ASSIGNMENT 1 FRONT SHEET

Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing

Unit number and title Computing Fundamental

Submission date Date Received 1st submission

Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission

Student Name LÊ TIẾN ĐẠT Student ID Bh00219

Class IT0504 Assessor name Ngô Thị Mai Loan

Student declaration

I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that
making a false declaration is a form of malpractice.

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I Introduction 4

II Content 4

1.The functions of the different components of a conventional digital computer 4

1.1 Hardware 4

1.2 Input 5

1.3Output 5

1.4 CPU 5

1.5 ALU 6

1.6 Storage 6

1.7 Motherboard 7

1.8 Video card 8

1.10 Software 9

2.Cache memory 9

2.1 What is Cache memory? 9

2.2 Why is it necessary? 10

2.3Cache memory vs RAM 10

3 Operating system 11

3.1 Concept operating system 11

3.2 Roles 11

3.3 Some popular operating systems 11

III Conclusion 12

I Introduction

Computers, also known as computers or computers, are devices or systems used to calculate and control
operations that can be represented in the form of numbers or logical laws. Computers are assembled by
components can perform simple predefined functions. The interaction of these components gives the
computer the ability to process information. If set up correctly, the computer can simulate some aspects of
the problem or the system.

II. Content

1.Describe the functions of the different components of a conventional digital computer with the help of a
suitable block diagram
1.1 Hardware

hardware is best described as any physical component of a computer system containing circuit board, ICs,
or other electronics. A perfect example of hardware is the screen on which you are viewing this page.
Whether it be a monitor, tablet, or smartphone, it is hardware. Without any hardware, your computer
would not exist, and software could not be used.

1.2 Input

A computer will only respond when a command is given to the device. These commands can be given
using the input unit or the input devices. The data entered can be in the form of numbers, alphabet,
images, etc. We enter the information using an input device, the processing units convert it into computer
understandable languages and then the final output is received by a human-understandable language.
1.3 Output

When we command a computer to perform a task, it reverts for the action performed and gives us a result.
This result is called output. There are various output devices connected to the computer. The most basic of
which is a monitor. Whatever we write using a keyboard or click using a mouse, is all displayed on the
monitor.

1.4 CPU

Alternately referred to as a processor, central processor, or microprocessor, the is the central processing
unit of the computer. A computer's CPU handles all instructions it receives from hardware and software
running on the computer. The CPU's main function is to take input from a peripheral (keyboard, mouse,
printer, …) or computer program, and interpret what it needs. The CPU then either outputs information to
your monitor or performs the peripheral's requested task.

1.5 ALU

An arithmetic-logic unit is the part of a central processing unit that carries out arithmetic and logic
operations on the operands in computer instruction words. In some processors, the ALU is divided into
two units: an arithmetic unit (AU) and a logic unit (LU). Some processors contain more than one. In
computer systems, floating-point computations are sometimes done by a floating-point unit (FPU) on a
separate chip called a numeric coprocessor.

1.6 Storage

a. Hard disks

The hard disk drive is the main, and usually most substantial, data storage hardware device in a computer.
The operating system, software titles, and most other files are stored in the hard disk drive.The hard drive
is sometimes referred to as the "C drive" because Microsoft Windows, by default, designates the "C" drive
letter to the primary partition on the primary hard drive in a computer.

b. RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is a computer's short-term memory, which it uses to handle all active
tasks and apps. None of your programs, files, games, or streams would work without RAM. Here, we’ll
explain exactly what RAM is, what RAM means, and why it’s so important. Then, learn how to lighten the
load on your computer’s RAM with a specialized performance booster.

c. ROM
Read-Only Memory (ROM), is a type of electronic storage that comes built in to a device during
manufacturing. You’ll find ROM chips in computers and many other types of electronic products; VCRs,
game consoles, and car radios all use ROM to complete their functions smoothly. ROM chips come built
into an external unit – like flash drives and other auxiliary memory devices – or installed into the device’s
hardware on a removable chip. Non-volatile memory like ROM remains viable even without a power
supply.

1.7 Motherboard

The motherboard is a printed circuit board and foundation of a computer that is the biggest board in a
computer chassis. It allocates power and allows communication to and between the CPU, RAM, and all
other computer hardware components. A motherboard provides connectivity between the hardware
components of a computer, like the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), hard drive, and video card. There
are multiple types of motherboards, designed to fit different types and sizes of computers. Each type of
motherboard is designed to work with specific types of processors and memory, so they don't work with
every processor and type of memory. However, hard drives are mostly universal and work with the
majority of motherboards, regardless of the type or brand.
1.8 Video card

The video card is an expansion card that allows the computer to send graphical information to a video
display device such as a monitor, TV, or projector. A video card is a piece of computer hardware that's
rectangular in shape with numerous contacts on the bottom of the card and one or more ports on the side
for connection to video displays and other devices. The video card installs in an expansion slot on the
motherboard. While most video cards are of the PCIe format, they come in other formats as well,
including PCI and AGP. These additional formats are older standards and don't communicate with the
CPU and other components as quickly as PCIe. In a desktop, since the motherboard, case, and expansion
cards are designed with compatibility in mind, the side of the video card fits just outside the back of the
case when installed, making its ports (e.g., HDMI, DVI, or VGA) available for use.

