Ch.

1: Computer System Theory Notes

1.1 Computer Definition

• A computer is a device that receives input, does processing on that input and then
produces the output.
• Computer consists of two main components: hardware and software.

Input Processing Output

1.2 Hardware and Software

Hardware
Definition:
• The physical components that make up a computer system.
• Hardware can be External or Internal.

External Hardware
Definition:
Devices that are external and normally visible to the user.

Examples:
Mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner, etc.

Internal Hardware
Definition:
Devices that exist inside the computer and are not normally
visible to the user.

Examples:
• CPU/Processor
• Motherboard
• RAM
• ROM
• Graphics Card
• Sound Card
• Internal HDD/Internal SSD

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Motherboard allows the processor and other computer hardware to

communicate with each other.

Software
Definition:

• Programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of data

• There are two types: Applications and System.

Applications Software
Definition:
Programs that allow the user to do specific tasks.
Examples:
• Word processor
• Spreadsheet
• Database management system
• Control and measurement software
• Graphics editing software
• Video editing software
• Apps and applets

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System Software
Definition:
• Programs that allow the hardware to run properly
• Programs that allow the user to communicate with the computer

Examples:
• Operating System (OS)
• Device Driver
• Compiler
• Linkers
• Utilities (for example, Anti-virus)

1.3 Computer’s Main Hardware Components

Main Memory

Input Devices CPU Output Devices

Secondary Storage

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Definition:

• Hardware that interprets and executes the commands from hardware and software to
produce output
• CPU contains Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Control Unit
Part of CPU that controls the input and output flow in the CPU.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Part of CPU that performs:
• Basic arithmetic calculations
• Logical operations

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Main Memory
Definition:
Internal memory that is directly accessible by the CPU.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Definition:

• Used to store data, programs or parts of the operating system that are
currently in use
• RAM is volatile
• Can read from and written to

Volatile means that if the computer's power is turned off the contents of
RAM disappear and are lost.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Definition:

• ROM is non-volatile
• Can only be read from but no written to
• Stores the bootup instructions when the computer is first switched on
- For example: Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)

BIOS carries out a hardware check to find out if all the devices are present and whether
they are functional. Then it loads the operating system into the RAM.

The following table summarizes the differences between RAM and ROM:

RAM ROM

Can be written to and read from Can only be read from but not written to

RAM is volatile (temporary) ROM is non-volatile (permanent)

Used to store data, programs or parts of the Stores the bootup instructions when the
operating system that are currently in use computer is first switched on

Tends to have greater storage capacity

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Backing storage
Definition:

• Non-volatile storage that is not directly accessed by the CPU

• Can be fixed or removable

Input devices
Definition:

• Devices used to enter data or instructions into a computer directly

• Devices used to turn input into a form the computer can understand

Output devices
Definition:
Devices used to show the computer’s output in a form that is understood by a human.

The following table summarizes the differences between Input and Output devices:

Input Devices Output Devices

Devices used to enter data or instructions into a Devices used to show the computer’s output
computer directly in a form that is understood by a human

Can send data to another device, but it cannot Can receive data from another device, but it
receive data from another device cannot send data to another device

the devices are under the control of the user or Output devices are under the control of the
can be direct data entry computer

More complex Less complex

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1.4 Operating Systems

Definition:
Program that allows the user to communicate with the computer
hardware and performs many basic tasks.
Functions of operating system:
• Provides a user interface
• Input, output and storage devices management
• Memory management
• Computer security management

User Interfaces
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Definition:
An interface that the user would have to type commands to interact with the computer.
Advantages of using CLI:
• Uses less memory than GUI
• Requires less processing power than GUI
• The user is in direct contact with the computer
• The user is not limited to pre-determined options as with GUI
Disadvantages of using CLI:
• Commands must be learnt and memorized by the user
• Commands must be typed in exactly
• More prone to errors on data entry
• Commands must be typed which takes time

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Graphic User Interface (GUI)

Definition:
• Interface built around graphical items
• It uses WIMP interaction (windows icons menus
and pointer)

Features of GUI:
• Windows: Regions of the screen used to display data
• Icons: Small pictures that are used to represent folders, software, etc.
• Menus: Lists of options the user can select from
• Pointer: An arrow used to navigate the screen and to select things on screen

