Computer Systems

Computer Systems [LO1]
Table of Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................3
Hardware:.....................................................................................................................3
Motherboard..................................................................................................3
Central Processing Unit (CPU)......................................................................4
Random Access Memory (RAM)...................................................................5
Read only memory (ROM).............................................................................5
Cache memory..............................................................................................6
Power supply unit..........................................................................................6
Heat sink........................................................................................................7
Fan.................................................................................................................7
Optical Drives................................................................................................7
CD..................................................................................................................7
DVD...............................................................................................................7
Hard Disk Drive..............................................................................................8
Solid state drive.............................................................................................8
Buses.............................................................................................................8
AGP...............................................................................................................9
PCI-Express...................................................................................................9
NIC...............................................................................................................10
USB..............................................................................................................10
Peripherals:.................................................................................................................10
Input Devices.......................................................................................................10
Pointing devices:..........................................................................................10
Keyboards:...................................................................................................11
Scanners:.....................................................................................................12
Microphone:.................................................................................................12
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Output Devices:.......................................................................................................12
Monitors:......................................................................................................12
Printers:........................................................................................................13
Speakers:.....................................................................................................13
Software:.....................................................................................................................13
I.
System Software:..............................................................................................13
i. Operating Systems (OS):..............................................................................14
ii. Utility Programs:............................................................................................14
iii. Library Programs:..........................................................................................14
iv. Translator Programs:.....................................................................................14
II. Application Software:........................................................................................15

i.
Be-spoke software:........................................................................................15
ii.
Special purpose software:.............................................................................15
Computer System:......................................................................................................16
Types of computer systems:...................................................................................16
1. Micro-computers:...........................................................................................16
2. Mini- computers:............................................................................................16
3. Mainframe computers:...................................................................................17
4. Super computers:..........................................................................................17
5. Server computers:.........................................................................................18
6. Workstations:.................................................................................................18
7. Multi-processing computers:.........................................................................19
Conclusion.20
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Introduction
As a teaching assistant and an IC Bachelor degree holder, I have to help my
Supervising Professor with many computer related assignments. With the
understandable knowledge about the computer system I make this following report
about the basics of a computer system.
Hardware:
The tangible or physical part of any computer system refers to the hardware. It is the
physical component of the computer that contains a circuit board, integrated chips
and other electronics. The hardware of a computer is not changed very often but can
be upgraded if required by replacement or by additional hardware.
Computer hardware is not just the items inside or connected to a PC. It is all types of
computing system surrounding us. Computer hardware is found in our homes
(microwave ovens, air conditioners, TV etc), cars (CD and DVD Players etc) and
many more.
Motherboard
Also called the PCB (printed circuit board), the motherboard connects all the other
hardware components together. It provides electrical connections through its
complex central circuit board by which all the other parts of the system
communicate. The motherboard holds components such as the CPU (central
processing unit), RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), buses
etc.
F i g 1 : Mot he rboa rd
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

It is sometimes just called processor. The CPU is the brains of a computer system. It
is a machine that can execute computer programs.
The CPU operates in four steps: fetch, decode, execute and store.
It retrieves instruction from the program memory then decodes it or breaks it down
into parts that have relevance to significant portions of the CPU. Then the CPU
executes by connecting the ALU (arithmetic logic unit) and FPU (floating point unit)
so that the desired operation is performed. In the last step, the CPU writes back the
solution or result of the previous step to some kind of memory.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): it is a complex digital circuit found in the

computers CPU. It performs mathematical operations on binary numbers. In
the processor, the ALU is the last step of any calculation. It handles arithmetic
and logical functions. From the ALU, the information then passes on to the
memory of the computer.
CU (Control Unit): it is a set of circuits that manages operations within a

computers processor. It contains the instruction sets. CU operates by
converting the received input information into control signals, which then is
sent to the processor. The processor then tells the eligible hardware what
operations to carry out.
Fig 2 describes the cycle in steps.
F i g 2: ALU and C U
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Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is a form of temporary memory which wipes out completely when the computer
is switched off. It is directly attached to the motherboard near the CPU. RAM is used
to store data of programs that are currently running. It consists of chips on a small
circuit board.
There are many different types of RAM:
DRAM: Dynamic RAM is commonly used in personal computers. DRAM

needs to be recharged many times in a second with electricity in order to
retain its content.
SRAM: Static RAM is also used in personal computers but is more expensive
than DRAM as it does not need to be refreshed as much and is faster than
DRAM. It is used for special purposes.
Fig 3: RAM
Read only memory (ROM)

