The 'big picture' of computer systems including an overview of all the major components with a special focus on embedded systems. Suitable for all examination boards but not explicitly covered in iGCSE.
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You find computer systems in the most unlikely places, not just on your desk.
Task 1.1 Where are these computer systems?
Where we learn about where computer systems are found and the two main categories
Your task is to identify as many computer systems as you can. Where do you find them? Work in pairs and write your answers in the form of a mind map in your notebooks / on paper.
Hopefully, you may have identified two different types of computer system - an embedded system (inside another device) and a non-embedded system (like a desktop computer). A non-embedded system is sometimes known as a multitasking system because they can be made to carry out lots of different tasks (often at the same time).
Using a highlighter pen, highlight all the embedded systems in ORANGE . How many are there compared to the non-embedded systems / general purpose machines?
Can't afford your own laptop? How about making your own!
Task 2.1 Making a cardboard laptop
Where we learn about where in a non-embedded system you find different hardware components
You are going to create your own ‘cardboard laptop’ by drawing components in the correct place. You will need a piece of card given by your teacher and 2 different coloured pens. Use one colour pen to draw components you would find inside the laptop. Use a different colour pen for components you would see outside the laptop. Alternatively, you could use images from the Internet, cut out and stick the components on your 'cardboard laptop' instead of drawing them. Use the following list to help you.
Click to engage
Computer systems are complicated things. If you have ever opened up a computer, you will see that there are lots of different components that make them up. There are also different types of computer system. Some look like traditional computers (with keyboards, screens and mice) and some don't (like your microwave or your family car).
Task 3.1 Non-embedded computer system
Where we learn about the functions of the main components of a non-embedded computer system
For many of the tasks on The Computing Cafe, you will be asked to present your work on a word processed document. Follow the instructions below carefully ...
Create a blank word processed document with a suitable header and footer. Add the title of the task to the top of the sheet and format it appropriately. Your document should look like this ...
If you are struggling, or if you have run out of time, you can download a template here. You might want to save this template and use it for all future tasks (there will be a lot of them!) Click to view the diagram of the non-embedded computer system shown below. How many of these components have you seen before? Discuss the diagram with your shoulder partner.
Click to engage
Now insert a copy of the image onto the word processed document underneath the title. You might be able to simply copy and paste it or you might have to download it and insert it manually. Underneath, write a sentence about the function of each part of the computer system. Don't worry if you don't know the right answer - write whatever you think is right at this stage.
Lastly, print out your word processed document and hand it to your teacher for assessment.
Task 3.2 Worksheet Where we learn about the functions of the main parts of a non-embedded computer system
Read the text below to your shoulder partner (or out loud to yourself if you do not have one).
Now download the worksheet Parts of a Computer System and complete it to your best ability before printing it out for your teacher to check.
All computer systems perform 4 basic tasks - Input, Processing, Storage and Output. Time to identify the parts of your new laptop which perform each task!
Task 4.1 Labelling your laptop
Where we learn which parts of a non-embedded system perform input, processing, storage and output
Look carefully at the following diagram.
Click to engage
On each image you drew / stuck on your cardboard laptop label the component as either input, process, storage or output.
Task 4.2 Input, storage, processing, output
Where we learn about how simple instructions can be expressed in pseudocode
Read the following list of instructions which are designed to describe a process to find the different between two numbers. Classify each line as input, storage, processing or output. Be prepared to share your answers with the class.
Yes they do!
Task 4.3 Typing in a script!
Where we learn how to type in your first Python script!
For the following task, you will be asked to upload your script to the REPL.it website which you will have to have made an account on before you start. Ask your teacher to invite you to your class.
The easiest way to structure your first script is to use a template. Download it (by clicking on the blue link) and save it to a suitable, central place in your documents. You will use this template *a lot* and, to stop you changing it, I've made it read-only so that if you try to save it, you will be asked for a new filename.
The template you will use to write your code - get used to it!
Enter the following script using the template in a scripting window, make sure it is saved and "run" the script by choosing 'Run > Run Module' or pressing the F5 key on the keyboard. Use the template to help you to write this script
If the script doesn't work when you run it, compare it really carefully to the image above and make sure yours looks exactly the same - even a simple missing colon or an extra space can stop the script running.
You will submit this script using the REPL.it website so that I can make sure that you have completed the task correctly. In future, you will only submit your attempts at programming challenges this way, not classwork.
Click to load key word list to help you make your own flash cards
Look around you when you are next out and about - how many embedded computer systems can you find?
FAQ
Q : What about the other components in a computer system, when do I learn about them?
A : There are plenty of other components that we will learn more about later in the course, storage devices, network interface cards, memory and the CPU being the main ones.
Q : Could you recommend a book to read about Python / coding?
A : There are loads of resources to help you learn to code. Take a look at the Python page on The Computing Cafe.
Q : Do components have components?
A : Yes - ultimately, the components we have mentioned are built from a collection of much simpler things. Just take a look at a motherboard and you'll see!
Q : How does a motherboard work?
A : On a fundamental level, it's like a city with a sophisticated traffic control system that makes sure that all the data gets to where it needs to go in the fastest and most efficient way possible. The motherboard controls most of the 'infrastructure' of a computer - it's a very complex device in itself.
Q : What programming language is Python written in?
A : Python is written in a programming language called 'C'
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