Ch.
1: Computer System Theory Notes
Chapter 1
Computer System
Eng. Omar El Safty Eng. Mustafa El-Komy
Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
1.1 Computer definition
A device that receives input, processes that input, and then produces the output.
A computer consists of two main components: hardware and software.
Input Processing Output
1.2 Hardware and Software
Hardware
Definition:
The physical components that make up a computer system.
Hardware can be External or Internal.
External Hardware
Definition:
Devices that exist outside the computer and normally visible to the user.
Examples:
Mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner, etc.
Internal Hardware
Definition:
Devices that exist inside the computer and are not normally
visible to the user.
Examples:
CPU/Processor
Motherboard
- Allows the processor and other computer hardware to communicate with each other
RAM
ROM
Graphics Card
- Hardware used to process and display images/graphical information on a screen
Sound Card
- Hardware that provides a computer with the ability to produce sounds
Internal HDD/Internal SSD
Network Interface Card (NIC)
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Software
Definition:
Programs for:
- Controlling the operation of a computer system
- Processing of electronic data
There are two types: Applications and System.
Applications Software
Definition and Main Purpose:
Programs that provide the services that the user requires to solve a task.
Examples:
Word processor
Spreadsheet
Database
Graphics editing
Video editing
Audio editing
Apps and applets
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
System Software
Definition and Main Purpose:
Programs that provide the services that a computer requires to run properly.
Examples:
Operating System (OS)
Device Driver
Compiler
Linkers
Utilities (for example, Anti-virus)
1.3 Computer’s main hardware components
Main Memory
Input Devices CPU Output Devices
Secondary Storage
Central Processing Unit (CPU) // Processor
Definition and Main Purpose:
Hardware that processes instructions to produce an output.
Purpose and roles:
Controls all computer operations
Controls the input and output devices
Controls the movement of data within the computer
Executes instructions sent from the hardware and software
Carries out calculations
Makes logical decisions
CPU contains Control Unit and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Control Unit
Part of the CPU that controls the interactions between its different components.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Part of the CPU that performs mathematical calculations and logical decisions.
Main Memory // Primary Memory
Definition/Main Feature/Main Characteristic:
Internal memory that is directly accessible by the CPU.
Main Memory can be referred to as Primary Memory and Internal Memory.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Definition and characteristics/features:
Volatile memory
Temporary storage
Can read from and written to
Purpose:
Used to store data/files currently in use
Used to store software/programs/instructions/parts of the OS currently in use
Used to store data temporarily
Volatile means that if the computer's power is turned off, the contents of RAM are lost.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Definition and characteristics/features:
Non-volatile memory
Permanent storage
Can only be read from but not written to
Purpose:
To store start-up instructions
To store the BIOS
To store data permanently
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is a program that carries out a hardware check to
find out if all the devices are present and whether they are functional.
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
The following table summarizes the differences between RAM and ROM:
RAM ROM
Volatile memory Non-volatile memory
Temporary storage Permanent storage
Can be written to and read from Can only be read from but not written to
Used to store data, software, instructions or
Stores permanently the start-up
parts of the operating system that are
instructions/BIOS/data
currently in use
RAM Tends to have greater storage capacity ROM tends to have smaller storage capacity
Backing storage
Definition and characteristics/features:
Non-volatile
Permanent storage
Not directly accessed by the CPU
Can be written to and read from
Can be removable storage
Main Purpose:
For permanent/non-volatile storage of data.
Other functions:
To store data that is not currently required by the CPU
To store data to transfer it to another computer
To allow software to be installed on the computer
Input devices
Definition and characteristics/features:
A device that sends data to a computer for processing
The devices are under the control of the user
Their design is more complex than output devices
Purpose:
Sends data to a computer for processing
Turn input into a form the computer can understand
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Output devices
Definition and characteristics/features:
A device that receives data from the computer
Devices are under the control of the computer
Their design is less complex than input devices
Purpose:
Displays the results of processed data.
The following table summarizes the differences between Input and Output devices:
Input Devices Output Devices
An input device sends data to a computer for An output device receives data from the
processing computer
Used to turn input into a form the computer can Devices used to display the results of
understand processed data
Controlled by the user Controlled by the computer
Design is more complex Design is less complex
1.4 Operating systems
Definition and Main Purpose:
Software that allows the user to communicate with the computer hardware and perform many
basic tasks.
Functions of the operating system:
Provides a user interface
Manages user accounts
Managing peripherals
Memory management
Provides system security
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
User interfaces
Command Line Interface (CLI)
Definition:
An interface in which the user would have to type commands to interact with the computer.
