Overview of Computing Systems

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Overview of Computing Systems, the JAMB Computer Studies syllabus expects you to study:

• 1. Overview of Computing Systems a. Two main constituents of a computer (hardware and software) b. Characteristics of computers c. Type, examples and uses of computer hardware d. Logic Circuits e. Types, examples and uses of software
• ii. List different t (Operating Syste Middleware, Devi iii. Define Operating
• xii. Define Translator
• Candidates should be ab

Study notes & guidance

Study Overview of Computing Systems using a recommended Computer Studies textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Computer Studies, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Overview of Computing Systems, you should be able to:

1. Define Computer system in relation to its nature and programmability
2. List functional parts of computer systems
3. Explain the characteristics of computers (Electronic, Accuracy, Speed, interactive, Reliability, Consistency, Large Storage etc.)
4. Identify the differences between hardware and software
5. Define and give examples of hardware devices
6. List components of computer hardware, their functions and different types -Central Processing Unit, Peripherals (Input and Output devices) and Storage media
7. Explain the differences between input and output devices
8. Explain the functions of major input devices and give examples of the major input devices (keyboards, mouse, scanner, joystick, light pen, voice, digital camera etc)
9. Explain the classification of keys on the keyboard (function, numeric, alphabetic, cursors.
10. Explain the features, functions and operations of the mouse
11. Explain the differences among keyboard, mouse, light pen and scanner, digital camera and output devices
12. Define and give examples of output devices (monitor, printer, speaker, plotters)
13. List the different types, features and uses of each output device above.
14. Explain the similarities and differences among inkjet, laser and line printers
15. List the components of CPU – Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Registers.
16. Explain the functions of ALU, CU and Registers.
17. Distinguish between Primary and Secondary Memory (Storage) units
18. List the components of Primary Memory Unit (Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM))
19. Explain the uses and differences between RAM and ROM ons of secondary (auxiliary) pes of secondary storages secondary storages (Floppy tape, hard disks, compact disk deo Disk (DVD),USB, etc.) ive analysis of auxiliary in respect of size, speed, cost access mode, component etc). s by which storage are ir relationships - bits, bytes, s, kilobytes, megabytes, ytes etc. nships between Micro, Mega, bytes. le to: ns of the following Registers: ta Register)) dress Register) se Register) r) unter). nstruction Register), etc. ences between register and ps involved in how a data to required information – Output) fecting speed of data transfer width) le to: pe types and uses of gates: , NAND uations for AND, NOT and of AND, NOT and OR gates ble for standard logic gates – es comparator with XOR d NOR gate le to: en system and application ypes of System software ms, Utility Software, ce Drivers, Translators, etc.) System (OS) OS s of OS User Interfaces ine and Menu) and nterface (GUI)) perating Systems (MS UNIX, etc) OS on phones, iPad erry, iPhone, etc.) oftware Utility Software s of Utility Software tility Software (Editors, ) s tions of Translator Software t categories of translators sembler and Compiler) ences among the categories le to: plication software and een open source and are of acquiring Application n house and Off the Shelf) ences between User am and general-purpose ges mmon off the Shelf ges and their examples. ng (MS Word) Excel) ess) (PowerPoint) be Photoshop) age) ) emita) on Banking Essence) PSS) SchoolShell) spital)

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Computer Studies syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.