INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction Computer?
1.2 Evolution of Computers
1.3 Classification of Computers
1.4 Applications of Computers
1.5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Computers
1.6 Similarities Difference between
computer and Human
1.7 A Computer System
1.8 Components of a Computer System
1.9 Summ ary
1.10 Check your Progress - Answers
1.11 Questions for Self Study
1.12 Suggested Readings

1.0
OBJECTIVES
After studying thi s chapter you will be able to:
Learn the concept of a system in general and the computer system in
specific.
Learn and underst and how the computers have evolved dramatically wit hin
a very short span, f rom very huge machines of the past, to very compact designs
of the present with tremendous advances in technology.
Understand the general classifications of computers.
Study computer applications.
Understand the typical characteristics of computers which are speed,
accuracy, efficiency, storage capacity, versatility.
Understand limitations of the computer.
Discuss the similarities and diff erences between the human and the computer.
Understand the Component of the computer.

1.1 INTRODUCTION-
Computer
Today, almost all of us in the world make use of computers in one way or the
other. It finds applications in various fields of engineering, medicine, commercial,
research and others. Not only in these sophisticated areas, but also in our daily lives,
computers have become indispensable. They are present everywhere, in all the dev
ices that we use daily like cars, games, washing machines, microwaves etc. and in day
to day computations like banking, reservations, electronic mails, internet and many
more.

The word com puter is derived from the word compute. Compute means to
calculate. The comput er was originally defined as a super f ast calculator. It had the
capacity to solve complex arithmetic and scientific problems at very high speed. But
nowadays in addition to handling complex arithmetic computations, computers perform
many other tasks like accepting, sorting, selecting, moving, comparing various types of
inf ormation. They also perform arithmetic and logical operations on alphabetic, numeric and
other types of information. This information provided by the user to the computer is data.
The information in one form which is presented to the computer is the input inf ormation
or input data.

Introduction to Computer System/ 1

Inf ormation in another f orm is presented by the computer after performing a process on it.
This information is the output information or output data.

The set of instructions given to the computer to perf orm various operations is
called as the computer program. The process of converting the input data into the
required output form with the help of the computer program is called as data
processing. The computers are therefore also referred to as data processors

Theref ore a computer can now be def ined as a fast and accurate data
processing system that accepts data, performs various operations on the data, has the
capability to store the data and produce the results on the basis of detailed st ep by step
instructions given to it..

The terms hardware and software are almost always used in connection with the
computer.

The Hardware:
The hardware is the machinery itself. It is made up of the physical
parts or devices of the computer system like the electronic Integrated Circuits (ICs),
magnetic storage media and other mechanical devices like input devices, output
devices etc. All these various hardware are linked together to form an eff ective f unctional
unit. The various types of hardware used in the computers, has evolved from vacuum
tubes of the first generation to Ultra Large Scale Integrated Circuits of the present
generation.

The Software:

The computer hardware itself is not capable of doing anything on its

own. It has to be given explicit instructions to perf orm the specific task. The computer
program is the one which controls the processing activities of the computer. The
computer thus functions according to the instructions written in the program. Software
mainly consists of these computer programs, procedures and other documentation used in
the operation of a computer system. Sof tware is a collection of programs which utilize and
enhance the capability of the hardware
.
Check your Progress - 1.1
1. Fill in the blanks.
a. The set of instructions to perform various operations is called
a
b. Compute means to . of the computer.
c. Mechanical devices are a type of................. .

2. Answer in brief.
a. Define a computer.
.............................................................................. ..........................
.....
.............................................................................. ..........................
.....
b. What is software?

............................................................................ ............................
.....
....................................................................................... ..................
.....

Computer Fundamentals/ 2
 1. 2 EVOLUTION OF
COMPUTERS
The computers of today are vast ly different in appearance and performance as
compared to the computers of earlier days. But where did this technology come from and
Where is it heading? To fully understand the impact of computers on todays world and the
promises they hold f or the f uture, it is important to understand the evolution of computers.

1.2.1. The First Generation:

The first generation computers made use of :
Vacuum tube technology,
Punched cards for data input,
Punched cards and paper tape for output,
Machine Language for writing programs,
Magnetic tapes and drums f or external st orage.
The computers of the f irst generation were very bulky and emitted large
amount of heat which required air conditioning. They were large in size and cumbersome
to handle. They had to be manually assembled and had limited commercial use. The
concept of operating systems was not known at that time. Each computer had a
dif ferent binary coded program called a machine language that told it how to operate.

Punched cards Paper tape Vacuum tube

Fig. 1.1 The first Generation Computer technology

The Abacus, which emerged about 5000 years ago in Asia Minor and is still in use
today, allows users to make com putations using a system of sliding beads arranged on a
rack. Early merchants used Abacus to keep trading transactions.

Abacus
Pascaline Fig. 1.2 the first Generation Computers

Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician invented the first mechanical

machine, a rectangular brass box, called Pascaline which could perform addition and
subtraction on whole numbers. This was in the seventeenth century. Colmar, a
Frenchman invented a machine that could perf orm the four basic arithmetic f unctions of
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Colmars mechanical calculator,
Arithmometer, presented a more practical approach to computing. W ith its
enhanced versatility, the Arithmometer was widely used until the First World War,
although later inventors refined Colmars calculator, together with fellow inventors, Pascal
and Leibniz, he helped define the age of mechanical computation.

Introduction to Computer System/ 3

Charles Babbage a British mathematician at Cambridge University
invented the first analytical engine or difference engine. This machine could be
programmed by instructions coded on punch cards and had mechanical memory to
store the results. For his contributions in this field Charles Babbage is known as the
father of modern digital computer.
Some of the early computers included:
Mark I
This was the first f ully automatic calculating machine. It was designed by
Howard Aiken of Harvard University in collaboration with IBM. This machine was
an
electronic relay computer. Electromagnetic signals were used for the movement of
mechanical parts. Mark I could perform the basic arithmetic and complex equations.
Although this machine was extremely reliable, it was very slow (it took about 3-5
seconds per calculation) and was complex in design and large in size.

Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC)

This computer developed by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry was the worlds
first general purpose electronic digital computer. It made use of vacuum tubes for internal
logic and capacitors for storage.
ENIAC (Electronic Numeric Integr ator and Calcul ator)
The first all electronic computer was produced by a partnership between the US
Government and the University of Pennsylvania. It was built using 18,000 vacuum tubes,
70,000 resistors and 1,500 relays and consumed 160 kilowatts of electrical power. The
ENIAC computed at speed about thousand times faster than Mark I. However, it could
store and manipulate only a limited amount of data. Program modifications and
detecting errors were also difficult.

Fig. 1.3 ENIAC

EDVAC
In the mid 1940s Dr. John von Neumann designed the Electronic Discrete
Variable Automatic Computer with a memory to store both program and data. This was
the first machine which used the stored program concept. It had five distinct units -
arithmetic, central control, memory, input and output. The key element was the central
control. All the functions of the computer were co-ordinate through this single source, the
central control. The programming of the computers was done in machine language
UNIVA I
C
Remington Rand designed this computer specifically for business data
processing applications. The Universal Automatic Computer was the first general
purpose commercially available computer.

Fig 1.4 UNIVAC

Computer Fundamentals/ 4
1.2.2 The Second Generation:
In the second generation computers:
Vacuum tube technology was replaced by transistorized technology,
Size of the computers started reducing,
Assembly language started being used in place of machine language,
Concept of stored program emerged,
High level languages were invented.

This was the generation of Transistorized Computers. Vacuum t ubes

were replaced by transistors. As a result, the size of the machines started shrinking.
These computers were smaller, faster, more reliable and more energy efficient. The
first transistorized computer was TX-0. The first large scale machines that took
advantage of the transistor technology were the early supercomputers, Stretch by IBM
and LARC by Sperry Rand. These machines were mainly developed f or atomic energy
laboratories. Typical computers of the second generation were the IBM 1400 and 7000
series, Honeywell 200 and General Electric.

Fig 1.5 Transistors

IBM 1401 was universally accepted throughout t he industry and most

large businesses routinely processed f inancial information using second generation
computers. The machine language was replaced by assembly language. Thus
the
long and difficult binary code was replaced with abbreviated programming code which
was relatively easy to understand.
The stored program concept and programming languages gave the
computers f lexi bility to finally be cost eff ective and productive f or business use. The
stored program concept implied that the instructions to run a computer for a specific
task were held inside the computers memory and could quickly be modif ied or
replaced by a dif ferent set of instructions f or a diff erent function. High level languages
like COBOL, FORTRAN and AL- GOL were dev eloped. Computers started finding
vast
and varied applications. The entire software industry began with the second generation
computers.

1.2.3. The Third Gener ation:

The third generation computers were characterized by:

Use of Integrated circuits,
Phenomenal increase in computation speed,
Substantial reduction in size and power consumption of the machines,
Use of magnetic tapes and drums f or external storage,
Design-of Operating systems and new higher level languages,
Commercial production of computers.

This generation was characterized by the invention of Integrated Circuits (ICs).

The 1C combined electronic components onto a small chip which was made from
quartz.

Introduction to Computer System/ 5

Fig 1.6 i) Integrated Circuit ii) Integrated Circuit

Later, even more components were fitted onto a single chip, called a
semiconductor. This reduced the size even further. The weight and
power decreased and the speed increased tremendously. Heavy
consumption of computers
emphasis was given to the development of software. Operating systems were designed
which allowed the machine to run many different programs at once. A central program
monitored and co-ordinate the computer s memory. Multiprogramming was made
possible, whereby the machine could perf orm several jobs at the same time. Computers
achieved speeds of executing millions of instructions per second. Commercial
production became easier and cheaper. Higher level languages like Pascal and Report
Program Generator (RPG) were introduced and applications oriented languages like
FORTRAN, COBOL, and PL/1 were
developed.
1.2.4. The Fourth Generation:
The general features of the f ourth generation computers were:
Use of Very Large Scale Integration,
Invention of microcomputers,
Introduction of Personal Computers,
Networking,
Fourth Generation Languages.

Fig. 1.7 VLSI

The third generation computers made use of Integrated Circuits that had 10-
20 components on each chip, this was Small Scale Integration (SSI).
The Fourth Generation realized Large Scale Integration (LSI) which could fit
hundreds of components on one chip and Very Large Scale integration (VLSI) which
squeezed thousand of components on one chip. The Intel 4004 chip, located all the
components of a computer (central processing unit, memory, input and output controls)
on a single chip and microcomputers were introduced. Higher capacity storage media like
magnetic disks were developed. Fourth generation languages emerged and applications
softwares started becoming popular.
Computer production became inexpensive a n d the era of Personal

Computer Fundamentals/ 6
Computers (PCs) commenced. In 1981, IBM int roduced its personal computer for use
in of fice, home and schools. In direct competition, the Macintosh was introduced by
Apple in 1984. Shared interactive systems and user friendly environments were the
features of these computers.
As the computers started becoming more and more powerful, they could be
linked together or networked to share not only data but also memory space and
software. The networks could reach enormous proportions with local area networks. A global
web of computer circuit ry, the Internet, links the computers worldwide into a single
network of information.

1.2.5 The Fifth Generation:

Defining the fifth generation computers is somewhat difficult because the field
is still in its inf ancy. The computers of tomorrow would be characterized by Artificial
Intelligence (At). An example of Al is Expert Systems. Computers could be developed
which could think and reason in much the same way as humans. Computers would
be
able to accept spoken words as input (voice recognition).

Many advances in the science of computer design and technology are

coming together to enable the creation of fif th generation computers. Two such advances
are parallel processing where many CPUs work as one and advance superconductor
in
technology which allows the flow of electricity with little or no resistance, greatly
improving the speed of information flow.

Check your Progress -1.2

1. Match the following.
A
B
a) Very Large scale Integration I) Second Generation

b) Vacuum Tube Technology II) Fif th

c) Stored Generation
Program III) Fourth Generation
d) Superconductor Technology IV) First Generation
e) Semiconductor Technology v) Third Generation

2. Write True or False

A. Expert system is an example of artificial Intelligence.
B. The worlds first general purposes electronic digital computer was the Abacus.

C. The first generation computers used machine language for programming.

D. Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine .
E. Personal Computer (PC) was developed in the first generations.

1. 3 CLASSIFICATION OF
COMPUTERS
Computers are broadly classif ied into two categories depending upon the logic
used in their design as:

1.3.1 Analog computers:

In analog computers, data is recognized as a continuous
measurement of a physical property like voltage, speed, pressure etc. Readings on a dial
or graphs are obtained as the output, ex. Voltage, temperature; pressure can be
measured in this way.

Introduction to Computer System/ 7

1.3.2 Digital Computers:
These are high speed electronic devices. These devices are
programmable. They process data by way of mathematical calculations, comparison,
sorting etc. They accept input and produce output as discrete signals representing high
(on) or low (off) voltage state of electricity. Numbers, alphabets, symbols are all
represented as a series of 1s and Os.

Digital Computers are f urther classified as General Purpose

Digital Computers and Special Purpose Digital Computers. General Purpose computers
can be used for any applications like accounts, payroll, data processing etc. Special
purpose comput ers are used for a specif ic job like those used in automobiles,
microwaves etc.

Another classification of digital computers is done on the basis of their capacity to

access memory and size like:

Small Computers:
I) Microcomputers: Microcomputers are generally referred to as Personal
Computers (PCs). They have Smallest memory and less power. They are widely used
in day to day applications like office automation, and prof essional applications, ex. PC-
AT, Pentium etc.

II) Note Book and Laptop Computers: These are portable in nature and are
battery operated. Storage devices like CDs, floppies etc. and output devices like printers
can be connected to these computers. Notebook computers are smaller in physical
size than lap top computers. However, both have powerful processors, support
graphics, and can accept mouse driven input.

Microcomputer

Notebook or Laptop Handheld Computer

Fig. 1.8 Small Computers

III) Hand Held Computers:

These types of comput ers are mainly used in applications like
collection of f ield data. They are even smaller than the note book computers.

Computer Fundamentals/ 8
 Hybrid Computers: Hybrid Computers are a combination of Analog and Digital
comput ers. They combine the speed of analog computers and accuracy of digital
computers. They are mostly used in specialized applications where t he input data
is in an analog form i. e. measurement. This is converted into digital form for further
processing. The computers accept data from sensors and produce output using
conventional input/output devices.

Mini Computers: Mini computers are more powerful than the micro computers. They
have higher memory capacity and more storage capacity with higher speeds. These
computers are mainly used in process control systems. They are mainly used in
applications like payrolls, financial accounting, Computer aided design etc. ex. VAX,
PDP-11

Mainframe Computers: Main frame comput ers are very large computers which
process data at very high speeds of the order of several million instructions per second.
They can be linked into a network with smaller computers, micro computers and with
each other. They are typically used in large organizations, government departments etc.
ex. IBM4381, CDC

Super Computers: A super computer is the fastest, most powerf ul and most expensive
computer which is used for complex tasks that require a lot of computational power.
Super computers have multiple processors which process multiple instructions at the
same time. This is known as parallel processing. These computers are widely used in
very advanced applications like weather f orecasting, processing geological data etc.
ex. CRAY-2, NEC - 500,
PARAM.

Check your Progress - 1.3

1. Fill in the blanks
a. Personal computers are also called as .
b. Combination of Analog and Digital computers are called as ..
c. In a ..computer number and characters are represented as a series of 0s
and 1s.
2. Answer in brief
1. W hat is parallel processing?
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....
2. W hat is analog computer?
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....
3. W rite 1-2 lines on mainframe computers.
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....
............... .. .... ........................................ .. .... .............................. ... ................
.....

1.4 APPLICATIONS OF
COMPUTERS
Today computers find widespread applications in all activities of the modern world.
Some of the major application areas include:

1.4.1 Sci entific, Engineering and Research:

This is the major area where computers find vast applications. They
are used in areas which require lot of experiments, mathematical calculations,

Introduction to Computer System/ 9

weather f orecasting, and complex mathematical and engineering applications.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) help
in
designing robotics, automobile manufacturing, automatic process control dev ices etc.

1.4.2 Business:
Record keeping, budgets, reports, inventory, payroll, invoicing, accounts
are all the areas of business and industry where computers are used to a great
extent. Database management is one of the major area where computers are used on a
large scale. The areas of application here include banking, airline reservations, etc. where
large amounts of data need to be updated, edited, sorted, searched from large
databases.

1.4.3 Medicine:
Computerized systems are now in widespread use in monitoring
patient data like , pulse rate, blood pressure etc. resulting in faster and accurate
diagnosis. Modern day medical equipment are highly computerized today. Computers
are also widely used in medical research.

1.4.4 Information:
This is the age of inf ormation. Television, Satellite communication, Internet, networks
are all based on computers.

1.4.5 Education:
The use of computers in education is increasing day by day. The students
develop the habit of thinking more logically and are able to formulate problem solving
techniques. CDs on a variety of subjects are available to impart education. On line
training programs f or students are also becoming popular day by day. All the major
encyclopedias, dictionaries and books are now available in the digital form and therefore are
easily accessible to the student of today. Creativity in drawing, painting, designing,
decoration, music etc. can be well developed with computers.
1.4.6 Games and Entertainment:
Computer games are popular with children and adults alike. Computers are
nowadays also used in entertainment areas like movies, sports, advertising etc.

1.5 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF

COMPUTERS
Advantages of
Computers:
1.5.1 Speed:
The speed of a computer is measured in terms of the number of
instructions that it can perform or execute in a second. The speeds of computers are
measured in milliseconds (10~3 sec), micro-seconds (10*6 sec), and nano-seconds
(10~9sec). Computers are superfast machines and can process millions of instructions
per second. Smaller computers can execute thousands of instructions per second,
while the more complex machines can execute millions of instructions per second.

1.5.2 Accuracy:

Computers are very accurate. They are capable of executing hundreds

of instructions without any errors. They do not make mistakes in their computations.
They perform each and every calculation with the same accuracy.

1.5.3 Efficiency
The efficiency of computers does not decrease with age. The computers

Computer Fundamentals/ 10
can perform repeated tasks with the same efficiency any number of times without
exhausting there selves. Even if they are instructed to execut e millions of
instructions, they are capable of executing them all with the same speed and efficiency
without exhaustion.

1.5.4 Storage Capability

Computers are capable of storing large amounts of data in their storage
devices. These dev ices occupy very less space and can store millions of characters
in condensed forms. These storage devices typically include floppy disks, tapes, hard
disks, CDs etc, the data stored on these devices can be retrieved and reused whenever it is
required in future

1.5.5 Versatility
Com puters are very versatile. They are capable not only of
perf orming complex mathematical tasks of science and engineering, but also other non-
numerical operations fielding air-line reservation, electricity bills, data base management
etc.

Limitations of
Computers: Although the computers of today are highly intelligent and sophisticated
they have their own limitations. The computer cannot think on its own, since it does not
have its own brain. It can only do what is has been programmed to do. It can execute
only those jobs that can be expressed as a finite set of instructions to achieve a specific
goal. Each of the steps has to be clearly def ined. The computers do not learn from
previous experience nor can they arrive at a conclusion without going through all the
intermediate steps. However the impact of computers on todays society in phenomenal
and they are today an important part of the society.

Check your Progress - 1.4 & 1.5

Select the appropriate option

a. The number of instructions a computer can process in a given time is called its
(i) Versatility (ii) Speed
(iii) Ef ficiency (iv) Accuracy

Answer the following:

a) Give any one application of modern day computers
.................................................................................................... .. ......................
.....
.................................................................................................... .. ......................
.....
b) State in brief one or two limitations of computers.
.................................................................................................... .. ......................
.....
.................................................................................................... .. ......................
.....

1.6 Similarities and

Difference
between Human and
Computer
Computer is a very effective and efficient machine which performs several
activities in few minutes, which otherwise would have taken several days if performed
naturally. Besides there would have been a doubt about the accuracy, finish etc. The
computer may be f aster; more accurate but it cannot compete with human brain. However
there are some similarities between the human and the computer which would make the
computer more understandable.

Introduction to Computer System/ 11

 Human Computer

# Like human beings has ears, Computers have input devices such as keyboard,
nose, eyes etc. scanner, t ouch screen, mouse etc to get information.

# Like we remember things Computer also stores information.

#We recollect certain information The computer also retrieves information when times,
as required.

#We express ourselves by Computer expresses through screen, Printouts etc

speech, writing etc which We call as output.

wit h the help of sof tware, computer

#When we watch, hear, learn
also can analyze I nformation and
certain things
draw
conclusions.
and
analyze.

The computer brain is known as CPU conclude

#The place where we store,
information is known as the brain (Central Processing
analyze,
Unit) where it analyses information.

The computer has storage devices like floppies, hard disks, compact disks to store
and retrieve information.

However computer does not understand emotions, it does not

understand meaning beyond words, it cannot read between the lines like the human. W e
learn many things unknowingly, certain t hings knowingly; we call it as upbringing.
But
comput ers can learn everything only knowingly. We learn many things on our
own,
but comput er has to be taught to do everything.

Check your Progress - 1.6

Select the appropriate option

a. Keyboard is
(i) Input device (ii) CPU
(iii) Output dev ice (iv) Storage device

b. The part of computer similar to the human brain is

(i) Floppy disk (ii) Printer
(iii) Central processing unit (iv) Mouse

1. 7 A COMPUTER
SYSTEM
Any system is defined as a group of integrated parts which are

Computer Fundamentals/ 12
designed to achieve a common objective. Thus, a system is m ade up of more than
one element or part, where each element performs a specific f unction and where all the
elements (parts) are logically related and are controlled in such a way that the goal
(purpose) of the system is achieved.

