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CHAPTER-1
Introduction to Computer System
A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data

(input), process it and generate result (output). A computer along with additional
hardware and software together is called a computer system.
FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER
Let us know the details of basic computer operations.
1. Input: This is the process of

entering data and programs in the
computer system. Therefore, the
input unit takes data from us to
the computer in an organized
manner for processing.
2. Storage: The data and
instructions are saved/ stored
permanently in storage unit. The
storage unit performs the following major functions:
a. ● All data and instructions, before and after processing, are stored here.
b. ● Intermediate results of processing are also stored here.
3. Processing: The task of performing operations like arithmetic and logical operations
is called processing. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data and instructions
from the storage unit and makes all sorts of calculations based on the instructions
given and the type of data provided. After this data is sent back to the storage unit.
4. Output: This is the process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information. The output produced by the computer after processing is stored inside
the computer before it is given to you in human readable form. The output is also
stored inside the computer for further processing.
5. Control: Controlling of all operations like input, processing and output are
performed by control unit. It takes care of step by step processing of all operations
inside the computer.
Evolution of Computer
From the simple calculator to a modern day powerful data processor, computing
devices have evolved in a relatively short span of time.
The Von Neumann architecture is shown in Figure 1.5. It consists of a Central

Processing Unit (CPU) for processing arithmetic and logical instructions, a memory to store
data and programs, input and output devices and communication channels to send or
receive the output data. Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) is the first
binary programmable computer based on Von Neumann architecture.
Types of Computer Memory
In general, computer memory is of three types:
1. Primary memory : Primary memory is an essential component of a computer
system. Program and data are loaded into the primary memory before processing.
The CPU interacts directly with the primary memory to perform read or write
operation. It is of two types viz. (i) Random Access Memory (RAM) and (ii) Read Only
Memory (ROM).
 RAM: RAM is volatile, i.e., as long as the power is supplied to the computer,
it retains the data in it. But as soon as the power supply is turned off, all
the contents of RAM are wiped out. It is used to store data temporarily
while the computer is working. Whenever the computer is started or a
software application is launched, the required program and data are loaded
into RAM for processing. RAM is usually referred to as main memory and
it is faster than the secondary memory or storage devices.
 ROM: ROM is non-volatile, which means its contents are not lost even
when the power is turned off. It is used as a small but faster permanent
storage for the contents which are rarely changed. For example, the start
up program (boot loader) that loads the operating system into primary
memory, is stored in ROM.
2. Secondary memory : Primary memory has limited storage capacity and is either
volatile (RAM) or read-only (ROM). Thus, a computer system needs auxiliary or
secondary memory to permanently store the data or instructions for future use. The
secondary memory is non-volatile and has larger storage capacity than primary
memory. It is slower and cheaper than the main memory. But, it cannot be accessed
directly by the CPU. Contents of secondary storage need to be first brought into the
main memory for the CPU to access. Examples of secondary memory devices include
Hard Disk Drive (HDD), CD/ DVD, Memory Card, etc., as shown in Figure However,
these days, there are secondary storage devices like SSD
which support very fast data transfer speed as compared to
earlier HDDs. Also, data transfer between computers have
become easier and simple due to the availability of small-sized
and portable flash or pen drives.
3. Cache memory : RAM is faster than secondary storage, but

not as fast as a computer processor. So, because of RAM, a
CPU may have to slow down. To speed up the operations of
the CPU, a very high speed memory is placed between the CPU
and the primary memory known as cache. It stores the copies
of the data from frequently accessed primary memory
locations, thus, reducing the average time required to access
data from primary memory. When the CPU needs some data,
it first examines the cache. In case the requirement is met, it
is read from the cache, otherwise the primary memory is
accessed.
Data Transfer between Memory and CPU
1. Address bus - carries memory addresses

from the processor to other components
such as primary storage and input/output
devices.
2. Data bus - carries the data between the
processor and other components.
3. Control bus - carries control signals
from the processor to other components.
Microprocessors: Microprocessor is a small-sized electronic component inside a computer
that carries out various tasks involved in data processing as well as arithmetic and logical
operations. These days, a microprocessor is built over an integrated circuit comprising
millions of small components like resistors, transistors and diodes.
Data Capturing: It involves the process of gathering data from