Advantages of using GUI:

• No need to memorize/ learn any commands
• More user friendly than CLI (can be used by non-experts)
• No need to type in commands so fewer errors are made
• The use of pointer and icons is quicker and simpler than typing in commands
Disadvantages of using GUI:
• GUI consumes more memory than CLI (due to graphics)
• GUI requires more processing power than CLI (due to graphics)
• The user is limited to the icons and set menus provided on the screen
• Computer settings are protected from the user

Dialogue-based user interface

Definition:
Interface that uses the human voice to give commands to a computer system.

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Advantages:
• No need for a driver to take their hands off the steering 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 as voice recognition could be used to identify a
person

Disadvantages:
• Can be complex to set up
• User needs to know which commands can be used
• Unreliable as many commands not being recognized or needing to be repeated several
times (especially if there is background noise)

Gesture-based interface
Definition:
Interface that relies on human interaction by the moving of hands, head or the feet.

Gesture-based interface uses image processing technique to pick up gestures.

Examples of functions:

• Rotating a finger clockwise near the radio will increase the sound volume
• Moving a hand near a window switch automatically opens a window

Advantages:
• Replaces mechanical input devices
• No physical contact required
• Very natural interface for a human operator
• No training needed to interface with the computer

Disadvantages:
• Possible for unintentional movement to be picked up
• Only works near to the camera or sensor
• May only accept a limited number of movements (for example, it may take several
attempts to find out exactly what finger movements are recognized)

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1.5 Types of Computer

Desktop computers
Advantages of desktop computers over laptop computers:

• Less chance to be damaged/stolen as they are usually fixed in one

place
• Tends to have better specifications for a given price
• Desktop computers are easier, and less expensive, to upgrade or
expand
• Power consumption is not critical because they usually plug straight into a wall socket

Disadvantages of desktop computers over laptop computers:

• Not very portable

• PCs consume more physical space than other computers
• If there’s a power cut, you can’t use the PC as it needs constant power supply

Main uses of desktop computers:

• Office and business work

• Educational use
• Used as a gaming device
• General entertainment

Mobile computers
Definition:
A group of computers which are more portable than desktop computers.
Examples:

• Laptop computers
• Tablets
• Smartphones
• Phablets

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Laptop computers
Advantages of laptops:

• Lightweight to aid portability

• Consumes less physical space compared to desktop computers
• Low power consumption
• Low heat generation
• Uses battery power so can be used if there’s a power cut

Disadvantages of laptops:
• As they are more portable, they are easier to lose/steal compared to desktop computers
• They have limited battery life, so the user may need to carry a heavy adaptor
• It is not always possible to upgrade them

Main uses of desktop computers:

• Office and business work

• Educational use
• Used as a gaming device
• General entertainment
• Used in control and monitoring systems

Tablets
Advantages of tablets compared to laptops:
• Very fast to switch on
• Lighter thus more portable
• Touch screen technology is used means they are simpler to use
and do not need any other input devices
• Tends to have better battery life than laptops
• Less heat is generated
• Can use several Apps

Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:

• Tends to have less storage capacity than laptops and PCs
• Tends to be rather expensive when compared to laptops
• Easier to lose than laptops and PCs
• Typing on a touchscreen can be slower and harder compared to a standard keyboard
• Supports less types of file formats than laptops and PCs

Apps refer to programs that run on smartphones or tablets.

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Smartphones
Advantages of smartphones:

• Smaller and lighter than laptops thus more portable

• Easier to use than laptops while on the move
• Can make use of 3G/4G communication links
• Can use several Apps
• Reasonable battery life compared to laptops

Disadvantages of smartphones:
• It is much easier to lose a smartphone than laptops or PCs as it’s more portable
• Tends to have less storage capacity compared to laptops and PCs
• Small keyboards make typing slower and more difficult compared to laptops and PCs
• Web browsing and photography can drain the battery quickly

Phablet
Definition:

• A computer that is hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone

• They have larger screens than a smartphone but are smaller than a tablet

Phablets have all features of a typical smartphone and a tablet!

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