A computer is made up of a number of integrated elements like

- The central processing unit,
- The input and output devices
and - The storage devices.
Each of these units performs a specific task. However, none of them can
function independently on their own. They are logically related and controlled to achieve a
specific goal. W hen they are thus integrated they f orm a fully fledged computer system.

1. 8 COMPONENTS OF A COMPUTER
SYSTEM

The basic parts of computer syst em are:

Input Unit
The Central Processing Unit
Output Unit

Fig. 1.9 Central Processing Unit

The Input Unit:

Input ices are the dev ices which are used to feed programs and data to the
computer.devThe input system connects the external environment with the computer
system. The input dev ices are the means of communication between the user and the
computer system. Typical input devices include the keyboard, floppy disks, mouse,
microphone, light pen, joy stick, magnetic tapes etc. The way in which the data is fed into
the computer through each of these devices is diff erent. However, a computer can
accept data only in a specific f orm. Therefore these input devices t ransform the data
f ed to them, into a form which can be accepted by the computer. These devices are a
means of communication and inter 1 station between the user and the computer systems.

Thus the functions of the input unit are :

accept inf ormation (data) and programs.

convert the data in a form which the computer can accept.
provide this converted data to the computer for further processing.

The Central Processing

This isUnit:
the brain of any computer system. The central processing unit or CPU is
made of three parts:

Introduction to Computer System/ 13

The control unit.
The arithmetic logic unit
Te primary storage unit

The Contr ol Unit :

The Control Unit controls the operations of the entire
computer system. The control unit gets the instructions from the programs stored in
primary storage unit interprets these instruction an subsequently directs the other units
to execute the instructions. Thus it manages and coordinat es the entire computer
system.

The Arithmetic Logi c Unit:

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) actually executes the
instructions and performs all the calculations and decisions. The data is held in the primary
storage unit and transferred to the ALU whenever needed. Data can be moved from the
primary storage to the arithmetic logic unit a number of times bef ore the entire processing
is complete. After the completion, the results are sent to the output storage section and
the output devices.

The Primary Storage Unit:

This is also called as Main Memory. Bef ore the actual
processing starts the data and the instructions f ed to the computer through the input
units are stored in this primary storage unit. Similarly, the data which is to be output
from the computer system is also temporarily stored in the primary memory. It is also
the area where intermediate results of calculations are stored. The main memory has the
storage section that holds the computer programs during execution. Thus the primary
unit:

Stores data and programs during actual processing

Stores temporary results of intermediate processing
Stores results of execution temporarily

1.8.3 Output Unit:

The output devices give the results of the process and computations to
the outside world. The output units accept the results produced by the computer, convert
them into a human readable form and supply them to the users. The more common output
devices are printers, plotters, display screens, magnetic tape drives etc.

Check your Progress - 1.7 & 1.8

1. Fill in the blanks.
a. The primary storage unit is also called as
b. Arithmetic logic unit is a part of
c. The unit of the computer which gives t h e results of the process and
computations is the
2. Answer i n brief
a. Define a system.
.........................................................................................................................
.....
.........................................................................................................................
.....
b. W rite the functions of the input unit.
........................................................................................................................
.....

Computer Fundamentals/ 14
 1.9
SUMMARY
A computer is a f ast and accurate data processing system which
accepts data, performs various operations on the data, has the capacity to store data and
process the data with the set of instructions given to it. The data is the information
provided by the user to the computer and the set of instructions to perform the operation
on data is the computer pro- gram.

The hardware of the computer is the physical parts of the machine like
monitor, keyboard, disks etc. whereas the sof tware is the various programs, procedures
and other documentation which is used to operate the hardware efficiently.

Classif ication of computers done on the basis of the logic used in their
design as analog and digital computers. Analog computers recognize data as a
continuous movement of a physical property. Digital computers recognize data a
series of discrete signals representing high or low voltage state of electricity. Hybrid
computers are a combination of analog and digital computers. Digital computers are further
classified according to their speed and capacity of memory and size as micro computers,
notebook or laptops, Mini computers, Main frames and Super computers.

The typical characteristics of the computer are its superfast speed, the
accuracy of each and every calculation, and its consistent efficiency. It has tremendous
storage capacity and can store large volumes of data. It is versatile in the sense that it
can be used in a vast range of applications from complex scientific problems to a
childs game. A system is a group of integrated elem ents which are logically related to
achieve the goal of the system each element performs a specific task assigned to it.

A computer system is made up of :

Input Unit: which accepts input data The Central Processing Unit: This is made up of the
Control unit, the Arithmetic and Logic Unit and the Primary Storage Unit. This unit
controls the entire computer syst em.

Output Unit: This unit gives the results of the computation to the user. The evolution or
development of computers is characterized by generations of computers. The first
generation had very large and complex machines which made use of the
vacuum
tube technology. Invention of transistors in the second generation reduced the size of the
computers and the concept of stored program emerged, as well as higher level languages
were introduced. The third generation was characterized by Integrated Circuits and
commercial production of computers. The fourth generation saw the invention of
microcomputers with Very Large Scale Integration, Networking and introduction of
personal computers. The fifth or the present generation has seen advances in parallel
processing and superconductor technologies.

Computers today, find applications in vast and varying fields like scientific,
engineering and research, medicine and business, education and games, entertainment.
The computers however have a serious drawback that they can only do what
they
are programmed to do since they have no brain. They cannot arrive at a conclusion
without going through all intermediate steps.

1.10 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS -

ANSWERS
1.1
1 a) program
b) Calculate
c) Hardware

2. a) A computer can be defined as a fast and accurate data processing

system that accepts data, perf orms various operations on the data, has the capability

Introduction to Computer System/ 15

to store the data and produce the results on the basis of detailed step by step
instructions given to it
b) Software is a collection of programs which utilize and enhance the capability
of the hardware. It consists of t he various computer programs, procedures and
other documentation used in the operation of a computer system.

1.2
1. a- (iii)
b- (iv)
c - (i)
d- (ii)
e- (v)

2.
a) True
b) False
c) True
d) True
e) False

1.3
1. a) Microcomputer b) Hybrid Computer c) Digital

2. a) Multiple processors multiple instructions at the same time. This is known as

parallel processing.
b) Analog computer is a computer in which data (information) is recognized as a
continuous m easurement of a physical property like voltage, speed, pressure etc.
Graphical output or readings on a dial are obtained, ex. voltage, speed, temperature,
pressure can be measured in this way.
c) Mainframe computers are very large computers which process data at very high
speeds. They can be linked into a network and are used in large organizations
and
government departments, ex. IBM 4381.

1.4 & 1.5

1 a) - ii) speed
2 a) Applications of modern day computers : Scientif ic, Engineering and
Research : They are used in areas which require lot of experiments, mathematical
calculations, weather f orecasting, and complex mathematical and engineering
applications.
b) Limitations of computers : Computers can only do what they have
programmed to do. They can execute only thosebeenjobs that can be expressed as a finite set of
instructions to achieve a specific goal where each step has to be clearly defined.

1.6
1.
a) - i) input device
b) - iii) central Processing unit

1.7 & 1.8

1.
a) Main Memory
b) Central Processing Unit
c) Output Unit
2.
a) A system is defined as a group of integrated parts which are designed to
achieve a common objective. Thus, a system is made up of more than one element or
part, where each element performs a specific function and where all the elements (parts)
are logically related and are controlled in such a way that the goal (purpose) of the system is

Computer Fundamentals/ 16
achieved.
b) The f unctions of the input unit are :
i) Accept information (data) and programs.
ii) Convert the data in a form which the computer can accept.
iii) Provide this converted data to the computer for further processing.

1.11 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -

STUDY
1. Define the terms: data, program, hardware and sof tware.
2. List and explain in brief the characteristics of computers.
3. Define a System. W hat constitutes a computer system?
4. W rite short notes on Fourth Generation of Computers, Limitations of computers.
5. Explain the classification of computers on the basis of their capacity to access
memory and size.
6. List the applications of computers.

1. 12 SUGGESTED
READINGS
Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

REFERENC
E
http://www.tutorialspoint.com
/

Introduction to Computer System/ 17

NOTES

Computer Fundamentals/ 18
 Chapter-
Input Devices2 and Output
Devices
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Input Devices
2.3 Output Device
2.4 Summary
2.5 Check Your Progress - Answers
2.6 Questions for Self - Study.
2.7 Suggested Readings

2. 0
OBJECTIVES
After studying this chapter you will be able to:
Explain the def initions of peripheral devices.
Describe diff erent types of input dev ices like punched cards, keyboards,
mouse, digitizers and scanners and output devices like printers, plot ters,
video displ ay terminals and microf ilms, their broad design, their
f eatures advantages and
Discuss the common peripheral devices, their physical appearances and the
disadvantages.
mode of operation of these dev ices. The student would be able to use these
devices in the practical efficiently.

2.1
INTRODUCTION
As seen earlier, computer hardware is made up of the physical parts of the
computer system like the electronic ICs, magnetic storage media and the mechanical
devices.
The devices which are a means of communication between the computer and the
outside world are called as peripheral devices.

Those peripheral devices which supply information i.e. data and progr ms from
the outside world to the computer are the input devices . Those peripheral devices
which give inf ormation from the computer to the user or store them in secondary storage
devices, like floppy disks or tapes for f uture use are called output devices.

The processors which are required to convert the input data into machine
readable f orm and to convert the output generated by t he computer into human
readable f orm are known as input/output (I/O) interfaces. There are two concepts
related to t he way in which data is input to the computer:
1. On-li ne Data I nput : Here data is directly transferred to the computer
2. Off-line Data Input : - Here the data is not immediately transf erred to the
computer.

2.2 INPUT
DEVICES
The various types of input devices most commonly used are :
2.2.1 Punch Cards :
Data is recorded onto punch cards or punch tapes using standard codes, like the
Hollerith code. The pattern of these holes is interpreted by a card reader device and
converted into machine readable form. A punch card machine is used to transcribe the
data onto the card.
Input Devices and Output Devices / 19
 Fig. 2.1 Punch Card and a Keyboard

Characteristic of punch car d

they are cheaper

they are reliable.

Di sadvantage of punch card

The major drawback of these cards is that they cannot be reused. Also t he
cards have to be handled and stored carefully. Even if a single card is misplaced or the
arrangement of the cards gets disturbed it becomes very difficult to rearrange them and to
detect there problem. Punched cards require large storage space since they cannot be
folded.

2.2.2 Keyboard
The keyboard is one of the most commonly used input device. The computer
keyboard is similar to a typewriter keyboard. The keyboard has keys made up of
letters, numbers, symbols and special function keys.
A display screen or monitor (Cathode Ray Tube) is used to display the data
entered by the operator with the keyboard. This monitor can also display the results of
processing as well as messages generated by the computer. A special symbol, called
a cursor, indicates t he position on the screen. There are special keys on the keyboard
which allow the cursor to move in up, down, left and right directions. Other special
keys on the keyboard include keys like Tab, Del, Ctrl, Ins, PgUp, PgDn etc.

The keys on the keyboard include :

A- Used to enter alphabets
Z : : Used to enter numbers
0-9
Up, Down, Left, Right(Arrow Keyes): To Move the cursor in the specified direction
F1-F12 : Special Function Keys
PgUp/PgDn : To move cursor up or down by one page enter:
To move cursor to a new line
Shift : A Special key To Select the other option shown normal character on the same
key Num Lock : Activates the keypad on the right side of the keyboard. In the normal
mode this numeric pad works as per the function written below the number on the key

Advantages of the keyboard :

It is very easy to use a keyboard
It offers a number of facilities
Editing or changing the input data is very easy with the help of the
keyboard
It is relatively Inexpensive
2.2.3 Mouse
The mouse is a pointing device. The mouse is used to control and manipulate
cursor movement on the monitor. The mouse usually has three or f our buttons on it and a
roller ball which signals the movements made by the mouse on a flat surface. These
movements are transferred to the system. The mouse is rolled on a flat surf ace by the
user. It can be used independently, but normally it is used in conjunction with the
keyboard to improve the efficiency of the input operation. The mouse can be used to
select data. Also the mouse makes it possible to move fast from one par of the screen to
the other.
The various types of mouse in use are
Mechanical mouse

Computer Fundamentals / 20
Optical mouse
Opt mechanical mouse

Fig. 2.2 Mouse

2.2.4 Light Pen
The light pen is a picking dev ice. The light pen contains a photocell placed in a small
tube. This photo- cell detects the presence of light on the CRT (monitor). The tip of the
pen is moved on the surf ace of the screen to write or sketch data. The light pen is
especially useful in Computer Aided Design (CAD) applications.

Fig 2.3 Light Pen

2.2.5 Joy Sti ck

The position and speed with which the joystick is moved is converted into digital
signals by the use of a lever. These signals are then sent to the computer system. This in
turn controls the movement of the cursor on the screen. The joystick is mainly used in
video games applications.

2.2.6 Track Ball

The track ball uses
a hard sphere to cont rol
cursor movement. The bail
can be rotated in any
direction by hand and t his
is translated into a digital
signal to control the cursor
movement on the screen.

Fig 2.4 Track ball

2.2.7 Touch screen:
A touch panel is a transparent plate which is fit ted over the CRT. Input
registerediswhen a finger or any other object comes in contact with the plate.
There are two types of touch panels:
Optical touch panels
Electric touch panels

Fig. 2.5 Touch

Screen

Input Devices and Output Devices / 21

2.2.8 Digitizer :
A digitizer converts a graphical or pictorial data into digital form which can be
directly entered and stored in a computer. A digitizer is also called as a graphics tablet.
There are two types of digitizers :

Fig 2.6 A Scanner, a Graphics tablet (digitizer)

Image scan digitizer and flat bed digitizer

In the image scan digitizer the entire image is scanned and reproduced
automatically. Therefore the image scan digitizers are more powerful as compared to
flat bed digitizers. Flat bed digitizers are mainly used in simple drawings, graphs etc.
whereas image scan digitizers are used for photographs and pictures.

2.2.9 Scanner :
Scanner is able to directly enter text and images into the computer memory.
Therefore the duplication work of entering data is eliminated and this also results in
increased accuracy. The speed of data entry also increases. There are two types of
scanners :

1. Optical Scanners
2. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition devices

a) Optical Scanner:

The optical scanner uses a light source and sensor for reading the information on the
paper. It can read charact ers, pictures, graphics from the paper. The common types of
optical scanners are:
1. The Optical Mark Reader (OMR): This is capable of reading pre specified
marks made by pencils or pens with the help of light. Light is f ocused on the page
that is to be scanned. The ref lected light pattern is detected by the device. These
types of scanners are normally used where the data is preprinted for applications.
eg. answer papers of the objective tests where the answers are marked with pencils or
preprinted f orms.

2. Optical Character Reader : The Optical Character Reader (OCR) can read
alphabets, characters and numbers printed on paper. These characters can be eit her
handwritten or typed. However special f onts are required to be used while t yping. In
case of handwritten data, the characters have to be of standard predef ined size. The
OCR reads each character as a collection of pixels. The light which is ref lected f rom
the page to be scanned is converted into binary data. OCRs are available in various
sizes and speeds. These devices are expensive and are mainly used in processing
where the data volumes are large.

Computer Fundamentals / 22
 Fig 2.7 Bar Code Reader

Bar code reader is a device which reads bar coded data. Data which is coded in the form
of light or dark lines (bars) is a bar code. Bar code readers are normally used in
applications like labeling of products in retail shops, super markets etc. A laser beam
scanner is used to read the bar code.
The most commonly used bar code is the Universal Product Code (UPC). In this code
the bars are coded as 10 digits. The first five digits define the manufacturer or supplier, and
the remaining five digits denote the actual product of the manufacturer.

b) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR):

A special type of input device, this mainly finds application in banking areas.
A
magnetic ink is used to encode the characters to be read. This ink contains iron
oxide particles. W hen a cheque is presented in the bank, t he am ount is encoded by
the bank employee in the lower right corner and the cheque is then processed with
MICR. Special character sets like E13B and CMC7 are used by these devices to encode
data. The E13B has four special character and the digits 0-9. The CMC7 has five special
characters, digits 0-9, and all alphabets.
The advantages of using MICR are that they speed up data entry, and
even
roughly handled cheque can be processed relatively easily. However among the
limitations are that special type of magnetic ink is required for .encoding characters
and only a limited number of digits and characters are available for encoding.

2.2.10 Voice Recognition Systems :

This system allows the user to talk with the computer. The Voice Recognition
System consists of a microphone or telephone into which the operator speaks. The
speech is converted into electrical signals. The signal is input as the voice of the
operator. This is matched with an already entered pre-stored pattern of words called
vocabulary. When the closest match is found the word is recognized. Since each
operator may have a different style of speaking, all Voice Recognition systems are
highly operator dependent. Also a separate vocabulary for each operator is required to
be maintained. The advantages of the Voice Recognition systems are that they reduce
the cost of data entry. Also the operator can move freely while talking into the computer.

Check your Progr ess- 2.1 & 2.2

1. Fill in the blanks

a) is an example of a picking device.
b) . is an example of a pointing device.
c) A digitizer is also as a
2. Give the full form of the following.
a) MICR b) OCR c) OMR

3. Match the following.

A
B
a) Punch card 1) Computer games
b) Bar code 2) Output devices
c) Joy stick 3) Hollerith Code
d) Floppy Disk 4) Universal Product Code (UPC)

Input Devices and Output Devices / 23

 2.3 OUTPUT
DEVICES
The out put device allows the compute to communicate with the outside world by
accepting data f rom the computer and transforming it into user readable form.

The various types of output devices are :

2.3.1 Printers:
A printer produces the output from the computer on the paper. It is the most commonly used
output device. The printers produce a hard copy i.e. a permanent copy of the results
which can be stored and read later. Printers are classified as :
a) Impact Printer
b) Non Impact Printer

a) Impact Printer
Impact printers are similar to typewriters. They use hammer to strike a character against
an inked ribbon and the impact of the hammer causes the image of the character to be
printed on paper. E.g. Dot matrix printers, line printers, daisy wheel printers,

Advantages of impact printers:

Their f unctioning is relatively easy

Multiple copies can be produced at the same time with the help of carbon paper.
Impact printers are noisy in operation and are subject to wear and tear of
mechanical parts.

Types of impact printers :

1) Dot Matrix Printers

Dot matrix printer prints each character as a pattern of dots. The printer has a printer
head wit h a matrix of pins (needles). Typical heads have a matrix of 7 rows and
9columns. These pins produce a pattern of dots to form the individual characters.

Fig. 2.8 A dot matrix printer, a daisy wheel and a daisy wheel
printe
r
These printers are relatively low in cost and print at speeds of 50-500 characters
per second. The programmer can also define the shape of characters for this printer.
Therefore it is possible to print many special characters, characters in various sizes as
well as charts and graphs on such printers. Dot mat rix printers are very commonly
used in most computer systems.

2) Daisy Wheel Printer :

These printers are also called as letter quality printers. These printers have a
daisy wheel with a number of petals. A character is embossed on each wheel. There
is a motor which spins the wheel at a fast rate. W hen the desired character is brought to
the correct position, a hammer strikes the petal to produce the output. Thus these
printers are impact printers. The letter quality of these printers is much superior as
compared to the dot matrix printers. But they are slow and typically print in the
range of 10-50 characters per second.

Computer Fundamentals / 24
3) Li ne Printer:
Line printers are very fast printers which print at speed of 200-2500 lines per
minute. These printers are impact printers and normally have 132 print positions per line.
Different types of character set are available for different printers. Line printers are
normally used in applications where large volumes of data are to be printed.

Fig 2.9 A Line printer

The two types of line printers are :

(i) Drum printers
This consists of a metallic cylinder. On the surface of this drum there are
characters in bands. Each column or band on the drum contains all the characters.
Opposite to each band there is a hammer located behind the paper. The drum rotates at
a fast rate. The hammer strikes the paper along with the inked ribbon and produces the
output. One line is printed in each revolution of the printer.
(ii) Chain printers
In the chain printers there is one print hammer for each print position on a line. There
is a f ast m oving chain called the print chain. W hen this chain rotates, the print hammer
and the inked ribbon strike the paper against the proper character on the chain.

b) Non Impact Printer

They use thermal, chemical, electrostatic and inkjet technologies for printing as against
the hammer mechanism of impact printers. E.g. Laser printers, DeskJet print ers.

Ink Jet Printer:

Ink jet printer is a non impact printer. It prints characters by spraying ink f rom tiny
nozzles onto the paper. A special type of ink which has a high iron content is used. This
ink is charged electrically when it comes out of the nozzle. This ink is absorbed by the
paper and dries instantly. The output of the ink jet printer is of a superior quality. Also it is
possible to obtain colored output. A number of character styles and sizes are available.
However, being a non impact printer it is not possible to prepare carbon copies with this
printer.

Fig 2.10 An Ink Jet Printer

Laser Printers : These printers are used where a very superior quality output is
desired. The image is created on a photo sensitive drum ; with a laser
beam. The laser is turned on and off when it moves back and forward across the drum. It
leaves a negative charge on the drum to which a positively charged black t oner powder
sticks. When the paper rolls by the drum, the ink is transferred to the paper. Laser
Input Devices and Output Devices / 25
 printers have a buff er memory to store entire pages and hence their speed is v ery fast.
The biggest advantage of these printers is t hat no mechanical movement is
involved, theref ore
they are noiseless in operation. However there are comparatively expensive.