ROM holds the computers permanent memory; the data stored in it cannot be
changed. It is needed in a computer so that it knows what to do when the power is
turned on. The ROM contains information of start-up and also checks for an
Operating system in the disk drives.
Basic Input/ Output System (BIOS) is a ROM chip that lets you access and
set up your computer system at the most basic level. It is located on all
motherboards and it checks if all connections are properly on or off.
There are three types of ROM:

o PROM: programmable ROM is s memory chip on which data can be
written. It is manufactured blank and can be written on with special
devices. PROMs retain its content even if the computer is turned off.
o EPROM: Erasable programmable read-only memory is a type of
PROM that can be erased in the exposure of ultraviolet light. It can be
reprogrammed.
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o EEPROM: Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory is

same as PROM but needs electricity to be erased.
Fig 4: ROM
Cache memory
It is a high-speed memory that is located between the CPU and RAM in the
motherboard of the computer. Cache is faster than RAM but has less storage space.
It is used by the CPU for retrieving data more quickly than it can from RAM or a disk.
It is also temporary memory.
Power supply unit

It is an internal hardware component that provides the parts of the computer with
power. It converts AC voltage to DC voltage which is usable by the computer. The
unit holds a transformer, a voltage controller and a fan.
F i g 5 : P o we r
S uppl y Uni t
Heat sink
It is an electronic device that consists of a cooling fan or thermoelectric cooling
device. Heat sink is used to keep heat generating components of the computer; such
as the processor; cool.
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Fan
A fan or a cooling fan is a hardware device that is used to keep the overall computer
cool by circulating air around the components.
F i g 6 : H e a t si nk and F an
Optical Drives
Optical Disc Drive (ODD) refers to the drive that reads any media using light (optical)
or laser. It is a storage device that reads data from an optical storage media. Most
common optical Medias are CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray.
CD
CD stands for Compact Disc. It is the most common type of removable media. It is
cheap and doesnt last very long. It is commonly used for distribution of computer
softwares and any type of data can be stored.
Popular types of CDs that are widely used are: CD-R; which can be written on only
once but can be read many times. CD-RW (rewritable); can be both written and read
more than once.
DVD
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) is another hardware optical storage media. It is mainly
used for data and video storage. DVD can be properly formatted and structured into
DVD-Audio or DVD-Video format according to the content.
Its drives and writers are similar to that of the CDs and functions similarly.
Hard Disk Drive

HDD is a permanent storage device. Data stored in Hard Drives can also be
retrieved. It consists of one or more platters on which data is written using a
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magnetic head; enclosed in a casing. Internally it is connected to the motherboard

