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Computer Systems: Hardware & Software Basics

The document provides an overview of computer systems, focusing on the roles of hardware, software, and operating systems. It explains the functions of operating systems, including memory management, process management, and device management, as well as the concepts of firmware and the bootstrap process. Additionally, it highlights the importance of system interrupts in managing tasks and responding to events.

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nathan.ofori-koree
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5 views14 pages

Computer Systems: Hardware & Software Basics

The document provides an overview of computer systems, focusing on the roles of hardware, software, and operating systems. It explains the functions of operating systems, including memory management, process management, and device management, as well as the concepts of firmware and the bootstrap process. Additionally, it highlights the importance of system interrupts in managing tasks and responding to events.

Uploaded by

nathan.ofori-koree
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Understanding Computer Systems:

Software, Hardware, and Operating


Systems
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will:
• Explore the use of firmware and bootstrap
• Describe the functions of operating systems
• Understand how hardware and software work together
• Learn about system interrupts
video
What is Computer Hardware?
• Physical components you can touch and see
• Examples include:
• Monitor
• Keyboard
• Mouse
• CPU
• Memory (RAM)
• Hard Drive
• These parts work together to make your computer function
Introduction to Software

• Programs that tell hardware what to do


• Two main types:
• Application Software (games, browsers, word
processors)
• System Software (operating systems, device
drivers)
• Software gives instructions to hardware
• Without software, hardware wouldn't know what to do
Operating Systems: The Basics

• Controls how your computer works


• Popular examples:
• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• Acts like a traffic controller for your computer
• Manages programs and hardware
Operating System Functions: Memory Management

• Controls RAM usage


• Main tasks:
• Allocates memory to programs
• Tracks used and free memory
• Swaps data between RAM and hard drive
• Prevents programs from accessing each other's
memory
Operating System Functions: Process Management

• Controls running programs


• Responsibilities:
• Starts and stops programs
• Schedules CPU time
• Manages program priority
• Handles multiple programs running at once
Operating System Functions: Device Management

• Controls hardware devices


• Key tasks:
• Manages device drivers
• Coordinates input/output operations
• Handles device errors
• Controls data flow between devices
Understanding System Interrupts

• Signals that pause current tasks


• Types of interrupts:
• Hardware interrupts (keyboard press, mouse click)
• Software interrupts (program requests)
• Priority interrupts (system errors)
• Helps computer respond to events quickly
What is Firmware?
• Special software permanently stored in hardware
• Located on a small chip
• Cannot be easily changed or deleted
• Examples:
• BIOS in computers
• Software in your calculator
• Instructions in your gaming console
Understanding Bootstrap
• Small program that starts when you turn on your
computer
• Also called the "boot process"
• Main jobs:
• Checks if hardware is working
• Loads the operating system
• Gets your computer ready to use
How It All Works Together
• You turn on computer
• Bootstrap starts
• Firmware checks hardware
• Operating system loads
• You can start using programs
• All parts work as a team to make computing possible
Review Questions
• What's the difference between hardware and software?
• Why is firmware important?
• Name three functions of an operating system
• What happens during the bootstrap process?
• What are system interrupts and why are they important?

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