KRISHNA INSTITUTE OF LAW

(Approved by BCI affiliated to CCSU, Meerut)

NH-24, Jindal Nagar,Ghaziabad-201002
Phone no- +9643031960, 9643028427

LL.B.–6thSem
Subject–Law of Cyber Crime

The Basic Structure of Computers

All computer types have the same basic computer structure and function. They all
follow basic operations. These operations are responsible for converting raw input
data into some information that is useful for the users of computers. This basic
structure includes an input unit, CPU (central processing unit), and output unit.

1. Input unit
Input units are the components or devices of the computer by which we can
enter any data into the computer. Input devices are responsible for translating
all the information that we add to the computer into a form only understood by
the computer. All computer types have an input unit.

2. The central processing unit (CPU)

The central processing unit or CPU is known as the computer’s brain. The CPU
plays an important role in forming the basic structure of computers. It does all
the data operations. The CPU is responsible for storing data, Intermediating
results and instructions of programs.
 The central processing unit controls the operations of every part of the computer.
A CPU has three components. These three components are
a) Control unit
b) The memory unit
c) ALU or arithmetic logic unit

3. Output unit
The device that helps us get all the required information from the computer is
known as the output unit. The output unit acts as a linkage between users as
well as computers. Output devices are responsible for translating the
computer’s output into a form that is understandable by the users.

Computer System Architecture

Computer architecture is a specification detailing how a set of software and

hardware technology standards interact to form a computer system or platform. In
short, computer architecture refers to how a computer system is designed and
what technologies it is compatible with.

A very good example of computer architecture is von Neumann architecture,

which is still used by most types of computers today. This was proposed by the
mathematician John von Neumann in 1945. It describes the design of an electronic
computer with its CPU, which includes the arithmetic logic unit, control unit,
registers, memory for data and instructions, an input/output interface and
external storage functions.
Categories of computer architecture:

1. System Design: This includes all hardware components in the system,

including data processors aside from the CPU, such as the graphics
processing unit and direct memory access. It also includes memory
controllers, data paths and miscellaneous things like multiprocessing and
virtualization.
2. Instruction Set Architecture (ISA): This is the embedded programming
language of the central processing unit. It defines the CPU’s functions and
capabilities based on what programming it can perform or process. This
includes the word size, processor register types, memory addressing modes,
data formats and the instruction set that programmers use.
3. Micro Architecture: Otherwise known as computer organization, this type of
architecture defines the data paths, data processing and storage elements, as
well as how they should be implemented in the ISA.

Motherboard

A motherboard is the most extensive board in a computer chassis that distributes

power and allows communication to and from the CPU, RAM, video card, and
various other computer hardware components, such as a keyboard, mouse,
modem, speakers, etc.

A motherboard is also known by many names, such as main board, logic board, system
board, planar board, mobo, and MB. The motherboard holds a lot of important and
crucial components that are used for properly working a computer or a laptop, such as
the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and connectors for Input and output
devices. A mother board also has several sockets and slots for connecting other
components.
 Microprocessor

Computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU) built on a single Integrated Circuit (IC)is
called a microprocessor.

A digital computer with one microprocessor which acts as a CPU is called

microcomputer. It is a programmable, multipurpose, clock -driven, register-based
electronic device that reads binary instructions from a storage device called
memory, accepts binary data as input and processes data according to those
instructions and provides results as output. The microprocessor contains millions
of tiny components like transistors, registers, and diodes that work together.

Essential Elements of Computer System

Computer Systems
We are all aware of what computers are and their immense importance in our
daily lives. It is an electronic device that not only stores data but also processes
and manipulates data to carry out functions. Upon receiving valid instructions, a
computer can perform a variety of operations.
What allows us to perform such tasks on the computer is a computer system. A
computer system is the sum total of all the components (hardware and software)
that makes up a fully functional computer.
Elements of a Computer System
There are six main elements that make up a computer system. They all interact
with each other and perform the task at hand. Let us take a look at all of them.
1. Hardware- These are all the physical aspects of a computer system. They are
tangible, i.e. you can see and touch them. Hardware components are the
electronic or mechanical instruments, like keyboard, monitor, printer etc. They
help the users interface with the software, and also display the result of the
tasks being performed.
Hardware can actually be of four types, depending on which function they
perform.
2. Software- Software is nothing but a set of programmes (computer
instructions), which helps the user to do a set of specific tasks. It helps the
user interact with the computer system with the help of hardware. Software,
as you can imagine, is the intangible aspect of the computer system.
3. People- The people interacting with the computer system are also an
element of it. We call this element the live ware. They are the ultimate
“users” of the computer systems.
4. Procedures- These are a set of instructions, written in code, to instruct a
computer on how to perform a task, run a software, do calculations etc.
5. Data- Data is essentially the raw facts and figures that we input in the
computer. The data gets processed via the computer system and becomes
information, which is processed and organized data. Information can then be
used for decision-making purposes. The measurement of data is done in
terms of “bytes”. One kilobyte (KB) is approximately 1000 bytes, 1 megabyte
(MB) is 1 million by tesand finally, and 1 gigabyte (GB) is approximately 1
billion bytes.
 6. Connectivity- This is when the computers are linked to a network. It
facilitates sharing of information, files, and other facilities. Computers can
connect to a network via LAN cables, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, satellites etc. The
internet is the most obvious example of connectivity in a computer system.

Computer Network

A group of computers which are connected to each other and follow similar usage
protocols for the purpose of sharing information and having communications
provided by the networking nodes is called a Computer Network.

Types of Computer Networks

1. LAN(Local Area Network)–

 Systems connected in a small network like in a building or a small

office
 It is inexpensive
 It uses Ethernet or Token-ring technology
 Two or more personal computers can be connected through wires
or cables acting as nodes
 Transfer of data is fast and is highly score

2. PAN (Personal Area Network)–

 The smallest computer network
  Devices may be connected through Bluetooth or other infra-
red enables devices
 It has a connectivity range of up to 10 meters
 It covers an area of up to 30 feet
 Personal devices belonging to a single person can be
connected to each other using PAN
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)–

 A network that can be connected with in a city, for example,

cable TV Connection.
 It can be in the form of Ethernet, ATM, Token-ring and FDDI
 It has a higher range.
 This type of network can be used to connect citizens with the
various Organisations.

4. WAN (Wide Area Network)–

 A network which covers over a country or a larger range of people.

 Telephonic lines are also connected through WAN
 Internet is the biggest WAN in the world.
 Mostly used by Government Organisations to manage data and
information.

5. VPN (Virtual Private Network):–

 A network which is constructed by using public wires to connect to a

private network.
  There are a number of systems which enable you to create networks
using the Internet as a medium for transporting data. 
 These systems use encryptions and other security mechanisms to
ensure only authorized users can access.

Communication device

A communication device is a hardware device capable of transmitting an analog or

digital signal over the telephone, other communication wire, or wirelessly.

A classic example of a communication device is a computer modem, which

converts a computer's digital information to an analog signal for transmission over
a telephone line. Similarly, a modem receives analog signals, and converts them to
digital, for processing by the computer. This process is called
modulation/demodulation, from which the modem gets its name.

Communication device examples

Below is a full listing of all the different types of communications devices you may
encounter when dealing with a computer.
 Bluetooth devices

 Infrared devices

 Modem(over phone line)

 Network card(using Ethernet)

 Smartphone

 Wi-Fi devices(using a Wi-Fi router);