A computer is an electronic device that stores, accepts data; retrieves data and process data

and gives output according to a set of instructions. This write up serves to justify the
importance of the systems concept in the study of ICT, using the structure of the computer as
an example. A system concept is a group of interrelated, interacting or interdependent
elements forming a whole, for example the network of structures and channels. The
communication, travel, distribution and networking of related computer software, hardware,
and data transmission devices are also part of the whole. It is important to understand the
interacting, interrelated, or interdependent of hardware, software, data and the people who
use them in the study of ITCs.

The computer has a system of hardware devices organized according to the following
functions, Inputs are the devices of a computer system that include keyboards, touch screens,
light pens, a mouse, scanners, and printers. Input devices convert data into electronic
machine-readable form for direct entry or through telecommunications links into a computer
system.
Processing. The central processing unit (CPU) is the main processing component of a
computer system. In microcomputers, it is the main microprocessor. In particular, the
arithmetic-logic unit, one of the CPU's major components, performs the arithmetic and logic
functions required in computer processing.
Output. The output devices of a computer system include video display units, printers, audio
response units, and so on. They convert electronic information produced by the computer
system into human understandable form for presentation to end users.

Storage. The storage function of a computer system takes place in the computer's primary
storage unit, or memory, and in secondary storage devices such as magnetic disk and tape
units. These devices store data and program instructions needed for processing for later use.
The control unit of the CPU is the control component of a computer system. It interprets
computer program instructions and transmits directions to the other components of the
computer system.
The Central Processing Unit is the most important hardware component of a computer
system. It is also known as the CPU, the central processor or instruction processor, and as the
main microprocessor in a microcomputer. Conceptually, the CPU can be subdivided into two
major subunits: the arithmetic-logic unit (ALU) and the control unit. The CPU also includes
specialized circuitry and devices such as registers for high-speed, temporary storage of
instruction and data elements, and various subsidiary processors such as those for arithmetic
operations, input/output, and telecommunications support. Conceptually, a computer's
primary storage unit or memory is sometimes shown as part of a CPU.
The control unit obtains instructions from those stored in the primary storage unit and
interprets them. Then it transmits directions to the other components of the computer system,
ordering them to perform required operations. The arithmetic-logic unit performs required
arithmetic and comparison operations. A computer can make logical changes from one set of
program instructions to another based on the results of comparisons made in the ALU during
processing.

Software - A set of instructions, stored digitally within the computer's memory, which tells
the computer system what to do.
Software components of a computer system have no physical appearance; they are stored in
digital form within computer memory. There are different categories of software, including
system software, utilities and applications software.

System software is the software used to manage and control the hardware components and
which allow interaction between the hardware and the other types of software. The most
obvious type of system software is the computer's operating system which is a program that
manages the computer hardware. It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as
an intermediary between the computer user and the computer hardware.
Computer
Software

System
Software

Application
Software

GeneralPurpose
Programs

ApplicationSpecific
Programs

System
Management
Programs

System
Development
Programs

Utility software is software such as anti-virus software, firewalls, disk defragmenters and so
on which helps to maintain and protect the computer system but does not directly interface
with the hardware.
Applications software is designed to allow the user of the system complete a specific task or
set of tasks. They include programs such as web browsers, office software, games and so on.
They are usually the reason you bought the computer system in the first place and aren't
concerned with the management or maintenance of the system itself.
Any individual software package, whichever of the above types it falls into, can be either
generic also known as the off the shelf software. Generic software is mass produced with the
intention that it will be used by a wide variety of different users in a range of different
situations. Bespoke software is created for a specific purpose which will be used in a known
environment. Often generic software is used when there is a package available that meets the
needs of the user. Because it is used by many more people the cost of creating it is spread
over a greater number of people or organisations and so the cost to the individual is much
lower. It also has the advantage that it is available immediately there's no waiting time

involved while the software package is designed, created and tested. Bespoke software has
the advantage that it can be tailor made to exact specifications but it significantly more
expensive and will take time to create.
In conclusion a computer is a system that works together to produce data for various
reasons .it has various systems that receive data, processes it and stores data .This write up
explained various purposes of each.