2 Computer Systems

Hardware is the name that is given to any

part of a computer that you can actually
touch.
An individual piece of hardware is called a
device.
The basic hardware of any computer consists
of a central processing unit (CPU) along
with input, output and backing storage
devices.

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 Input Central Processing Output
Devices Unit (CPU) Devices

Backing Storage
Devices

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The central processing unit (CPU)

This is the part of the computer where the

searching and sorting of data, calculating and
decision-making goes on.

The CPU contains the Main Memory, the

Control Unit and the Arithmetic and Logic
Unit (ALU).

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 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

PROCESSOR

Main
ALU
Input
Memory and
Output
Devices
Control
Unit

data flow control flow instruction flow

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The Main Memory contains two types of memory
chip called ROM and RAM which hold program
instructions and data.

The Control Unit fetches instructions from the

main memory, decodes them and causes them to
be executed by the ALU.

The ALU performs calculations and makes

decisions using these instructions.

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Random Access Memory (RAM)

•RAM is the computer’s ‘working memory’.

OR
•RAM temporarily stores programs and data
that are being used at a given time.

•The contents of RAM can be changed and

are lost when the computer is turned off.

•Memory which is wiped clean when the

computer is turned off is called volatile
memory.
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 Read Only Memory (ROM)
•The main use of ROM memory chips in a computer
is to store the program that runs when the
computer is turned on which loads the operating
system (e.g. Windows 2000) from disk.

•The contents of ROM can’t be changed and aren’t

lost when the computer is switched off.

•Memory which isn't wiped clean when the

computer is turned off is called non-volatile
memory.

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BITS and BYTES
Computers store and process data using
binary numbers.
A single unit in binary is called a bit which
stands for binary digit.
Computer memory is measured in bytes.
One byte is made up of eight bits.
One byte can store one character.
1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
The eight bit binary code in this byte represents the
letter A

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The size of a computer’s memory is normally
measured in kilobytes (Kb), megabytes
(Mb) or gigabytes (Gb). The table below
shows some of the main units of size that we
use to measure computer memory.

Measurement Size (bytes) Symbol

kilobyte 1,024 Kb

megabyte 1,048,576 Mb

gigabyte 1,073,741,824 Gb

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. Uses of computer
• General-purpose computer:
A general-purpose computer can do a wide range of
information processing tasks, from scientific number
crunching to commercial file processing. The data it
handles can represent numbers, words, pictures or
sounds.
• Dedicated computer:
A dedicated computer is designed for a specific task, or
narrow range of tasks. A common example is a
computer or electronic device dedicated to
controlling a machine.
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 Different types of computer:
Mainframe computers
Mainframe computers cost millions of pounds
to buy and install.
They can process massive amounts of data
extremely quickly, which is stored on hundreds
of disk drives.
A mainframe can have hundreds of terminals
and users connected to it at the same time.
The most powerful mainframes are called
supercomputers.

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Personal Computer (desktop computer)
These are sometimes called PCs, or desktop
A typical PC system consists of:
A base, or tower, unit that contains a CPU and
backing storage devices, normally a floppy disk
drive, a hard disk drive and CD-ROM drive, and
often a Zip drive;
Input devices, normally a mouse and keyboard.
Output devices, typically a screen, printer and
speakers.

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Laptop & Palmtop
Small computers cost thousands of pounds to
buy and install.
They are as powerful as microcomputers but
not as powerful as a mainframes.
Small ‘laptop’ or portable versions are available.
These are built into a ‘briefcase’ - type case, are
capable of running off batteries, and may be
carried about.
Even smaller hand-held versions are available.
These are called palmtop computers.

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Personal Digital Assistant
• PDAs are particular kind of handheld
computer that come with many of the modern
technologies. They are fitted with a touch
screen that is activated by using a detachble
stylus.
• Some PDAs that are used primarily as phones
may not have a touch screen but use a basic
keyboard instead.

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• Advantages:
– They can be used remote from the place of
work
– They are easier to carry than laptop
• Disadvantages:
– It is difficult to enter much text
– They are about as expensive as laptops

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•  The way computer work (Data Type): This
means the type of data the computer can deal with
and process:
a- Digital Computers are the most famous ones.
They convert input data into digital form
(Binary system) consisting of 0’s and 1’s then
processes it like the computers we have at
home and here at school.
b- Analogue Computers that get input data
through machines with no human
interference like collecting Temperature,
Heart Beats, Blood Pressure…etc.
c- Hybrid Computers which can deal with both
types of data (digital and analogue).
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What is software?
Software is the general name given to all the
programs that can be run on computer
hardware. There are two categories of
software: operating systems (system software)
like windows or DOS and application software
like database, visual basic ……etc.
Software is very important to the computer
because it makes the hardware ready for the
user.

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• Operating System: is a program that controls
the hardware and allocate space on disk also
control peripherals and load software into
RAM.

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• The operating environment:
Operating environment refers to the interface of an
information system, typically a computer system, with the
user. There must be a means of communication between the
system and the user (the user interface), and between the
system hardware and the software.
• The user interface is also known as the human computer
interface (HCI). It provides the means of communication
between the user, or users, and the information system.
Ideally, it should be as easy to use as possible, so that users do
not need to study detailed instructions before they switch on
the system. Interface consists of the cursor, prompts, icons
..etc that enables the user to achieve a desired task by means
of the information system. Prompts can be visual or audible.
• User interfaces can be described as either:
– Command—driven,
– Graphical user interface (GUI)

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Command – Driven interface: this method was
used in early computer systems to
communicate with operating system. With a
command—driven interface, the user must
enter a command in order to get something
done. The command is usually typed on a
keyboard, in an abbreviated form and must be
correct or the result will not be achieved.

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 Graphical User Interface (GUI):
GUI is to make use of a WIMP ENVIRONMENT. This
stands for Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers, each
of which are typical features of a GUI. This is
probably the most accessible type of interface,
where system functions are accessed by selecting
pictures (Icons) and items from pull-down menus.
The icons and menu items are intended to be self-
explanatory although, as they differ from software,
some initial user guidance often remains necessary.
Windows and Apple Macintosh programs use GUI.

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