CSE 1101

Introduction to Computer System

Lecture 1

What is computer?
Computer is an electronic device that receives input, stores or processes the input as per user
instructions and provides output in desired format. It is a system comprises of integrated
components(input unit, output unit, storage unit, and CPU)

Input-Process-Output Model:
Computer input is called data and the output obtained after processing is called information.
Raw facts and figures which can be processed using arithmetic and logical operations to obtain
information are called data.

The processes that can be applied to data are of two types −

 Arithmetic operations − Examples include calculations like addition, subtraction,
differentials, square root, etc.
 Logical operations − Examples include comparison operations like greater than, less
than, equal to, opposite, etc.
The corresponding figure for an actual computer looks something like this

The basic parts of a computer are as follows −

 Input Unit − Devices that are used to input data and instructions to the computer are
called input unit. Such as keyboard, mouse,digitizer,joystick,lightpen.
An input unit of a computer system performs the following functions:
1. It accepts (or reads) instructions and data from outside world.
2. It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable form.
3. It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system for further
processing.

 Output Unit − Devices that are used to provide information to the user in desired format
are called output unit. Printer ,sound box,visual display unit etc. An output unit of a
computer system performs the following functions:
1. It accepts the results produced by the computer, which are in coded form and hence, cannot be
easily understood by us.
2. It converts these coded results to human acceptable (readable) form
3.It supplies the converted results to outside world

 Control Unit − This unit controls all the functions of the computer. All devices or parts
of computer interact through the control unit.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit − This is the brain of the computer where all arithmetic
operations and logical operations take place.
 Memory − All input data, instructions and data interim to the processes are stored in the
memory. Memory is of two types – primary memory and secondary memory. Primary
memory resides within the CPU whereas secondary memory is external to it.
The storage unit of a computer system holds (or stores)
the following :
1. Data and instructions required for processing (received from input devices)
2. Intermediate results of processing
3. Final results of processing, before they are released to an output device
Primary storage
- Used to hold running program instructions
- Used to hold data, intermediate results, and results of ongoing processing of job(s)
- Fast in operation
- Small Capacity
- Expensive
-Volatile (loses data on power dissipation)
-RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, Cash Memory

Secondary storage
-Used to hold stored program instructions
- Used to hold data and information of stored jobs
 -Slower than primary storage
- Large Capacity
-cheaper than primary storage
- Retains data even without power
-hard disk Floppy Disk, Magnetic Tapes, Pendrive etc
-

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used to store the programs and data being used by
the CPU in real-time. The data on the random access memory can be read, written, and
erased any number of times. RAM is a hardware element where the data being currently
used is stored. It is a volatile memory. Types of RAM:
1. Static RAM, or (SRAM) which stores a bit of data using the state of a six transistor
memory cell.
2. Dynamic RAM, or (DRAM) which stores a bit data using a pair of transistor and
capacitor which constitute a DRAM memory cell. Here occurs Mmeory Refreshing.
Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of memory where the data has been prerecorded.
Data stored in ROM is retained even after the computer is turned off ie, non-volatile.
Types of ROM:
1. Programmable ROM, where the data is written after the memory chip has been
created. It is non-volatile.
2. Erasable Programmable ROM, where the data on this non-volatile memory chip
can be erased by exposing it to high-intensity UV light.
3. Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM, where the data on this non-volatile
memory chip can be electrically erased using field electron emission.
4. Mask ROM, in which the data is written during the manufacturing of the memory

Difference RAM ROM

RAM is a volatile memory which could ROM is a non-volatile memory which

store the data as long as the power is could retain the data even when power is
Data retention supplied. turned off.

Data stored in RAM can be retrieved

Working type and altered. Data stored in ROM can only be read.

Used to store the data that has to be

currently processed by CPU It stores the instructions required during
Use temporarily. bootstrap of the computer.

Speed It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.

 Difference RAM ROM

CPU The CPU can access the data stored on The CPU can not access the data stored
Interaction it. on it unless the data is stored in RAM.

Size and Large size with higher capacity, with Small size with less capacity, with
Capacity respect to ROM respect to RAM

Used as/in CPU Cache, Primary memory. Firmware, Micro-controllers

The data stored is not as easily

Accessibility The data stored is easily accessible accessible as in RAM

Cost Costlier cheaper than RAM.

A RAM chip can store only a few A ROM chip can store multiple
Chip Size gigabytes (GB) of data. megabytes (MB) of data.

1. Cache Memory: The cache is a smaller and fast memory component in the computer which is
inserted between the CPU and the main memory. To make this arrangement effective. The cache needs
to be much faster than the main memory. This approach is more economical than the use of fast
memory devices to implement the entire main memory.

