BACS1024

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Systems

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Chapter Outline
1.1 Today's Technology
1.2 Computer hardware, software, data, network
Input output
1.2.1 Data and Information
1.2.2 Information processing cycle
1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1 Hardware
1.3.2 Software
1.4 Computer networks
1.4.1 Physical Components of a Network
1.4.2 Communication Channels of a Network
1.4.3 Types of Computer Network
1.4.4 Network Topologies
1.4.5 Network Architectures

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1.1 Today's Technology

 Technology changes the way

we access to information,
data and resource sharing,
daily living and
communication, supports to
business operations and
services, etc.
 Therefore, it is important to
be digitally literate with
current knowledge and
understanding on technology.

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1.2 Computers
1.2.0 Computer
 Computer is a group of electronic devices, operating under the control
of instructions.
 A computer can accept data, process the data according to specified
rules, produce results/information, and store the results /information
for future use.

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1.2 Computers
1.2.1 Data & Information
 Computers process data into information.
 Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which may made up of text,
numbers, pictures, audio or/and videos.
 Information is the processed data which is meaningful and useful.
 Example: Withdrawal of RM100 from ATM machine.
DATA PROCESS INFORMATION
• 6 digits pin • Verify pin • Cash
• Withdrawal • Check account balance • receipt
• RM100 • Update balance

STORAGE
• Date, time, account
number, transaction type,
account balance

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1.2 Computers
1.2.1 Data and Information
 More example: PROCESS
INFORMATION
• Computes the sub-toral of
Aeon Big
DATA each item by multiplying
Wangsa Maju
the quantity purchased with
Royal Gala Apple RM1.50 each the item price.
QTY ITEM TOTAL(RM)
Granny Smith Apple RM1.50 each • Organizes data.
-----------------------------------------
Fuji Apple XL RM2.50 each • Sums all sub-totals to
5 Royal Gala Apple 7.50
determine the grand total.
3 Granny Smith Apple 4.50
• Calculates change based on
2 Fuji Apple XL 5.00
the amount received.
-----------------------------------------
Total Due 17.00
Amount Received 20.00
Change 3.00
STORAGE -----------------------------------------

• Date, time, store/location, ~~ Thank You ~~

total due, item, quantity,
amount received

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1.2 Computers
1.2.2 Information Processing Cycle (IPC)
 A computer performs 4 key functions: input, process, output and storage.
 The IPC model also known as an Input-Process-Output (IPO) model.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

• Collect • Read • Produce
• Capture • Sort • Present
• Data transmission • Calculate • Decode
• Data Communication • Edit • Generate
• Encode • Write

(Data, Raw material) (Data, instructions) ( Information, Result)

STORAGE
• Store
• Retrieve

(Details, Records)
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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.0 Computer Hardware and Software
• A computer-based information system (IS) is made up of 4 major elements:
Components Description
Data • Fundamental representation of facts and observations
Hardware • Physical mechanisms that process data by executing
instruction, storing & moving data
Software • System software & application software that define
instructions
Communication • Hardware & Software that facilitate sharing, locally &
remotely data accesses

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.0 Computer Hardware and Software

100000011101010101
010101011101100001
Hardware Data 111110001111111001

Software Communication

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1 Computer hardware
 A computer contains many
electric, electronic, and
mechanical components
known as hardware.
 The physical & visible
components to support IPC
(IPOS model).
 These components include:
1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. System unit
4. Storage devices
5. Communication
devices

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1 Computer hardware
• These components include:
1. Input devices
2. Output devices
3. System unit
4. Storage devices
5. Communication
devices

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1 Computer hardware (HW)
 Accepts data/instruction into the computer.
Input Device  E.g.: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, digital camera,
PC video camera, etc.

 Conveys info to one or more people.

Output Device
 E.g.: printer, monitor, speakers, etc.

 Box-like case that contains the electronic components of the

System Unit
computer that are used to process data.

 Holds data, instructions and info for future use.

Storage Device
 E.g.: USB flash drives, hard disk, etc.

 Enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions and

Communications
Device
info. to and from another computer(s)
 E.g.: Modem, router and network card
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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.1 Input Devices

Keyboard & Touch screen Stylus Webcam microphone

Mouse

Scanner Optical mark Barcode reader Magstripe reader Game controller

reader (OMR)

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.2 Output Devices
Text

Graphic

Audio

Video

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.3 System unit
• The circuitry of the system unit is connected to a circuit board called the
motherboard.
Sound card Power supply and fan

Battery
Integrated sound ports
and circuitry

Hard disk

Processor
Inside of desktop Inside of laptop Processor

memory memory

Heat sink and fan Heat sink and fan

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.3 System unit
• Processor / Central processing unit
(CPU)
 Facilitate calculations and other
computations
 Consists of:
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Perform arithmetic
and Boolean logical
operations
 Control Unit
Control the instruction processing
 Registers
Facilitate machine cycle
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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.4 Storage devices
• 2 types: Volatile memory & non-volatile memory.
• The smallest measurement unit in computer is bit, i.e. ON (1) or OFF (0).
Internal solid-
External
state drive (SSD)
hard disk
Internal hard
Volatile Non-volatile disk

