Lecture one
Computer Fundamentals
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What is computer?
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data,
operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory accept data
(input), process the data according to specified rules, produce information (output),
and store the information for the future use.
Basic functions of computer
The computer consists of two main parts
HARDWARE
The term Hardware any physical parts or components that contribute to a
computer system, the parts of your computer that you can see and touch.
There are several different kinds of hardware inside a PC. Both desktop and laptop
PCs include these types of hardware, though the size and type differ because of a
laptop’s compact design.
SOFTWARE
The term Software is the collection of instructions that makes the computer work
and it is installed within the operating system, classified into two types-
Application software and system software
For example: when your write on the keyboard, the software is responsible for
displaying the correct letters, in correct place on the screen and responsible on any
action on the computer.
System software
Is the main software of a computer that has a direct access to the system’s
hardware, It takes care and monitors all the other functions of a computer.
Application software
Is additional software in a computer which is used to perform a specific function.
Users has a direct access to this application software and this software is not
mandatory in a system. We can use system without this application software.
Type of the application system
Freeware − as the name suggests, this application software is available for
free. Adobe reader, Yahoo messenger, LibreOffice etc., are some of the
freeware software
Open source − the source code of these software is available for all thus one
can change it and add new features to it. Apache web server, GIMP, etc., are
examples of open source software
Shareware − this software is available for free for a limited period of time
(trail) and then one has to pay for their services. Winzip, Adobe acrobat, skype
etc., are some of the shareware software
Custom software − Software that is special developed for a user or
organization. E-commerce solution, Fintech solution, etc., are some of the
custom software
Packaged software − Software consisting a group of similar programs. MS
Office is the best example for this. It consists of Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Outlook, etc.
Operating system
An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the computer
user and computer hardware, and controls the execution of programs. The
operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.
It performs basic tasks such as file, memory and process management, handling
input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and
printers.
Types of operating system:
Batch operating system − Allows multiple users to use it at the same time.
But there are no connections between the users. The OS doesn’t directly
interact with the hardware. There are certain operators between the OS and
hardware.
Time-sharing operating system − Each task is given with certain amount of
time to execute. Once the time is completed, the control is shifted to the next
task.
Distributed operating system − Here, all computer systems are connected to
an OS. Each computer has its own memory and CPU and they are all
connected to a single operating system. Connected computers can access
various files from that network which are not actually present in them.
Network operating system − Here computers have their own operating
system and are connected to a common server.
Real-time operating system − These OS are designed to perform specific
tasks in a given time limit. They are used in missiles, airbags, etc.
What is the different between operating system and
application software system?
Parameter Operating system Application software
Definition It is a system software It is a software program
that can perform a specific
that acts as an interface
task
between the user and
system’s hardware.
Programing language It is written using low This software is written in
level languages like high level programming
assembly language and languages like C++,
C, C++ Python, Java, etc
Run time It is the first software It is used by the user
loaded by BIOS when based on their
the computer is tuned requirements
on
Goal Its main aim is to It is used by the user to
manage the hardware perform a specific function.
components efficiently
Installation It is pre-installed in the User needs to install them
devices from the Internet
Necessity Without OS, a computer It has no effect on the
can’t run. general functioning of a
computer.
Examples Windows, Android, Mac, MS office, Adobe reader,
Linux etc., are some of WhatsApp, etc., are all
the operating system examples of application
software.
Features of Operating Systems
Here is a list of some important features of operating systems:
1. Provides a platform for running applications
2. Handles memory management and CPU scheduling
3. Provides file system abstraction
4. Provides networking support
5. Provides security features
6. Provides user interface
7. Provides utilities and system services
8. Supports application development