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Introduction To Computer System

What Is Computer System ?

In this introduction to computer system , we will discuss in detail

what is a computer system, basics of computer, technical features


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of the computer system, computer hardware, computer software,

computer system architecture and other important topics related to

the Computer system.

A computer system is defined as a digital electronic machine that

can programmed to perform some operations as per the computer

program instructions.

Introduction To Computer System Video Tutorial

The computer system consist of both hardware and the software

components. The computer hardware components are the physical


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components mounted within the computer case and some are also

connected externally.

The computer system needs to be directed to perform various user

specified operations. And therefore , the computer system needs a

program which directs the computer hardware. The computer

program is also commonly referred to as software.

Computer System Block Diagram

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The introduction to computer system includes computer system

organization and architecture and its technical features.

In this computer introduction you will also learn hardware

components such as mother board, hard disk drive ( Disk Memory ),

power unit, Central Processing Unit ( CPU ) also referred to as micro-

processor, Random Access Memory ( RAM ) , computer buses ,

cooling fans and other hardware components.

Introduction To Computer System

Table Of Contents

 Introduction To Computer System

 What Is Computer ?

 Features Of Computer System.

 Characteristics Of Computer.

 Components Of Computer.

 Functions Of Computer.

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 Types Of Computer Systems.

 Computer. System Architecture.

 Computer. Block Diagram.

 Computer. Hardware.

 Computer. Software.

 Evolution Of Computer System.

What Is Computer System ?

Computer Definition

A Computer system is defined as a digital electronics device that

can be programmed to accept some inputs in terms of data,

then process this data as per the program instructions and


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provide the Output in the desired format that can be used for

some meaningful work.

The computer user interacts with the system using an application

software and provides the input data. The data is processed by the

computer system with the help of application software.

The application software in turn interacts with the operating system

and the processed data ( or we can call program output ) is then

sent to the output device.


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It is the application software that provides the instructions to the

processor CPU to operate on the data as per the program

instructions and produce the desired output.

The output device could be either a monitor, speaker, printer, storage

device or any other output device.

Features Of The Computer System


 Computer System Is Programmable.

 Computer Accepts Raw Data And Produces Information.

 Computer System Is A Digital Machine.

Computer System Is Programmable

The computer system consist of both software components and

hardware components. The hardware components are physical

parts that we can touch and interact. Whereas, the software is

essential to drive the hardware.

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The computer program ( software ) is an essential component of

every computer system which directs the computer to performs

various tasks.

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The Computer system is programmable. That means, the



computer will perform the task only as per the program instructions.

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The accuracy of the output depends upon the accuracy of the

program instructions. The computer will produce wrong results if

either input data or the program instructions are inaccurate. This is

called garbage in and garbage out.

And therefore , the computer needs a program written in a

programming language to execute a particular task on the computer

system .

The Computer program directs the computer system through series

of instructions. Each program instruction performs a specific part of

the operation.

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What Is Computer Program ?

The software components are computer programs. The program


consist of set of instructions that directs the computer system

hardware components to perform the desired operations.

The computer programs are generally written using high level ( human

readable ) programming language such as C , C++ , Java , Python and


many more.

However, a high level programs are first required to be converted into

low level ( machine code ) machine instructions in the binary. The 

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machine instructions in binary at can be directly decoded and executed

by the computer. This conversion is called program compilation.

The computer system interprets these program instructions and then


performs the desired operations. The CPU executes the program

instructions one by one.

What Is Computer Program ?


The Computer Accepts Input And Provides Output
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The Computer Converts Raw Data Into Information

The Computer Systems are versatile machines and can be used to

perform number of operations. The data processing is one of most

common application of the computer.

For example, a company might use the computer system for

managing employee records stored into the database, customer

database, inventory management, billing, record keeping, payroll

processing, accounting and many such applications.

In order to use the computer system for any database operations, a

DBMS ( Database Management System ) software is required.

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The computer system is also used to process the raw data and

produce the information that can be used for some meaningful

purpose.

The processed data is called information. And the information can

be used for some meaningful work such as decision making within

an organization.

