Computer System
Introduction:
A computer system is a combination of hardware, software, data, and users that
work together to perform tasks and solve problems.
Hardware: Physical components like CPU, keyboard, and mouse.
Software: Instructions and programs that tell hardware what to do.
Data: Raw facts or figures entered into the computer.
User: The person operating the system.
When you type and print a document using MS Word —
Keyboard (input) is used to type text.
MS Word (software) processes your typing.
CPU (hardware) executes the instructions.
Monitor or Printer (output devices) show or print the result.
Here, all parts work together — forming a computer system.
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data as input, processes it according
to a set of instructions (software), and produces meaningful output. It can also store
data for future use.
When you search something on Google —
You enter a query (input).
The computer processes it using search algorithms.
It displays results (output) on the screen.
This shows how a computer performs input, processing,
output, and storage — the four basic functions of a
computer.
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for processing instructions.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs calculations and logical operations.
CU (Control Unit): Directs the flow of data and instructions.
Registers: Very fast memory for temporary data storage.
Components:
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Performs math and logic operations.
Example: When you calculate 25 + 10 = 35 in a calculator app, the ALU does it.
CU (Control Unit): Controls all activities and directs operations.
Example: It decides when the keyboard input should go to the memory or display
on screen.
Registers: Temporary storage inside the CPU for fast access.
Example: When copying a file, registers hold data briefly before moving it.
⌨️ 3. Input and Output Devices
Input Devices: Used to enter data (Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Joystick).
Output Devices: Used to display or produce results (Monitor, Printer, Speaker).
Evolution of Computers
Computers have grown from simple calculators into powerful modern machines
that can do many tasks quickly and accurately.
The ENIAC was the first binary programmable computer. It worked on the Von
Neumann Architecture, which explains how data moves inside a computer.
[Link] Unit – Takes data and instructions.
[Link] Unit – Stores data and instructions temporarily or permanently.
[Link] Processing Unit (CPU) – Processes data and controls all operations.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Control Unit (CU): Directs and manages the execution of instructions.
[Link] Unit – Displays or produces the final result.
The processor (also called the CPU – Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the
computer. In the diagram, it is represented by the dotted box containing the
Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
The Accumulator is a special type of register inside the ALU. It temporarily stores
intermediate results of arithmetic or logic operations. This reduces the need to
constantly read/write values from memory, making operations faster.
EDVAC - Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
ENIAC - Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
Generations of Computers
Computers are classified into five generations based on technology used, speed, size,
and features:
Generation Time Period Example Key Features
Used vacuum tubes, huge in size,
1st 1940s–1950s ENIAC
slow, high power consumption.
Transistor Replaced vacuum tubes with
2nd 1950s–1960s
computers transistors; smaller, faster, reliable.
Used Integrated Circuits (ICs);
3rd 1960s–1970s IBM System/360
more reliable, smaller, and faster.
Microprocessor-based; personal
4th 1970s–1980s Apple I, IBM PC
computers became common.
Advanced computing with AI, smart
AI-powered
5th 1990s–Today devices, automation, internet-
systems
based.
Moore’s Law:
Moore’s Law: The number of transistors on a microchip doubles every 2 years.
As transistors increased:
Speed, power, and memory improved.
Size and cost decreased.
Note: Number of transistors doubles every two years, making computers faster
and cheaper.
Computer Memory
Memory in a computer is used to store data and instructions that the CPU uses to
perform tasks. It is mainly classified into Primary, Secondary, and Cache memory.
Primary Memory
Primary memory is a main memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU. It is
used to store data and programs currently in use.
It is divided into two types:
[Link] (Random Access Memory):
Volatile → Data is lost when the computer is turned off.
Purpose: Stores data and instructions that the CPU is currently processing.
Example: When you open a Word document or a browser, it is loaded into
RAM for quick access.
Characteristics: Fast, temporary, read/write memory.
2. ROM (Read-Only Memory):
Non-volatile → Data is permanent, even when the
computer is switched off.