2. Register: Register is the smallest holding data element that is built into the processor
itself. These are memory locations that can be directly accessible by the processor. It
holds a small amount of data around 32-bits to 64-bits and may hold an instruction, a
storage address, or any kind of data such as a bit sequence or individual characters.
For example Accumulator register, Program counter, Instruction register, Address
register, etc.
Difference Between Register and Cache Memory :
 Registers are faster than any cache memory.
 Registers are placed on microprocessor nearer than cache memory
 Cache memory can store more amount of data than register while registers can hold usually, only
one value during the calculation.
 As register memory is more fast and efficient so it is more expensive to purchase than cache
memory.
 On the other hand, Cache memory is more costly in terms of CPU cycles because fetching data
from cache memory is slow.
 A cache is placed both on a microprocessor or near microprocessor(connected through bus),
While A Register memory is only placed on the microprocessor chip.
 Registers are most important for CPU. As without Registers, A system will not work properly.
On the other system can run without cache memory but works slow. (cache memory are only the
fast ram or memory).

Similarities Between Register Memory and Cache Memory:

 Cache and register are the type of memory used for storage.
 They are faster than RAM.
 Store more frequently used values and data.
 Both are placed on main CPU chip (cache is may be placed near to CPU chip)
 These memories have their categories and types.
 These memories boost the performance, speed, and efficiency of the computers

 CPU- Control unit, arithmetic logic unit and memory are together called the central
processing unit or CPU. Computer devices like keyboard, mouse, printer, etc. that we
can see and touch are the hardware components of a computer. The set of instructions or
programs that make the computer function using these hardware parts are
called software. We cannot see or touch software. Both hardware and software are
necessary for working of a computer.
Arithmetic Logic Unit of a computer system is the place where the actual executions of instructions
takes place during processing operation.

Control Unit of a computer system manages and coordinates the operations of all other components of
the computer system.
Computer System Unit Function
The computer system unit performs several functions. The main function of the computer is to
process data as fast as possible. This data can be input from users, software, and even other
computers. Users input data when doing activities such as submitting a search request on the
internet or typing a paper. Data can be processed by software for example when rendering a
video in an editing program and then exporting that video to YouTube. Computers can talk to
each other by having data transferred. A great example of this is when using the internet. When
people are interested in finding funny videos for example, this search submits a request from the
computers at YouTube, and then data is sent back to your computer with your request. Computer
system units are also capable of storing data on a hard drive.

Computer System Unit Components

The following are some of the major internal components of a computer system unit:

 Hradware
 Software
 Humanware
 Operational Procedures

The software in a computer system enables the hardware to function and the user to perform tasks.
Software within a computer system is divided into two main types, system software and application
software.

System software

System software is any software that assists with the running or management of the computer system.
This can include operating systems, security software and file management software.

Application software

Application software is any software added to the system that enables the user to perform a task. For
example, a word processor allows the user to type a document and a browser allows the user to view web
pages.

Motherboard:
A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware components of a computer, like the processor
(CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card. There are multiple types of motherboards, designed
to fit different types and sizes of computers.

Alternatively called the mb, mainboard, mboard, mobo, mobd, backplane board, base board, main
circuit board, planar board, system board, or a logic board on Apple computers. The motherboard is
a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that is the biggest board in a computer chassis. It
allocates power and allows communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all other
computer hardware components.

How many connections, ports, or slots are on a motherboard?

There's no set standard to how many connections, ports, or expansion slots are on a motherboard. The
best method of determining how many connections, ports, or slots are available for your motherboard is to
look up the specifications contained in its documentation. If you've lost or discarded your motherboard's
documentation, you can often download a free PDF version from the manufacturer's website.

Characteristics of Computer

To understand why computers are such an important part of our lives, let us look at some of its
characteristics −

 Speed − Typically, a computer can carry out 3-4 million instructions per second.
 Accuracy − Computers exhibit a very high degree of accuracy. Errors that may occur are
usually due to inaccurate data, wrong instructions or bug in chips – all human errors.
 Reliability − Computers can carry out same type of work repeatedly without throwing up
errors due to tiredness or boredom, which are very common among humans.
 Versatility − Computers can carry out a wide range of work from data entry and ticket
booking to complex mathematical calculations and continuous astronomical observations.
If you can input the necessary data with correct instructions, computer will do the
processing.
 Storage Capacity − Computers can store a very large amount of data at a fraction of cost
of traditional storage of files. Also, data is safe from normal wear and tear associated
with paper.
Advantages of Using Computer
Now that we know the characteristics of computers, we can see the advantages that
computers offer−
 Computers can do the same task repetitively with same accuracy.
 Computers do not get tired or bored.
 Computers can take up routine tasks while releasing human resource for more intelligent
functions.
Limitations of Computer:
 Computers have no intelligence; they follow the instructions blindly without considering
the outcome.
 Regular electric supply is necessary to make computers work, which could prove difficult
everywhere especially in developing nations.
 BIOS:
The first program or set of instructions that run when the computer is switched on is
called BIOS or Basic Input Output System. BIOS is a firmware, i.e. a piece of software
permanently programmed into the hardware

Booting:
Starting a computer or a computer-embedded device is called booting. Booting takes place in
two steps −
 Switching on power supply
 Loading operating system into computer’s main memory
 Keeping all applications in a state of readiness in case needed by the user

There are two types of Booting −

 Cold Booting − When the system is started by switching on the power supply it is called
cold booting. The next step in cold booting is loading of BIOS.
 Warm Booting − When the system is already running and needs to be restarted or
rebooted, it is called warm booting. Warm booting is faster than cold booting because
BIOS is not reloaded..
Rebooting:
If a system is already running but needs to be restarted, it is called rebooting. Rebooting may
be required if a software or hardware has been installed or system is unusually slow.