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Computer System Is A Digital Machine


The computer is a digital electronic machine. Which means, a

computer can understand and execute instructions on in binary

which consist of only two numbers that is zero 0 and one 1. The

binary code is also referred as machine code or machine

language.

The computers central processing unit ( CPU ) is the brain of the

computer system. The CPU is responsible to perform both

arithmetical and logical operations.

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However , the computer’s micro-processor ( CPU ) can decode and

execute instructions only in the machine code in Binary.

So, it doesn’t really matter in which programming language you

write the program code because eventually, all high level computer

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programs must be first converted into low level machine code in

binary . The machine instructions consist of only binary 0 and 1.

And therefore, all programs in high level are converted into low level

machine instructions that can be directly executed by the

microprocessor.

The conversion process to translate the high level program into low

level machine code is called program compilation.

Why Computer Use Binary ?

Why Computer Understands Binary 0 And 1 ?

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Introduction To Computer System

Characteristics Of Computer System

The computers characteristics include automatic working, operating

speed, accuracy of calculations, versatility, diligence, memory,

program dependence and reliability of operational performance.

 Automatic Working.

 Operating Speed.

 Accuracy Of Calculation.

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 Computer Is Versatile.

 Computer Is Diligent.

 Computer Has Memory.

 Computer Needs Program.

 Computer Is Reliable.

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Automatic Working

The computers are extensively being used for automatic operations.

The computer once programmed to perform some task can continue

without any human intervention.

The artificial intelligence has further enhanced this capability for the

computers. The computer can repetitively perform many operations

in the automatic mode.

Operating Speed

The modern computers are armed with the latest microprocessor

can execute billions of instructions within a fraction of a second.

That gives huge processing power to the computer.

And therefore, the computer can be effectively used for performing

complex operations with very high operating speed.


Accuracy Of Calculations
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The computer can perform millions of complex calculations and

take the logical decisions as per the program instructions with

remarkable accuracy.

However, the accuracy also depends upon the accuracy of the

program instructions and the input data. The computer will produce

wrong result if there are any mistakes into the program instructions.

This is often referred to as “Garbage In Garbage Out” ( GIGO ).

Computer Is Versatile

The computer is a truly versatile machine that can be used for many

applications. The use of computer is now an essential part of every

industry and profession we can possibly think of.

Apart from its applications in academics , the computers are

everywhere. The computers are used by the students , teachers ,

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musicians , doctors , engineers , accountants , police , armed forces

and architects.

Both large scale and small scale companies are dependent upon the

computers to manage their business operations.

Computer Is Reliable

The computers are the most reliable machines to perform multiple

tasks without any mistake with the lightening speed.

And therefore , the computerized operations are the backbone of all

top business corporations , global ecommerce giants such as

Amazon , Reliance and for other companies.

The computer system can also be programmed to enforce set of

rules to ensure safety of the user and data security.

Computer Is Diligent

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There are many business corporations and manufacturing

companies that work day and night without any break. Such

operations and production lines can be very well managed by the

use of computers.

Depending upon the use, the computer hardware is specially tailor

made to handle such prolonged operations.

Computer Has Memory

The computer system needs memory to store data and program

instructions. The system memory consists of both short term ( RAM

) and long term memory. The business corporations need to handle

large volumes of data. The data needs to be stored into the

permanent storage devices for the future use.

The computer system with front end application software , a

database management system ( DBMS ) and the database is

essential to manage such large volumes of data.

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For example, tech giants like Google, Facebook handle large

volumes of data related of the millions of users across the globe.

Computer Needs Program

The program dependence is another important characteristics of the

computer. The computer is often said to be a dumb machine without

any IQ. And therefore, the computer needs a set of instructions

called a program.

A computer program is an essential component of every computer

system. Each task and operation performed by the computer is

completed as per the program. The program consists of set of

instructions that directs the computer.

The computer is not going to perform any task on its own unless it is

directed by the computer program.

Introduction To Computer System

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Components Of Computer System

The Computer system consist of four basic components Or

functional Units. In terms of functionality, the computer system can

be grouped in to four units.