Purpose: Stores essential programs like the computer’s
startup instructions (BIOS/firmware).
Example: Firmware on the motherboard or embedded
systems.
Characteristics: Cannot be easily modified by the user.
2. Secondary Memory
Secondary memory used for long-term storage of data and programs, that stores files
permanently, even when the computer is turned off.
Examples:
HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Magnetic storage, large capacity, slower than RAM.
SSD (Solid State Drive): Faster, no moving parts, more reliable.
CD/DVD: Optical storage media.
Pen Drives / USB Drives: Portable storage devices.
Characteristics: Slower than primary memory but has high storage capacity and is
non-volatile.
3. Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very fast memory located close to the CPU to speed up processing.
It stores frequently accessed data and instructions so the CPU can access them
quickly without fetching from slower RAM.
Levels of Cache Memory:
L1 Cache: Smallest and fastest, inside the CPU.
L2 Cache: Larger, slightly slower, may be inside CPU or on-chip.
L3 Cache: Largest, shared among CPU cores, slower than L1/L2.
Units of Computer Memory
Unit Full Form / Equivalent Example / Use
Meaning
Bit (b) Binary Digit Smallest unit (0 or Represents a single
1) binary value
Byte (B) 8 Bits 1 Byte = 8 Bits Stores one
character like ‘A’ or
Kilobyte (KB) Kilobyte 1 KB = 1,024 Bytes A short text file or a
small image
Megabyte (MB) Megabyte 1 MB = 1,024 KB A high-quality
photo or a short
Gigabyte (GB) Gigabyte 1 GB = 1,024 MB A movie or large
software file
Terabyte (TB) Terabyte 1 TB = 1,024 GB Hard drives or
cloud storage
Petabyte (PB) Petabyte 1 PB = 1,024 TB Used in data
centers or research
Exabyte (EB) Exabyte 1 EB = 1,024 PB Total data stored
on the internet
Data Capturing
Data capturing is the process of collecting data from various sources so that it can be
stored, processed, and used by a computer. It is the first step in converting real-
world information into a digital format that computers can work with.
Examples of Data Capturing:
Filling out online forms – Entering personal or survey information on websites.
Scanning barcodes at a supermarket – Capturing product information for billing
and inventory.
Using sensors to record temperature – Collecting real-time environmental data.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – Scanning printed documents into digital
text.
Digital cameras or microphones – Capturing images, videos, or audio for
computer processing.
Data Storage
Data storage is the process of saving data in a digital format on a storage device so
that it can be retrieved and used later. It ensures that information is secure,
organized, and available whenever needed.
Data Retrieval
Data retrieval is the process of accessing and fetching stored data from a storage
device or database when it is needed for use. It allows the computer to read, display,
or process previously saved information.
Data Deletion
Data deletion is the process of removing or erasing data from a computer or storage
device so that it is no longer accessible through normal means. It helps in managing
storage space and maintaining organization.
Key Features:
Frees up space on the storage device.
In some cases, data is not completely erased, but marked as “ready to be
overwritten”.
Ensures that unnecessary or outdated files are removed from the system.
Examples of Data Deletion:
[Link] a photo from your phone’s gallery.
[Link] the Recycle Bin or Trash on a computer.
[Link] old documents from a USB pen drive.
[Link] cache or temporary files to free up memory.
Data Recovery
Data retrieval is the process of accessing and fetching stored data from a storage
device or database when it is needed for use. It allows the computer to read, display,
or process previously saved information.
When is Data Recovery Used?
When files are accidentally deleted.
When storage devices (HDD, SSD, pen drives) are damaged or corrupted.
After a system crash, virus attack, or software failure.
Examples of Data Recovery:
[Link] data recovery software to restore deleted files from a hard drive.
[Link] files from a formatted USB pen drive.
[Link] important emails that were deleted by mistake.
[Link] lost photos or videos from a corrupted memory card.
