is given and after it processes the data, it sends it back through an output device.

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