Computer Structure & Architecture

Lesson 1 – Introduction to CS & A LI:Describe what a computer is and identify the different types of computer.

What are Computers? A computer is a machine that carries out instructions given to it by a human. Without instructions, computers wouldn’t be able to do anything. What makes them special? work faster than humans are more accurate than humans can store huge amounts of information that they never “forget” Some other important things to remember: Computers don’t have brains; they are not cleverer than humans Computers don’t have feelings or “common sense”

Types of Computers Computers come in many shapes and sizes. Computers that most people might recognise include: Desktops Laptops Tablets Smart phones Mainframes Servers Games Consoles Embedded computers Rapid advancements in technology has meant that computers have become much more powerful, much smaller and much cheaper than ever before.

Lesson 2 – The Structure of a Computer System LI:Describe the main components of a computer system and re- create the IPO diagram.

IPO A computer is a machine that: takes in information stores this information processes this information and gives this processed information back out. This can be represented as: This is known as the Input, Process, Output Diagram (or IPO) for short. INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT STORAGE Data Flow