Unit 1 : Computer System

1.1 Introduction to Computer Technology

Technology refers to the methods, systems, and
devices which are the result of scientific knowledge
being used for practical purposes.

In other words, technology is an application of

science to solve a problem or simplify things.

Businesses use technology to compete, to create new

products, to improve their services and to deliver
their products and services to customers in time.
 1.1 Introduction to Computer Technology
Computers have now become a fundamental part of everyday
lives, controlling everything from toasters to nuclear power
stations.

Computer Technology is the study of hardware, software and

networking that are the foundations of modern computer
systems.

Human beings have been applying their knowledge and skills

in different centuries to create new technologies, so today’s
technology is the computer technology without which we
can’t imagine development and betterment.
 1.2 What is a computer system?
The term computer is derived from the Latin word
“Computare”, which means “to calculate”.

A computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw

data as input from the user; processes these data under the
control of set of instructions (called program) and produces
the output. It also saves the output for future use.

A computer system basically has two different components:

Fig: Block Diagram of a Computer
Hardware (H/W) and Software (S/W). Their relationship and
co-ordination is must to make a computer system
functional.
 1.3 Hardware

All the physical or tangible components

of a computer system are called
hardware.

All the input devices, processor, memory

and out devices are the examples of
hardware.
 1.3.1 Hardware (Input Devices)
Input devices are used to enter
data or instructions into the
computer. Examples: Keyboard,
mouse, touchpad, joystick,
microphone, scanner, MICR, Optical
Readers, etc.
 1.3.2 Hardware (CPU)
CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer and
performs all the processing related activities. The CPU performs the
following functions:

• It performs all the calculations and decision making activities.

• It stores data, intermediate results and instructions.

• It controls all the units of the computer.

The CPU is the combination of three components: Arithmetic Logic

Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Register Array. Popular CPU
manufacturing companies are: Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, Cyrix (VIA)
and Motorola.
 1.3.3 Hardware (Memory)
Memory (Storage) is a location or space
where data, information and programs can be
stored temporarily or permanently. It can be
internal or external.

Memory can be classified into two major

categories. They are:

• Primary memory or Main memory (ROM,

RAM and Cache)

• Secondary memory or Auxiliary memory

(HDD, USB drive, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, etc.)
 1.3.3 Hardware (Memory)
ROM (Read Only Memory):

• Permanent

• Non volatile

• In built software (firmware)

• PROM (can’t be changed once

programed), EPROM (can be erased and
re-programmed), EEPROM (can be erased
and reprogrammed using a pulsed voltage
without removing it from the computer)
 1.3.3 Hardware (Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory):

• Temporary

• Volatile (power gone, content gone)

• No in built software

• Fast but expensive

• All programs run in RAM

• SRAM (doesn’t need refreshing) and

DRAM (requires continuous refreshing
because of the use of capacitors)
 1.3.3 Hardware (Memory)
Cache Memory:
• It is also a kind of primary memory.

• Extremely fast and acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU.

• Holds frequently requested data and instructions so that they are immediately available
to the CPU when needed.

• More accessible to the processor, and able to increase efficiency, because it's physically
close to the processor.

• There are two types of caches: Internal (L1) and External (L2). Internal cache is small
amount of SRAM that is placed inside the CUP and can be accessed directly. External
cache is separate of external from the CPU. It is often socket on the motherboard and
connected to the CUP via system bus. It is larger than L1 cache and has higher capacity
than L1 cache.
 1.3.3 Hardware (Memory hierarchy)

The memory hierarchy

depicts the relationship of
memory devices with the
Register
CPU.

The cost and speed of

memory devices increase Cache
while moving towards CPU. Speed increases,
size decreases
The size and capacity of
Primary Memory
memory devices decrease
while moving towards CPU.

Secondary Memory
 1.3.4 Hardware (Output Devices)
An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a
computer, usually for display, projection, or physical reproduction.

Outputs are of two types:

Softcopy output :
• Intangible and temporary
• Example: output displayed on the screen, audio or video
• Monitors (CRT, Flat panel and touch screen), speakers, headset
produce softcopy output.
Hardcopy output :
• Tangible and permanent
• Example: printouts
• Printers and plotters produce hardcopy outputs.
1.3.4.a Printers
1.3.4.b Differences between impact and non-impact printers

Impact printer Non-impact printer

1. Impact printers produce output by striking a 1. Non-impact printers do not use hammering
ribbon with a hammer. action, rather they use electrostatic or thermal
principles.
2. Its speed is slower. 2. Its speed is faster.

