Computer System – Short Notes (Combined)
1.1 Computer System
Computer = electronic device (Input → Process → Output)
Computer system = Hardware + Software
Main components:
CPU
Memory
Input/Output devices
Storage devices
Types: Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone
1.1.1 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Brain of computer
Performs processing
Components:
ALU – Arithmetic & logic operations
CU – Controls all operations
Registers – Small fast memory
1.1.2 Input Devices
Used to enter data
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Touchscreen
1.1.3 Output Devices
Display results
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker
1.2 Evolution of Computers
Abacus → Pascaline → Analytical Engine → ENIAC → IC → Microprocessor
Modern: PCs, Internet, Smartphones, AI, IoT
1.3 Memory
Stores data and instructions
Units
Bit → Nibble (4 bits) → Byte (8 bits) → KB → MB → GB → TB
Types of Memory
Primary Memory
Directly used by CPU
RAM: Volatile, temporary
ROM: Non-volatile, permanent
Cache Memory
Very fast memory between CPU & RAM
Secondary Memory
Permanent storage
Examples: HDD, SSD, Pen drive
1.4 Data Transfer (Bus)
Bus = wires for data transfer
Types:
Data Bus (bidirectional)
Address Bus (unidirectional)
Control Bus (unidirectional)
1.5 Microprocessor
CPU on a single chip
Fast, small, efficient
Features
Word size (8–64 bit)
Memory size
Clock speed (GHz)
Cores (dual, quad, octa)
1.6 Data and Information
Data: Raw facts
Information: Processed data
Types of Data
Structured: Tables (easy to process)
Unstructured: Images, videos
Semi-structured: Tags (HTML, email)
Data Operations
Capturing: Collecting data
Storage: Saving data
Retrieval: Getting data
Data Deletion & Recovery
Deleted data not fully erased
Can be recovered if not overwritten
Security:
Use passwords, encryption
Proper data wiping
1.7 Software
Set of instructions
Makes hardware usable
Types
System Software
Programming Tools
Application Software
1.7.2 System Software
Operating System
Controls hardware & software
Examples: Windows, Linux, Android
System Utilities
Maintenance tools (antivirus, disk cleanup)
Device Drivers
Interface between OS & hardware
1.7.3 Programming Tools
Languages
Low-level: Machine, Assembly
High-level: Python, Java
Translators
Assembler
Compiler
Interpreter
Tools
IDE, Editor, Debugger
1.7.4 Application Software
General Purpose
Common use (Word, Browser)
Customised
Specific use (School software)
1.7.5 Software Types
FOSS: Free + source code available
Freeware: Free, no source code
Proprietary: Paid software
1.8 Operating System
Resource manager (CPU, memory, devices)
Functions
Process Management
Memory Management
File Management
Device Management
User Interfaces
CLI: Command-based
GUI: Icons, menus
Touch: Smartphones
Voice: Siri, Google Assistant
Gesture: Motion-based
✅ Quick Revision Tip
CPU = Brain
RAM = Temporary
ROM = Permanent
Cache = Fastest
OS = Manager
Software = Instructions
Data → Process → Information