Computer System

A Computer System is a complete installation including peripherals such as disk drive, a monitor, and a printer in which all components are designed to work with each other.

Three Basic components of computer system:

1. Hardware
2. Software
3. Liveware or Peopleware

Hardware refers to the peripheral devices attached to the computer. It is the tangible part of a computer system. It includes the CPU or Central Processing Unit and the storage, input, output and communication devices.


CPU - performs all the processing of data, the brain of the compute

Storage Devices - hold raw and processed data for record keeping

Input Devices - used to enter instructions and raw data

Output Devices - it is where the computer-generated information presented

Communication Devices - transmit data and information from one computer to another

Software is a set of programs or procedures associated with the computer system. Different Kinds of software perform different tasks.


A Program is a set if instructions that interprets the information you give ti the computer, and directs your computer to carry out tasks.


Kinds of Software:


1. System Software

It is a collection of programs which facilitates the programming of the computer. It supervises the operation of the CPU, controls the input/output functions of the computer system, translates programming languages and provides other support services.

Examples: Windows
DOS [Disk Operating System]
DBMS [Data Base Management System]
Interpreters and Compilers

2. Application Software

Application Software are programs written to solve specific problems such as word processing, spreadsheets, integrated software packages and computer games.

Examples: Microsoft Office
Veoh Video Player
Messengers [YM, AIM, MSN..etc]


Liveware or Peopleware refers to the person who directly involved in the preparation and execution of data processing functions.