Computer Systems
Unit: 2
You will explore the common hardware components of technology systems, such as a touch screen or a printer, and the internal building blocks of a computer like the processor, buses and memory. The unit also covers the purpose of networks, which allow different devices within a technology system to communicate. (This topic is covered in more detail in Unit 1: The Online World and Unit 11: Computer Networks.)
No technology system is complete without the software that brings it to life. You will explore different types of software. These will include the operating system (OS) that supports the communication and management of resources, and utility programs that provide functionality to maintain the system.
You will also learn about the role of applications software, such as office programs, graphics packages, accounting software and CAD/CAM, that supports many aspects of everyday business life.
Learning aims
In this unit you will:
A understand how the components of technology systems work together
B understand how data flows between internal components of a computer and is processed to provide information
C understand different types of software.