Software:
Software is a collection of programs or instructions that tells the computer’s
hardware how to perform specific tasks. While hardware is the physical part of a
computer, software is the intangible part that makes it functional.
Examples of Software:
Need of Software
Software is essential because it enables the hardware to function and allows users to
perform tasks efficiently.
Why Software is Needed:
1). To Operate the Hardware:
Software provides instructions that tell the hardware how to work.
Example: Operating systems like Windows or macOS control CPU, memory, and
input/output devices.
2). To Perform User Tasks:
Software allows users to create documents, browse the web, play media, and more.
Example: MS Word for writing, Google Chrome for internet browsing.
3). To Manage System Resources:
Software allocates memory, storage, and processing power efficiently among
programs.
Example: Task managers or system utilities monitor and manage CPU and memory
usage.
System Software
System software is a type of software that controls and manages the computer
hardware, providing a platform for running application software. It acts as a bridge
between the hardware and user programs.
Key Features of System Software:
Manages computer hardware efficiently.
Provides a user interface to interact with the computer.
Enables execution of application software.
Performs tasks like file management, memory management, and device control.
Application Software
Application software is a type of software designed to help users perform specific
tasks or solve particular problems. Unlike system software, it is created for end-user
purposes.
Application software is generally categorized in two types:
Key Features of Application Software:
Performs specific tasks for the user, such as creating documents, browsing the
internet, or playing media.
Runs on top of system software (like an operating system).
Can be general-purpose or specialized for a particular field.
Open Source Software (OSS)
Open Source Software is software whose source code is available to everyone. Users
can view, use, modify, and distribute the software freely.
Collaborative Development: Multiple developers can contribute to improving the
software.
Open Code: The source code is accessible to all users.
Free to Use and Modify: Users can adapt the software to their needs without cost.
Transparency: Users can see how the software works and ensure it is secure.
Free Software
Free Software refers to software that gives users the freedom to run, copy, distribute,
study, modify, and improve it. Here, “free” means freedom, not necessarily zero cost.
Freedom to Use: Users can run the software for any purpose.
Freedom to Study and Modify: Users can access the source code and change it
according to their needs.
Freedom to Share: Users can copy and distribute the software freely.
Focus on User Rights: Ensures control over the software rather than just
affordability.
Proprietary Software
Proprietary software is software that is owned by an individual or a company. The
source code is not shared, and users must follow the terms and conditions set by the
owner.
Restricted Access: Users cannot view or modify the source code.
License Required: Users must purchase or obtain a license to use it.
Limited Sharing: Copying or distributing the software without permission is
prohibited.
Controlled Updates: Only the software owner can release updates or fixes.
Questions
Software for Functioning of a Computer
Name the software required to make a computer functional.
Write down two primary functions of this software.
RAM and ROM
What is the need for RAM in a computer?
How does RAM differ from ROM?
Secondary Memory
Why is secondary memory needed in a computer system?
Computer System Diagram
Draw the block diagram of a computer system.
Briefly describe the functionality of each component in the diagram.
Software Types
Differentiate between Proprietary Software and Freeware Software.
Give two examples of each type.
Web Browsers
Mention any browsers used for browsing the internet.
Input/Output Devices
Name the input/output device used for the following:
a) To output audio b) To enter textual data
c) To make a hard copy of a text file d) To display data/information
e) To enter audio-based commands f) To build 3D models
g) To assist a visually impaired person in entering data
Software Categories
Identify the category (System Software, Application Software, Programming Tool)
of the following:
a) Compiler b) Assembler c) Ubuntu d) Text Editor
Memory Conversion
Convert the following into bytes:
a) 2 MB b) 3.7 GB c) 1.2 TB
Security Threats
What security threats are involved when we throw away non-functional electronic
gadgets?
Memory Types for Specific Tasks
Write the type of memory needed for the following:
a) To store data permanently
b) To execute a program
c) To store instructions that cannot be overwritten