Computer System and Software

1. Introduction to Computer System

 Computer: An electronic device that takes input, processes it, and gives output.
 Computer System = Computer + Hardware + Software.
 Main components:
1. CPU (Central Processing Unit) – brain of the computer.
2. Memory – stores data and instructions.
3. Input Devices – used to give data (keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.).
4. Output Devices – show results (monitor, printer, speakers, etc.).
5. Storage Devices – permanent storage (HDD, SSD, CD/DVD, pen drive,
etc.).

2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

 Executes instructions and processes data.
 Consists of:
o Registers: Small, fast storage inside CPU.
o ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations and logical
operations.
o CU (Control Unit): Controls instruction execution and data flow.
 CPU = Microprocessor.

3. Input Devices
 Convert input into digital form.
 Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Touch screen, Braille keyboard, Voice
input.

4. Output Devices
 Convert digital data into human-readable form.
 Examples: Monitor, Printer (Inkjet, Laserjet, Dot matrix, 3D printers), Projector,
Speaker, Braille display.

5. Evolution of Computers
 Abacus – first mechanical calculator.
 Pascaline – mechanical calculator (addition/subtraction).
 Analytical Engine (Charles Babbage) – basis of modern computers.
 Tabulating Machine (Hollerith) – used punched cards.
 Turing Machine – concept of programmable machine.
 ENIAC & EDVAC – first stored program computers (Von Neumann Architecture).
 Transistors replaced vacuum tubes (1947).
 Integrated Circuits (IC) – reduced size, increased power.
 Microprocessor (1970s) – complete CPU on a chip.
 VLSI & SLSI – millions of transistors on chips.
 PCs & GUI (1980s) – IBM PC, Apple Macintosh, Windows.
 WWW (1990s) – mass use of computers.
 Modern devices – laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart wearables, IoT devices.

6. Computer Memory
6.1 Units of Memory
 Bit: Smallest unit (0 or 1).
 Nibble: 4 bits.
 Byte: 8 bits.
 Larger units: KB → MB → GB → TB → PB → EB → ZB → YB.

6.2 Types of Memory
1. Primary Memory
o RAM (Volatile, temporary storage).
o ROM (Non-volatile, permanent small storage, e.g., boot program).
2. Cache Memory
o Very fast memory between CPU and RAM.
o Stores frequently used data.
3. Secondary Memory
o Permanent and larger storage.
o Examples: HDD, SSD, Pen drive, CD/DVD, Memory cards.

7. Data Transfer between CPU and Memory

 Done using System Bus:
o Data Bus – carries actual data (Bidirectional).
o Address Bus – carries address of memory location (Unidirectional).
o Control Bus – carries control signals (Unidirectional).
 Memory Controller manages read/write operations.

8. Microprocessors
 CPU on a single chip.
 Generations:
o 1st (1971) – Intel 8080, 4/8-bit.
o 2nd (1974) – Intel 8085, Motorola 6800, 8-bit.
o 3rd (1979) – Intel 8086, 16-bit.
o 4th (1981–95) – Intel 80386, 32-bit.
o 5th (1995–Now) – Pentium series, 64-bit, multicore.
 Specifications:
o Word Size, Memory Size, Clock Speed, Number of Cores.
8.1 Microcontrollers
 CPU + RAM + ROM + Peripherals on one chip.
 Used in specific devices: washing machines, remote controls, digital cameras,
etc.

9. Data and Information

 Data: Raw facts (numbers, text, images, sounds).
 Information: Processed data, meaningful.
 Types of Data:
o Structured – well-organized (tables, records).
o Unstructured – no fixed format (audio, video, text).
o Semi-structured – tags or labels (HTML, XML, CSV).
 Data Management:
o Capturing → Storage → Retrieval → Deletion/Recovery.
 Concerns: Accidental deletion, unauthorized access, recovery by hackers.