A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the
input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired
output. Computers are of various types and they can be categorized in two ways on the basis
of size and on the basis of data handling capabilities.
So, on the basis of size, there are five types of computers:
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Workstation
5. PC (Personal Computer)
And on the basis of data handling capabilities, there are three types of computer:
1. Analogue Computer
2. Digital Computer
3. Hybrid Computer
Now let us discuss each type of computer in detail

1. Supercomputer:
When we talk about speed,then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of computers is
supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers(in terms of speed of processing data).
Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions
of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of interconnected processors in
supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather
forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in
1976.
Characteristics of supercomputers:
 Supercomputers are the computers which are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
 It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason which
makes it even more faster.
 It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world such as
bitcoin etc.
 It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar system,
satellites, etc.

2. Mainframe computer:
Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that it can support hundreds or thousands of users at
the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different
processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big organizations
like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.
Characteristics of mainframe computers:
 It is also an expensive or costly computer.
 It has high storage capacity and great performance.
 It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
 It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

3. Minicomputer:
Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or
more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputers are used in places like
institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management etc. It is
smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.
Characteristics of minicomputer:
 Its weight is low.
 Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
 less expensive than a mainframe computer.
 less expensive than a mainframe computer.
 It is fast.

4. Workstation:
Workstation is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor,
with a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It generally
used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.
Characteristics of Workstation:
 It is expensive or high in cost.
 They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
 It provides large storage capacity, with better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared
to a PC.
 It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and editing.
 (Personal Computer):
It is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose computer and designed for
individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and
output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching
a movie, or at office for office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.
Characteristics of PC (Personal Computer):
 In this limited number of software can be used.
 It is smallest in size.
 It is designed for personal use.
 It is easy to use.

6. Analogue Computer:
It is particularly designed to process analogue data. Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot
have discrete values is called analogue data. So, an analogue computer is used where we don’t need exact
values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure etc. It can directly accept the data
from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous
changes in physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer,
mercury thermometer, etc.
7. Digital Computer:
Digital computers are designed in such a way that it can easily perform calculations and logical operations
at high speed. It takes raw data as an input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to
produce the final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to
0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce the result or final output. All
modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.
8. Hybrid Computer:
As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly, the hybrid
computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like an analog
computer and have memory, and accuracy like a digital computer. So, it has the ability to process both
continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them
into digital form before processing the input data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where
both analog and digital data is required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that
converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer.

Geneartions of Computer
 First Generation Computers (1940-1956)
 Second Generation Computers (1956-1963)
 Third Generation Computers (1964-1971)
 Fourth Generation Computers (1971-Present)
 Fifth Generation Computers (Present and Beyond)
 Main characteristics of first generation computers are:

Main electronic component Vacuum tube.

Programming language Machine language.

Main memory Magnetic tapes and magnetic drums.

Input/output devices Paper tape and punched cards.

Speed and size Very slow and very large in size (often taking up entire room).

Main characteristics of second generation computers are:-

Main electronic
component Transistor.

Programming language Machine language and assembly language.

Memory Magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk.

Input/output devices Magnetic tape and punched cards.

Smaller in size, low power consumption, and generated less heat (in
Power and size comparison with the first generation

Smaller in size, low power consumption, and generated less heat (in
Power and size comparison with the first generation computers).

Examples of second PDP-8, IBM1400 series, IBM 7090 and 7094, UNIVAC 1107, CDC 3600
generation etc.

Main characteristics of third generation computers are:

Main electronic component Integrated circuits (ICs)

Programming language High-level language

 Memory Large magnetic core, magnetic tape/disk

Input / output devices Magnetic tape, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc.

Examples of third generation IBM 360, IBM 370, PDP-11, NCR 395, B6500, UNIVAC 1108, etc.

Main characteristics of fourth generation computers are:

Main electronic Very large-scale integration (VLSI) and the microprocessor (VLSI has
component thousands of transistors on a single microchip).

Memory semiconductor memory (such as RAM, ROM, etc.)

Input/output devices pointing devices, optical scanning, keyboard, monitor, printer, etc.

Examples of fourth
generation IBM PC, STAR 1000, APPLE II, Apple Macintosh, Alter 8800, etc.

Main characteristics of fifth generation computers are:

Based on artificial intelligence, uses the Ultra Large-Scale Integration (ULSI)

Main technology and parallel processing method (ULSI has millions of transistors on a
electronic single microchip and Parallel processing method use two or more microprocessors to
component run tasks simultaneously).

Language Understand natural language (human language).

Size Portable and small in size.

Input / output Trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input (recognize voice/speech), light
device scanner, printer, keyboard,

Trackpad (or touchpad), touchscreen, pen, speech input (recognize voice/speech), light
device scanner, printer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, etc.

Example of
fifth generation Desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.