using a SATA cable and is also powered by the power supply unit. Stored data in a
HDD is read by the rotation of the platters by magnetism.
F i g 7 : H a r d D i sk
Solid state
D ri ve
drive
SSD is a new addition to the storage hardware lists. It is also used to store steady
data by using its solid state memory. It performs better and faster than HDDs. It has
a faster access time and lesser disruption than that of HDD. As it is still
comparatively expensive, Hard drives will still continue to be in desktop computers.
Buses
It is the path between parts of a computer system or a network. It transfers data from
one point of the computer to another. It is also used in the transfer of data between
computers. The cables or wires internally situated are the buses. A bus can connect
several peripherals over the same set of wires.
There are three types of bus:
Address Bus: this set of wires connects the CPU to the RAM, through which
memory is transmitted.
Data Bus: this electrical path made of parallel wires connects the CPU, RAM,
ROM and other hardwares on the motherboard.
Control Bus: this manages the flow of address and data buses. That means
it controls the direction of the information transfer and how it would be routed
through the computer system.
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F i g 8 : Th e B us S ys tem
AGP
Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) allows the video/ graphics card to directly access
the computer systems RAM. It is a slot on the motherboard. It basically speeds up
the graphics performance of a computer. Though it is becoming out-dated and being
replaced by PCIe, it is still available in the market but less preferred.
PCI-Express
Peripheral Component Interconnect- Express, also known as PCIe, is a serial bus
designed to replace its predecessor PCI. It includes network card, sound cards,
modems, USB etc. PCIe transmitted data is sent over wires called lanes in both
directions at the same time.
NIC
Network Interface Card (NIC) is a circuit board that manages and controls the
exchange of data done over a network. It allows users to communicate and connect
to other computers with or without cables and wires. Every NIC has a unique serial
number called the MAC address stored in it.
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F i g 9: N IC
USB
Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a serial bus which enables users to connect to many
peripherals using a single standard interface socket. USB diminishes the hassle of
rebooting the system as it allows devices to be connected or disconnected by its
improved plug and play abilities.
Peripherals:
Peripherals are any extra devices connected to the computer system. It is the
hardware that is added to a computer to broaden its capabilities. Most peripherals
are optional to use in a computer, as in without that piece of hardware a computers
normal functions would not be hampered. There are many different kinds of
peripherals; and they can be added internally or externally.
Input Devices
These devices are used to input any kind of data into the computer system. There
are many types and forms of input devices; most common among them are keyboard
and mouse.
Pointing devices:
It is a device that allows a user to move freely a cursor on the screen to select
options. The most commonly used form of pointing device is the mouse.
Mostly mechanical, the mouse contains a rubber ball that is sticking out from
under the casing. It rolls around inside its casing and when moved on a flat
surface. The sensors and rollers inside it send signals to the computer,
determining its direction speed etc. it is out dated now.
The optical mouse is non mechanical as it gives out light from below it and
uses the reflection to decide on the direction, distance and speed of its
movement. It is the most commonly used mouse now.
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The trackball is a mechanical pointing device. It works like an upside- down

mouse. It is the users thumb that moves the ball.
The trackpad is also sometimes called a touch pad. It is a fixed pointing

device in which the user uses his or her finger on a touch sensitive surface. It
is mostly found in laptops and notebooks.
Keyboards:
It is the most common type of input device. It is used to enter numbers, letters,
punctuations, symbols and other commands into the computer system.
The alphanumeric part of a keyboard is the primary section of it. This section
contains the alphabets, numbers and some symbol keys. The QWERTY style
keyboard is the most used keyboards now.
The function keys on the keyboard are the F1 TO F12 keys most commonly
on the top most part of a keyboard. It is used as shortcut keys for quick
usage.
The keypad is found in computer keyboards and is used to easily enter

numbers.
F i g 1 0 : QW ERTY
K e yb oa rd
Scanners:
These are hardware input devices for a computer system. A scanner basically
converts a printed document or picture into a digitized file that can be read and
displayed on a computer.
OCR: Optical Character Reader is generally a scanner that takes an image of

letters or typed texts and converts it into computer readable data.
OMR: Optical Mark Reader is a scanner that detects reflection of light

transmission through a document on which humans have marked.
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BCR: Barcode Reader or Scanner is a hardware device that can read