10. Software
 Definition: Software is a set of instructions that makes hardware work.
 Unlike hardware, it cannot be touched or seen physically.
 It works together with hardware to complete tasks.
 Examples: Operating systems (Windows, Ubuntu), word processors (MS Word,
LibreOffice), video players (VLC), photo editors (GIMP).
 Soft copy: Document stored in computer (digital).
 Hard copy: Printed version of the document.
1.7.1 Need of Software
 Hardware cannot work alone; it needs software.
 Software acts as an interface between human and hardware.
 It makes hardware useful, operational, and able to communicate with users.
 Without software, hardware has no purpose.

1.7.2 Types of Software

(A) System Software
 Provides basic functions to run the computer.
 Works directly with hardware.
 Examples: Operating systems, utilities, and device drivers.
1. Operating System (OS)
 Most important system software.
 Manages applications, resources, access, and security.
 Examples: Windows, Linux, Ubuntu, MacOS, Android, iOS.
2. System Utilities
 Help in maintenance and performance of the system.
 Examples:
o Inbuilt: Disk defragmentation, formatting tool, system restore.
o External: Antivirus, disk cleaner, disk compression.
3. Device Drivers
 Ensure proper working of specific devices.
 Act as translator between OS and device.
 Allow OS to control hardware like printer, scanner, graphics card, etc.

(B) Programming Tools

 Used to write instructions (programs) for the computer.
 Since computers understand only machine language (0s and 1s), translators are
needed.
1. Programming Languages
 Low-level Languages:
o Machine language (0s and 1s), Assembly language (English-like codes).
o Machine dependent.
 High-level Languages:
o Closer to English, machine independent.
o Easier to learn and write.
o Examples: C++, Java, Python.
2. Language Translators
 Convert source code into machine code.
 Types:
o Assembler – converts assembly language into machine language.
o Compiler – converts whole high-level program at once.
o Interpreter – converts and executes line by line.
3. Program Development Tools
 Text Editor: To write source code.
 IDE (Integrated Development Environment): Combines editor, compiler,
debugger.
 Examples: Python IDLE, NetBeans, Eclipse, Atom.

(C) Application Software

 Works on top of system software for specific user needs.
 Two main types:
1. General Purpose Software: Ready-made, used by many users.
 Examples: LibreOffice Calc, Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Web
browsers, iTunes.
 2. Customised Software: Tailor-made for specific needs.
 Examples: School management software, accounting software,
custom websites.

(D) Proprietary, Freeware, and Open Source Software

 Free and Open Source Software (FOSS): Source code available to modify.
o Examples: Python, LibreOffice, Firefox, Ubuntu.
 Freeware: Free to use, but no source code.
o Examples: Skype, Adobe Reader.
 Proprietary Software: Paid software with copyright restrictions.
o Examples: Windows, Tally, QuickHeal.

1.8 Operating System (OS)

 Definition: The most important system software.
 Works as a resource manager – manages CPU, RAM, disk, devices, network,
and security.
 Also manages applications, files, and users.
 Examples: Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android.
Objectives of OS
1. Provide services for building and running programs.
2. Provide a user interface for interaction.

1.8.1 User Interfaces in OS

 Command-based Interface: Commands typed by user (MS-DOS, Unix).
 Graphical User Interface (GUI): Uses icons, menus, windows (Windows, Ubuntu,
Mac).
 Touch-based Interface: Input via touchscreen (Android, iOS, Windows tablets).
 Voice-based Interface: Input via voice commands (Siri, Google Now, Cortana).
 Gesture-based Interface: Gestures like waving, tilting, or eye motion
(smartphones, gaming, medicine).

1.8.2 Functions of OS
(A) Process Management
 Manages running programs (processes).
 Allocates CPU to processes, ensures multitasking.
(B) Memory Management
 Allocates and frees main memory for programs.
 Keeps track of used/free memory to optimize performance.
(C) File Management
 Handles creation, deletion, updating, and protection of files.
 Prevents unauthorized access to files.
(D) Device Management
 Controls all input/output devices.
 Uses device drivers for communication.
 Provides configuration options and security for devices.