Class 11 Computer Science –

Chapter 1: Computer System Overview

1. What is a Computer System?

A computer system is a combination of hardware and software components that work
together to input, process, store, and output data. It performs a wide range of functions
from simple calculations to complex data analysis.

2. Functional Components of a Computer

a) Input Unit:
The input unit is responsible for taking data and instructions from the user and converting
them into a form that the computer can understand. Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.

b) Central Processing Unit (CPU):

It is the brain of the computer that performs all processing tasks. It has three components:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Directs the operations of all units by fetching, decoding, and executing
instructions.
- Registers: Small, high-speed storage areas used to hold temporary data and instructions.

c) Memory Unit:
Responsible for storing data temporarily or permanently.
- Primary Memory: RAM (temporary, volatile) and ROM (permanent, non-volatile).
- Secondary Memory: Hard disk, CD, DVD, USB drives for long-term storage.

d) Output Unit:
Displays the results of processing to the user through output devices like monitors and
printers.
3. Memory Hierarchy
The memory system is arranged in a hierarchy based on speed and cost:
- Registers (fastest, smallest)
- Cache Memory (very fast, stores frequently used data)
- Main Memory (RAM, ROM]
- Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD)
Cache memory is a smaller, faster memory component that stores frequently accessed data
and instructions, acting as a buffer between the CPU and main memory to speed up data
retrieval. Registers are extremely small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used
to temporarily store data during processing.
Difference between Ram and Rom
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning data is lost when the power is turned
off, and it's used to store the computer's active data and instructions. ROM (Read-Only
Memory) is non-volatile, retaining data even when powered off, and it's used to store
permanent data like the BIOS.
Secondary storage:
 Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):
Traditional magnetic storage devices using rotating platters to store data, offering large
storage capacity.
 Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
Faster storage devices that use flash memory, providing faster access and data transfer
speeds than HDDs.
 Optical Storage:
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray disks store data using laser technology.
 Removable Storage:
USB flash drives, floppy disks, and memory cards offer portable and easily accessible
storage.
 Magnetic Tape:
While less common now, magnetic tape was historically used for large-scale data storage
and backups.

4. Software Components
In computing, hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, like the
monitor, CPU, and keyboard. Software, on the other hand, is the set of instructions,
programs, and data that tell the hardware what to do. It's the non-physical, intangible part
of a computer that makes it function.

Software is a set of programs that enable a computer to perform specific tasks. It acts as
an interface between the user and the hardware. There are two major types of software:

A. System Software
System software is designed to manage the system resources and provide a platform for
application software to run. It includes:

1. Operating System:
o Manages computer hardware and software resources.
o Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
2. Language Processors:
o Translate programming language into machine language.
o Types:
 Assembler: Converts assembly language into machine code.
 Compiler: Converts high-level language into machine code at
once.
 Interpreter: Converts high-level language into machine code line-
by-line.
3. Utility Software:
o Performs maintenance tasks.
o Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, File Compression software.

B. Application Software

These are programs designed to perform specific user-oriented tasks.

1. General Purpose Application Software:

o Can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
o Examples: MS Word (word processing), MS Excel (spreadsheets),
PowerPoint (presentations).
2. Specific Purpose Application Software:
o Designed for a specific task.
o Examples: Railway reservation system, Payroll software, Inventory
management.
3. Open Source Software:
o Software with source code available to users for modification.
o Examples: LibreOffice, GIMP, Linux.
4. Proprietary Software:
o Commercial software owned by an individual or company.
o Users have to buy licenses to use it.
o Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.

5. Mobile System Organisation

A mobile system refers to handheld computing devices such as smartphones and tablets
that combine hardware and software for portable computing.
Components of a Mobile System:
1. Mobile Processor (SoC - System on Chip):
 o Integrates CPU, GPU, modem, memory controller, and other components
onto a single chip.
o Designed for low power consumption and efficient multitasking.
2. Mobile Operating System:
o Specialized OS designed for mobile devices.
o Examples: Android, iOS.
3. Mobile Memory:
o Includes RAM and flash storage.
o RAM for temporary data, Flash for long-term storage (e.g., app data,
files).
4. Display and Touch Interface:
o Capacitive or resistive touchscreen displays.
o Acts as both input and output device.
5. Battery:
o Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power the device.
6. Sensors:
o Accelerometer, gyroscope, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, GPS,
etc.
o Provide contextual awareness to applications.
7. Connectivity Modules:
o Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, 4G/5G modem for network and peripheral
communication.
8. Camera System:
o Integrated front and rear cameras for photography, video recording, and
face recognition.
9. Audio System:
o Microphones, speakers, audio codecs for communication and media.
10. App Ecosystem:
o Mobile apps available via platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App
Store.
Characteristics of Mobile Systems:
 Compact and portable
 Touchscreen-based interface
 Operate on battery power
 Use of SoC for efficient hardware integration
 Always-on connectivity