2.3.2 Plotter :
A plotter is an output device used in applications where printouts of graphs and drawings
are required. Plotters are of two types :

Fig 2.11 plotter

1) Flat bed i.e. X-Y plotter :

This plotter plots on a paper which is f ixed on a rectangular f latbed table. One
recording pen moves in the x direction and one in the y direction to plot on the paper.
Color plotting is al so possible by using p ens of diff erent colors.

2) Drum Plotter:
In this plotter the paper on which the output is to be obtained, is placed over a drum. The
drum rotates back and forth to produce motion. The pen is mounted horizontally across
the drum and the horizontal motion of the pen is achieved with the help of the pen holder.
The drum and the holder move simultaneously to produce output. Multi coloured printing
is possible by changing the pens.
The speed of plotters is very slow. Therefore normally the output is first sent to some
secondary storage device like a magnetic tape and then directed to t he plotter.

2.3.3 Video Display Terminal:

Fig 2.12 : Screen - Flat Panel Displ ay & Monitor

CRT:
An electron beam is moved across a phosphor coated screen to produce the image.
The CRT can be monochrome or colored. This screen normally has 25 lines and 80
characters.

Computer Fundamentals / 26
 Flat Panel Display :
The most common flat panel display is the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). This does not
have a picture tube. The other type of display is the gas plasma screen.

The Video Display Terminal:

The most popular output device in direct access processing is the Video Display Terminal.
These terminals display information instantaneously. The monitor and the keyboard together
are called a terminal. The types of terminals are :

Dumb Terminal:
This is a combination of a keyboard and monitor which can send or receive data, but
cannot process the data.

Smart : A smart terminal has an inbuilt microprocessor. It can perform

Terminal
arithmetic, logic and control functions. They also have some memory capacity. So they
can store the data before sending to the processor. They can also control the cursor
movement.

Intelligent This type of terminal also has an inbuilt microprocessor which can
Terminal:
be programmed by the user. These terminals also have limited processing capability.
They can communicate with other terminals and processors.

2.3.4 Computer Output Microfilm (COM):

This technology is used to record the computer output as microscopic filmed images.
Inf ormation is recorded on a roll of microfilm. A microfilm recorder displays the
information onto a screen. An inbuilt camera then takes pictures of this information. A
microfilm reader is used to view this information. COM devices are normally used in
application where there are large volumes of data.
COM devices are much faster than the normal printers. Also since the size of these films
is very small the space required for storage is very less as compared to printed output.
However since COM systems are highly sophisticated they are relatively expensive and
are mainly used where there are high volumes of data.

Check your Progress - 2.3

Answer in brief.
a. What is a terminal? Name any two types of terminals.
............... ...... .................................. ...... .............................. ...... ... ..............
.....
............... ...... .................................. ...... ............................ .
.b...W hat is an impact printer? Name one impact printer.

............... ...... .................................. ...... .............................. ...... ... ..............

.....
............... ...... .................................. ...... .............................. ...... ... ..............
.....

2.4
SUMMARY
The devices of the computer system which are a means of communication
between the computer system and the out side world are called as peripheral devices.
Those devices which accept data from the user are input devices, and those devices that
give information from the computer to the user or store it in secondary storage dev
ices for later use are output devices.
Input Output Interfaces are the processors which convert the data input by the
user into a form which can be understood by the computer and also convert output
generated by the computer into a human readable f orm. Data can be entered in the

Input Devices and Output Devices / 27

computer directly i.e. online or after first preparing it and entering later i.e. offline.
The various input devices are:

1. Punched cards - data is first recorded into these cards using standard codes and
then fed to the computer with a card punch machine. Though cheap, their major
drawbacks are that they cannot be reused and require large storage space.
2. Keyboard - is the most commonly used device for on line data entry. It is very easy
to use, inexpensive and allows on-line data editing.
3. Mouse -is a pointing device used along with a keyboard to control cursor
movement, select data etc. Light pen, joystick and t rack ball are also similar
devices used for cursor control.
4. A digitizer - This converts pictorial data into a digital f orm which can be directly
entered and stored in a computer.
5. A scanner can directly enter text and images into computer memory using light
source or magnetic ink recognition.
6. A voice recognition system converts the speech of the operator into electrical
signals for data entry.

Output Devices:
The common output devices are :
1) Printer - these are of two types :

impact and non impact.

Impact printers produce output on paper and use a hammer to strike a character
against a ribbon.
Non impact printers use thermal, chemical, electrostatic and inkjet technologies to
produce output. Some of the commonly used printers are dot matrix, Line printers,
Drum printers, Ink jet printers and laser printers.

2) Plotter: Plotters are mainly use f or output of graphs and drawings. The common
plotters are Flat Bed Plotters and Drum Plotters.

3) Video Display Terminals : Some of the popular video output devices are
the monitor, Liquid Crysta l Display, and a terminal which is a combination of a
monitor and keyboard together.

4) Computer Output Microfilm: These are highly sophisticated output devices

which record computer output as microscopic filmed images.

2.5 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS -

ANSWERS
2.1 & 2.2

1. a) Light pen
b) Mouse
c) Graphics tablet
2. a) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
b) Optical Character Reader
c) Optical Mark Reader
3. a-3
b -4
c-1
d -2

2.3

1. a) The m onitor and the keyboard together are called a t erminal e.g. Dumb
Terminal, Smart Terminal.
b) Impact printers are printers which use a hammer to strike a character against an
inked ribbon, the impact of which causes the image of the character to be printed on the
paper, eg. dot matrix printers,

Computer Fundamentals / 28
 2. 6 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -
STUDY
1. Define : Peripheral Devices, Input Devices, Output Devices
2. Writ e Short notes on: Punched Cards, Keyboard, Optical Scanner, Plotter.
3. What are impact printers? Describe any two types of impact printers.
4. What is COM?
5. Describe the various types of computer terminals.

2.7 SUGGESTED
READINGS
Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

References

http://www.tutorialspoint.com
/

Input Devices and Output Devices / 29

NOTES

Computer Fundamentals / 30
 Chapter:
3
Primary Storage and Secondary
Storage
Device
s
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Intr oduction
3.2 Prim ary Storage
3.3 Secondary Storage Devices
3.4 Summary
3.5 C heck Your Progress- Answers
3.6 Questions for Self Study
3.7 Suggested Readings

3.0
OBJECTIVES
This chapter Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices wil l enable you to
Explain what is a storage unit and the criteria according to which the different
types of storage are ranked.
Describe various types of storage devices and their storage capacities.
Discuss various concepts related to memory of the computer

3.1
INTRODUCTION
Storage Unit: Astorage unit is that part of the computer system which is used to store
the data and instructions to be processed. There are two types of storage:

1) Prim ary storage

2) Secondary storage.

Primary memory is also known as internal memory . This is a section of the CPU which
holds program instructions, input data and intermediate results. Primary memory is
also known as main memory.

Secondary storage is a memory that is stored external to the computer. It is used

mainly f or permanent and long term storage of programs and data.

3.1.1 Characteristics of Storage units:

The storage units have special characteristics which decide the :
Speed of operation of the computer,
Its efficiency,
Cost and
The amount of data which the computer can store.
The storage unit of the computer is graded according to the f ollowing
characteristics (whether primary or secondary):

Access time:
This is the t ime required to locate and retrieve a particular data from the storage unit.
A fast access to data and programs always yields higher efficiency.

Storage Capacity:
Storage capacity is the amount of data that can be stored by a storage unit. Large
capacity of data storage is always desirable.
As seen earlier, the smallest unit of data which the computer understands is the bit. A
group of 8 bits f orms a byte. The storage capacity of a computer system is defined in

Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices / 31

terms of bytes or words. One kilobyte (1 KB) is 2^ or 1024 bytes,
eg. 4 KB mem ory implies that it can store 4 x 1024 bytes or characters.
Storage capacities of primary and secondary units are measured in Kilobytes,
megabytes, gigabytes.

Cost:
Low cost storage media are always desirable.
Thus, storage units with f aster access time, higher storage capacity and low costs are
the ones which are considered to be of a superior nature.

3.2 PRIMARY
STORAGE
Primary storage is characterized by faster access time, less storage capacity
and higher costs as compared to secondary storage units. Primary storage or main
memory is that part of the computer system which stores the programs, data and
intermediate results during the program execution.
A primary storage comes as an integral part of all computer systems. It
comprises of a number of small locations. Each location has a unique number assigned
to it. This is called as the address of the location and it is used to identify the location.
Each location has a capacity to store a f ixed number of bits. The number of bits that
a location can store is called as word length . Each location contains the same
number of bits.
Normally, primary memory size ranges from a few kilobytes on small
computers to several thousand kilo bytes and megabytes on larger machines.
The primary storage is volatil e. Whenever the power is turned off the data is
lost. Primary storage is also called Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM means it
is possible to randomly select and use any storage location for storage and retrieval of
data. RAM is also called a read/write memory because data can both be read from and
written onto these units. When the power is switched off the data stored in the RAM is
lost.

Fig 3.1 Organization of Primary storage unit

ROM: ROM is Read Only Memory. In this type of memory the data is perm anently
stored. The inf ormation can only be read and new data cannot be written onto this
memory. However the contents of the ROM are not lost even when the power is turned off
i.e. this memory is non-volatile . Such memories are also called as field stores , or
permanent stores .
There are a number of high level functions which are required to be perf ormed
by the computer system. Such f unctions are performed by writing special programs
called micro programs . Micro programs generally execute the low level machine
functions. These programs are mainly used as a substitute f or hardware. Such programs
can be stored on ROMs and be used again and again. This results in reducing
the
hardware of the system. ROM helps to increase the
ef ficiency of the CPU as it can perform specialized tasks. ROM comes in the form of
a chip . Once information is stored on a ROM chip it cannot be changed or altered .

PROM: PROM is Programmable Read Only Memory. These are ROMs which can be
programmed. A special PROM programmer is used to enter the program on the PROM.

Computer Fundamentals / 32
 Once the chip has been programmed, information on the PROM cannot be altered.
PROM is non v olatile ie. data is not lost when power is switched off.
EPROM : Another type of memory is the Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory.
It is possible to erase the data which has been previously stored on an EPROM and
write new data onto the chip.
Cache Memory :
This is a very special type of high speed memory. This memory cannot be
accessed by the user. The m ain function of this cache memory is to make the
programs and data available to the CPU very fast.
Access time of memory is generally very high as compared to the execution time
of the GPU. Therefore a cache, which is a very small but fast memory, is used
between the CPU and the main memory. This memory also called a high speed buffer.
A cache stores those segments of programs and data which are frequently needed. It
makes available this data to the CPU at a very fast rate thus increasing the efficiency .

Registers :
Registers are used to retain information temporarily. These are special memory units
which are not actual parts of the main memory, but allow efficient mov ement of
inf ormation between the various units of the computer system. The registers
receive information, hold it temporarily and make it available as and when required.
A comput er uses a number of registers, where each register perf orms a specif ic
function. Some of the common registers are :

1. Memory Address Register (MAR): The function of this register is to hold the address
of the current or active memory location.
2. Memory Buffer Register (MBR): This register holds the contents of the address f rom
which data is read or to which data has been written.
3. Program Control Register : It holds the address of the next instruction to be
executed.
Accumulator Register: It holds the initial data, the intermediate results and the final
data of the program under execution.
4. Instruction Register: This register holds the current instruction being executed.
Input/output Register: The function of this register is to communicate with the
Input/output devices.

The storage capacity of primary storage is limited. It is normally not sufficient

to accommodate all the data. Theref ore secondary storage medium is used to store
large volumes of data. The cost of secondary memory is much less as compared to
primary memory, however access time of primary memory is very f ast. The data stored on
secondary storage is transf erred to t he primary storage as and when required.
Secondary storage is also called auxiliary memory. Secondary storage is used for
storing copies of data and programs. This is a non volatile memory and is stored
external to the computer .

Check your Progress - 3.1 & 3.2

1. Answer in 1-2 words:
a. Name the two types of storage:

.............................................................................................. ..........
.....
b. Name the characteristics according to which t he storage devices are ranked
.............................................................................................. ..........
.....
c. Give e the names of any two registers used by t he computer:

.......................................................................................................
.....
2. Give the full form of:
a. RAM b.ROM c. PROM d.
EPROM

Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices / 33

 3.3 SECONDARY STORAGE
DEVICES
Inf ormation stored on secondary storage devices can be accessed in two ways:

Sequential Access and

Direct Access:

3.3.1 Sequential Access Devices:

Sequential or serial access

In sequential access data can be accessed only in the sequence in which it has
been stored. Typical sequential access storage device is the magnetic tape. These types
of devices are useful in applications like pay slip printing where the data is to be accessed
one after the other.
Types of Access Devices:
a) Punch Paper Tape:
Punched paper tapes were the early devices of data storage. Dat a is coded onto
a paper tape as a combination of punched holes across the width of the tape. Each row
on the tape represents one character. The data has to be coded on the tapes using
special coding systems. The punched paper tapes are a low cost storage medium and
their storage capacity is unlimited. However, the paper is susceptible to wear and tear
and mishandling. Nowadays, punched paper tapes are rarely being used wear and
tear
and mishandling. Nowadays, punched paper tapes are rarely being
used.

Fig. 3.2 Sequential Access Devices: Paper tape, magnetic tapes

b) Magneti c Tape:
A magnetic tape is a ribbon of Mylar which is coated with a thin layer of iron
oxide material on one side. This tape is stored on a cassette or cartridge, or reel .The
iron oxide material can be magnetized and the data is recorded on the tape in the f orm
of magnetized and non-magnetized spots. A magnetic tape drive is used to read data
from the tape or write information to the tape. The tape drive has a read/write head to
access or store information respectively.
Magnetic tape is a read write device where the data can be written as well as
erased and new data recorded on the same area. The tape is divided into vertical columns
and horizontal rows. The columns are called frames and the rows are called tracks .
Special computer codes are used for recording data on the tape. One character is
recorded on each f rame. Most modern tapes have 9 tracks, and use the EBCDIC code
for data representation. The actual number of characters that can be stored on an
inch of a tape is known as the density of the tape.
The storage capacity of magnetic tapes is very large. This capacity is
measured in terms of bytes per inch. Most common tape densities are 800 bpi, 1600 bpi.
Nowadays tapes with much higher densities of the order of 6000 bpi are also available.
The records in a tape can be of any size. Also all the records in a given file need
not be same in length. Thus the tapes can store fixed length and v variable
length
records. In between two consecutive records the computer automatically keeps a
f raction of the tape blank. This blank space is called the Interlock gap, While reading
from the tape, the drive takes a finite amount of time to physically stop when the end of

Computer Fundamentals / 34
the record is reached. Therefore this int erlock gap is created to avoid loss of any
data of the subsequent record that may have been stored
while the drive mechanism comes to a halt.
Advantages of Magnetic Tapes:
- High data density and virtually unlimited storage
- Low in cost
- Easy to handle and portable from one computer to another.
Limitations are:
- Support only Sequential access
- Tapes are sensitive to dust; humidity and temperature, hence require proper storage
facilities.

3.3.2 D i r ec t Access Storage Devices

Random or direct access
In random access the data at any location on the storage unit can be
accessed directly without having to f ollow the sequence in which it has been stored.
Typical ices that support direct access are the magnetic disk and magnetic drum.
dev
a) Magnetic Disk: A magnetic disk is a t hin metallic/Mylar platter circular in shape.
It is coated on both sides with magnetic material. A number of these disks are
mounted on a disk pack, on a central shaft. Thus all the disks in the disk pack move at
the same speed, simultaneously in the same direction. These disks are also called as
hard disks or fixed disks. Hard disk can be permanently installed in the drive or can
also be in the form of a removable cartridge. The data are recorded as magnetic spots
on the coating of the disk. The presence of a magnetic spot represents1 and the absence
represents a 0. The standard binary code, 8 -bit EBCDIC is used for recording data on
the disk. Information is stored on both the surfaces of the disk. Each disk is divided into a
number of concentric circles called tracks. All the corresponding tracks in all the
surfaces are together called a cylinder. Information is not stored on the outer surface
of the upper plate and the lower surface of the bottom plate.

In some of the disks the outer tracks contain more data bits since the outer
circumference is greater. However, in most of the disks each track stores the same
number of characters. This means that the inner tracks, with a smaller circumf erence
are more densely packed than the outer tracks.
Magnetic disk is a random or direct access storage device. The data is read from
or written onto the disk surf ace with the use of read/write heads. These heads are of
flying type. They do not come in actual contact with t he surf ace of the disk.
There are two types of disk systems:
1) Moving head System:
This consists of one read/write head f or each disk surf ace. This head is mounted on an

Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices / 35

 access arm which moves in and out. Thus each head moves horizontally across the
surf ace of the disk and can access each track individually.
2) Fixed head System:
In this system the access arm does not move. A large number of read/write heads one for
each track are distributed over the surface of the disk. I n this system the data access
becomes very fast. However, extra space is needed to accommodate all the heads. The
time required to access the data stored on the disk depends upon the following factors:
The seek time - the time required for positioning the read/write head over the appropriate
track
The latency time - the time required to spin the required data under the head. This
time is also called the search time.
b) Floppy Disks :
Floppy disks are made up of flexible Mylar coated with iron oxide. This disk is
enclosed in a square plastic jacket to protect t he surface of the disk f rom dust. A floppy
disk is to be inserted in the floppy disk drive of the computer system to read or write
inf ormation. The read/write head of the drive makes a direct contact with the floppy disk.

Fig 3.4

While accessing or storing data, Floppy disks come in various sizes

8 inch floppy disks
5 1 4/ inch floppy disks

3 1 /2 inch floppy disks

A floppy disk can be single sided or double sided i.e data can be written on a
Fig. 3.4 Floppy disks: 5 1/ 4 inch and 3 1 /2 inch single side or on both the sides. A double
sided disk drive is required to read data f rom
a double sided disk. This disk drive has two heads, one f or each side. A single
sided drive has only one head. Floppy disks can also be single side double density
and double side double density depending upon their storage capacity.
Floppy disks are a very popular storage medium since they are sm all in size,
relatively cheap and can store data on line. Floppy disks are also very portable. They can
be carried f orm one place to another very easily.

c) Winchester Disk: In a W inchester, the disks are permanently enclosed in a

sealed container. The disks are coated with a special lubricant to reduce friction with the
read/write head. This technology allows f or an increase in the number of tracks on the
disk, and higher storage densit y. W inchester disks are fast and highly reliable. They are
used extensively in micro computers.

d) Magnetic Drum: This is a cylinder whose outer surf ace is coated with a thin
layer of magnetic material. A motor rotates on the cylinder at a constant speed. Data is
recorded on the tracks of the drum as magnetized spots. A set of stationary
read/write heads are posit ioned slightly away f rom the surf ace of the drum. Data is read
from and written onto this drum with the help of these heads. The drum rotates are
relatively fast speeds of the order of a several thousand rotations per minute. Magnetic
drums have f aster data transfer rates as compared to disks. However their storage
capacity is limited. Magnetic drums are rarely used today.

Computer Fundamentals / 36
3.3.3 Optical Devices

a) Optical Disk: An optical disk is made up of a rotating disk which is coated with a thin
reflective m etal. To record data on the optical disk, a laser beam is f ocused on the
surf ace of the spinning disk. The laser beam is turned on and off at varying rates! Due to
this, tiny holes (pits) are burnt into the metal coating along the tracks. W hen data
stored on the optical disk is to be read, a less powerf ul laser beam is focused on the
disk surf ace. The storage capacity of these devices is tremendous; the Fig. 3.5 Optical
disk access time is relatively fast. The biggest drawback of the optical disk is that it is a
permanent storage device. data once written cannot be erased. Theref ore it is a read
only storage medium. A typical example of the optical disk is the CD-ROM.

Fig 3.5
Optical Card :
The optical card has an optical laser encoded strip which can store
approximately 2 megabytes of data. These cards are the size of a credit card. Optical
cards find use only in specific areas like storing credit records or medical histories of
people.

Optical Tape :

Optical tapes are similar to magnetic tapes in appearance. However optical

laser techniques are used to write data on the tapes. Like optical disks optical tapes
too are read only storage devices.

Check your Progress - 3.3

Answer in 1-2 Sentences:
a. What are the methods with which the data on t he secondary storage devices can be
accessed?
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ......
....................... .... .. .... .. .................................... ...... .. ........ .. ................................
......
......
....
b. Name any two sequential access devices.
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ......
......
....................... .... .. .... .. .................................... ...... .. ........ .. ................................
....
......
c. Name any two direct access storage devices.
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ......
....................... .... .. .... .. .................................... ...... .. ........ .. ................................
......
......
....
d. Name any two optical devices. Name the factors which determine the time required
to access data stored on the disk.
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ......
......
....................... .... .. .... .. .................................... ...... .. ........ .. ................................
......

Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices / 37

 3.4
SUMMARY
The storage unit is that part of the computer system which stores the data and
instructions. The two types of storage are primary storage and secondary storage. The
characteristics of the storage unit are access time, storage capacity and cost.
Primary storage is an integral part of all computer systems. Primary storage is
also called as Random Access Memory. This memory is volatile. The data stored on
this memory is lost when the power is turned of f. There are special types of memories
which come in the form of chips. Micro programs which perform low level machine
functions and which are used as a substitute for hardware are stored on such chips.
Such memories are called f ield stores or permanent stores or Read Only Memory
(ROM). Data can be permanently stored in this type of memory. Other similar
memories are PROM, EPROM. Cache memory is a special type of high speed
memory. Special memory units are used in computers which are not a part of the main
memory. These units hold data temporarily. These units are called registers, eg.
Memory Address Register, Instruction Register etc.
Secondary storage devices are used to store large amounts of data.
Secondary storage devices are cheaper as compared to primary storage. However
their data access time is less. Secondary storage is non volatile and stored external to
the computer. There are two ways in which data can be accessed from the secondary
devices,: sequential access and random access. Punched paper tape, magnetic tape is
sequential access devices. Punched paper tapes are nowadays rarely being used.
Magnetic tapes can store unlimited data and have a high data density. They are also low in
cost and portable. But since information can be accessed only sequentially, they are
slow.
Direct access or random access devices allow the access of data f rom any
storage location randomly, without having to follow the sequence in which it has been
stored. Magnetic disk is made of a thin Mylar platter and coated on both sides by
magnetic material. Data is recorded as magnetic spots on this disk. A number of such
disks are mounted on a disk pack. Each disk is divided into a number
of
concentric circles called tracks. All the corresponding tracks in all the surf aces
toget her are called as a cylinder. These disks are also called hard disks and can be
permanently installed in a disk drive in the computer. Floppy disks are made of
flexible mylar coated with iron oxide. The floppy disks come in various sizes like 8 inch,
5 inch, 3 inch. Floppy disks are relatively cheap and can store data online. They are also
very portable. W inchester disks are permanently enclosed in a sealed container. A
magnetic drum is a cylinder whose outer surface is coated with magnetic material. The
drums have faster data transfer rate as compared to disks. However their storage capacity is
limited.
Optical laser techniques are used to write data onto optical dev ices like
optical disks, optical tapes and optical cards. The storage capacities of these
dev ices are tremendous. But these are permanent storage devices.

3.5 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

ANSWERS
3.1 & 3.2
1 a) Primary st orage and secondary storage.
b) Access time, storage capacity and cost.
c) Accumulator Register, Instruction Register.
2 a) Random Access Memory
b) Read Only Memory
c) Programmable Read Only Memory
d) Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.

Computer Fundamentals / 38
3.3
1a) Sequential Access, Direct or Random Access

b) Magnetic tape, punched paper tape

c) W inchester disk, floppy disk
d) Optical tape, optical card
e) Seek time and latency or search time.

3.6 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -

STUDY
1. Discuss what storage units are. What are the types of st ora ge units?
Describe the characteristics of the st orage units.
2. Discuss what is volatile and non-volatile memory.
3. Define registers. W rite in short about the most commonly used registers in the
computer systems.
4. Explain the methods by which data on a secondary storage device can be
accessed.
5. Describe any two sequential access devices.
6. Describe any two direct access storage devices.
7. W hat are moving head systems and fixed head systems?
8. Discuss any t wo types of optical storage devices.

3.7 Suggested
Readings
Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

References

http://www.tutorialspoint.com
/

Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices / 39

 NOTES

Computer Fundamentals / 40
 Chapter-
4
Number
Systems
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Non Positional Number System
4.3 Positional Number System
4.4 Conversion
4.5 Shortcut Methods
4.6 Summary
4.7 Check Your Progress- Answers
4.8 Questions for Self-Study
4.9 Suggested Readings

4.0
OBJECTIVES
Friends, after studying this you will be able to explain various number systems. The
main features of this chapter are as f ollows
Non Positional Number System
Positional Number System
Number Systems
Conversion
Shortcut Methods

4.1
INTRODUCTION
W e saw in the previous chapter that a computer stores data internally in a format that is
not easily readable by human beings. This is the reason why input and output
(I/O)
interfaces are required. Every computer stores numbers, letters, and other special
characters in coded f orm. Before going into the details of these codes, it is essential
to have basic understanding of number system. Hence, this chapter familiarizes you with
the f undamentals of number system. It also introduces some commonly used number
system by computer professionals and relationship among them.

Number systems are two types non-positional and positional.

4.2 NON POSITIONAL NUMBER

SYSTEM
In early days, human beings counted on fingers. When counting beyond ten fingers,
they used stones , pebbles, or sticks to indicate values. This method of a counting uses
an additive approach or non-positional number system. IN this system, we have symbols
such as I for 1, II for 2, III for 3, IIII f or 4, IIIII for 5, etc. Each symbol represents the
same value regardless of its position in a number, and to find the value of a number, one
has to count the number of symbols present in the number. Since it is very difficult to
perf orm arithmetic with such a number system, positional number system was
developed.

4.3 POSITIONAL NUMBER

SYSTEM
In a positional number system, there are only a f ew symbols called digits. These
symbols represent different values, depending on the position they occupy in a number.
The value of each digit in such a number is determined by three considerations.
1. The digit itself ,
2. The position of the digit
in the number, and
3. The base of the number system (where base is defined as the total number of digits
available in the number system).

In our day-to-day lif e, we use decimal number system. In this system, base is equal
to 10 because there are altoget her t en symbols or digit (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, and 9).

Number Systems/ 41
You know that in decimal number system. Successive positions to the left of the
decimal point represent units, tens, hundreds, thousands, etc. However, notice that
each position represents a specific power of the base (10). For example, decimal
number 2586 (written as 2586) consists of digit 6 in units position, 8 in tens position,
5 in hundreds position, and 2 in thousands position, and its value can be written as:

(2 x 10 3 ) + (5 x 10 2 ) + (8 x 10 1 ) + (6 x 10 0 )= 2000 + 500 + 80 + 6 = 2586

Observe that the same digit signifies different values, depending on the position it
occupies in the number. For example,

In 2586 1 0 the digit 6 signif ies 6 x 10 0 = 6

In 2568 1 0 the digit 6 signif ies 6 x 10 1 = 60
In 2658 1 0 the digit 6 signifies 6 x 10 2 = 600
In 6258 1 0 the digit 6 signif ies 6 x 10 3 = 6000
Hence, we can represent any number by using the available digits and
arranging
them in various positions.
The principles that apply to decimal number system, also apply to any other
positional number system. It is important to keep track of only the base of the number
system in which we are working.
The value of the base in all positional number systems suggests the following
characteristics:
1. The value of the base determines the total number of different symbols or digits
available in the number system. The first of these choices is always zero.
2. The maximum value of a single digit is always equal to one less than the value of
the base.

4.3.1 Binary Number System

Binary number system is like decimal number system, except that the base is 2,
instead of
10. We can use only two symbols or digits (0 and 1) in t his number system. Note that
the largest single digit is 1 (one less than the base). Each position in binary number
represents a power of the base (2). Hence, in this system, the rightmost position is
units (2 0 ) position, the second position from the rights 2s (2 1 ) position, and proceeding

in this way, we have 4s 2 ) position, 8s (23 ) position, 16s (2 4 ) position, and so on.
(2
Therefore, decimal equivalent of binary number 10101 (written as 10101 ) is :
2

(1 x 2 4 ) + (0 x 23 ) + (1 x 2 2 ) + (0 x 21 ) + (1 x 2 0 ) = 16 + 0 + 4 + 0 + 1 =
21

In order to be specific about which system we are referring to, it is a common

practice to indicate the base as a subscript . Hence, we write

10101 2 =21 1 0
The sort form of binary digit is bit. Hence, bit in computer terminology means either a
2
0 or1.
An n-bit number is binary number consisting of n bits. Below table lists all 3-bits
numbers along with number can have not one of the 8 values in range 0 to 7. In fact,
any decimal number in the range 0 t o 2 n- 1 can be represented in binary form as an n-bit

number.

Binary Decimal Equivalent

000 0

001 1

010 2

Computer Fundamentals/ 42
011 3

100 4

101 5

110 6

111 7

Table No 4.1 3-bit numbers with their decimal values.

Every computer stores numbers, letters, and other special characters in binary f orm.
There are several occasions when computer prof essionals need to know the raw data
contained in a computers memory. A commonly used way to doing this is to print
memory contents on a printer. This printout is called a memory dump. Memory dumps,
which are in binary numbers, would have many pages of 0s and 1s. Working with
these
numbers would be very difficult and error prone for computer prof essionals. Hence,
two number systems octal and hexadecimal, are often used as shortcut notations
for binary. These number systems and their relationship with binary number system are
explained below.

4.3.2 Octal Number System

In octal number system, the base is 8. Hence, there are only eight symbols or
digits:
0,1,2,3,4,5,6, and 7 (8 and 9 do not exist in this syst em). The largest single digit is 7
(one less than the base 8). Each position in an octal number represents a power of the
base (8). Theref ore, decimal equivalent of octal number 2057 (written as 2057) is:
8

(2 x 83 ) + (0 x 8 3 ) + (5 x 8 1 ) + (7 x 80 ) = 1024 + 0 + 40 + 7 = 1071

Observe that since there are only 8 digits in octal number system, 3 bits (2 3 = 8) are
sufficient to represent any number in binary (see the above table-4.1)

4.3.2 Hexadecimal Number System

In hexadecimal number system, the base is 16. Hence, there are 16 symbols or digits.
The first 10 digits are the same digits of decimal number system 0, 1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,
and 9. The remaining six digits are denoted by the symbols A,B,C,D,E, and
F,
representing decimal values 10,11,12,13,14 and 15, respectively. Hence, the largest
single digit is F or 15 (one less than the base 16). Each position in hexadecimal number
system represents a power of
the base (16). Therefore, decimal equivalent of hexadecimal number 1 AF (written as
1AF1 6 )
is

1 x 16 2 ) + (A x 16 1 ) + (F x 16 0 ) = (1 x 256) + (10 x 16) + (15 x 1) = 256 + 160 + 15= 431

Hence, 1AF 1 6 =431 10

10
Observe that since there are only 16 digits in hexadecimal
number 4 bits (2 4 = 16) are sufficient to represent any
hexadecimal number in binary.

Number Systems/ 43
Check Your Progress - 4.2 & 4.3
Fill in the blanks
1. Binary System consists of digit .....
.....................and ..........................
2. Every Computer Store letters, Symbols and numbers in .......................... f orm at.
3. The principles that apply to decimal number system , also apply to any
other.................. ........ number
system.
4. In .......................... number system, the base is 16.
Hence,
there are 16 sym bols or digits.
5. In 2658 10
the digit 6 signifies ......... .............. ...

4.4
CONVERSION
Numbers expressed in decimal number system are much more meaningf ul to us, than
are numbers expressed in any other number system. This is because we hav e been
using decimal numbers in our day-to-day life, right f rom childhood. However, we can
represent any number system in any other number system. Because the input and final
output values are to be in decimal, computer prof essionals are often required to
convert numbers in other number system to decimal and vice-versa. Many methods
can be used to convert numbers from one base to another. A method of converting
from another base to decimal, and a
method of converting from decimal to another base are described below.
4.4.1 Converting from another Base to
Decimal
The following steps are sued to convert a number in any other base to a base 10
(decimal)
number.

Step 1 : Determine the column (positional) value of each digit (this depends on the
position
of the digit and the base of the number system).
Step 2 : Multiply the obtained column values (in Step 1) by the digits in the
corresponding columns.

Step 3 : Sum up the products calculated in Step 2. The total is the equivalent value
in decimal.

Example 4.1.
1100 2 = ? 1 0

Solution:
Step 1: Determine Column values
Col umn Number Column Value
(from right)

1 20 =1
2 21 =2
3 22 =4
4 23 =8
5 24 = 16

Step 2: Multiply the column values by the corresponding column digits

16 8 4 2 1
x1 x1 x0 x0 x1

Computer Fundamentals/ 44
16 8 0 0 1

Step 3: Sum up the products

16 + 8 + 0 + 0 + 1 = 25
Hence, 110012 = 2510

Example
4.2.
47062 =?10
Solution
:
Step 1: Determine Column
values
Column Number(from right) Column
Value
1 80 = 1

2 81 = 8

3 8 2 = 64

4 8 3 = 512

Step 2: Multiply the column values

By
the corresponding co lumn
Digits
512 64 8 1
x4 x7 x0 x6
2048 448 0 6
Step 3: Sum up the pro
ducts
2048 + 448 + 0 + 6 = 2502
Hence, 47068 = 25021 0

Example 4.3.
1 AC1 6 = ? 10
Solution :
1AC1 6 = 1 x 16 2 + A x 16 1 + C x 16 0
= 1 x 256 + 10 x 16 + 12 x 1
= 256 + 160 + 12
= 428 1 0
Example 4.4.
4052 7 = ?1 0
Solution :
4052 16 = 4 x 7 3 + 0 x 7 2 + 5 x 7 1 + 2 x 7 0
= 4 x 343 + 0 x 49 + 5 x 7 + 2 x 1
= 1372 + 0 + 35 + 2
= 1409 10
Example 4.5.
4052 6 = ?1 0
Solution
: 4052 6 = 4 x 6 3 + 0 x 6 2 + 5 x 6 1 + 2 x 6 0
= 4 x 216 + 0 x 36 + 5 x 6 + 2 x
1= 864 + 0 + 30 + 2
= 896 1 0

Number Systems/ 45
Comparing this result with the obtained in Example 4.4, we the find that although
the digits (4052) are the same for both the numbers, their decimal equivalents are
different.
This is because the number in Example 4.4 is represented in base 7 number system,
whereas the number in Example 4.5 is represented in base 6 number system.

Solution :
4052 6 = 4 x 6 3 + 0 x 6 2 + 5 x 6 1 + 2 x 6 0
= 4 x 216 + 0 x 36 + 5 x 6 + 2 x 1
= 864 + 0 + 30 + 2
= 896 1 0
Example 4.6.
4052 7 = ?1 0
Solution :
11001 4 = 4 x 4 4 + 1 x 4 3 + 0 x 4 2 + 0 x 4 1 + 1 x 4 0
= 1 x 256 + 1 x 64 + 0 x 16 + 0 x 4 + 1 x 1
= 2562 + 64 + 0 + 0 + 1
= 321 1 0
Example 4.7.
1AC1 3 = ? 10
Solution :
1AC1 3 = 1 x 13 2 + A x 13 1 + C x 13 0
= 1 x 169 + 10 x 13 + 12 x 1
= 311 1 0
Compare the result with the result obtained In Example 4.3

4.4.2 Converting from Decimal to Another Base (Division- Remainder Technique)

The Following steps are used to convert a have 10 (decimal) number to a number in
another
base.
Step 1 : Divide the decimal number by the value of the new base.
Step 2 : Record the remainder from Step 1 as the rightmost digit (least
significant digit) of the new base number.
Step 3 : Divide the quotient of the previous division by the new base.
Step 4: Record the remainder from Step 3 as the next digit (to the left) of the new
number. Repeat Steps 3 and 4, recording remainders from right to left, until the
quotient becomes zero in Step 3. Note that the last remainder, thus obtained, will be
most significant digit of the new base number.

Computer Fundamentals/ 46
Number Systems/ 47
Hence, 1715 10 = BAB12
Compare the result with the result obtained in Example 4.3.

4.4.3 Converting from a Base Other than 10 to Another Base Other Than 10
The following steps are used to convert a number in a base other than 10, to a number
in
another base than 10:
Step 1 : Convert the original number to a base 10 (decimal) number.
Step 2 : Convert the decimal number obtained in Step 1 to the new base number.

Computer Fundamentals/ 48
Example 4.16 illustrates the method of converting a binary number to an octal
number,
Similarly, Example 4.17 shows how to convert a binary number to a hexadecimal
number.
However, these are lengthy procedures and we can use shortcut methods when we
desire
such conversions. The shortcut methods are described below.

4.5 SHORTCUT
METHODS
4.5.1 Shortcut Method for Binary to Octal Conversion
The following steps are used in this method:

Step1 : Div ide the binary digits into groups of three

( starting from the right).
Step 2 : Convert each group of three binary digits to one octal digit. Since there are only
8 digits (0 to 7) in octal number system , 3 bits (2 3 = 8) are sufficient to represent any

octal number in binary. Moreover, since decimal digits 0 to 7 are equal to the octal digits 0
to 7, we use binary to decimal conversion method in this step.

Number Systems/ 49
4.5.2 Short Method for Octal to Binary Conversion
The following steps are used in this method :
Step 1 : Convert each octal digit to a 3 digit binary number (the octal digits may be
treated as a decimal numbers f or this conversion).
Step 2 : Combine all the resulting binary groups (of 3 digits each) into a single
binary number.

4.5.3 Shortcut Method for Binary to Hexadecimal

Conversion
The following steps are used in this method:
Step 1 : Divide the binary digits into groups of four (starting from the right).
Step 2 : Convert each group of four binary digits to one hexadecimal digit. Remember
that hexadecimal digits 0 to 9 are equal to decimal digits 0 to 9 and hexadecimal digits
A to F are equal to decimal v alues 10 to 15. Hence, for this step, we use binary to
decimal conversion procedure and represent decimal values 10 to 15 as hexadecimal A
to F

Computer Fundamentals/ 50
Example 4.24:
2AB1 6 =? 2

We have summarized the relationship among decimal, hexadecimal, binary, and

octal number system. Note that the maximum value for a single digit of octal (7) is equal to
the maximum value of three digits of binary. The value range of one digit of octal duplicated
the value range of three digits of binary. If we substitute octal digits for binary digits, the
subst itution is on a one-to-three basis. Hence, computer that print octal numbers instead
of binary, while taking memory dump, save one-third of printing space and time.
Similarly, note that the maximum value of one digit in hexadecimal is equal to the
maximum value of the f our digits in binary. Hence, the value range of one digit of

Number Systems/ 51
hexadecimal is equivalent to the value range of four digits of binary. Therefore,
hexadecimal shortcut notation is one-to-four reduction in space and time required for
memory dump.

Check Your Progress - 4.4 & 4.5

Fill in the Blanks

1.Decimal Equivalent for FF is Hexadecimal Syst em
is ................. ..............
2.Binary equivalent... for 16
is .......................... ........
3.LSD is for ............... ...................and MSD is f
...................... ..........
or
..4.The symbols used in octal
are ..................................
5.Hexadecimal equivalent for 10110101100 is ..................................
2

4.6
SUMMARY
1) Number systems are of two types non-positional and positional.
2) In a non-positional number system. Each symbol represents the same value
regardless of its position in the number and to find the value of a number, one has to
count the number of symbols present in the number. It is very diff icult to perf orm
arithmetic with such a number syst em.
3) In a positional number system, there are only a few symbols called digits. These
symbols represent different values depending on the position they occupy in a number.
The value of each digit in such a number is determined by the three considerations:
The digit itself,
The position of the digit in the number, and
The base of the number system (where base is defined at the total number of
digits available in the number system).
4) In our day-t o-day life, we use the decimal number system. In this system, base is
equal to 10 because there are altogether ten symbols or digits. (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and

Computer Fundamentals/ 52
9).
5) Some positional number system that are used in computer design and by
computer professionals are binary (having base 2), octal (having base 8), and hexadecimal
(having base 16).

4.7 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS-

ANSWERS
4.2 & 4.3

1. 0 and 1 2. Binary 3. Positional 4. Hexadecimal 5. 6 x 10 2 = 600

4.4 and 4.5

1. 255 2. 1000
2

3. Least Significant Digit & Most Significant Digit.

4. 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7 5. 5AC 16

4.8 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -

STUDY
1) Differentiate between positional and Non positional number systems.
2) W hat is base of a number system? Write examples to
illustrate the role of base in positional number system.
3) W hat is the value of base for decimal, hexadecimal, binary and octal number system?
4) Find decimal equivalent of
a) 1101011 b) 10110001100 c) 1010101100 d) 1110101
5) Find octal equivalent of following binary numbers
a) 1010011 b) 1001001101
c) 1010101100 d) 11001010
6) Find hexadecimal equivalent of above mentioned binary numbers

7) Convert following numbers into decimal numbers

a) 110110 2
b) 2A3B 16

c) 2573 8

8) Convert following decimal numbers into binary numbers

a) 435 b) 32 c) 1694 d) 135

4.9 Suggested
Readings
Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

Number Systems/ 53
NOTES

Computer Fundamentals/ 54
 Chapter -
5
Boolean algebra and Logic
Circuits
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Boolean Algebra
5.3 Principle of Duality
5.4 Logic Gates
5.5 Logic Circuits
5.6 Design of Combinational Circuit
5.7 Summary
5.8 Check Your Progress - Answers
5.9 Questions for Self Study
5.10 Suggested Readings

5.0
OBJECTIVES
Friends, This chapter deals with Boolean algebra and logic gates. After learning this
chapter you will be able to explain-
Boolean Algebra
Logic Gates
Logic Circuits
Design of Combinational Circuit

5.1
INTRODUCTION
Boolean algebra deals with binary number system. It is very useful in designing
logic circuits used in processors of computer system. In this chapt er, you will learn
about this algebra and elem entary logic gates used to build up logic circuits of diff erent
types for perf orming necessary arithmetic operations. These logic gates are the building
blocks of all logic circuits in a computer. You will also learn how to use Boolean algebra
for designing simple logic circuits used frequently by arithmetic logic unit and almost
all computers.

5.2 BOOLEAN ALG

EBRA
In mid 1800, George Boole (1815-1864), an English mathematician, developed
algebra f or simplif ying the representation and manipulation of propositional logic. It is
known a Boolean algebra after its developers name. Later, in the year 1938. Claude E.
Shannon proposed the use of Boolean algebra in the design of relay switching circuits.
The basic techniques described Shannon were adopted almost universally for the design
and analysis of switching circuits. Owing to analogous relationship between the action of
relays and modern electronic circuits, the same techniques are still used in the design of
modern computers.
Boolean algebra provides an economical and straightforward approach to the design of
relay and other types of switching circuits. Just as an ordinary algebraic expression is
simplified by using basic theorems , the expression describing a given switching
circuit network is also sim plified by using Boolean algebra. Today, Boolean algebra is
used extensively in designing electronic circuitry of computers.