Characte Loses its content Content remained NFC Tags

Memory
ristic when computer even when the cards

power is turned power is turned USB flash drive

off off
RFID Tags
Nature Temporary Permanent Cloud storage

Examples RAM, cache ROM, CMOS Smart cards

memory Optical discs

Magnetic
strip card

Network attached
storage device 17
 1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.5 Communication devices

Cable or DSL Router

modem

Wireless modem
communicates with
mobile service provider

Wireless modem
inserted in laptop

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.6 The 5 components of a computer and their relationship

MEMORY

INPUT DEVICES PROCESSOR OUTPUT DEVICES

• Collect • Read • Produce
• Capture • Sort • Present
• Data transmission • Calculate • Decode
• Data Communication • Edit • Generate
• Encode • Write

(Data, Raw material) (Data, instructions) ( Information, Result)

STORAGE DEVICES
• Store
• Retrieve

(Details, Records) 19
1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.7 Buses
• Uses wire / wireless way to carry signals & power between different
components.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.1.8 Machine Cycle
• Inside CPU

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2 Computer software
• Software (program) is a series of instructions that tells a computer
what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
• There are 2 major types of software:
1. System software serves as the interface between the user, the
application software, and the computer’s hardware. There are 2
major types of system software:
 Operating System
 Utility Program
2. Application software is designed to enhance user’s productivity.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.1 System Software
 Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and
its devices to enable the application software to run.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.1 System Software
• 2 types of system software are:
1. Utility Programs (UP)
2. Operating Systems (OS)

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.1 System Software
1. Operating Systems (OS)
• Programs that coordinate all the activities among computer or
mobile device hardware.
• Examples:
 Mobile devices  Symbian, Windows Mobile, Android
 Personal Computer  Windows 7, Mac OS X, Unix, Linux
 Server  Windows Server 2008, Unix, Linux
 IBM Mainframe  Z80
• Some computers can run multiple Operating Systems.
(e.g.: With the use of Virtual machine, sandbox, etc.)

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.1 System Software
2. Utility Programs
• a type of system software that allows a user to perform
maintenance-type of tasks, usually related to managing
devices, media, and programs used by computers and mobile
devices.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.2 Application Software
• Application software consists of programs designed to make users more
productive and/or assist with personal tasks.
• Application software is available in a variety of forms.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.2 Application Software

Various forms Description Example

Retail software Mass produced, copyrighted retail Word processing
software
Custom software Perform functions specific to a business GSC ticketing
/industry system
Web app An application stored on a web server Google Documents
that allow access through a browser
Mobile app Application that downloaded from a MySejahtera
mobile device’s app store
Mobile web app A web app that is optimized for display in Facebook/ Meta
a browser on a mobile devices,
regardless of screen size or orientation.

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.2 Application Software

Various forms Description Example

Share ware A copyrighted software that is WinZip
distributed at no cost for a trial period.
Freeware A copyrighted software provided at no PDF tools
cost by an individual or a company that
retains all rights to the software.
Open source A software provided for use, Mozilla Firefox,
software modification, and redistribution Linux, WordPress
Public domain A software that has been donated for SQLite
software public use and has no copyright
restrictions

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1.3 Components of a computer system
1.3.2.2 Application Software
• Programs and applications (apps) by category

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.0 Computer Network
• A network is a collection of computers and devices connected
together via communications devices and transmission media.
• Advantages / reasons of using a network include:
 Facilitating communications: uses of Email, instant messaging, and
chat
 Sharing hardware: for example: Each computer on the network
access to printer on the network in order to save money
 Sharing data and information: for example: Access data and
information stored on the network server
 Sharing software: Access application software on the network
 Transferring funds: transfer money from one bank to other bank
via Internet

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1.4 Computer networks
Benefits of networks

Facilitate Share
communication hardware
Transfer
funds

Share
Share data &
software
info

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.0 Computer Network
• Digital communications describes a process in which two / more computers
or devices transfer data, instructions, and information.
• A sending device initiates an instruction to transmit data, instructions, or
information.
• A transmission media, or communication channel is the medium on which
the data, instructions, or information travel.
• A communication device is a hardware that connects the sending device to
transmission media, and connects the transmission media to a receiving
device.
• A receiving device accepts the transmission of data, instructions, or
information.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.1 Physical Components of a Network
• A network is a collection of interconnected devices and end systems.
• The essential components of a network are including:
1. Modem
2. Network cards
3. Wireless access point
4. Routers
5. Hubs and switches

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.1 Physical Components of a Network
1. MODEM
2. Network card
3. Wireless access point
4. Routers
5. Hubs and switches

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.2 Communication Channels of a Network
• It is the transmission media on which data, instructions, or information
travel in a communications system.
• Common terms:
 The amount of data that can travel over a communications channel
sometimes is called the bandwidth.
 Latency is the time it takes a signal to travel from one location to
another on a network.
 Transmission media consists of materials capable of carrying one or
more signals.
 Broadband media transmit multiple signals simultaneously.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.2 Communication Channels of a Network
 Transmission media are including:
1. Physical transmission media
• Use wire, cable, and other tangible materials to send
communication signal.
• Examples:
1. Twisted pair cable
2. Coaxial cable
3. Fiber optic cable
2. Wireless transmission media
• Send communications signals through the air or space using
radio, microwave, and infrared signal.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.2 Communication Channel of a Network
Physical transmission media
1. Twisted pair cable
2. Coaxial cable
3. Fiber optic cable