different sources in the digital form. This capturing may vary
from simple instruments like keyboard, barcode readers used
at shopping outlets comments or posts over social media,
remote sensors on an earth orbiting satellite.
Storage : Data storage refers to the use of recording media to retain data using computers
or other devices. The most prevalent forms of data storage are file storage, block storage,
and object storage, with each being ideal for different purposes.
Retrieval: It involves fetching data from the storage devices, for its processing as per the
user requirement. As databases grow, the challenges involved in search and retrieval of
the data in acceptable time, also increase. Minimising data access time is crucial for faster
data processing.
Data Deletion and Recovery: Data recovery is the process of restoring data that has been
lost, accidentally deleted, corrupted or made inaccessible. In enterprise IT, data recovery
typically refers to the restoration of data to a desktop, laptop, server or external storage
system from a backup.
Software
Software is set of programs that instruct hardware to what to and how to do. It
makes hardware functional to achieve a common objective. Some example of software is
Window-10, Macintosh, MySQL, MS Word, Excel, Games etc.
Types of software
There are two types of software:
• System software
• Application software
System Software
System software manages computer system. It is software that control and coordinate all
internal activities of a computer system.
System software can be categorized as
• Operating System
• Utility Software
• Device Driver
1. Operating System
 Operating System acts as an interface between user and machine. It is
set of programs that —
• Manages hardware resources
• Manage memory
• Display result in monitor
• Control all hardware component attached to computer system
• Read data through input devices.
Examples of Operating System are Window10, Window8, Macintosh, Ubuntu, DOS
etc.
2. Utility software: It is system software that helps you to configure and optimize and
maintain a computer. Examples of utility software are- Disk Cleaner, File Backup
Utility, Antivirus, Firewall, Disk Defragmenter etc.
3. Device driver: is software which controls a particular type of hardware attached
with a computer. It acts as an interpreter between particular hardware and
computer system.
Application software: the software, which is developed for the use applicant is user
purpose, is called as application software.
PROGRAMMING TOOLS:
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE:
This is used to communicate between user and the computer or through some
instruction (program) we communicate with the computer. i.e. programming language.
Different types of programming languages are
a) High Level Language: the language that is written in English and user friendly.
User understands it.
b) Low Level Language: computer understands the language that is written in binary
number and this type of language also called as machine code language .
c) Middle Level Language: this language is the combination of high & low level means
that, it is written in English and binary code. This also called as assembly level
Language.
 Compiler : compiler is a translator it converts high level language to low level
language.
 Assembler : Assembler is a translator it converts middle level language to low level
language.
 Interpreter: this is also a translator and it is just like a compiler. But it converts the
instruction line by line.
Operating System: it is a combination or collection of system software’s. The main aim of

operating system is to create the interaction between the computer peripheral and
application software.
OS User Interface
 Command-based Interface: Command-based interface requires a user
to enter the commands to perform different tasks like creating, opening,
editing or deleting a file, etc. The user has to remember the names of all
such programs or specific commands which the operating system
supports.
Examples of operating systems with command-based interface
include MS-DOS and Unix.
 Graphical User Interface: Graphical User Interface (GUI) lets users run programs
or give instructions to the computer in the form of icons, menus and other visual
options.
 Touch-based Interface: Today smartphones, tablets and PCs allow users to interact
with the system simply using the touch input. Using the touchscreen, a user
provides inputs to the operating system, which are interpreted by the OS as
commands like opening an app, closing an app, dialing a number, scrolling across
apps, etc.
 Voice-based Interface: Users today can use voice-based commands to make a
computer work in the desired way.
 Gesture-based Interface: Some smartphones based on Android and iOS as well as
laptops let users interact with the devices using gestures like waving, tilting, eye
motion and shaking. This technology is evolving faster and it has promising potential
for application in gaming, medicine and other areas.
FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM.
1. Memory Management: Memory management refers to management of Primary

Memory or Main Memory. Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where
each word or byte has its own address
2. Processor Management: In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides
which process gets the processor when and for how much time. This function is
called process scheduling.
3. Device Management: An Operating System manages device communication via
their respective drivers. It does the following activities for device management
4. File Management: A file system is normally organized into directories for easy
navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and other directions.

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CHAPTER-1

Introduction to Computer System

A computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data

FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER

Let us know the details of basic computer operations.

1. Input: This is the process of

The Von Neumann architecture is shown in Figure 1.5. It consists of a Central

3. Cache memory : RAM is faster than secondary storage, but

Data Transfer between Memory and CPU

1. Address bus - carries memory addresses

Data Capturing: It involves the process of gathering data from

Operating System: it is a combination or collection of system software’s. The main aim of

FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM.

1. Memory Management: Memory management refers to management of Primary

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