Computer System: GCSE Computer Science Definition

What is a Computer system?

In GCSE Computer Science, a computer system is defined as a combination of hardware and software working together. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, like the monitor, keyboard, and processor, while software refers to the sets of instructions that tell the hardware what to do.

Think of it like baking a cake. You need ingredients like flour, sugar, and eggs (hardware) and a recipe with step-by-step instructions (software). Without the ingredients, you have nothing to bake, and without the recipe, you wouldn't know what to do with them.

In a computer, the hardware includes things you can touch, like:

• Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, microphone (how you give the computer instructions)

• Output devices: Monitor, printer, speakers (how the computer shows you results)

• Processing and storage: CPU, RAM, hard drive (the "brain" and "memory" of the computer)

The software is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do, like:

• Operating system: Windows, macOS (controls the overall system)

• Applications: Web browsers, word processors (perform specific tasks)

Computer System Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

Explore computer systems in more detail and challenge yourself with our expertly created topic questions. To reinforce your learning, try our interactive flashcards. 

GCSE Computer Science Revision Resources