Chapter 1 Eng. Preeti S.

Tikamdas

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Chapter 1 Eng. Preeti S.Tikamdas

Chapter 1: Types and Components of

Computer system
1.1 Hardware and Software

Computer
System

Hardware Software

Application
Internal External System s/w
s/w

Hardware: It is a general term for the physical components that make up a computer system.
▪ External: Input, output and storage devices
▪ Internal:
a. Motherboard: a printed circuit board which allows
the processor and other h/w to communicate and
function. Considered as a hub with sockets which
connects all h/w
b. Random Access Memory(RAM): it is an internal
chip which stores data, file or part of the operating
system currently in use, you can write and read
from, volatile memory, data is lost when computer
is off
c. Read only Memory (ROM): It refers to computer
memory chips containing permanent or semi-
permanent data. Every computer comes with a
small amount of ROM containing the boot
firmware.
d. Video Cards: it allows the computer to send
graphical info to a display device. It is made up of
(Processing unit, memory unit ”RAM”, connections
to a display unit)

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e. Sound Cards: an integrated circuit that allows the

computer to produce, record or manipulate sound
f. Internal Storage devices: Hard disk drive(HDD) and
Solid state drive (SSD) are used to store disk
operating system, files, data and applications
software, it is the main storage device in the
computer
Adv: large storage capacity and high transfer rate

g. Central processing unit (CPU)/microprocessor:

It is a circuit which interprets and executes commands from other h/w and s/w, it is a part of the
motherboard
It consists of control unit to control input and output, Arithmetic logic unit and immediate access RAM
CPU= CU+ALU+RAM
h. RAM:
• It is an internal chip which stores data
• It temporarily stores a file, application software or part of the operating system currently in
use.
• You can write and read from it
• The data is lost when computer is off; volatile memory.

i. ROM:
• It used to store data which needs to be permanent.
• Ex: configuration data for the computer and date and time
• They cannot be altered and can only be read from.
• It is not lost when computer is off; non-volatile memory.
• Contains boot file, BIOS(basic input/output system), it tells the computer what to do during
start up
• The BIOS carries out a hardware functionality check and loads the operating system into the
RAM in start up
RAM ROM
Random Access Memory Read only memory
Data of currently running applications Used for information needed permanently Ex: Configuration
data
Contents lost when power off Contents are not lost when power off
Memory can be read from or written to Can’t be written to only read, thus; not altered
Part of all microprocessors Part of all systems & contains BIOS
(Basic input/output system) a code which is run when
computer is on to check all connected h/w are present &
functional and also to load the operating system in the RAM.
BIOS stores data, time and system configuration
Volatile non-volatile

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Software:
System s/w: Programs that allow the hardware to run properly and allow the user to communicate with
the computer
Application s/w: programs that allow the user to do specific tasks
System s/w
a. Compiler/ Interpreter: it is a program
that translates high level language
(source code) into object code or
machine code for the computer to
understand and execute
HLL example: Java, Python
b. Linkers: links one or more object code
into a single program to run on the
computer
c. Device Driver: it is s/w enables the
hardware to communicate with the
computer operating system ex: Printer
drivers
d. Operating System(OS): it is a s/w that
runs and manages the computer and
allows:
• Input and output operations
• Users to communicate with the
computer
• Error handling
• Running programs
• Managing security
e. Utilities: They are Programs that
manage, maintain and control the
computer.
Ex: antivirus, anti-spyware, backup of
files, disk repair, disk defragmenter , file
management, security, screen savers
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Eng. Preeti S.Tikamdas
Application s/w
a. Word Processor: s/w used to
manipulate text documents includes
spell check and translations to other
languages
b. Spreadsheet: s/w to manipulate
numerical data. It uses formulas for
calculations, able to do modeling and
‘what if’ calculations, produces graphs
c. Database: s/w to organize, manipulate
and analyse data
d. Control and measuring software: s/w
to allows computers to interface with
sensors to measure quantities and
control applications
e. Photo editing software: allows the user
to edit and manipulate digital photos
on the computer
f. Video editing software: allows the user
to edit videos by adding titles, editing
sounds and colors.
g. Apps (Applications): refers to the type
of s/w that runs on mobile & tablets ex:
GPS, video & music streaming and
camera facilities
h. Graphics manipulation software: s/w
that allows bitmap and vector images
to be changed
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1.3 Operating system:

It is a software to enable the computer to communicate with users (user interface)