Fundamental concepts of Boolean Algebra

Boolean algebra is based on the fundamental concepts described below.

Use of Binary Digits

In a normal algebraic expression, a variable can take any numerical value. For example,
in the expression 3A + 7B = C, each of the variables. A, B, and C may have from the entire

Boolean Algebra and Logic /55

Circuits
 field of real numbers. Since, Boolean algebra deals with binary number system, the
variables used in Boolean equations may have only possible values (0 or 1). For
example, in the Boolean equation A + B = C, each of the variables A, B, and C
may
have only the values 0 or
1.
5.2.1 Logical Addition
The symbol + is used for logical addition operator. I t is also known as OR operator.
We can define the + symbol (OR operator) by listing all possible combinations of A and
B with the resulting value of C f or each combination in the equation A + B = C. Since the
variables A and B can have only two possible values (0 or 1). Only four (2 2 ) combinations

of inputs are possible (see the table 5.1). The resulting output values for each of
the four input combinations are given in the table. Such a table is known as a truth table.
Hence, the below figure is the truth table f or logical OR operator.

Table 5.1
Observe that the result is 0 only when both input variables are 0. It is 1 when any one or
both of the input variables are 1. This is the reason why the + symbol does not have the
normal arithmetic meaning, but is a logical addition operator. This concept of logical
addition may be extended to any number of variables. For example, in the equation A
+ B + C + D = E, even if A,B,C and D, all had the value of 1, the sum of the values (the
result E) would be 1 only. The equation A + B = C is norm ally read as A or B equals C.

5.2.2 Logical Multiplication

The symbol . Is used for logical multiplication operator. It is also known as AND
operator. We can define the symbol (AND operat or) by listing all possible
combinations of A and B with the resulting value of C f or each combination in the
equation. A . B = C. table 5.2 shows the truth table f or logical AND operator. Observe
that the result C is equal to 1 only when both input variables A and B are 1, otherwise it
is 0. The equation A. B = C is normally read as A and B equals
C.

Table 5.2
5.2.3 Complementation
Truth table f or logical AND (.) operator.OR and AND are binary operations because they
operate on two variables. Complementation is a unary operation defined on a single
variable.
The symbol - is used for complementation operator. It is also known as NOT
operator. Hence, we write A meaning complement of A, or (A + B) meaning of A + B.
Complementation of a variable is the reverse of its value. Hence, if A = 0, the A = 1 and
if A = 1. Then A = 0. Below table 5.3 shows the truth table for logical NOT (-) operator. A is
read as complement of A or not of A.

Computer Fundamental /56

 Table 5.3

5.2.4 Operator Precedence

Does A + B .C mean (A + B) . C or A + (B . C)? The two generate different values for A =
1, B = 0, and C = 0 because we have (1 + 0) . 0 = 0 and 1 + (0.0) = 1. Hence,
operator precedence rules are needed to correctly evaluate Boolean expressions. The
precedence rules f or Boolean operators are as f ollows:
1. The expression is scanned from left to right.
2. Expression enclosed within parentheses are evaluated first.
3. All complement (NOT) operations are performed next.
4. All -(AND) operations are perf ormed after that.
5. Finally, all + (OR) operations are performed in the end.
According to these rules, A + B. C should be evaluated as A + (B .C). Similarly, for
the expression A. B, complement of A and B are bot h evaluated first and the results are
then AND ed. Again, for the expression (A + B), the expression inside the parenthesis
(A + B) is evaluated first and the result is then complemented.

5.3 Principle of
Duality
When value and operations can be paired up in a way that leaves
everything
important unchanged when all pairs are switched simultaneously, we call the member
of each pair dual to each other.
Thus 0 and 1 are dual, ^ and are
dual.
The duality principle asserts that Boolean.
Algebra is unchanged, when all dual pairs are
interchanged.
Dual of one expression is obtained by replacing AND (.) with OR (+) and OR
with AND together with replacement of 1 with 0 and 0 with 1.

5.4 Logic Gates

ll operations within a computer are carried out by means of combinations of

signals passing through standard blocks of built-in circuits known as logic gates. In
other words, a logic gate is an electronic circuit that operates on one or more input
signals to produce standard output signals. These logic gates are the building blocks
of all electronic circuits in a computer.
Combinations of multiple logic gates of diff erent types are of ten used to build
electronic circuits in computers.
Out of many types of logic gates available, we shall study here only some of
the most important ones. These are suf ficient to introduce the concept of electronic logic
circuit with the use of logic gates.

5.4.1AND Gate

An AND gate is the physical realization of logical multiplication (AND)

operation. It is an electronic circuit that generates an output signal of 1, only if all input
signals are also 1.

Input A B
Output
Fig 5.1 Two or more switches connected in series behave as an AND gate

Behavior of a logic gate (the state of its output signal, depending on various

Boolean Algebra and Logic /57

Circuits
combinations o of input signals) is represented conveniently by means of a truth table.
Below Figure shows the truth table and block diagram symbol for an AND gate for two
input signals. Since there are only two inputs (A and B), only f our (2 2 ) combinations of

inputs are possible. Notice that the output is 1 only when both inputs are in 1 state,
otherwise it is 0.

Fig. 5.2 Block diagram symbol and truth table 5.4 for an AND gate.

5.4.2 OR Gate

An OR gate is the physical realization of logical addition (OR) operation. It is an

electronic circuit that generates an output signal of 1, if any of the input signals is also
1.
Two or more switches connected in parallel behave as an OR gate. Observe
from the below Figure that the input current will reach the output point when any one of
the two switches (A or B) are in ON (1) state. There will be no output only when both
the switches are in OFF (0) state.

Fig. 5.3 that demonstrates Two or more switches connected in parallel

behave as an OR gate

Below f ig 5.4 shows the truth table and block diagram symbol for an OR gate for two
input signals. Notice t hat the output is 1, when any of the input signals is n 1. It is 0
only when both inputs are 0.

Fig.5.4 Block Diagram and Truth Table for an OR Gate

Just as + and. Operations could be extended to several variables by using

associative law, AND gates and OR gates can also have more than two inputs.
Above
shows three-input AND a nd OR gates and the table of all input combinations f or each.
Notice that the output of the AND gate with inputs A,B and C is 1 only if all three inputs

Computer Fundamental /58

 are 1, so that we write the output as A. B. C. Similarly, the OR gate with inputs,
and C has a 1 output if any one of the inputs is 1, so that we write the out put as A + B
A,B,
+ C.

The above argument can be extended. A four-input AND gate has a 1

only when output
all f our inputs are 1 and a f our-input OR gate has a 1 output when any of its
inputs is a 1.

(b) Three-input OR gate.

Fig. 5. 5 Block diagram symbol and truth and truth table for
(a) Three-i nput AND gate and b) Three- input OR gate.

5.4.3 NOT Gate

A NOT gate is the physical realization of complementation operation. It is an

electronic circuit that generates the reverse of the input signal as output signal as
output signal. It is also known as an inverter because it inverts the input.

Below Figure 5.6 shows the truth table and block diagram symbol for a NOT gate.

Boolean Algebra and Logic /59

Circuits
Recall that Complementation operation is unary operation defined on a single variable.
Hence, a NOT Gate always has a single input. Below figure also shows that two
NOT
gates connected in Series given an output equal to the input. This is the gating
counterpart of the law of the Double complementation. A = A.

Fig 5.6 (a) Block diagram symbol and truth table for NOT gate.
(b) Two NOT gates in series

5.4.5 NAND Gate

A NAND gate is a complemented AND gate. That is the output of NAND gate will
be one the input is 0, and it will be 0 only when all inputs are 1.
1 if any

Below Figure 5.7 shows the truth table and block diagram symbol for a NAND gate.
The symbol is usually used t o represent a NAND operation in Boolean expressions.
Hence

Fig. 5.7 Block diagram symbol and truth table for a NAND gate.

An AND gate followed by a NOT gate operates as a NAND gate (see

Figure
above) . In the figure, the output of the AND gate will be A .B that is turn is fed as input
to the NOT gate. Hence, the final output will be complement of A.B, which is equal to
(A.B) or A + B or A B. in fact, the small circle on the output of NAND gate (see Figure
6.24) represents complementation.

Computer Fundamental /60

 Figure 5.8 Demonstrating NAND gate realization with AND gate and a
NOT gate

Multiple-input NAND gates can be analyzed similarly. A three-input NAND gate

with inputs, A,B, and C will have output equal to A.B. C or A + B + C meaning t hat t
he
output will be 1 if any of the inputs is a 0, and it will be 0 only when all three inputs are
1.

5.4.6 NOR Gate

A NOR gate is complemented OR gate. That is, the output of a NOR gate will be
1 only when all input are 0, and it will be 0 if any input is a 1.
Below figure 5.9 shows the truth table and block diagram symbol f or a NOR
gate. The symbol is usually used to represent a NOR operation is Boolean
expressions.
Hence A B = A + B = A
.B.

Fig 5.9 Block diagram symbol and truth table for a NOR gate

An OR gate followed by a NOT gate operates as a NOR gate (see the below
figure). In the
Figure the output of the OR gate will be A +B that in turn is fed as input to the NOT
gate. Hence, the final output will be complement of A +B, which is equal to (A + B) or
A.B or A B. In fact, the small circle on the output of NOR gate (see Figure 5.10)
represents Complementation.
Multiple-input NOR gates can be analyzed similarly. A three-input NOR gate
with inputs
A,B, and C will have an output equal to A + B + C or A. B. C meaning that the
will be
output
1 only when all three inputs are 0, and it will be 0 if any of the three inputs is a 1

Fig.5.10 NOR gate realization with an OR gate and a NOT gate

Check Your Progress - 5.2 & 5.4

State whether the following statements are true or false
1. Boolean algebra provides an economical and straightf orward approach to the
design of relay and other types of switching circuits.
2. AND gates and OR gates cannot have more than two
inputs.
3. All operations within a computer are carried out by means of combinations of
signals passing through standard blocks of built-in circuits known as logic gates.
4. Zero NOR Zero produces Zero.
5. An OR gate followed by a NOT gate operates as a NO R
gate.

Boolean Algebra and Logic /61

Circuits
 5.5 LOGIC
CIRCUITS
Logic gates described in the previous sect ion are seldom used alone but
are used in combinations. They are interconnected to form gating/logic networks known as
combinational logic circuits. Boolean algebra expression for a given logic circuit
can be derived by systematically progressing input to output on its gates. Few
examples are given below. Example
Find the Boolean expression for the output of the logic circuit given belo

D
B

Solution
Input A is f ed to the NOT gate, whose output will be
A.
Inputs B and C are fed to the OR gate, whose output will be B + C
These two outputs (A and B + C) are in turn fed as input to the AND gate, whose
output will be A . (B + C)
Hence, D = A . (B + C) is the Boolean expression for the output of the given logic
circuit.
Find the logic expression f or the output produced by the logic circuit given below.

Solution
The output of the OR gate is
A + B
(a) The output of the first AND gat e is
A . B
(b)Expression (b) is f ed as input to the NOT gate, whose output will be
A . B
(c)
Now, expressions (a) and (c) are fed as input to the second AND gate, whose output will
be
(A + B) . (A . B)
Hence, C = (A + B) . (A . B) is the logic expression f or the output produced by the given
logic circuit.

Converting Expressions to logic circuits

The method f or constructing logic circuits for Boolean expressions by using
these three gates only is illustrated below with some example. Construct a logic circuit
for the Boolean expression A. B + C
Solution: method of constructing logic circuits for Boolean expressions by
using

The desired logic circuit is shown above and it self-explanatory. Constrict

a logic circuit f or the Boolean expression

Computer Fundamental /62

 5.6 DESIGN OF COMBINATIONAL
CIRCUIT
Design of a combinational circuit starts f rom the outline of the problem and
ends in a logic circuit diagram.
1. State the given problems completely and exactly.
2. Interpret the problem to determine available input and required output variables.
3. Assign a letter symbol to each input variable and each output variable.
4. Design a truth table that defines the required relations between inputs and outputs.
5. Obtain the simplified Boolean expression for each output
6. Draw a logic circuit diagram to implement the Boolean expression.
The design procedure is illustrated below with the design of adder circuits
because addition is the most basic arithmetic operation for any computer syst em.
The f ollowing f our rules summarize addition in binary number system.
0+ 0=0

0+ 1=1
1+ 0=1
1 + 1 = 10
The first three operations produce a single-digit sum, but when both augends
and addend bits are equal to 1, the sum consists of two digits. The higher significant bit
of this result is called a carry. When both augends and addend numbers contain more
than one digit, the carry obtained from addition of two
bits at any stage is added to the next pair of significant bits. A combinational circuit that
performs the addition of two bits is called a half -adder. One that perf orms the addition
of three bits (two significant bits and previous carry) is called a f ull-adder. The name of the
former comes from that fact that two half-adders can be employed to implement of a full-
adder.

5.6.1 Design of Half-Adder

From the definition given above, a half-adder needs two binary inputs and two
binary outputs.
The input variables designate the augends and addend bits whereas the
variables and addend bits whereas the output variables produce the sum and
output
carry
bits. Let A and B be the two inputs and S (for sum) and C (for carry) be the
outputs. The truth table of the Figure def ines the function of a half-adder.
two

Boolean Algebra and Logic /63

Circuits
Figure 5.11 showing Truth table for a half adder.

The Boolean expressions for the two outputs, obtained from the truth table, are:
S = A.B +
C = A.B A.B

The logic circuit diagram to implement these expressions is shown in the below Figure
5.12

Figure 5.12 showing the logic circuit diagram for a half-adder

A half-adder is limited in the sense that it can add only two single bits. Although, it
generates a carry f or the next higher pair of significant bits it cannot accept a carry
generated from the previous pair of lower significant bits. A f ull-adder solves this
problem.

5.6.2 Design of Full-Adder

A full-adder forms the arithmetic sum of three input bits. Hence, it consists of
three inputs and two outputs. Two of the input variables (A and B) represent the
augends and addend bit and the third input variable (D) represents the carry from the
previous lower significant position. Two outputs are necessary because the sum of
three binary digits ranges from 0 to 3 and binary 2 and 3 need two digits. These two
outputs are designated by the symbols S (for sum) and C (for carry). The truth table of
the below Figure defines the function of a full-adder.
The 1s and 0s for the output variables are determined from the arithmetic sum of the
three input variables. When all input variables are 0, the output is 0 for both C and S.
The S output is equal to 1 when only one input is equal to 1, or when all three inputs
are equal to 1. The C output is 1 if two or three inputs are equal to 1.

Computer Fundamental /64

 Figure 5.13 showing Truth table for a f ull-adder.

The sum-of-products expressions for the two outputs can be obtained directly from the
truth table and are given below.
S = A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
C = A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
Although, the expression for S cannot be simplified, it is possible to simplify the
expression for C as f ollows.

C = A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +

A.B.D
= A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
( since x + x = x)
= (A.B.D + A.B.D) + (A.B.D + A.B.D) + (A.B.D +
A.B.D)
= (A+ A) .B.D + (B+B).A.D + (D+ D) .A.B
= B.D + A.D + B.D (since x + x = x)
= A.B + A.D +
B.D
Hence, we obtain the f ollowing expressions f or the two outputs:
S = A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
C = A.B + A.D +
B.D

Boolean Algebra and Logic /65

Circuits
a) Logic circuit diagram for sum
(b) Logic circuit diagram for carry

Figure showing the logic circuit diagrams to implement these expressions.

The S output from the second half-adder is the exclusive-OR of D and the output of the
first half-adder giving.

S = (A.B. + A.B.).D + (A.B. +

A.B.).D
= (A.B. + A.B.).D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
= (A.B). (A.B). D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
= (A.A + A.B + A.B + B.B).D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
= (A.B. + A.B.).D + A.B.D + A.
B.D
= A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
= A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
The carry output is:

C = (A.B. + A.B.).D +
A.B
= A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.(D+
D)
= A.B.D + A.B.D + A.B.D +
A.B.D
This can be simplif ied, as before, to

C = A.B + A.D +
B.D

Check Your Progress - 5.5 & 5.6

Fill in the blanks

1. A . .............. ..............needs two binary inputs and two binary

outputs.
2. A half-adder is limited in the sense that it can add
only ....... .............. ........
3. A . .............. ..............f orms the arithmetic sum of three input bits.

5.7
SUMMARY
1) Boolean algebra deals with binary number system. That is, the variables used
in Boolean equations may have only two possible values (0 and 1).
2) In Boolean algebra the OR operator used for logical addition is represented by
the symbol +; the AND; operator used for logical multiplication is represented
by the symbol ., and the NOT operator used for complementation is
represented by the sym bol -.
3) As regards precedence of Boolean operators, NOT operator takes
precedence over AND and OR operators, and AND operator
takes
precedence over OR operator.
4) An Boolean algebra, there is a precise duality between the operators. (AND and +
(OR) and the digits 0 and 1. This property is known as the principle of duality.
5) A Boolean function is an expression formed with binary variables, the two binary
operators OR and AND, the unary operator NOT, parentheses, and equal to sign.

Computer Fundamental /66

6) Complement of a Boolean f unction F is F is obtained by interchanging 0s and
1s and 1s for 0s in the truth table defining the f unction.
7) A sum-of-products expression is a single product term (midterm), or several
product terms (midterms) logically added (OR) together. For example,
expression x.y and x.y is a sum-of-products expression.
8) A logic gate is electronic circuit that operators on one more input signals to
produce standard output signals. These logic gates are the building blocks of all
electronic circuits in a computer.
9) The logic gates are interconnected to form gating or logic networks known as
combinational logic circuits.

5.8 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS-

ANSWERS

5.2 & 5.4

1. True 2. False 3. True 4. False 5. True

5.5 & 5.6

1.A Half Adder 2. Two Single Bits 3. Full
adder.

5.9 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -

STUDY
1) Explain the principle of duality in Boolean algebra. How it is usef ul?
2) Write the dual of following Boolean expressions:
a) A+B b) A + B + C c) A. B +
A.B
d) A+B e) A. (A + B) f) A +
A.B

3) Write the dual of the rule A + A.B = A + B

4) State and prove the t wo basic De Morgans theorems.
5) Prove following rules by perfect induction method:
a) A.B + A .B = A b) A + A .B = A +
B
c) A. (A + C) = A d) (A + B). (A .B) = A .B +
B.A
e) (A + B). (A .B) = A .B +
B.A
6) Explain gates with example for OR, NOR, AND,
NAND.
7) W rite a Note on Half adder of circuit
8) W rite Short notes on :

Logical Circuit, Additional Circuit, Full order Circuit.

Boolean Algebra and Logic /67

Circuits
 5.10Suggested Readings

Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

References

http://www.tutorialspoint.com
/

Computer Fundamental /68

 NOTES

Boolean Algebra and Logic /69

Circuits
NOTES

Computer Fundamental /70

 Chapter
6
Computer Software,
Programmingand
Languages Program
Development
6.0 Objectives
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Classification of Software
6.3 Programming Languages
6.4 Program Development Process
6.5 Summary
6.6 Check your Progress - Answers
6.7 Questions for Self Study
6.8 Suggested Readings

6.0
OBJECTIVES
Friends after studying this l esson, you will be able to :
State the definition of software, the classification of software viz Application
Software, System Software, Utility Software and Firmware.
Discuss various programming languages and their evolution f rom Machine
Language to Fourth Generation languages, through assembly and high
level
languages.
Describe translators and their types
Discuss program development process and the various stages in the
development of a computer program.

6.1
INTRODUCTION
As is already seen, a computer cannot do anything on its own. It has to be provided a
detailed set of instructions to perf orm a specific task to achieve a desired goal, this set of
instructions, which are written in the form which is understood by the computer, is known
as a computer program. The program controls the processing of the computer.

6. 2 CLASSIFICATION OF
SOFTWARES
Software means a set of programs, procedures and other associated
documentation which describes what the program does and how it is to be used.
Hardware and software both have to work together. A number of softwares can be run
on the same hardware to perform different types of jobs. The software acts as an interface
between the user and the computer.
Sof tware is mainly classif ied into:
Application Software
System Software

6.2.1 Application Software:

Application sof tware is a program or a set of programs which are written to carry
out a specific application.eg. Payroll, financial accounting etc. Nowadays special
application sof tware or packages for specialized areas like drawing, engineering,
manufacturing, banking, and publishing are available. The set of programs which
together
make an application package are called application programs .

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /71

6.2.2 System Software :
The systems sof tware controls the working of the computer system. It helps
the user to use the computer by allowing him to communicate with the system. System
software controls the working of other softwares, hardware, hardware devices like
printers, memory, CPU etc. Thus, they make the operation of the computer more
efficient. The programs included in system sof tware are systems programs. Without
the systems programs, it would not be possible for the application programs to work on
the computer. The systems software is generally provided by the manuf acturer of the
computer hardware. Without the systems software the hardware would not work.
6.2.3 Utility Software:
These are a set of programs or tools which are used in program development or
for perf orming limited t asks, eg. scandisk.
6.2.4 Firmware:

With the advances in technology it is now possible to make the software

available on ROM (Read Only Memory) chips. These chips, which f orm a part of the
software, have the programs in them. Thus programs available on hardware are called
Firmware. Today not only systems software, but even some dedicated application
programs are being made available on firmware.