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 1.4 Computer networks
1.4.2 Communication Channel of a Network
Wireless transmission media
1. Infrared (IR)
2. Broadcast radio
3. Cellular radio
4. Microwaves
5. Satellite

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.3 Types of Networks
• Networks are classified according to the size of the
coverage area.
• Three types of networks are:
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.3 Types of Network

Local Area Networks (LAN) Metropolitan Area Wide Area Networks (WAN)
Networks (MAN)

A LAN is a network that A MAN connects LANs in a WAN is a network that

connects computers and metropolitan area such as a covers a large geographical
devices in a limited city or town. area such as city, country,
geographical area: Home, or the world.
school lab, office or closely
positioned group of
buildings

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.4 Network Topologies
• A network topology refers to the
layout of the computers and devices
in a communications network.
• Three commonly used network
topologies are:
 STAR
 BUS
 RING
• Most networks, including the
Internet, use the combinations of
star, ring and bus topologies.

• New term: The term node is used to refer to

each computer or device on a network.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.4 Network Topologies
Star network
Star Network
• All of the computers and
devices on the network connect
to a central device
(hub/switch), forming a star.
• Quite easy to install and
maintain. Nodes can be added
to and removed from the
network with no disruption to
the network.
• If one node fails, only that
node is affected. If the
hub/switch fails, the entire
network is inoperable.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.4 Network Topologies Bus network
Bus Network
• A bus network consists of a single
central cable, to which all
computers and other devices
connect. printer etc.
• The bus is the physical cable that
connects the computers and other
devices. The bus transmits data in
both directions.
• Bus networks are inexpensive and
easy to install. Nodes can be
attached to or detached from the
bus without disturbing the network.
• Failure of one node does not affect
the network. But if the bus fails, the
entire network is inoperable.
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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.4 Network Topologies Ring network
Ring Network
• On a ring network, all connected
devices form a continuous loop.
Data travels from device to device
in one direction.
• If a node fails, all devices before
the failed device are unaffected,
but those after the failed device
cannot function.
• A ring network can span a larger
distance than a bus network, but it
is more difficult to install.

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.4 Network Topologies
STAR RING BUS
Description Connected to Connected Connected to a
central devices devices form a common
normally is a continuous loop channel/backbone
hub/switch channel
Advantage Nodes can be can span a Nodes can be
easily added to larger distance easily added to
and removed from and removed from
the network the network
Disadvantage If the hub/switch Difficult to If the main circuit
fails, the entire install fails, the entire
network is network is
inoperable inoperable

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.5 Network Architectures
• The design of computers, devices, and media on a network is called the
network architecture.
• They are 2 main categories of network architectures:
1. client/server
2. peer-to-peer

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.5 Network Architectures Client/server
network
Client/Server Network
• On a client/server network, one or more
computers act as a server, and the other
computers (clients) on the network
request services from the server.
• Server (host computer)
 Control access to the hardware,
software, and other resources and
provides centralized storage
• Client
 Rely on the server for its resources

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1.4 Computer networks
1.4.5 Network Architectures Peer-to-peer
network
Peer-to-peer Network
• P2P is a simple, inexpensive network
architecture that typically connects
fewer than 10 computers.
• On a peer-to-peer network, each
computer, called a peer, has equal
responsibilities and capabilities, sharing
hardware, data, or information with
other computers on the peer-to-peer
network.

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 Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Systems
Self-Review
1.1 Today's technology 1.3.1.7 Buses facilitate the transfer
1.2 Computer 1.3.1.8 Machine Cycle
fetch, decode,
execute, store
1.2.0 Computer (cpu - memory)
1.3.2 Software
1.2.1 Data and Information
1.3.2.1 System Software
1.2.2 Information processing cycle mandatory eg. Windows
1.3.2.2 Application Software
1.3 Components of a computer system optional eg. Dosbox
physical device instruction / program
1.3.0 Hardware and Software
1.4 Computer networks
interconnected group of
1.3.1 Hardware 1.4.0 Computer Network
components
1.3.1.1 Input devices keyboard, mouse 1.4.1 Physical Components of a Network
modem, router etc
1.3.1.2 Output Devices 1.4.2 Communication Channels of a Network
1.3.1.3 System Unit motherboard, power supply, emem 1.4.3 Types of Computer Network
wired/wireless, LAN,WAN,MAN (distance)
1.3.1.4 Storage Devices RAM, ROM, Pendrive, memory card 1.4.4 Network Topologies
bus, star, ring (layout, connection)
1.3.1.5 Communication Devices network. network card, router 1.4.5 Network Architectures
1.3.1.6 Relationship of 5 Hardware Components client/server, peer-to-peer ( function)

storage 50
input <---> processor <---> output
network