Advantages of using CLI:
Uses less amount of hard disk space than GUI
Needs less amount of RAM to run than GUI
Uses less processing power than GUI
The user is not limited to pre-determined options as with the GUI
Disadvantages of using CLI:
Commands must be learned and memorized by the user
Commands must be typed in exactly
More prone to errors in data entry
Takes time to type in commands
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Definition:
Interface built around graphical items
It uses a WIMP system (windows, icons, menus,
and pointer)
Features of GUI:
Windows: Regions of the screen used to display data
Icons: Small pictures that are used to represent folders, software, etc.
Menus: Lists of options the user can select from
Pointer: An arrow used to navigate the screen and select things on the screen
Advantages of using GUI:
Easy to use especially for a beginner
Commands tend to be intuitive
No need to learn complex commands
Commands do not need to be typed in therefore less typing errors
Disadvantages of using GUI:
GUI takes up a large amount of hard disk space (due to graphics)
GUI needs a significant amount of RAM to run (due to graphics)
GUI uses a lot of processing power
Restricted to pre-determined options
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Dialogue-based interface
Definition:
Software that interacts through speech recognition
Uses spoken words to carry out actions
Advantages:
Fast form of data entry
Simple to use
Allows hands free control
Distraction free interface (which is safer for drivers)
In a home, it is very useful for people with disabilities
Disadvantages:
Can be complex to set up
The user needs to know which commands can be used
Unreliable as commands may not get recognized or need to be repeated several times
Limited access due to the number of commands stored
Need to be ‘trained’ by the user
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Gesture-based interface
Definition:
Where the human body interacts with the device
Where a human gives a command ...
… without using a keyboard/mouse/pointing device
Advantages:
Fast form of data entry
Do not require additional devices
The screen lasts longer as no physical contact with the user
Very natural interface for a human user
Disadvantages:
The device can be triggered accidentally
Not as accurate as other interfaces
Reduced commands
Requires a good camera
Uses a lot of processing power
Gestures must be learnt correctly (otherwise they will not be identified)
1.5 Types of Computers
Desktop computers
Advantages of using desktop computers:
Less chance of being stolen compared to mobile computers
Tends to have better specifications for a given price than mobile
computers
Easier to upgrade compared to mobile computers
Disadvantages of desktop computers:
Not very portable
Larger footprint than other types of computers
They need a constant power supply so they can’t be used in case of a power cut
Footprint refers to the physical space that a device consumes.
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Uses of desktop computers:
Office and business work
Educational use
Used as a gaming device
General entertainment
Mobile computers
Definition:
A group of computers that are more portable than desktop computers.
Examples:
Laptop computers
Tablets
Smartphones
Phablets
Main uses of mobile computers:
Communication
Office and business work
Educational use
Used as a gaming device
General entertainment
Used to control devices remotely
Examples of uses of mobile devices for communication:
Make/receive phone calls
Text messaging
Instant messaging
Video calls
Surfing the internet
Sending and receiving emails
Streaming of music/videos
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Laptop computers
Advantages of laptops:
Lightweight to aid portability
Smaller footprint compared to desktop computers
Low power consumption
Low heat generation
Has a built-in battery, so it can be used if there’s a power cut
Tends to have a bigger screen than tablets/phablets/smartphones which:
- Results in less strain on the eye
- Is easier to see written content
Disadvantages of laptops:
Easier to lose/be stolen compared to desktop computers
It is not always possible to upgrade them
Tablets
Advantages of tablets:
Lightweight to aid portability (more than laptops)
Small footprint (less than laptops)
Low power consumption (less than laptops)
Low heat generation (less than laptops)
Uses touchscreen technology, which is simple to use
Has a built-in battery, so it can be used if there’s a power cut
Disadvantages of tablets compared to laptops:
Easier to lose/be stolen than laptops and desktop computers
Compared to a physical keyboard, typing on a touchscreen can:
- Be slower to use
- Be harder to use
- Cause more typing errors
Supports fewer types of file formats than laptops and desktop computers
Smartphones
Advantages of smartphones:
Lightweight to aid portability (more than laptops and tablets)
Small footprint (less than laptops and tablets)
Has a built-in battery, so it can be used if there’s a power cut
People are more likely to have a smartphone with them than other types of computers
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Ch.1: Computer System Theory Notes
Disadvantages of smartphones:
Easier to lose/be stolen than other types of computers
Smaller onscreen keyboards which:
- Make typing slower
- Cause more typing errors
- Make typing more difficult
Phablet
Definition:
A computer that is a hybrid between a tablet and a smartphone
A tablet that functions as a smartphone
The device size is between a smartphone and a tablet
Phablets have all the features of a typical smartphone and a tablet!
Characteristics of computers are their advantages and disadvantages.
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