ICT IGCSE Theory

1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems

systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

• Describe the central processing unit including its role

• Describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences between them
• Define input and output devices and describe the difference between them
• Define secondary/backing storage

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the central processing unit including its role

• The CPU is the 'brain' of the computer.

• It is where all the searching, sorting, calculating

and decision making takes place.

• The speed of the CPU is measured in Gigahertz

(GHz).

• A 1 GHz CPU can carry out 1 billion instructions

per
second!

• Intel and AMD are the most popular CPU brands.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Main Memory

Applications are installed in the Secondary Storage (Hard drive).

Temporary data from Applications in use are held in the Main Memory.

The CPU will first check the Cache for the required piece of the data so that
it can be processed.

If the data is not in the cache then the CPU will check the RAM and transfer
data to the CPU.

The Cache will then transfer the next piece of data from the RAM into Cache.

The CPU will again check the Cache for the next piece of data. This time the
CPU will be able to get the data from the Cache Memory.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Main Memory

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Cache

• Cache is the fastest type of Memory.

• It is located between the processor and the

RAM.

• Cache collects data from the RAM.

• Holds onto commonly used data.

• The Cache will automatically transfer the next

set of data from the RAM in to the Cache so
that it can be processed by the CPU.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• RAM stands for Random Access Memory

• RAM is the part of the computer that temporarily

stores the instructions that the computer is
running whilst the data is being processed by the
CPU.

• RAM is volatile which means that when the

computer is turned off all data is lost

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• ROM stands for Read Only Memory

• ROM is a built in memory that can not be changed

(Read Only).

• ROM normally holds the ‘boot up’ instructions to

start the computer – without it the computer
wouldn’t know what to do when on button is
switched on (e.g. the operating system will not
start).

• ROM is non-volatile memory which means that

memory is not lost when computer is turned off.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe the difference between the Cache, RAM &

ROM?
Cache RAM ROM (Read only
Fastest, CPU, Common Temporary data, volatile memory)
Data (data Read Only, Bootup & Non-
volatile (Data not lost)
lost on startup)
Exam Question
The Cache memory is the fastest type of memory. It is located between the CPU
and RAM. It holds commonly used data. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a
volatile type of memory which means all data is lost on startup. In contrast
ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile which means data is not lost on
startup. The ROM memory is Read Only and contains boot up instructions. The
RAM memory hold temporary data which is processed by the CPU.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Input and Output devices

Devices need to be connected to a computer to allow data to be

inputted and outputted.

The general name for these extra devices is ‘peripheral devices’. They
are usually
categorised into input devices, output devices and storage devices.
Input Output Storage

An input device is a device that can pass date into the computer
Devices that take data from the computer are known as output
devices.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Define secondary/backing storage

Backing storage is also known as secondary

storage

Backing storage is non-volatile which means that

data is not lost when computer is turned off.

Backing storage is used to store data for a long

time (data can be read from and written to)

Users tend to make copies of original

files on backing storage.

ICT IGCSE
ICT IGCSE Theory
1.2 The Main Components of Computer Systems
systems
Chapter 1: Types and components of computer

Describe what is backing storage (secondary storage)?

Key Words: non-volatile, data, long time, Read, Write
& copies
Exam Question

Backing storage also known as secondary storage is non-volatile which means that
data is not lost when computer is turned off. An example of backing storage is a
fixed hard drive. Data is stored for a long time and can be accessed at any point
(Read and write). Users tend to make copies of original files on backing storage.

ICT IGCSE