Check your Progress - 6.2

1. Match the following.

A
B
1. Application Software a. Program to control system working of computer
2. Firmware b.
Scandisk
3. Systems Software c. payroll
4. Utility Software d. Software available on Rom chips

2. Answer in 1-2 sentences.

W hat is software?
............................................................................................................ ...........
.....
................... .. .. .. ................................... .. .............................. .. .... .. .. ..
....

6.3 PROGRAMMING
LANGUAGES
A programming language is a means of communication for the user to
communicate with the computer system. The programming language is a set of
instructions which tells the computer what to do. This is a language which is understood
by both man and machine. There are a number of programming languages. However
all
these languages are designed to perform at least certain basic instructions and
operations; These instructions and operations are :

- Input/output operations,
- Arithmetic operations - mathematical operations like addition, subtraction,
- Logical operations - Comparison f or equality, inequality etc.
- Movement of instructions and data to and f rom the CPU.

To use the programming language, the programmer has to strictly follow the rules of

Computer Fundamentals/ 72
the language including all commas, punctuation marks etc. otherwise the program will
not be understood by the computer. Thus, although the programming languages are
much smaller and simpler than the natural languages, they have to be used with the
greatest accuracy.

6.3.1 Types of programming languages

a) Machine Language
b) Assembly
Language
c) High Level
Language

a) Machine Language:
This is the only language which is understood by the computer. This is the
language nearest to the machine. In this language the programs are written in binary
code i.e. the instructions are made only by a combination of binary digits 0 and 1.
Machine language may vary from machine to machine depending upon the computer
architecture. Machine languages execute the fastest since they are immediately
understood by the computer. No translation
of the programs is required. Also they make efficient use of primary memory. But it is
very difficult to program in this binary or machine language. It is also very tedious and
time consuming, since all the instructions have to represent as a series of Os and 1 s.
Therefore there is always a possibility of errors.

b) Assembly Language:
The Os and 1 s of the machine language were substituted by letters and symbols in
assembly languages. The assembly languages use mnemonics (memory aid) in place
of operation codes. The language uses symbols instead of numbers to write programs. A
program written using such symbols in the assembly language is called the source
program. The program written in assembly language has to be converted into machine
language f or use by the computer. This is achieved with the help of the assembler. The
assembler is a system program which is supplied by the manufacturer. It converts the
assembly program into a machine readable program and the resulting program is
called the object program . Thus the input to the assembler is the source program
and the output of the assembler is the object program. The assembler translates
each assembly language instruction into a corresponding machine code.
It is relatively easy to write programs in assembly language as compared to machine

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /73

language. They can be also modified relatively easily. However, like the machine
language, assembly languages are also hardware dependant. When the
machine
changes, the program has to be changed.

Since the machine language and assembly language both are dependent on the
hardware, they are referred to as low level programming languages. Both these
languages require a deep understanding of the internal structure of the computer.

1. High Level Languages :

Higher level languages make use of English like words and statements
and mathematical symbols for instructions. Higher level languages make programming
easier, since they are relatively easy to learn. Less time is required to write programs in
high level languages. The programmer is not required to know the detailed working of
the computer system in order to program in a high level language. They are machine
independent. Higher level languages are also known as problem oriented languages.
However a high level language is not directly understood by the computer. It is
required to be t ranslated into machine language. Therefore they generally execute
more slowly and require more memory than the same program written in assembly
language.
The programs which are used to translate programs written in high level
language into machine language are known as translators.
The types of translators are:

I) Compiler
II)Interpreter

I) Compiler:
The compiler translates the entire source program into machine language
program at once. The source code remains intact. Once a program is compiled it can be
run as many times as required, without being required to be recompiled. A compiler
can translate only those programs which have been written in the language for which it
is designed. Also each machine has to have its own compiler.
A compiler is a program which normally resides on the secondary storage
device. It gets loaded into the CPU when the source program is to be translated. A
compiler checks for errors like illegal symbols, statements etc. during compilation and
gives out a list of error messages at the end of execution. This is a very valuable aid to
the programmer to correct the programs. However, the compiler is incapable of
detecting any logical errors in the program.

II) Interpreter:
The interpreter is the program which translates a high level language program
into machine language as follows :
- it takes one statement f rom the high level language program
- translates it into a machine instruction and the instruction is immediately executed.
Since the program is translated statement by statement, the machine level program of
the source program is not stored anywhere in memory.

Therefore, the program has to be interpreted every time when it has to be run.
Thus no object code is generated. The interpreted programs are generally slower than
compiled programs. However, if any changes are made in the source program it can
interpret only those statements and it is not required to compile the entire program
again. Interpreters are relatively easy to write and smaller in size as compared to
compilers.
Thus assemblers, compilers and interpreters are systems software which
translate the source program into object program i.e. program which can be understood by
the computer. These translators are also known as language processors.

c) Fourth Generation Languages (4 GL) :

Programming languages are sometimes classified with generations - from the lowest to
the highest.

Computer Fundamentals/ 74
The First Generation - Machine Language
The Second Generation - Assembly Language
The Third Generation - High4.evel
Language
Unlike procedural languages which require that a programmer writes all the
steps to complete the program and generate output, which are related to a more
structural approach towards programming. It is the first standardized language.

BASIC:
BASIC stands for Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code . The
language was developed by Prof. John Kemeny and Thomas Kurtz in USA.
It
irrelatively easy to learn. Programs written in BASIC language are interpreted. It
resembles FORTRAN in many ways, but can also be effectively used in business
applications. Thus it can be used for both business and scientific applications. BASIC
is one of on e most popular language f or use in microcomputer systems.
COBOL :
Com mon Business Oriented Language was designed especially f or
business applications. A COBOL program is constructed from sentences, paragraphs,
sections and divisions. A COBOL program must have f our divisions: the identification
division, the environm ent division, data division, and the procedure division.
Thus
COBOL is a self documenting language. It is one of the most widely used commercial
languages.

RPG :
Report Generator is a general purpose, business oriented language designed to
generate output reports. The language was developed by IBM and was launched
for
use on the IBM 1401 computer. It is best suited for applications where large data files
have to be read and extensive reports are to be output. It has limited mathematical
capability and is not suited for scientific applications.

PASCAL
PASCAL: has been named after the French mathematician Blaise Pascal; It allows the
programmer to structure the programming language. The features of PASCAL allow it
to be used for both scientific and business applications. It is a very powerful language.
It is implemented on several computers including microcomputers and minicomputers
and is also widely used to teach programming to students and beginners.

C:
C was designed and developed at Bell Laboratories USA. It is a block structured
language which allows the use of various concepts of structured programming. C also
has the advantage of being able to manipulate internal processor registers of the
computer. Thus it has some powers of the assembly language. C is also very portable.
C is the most popular language used f or systems programming like designing
compilers and operating systems.

LISP:
LISP stands for list processing . This language is mostly used in non numeric
applications which require logical rather than numerical operations. Therefore it is
widely used in games, pattern recognition and artificial intelligence.

Check Your Progress - 6.3

1. Match the following.

A B
(i) COBOL a. Formula Translation
(ii) BASIC
b.
Non numeric applications (iii) C c.
Structured Programming
(iv) FORTRAN
d.
needs an interpreter
(v) LISP e. widel y used language for systems programming
(vi) PASCAL f. Self documenting
language

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /75

 6.4 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
PROCESS
W hile writing a computer program, it is absolutely necessary to write .each
and every instruction in the correct sequence. The logical control of element within the
computer program is the most important aspect of programming.

The various stages in the development of a computer program are :

Problem Definition
Program Design
Coding
Debugging
Testing
Documentation
Maintenance

6.4.1 Problem Definition:

The first step in the process of program development is the thorough
understanding and identification of the problem for which is the program or software is to
be developed. In this step the problem has to be defined formally. All the factors like
Input/output, processing requirement, memory requirements, error handling, interfacing
with other programs have to be taken into consideration in this stage.
6.4.2 Program Design:
The next stage is the program design. The software developer makes use of
tools like algorithms and flowcharts to develop the design of the program.
Algorithm:
An algorithm represents the logic of the processing to be perf ormed. It is a sequence of
instructions which are designed in such a way that if they are executed in the specified
sequence, the desired goal is achieved. It is imperative that the result be obtained
af ter execution of a finite number of steps.
In an algorithm,
- Each and every instruction has to be precise and clear.
- The instruction has to be executed in a finite time.
- W hen the algorithm terminates the desired result should be achieved.

Flowchart :
A f lowchart is a pictorial representation of the algorithm. It represents the
steps involved in the procedure and shows the logical sequence of processing using
boxes of different shapes. The instruction to be executed is mentioned in the boxes.
These boxes are connected together by solid lines with arrows, which indicat e the flow
of operation.
The first step in the design of a program is the algorithm. The algorithm is
then represented in t he f orm of a flowchart and the flowchart is then expressed in the
computer language to actually prepare the computer program.

Computer Fundamentals/ 76
 Fig. 6.2 Symbols used in a
flowchart.

The symbols used in the flowchart are:

Terminal (Start/Stop):
The symbol denotes the beginning, ending and halt operation in the program
logic. Thus it is t he first and the last Symbols! in any nov-chart to indicate the start and
stop of the process.

Input/output:
Indicates when an input or output operation is to performed in the process.

Processing:
This represents the arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction etc, and
the movement of data in the process

Decision:
The decision symbol is used to represent a point where one or more alternatives
is possible. The criteria f or decision making are written in the decision box. On each
path the condition f or which the particular path is to be followed has to be written. During
the execution the appropriate path will be f ollowed depending upon the result of the
decision.

Flow l ines:
These indicate the flow of operation ie. The sequence of instruction execution. Flow
lines are normally drawn with arrowhead indicating the direction of flow of the program.

Connectors:
A connector is used t o indicate the logic flow f rom one page to another when
the flowchart becomes very long. Connectors do not represent any operation. They are
mainly used in the flowchart f or clarity and convenience.

Types of l ogic used in the flowchart:

Sequential Execution: In this logic the instructions are executed one after the
other sequentially.

Transfer of control: This is a logic which is used when the option to be chosen
depends upon the result of the decision. The control is transf erred to a particular path if
the result of the decision branches to that path.

Looping: In looping or repetitive logic, an instruction or a number of instructions are

executed more than once. The instructions are executed till the decision criteria is true.
The decision criteria can be placed bef ore the loop or af ter the loop depending upon the
statements which are t o be executed in the loop.

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /77

Let us see som e examples of wri ting algorithms and flowcharts .
(1) Write an algorithm and develop a flowchart to convert the temperature input in
Celsius scale to Fahrenheit scale.

Solution :

First write a detailed stepwise algorithm to do the conversion

Step 1: Start.
Step 2: Input temperature in Celsius (C).
Step 3: Convert to Fahrenheit (F) using the formula F = 9/5 * C + 32.
Step 4 : Print the temperature in Fahrenheit (F).
Step 5: Stop.

Next on the basis of this step wise algorithm develop the flowchart using the
appropriate flowchart symbols as f ollows:

Fig 6.3

(2) Write an al gorithm and flowchart to read two numbers A and B and compare
them. If
A is greater than B pr int, A is greater than B else print B i s greater
than A. Algorithm :

Step 1:Start.
Step 2:Input values of A and
Step 3:B.
Compare values of A and B (Is A
B?). >
Step 4:If yes then print A is greater than B.
Step 5:If no, the print B is greater than
A.
Now draw the flowchart for the above.

Computer Fundamentals/ 78
Other techniques which can be useful in designing of the program are:

Modular Programming:
Using this method the entire program is divided into smaller manageable
modules so that the smaller modules can be designed, coded and debugged
separately.

Top-Down Design:
Here the overall problem is first defined in terms of general subtask. These
subtasks are divided into further sub tasks.

6.4. 3 Coding:

Once the design process is complete, the actual computer program is written,
i.e. the instructions are written in a computer language. Coding is generally a very small
part of the entire program development process and also a less time consuming activity
in reality. In this process all the syntax errors i.e. errors related to spelling, missing
commas, undefined labels etc. are eliminated. For eff ective coding some of the
guidelines which are applied are
Use of meaningf ul names and labels of variables,
Simple and clear expressions,
Modularity with emphasis on making modules generalized,
Making use of comments and indenting the code properly,
Avoiding jumps in the program to transfer control.

6.4.4 Debugging:

At t his stage the errors in the programs are detected and corrected. This stage
of program development is an important process. Debugging is also known as
program validation.

Some common errors which might occur in the programs include:

Un initialization of variables,
Reversing of order of operands,

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /79

 Confusion of numbers and characters,
Inverting of conditions eg jumping on zero instead of on not zero.

The tools or methods whi ch can be used to debug the program s include:
Simulator -This is a computer program which simulates the execution of the
program on another computer.
Logic Analyzers: This test instrument detects the states of digital signals
during each clock cycle and stores them in memory. It then displays this data on
the monitor.
Breakpoints: This is introduced in the program to halt the execution at
some intermediate point. At this point, the values of the various inputs, outputs,
variables etc. can be checked.
Software interrupts: This is an instruction which saves the current value of
the program counter and then branches to a specif ic memory location. At t his
location there is the debugging program which displays the status information.
Memory dump: This gives a list ing of the current contents of a section of
the memory. Memory dumps are common in most simulator programs, and
microcomputer systems.
Trace routine: This program prints the current status of the processor at
specif ied intervals.

6.4.5 Testing (Validation):

The program is tested on a number of suitable test cases. A test plan of the
program has to be done at the stage of the program design itself . This ensures a
thorough understanding of the specifications. The most trivial and the most special cases
should be identified and tested. It is always usef ul to include the maximum and minimum
values of all variables as test data.

6.4.6 Documentation:
Documentation is a very essential step in the program development.
Documentation help$ t he users and the people who maintain the sof tware. This
ensures that f uture modification if required can be done easily. Also it is required
during redesigning and maintenance.

6.4.7 Maintenance:
Updating and correction of the program for changed
conditions and field experience is accounted for in maintenance.
Maintenance becomes essential in following situations:
- Change in specification,
- ChangelrY equipment,
- Errors which are f ound during the actual execution of the
program. Modularity, structured programming, thorough testing
and debugging and proper documentation greatly reduce the t ime
and cost of maintenance of the software.

Computer Fundamentals/ 80
Check your Progress - 6.4
1. Answer in 1-2 words.
a. Name any two stages in the development
of a computer program.
............................................................................................
....
............................................................................................
....
b. Name any two tools used to develop the program design,
............................................................................................
....
............................................................................................
....
c. Name and draw any two symbols used
in
flowchart,
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ..
......
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ..
......
d. List any two methods used f or debugging the program.
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ..
......
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ...
......
e. List any two situations where the maintenance stage of program development
becomes essential.
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... .
......
........... .... .. .... .. .......................................... .... .. ...... ................................ .. .... ..
......
2. Write algorithms and draw flowcharts for the
following:
a) Input the marks of five subjects of a student.
Calculate the percentage and print the grades as follows:
Grade A for 90% and above, grade B f or percentage greater than or
equal to 75 and less than 90 and grade C f or percentage less than 75.
b) Find the area and perimeter of a rectangle given the sides s1
and s2.

6.5
SUMMARY

A set of programs, procedures and associated documentation together

constit ute the computer software. The computer sof tware is classified as :

Application Software : These carry out specific applications like payroll, financial
accounting et c.

Systems Software : This set of programs controls the execution of the computer
syst em. It cont rols the f unctions of the other sof twares, and hardware.

Utility software : These are program tools used in program development or to

perf orm limited tasks.

Firmware : These are programs available on hardware i.e. ROM

chips.

Programmi ng languages : A language is a set of instructions which tells the

computer what to do. All languages perform the basic operations of input/output,
arithmetic and logic operations and data movement from and to the CPU.
The broad categori es of programming languages are:

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /81

Machine Language : The only language understood by the computer, it is a
language of
Os and 1s. It is machine dependant and difficult for the user to
learn.

Assembly Language : Assembly language uses mnemonics to write the program

code. This is then converted into machine language by the assembler.

High Level Languages : They make use of English like words and statements and
are easy to learn. They are translated into machine language with the use of
compilers and interpreters. Some of the commonly used high level languages are
FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL, RPG, PASCAL, C, LISP
etc.
Fourth Generation Languages : These are non procedural languages. They are
normally used in conjunction of a data base and its data dictionary.

The various stages in the development of a computer

program are:
Problem Definition : Thorough understanding and identification of the problem for
which a program is to be written.

Program Design : Tools like algorithms and flowcharts are used to design the program.
The techniques employed in design are modular-programming, top-down design.

Codi ng : At this stage, the actual program is written using a computer

language.

Debugging : Here the errors in the program are detected and

corrected.

Testing : A test plan for the program which has been done at the design stage is
applied here to test the program on a number of suitable test cases.

Documentation : This stage ensures that further modifications, redesign and

maintenance can be made easy to the user who maintains the software.

Maintenance : Updating and correction of programs is covered in

maintenance.

Thus a comput er program is not just writing code in a computer language,

but a detailed procedure of going through the various stages of definition, design, coding,
debugging, testing, documentation and maintenance.

6.6 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS-

ANSWERS
6.2
1. 1 -c 2-d 3-a 4- b
2. Sof tware means a set of programs, procedures and other
associated documentation which describes what the program
does and how it is to be used.
1 a. Machine Language, Assembly Language, High Level language, Fourt
hGeneration
Languages.
.b. The programs which translate the source programs into object
programs i.e machine programs are called translators, eg.
compiler.
c. The aims of 4 GL are : to develop programs faster, write
programs which can be easily modified and make them easy to
learn.

6.3 (i) - f (ii) -d (iii) -e (iv ) -a (v) -b (vi) c

Computer Fundamentals/ 82
6.4
1. a) Problem definition, program design b) Algorithm, Flow chart
c) Connectors, Flow lines d) Break points, simulators e) Change in
specification, change in equipment.
2a) Algorithm :
Step 1 : Start,
Step 2 : Input marks of five subjects (ml,m2,m3,m4,m5).
Step 3 : Calculate percentage (p = (ml -i- m2 + m3 + m4 + m5)/5).
Step 4 : Check if percentage (p) >= 90.
Step 5 : If yes, print A
grade.
Step 6 : If no, check if percentage (p) >= 75.
Step 7 : If yes, print B
grade.
Step 8 : If no, print C grade. Step 9: Stop.
Stop

b) Algorithm :
Step 1 : Start.
Step 2 : Ent er the sides of the rectangle s1 and s2.
Step 3 : Calculate area (A) = s1 x s2.
Step 4 : Calculate perimeter (P) = 2 * (s1 + s2).
Step 5 : Output area (A) and perimeter (P).
Step 6 : Stop.

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /83

 6.7 QUESTIONS FOR SELF -
STUDY
1. Describe the kinds of sof tware.
2. What is a programming language? What are the types of
programming languages? Describe each in brief.
3. What are translators? Describe the types of translators.
4. Describe in brief any two commonly used high level languages.
5. What are the steps in the program development? Describe any two.
6. Write short note on Algorithms and flowcharts.
7. Describe in brief the tools used f or debugging computer programs.
8. Explain what is maintenance of a computer program and
when it becomes necessary.

6.8 SUGGESTED
READINGS
Computer Fundamentals
Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

REFERENCE
S
http://www.tutorialspoint.com
/

Computer Fundamentals/ 84
 NOTES

Computer Software, Programming Languages and Program Develop ment /85

 NOTES

Computer Fundamentals/ 86
 Chapter 7

Introduction to Operating Systems

7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Definition
7.3 Computer Processing Techniques,
7.4 Summary
7.5 Check your Progress - Answers
7.6 Questions for Self Study
7.7 Suggested Readings

7.0
OBJECTIVES
Friends, after studying the chapter Operating Systems You will be able to:
Define an operating system and understand the f unctions of the system
Discuss term s like resident and transient programs, throughput,
response
time etc.
Explain the different processing
techniques

7.1 INTRODUCTION

The operating system acts as an interface between the humans and the computer. the
operating system ensures smooth and efficient operation of a computer.

7. 2
DEFINITION
An Operating system is defined as an integrated set of programs which
manage the various resources and operations of a computer system. The operating
system acts as an interface between the humans and the computer. The operating
system ensures sm ooth and efficient operation of a computer.
Memory management: Allocation of main m em ory and other storage to the
system program s and the user data and programs.
Input/output management: Managem ent of the input/output devices and
their assignm ent to the various programs that are being executed
File management: The files have to be stored in various storage devices. They
have to be transferred from one storage device to another. This is taken care
of by the Operating System.
Data security and integrity: The data and programs have to be handled in
such a way that they do not interfere with each other.
Assigning pri ority to jobs: The operating system is the one which has to
decide and allot priority to the jobs which are to be
executed.
Interpret commands and detect errors: Each of these functions are
performed by a program or a set of programs and all the programs together
m ake the operating system. Normally, there is one control program of the
operating system that resides in the main m emory of the computer. This
program is known as the resident program. The other programs known as
transient programs or service programs reside on the disk and are accessed as
and when required. The total amount of work performed by the operating
system over a period of time is known as
throughput.
The response time is the time interval between the time the user submits request
and the -time he receives the response. Response time is also known as

Introduction To operating 87
Systems/
 turnaround time the efficiency of a computer system depends upon the
throughput and the response time.
Functions of the Op erating Systems : The operating systems are
designed to perform the following functions
:
Processor management: A process is a program in execution. The
processor is a hardware device which processes a sequence of instructions.
Assigning of processors to the different tasks being executed by the computer
is processor management.

