Class 11 Computer Science
Chapter 1: Computer System Overview & Architecture
Comprehensive Revision Notes CBSE / NCERT Aligned
Core Concept: A computer system is an integrated set of hardware and software components that
processes raw data into meaningful information following the IPO (Input-Process-Output) model.
1. Functional Components of a Computer
Every computer system consists of four primary functional units that coordinate to execute tasks:
SYSTEM FUNCTIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Input Devices → Central Processing Unit (ALU + CU + Registers) → Output Devices
↕
Primary Memory ↔ Secondary Storage
• Input Unit: Captures raw data and instructions from external input devices and converts them into binary code
(0s and 1s) understandable by the computer.
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Barcode Reader, Microphone.
• Central Processing Unit (CPU): Often referred to as the "Brain of the Computer", it retrieves, decodes, and
executes program instructions.
◦ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic operations (+, −, ×, /) and logical comparisons (>, <, =,
≠).
◦ Control Unit (CU): Acts as the central supervisor. It fetches instructions from main memory, decodes them,
and directs data flow across the system.
◦ Registers: Small, ultra-fast temporary storage locations inside the CPU chip to hold memory addresses,
intermediate results, and flags.
• Output Unit: Converts binary processing results back into human-readable formats.
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker, Plotter.
• System Bus: Physical electrical channels connecting hardware components to exchange data and control
signals:
◦ Data Bus: Transfers actual data values (Bidirectional).
◦ Address Bus: Holds memory addresses of instructions/data (Unidirectional).
◦ Control Bus: Transfers timing and command signals.
2. Memory & Storage Hierarchy
Computer memory is broadly classified into Primary Memory (Internal/Main Memory) and Secondary Memory
(Permanent Storage).
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Primary Memory vs. Secondary Memory
FEATURE PRIMARY MEMORY SECONDARY MEMORY
CPU Access Directly accessible by CPU Indirectly accessible (via I/O channels)
Speed High access speed Slower than primary memory
Capacity Limited (e.g., 8 GB – 32 GB) Large capacity (e.g., 512 GB – 4 TB)
Volatility Mostly volatile (RAM) Non-volatile (retains data without power)
Examples RAM, ROM, Cache Memory SSD, HDD, Flash Drives, Optical Disks
Types of Primary Memory
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile read-write memory used to store programs and data currently
actively used by running processes.
◦ SRAM (Static RAM): Built using flip-flops; faster, more expensive, doesn't require periodic refreshing. Used
in Cache memory.
◦ DRAM (Dynamic RAM): Built using capacitors & transistors; requires continuous electrical refreshing. Used
as main RAM.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory containing permanent startup instructions (Firmware / BIOS).
◦ PROM: Programmable ROM (written once by user/manufacturer).
◦ EPROM: Erasable Programmable ROM (erased using strong UV light).
◦ EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (erased electrically; modern flash BIOS).
• Cache Memory: High-speed SRAM buffer located directly between the CPU and Main RAM to store frequently
accessed data and speed up execution cycle times.
Units of Memory Storage
UNIT EQUIVALENT SIZE EXPONENTIAL VALUE
Bit (b) Single Binary Digit (0 or 1) 20
Nibble 4 Bits —
Byte (B) 8 Bits —
Kilobyte (KB) 1024 Bytes 210 Bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1024 KB 220 Bytes
Gigabyte (GB) 1024 MB 230 Bytes
Terabyte (TB) 1024 GB 240 Bytes
Petabyte (PB) 1024 TB 250 Bytes
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3. Computer Software & Classification
Software refers to the set of programs, routines, and instructions that direct hardware execution.
A. System Software
Programs responsible for managing system resources, hardware operations, and basic execution environment.
1. Operating System (OS): Master software acting as an interface between user applications and hardware (e.g.,
Windows, Linux, macOS).
Key Functions: Process scheduling, Memory management, File management, Device management, and
Security control.
2. Language Processors (Translators): Translates high-level source code into low-level machine code (0s and
1s).
INPUT
TRANSLATOR EXECUTION MECHANISM ERROR REPORTING
SOURCE
Assembly Translates low-level mnemonics to
Assembler Line-by-line
Code machine code
High-Level Scans and translates entire program at Reports all syntax errors together
Compiler
Code once before execution after scanning
High-Level Translates and executes source code Stops execution immediately
Interpreter
Code line-by-line upon first error
1. System Utilities: Maintenance software that optimizes system performance (e.g., Antivirus, Disk Defragmenter,
Compression tools).
B. Application Software
Programs designed to fulfill specific business or end-user tasks.
• General-Purpose Application: Standardized mass-market software (e.g., MS Word, Web Browsers,
Spreadsheets).
• Customized (Bespoke) Application: Tailor-made software built for specific organizational needs (e.g., School
Fee Management System, Airline Reservation System).
Quick Revision Summary
• IPO Cycle: Input Unit → Processing (CPU) → Output Unit.
• CPU Parts: ALU (Math & Logic), CU (Controls execution & flow), Registers (Fast internal storage).
• RAM vs. ROM: RAM is volatile (Read/Write); ROM is non-volatile (Read-only startup firmware).
• Compiler vs. Interpreter: Compilers translate the whole source code at once; Interpreters execute line-
by-line.
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