barcodes. Barcodes are lines of different sizes that represent data.
Microphone:
A mic is a hardware peripheral input device that records audio data and sends it to
the computer to be stored or read digitally. It converts analog wave (human voice)
into digital wavelength; that can be understood by the computer.
Output Devices:
These are the devices or hardware components that displays, projects or reproduces
processed data back to the user.
Monitors:
These are output devices with display screens used to provide the users with the
required output.
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube is a version of monitors which uses a vacuum tube
as a display screen. It was mostly used with desktop computers but it is less
preferred now.
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display monitors are flat panel monitors. When the liquid
crystal on the panel becomes charged an image is created. LCDs are the
most preferred displays in the current market.
LED: Light Emitting Diode monitors are flat panel and flat screen displays.
The difference between LED and LCD is that these monitors use LEDs as its
backlight.
Printers:
It is a hardware component output device that is used to produce a hard copy on
paper of the computer data provided. There are many types of printers available in
the world right now; the most commonly known are:
Dot-Matrix: These printers use print heads to strike on an ink ribbon that
places hundreds of dots forming into texts or pictures. It has become out
dated.
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Ink-jet: These are most commonly used for home computers. Ink-jet printers
print by spraying fast-drying ink; from ink cartridges; on to the given papers.
Apart from the expense of the cartridges, ink-jet printers are quite affordable.
Laser: Most commonly used in schools, institutions or large organizations

because of its quick and high- quality performance. This printer uses laser
beams on electrostatic drums to create images which glues on powdered
toners. This image is then transferred on to the paper. It is not preferred for
home usage as it is very expensive.
Speakers:
These are hardware devices connected to the computer through the sound card.
Speakers output analog sound waves from its digital form. It is used to hear music
from the computer or even ones own recorded audio input.
Desktops need external speakers to listen to sounds from the computer system.
Laptops, notebooks, smart phones etc have in-built speakers.
Software:
The intangible component of a computer system is known as software. It is basically
designed to assist users in solving their problems or perform tasks for which the
CPU has to execute a set of codes or instructions.
There are two types of softwares:
I.
System Software:
These are the softwares that protect and shield all software applications. It is
needed for the system itself. System software manages all the hardware
components and protects the overall system.
System software includes: Operating Systems, Utility Programs, Library
Programs, and Translator Programs.
i.
Operating Systems (OS):

The OS provides a User Interface (UI) to communicate with the computer.
It handles and manages all the hardware devices and components
connected to the system. The maintenance and management of the disk
file systems is also done by the Operating System. The OS assists in the
booting or start-up of the computer. The communication between the
hardwares is also controlled by the OS. The application programs are
supported by the OS and are offered a number of services.
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Common examples of operating systems include: Microsoft Windows,

MAC OS X and Linux.
ii.
Utility Programs:
It is a software program used to increase the effectiveness of the
Operating System. These are the services or tools used by the system to
further organize the files and folders efficiently. It is designed to configure
and optimize the system.
Some common utility programs include:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
iii.
Disk defragmentation
Anti- virus
File management
Backing up data
Disk clean up
File renaming
File sorting
Printing jobs
File conversion etc
Library Programs:
It is a program which has stored data and is available for immediate use. It
is like pre-defined language.
iv.
Translator Programs:
It is a program that translates human language into machine language.
These programs are used to interpret programming code and converting
them into the language a computer can understand.
There are three type translators:

o Compliers: these translate a lower-level language into higher-level
or vice versa.
o Interpreter: these translate high-level language into intermediate
code which is executed immediately.
o Assembler: these translate assembly language into machine code.
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II.
Application Software:
These are all the softwares and programs that make a computer perform
tasks and create or process data. Examples include: database management
software, desktop publishing programs, word- processing programs etc.
Application softwares can be categorized into two parts:
i.
Be-spoke software:
These are the kind of softwares that are specially designed and
developed for one particular organization or institution. For example:
BAC System.
ii.
Special purpose software:

These softwares can be used only for one specific purpose. It has been
made just for one thing only. For example: Calculator software, a
satellite navigation system etc.
Computer System:
The computer is a machine that has been built in such a way so that it can store,
manipulate and process any given data input by the user. It can provide the required
output.
There are seven different types of computers till date. Many of these have become
out dated or are no longer preferred.
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Types of computer systems:

1. Micro-computers:
It is generally known as Personal computers. The most common type is the
desktop computers. Micro-computers can be used by one person at a time.
This type of computers depends on micro-processors.
Micro-computers basically contain a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a

microprocessor, RAM, ROM, a bus system; all settled on a
Motherboard.
Compared to other types of computing systems, microcomputers are
less expensive and take up less space. These can fit easily on a desk
or table and are easily accessible; whereas supercomputers or
mainframe take up huge space or even full rooms.
The internal storage requirement is comparatively lower than the
others; 2TB would even be considered a lot for individual usage.
Examples include: desktops, laptops, notebooks, smart phones,
palmtops, tablet PCs etc
2. Mini- computers:
These were first released in the 60s, and were called mini because of their
smaller size compared to other computer types back in the days. Its efficiency
and aptitude lies between that of mainframe computers and micro computers.
Mini-computers can be used by more than 2 to 100+ users at a single

time.
These are smaller in size than mainframe computers but larger than
micro-computers.
Lesser expensive than main frame but costlier than personal
computers.
Internal storage space and processing speed in minicomputers is more
than that of the micro computers but less than mainframe computers.
Though outdated and no longer preferred now; it was widely used in
schools and colleges.
Examples include: HP 3000, IBM SYSTEM-36
3. Mainframe computers:
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These are very powerful computers in every aspect. Mainframe computers

are made of one or more powerful CPUs connected to personal computers or
many other input/ output devices called terminals.
It is large in size and memory and more powerful than micro and mini
computers.
Thousands of users can use a mainframe computer simultaneously.
Mainframe computers are more expensive than micro and mini
computers but less than super computers.
Basically used in business organizations or large companies
Examples include: IBM-4381, ICL-2900 etc.
4. Super computers:
This is the fastest, largest and most powerful type of computer till now. Super
computers are also called Monster computers at times. They are usually used
for calculations of complex problems.
Most expensive form of computing system present.

Though its data storage capability is similar to the mainframe
computers, super computers have extremely fast and powerful
processors.
Super computer sources all its power into executing a few programs as
fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many
programs simultaneously.
Mostly used by scientists and engineers with applications that uses
very large data sets.
They are used in military purposes, forecasting weathers that require
satellite communication, human genome mapping, modeling complex
processes like nuclear atomic reactions etc.
Examples include: Jaguars Cray XT5 system, Pleiades SGI Altix ICE
system , IBMs Roadrunner system etc
5. Server computers:
It is a dedicated computer system. This refers to being used for only one
purpose specifically in its full life span. Server computers are one type of
micro computers, but very powerful.
As it is designed for specialized tasks, this desktop computer is very

expensive than normal personal computers.
It has a powerful processing speed that helps perform complex tasks.
Servers can be used an ordinary personal computer when attached to
a LAN (local area network).
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Mostly used in business purposes such as files sharing and storage.

There are many types of servers:
o Web servers
o File servers
o Print servers
o Network servers
o Database servers
o Application servers etc
Example includes: Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express
6. Workstations:
These are powerful computers typically used by a single user; but can
become a multi-user by connecting with LAN. It is also a type of personal
computer.
Generally used by engineers, graphic artists, scientists for simulation
and designing purposes that requires a lot of power.
It is much more expensive than normal micro computers because of its
high specifications.
Workstations must be equipped with high end graphics card and
processors, also has built-in network support and large amount of RAM
Its power and speed is lesser than super computers but higher than
that of micro computers.
Known operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT.
Examples include: Intel Xeon, IBM Power, AMD Opteron or Sun
UltraSPARC
7. Multi-processing computers:
The usage of multiple processors to run a program, which shares the
processing workload, is typically the role of multiprocessing computers.
Two or more microprocessors in action on a single tiny chip on the

central processing unit (CPU), is multiprocessing.
The operating system of the computer collects the information and
sends to the processors improving performance of the system.
Applications in a multi-processing system are designated in to smaller
tasks that run independently.
Examples include: Intel Core 2 Quad Processors, Intel Core i7- 970,
AMD Fx-8 Series etc.
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Conclusion
The assignment shows a detailed and thorough research about the computer
system. It shows and explains about the types of computer and its components. In
my opinion the functions of a computing system varies requirement wise.
Hence, I conclude that my assignment will effectively help my supervising professor
to make the desired report.
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Computer Systems [LO1]