Check your Progress - 7.2

1. Fill in the blanks.
a) A.............................is a program in
execution.
b) The control program of the operating system which resides in the main
memory
of the
Computer is known as the....... .......................
c) The total amount of work performed by the operating system over a period of time
is the.. ...............
d) Response time is also known as........................
2. Answer in 1-2 Sentences
a. List any two functions of an operating
system.
. ..................................................................................... .................................... ...
. ......................................................................................................................... ....

b. On what factors does the efficiency of the operating system depend?

. ..................................................................................... .................................... ...

7.3 COMPUTER PROCESSING T

ECHNIQUES

7.3.1 Batch Processing:

In batch processing , a numbers of jobs are collected by the operator offline and
when a batch of jobs gets collected they are input to the computer for processing. The
jobs are then processed without user intervention.
Typical applications of batch processing include applications like payroll, preparation
of
bills etc. where the information is not to be updated freq
5.2.2
Spooling: Spooling is used to improve the processing speed of batch processing.
Spooling means Simultaneous Peripheral Output on Line. The process of storing
input
data and output results on secondary storage is known as spooling. The input data is
stored on magnetic disks and is fed to the CPU when it is not too busy. The processor
then processes the data and the resulting output is again stored on secondary storage
device. Thus in spooling, the magnetic storage media acts as a buffer between the
m emory and the input/ output
devices.
In many computers special purpose input/output processors which can function
independent of the CPU are provided, thus leaving the main processor free once the
program execution is over. The I/O processors then print the spooled data from the
tape or disk on the printer. Thus spooling improves the efficiency of use of memory
and
CPU.

Computer 88
Fundamentals/
7.3.3 Multiprogramming:

In multiprogramming the CPU is capable of running more than one

program concurrently. More than one program s can reside in the main memory at any
given time, however the processor is able to execute only one instruction at a
time.
The, operating speed of the CPU is much faster than that of the I/O devices. Therefore
when one program is busy with I/O operations, the CPU is able to allocate time to
other program s instead of remaining idle. Thus a num ber of users can share CPU time.
A number of programs can reside in the main memory of the com puter system.
The place in memory where a program resides is known as partition. Depending upon
the
operating system , the actual number of partitions in the mem ory and the number of
program s that can reside simultaneously is decided. Thus in multiprogramming it
is
possible to run a number of programs in much less time than would be required
to
execute them one after the other.

Multiprogramming increases both the throughput and response time of

computer the
system. However operating system s which can support multiprogramming
are required to have high memory capacity and at the same time effective mechanism
of protecting the memory.

7.3.4 Multiprocessing:

In multiprocessing system s, two or more CPUs are connected together. Theref ore
it is possible to execute instructions from different programs at the sam e tim e. Thus
more than one instruction can be executed simultaneously. The idle time of the
com puter reduces, since there is not user intervention in between jobs.
The disadvantages of batch processing are:

The data has to be first accum ulated and then processed. Theref ore there is a
possibility of delay in execution of
jobs,
It is not possible to change priority of jobs. If both jobs have the same
priority,
one of them has to wait in the batch till the complete execution of the
other.
Execute different instructions of the same program. Different multiprocessing
systems use different types of memory configurations. Som e systems have a Com mon
main memory for all the CPUs, in some systems each system has its own main
memory while in still others each CPU can have its own memory as well as share a
com mon m emory with other processors.

Multiprocessing systems require a very complex and sophisticated

operating
system to coordinate all the activities of the multiple CPUs and other devices.
Multiprocessing systems are also very expensive.
7.3.5 Time Sharing:

In time sharing, it is possible for multiple users to run more than one
at the sameapplication
time on the computer. This is accomplished by providing a=separate
;
terminal to each user. All these terminals are connected to the main computer. The GPU
time is divided among all the users on a scheduled basis. The time that each user gets
is called a time slice. The CPU switches from one user to the another, and e|^cutes a
part of the process in the time slice. This process continues till the job is executed. In
time
sharing, like in multiprogramming only one program is in control of the CPU at any
given
time.

In time sharing environment, it is not always possible that all the programs
of
all the users reside in the main memory. Only the control program and som e
programs
reside in the m ain memory. The remaining program s are loaded from the secondary
memory as and when they are to be executed.

7.3.6 On line Processin g:

In on line processing the transaction data is directly sent to secondary on-line

storage
devices by the CPU without sorting, from the point where data is generated. The accessing
and retrieval of data is very fast. In these systems-devices are directly connected to the

Introduction To operating 89
Systems/
CPU for input or
inquiry.
7.3.7 Real Time Processing:

Real time processing is an on line processing system where the records are
updated and data is processed as soon as the transaction takes place-Real time
systems allow the users to communicate with the computer during the processing
itself. Typical examples of real time systems are the air line reservation market
systems etc. In real time system s a number of terminals may be linked to a single CPU. A
number of remote stations are connected to the computer with communication lines
and
several stations operate simultaneously. The transactions update records. In off line
processing, the data processing is not directly controlled by the CPU. I n minicomputers
anumber of terminals are used to enter the data onto a secondary storage like a tape
or disk. The data is validated, and then entered into the main CPU in batch mode for
processing.

Check your Progress - 7.3

Match the following.

A B
(i) Batch Processing a. Multiple user, multiple applications at same
time
(ii) Spooling b. Multiple CPUs connected
together
(iii) Multiprogramming c. off line data
collection
(iv) Multiprocessing d. Simultaneous Peripheral Output
Online
(v) Time Sharing e. multiple program execution at same
time

7.4 SUMMARY

An Operating System is defined as an integrated set of programs which manage

the various resources and operations of a computer system. It is the interface between
the user and the computer. The functions of the operating system are
Processor Management: It assigns the processor to the various tasks which are
being executed by the computer.
Memory Managemen t : Allocation of main memory and other storage to all the
programs and data.
Input/output Management: Management of I/O devices and their assignment to
v arious programs.
File Management: Managing the storage and transfer of files from various storage
devices.
Data Security and Integrity: Ensure that data and programs do not interf ere with
one another.
Assign Priorities to various jobs which are to be executed and interpret
the
v arious commands and detect and report errors.
A resident program is the control program of the operating system which
resides
in the main memory of the computer system. Transient program s reside on secondary
storage devices and are accessed as and when required. The total amount of work
performed by the operating system over a period of time is known as throughput. The
time
Interval between the time the user submits a request and receives the response is known
as response time or turnaround time. Throughput and response tim e determine the
efficiency of the operating system.

Computer Processing Techniques:

Batch Processing : A number of jobs are collected offline and the input to the
computer when a batch is complete. The jobs are then processed without user
intervention. In batch processing it is not possible to change the priority of jobs
which
are once batched. Spooling : Spooling means Simultaneous Peripheral output on
The process of storing input data andline.
output results on secondary storage dev ices is
spooling. The secondary storage media acts as a buff er between the mem ory and
input/output
devices.

Computer 90
Fundamentals/
Multiprogramming: In this mode of processing, the CPU is capable of running
more Since a number of programs can reside in
than one program concurrently.
main
memory at any giv en time a number of users can share the CPU. Multiprogramming
increases both the throughput and efficiency of the computer system.
Multiprocessing : In a m ultiprocessing system two or more CPUs are connected
together. Thus more than one instruction can be executed simultaneously. It is also
possible to execute instructions from different programs at the same time.
Time Sharing : In time sharing, a separat e terminal is provided for each user. All
such term inals are connected to the main computer. The CPU time is divided among
all the users.
On line Processing : In this processing, transaction data is directly sent to on-
storage devices. Thus access line
and retrieval of data is very fast.
Off line Processing: In offline data processing, the data processing is not
controlleddirectly
by the CPU. The data is f irst entered onto secondary storage devices like a
tape of disk. It is later validated and then entered into main CPU in a batch mode for
processing.

7.5 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

ANSWERS
7.2 1. a) Process
b) resident program
c)
throughput
d) turnaround tim
e2. a) Memory Management, File Management
b) Throughput and Response tim e
7.3 (i) - c (ii) - d (iii) - e (iv) - b (v) - a

7.6 QUESTIONS F OR SELF -

STUDY
1. W hat is an operating system?
2. Discuss the functions of the operating system .
3. Define the terms response tim e and throughput.
4. W hat are resident programs and transient programs?
5. W rite short notes on Batch processing and
Spooling.
6. W hat is
multiprogramming?
7. Discuss
multiprogramming
8. Differentiate between on line processing and off line
processing.

7.7 Sugg ested Readings

Computer Fundamentals

Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K Sinha

Introduction To operating 91
Systems/
NOTE
S

Computer 92
Fundamentals/
Chapter
8
Popular Operating
System
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Operating System
8.3 Unix Operating System
8.4 MS-DOS-Disk Operating System
8.5 Windows XP
8.6 Windows Vista
8.7 Windows 8
8.8 Linux
8.9 Summary
8.10 Check your Progress Answers
8.11 Questions for Self Study
8.12 Suggested Readings

8.0
OBJECTIVES
Friends, this chapter gives a brief introduction of some popular operating
systems. After learning this chapter you will be able to discuss the following operating
syst ems
UNIX
MS-DOS
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 9
Linux

8.1
INTRODUCTION
An operating system, which is a kind of system soft ware and the programs of it
provides interaction between user and computer components. There are various
Operating systems available.

8.2 OPERATING
SYSTEM
An operating system is a software component of a computer system that is responsible
for the management of various activities of the computer and the sharing of computer
resources. It host s the several applications that run on a computer and handles the
operations of computer hardware. Users and application programs access the
services offered by the operating systems, by means of system calls and application
programming interf aces. Users interact with operating systems through Command Line
Interf aces (CLIs) or Graphical User Interf aces known as GUIs. In short, operating system
enables user interaction with computer systems by acting as an interface between users
or application programs and the computer hardware. Here is an overview of the different
types of operating systems.
Types of Operating System.

Real-time Operating System:

It is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-time
applications. Real-time operating systems often use specialized scheduling
algorithms so that they can achieve a deterministic nature of behavior. The main object
of real-time operating systems is their quick and predictable response to event s. They
either have an event-driven or a time-sharing design. An event-driven system switches
between tasks based of their priorities while time-sharing operating systems switch
tasks based on clock interrupts.

Popular Operating System/ 93

Multi-user and Single-user Operating Systems:
The operating systems of this type allow a m ultiple users to access a computer
system concurrently. Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as
they enable a multiple user access to a computer through the sharing of time. Single-
user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a
single user at a time. Being able to have multiple accounts on a W indows operating
system does not make it a multi-user system. Rather, only the network administrator is
the real user. But for a Unix-like operating system, it is possible for two users to login at a
time and this capability of the OS makes it a multi-user operating system

Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems:

When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped
under a single-tasking system, while in case the operating system allows the
execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-tasking operating
system. Multi-tasking can be of two types namely, pre-em ptive or co-operative. In
pre-emptiv e multitasking, the operating system slices the CPU time and dedicates
one slot to each of the programs. Unix-like operating systems such as Solaris and
Linux support pre-emptive multitasking.

Distributed Operating System:

An operating system that manages a group of independent computers and
makes them appear to be a single computer is known as a distributed operating
system. The development of networked com puters that could be linked and
communicate with each other, gave rise to distributed computing. Distributed
computations are carried out on more than one machine. W hen computers in a group
work in cooperation, they make a distributed system.

Embedded System:
The operating systems designed for being used in embedded computer systems
are known as embedded operating systems. They are designed to operate on small
machines like PDAs with less autonom y. They are able to operate with a limited
number of resources. They are very com pact and extremely efficient by design.
Windows CE, FreeBSD and Minix 3 are some examples of embedded operating
systems.

The operating syst ems thus contribute to the simplification of the human
interaction with the computer hardware. They are responsible for linking application
programs with the hardware, thus achieving an easy user access to the computers.

8.3 UNIX OPERATING

SYSTEM
Uni x (officially trademarked as UNIX, sometimes also writt en as U NIX with
small caps) is a computer operating system originally developed in 1969 by a group
of AT&T employees at Bell Labs, including Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Brian
Kernighan, Douglas McIlroy, and Joe Ossanna. Todays Unix systems are split into
various branches, developed over time by AT&T as well as various commercial vendors
and non-profit organizations.
UNIX operating systems are widely used in both servers and
workstations. The UNI X environment and the client-server program model were essential
elements in the development of the Internet and the reshaping of computing as centered in
networks rather than in individual computers. Both Unix and the C
programming
language were developed by AT&T and distributed to government and
institutions, which led to both being ported to a wider variety of machine families than
academic
any other operating system. As a result, UNIX became synonymous with open
systems.
UNIX was designed to be portable, multi-tasking and multi-user in a time-sharing
configuration. Unix system s are characterized by various concepts: the use of plain
text for storing data; a hierarchical file system; treating devices and certain types of
inter-process communication (IPC) as files; and t he use of a large number of software
tools, small programs that can be strung together through a command line interpreter

Computer Fundamentals/ 94
using pipes, as opposed to using a single monolithic program that includes all of the
same functionality. These concepts are known as the Unix philosophy.
Under Unix, the operating system consists of many of these utilities along with
the master control program, the kernel. The kernel provides services to start and stop
programs, handles the file system and other common low level tasks that most
programs share, and, perhaps most importantly, schedules access to hardware to
avoid conflicts if two programs try to access the same resource or dev ice
simultaneously. To mediate such access, the kernel was given special rights on the
system, leading to the division between user-space and kernel-space .

8.3.1 Components
List of Unix programs
The Unix system is composed of several components that are normally packaged
together. By including in addition to the kernel of an operating system the
dev elopement environment, libraries, documents, and the portable, modifiable source-
code for all of these components, Unix was a self-contained software system. This was
one of the key reasons it emerged as an important teaching and learning tool and has
had such a broad influence. The inclusion of these components did not make the system
large the original V7 UNIX distribution, consist ing of copies of all of the compiled
binaries plus all of the source code and documentation occupied less than 10MB, and
arrived on a single 9-track magnetic tape.
The names and file system locations of the Unix components have changed
subst antially across the history of the system. Nonetheless, the V7 implementation is
considered by many t o have the canonical early structure:
Kernel source code in /user/sys, composed of several sub-components:
conf configuration and machine-dependent parts, including boot code
dev device drivers for control of hardware (and some pseudo-hardware)
Sys operating system kernel, handling memory management, process
scheduling, system calls, etc.
h header files, defining key structures within the system and important system-
specific invariables
Development Environment Early versions of Unix contained a development
environment sufficient to recreate the entire system f rom source code:
cc C language compiler (first appeared in V3 Unix)
as machine-language assembler f or the machine
ld linker, for combining object files
lib object-code libraries (installed in /lib or /usr/lib) libc, the system library with C
run-time support, was the primary library, but there have always been additional
libraries for such things as mathematical functions (libm) or database access. V7
Unix introduced the first version of the modern Standard I/O library stdio as part of
the system library. Later implementations increased the number of libraries
significantly.
make build manager (introduced in PWB/UNIX), for effectively automating the
build process
include header files for software development, defining standard interfaces and
system invariants
Other languages V7 Unix contained a Fortran-77 compiler, a programmable
arbitrary- precision calculator (bc, dc), and the awk scripting language, and later
versions and implementations contain many other language compilers and toolsets.
Early BSD releases included Pascal tools, and many modern Unix systems also
include the GNU Compiler Collection as well as or instead of a proprietary compiler
system.
Commands Unix makes little distinction between commands (user-level
programs) for system operation and maintenance (e.g. cron), commands of general
utility (e.g. grep), and more general-purpose applications such as the text formatting
and typesetting package. Nonetheless, some major categories are:
sh The shell programmable command line interpreter, the primary user
interface on Unix before window systems appeared, and even afterward (within a

Popular Operating System/ 95

 command
Utilities the core tool kit of the Unix command set, including cp, ls, grep, find
window).
and many others. Subcategories include:

System utilities administrative tools such as mkfs, fsck, and many others
User utilities environment management tools such as passwd, kill, and
others.

Document formatting Unix systems were used from the outset for document
preparation and typesetting systems, and included many related programs such
as nroff, troff, tbl, eqn, refer, and pic. Some modern Unix systems also include
packages such as TeX and Ghostscript.
Graphics The plot subsystem provided facilities for producing simple vector
plots in a device-independent format, with device-specific interpreters to display
such files. Modern UNIX systems also generally include X11 as a standard
windowing system and GUI, and many support
OpenGL.
Communications Early UNIX systems contained no inter-system
communication, but did include the inter-user communication programs mail and
write. V7 introduced the early inter-system communication system UUCP, and
systems beginning with BSD release 4.1c included TCP/IP utilities.

The man command can display a manual page for any command on the
system,
including itself.
Documentation Unix was the first operating system to include all of its
documentation online in machine readable form. The documentation included:
man manual pages for each command, library component, system call, header
file, etc.
doc longer documents detailing major subsystems, such as the C language.

8.3.2 Features of Unix Operating System

1. The Unix system had significant impact on other operating systems. It was written
in high level language rather than assembly
language
2. Unix had a drastically simplified file model compared to many contemporary
operating systems, treating all kinds of files as simple byte arrays. The file system
hierarchy contained machine services and devices (such as printers, terminals, or disk
drives.
3 Making the command int erpreter an ordinary user-level program, with additional
commands provided as separate programs, was another Multics innovation popularized
by Unix. The Unix shell used the same language for interactive commands as for
scripting.
4.Over time, text-based applications have also proven popular in application areas, such
as printing languages (PostScript, ODF), and at the application layer of the Internet
protocols, e.g., Telnet, FTP, SSH, SMTP, HTTP, SOAP and
SIP.
5.Unix popularized syntax for regular expressions that found widespread use. The Unix
programming interface became the basis f or a widely implemented operating system
interface standard (POSIX, see above).
8. Unix provided the TCP/IP networking protocol on relatively inexpensive
computers, which contributed to the Internet explosion of worldwide real-time
connectivity, and which f ormed the basis for implementations on many other platforms.
This also exposed numerous security holes in the networking implementations.

8.3.3 Free Unix-like operating systems

In 1983, Richard Stallman announced the GNU project, an ambit ious
effort to creat e a free software Unix-like system; free in that everyone who
received a copy would be free to use, study, modify, and redistribute it. The
GNU projects own kernel development project, GNU Hurd, had not produced
a working kernel, but in 1992 Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel as
free software under the GNU General Public License. In addition to their use in
the Linux operat ing system , many GNU packages such as the
GNU

Computer Fundamentals/ 96
Compiler Collection (and the rest of the GNU t oolchain), the GNU C library
and the GNU core utilities have gone on to play central roles in other free
Unix systems as well.
Linux distributions, comprising Linux and large collections of compatible
sof tware have become popular both with individual users and in business. Popular
distributions include Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Fedora, SUSE Linux Enterprise,
openSUSE, Debian GNU/Linux, Ubuntu, Mandriva Linux, Slackware Linux and
Gentoo.
8.4 DOS [DISK OPERATING
SYSTEM]
In July 1980 IBM assigned Microsoft to develop a 18-bit operating system f or
the personal computer for the f ee of 188,000 dollars. Although the company Digital
Research of Gary Kildall already had with CP/M 88 such a 18-bit version, but by
circumstances no contract has been established with IBM. Microsoft did not have yet
any operating system; Microsof t licensed CP/M from Digital Research in November
1977 for 50,000 dollars.
The command interpreter is integrated in the file command.com with the internal
commands for MS-DOS. Toget her with the f ile io.sys f or simple device routines like the
access to the monitor, keyboard, fixed storage disks and interfaces as well as the
booting code these form the base operating system. DOS works very hardware near.
1988 was MS-DOS established and had reached measured on the market share
a monopoly in the DOS market. The number of the MS-DOS installations grew
worldwide to about 80 million and surpassed all other systems with that amount. Almost
every software company offered standard applications like word processing, calculation
or also special solutions like measurement tools, CAD (Computer Aided Design) or
image processing f or MS-DOS. The PC manuf acturers designed her systems compatible
to MS-DOS except f or few manufacturers.

8.4.1 Small reference of internal DOS commands

del, erase - delete files
rd, rmdir - delete directories
dir - show content of directories
cd, chdir - change current directory cls - clear the screen
md, mkdir - create a directory copy - copy of one or several files
ren, rename - rename of files or directories type - shows the content of text files
set - shows the DOS environment variables or defines a new one ver - shows the DOS
version number
vol - shows the name of the storage drive

8.4.2 Small reference of external DOS commands

attrib - shows the attributes of files or set one of those
fdisk - partitioning or modif y of the hard disk
move - move of files
mem - shows the occupancy of working memory tree - shows the directory structure
format - f ormat of storage drives

Check Your Progress - 8.4

I. Fill in the blanks

1. Users interact with operating systems through
......... ..............
...or.... ......................
2. ..........................of ten use specialized scheduling algorithms so
that they can achieve a deterministic nature of behavior.
3. MS DOS 1.0 consists of about ................ ..........lines assembler code.
4. .................. ........command shows the directory structure in DOS
5. .................. ........Command shows the content of text file.
II Abbreviate the following
8. Personal Digital
Assistant.
7. : ..........................
International Business
Machine.
8. Business All Purpose Symbolic : ............ .............. Code. : ........ ................ ..
Instruction

Popular Operating System/ 97

 8.5 WINDOWS
XP
Windows XP is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use
on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and media
centers. The name XP is short for experience. Windows XP is the successor t o
both Windows 2000

8.5.1 Editions of Windows

XP
The two major editions are Windows XP Home Edition, designed for home
users, and Windows XP Professional, designed f or business and power-users. XP
Professional contains advanced features that the average home user would not
use. However, these features are not necessarily missing from XP Home. They are
simply disabled, but are there and can become functional. These releases were
made available at retail outlets that sell computer software, and were preinstalled
on computers sold by major computer manufacturers.
Microsof t also released Windows XP Embedded, an edition for specific
consumer electronics, set-t op boxes, kiosks/ATMs, medical devices, arcade video
games, point-of-sale terminals, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
components. In July 2008, Microsoft released Windows Fundamentals for Legacy
PCs, a thin client version of Windows XP Embedded which targets older machines
(as early as the original Pentium). It is only available to Software Assurance
customers. It is intended for corporate customers who would like to upgrade t o
Windows XP to take advantage of its security and management capabilities, but
cant afford to purchase new hardware.