The Computer System Components are :

1. Input Devices ( Input Unit ) .

2. CPU ( Central Processing Unit ) .

3. System Memory ( Memory Unit ) .

4. Output Devices ( Output Unit ) .

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Introduction To Computer System

Input And Output Devises

Computer System Input Unit

The term “Input Unit ” ( Input Devises ) refers to the input provided

by the user by using any input device such as keyboard,

mouse, mike, camera or any storage device in the form of input data.

The input data is operated and processed by the Central Processing

Unit ( CPU ) as per the program and sent to the output unit for

further action.

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Computer System Output Unit

The term “Output Unit ” refers to the output provided by the

computer CPU after processing the user data inputs .

This output is then sent to the output device such as monitor ,

printer , speaker to provide desired output to the user. The output



can also be stored on any storage device for future use.
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Introduction To Computer System

Computer System Memory Unit

The memory unit is an essential part of every computer system. The

computer system needs memory to store the program instructions

and the data before and after the processing.

The computer system memory unit consist of both temporary and

permanent memory. The Random Access Memory ( RAM ) is the

main memory where the operating loads the program for its

execution.

The temporary memory RAM can store the data till the time the

system is powered on . Whereas, the permanent memory ( disk

memory ) can store the data even after the the system power is

switched off.

Memory Hierarchy

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The computer system makes the use of different types of

memories organized in a hierarchical manner and together they are

referred as memory unit. The arrangement of different types of

memories is referred as memory hierarchy.

The computer memory unit consist of different types of memories

which differ in capacity, access speed, physical size and the

cost of the memory.

Memory Hierarchy

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Primary Memory

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Each of the memory is optimally used in the computer system

depending upon its access speed , size and proximity to the CPU

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The computer system makes use of different types memory

depending upon the functional requirements .

The computer memory is mainly divided in to two types based

on the data retention by the computer memory when power is

switched off to the computer system.

Computer Memory Unit

Introduction To Computer System

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Computer System Memory

Temporary And Permanent Memory

The computer memories can be grouped into two basic types

depending upon the data retention by memory when system power

supply is switched off .

If the memory retains the data without power supply, then it is

referred as permanent memory . For example hard disk , pen drive

are permanent memory ( Also referred as secondary memory ) .

The Random Access Memory ( RAM ) is the main system memory

for a computer system . The RAM is a temporary memory because it

retains the data only till the time , the system power supply is on.

The data in the RAM is lost once the system is switched off . And

therefore main memory RAM is referred as temporary memory ( also

referred as primary memory ).

Computer System Memory 

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Introduction To Computer System

Functions Of Computer

 Program Execution.

 Accept Data From Input Device.

 Store Data And Program In Memory.

 Data Processing.

 Send Output To Output Device. 

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 Control All Operations.

Program Execution

The program execution is the main function of the computer system.

The computer system makes use of its hardware and software

components to execute the program.

Various components such as memory ( RAM ) , CPU , input devices ,

output devices performs different functions together during the

program execution.

Accept The Data From Input Devices

The computer system operates on the data as per the program

instructions. The computer accepts the data through different types

of input devices such as mouse , keyboard scanner and other input

devices.

Store Data And Program In Memory 

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The computer stores the data and the program into its main memory

RAM. The program is stored into the memory as set of instructions.

The CPU starts the program execution by fetching the data and

instructions from the memory . The CPU sends the processed data

back to the memory for the output devices.

Data Processing

The computers are extensively used for data processing jobs. The

process converting the raw data into useful information is defined as

data processing.

The data is processed as per the program instructions. For example ,

the monthly attendance data is converted into salary statements at

the end of the month by using a payroll application software.

Send Output To Output Device

The output devices are used to send the result that can used by the

user. The program output can either be sent to the monitor , printer ,

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storage disks or any other output device.

Control All Operations

The computer system controls the operations of the software and

hardware components. The control unit of the CPU ( central

processing unit ) controls the operations of the entire computer

system .