3. Lower print quality. 3. Higher print quality.

4. It generates noise during printing. 4. It doesn’t generate noise during printing.

5. It uses inked ribbon for printing. 5. It uses toner or cartridge for printing.

6. It is less expensive. 6. It is more expensive.

7. It normally uses continuous paper sheet. 7. It normally uses individual paper sheet.

8. Example: Dot matrix printer 8. Example: Laser printer

1.3.4.c Differences between printer and plotter.

Printer Plotter
1. Printers print using closely spaced series of dots. 1. Plotters print using a pen and drawing
continuous lines.
2. Suitable for small size printing. 2. Suitable for large size printing.

3. Used for home and general office use. 3. Used for engineering and architectural drawings.

4. Fast, less expensive but output quality is not as 4. Slow, more expensive and capable of producing
high as compared to plotter. high quality output.
 1.3.5 Computer Peripherals

Computer peripherals or simply peripherals are the hardware devices

that are connected to the computer externally but are not a part of
computer’s core architecture. Example: Keyboard, mouse, printer,
modem, webcam, microphone, etc.

A computer may still be able to work in the absence of peripherals.

 1.3.6 Software and Classification.

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate a computer

and execute specific tasks. In simpler terms, software tells a computer how to
function. It is intangible in nature.

Without software a computer is just a useless piece of hardware. For example,

a web browser is a software that allows users to access the internet. Without a
web browser, surfing the Internet would be impossible.

Based on the use, software can be classified into two broad categories:
a) System Software
b) Application Software
 1.3.6.a Software and Classification.
System Software:
• It acts as an interface between user and the computer hardware.

• It is a software that manages computer hardware behavior so as to provide

basic functionalities that are required by the user.

• It provides platform or environment for other software to work properly.

• System software are crucial for running any kind of application software as well
as the whole computer system.
 1.3.6.a Software and Classification.
System Software:
• System software include
a) Operating System (Example: Windows, MacOS, Linux, etc.)
b) Language processors (Example: Compiler, interpreter, assembler)
c) Utility programs (Example: Disk formatting utility, data backup utility,
data compression utility, antivirus, etc.)
d) Device Drivers (Example: Keyboard driver, printer driver, etc.)
 1.3.6.b Software and Classification.
Application Software:
• An application program (application or app for short) is a computer program designed to carry
out a specific task other than the one relating to the operation of the computer itself.

• Also known as end-user programs or productivity programs.

• Application software are for executing the user tasks.

• Examples: MS-Word, Pinnacle, computer games, DBMS (Oracle), powerpoint, Excel, Photoshop,
Firefox, VLC player etc.

• Application software can be Standard / Packaged (example MS Office suite) or Customized /

Tailored (example: Result processing software used by NEB).
1.3.7 Types of Computer Systems

A. On the basis of speed and size:

• Super computer (Example: CRAY, Param, CYBER 205, Fugaku. etc.)
• Mainframe Computer (Example: IBM 4381, UNIVAC 60, etc.)
• Mini-Computer (Example: Intersil 6100 single-chip PDP-8, DEC T-
11, PDP-11)
• Micro-Computer (Example: Desktop, Laptop, Palmtop)
 Mini-computer

Supercomputer
Main Frame

Micro-computer
 1.3.7 Types of Computer Systems

B. On the basis of working principle:

• Analog Computer (Operates by measuring the continuous values rather than
counting; accepts data in continuous form and generates output in the form
of continuous waves; example: thermometer, Plesley, etc.)
• Digital Computer (Operates on digital signal / discrete values in the form of
0 and 1; quantities are counted rather than measured; examples: PCs, smart
phones, digital watch, digital calculator, etc.)
• Hybrid Computer (combines the features of both analog and digital
computer; example: ICU machine)
 Hybrid computer
Digital computer

Analog Computer
1.3.7 Types of Computer Systems

C. On the basis of use:

• General purpose computer (Examples: Micro and Mini computers)
• Special purpose computer (Examples: Mainframe and Super
computers)
End of Chapter 1