Languages
Windows XP is available in many languages. In addition, MUI packs and
Interface Packs translating the user interface are also available for certain
Language
languages.

ATM
sAutomated teller machine (ATM) vendors NCR Corporation and Diebold
Incorporated have both adopted Microsof t Windows XP as their migration path from
OS/2. Diebold initially shipped XP Home Edition exclusively, but, f ollowing extensive
pressure from customer banks to support a common operating system, switched to
support XP Professional to match their primary competitor, NCR Corporation

8.5.2 New and updated features Features new to Windows XP

Windows XP introduced several new features to the Windows line, including:

Computer Fundamentals/ 98
Faster start-up and hibernation
sequences
The ability to discard a newer device driver in favor of the previous one (known
as driver rollback), should a driver upgrade not produce desirable results
A new, arguably more user-friendly int erf ace, including the framework for
developing themes for the desktop environment
Fast user switching, which allows a user to save the current state and open
applications of their desktop and allow another user to log on without losing t hat
information
The ClearType f ont rendering mechanism, which is designed to improve text
readability on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and similar monitorsU
Remote Desktop functionality, which allows users to connect t o a computer
running Windows XP Pro from across a network or the Int ernet and access their
applications, f iles, printers, and devices.
Support for most DSL modems and IEEE 802.11 connections, as well as
networking over FireW ire, and Bluetooth.

8.5.3 User interface

Windows XP features a new task-based graphical user interface. The Start
menu and
Windows indexing service were redesigned and many visual effects were added,
including:
A translucent blue selection rectangle in
Explorer
Drop shadows for icon labels on the

Popular Operating System/ 99

 desktop
Task-based sidebars in Explorer windows (common
tasks)
The ability to group the taskbar buttons of the windows of one application into
one button
The ability to lock the taskbar and other toolbars to prevent accidental
changes
The highlighting of recently added programs on the Start
menu
Shadows under menus (Windows 2000 had shadows under mouse pointers,
but not menus)
The Windows 2000 classic interface can be used instead if preferred.
Several third party utilities exist that provide hundreds of different visual styles.
Microsof t licensed technology from Window Blinds creator Star dock to create it s
visual styles in XP.

8.5.4 System requirements

Fig 8.2
Designed for Windows XP computer hardware logo

System requirements for Windows XP Home and Professional editions

as follow s:
For many workloads that involve Web browsing, e-mail,
and
other activities, 84 MB of RAM will provide [the] user experience
equivalent or superior to that of Windows Me running on the same
hardware.

8.5.5 Service packs

Microsof t occasionally releases service packs for its Windows operating
systems to fix problems and add features. Each service pack is a superset of all
previous service packs and patches so that only the latest service pack needs to be
installed, and also includes new revisions. Older service packs need not be removed
before application of the most recent one. The service pack details below only apply
to the 32-bit editions. Windows XP Professional x84 Edition was based on Windows
Server 2003 Service Pack 1 and claimed to be SP1 in system properties from the
initial release. It is updated by the same service packs and hot fixes as the x84
edition of Windows Server 2003.

Service Pack 1

Set Program Access and Defaults was added in Service Pack 1.

Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows XP was released on September 9, 2002.

It contains post-RTM security f ixes and hot-fixes, compatibility updates, optional
.NET Framework support, enabling technologies for new devices such as Tablet
PCs, and a new Windows Messenger 4.7 version. The most notable new features
were USB 2.0 support and a Set Program Access and Defaults utility that aimed at
hiding various middleware products. Users can control the default application for
activities such as web browsing and instant messaging, as well as hide access to
some of Microsofts bundled programs. This utility was first brought into the older

Computer Fundamentals/ 100

Windows 2000 operating system with its Service Pack 3. This Service Pack
supported SATA and hard drives that were larger t han 137GB (48-bit LBA support)
by default.

Service Pack 2

Windows Security Center was added in Service Pack 2.

Windows XP, including a f irewall, improved Wi-Fi support, such as W PA

encryption compatibility, with a wizard utility, a pop-up ad blocker for Internet
Explorer 8, and Bluetooth support. The new welcome screen during the kernel boot
removes the subtitles Prof essional, Home Edition and Embedded since
Microsoft introduced new Windows XP editions prior to the release of SP2. The
green loading bar in Home Edition and the yellow one in Embedded were replaced
with the blue bar, seen in Professional and other versions of Windows XP, making
the boot-screen of operating systems resemble each other. Colors in other areas,
such as Control Panel and the Help and Support tool, remained as before. Service
Pack 2 also added new security enhancements, which included a major revision to
the included firewall that was renamed to Windows Firewall and is enabled by
default, additionally; security- related improvements were made to e-mail and web
browsing. Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes the Windows Security Center,
which provides a general overview of security on the system, including the state of
antivirus software, Windows Update, and the new Windows Firewall. Third-
party
anti-virus and firewall applications can interface with the new Security Center.

Service Pack 3

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) was released to manufacturing on April

21, 2008 and to t he public via both the Microsoft Download Center and Windows
Update on May 8, 2008. It began being automatically pushed out to Automatic
Update users on July 10, 2008. A feature set overview which details new feat ures
available separately as standalone updates to Windows XP, as well as back ported
features from Windows Vista has been posted by Microsoft. A total of 1,174 fixes
have been included in SP3. Service Pack 3 can be installed on systems with
Internet Explorer versions 8 or 7.

Check Your Progress - 8.5

Fill in the blanks
1. The two major editions of W indows XP are
.....................and
2. Windows XPs.....................
.... .............. ...edition are used in laptops and notebooks.
3. Service Pack 1 (SP1) f or W indows XP was released on .....................
4. Service Pack 3 can be installed on systems with Int ernet Explorer ............. ........
5. .....................GB Hard disk or higher is required f or loading W indows XP.

8.6 WINDOWS
VISTA
8.6.1 New or changed features
Windows Vista revised and incorporated new features and f unctionalities not
present in its predecessors, especially those from W indows XP.

Windows Aero:
The new hardware-based graphical user interface is named Windows Aero,
which Jim Allchin stated is an acronym for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, and
Open. The new interface is intended to be cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing
than those of previous Windows versions, including new transparencies, live
thumbnails, live icons, and animations, thus providing a new level of eye
candy.

Popular Operating System/ 101

Laptop users report, however, that battery life is shortened with the feature enabled.
Windows Shell:
The new Windows shell is significantly diff erent from Windows XP, offering a
new range of organization, navigation, and search capabilities. Windows
Explorers task pane has been removed, integrating the relevant task options into
the toolbar. A Favorite links pane has been added, enabling one-click access to
common direct ories. The address bar has been replaced with a breadcrumb
navigation syst em. The preview pane allows users to see thumbnails of various
files and view the contents of documents. The details pane shows information
such as file size and t ype, and allows viewing and editing of embedded tags
in
supported file formats. The Start menu has changed as well; it no longer uses
ever-expanding boxes when navigating through Programs. The word Start
itself
has been removed in favor of a blue W indows Pearl.

Instant Search :
Windows Vista f eatures a new way of searching called Instant Search, which is
significantly faster and more in-depth (content-based) than the search features
found in any of the previous versions of Windows.

Windows Sidebar:
A transparent panel anchored to the side of the screen where a user can place
Desktop Gadget s, which are small applets designed for a specialized purpose
(such as displaying the weather or sports scores). Gadgets can also be placed on
other parts of the deskt op.

Windows Internet Explorer 7:

New user interface, tabbed browsing, RSS, a search box, improved printing,
Page Zoom, Quick Tabs (thumbnails of all open tabs), Anti- Phishing filter, a
number of new security protection f eatures, Internationalized Domain Name
support (IDN), and improved web standards support. IE7 in Windows Vist a
runs
in isolation from other applications in the operating syst em (protect ed mode);
exploits and malicious software are restricted f rom writing to any location beyond
Temporary Internet Files without explicit user consent.

Windows Media Player 11 , a major rev amp of Microsofts program for playing
and organizing music and video. New features in this version include word
wheeling (or search as you type), a new GUI for the media library, photo display
and organization, the ability to share music libraries over a network with other
Windows Vista machines, Xbox 380 integration, and support for other Media
Center Extenders.
Backup and Restore Center: Includes a backup and restore application that
gives users the ability to schedule periodic backups of files on their computer, as
well as recovery from previous backups. Backups are incremental, storing only
the changes each time, minimizing disk usage. It also features Complete PC
Backup (available only in Ultimate, Business, and Enterprise versions) which
backs up an entire computer as an image ont o a hard disk or DVD. Complete PC
Backup can automatically recreate a machine setup onto new hardware or hard
disk in case of any hardware failures. Complete PC Restore can be initiated from
within W indows Vista or from the W indows Vista installation CD in the event the
PC is so corrupt that it cannot start up normally f rom the hard disk.
Windows Mail: A replacement f or Outlook Express that includes a new mail
store that improves stability, and features integrated Instant Search. It has the
Phishing Filter like IE7 and Junk mail filtering that is enhanced through regular
updates via Windows
Update.
Windows Mobility Center:

Windows Mobility Center is a control panel that centralizes the most relev ant

Computer Fundamentals/ 102

 information related to mobile computing (brightness, sound, battery level / power
scheme selection, wireless network, screen orientation, presentation settings,
etc.).
Windows Meeting Space replaces NetMeeting. Users can share applications
(or their entire desktop) with other users on the local network, or over the
Internet using peer-to-peer technology (higher versions than Starter and Home
Basic can take advantage of hosting capabilities, Starter and Home Basic
editions are limited to join mode only)

Shadow Copy automatically creates daily backup copies of files and folders.
Users can also create shadow copies by setting a System Protection Point
using the System Protection tab in the System control panel. The user can be
presented multiple versions of a file throughout a limited hist ory and be
allowed to restore, delete, or copy those versions. This feature is available
only in the Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate editions of Windows Vist a and is
inherited from Windows Server 2003.
Windows Update with Windows Ultimate Extras

Windows Update: Software and security updates have been simplified, now
operating solely v ia a cont rol panel instead of as a web application. W indows
Mails spam filter and Windows Defenders definitions are updated
automatically via Windows Update. Users who choose the recommended
setting for Automatic Updates will have the latest drivers installed and
available when they add a new
device.
Parental controls: Allows administrators to control which websites, programs
and games each Limited user can use and install. This feature is not included
in the Business or Enterprise editions of Vista.
Windows SideShow: Enables t he auxiliary displays on newer laptops or on
supported Windows Mobile devices. It is meant to be used to display device
gadgets while the computer is on or off.
Speech recognition is integrated into Vist a. It features a redesigned user
interface and conf igurable command-and-control commands. Unlike the
Office 2003 version, which works only in Off ice and WordPad, Speech
Recognition in W indows Vista works for any accessible application. In
addition, it currently supports several languages: British and American
English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) and
Japanese.

New fonts, including several designed for screen reading, and improved
Chinese (Yahei, JhengHei), Japanese (Meiryo) and Korean (Malgun) fonts.
ClearType has also been enhanced and enabled by default.

Improved audio controls allow the system-wide volume or volume of

individual audio dev ices and even indiv idual applications to be controlled
separately. New audio f unctionalities such as Room Correction, Bass
Management, Speaker Fill and Headphone virtualization have also
been
incorporated.

Problem Reports and Solutions , a control panel which allows users to view
previously sent problems and any solutions or additional information that is
available.
Windows System Assessment Tool is a tool used to benchmark system
performance. Software such as games can retrieve this rating and modify its
own behavior at runtime to improve performance. The benchmark tests CPU,
RAM, 2-D and 3-D graphics acceleration, graphics memory and hard disk
space.
Windows Ultimate Extras : The Ultimate edition of Windows Vista provides, via
Windows Update, access t o some additional features. These are a collection of

Popular Operating System/ 103

 additional MUI language packs, Texas Hold Em (a Poker game) and Microsoft
Tinker (a strategy game where the character is a robot), BitLocker and EFS
enhancements which allow users to back up their encryption key online in a
Digital Locker, and Windows Dream scene, which enables t he use of videos in
MPEG and W MV f ormats as the desktop background. On April 21, 2008,
Microsoft launched two more Ultimate Extras; three new Windows sound
schemes, and a content pack for Dream scene. Various Dream Scene Content
Packs have been released since the final version of Dream Scene was
released.

Reliability and Performance Monitor includes various tools for tuning and
monitoring system performance and resources activities of CPU, disks,
network, memory and ot her resources. It shows the operations on files, the
opened connections, etc.
Removed Features
Some notable Windows XP features and components have been replaced or
removed in Windows Vista, including W indows Messenger, NTBackup,
the
network Messenger Service, HyperTerminal, MSN Explorer, Active Desktop,
and the replacement of NetMeeting with Windows Meeting Space. Windows
Vista also does not include the Windows XP Luna visual theme, or most of
the classic color schemes which have been part of Windows since the
Windows 3.x era. The Hardware profiles startup feature has also been
removed, along with support for older motherboard technologies like the EISA
bus, APM and Game port support (though on the 32-bit version game port
support can be enabled by applying an older driver). IP over FireWire (TCP/IP
over IEEE 1394) has been removed as well. The IPX/ SPX Protocol has also
been removed, although it can be enabled by a third-party plug-in.

Check Your Progress - 8.6

State whether the following statements true or false
1. Windows Vista includes version 3.0
of the .NET Framework,
2. W indows Vista features a new way
of
searching called Quick Search.
3. Parental controls allows administrators to control
which websites, programs and games each Limited
user can use and install.
4. Speech recognition system is
not integrated into Vista.
5. W indows vista has provided, a companion program
to Windows Movie Maker that provides the ability t o
create video DVDs based on a users content.

8.7 WINDOWS
8
Windows 8 is a version of Microsoft Windows (an operating
system developed by Micros oft ) for use on personal computers, including home and
business desktops ,laptops ,tablets , home theater PCs . Development of Windows 8
and
started before the release of its predecessor, Windows 7 , in 2009.
Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now
includes a ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have
been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers,
and improvements in the ability to manage conf licts when copying files. A new "File
History" function allows incremental revisions of files to be backed up to and
restored from a secondary storage device, while Storage Spaces allows users to
combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify
mirroring,
parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.

Computer Fundamentals/ 104

 Task Manager has also been redesigned, including a new processes tab
with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and
background processes, a heat map using different colors indicating the level of
resource usage, net work and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g.
applications, background processes and Windows processes), f riendly names for
processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information
about obscure processes. Additionally, the Blue Screen of Death has been updated
with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed

Removed Features

Several notable features have been removed in Windows 8, beginning with

the traditional Start menu. Support for playing DVDs has been removed
from Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders
(especially for devices which do not include optical disc drives at all) and the
prevalence of streaming services such as Netflix. For the same reasons, Windows
Media Center will no longer be included by default on Windows 8, but the software
(which also includes support for DVD playback) can be purchased in the "Pro Pack"
(for the base version of Windows 8, which also upgrades the syst em to Windows 8
Pro) or "Media Center Pack" (for Windows 8 Pro) add-ons. Windows 8 will still
support third-party DVD playback software.

Backup and Restore, the former backup app of Windows, is deprecated. It

still ships with W indows 8 and continues t o work on preset schedules, but is pushed
to the background and can only be accessed through a Control Panel applet called
"Windows 7 File Recovery. ow, a component of Windows Exp lorer that
Shad
once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local
files
and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on
a Windows Server computer. The subsystem, on which these components
worked, however, is still available for other software to use.

8.8 LINUX OPERATING

SYSTEM
Linux (commonly pronounced) is a generic term referring to Unix-
computerlike
operating systems based on the Linux kernel. Their development
is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software
collaboration; typically all the underlying source code can be used, freely
modified, and redistributed by anyone under the terms of the GNU GPL and
other free software licenses.
Linux is predominantly known for its use in servers, although it is
installed
on a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from embedded devices
and mobile phones to supercomputers. Linux distributions, installed on
both
desktop and laptop computers, have become increasingly commonplace
in
recent years, partly owing to the popular Ubuntu distribution and the
emergence of net books. The name Linux ( listen (helpinfo)) comes from
the Linux kernel, originally written in 1991 by Linus
Torvalds
8.8.1 User interface
Users can control a Linux-based system through a command line
interface (or CLI), a graphical user interface (or GUI), or through controls
attached to the associated hardware (this is common for embedded

Popular Operating System/ 105

systems). For desktop systems, the default mode is usually graphical user
interface.
A Linux system typically provides a CLI through a shell, which is
the way of interacting with a Unix system. A Linux
traditional
distribution
specialized for servers may use the CLI as its only interface. A headless
system run without even a monitor can be controlled by the command line
via a remote-control protocol such as SSH or telnet.
Most low-level Linux components, including the GNU user land,
the CLIuse exclusively. The CLI is particularly suited for automation of
repetitive
or delayed tasks, and provides v ery simple inter-process communication.
A
graphical terminal emulator program is often used to access the CLI from
aLinux desktop.

8.8.2 Servers and supercomputers

Fig 8.3

Linux distributions have mainly been used as server

systems,operating
and have risen to prominence in that area.
Components of IBM Roadrunner, the worlds fastest supercomputer
2008, which runs Linux. Linux distributions are the cornerstone of the
LAMP
server-software combination (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl/PHP/Python)
which has achieved popularity among developers, and which is one of the
more common platforms for website hosting.
Linux distributions are also commonly used as operating systems
for supercomputers: as of June 2009, out of the top 500 systems, 443
(88.8%) run a Linux .
distribution

8.9
SUMMARY
An operating system is a software component of a computer system
that is responsible for the management of various activities of the
computer
and the sharing of computer resources. There are meagerly 5 types of
Operating System Real-time Operating System, Multi-user and Single-
user
Operating Systems, Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating
Systems
Distributed Operating System, Embedded System.
1. Unix was designed to be portable, multi-tasking and multi-user in a
time-
sharing configuration. Unix systems are characterized by various
concepts:
the use of plain text for storing data; a hierarchical file system; treating
devices and certain types of inter-process communication (IPC) as files; and
the use of a large number of software tools, small programs that can be
strung together through a command line interpreter using pipes, as
to using a single monolithic program that includes all of the
opposed
same
functionality
.
2. Disk Operating System works very hardware near, The command
interpreter is integrated in the file command.com with the internal
commands
for MS-DOS. MS- DOS established and had reached measured on the

Computer Fundamentals/ 106

market share a monopoly in the DOS market. The number of the MS-DOS
installations grew worldwide to about 80 million and surpassed all
other
systems with that amount. Almost every software company offered standard
applications like word processing, calculation or also special solutions
like
measurement tools, CAD (Computer Aided Design) or image processing
for
MS-DOS.
3. Windows XP is a line of operating systems produced by Microsoft for
use on personal computers, including home and business desktops,
laptops, and media centers. The two major editions are Windows XP Home
Edition, designed for home users, and Windows XP Professional, designed
for business and power-users. Microsoft occasionally releases service
packs for its W indows operating systems to fix problems and add features.
Each service pack is a superset of all previous service packs and patches
so that only the latest service pack needs to be installed, and also
includes
new revisions. Older service packs need not be removed before application
of the most recent one.
4. Windows Vista is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for
use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops,
tablet PCs, and media center PCs. W indows XP, the longest time span
between successive releases of Microsoft Windows desktop operating
systems.
5. Linux (commonly pronounced) is a generic term referring to Unix-
like systems based on the Linux kernel. Linux distributions,
computer operating
installed on both desktop and laptop computers, have become increasingly
commonplace in recent years, partly owing to the popular Ubuntu
distribution
and the emergence of notebooks.

8.10 QUESTION S FOR SELF -

STUDY
8.3
1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True 8. True
8.4
I
1. Command Line Interfaces (CLIs) or Graphical User Interfaces
2. Real-time Operating system.
3. 1000
4. Mem
5. Type
II. 1. PDA 2. IBM 3.
BASIC
8.51. Home Edition and Windows XP Professional.
2. Table PC Edition.
3. September 9,2002
4. Versions 8 or 7
5. 1.5 GBs

8.6
1. True
2. False
3. True
4. False
5. True
8.10 QUESTION S FOR SELF -
STUDY
I. Answer the following Questions

Popular Operating System/ 107

1. W hat is an operating system ? Explain types of operating systems.
2. W rite a note on Unix operating system.
3. Briefly explain W indows XP operating system.
4. Explain editions of W indows XP operating System.
5. W hat is DOS? Explain some Dos Internal and External Commands
6. Discuss features of W indows Vista.
7. W rite a note on desktop versions of Linux.
8. Explain the System Requirements for loading W indows Vista.
II. Write Short Notes on the following:
1. Service Packs
2. Embedded Device Operating System
3. Components of Unix OS
4. 2038 year problem in Linux.

8.11 SUGGESTED R
EADINGS
Computer Fundamentals Concepts, Systems & Applications P.K
Sinha
REFEREN
CES
http://en.wikipedia.org
,http://learning-
unix.blogspot.in,
http://www.mywikibiz.com
(Links)

Computer Fundamentals/ 108

 NOTES

Popular Operating System/ 109