Types Of Computer Systems

Different types of computer systems are used for various

applications in many fields. The system configuration can differ in

terms of processor architecture, number of processor, memory size,

motherboard design and other factors.

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Types Of Computer Systems

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 Desktop Computer.

 Palmtop Computer.

 Workstation Computer.

 Web Server Computer.

 Mini Computer.

 Mainframe Computer.

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 Super Computer.

 Embedded Computer.

Computer System Architecture

What is Computer System Architecture ?

In computer engineering, the computer system architecture is the

conceptual design and fundamental operational structure of a

computer system.

It is the technical drawings and functional description of all design

components and requirements . The system architecture defines

the system performance parameters such as speed and

interconnections .

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The System architecture can also be defined as the science and art

of selecting and interconnecting hardware components to create

computer system that meet functional , performance and cost

goals.

And therefore , better system architecture will produce a better

design and system performance.

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Computer Organization And Architecture ( COA ) 

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Introduction To Computer System

Computer System Block Diagram

The Computer system consist of four basic components Or Units . In

terms of functionality , the computer system can be grouped in to

four basic units .

The Computer System Components are :

1. Input Unit ( Input Devices ).

2. Central Processing Unit ( CPU ) .

3. System Memory Unit .

4. Output Unit ( Output Devices ) .

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Introduction To Computer System

Computer Hardware

The computer system mainly consist of hardware components

and the software components . All the physical components

inside the computer cabinet and the input / output gadgets

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attached to the computer are referred as hardware components

The hardware components inside the computer cabinet are

referred as internal components such as motherboard .The

external hardware components attached to the computer system

are also referred as peripheral devices such as keyboard , mouse ,

monitor .

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Introduction To Computer System

Computer Hardware Components

 Computer Cabinet ( Casing ).

 Power Supply Unit ( SMPS ). 

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 Motherboard .

 Connection Cables ( Buses ).

 Hard Disk ( Disk Memory ) .

 RAM Modules

 Sound Card.

 Microprocessor ( CPU ).

 CPU Heat Sink

 CPU Cooling Fan.

 CD ROM Drive.

 Graphics Card.

 Computer Monitor ( Display ).

 Keyboard And Mouse.

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Computer System Motherboard

The motherboard is the main printed circuit board ( PCB ) that is

mounted inside a computer cabinet. The motherboard is a junction

for connecting some important internal components .

The components that are directly placed on the motherboard include

microprocessor ( CPU ) , main memory RAM , Graphic card , sound

card , north bridge and south bridge.

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Introduction To Computer System

Computer System Microprocessor

The central process ring unit ( CPU ) effectively functions as a brain

of the computer system. The CPU performs arithmetic and logical

operations and provides processing power of the computer system.

The CPU is mounted on the motherboard inside a processor socket

which is a special slot present on the motherboard. The processor

chip is firmly mounted inside CPU socket with help of liver locking

mechanism.

A heat sink and a cooling miniature fan is placed on the top of the

processor chip to protect the processor chip from excessive heat

generated by the processor chip.

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What Is Microprocessor ?

What Is CPU ?

How CPU Works ?

CPU Functions

The central processing unit ( CPU ) is also alternately referred to as

microprocessor or processor . The processor provides the

processing power to the computer system .

The CPU performs number of vital functions . One of the the main

function of the CPU is to execute the computer program.


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The control unit of the CPU is responsible to decode the machine

instructions. The control unit decodes the program instructions as

specified in the instruction format.

The CPU executes the computer program by repetitively performing

a machine cycle which is a basic operation of the processor . The

machine cycle consist of four steps . These machine cycle steps are

What Is Central Processing Unit ?

Introduction To Computer System 

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What Is CPU Machine Cycle ?

The operating system loads the program instructions and

associated data into the main system memory RAM . The CPU

fetches the data and program instructions ( machine instructions )

from the main memory RAM .

The CPU executes the computer program by repetitively performing

a machine cycle which is a basic operation of the processor . The

machine cycle consist of four steps . These machine cycle steps are

 FETCH  DECODE  EXECUTE  STORE

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Introduction To Computer System

Main System Memory

Random Access Memory ( RAM )

The computer system makes use of different types of memories .