1.9 Power supply

A power supply is a component that supplies power to at least one electric load. Typically, it converts one
type of electrical power to another, but it may also convert a different form of energy – such as solar,
mechanical, or chemical - into electrical energy. A power supply provides components with electric
power. The term usually pertains to devices integrated within the component being powered. For example,
computer power supplies convert AC current to DC current and are generally located at the rear of the
computer case, along with at least one fan. A power supply is also known as a power supply unit, power
brick or power adapter.
1.10 Software

Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate a computer and execute specific tasks.
In simpler terms, software tells a computer how to function. It’s a generic term used to refer to
applications, scripts, and programs that run on devices such as PCs, mobile phones, tablets, and other
smart devices. Software contrasts with hardware, which is the physical aspects of a computer that perform
the work.

2. What is cache memory? Why is it necessary? Compare Cache and RAM?

2.1What is cache memory?

Cache memory is a chip-based computer component that makes retrieving data from the computer's
memory more efficient. It acts as a temporary storage area that the computer's processor can retrieve data
from easily. This temporary storage area, known as a cache, is more readily available to the processor than
the computer's main memory source, typically some form of DRAM. In order to be close to the processor,
cache memory needs to be much smaller than main memory. Consequently, it has less storage space. It is
also more expensive than main memory, as it is a more complex chip that yields higher performance.

Cache enables computer functions to hold recently accessed data close by so that it can be used again and
again, rather than going through the same set of instructions repeatedly. It is for this reason that systems
with a larger capacity of cache memory appear to be faster because they can hold more easily accessible
data.

2.2 Why is it necessary?

Cache memory is necessary because it improves the efficiency of data retrieval. It stores program
instructions and data that are used repeatedly in the operation of programs or information that the CPU is
likely to need next. The computer processor can access this information more quickly from the cache than
from the main memory. Fast access to these instructions increases the overall speed of the program.
Improved performance and ability to monitor performance are not just about improving general
convenience for the user. As technology advances and is increasingly relied upon in mission-critical
scenarios, having speed and reliability becomes crucial. Even a few milliseconds of latency could
potentially lead to enormous expenses, depending on the situation.

2.3 Compare Cache and RAM?

Parameters of Comparison Cache RAM

Definition A component which stores A component which stores

Speed Faster Not as fast

Cost Expensive Not as expensive

Capacity Low capacity High capacity

Usage Holds frequently used data by Holds programs and data

Classification Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 SRAM and DRAM

3. State the role of the operating system in a computer system

3.1 An operating system (OS)

An operating system is system software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and
provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for
efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time,
mass storage, printing, and other resources.

3.2 Roles
For Hardware functions such as input, output and memory allocation, the operating system plays an
important role between programs and computer hardware, although application code is usually executed.
executed directly by the hardware and typically executes system instructions to operating system functions
or is interrupted by the operating system. Operating systems are found on many computing devices – from
mobile phones and video game consoles to web servers and supercomputers, providing an environment
that allows users to develop and execute show off their applications easily.

3.3 Some popular operating systems

a. Operating systems for computers

-Windows operating system

First released in 1980 by Microsoft, gone through many versions to date and most recently Windows 10
(released in 2015) comes pre-installed on most computers. Make it the most popular operating system in
the world at the moment.

- macOS operating system

MacOS, formerly known as OS X, was created by apple and comes pre-installed on all Apple computer
devices.

-Linux OS

As an open operating system, that means you can modify, do anything on this operating system. Linux is a
free operating system and there is no need to purchase a license to use it.

b. Operating system for mobile devices.

-Android operating system was developed by the company Android Inc and acquired by Google in 2005,
Android is the operating system on mobile devices with the largest number of users in the world
(accounting for 87.7%). market share) 2017.

IOS operating system is the only operating system used on Apple mobile devices. Released in 2007, iOS
has revolutionized software engineering. It is highly appreciated for its features as well as its stability.

III. Conclusion

The conclusion of computers is that these are essential to human's daily lives. Computers are used in
learning institutions, work, business, and on most daily activities.