Know and understand hardware components including graphics card, sound card, Network Interface Card (NIC), camera, internal/external storage devices, input and output devices

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

IGCSE ICT 0417 – Types and Components of Computer Systems

Topic: Types and Components of Computer Systems

Learning Objective

Know and understand the hardware components of a computer system, including graphics cards, sound cards, Network Interface Cards (NIC), cameras, internal and external storage devices, and input and output devices.

1. Types of Computer Systems

  • Desktop computers – stationary units with separate monitor, keyboard and mouse.

  • Laptop/Notebook computers – portable, integrated display, keyboard and battery.

  • Tablet computers – touch‑screen devices, often without a physical keyboard.

  • Servers – computers that provide services (e.g., file sharing, web hosting) to other computers on a network.

  • Mainframes – large, powerful systems used by organisations for bulk data processing.

  • Supercomputers – extremely high‑performance machines for scientific and engineering calculations.

Suggested diagram: Hierarchy of computer types from personal devices to supercomputers.

2. Core Hardware Components

2.1 Expansion Cards

  • Graphics Card (Video Card)

    • Processes and renders images, video and 3D graphics.

    • Contains its own GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and video memory (VRAM).

    • Connects to the monitor via HDMI, DisplayPort, D \cdot I or \cdot GA.

  • Sound Card

    • Handles audio input and output, converting digital signals to analog and vice‑versa.

    • Provides ports for speakers, headphones and microphones.

    • Often integrated on the motherboard; dedicated cards improve audio quality.

  • Network Interface Card (NIC)

    • Enables a computer to connect to a network (wired Ethernet or wireless Wi‑Fi).

    • Contains a MAC address that uniquely identifies the device on a network.

    • May be built‑in or added as a separate expansion card.

  • Camera (Webcam)

    • Captures still images and video for communication and recording.

    • Usually connects via USB; some laptops have integrated webcams.

2.2 Storage Devices

  • Internal Storage

    • Hard Disk Drive (HDD) – magnetic platters, larger capacity, slower access.

    • Solid‑State Drive (SSD) – flash memory, faster access, more resistant to shock.

    • Optical Drive (CD/D \cdot D/Blu‑ray) – uses lasers to read/write discs; becoming less common.

  • External Storage

    • USB Flash Drive – portable, uses USB interface.

    • External HDD/SSD – connects via USB, Thunderbolt or eSATA.

    • Memory Card (SD, microSD) – used in cameras, phones and some laptops.

2.3 Input Devices

  • Keyboard – primary text entry device.

  • Mouse – pointer device; can be wired or wireless.

  • Touchpad – common on laptops, detects finger movement.

  • Scanner – converts physical documents or images into digital form.

  • Microphone – captures audio for recording or communication.

  • Joystick/Gamepad – specialised input for gaming and simulations.

2.4 Output Devices

  • Monitor (Display) – visual output; LCD, LED or OLED technologies.

  • Printer – produces hard‑copy documents; inkjet, laser, dot‑matrix.

  • Speakers – audio output for music, alerts and multimedia.

  • Projector – enlarges visual output onto a screen or wall.

Suggested diagram: Typical internal layout of a desktop PC showing motherboard, CPU, RAM, expansion slots, storage and power supply.

3. Summary Table of Key Components

ComponentPrimary FunctionTypical LocationCommon Examples
Graphics CardRenders images and video; outputs to displayPCI‑Express slot on motherboardN \cdot IDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon
Sound CardProcesses audio input and outputPCI/PCI‑e slot or integrated on motherboardCreative Sound Blaster, Realtek HD Audio
Network Interface Card (NIC)Provides network connectivity (Ethernet/Wi‑Fi)PCI‑e slot or built‑in on motherboardIntel Ethernet Adapter, Broadcom Wi‑Fi
Camera (Webcam)Captures video and still imagesUSB port or integrated in laptop lidLogitech C920, Integrated HD webcam
Internal HDDLong‑term magnetic storage3.5‑inch bay (desktop) or 2.5‑inch bay (laptop)Seagate Barracuda, Western Digital Blue
Internal SSDFast flash‑based storage2.5‑inch bay or M.2 slotSamsung 970 E \cdot O, Crucial MX500
External USB Flash DrivePortable removable storageConnected via USB portSanDisk Ultra, Kingston DataTraveler
KeyboardText and command inputUSB or wireless receiverMechanical, membrane, ergonomic
MousePointer controlUSB or wireless receiverOptical, laser, Bluetooth
MonitorVisual output of computer dataConnected via HDMI, DisplayPort, D \cdot I, VGALCD, LED, OLED
PrinterProduces hard‑copy documentsUSB, Wi‑Fi or network connectionInkjet, laser, multifunction

4. Quick Revision Checklist

  1. Identify the purpose of each expansion card (graphics, sound, NIC, webcam).

  2. Distinguish between internal and external storage devices and their typical interfaces.

  3. List at least three input devices and three output devices.

  4. Explain how a NIC enables network communication (mention MAC address).

  5. Describe the advantage of an SSD over an HDD.

5. Suggested Classroom Activities

  • Component identification: bring a disassembled desktop and have students label each part.

  • Matching game: cards with component names and cards with functions; students match them.

  • Research task: each group investigates a specific component (e.g., GPU architecture) and presents a short report.

  • Hands‑on demo: connect a USB flash drive, external HDD and a webcam to a laptop and observe device recognition.

6. Summary

Understanding the hardware components of a computer system is fundamental for ICT learners. Recognising the role of each device—whether it processes graphics, handles sound, connects to networks, stores data, or facilitates user interaction—enables students to troubleshoot, upgrade and make informed choices about technology.