▪ Controls input ,&output, &backing storage devices

▪ Loading, running of applications
▪ Manages Error handling
▪ Manages Computer security
▪ Ex: windows 7, windows 8,windows 10, Android, iOS
User interfaces:
The method of communication between user and computer
a. Command line interface (CLI):
The user has to type pre-defined commands
to give any instruction (open/ close a
software/file)
b. Graphical user interface(GUI):
Allows user to interact with computer using
icons
Technologies which use GUI:
- WIMP: windows icons menu and pointing
device, where a mouse is used to click on the icon to open/close a window
- Touch screen/post-WIMP: where fingers are in contact with the screen allowing pinching and
rotating
-

Interface Advantages Disadvantages Type of People

Command Line Interface - User in direct contact - User need to learn - Programmers,
with computer commands technicians to
- The user not - Typing the commands is locate errors
restricted with limited time consuming and and remove
options error-prone them or
- User is able to change - Accuracy is needed in develop new
configuration settings typing the commands s/w
- Difficult to edit once
typed
Graphical User Interface - No need to learn - Uses up more memory - End user which
commands than CLI doesn’t need to
- User friendly - User is limited to icons know how a
- A pointing device is on screen computer works
needed & clicking is - It needs an operating ex: run s/w, play
easier than typing system games or edit
photos

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c. Dialogue-based user interfaces:

Dialogue-based user interfaces use the human voice to give commands to a computer system. An
example of its use is in some luxury modern cars, where voice activation is used to control devices such
as the in-car entertainment system or satellite navigation system (nearest petrol station) or home
automated systems; by using voice commands to switch light on/off.

d. Gesture-based interfaces:

Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or even the feet.
Gesture recognition allows humans to interface with a computer in a more natural fashion without the
need for any mechanical devices. This type of interface uses techniques known as computer vision and
image processing. For example, using our car example again, the following gestures can be used to carry
out certain functions: » rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the sound volume
(rotating the finger anti-clockwise will reduce the sound volume)
Either a sensor or a camera is used to pick up the gesture and a signal is sent to an on-board computer to
carry out the required action. It eliminates the need for an array of buttons and dials on the dashboard.

Interface Advantages Disadvantages

Dialogue- • No need for a driver to take
based their hands off the steering
interface wheel
• In a home, very useful for
people with disabilities,
because many tasks can be
carried out by the spoken word
only
• Possible to use as a security
feature, because voice
recognition could be used to
identify a person
• Still unreliable, with many
commands not being recognized or
needing to be repeated several times
(especially if there is background
noise)
• Can be quite complex to set up
• User needs to know which
commands can be used Gesture-
based interface

Gesture-based • Replaces mechanical input • Possible for unintentional

interface devices movement to be picked up
• No physical contact required • Only works fairly near to the camera
• Very natural interface for a or sensor (maximum of 1.5 meters)
human operator • May only accept a limited number
• No training needed to interface of movements (for example, it may
with the computer take several attempts to find out
exactly what finger movements are
recognized)

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1.4 Types of Computers
Type of computer Features
1-PC/desktop - general purpose computer
computer - made of separate monitor, keyboard,
mouse, processor unit
2-Laptop - A computer where the monitor, mouse
,keyboard are all in one single unit
3-Tablets -Internet enabled portable computer, uses
touch screen technology
-Access the internet through wi-fi,3G,4G-
front & back cameras
-Has no of sensors, proximity, cameras,
microphone
4-Smartphones -phone which allow normal calls and have
operating system (windows, Android,iOS)
which allows applications to run
- send emails and surf internet
-streaming videos & music
-Camera features & calendar functions
-telephone banking and VOIP(voice over
internet protocol)
-Global positioning system (GPS)
Advantages
/laptop
-lower costs of spare parts
- better specification at lower price
-stable internet access
- low power consumption and good
ventilation
/desktop
- lightweight, Extremely portable
-safer, less wires
- processor shouldn’t produce so much heat
- uses wi-fi
- they link into any multimedia system
/laptops
-Lightweight
-Very fast to switch on
-Don’t generate heat
-Longer battery life
-In standby mode, it is still connected to
internet
- Bluetooth to printers and other devices
- Small and lightweight
- making calls & internet access
- can be anywhere as they use wi-fi &mobile
phone networks
-contains hundreds of Apps
-good battery life compared to laptops
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Disadvantages
/laptop
- Heavy & bulky, not portable
- Many wires, can be physically unsafe
- Need to copy files to work elsewhere
- doesn’t use wi-fi
/desktop
-Easier to steal
-Limited battery life, charger needed
-Keyboards and mouse sometimes not
comfortable to use
/laptop
-limited storage
-expensive to connect to the internet via
mobile phone networks
- app download restricted to “App store”
- limited file format support
- small screens make it difficult to read
-applications use a lot of battery life
-limited memory compared to PC & desktop
-not compatible with all web features
-easily lost
-slower data transfer rate using mobile
networks than wi-fi
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Type of computer Features Advantages Disadvantages