These different types of memories are organized into the system in

order to optimize the CPU performance.

The main system memory RAM ( Random Access Memory )

modules are mounted inside special RAM slots on the motherboard .

Each motherboard has fixed number of RAM slots .

The maximum permissible RAM size ( 4 GB , 8GB , 16 GB )

supported by the system depends upon the system configuration

and the type operating system ( 32 Bit OR 64 Bit OS ).

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Random Access Memory ( RAM )

System - Power Supply Unit

The computer system has a centralized power supply unit that

provides electrical power supply to various internal components .

The desktop computer system power system is referred as SMPS

which stands for Switched Mode Power Supply . The SMPS provides

different voltage of power supply to different components through

set of electric wires.

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Computer Software

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The computer software is a set program instructions designed to

perform a specific tasks . A computer program is written in

computer programming language such as C , C++ , Java , python

and so many other languages .

The computer system makes use of two types of software .

1. System Software.

2. Application Software .

The System software is used by the system itself manage and

control the system hardware components. The operating system

communicates with the hardware components through system

software .

The System software includes Operating System ( OS ) ,device

drivers and other system utility programs . The application software

are used by the computer user to perform various tasks on the

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system. The commonly used application software includes MS

Word , Excel .

Introduction To Computer System

System Software

What Is System Software ?

In computer system architecture , the System Software is a

collection of programs designed to operate , control and extend the

processing capabilities of the computer system and the other

hardware devices connected to the computer system.


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The system software is also designed and developed by the

computer manufacturer to communicate with specific hardware

components connected to the computer system.

For example when we connect a new device to the system , we need

to first install the device driver to operate the device such as camera

, printer , scanner and other such devices .

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Both application programs and the operating system needs a


special software called device driver to communicate and to drive
the various hardware components connected to the computer

system .

The device driver is a system software which functions as an

interface between the computer hardware and the operating



system .
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The system software programs are generally written in a low level


programming language such as assembly language .

Application Software

The application software provides an interface to the computer user

to perform a specific job on the computer system . For example ,

writing document , making presentation or managing accounts .

Application software are installed on the system to provide specific

functionality to the system . The Application software is designed

and developed to satisfy a specific need of the computer user .

For example MS Office , accounting software ( Tally ) , engineering

drawing software ( AutoCAD ) are some of commonly used

application software.

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Application software can be single program application or a

group of programs bundled together such as MS Office. Each of


these program in a bundle has been designed to provide specific
functionality to the user .

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Introduction To Computer System

Evolution Of Computers

The Computers are today integral part of the human world and

human world today critically depends upon the computing power

of today’s modern computers .

The applications of computers are indispensable part of every

industry we can possibly think of .

The Computer Science and technology has also evolved over

period of last few decades both in the hardware technology and also

in the software domain.

However , The history of computer science began , long before our

today’s modern discipline of computer science.

In the past seventy years , the computers have evolved from room-

size mega boxes to the desktops computers. And now, computers

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are in our pockets with far more computing power and mobility.

But the modern computing-machine era began with Alan Turing’s

conception of the Turing Machine, and the invention of the

transistor by three Bell Labs scientists.

The invention of transistor was a major breakthrough in the field of

digital electronics . The transistor is tiny electronic component that

used as a micro-switch in digital electronics .

The transistors soon replaced the bulky voles valves used in the

second generation of computers. The transistors are fundamental



building block of all modern processor chips .
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Introduction To Computer System

Turing Machine

The turing machine is an important mathematical computation

model in the theory of computing . Although this model was first

proposed and invented by Alan Turing in year 1936 .

The turing machine model is still considered to be a standard of

computational model to verify a particular problem can be solved

using a computer system .

Turing machine is still relevant despite the passage of time and the

advancements in the various fields of computer science . Despite

the simplicity of the model , the turing machine can simulate both

simple and a very complex algorithm.

