📘 Chapter 1 - Computer System

🧠 Key Terminologies

Term Description

Combination of hardware and software working together for

Computer System
input, processing, storage, and output.

Electronic circuitry (brain of the computer) that executes

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
instructions.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

CU (Control Unit) Directs and controls the flow of data and instructions.

Register High-speed storage inside CPU for temporary data/instructions.

Microprocessor CPU implemented on a single chip (IC).

Device to enter data/signals into computer (keyboard, mouse,

Input Device
scanner).

Output Device Device to display/produce results (monitor, printer, speakers).

Special output device to create real-world objects from digital

3D Printer
designs.

Design model with CPU, memory, I/O devices, and communication

Von Neumann Architecture
channels.

Prediction that transistors on a chip double every 2 years, reducing

Moore’s Law
cost.

Memory Storage for data and instructions (primary and secondary).

Bit Basic unit of data (0 or 1).

Byte 8 bits grouped together.

RAM (Random Access

Volatile primary memory, temporary storage.
Memory)

Non-volatile memory storing permanent instructions (e.g., boot

ROM (Read Only Memory)
loader).

Cache High-speed memory between CPU and RAM to reduce access time.

Secondary Storage Permanent, large-capacity storage (HDD, SSD, CD/DVD, Pen Drive).

Data Capturing Process of collecting/gathering data from various sources.

Data Retrieval Process of fetching stored data for processing.

Data Recovery Restoring deleted/corrupted data from storage devices.

Software Set of instructions that make hardware functional.

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 Term Description

System Software Controls hardware and system resources (OS, utilities, drivers).

Application Software User-oriented software (Word processors, browsers, games).

Programming Tools Compilers, interpreters, assemblers for coding.

FOSS (Free and Open Source

Software with source code available freely (Linux, Python).
Software)

Software free to use but source code not available (Skype, Adobe
Freeware
Reader).

Proprietary Software Paid, licensed software (Windows, Tally).

📚 Introduction
• A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes it, and generates output.
• A computer system integrates CPU, memory, input/output devices, and storage.
• Types: Servers, desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones.
• Used in: Banking, education, communication, research, healthcare, entertainment.

💡 Quote: “A computer would deserve to be called intelligent if it could deceive a human into believing
that it was human.” – Alan Turing

🔹 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU)

👨🏫 Concept

• CPU = Brain of computer, executes instructions.

• Consists of: Registers, ALU, Control Unit.
• CPU is also known as microprocessor.

💡 Pro Tip: Registers provide extremely fast but limited storage.

🔹 2. Input Devices

👨🏫 Concept

• Devices to input data/signals into computer.

• Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, touch screen, voice input.
• Special devices: Braille keyboard for visually impaired.

💡 Pro Tip: Voice input and biometric devices (fingerprint, iris) are modern input methods.

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🔹 3. Output Devices

👨🏫 Concept

• Convert digital information into human-readable/usable form.

• Examples: Monitor, printer, speakers, 3D printer.
• Special: Braille display for visually impaired.

💡 Pro Tip: 3D printers are now used in manufacturing and medical fields (prosthetics, organs).

🔹 4. Evolution of Computers

👨🏫 Concept

• Computers evolved from abacus to AI-driven smart devices.

• Key milestones:
• Abacus → Pascaline → Analytical Engine → Tabulating Machine.
• ENIAC/EDVAC (stored program concept).
• Transistors (1947), Integrated Circuits, Microprocessors (1970s).
• PCs (1980s), GUI (1990s), Internet era.
• Laptops, smartphones, wearables, IoT.

💡 Pro Tip: Moore’s Law highlights rapid growth in processor power.

🔹 5. Memory

👨🏫 Concept

• Stores data and instructions.

• Units: Bit, Nibble (4 bits), Byte (8 bits), KB → MB → GB → TB → PB → EB → ZB → YB.

🔸 Types of Memory

• Primary: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile).

• Cache: High-speed buffer between CPU and RAM.
• Secondary: HDD, SSD, CD/DVD, pen drives.

💡 Pro Tip: SSDs offer much faster access than HDDs.

🔹 6. Data Capturing, Storage, Retrieval

👨🏫 Concept

• Capture: Using input devices, sensors, barcode readers, etc.

• Storage: Data stored in files/databases (HDD/servers).
• Retrieval: Fetching stored data for processing.

💡 Pro Tip: Minimize access time for faster processing.

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🔹 7. Data Deletion & Recovery

👨🏫 Concept

• Deleted data may still exist until overwritten.

• Recovery tools can restore lost/corrupted files.
• Security concern: old devices may still hold recoverable data.

💡 Pro Tip: Use secure delete/shred tools before disposing devices.

🔹 8. Software

👨🏫 Concept

• Software = instructions making hardware functional.

• Categories: System Software, Programming Tools, Application Software.

🔸 System Software

• OS (Operating System): Controls hardware/software, provides interface.

• Utilities: Maintenance tools (antivirus, disk cleaners).
• Device Drivers: Interface between OS and hardware.

🔸 Application Software

• General-purpose: Ready-to-use (MS Word, Photoshop, VLC).

• Customised: Tailor-made (school ERP, accounting systems).

🔸 Licensing

• FOSS: Free and open (Linux, Python).

• Freeware: Free but closed-source (Skype).
• Proprietary: Licensed, paid (Windows, Tally).

💡 Pro Tip: System software is mandatory; application software is optional.

🧠 Summary Quick Review

Topic Key Point

CPU Executes instructions (ALU + CU + Registers)

Input Devices Convert input into digital form

Output Devices Convert digital info into human form

Evolution From Abacus → IoT & AI devices

Memory Primary (RAM, ROM), Cache, Secondary

Data Handling Capture → Store → Retrieve → Secure

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 Topic Key Point

Software System, Tools, Application

Licensing FOSS, Freeware, Proprietary

🎯 Let’s Practice
1. Name software required to make computer functional. State two functions.
2. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.
3. Why is secondary memory needed?
4. Draw block diagram of computer system with labels.
5. Differentiate proprietary vs freeware software (with examples).
6. Mention two browsers used for internet.
7. Match I/O devices: (a) audio output (b) text input (c) hardcopy (d) display info (e) audio command
(f) 3D models (g) assist visually impaired.
8. Categorise: Compiler, Assembler, Ubuntu, Text Editor.
9. Convert: 2MB, 3.7GB, 1.2TB into bytes.
10. Security threats of discarding old devices.
11. Identify memory type for: permanent storage, execution, non-overwritable instructions.

💡 Pro Tips
• Understand difference between hardware (tangible) and software (intangible).
• Always secure data before discarding storage devices.
• Use cache memory to optimise CPU performance.
• Choose FOSS for flexibility in learning, proprietary for professional/enterprise needs.