5-Smartwatches -mini-computer worn on wrist /smartphones -relatively large and bulky
-use OLED technology(organic light- -more convienet than smartphones - unattractive design
emitting diode) -very easy to use to monitor fitness and
-use touch-screen technology heath
-they link to smartphones using
Bluetooth
-internet connectivity
-GPS
-make and take phone calls &text/video
messaging
- weather forecasts
- fitness monitoring
6-Mainframe -Several CPU’s connected to create one / all of the above
Computers big system -very fast processing speeds
-Large,very powerful computer system -support multiple operating systems
-Used to run commercial applications -large storage capacity
ex: banking and insurance -large internal memory
- use time sharing/batch processing

Some of the latest smartphones have been designed as a hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone; these are referred to as a phablet. They have
much larger screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet. All the features of a smartphone (described earlier) also apply to phablets
together with the typical features of a tablet.

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1.5 impacts of emerging technologies

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) biometrics
2. Vision Enhancement
3. Robotics
4. Quantum Cryptography
5. Computer-assisted translation(CAT)
6. 3D and holographic imaging
7. Virtual reality

1. Artificial intelligence (AI) biometrics

AI is a machine or application which carries out a task that requires some degree of
intelligence. For example: – the use of language – recognizing a person’s face – the ability to
operate machinery, such as a car, aero plane, train, and so on – analyzing data to predict the
outcome of a future event, for example weather forecasting

AI duplicates human tasks which require decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Eventually, many tasks presently done by humans will be replaced by robots or computers,
which could lead to unemployment. However, the positive side includes improvements in
safety and quality of services and products.

Biometric technology is used to identify people, sometimes it falsely rejects it. AI uses
dynamic profiling, the system learns, using AI, the persons fingerprint through several scans
Used also in facial recognition system to avoid confusion when there are glasses, face hair,
mustache, etc.

Negative impacts of AI:

- could lead to many job losses in many areas; manufacturing, bus/lorry/taxi drivers.
- dependency on technology and the inability to carry out tasks done by robots, for example,
could be an issue in the future
- loss of skills – even now, skills from previous generations have been lost as humans have
been replaced by machines and software applications.

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2. Augmented reality (AR) :

The features of augmented reality include:

- allow the user to experience the relationship between digital (virtual) and physical (real)
worlds
- virtual information and objects are overlaid onto real-world situations
- the real world is enhanced with digital details, such as images, text and animation
- the user can experience the AR world through special goggles or via smartphone/phablet
screens
- the user is not isolated from the real world and is still able to interact and see what is going
on in front of them
- examples include the Pokémon GO game which overlays digital creatures onto real-world
situations

In the future, augmented reality will have an impact on all the following areas:

- safety and rescue operations

- entertainment

- shopping and retail

- healthcare

Question: explain how AR will have an impact on the sectors above.

3. Vision enhancement:

Low-vision enhancement systems(LVES): use video technology through a headset

connected to a computer & allows images to be projected inside the headset in front of the
eyes, thus; bring the image closer & clearer
Night vision enhancement (NVE): amplifies infrared light and visible light so that the image
can be seen in darkness, used by military surveillance

4. Robotics:
-In Car Manufacturing: weld car bodies, spray body panels & fit them, ex: windscreens
-Drones: Flying devices used by military in inspections missions & civilians in investigating
weather phenomena
- Surgical procedures: robotic surgery allows surgeons to be more precise & have more
control, robotics with camera and mechanical arm with movable wrist are used.

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5. Quantum cryptography:
-Cryptography/encryption: it is the science of making a message incomprehensible to any
hacker
-Quantum cryptography is based on using photons and their physical properties to encrypt
produce a strong cryptography system.

Computer –assisted translation (CAT):

-The CAT is language translator software which uses specialized features to avoid double
meaning translations. It uses terminology database & translation memory
-They are more accurate than free online translators

7. 3D & holographic imaging:

-Holography is a technology to produce 3D images
It uses: source of laser light, interference of light, light diffraction and light intensity
recording
-Holograms applications include:
• Engineering design (CAD) • Cinema & gaming
• Architecture • Advertising
• Simulations • Holographic televisions
• Medical imaging
8. Virtual reality:
-It is an artificial environment created by software
-uses data googles, sensor units, data gloves, helmets to get the feeling of reality
-used in safety training in nuclear reactors, education & games
- Virtual reality applications:
• Military applications • Scientific visualization
• education • business
• healthcare • real estate
• entertainment

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