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Introduction To Computer System

Computer Architecture

The CPU is the brain of the computer system which performs all the

mathematical calculations and logical operations . The CPU consist

of millions of tiny components called the transistor.

The transistor functions as a micro switch that can be simulate the

two binary states ( 0 and 1 ) .

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The transistors are made-up of semiconductor material silicon. The

transistor can easily functions as micro-switch to represent the two

states ( ON – 1 And OFF – 0 ) in binary . The transistor is a

fundamental building block for all digital electronic devices

including computers .

The invention of tiny electronic component transistor was a major

technological leap forward that has made the modern-style

computing possible today .

The invention of transistor was an important milestone in field of

digital electronics which rewarded the three Bell lab scientists 

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with the 1956 Nobel Prize in Physics . The Microprocessor consist

of millions of these transistors.

FAQ

Introduction To Computer FAQ

 What Is Computer ? 

 What Is Computer Software And Hardware ? 

 What Is Computer Program ? 

 What Is Application Program ? 

 What Is System Software ? 

 What is the main function of the computer ? 

 What Is Operating System ? 

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Other Related Topics

How Computer Works ?

What Is Computer Hardware ?

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Learn Computer Science

Course Contents

SECTION – 1

Introduction To Computer Science

SECTION – 2

Introduction To Computer System

How Computer Works ?

What Is Computer Hardware ?

Types Of Computers

SECTION – 3

CS And Binary Number System

SECTION – 4

Computer System Memory

What Is Virtual Memory ?

Random Access Memory ( RAM ).



SECTION – 5

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Central Processing Unit ( CPU )

What Is CPU ?

CPU Machine Cycle.

Instruction Cycle Explained.

Intel 8085 Architecture

Instruction Set Architecture

SECTION – 6

Computer Bus System

SECTION – 7

Computer BIOS And CMOS

SECTION – 8

Computer Operating System

SECTION – 9

Data Structures And Algorithms

SECTION – 10

Computer Programming Fundamentals

Object Oriented Programming ( OOP )

Procedural Programming

Programming Paradigms

Program Compilation

SECTION – 11 

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Software Engineering

Application Software

System Software

SECTION – 12

Web Design And Development

SECTION – 14

Database Management Systems ( DBMS )

Entity Relationship Diagram ( ERD )

SECTION – 15

Relational Database Management System ( RDBMS )

How To Design Database ?

Database Normalization

Database Keys

SECTION – 16

Computer Engineering

SECTION – 17

MySQL RDBMS

SECTION – 18

Android Development

SECTION – 19

Java Programming Basics 

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SECTION – 20

What Is Computer Hardware ?

What Is Computer Motherboard ?

How To Select The Best Laptop ?

SECTION – 21

Computer Organization And Architecture

What Is CPU ?

What Is Control Unit ?

What Are CPU Registers ?

What Is Instruction Format ?

What Is Machine Instruction ?

Instruction Set Architecture

What Is Arithmetic Logic Unit ( ALU ) ?

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Latest Post

Computer Science Salary Latest Trends 2022 | USA, UK IT Salary

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Software Development Life Cycle | SDLC


Models, Phases, Methodologies

What Is CPU ? | Central Processing Unit


CPU – Functions And Types

Why Computer Use Binary Number System


? | What Is Binary ?


What Is Machine Cycle ? | How CPU Executes Machine Cycle ? | Instruction Cycle

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What Is Computer Program ? | Computer


Programming Basics | Program Coding

What Is Machine Learning ? | Applications


Of Machine Learning ( ML ) | Models

What Is Web Hosting ? | How to select Best


Web Hosting ? | Hosting Types

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What Is Full Stack Developer ? | 9 Essential


Skills For Full Stack Developer | Job
Description , Salary

How To Create A Blog ? | Make Money By


Blogging | Best Blogging Websites

How To Make Website ? | Create A Website


In 10 Easy Steps 2019 | SEO Tools

Top 10 Software Engineering Skills | How To


Become Successful Software Developer


Computer Science Fields Of Study

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Learn To Code | How to Learn Computer


Programming ?

Connect On YouTube

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