Chapter 2

Key Components of a Computer System, Operating Systems

Learning Outcomes:
 Explain the key components of computer system.
 Classify the components of computer system.
 Distinguish the difference between the hardware, software and human ware.
 Define Operating System.
 Identify the basic concepts of an operating system.

Introduction
An operating system is defined as a massive and complicated system that can only be divided
into small sections. These components should be well-defined parts of the system, with inputs,
outputs, as well as functions well stated. Though Linux, Windows, Mac, UNIX, and other operating
systems have different structures, most Operating system components, including files, memory,
process, and I/O device management, are shared by all.

 Hardware
Before we talk about different types of computers, let's talk about two things all computers
have in common: hardware and software.
 Hardware
 is any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or
mouse.
 It also includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image
below.
 is the tangible part of a computer system.

▓ Computer Components and its functions

Central Processing Unit which performs most of the calculations which enable a
(CPU) computer to function, and is referred to as the brain of the
computer which get a hold of program instruction from random-
access memory (RAM), interprets and processes it and then
sends it back to computer result so that the relevant
components can carry out the instructions.
Memory Unit is a technology consisting of computer components
and recording media that are used to retain digital data.
 READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM) contains the pre-programmed
computer instructions such as the Basic Input Output System
(BIOS).

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM) is used to store the

programs and data that you will run. Exists only when there is
power
Hard Disk Drive or Hard is an electro-mechanical data storage device that uses magnetic
Disk storage to store and retrieve digital data using one or more rigid
rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.
Motherboard is the main component of a computer.
It is a board with integrated circuitry that connects the other
parts of the computer including the CPU, the RAM, the disk
drives (CD, DVD, hard disk, or any others) as well as any
peripherals connected via the ports or the expansion slots.
Casing or cover computer case encloses most of the components of the system.
It provides mechanical support and protection for internal
elements such as the motherboard, disk drives, and power
supplies, and controls and directs the flow of cooling air over
internal components.
Power Supply power supply unit (PSU) converts alternating current (AC)
electric power to low-voltage direct current (DC) power for the
computer.
Mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-
dimensional motion relative to a surface.
Monitor is an output device that displays information in pictorial form.
Keyboard is a typewriter-style device[1] which uses an arrangement of
buttons or keys to act as mechanical levers or electronic
switches.
Printer Is a machine for printing text or pictures onto paper, especially
one linked to a computer.
Speaker are speakers sold for use with computers, although usually
capable of other audio uses, e.g. for an MP3 player.

Software
- Instructions that tell the computer how to process data into the form you want.
- is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it.
- Examples of software include web browsers, games, and word processors.
 ▓ System Software Components

Your system has three basic types of software: application programs, device drivers,
and operating systems. Each type of software performs a completely different job, but all
three work closely together to perform useful work. While some special-purpose programs do
not fit neatly into any of these classes, most software does. Programs run in the memory
portion of the system.

 Application Programs
Application programs are the top software layer. You can perform specific tasks with
these programs, such as using a word processor for writing, a spreadsheet for
accounting, or a computer-aided design program for drawing. The other two layers,
device drivers and the operating system, play important support roles. Your system
might run one application program at a time, or it might run many simultaneously.
 Device Drivers
Device drivers are a set of highly specialized programs. Device drivers help
application programs and the operating system do their tasks. Device drivers (in
particular, adapters), do not interact with you. They interact directly with computer
hardware elements and shield the application programs from the hardware specifics
of computers.
 Operating System
An operating system is a collection of programs that controls the running of
programs and organizes the resources of a computer system. These resources are
the hardware components of the system, such as keyboards, printers, monitors, and
disk drives. Your AIX operating system comes with programs,
called commands or utilities, that maintain your files, send and receive messages,
provide miscellaneous information about your system, and so on.

An application program relies on the operating system to perform many detailed

tasks associated with the internal workings of the computer. The operating system
also accepts commands directly from you to manage files and security. There are
many extensions to the AIX operating system that allow you to customize your
environment.
 Root-User Processes
Root-user processes are programs that can be run only by a user with root authority.
A system administrator has root authority for all processes.
Root-user processes include:
 Read or write any object
 Call any system function
 Perform certain subsystem-control operations

When you are not allowed to run a command, the system displays a message saying
you do not have the correct permissions or you are not allowed to run that command. The
system administrator may be the only person who can log in as root on your system. The
system administrator can also set you up to use particular commands, giving you some
control over processes.

Humanware / Peopleware
- A term used to refer to one of the three core aspects of computer technology, the other two
being hardware and software.
- It can refer to anything that has to do with the role of people in the development or use of
computer software and hardware systems, including such issues as developer productivity,
 teamwork, group dynamics, the psychology of programming, project management,
organizational factors, human interface design, and human–machine interaction.
- Refer to people who use and operate the computer system, write computer programs, and
analyze and design the information system.

- There are numerous categories of jobs, but the three principal positions required in a large
computer installation are:
o system analyst
 Requires the broad background and extensive understanding of the
above three job categories.
 The main task of the system analyst is to study information and
processing requirements.
 A systems analyst defines the applications problem, determines
systems specifications, recommends hardware and software changes,
and designs information processing procedures
o Programmer
 Requires a comprehensive knowledge of one or more programming
languages and standard coding procedures.
 This position does not require the broader understanding of the
structure and inner workings of an application.
 A programmer's principal job is to code or prepare programs based on
the specifications made by the systems analyst.
o Computer operator.
 Requires the least extensive background of the three categories.
 A computer operator generally performs a series of well-defined tasks
that will keep the computer operating at maximum efficiency.
 The operational efficiency of a computer installation is dependent on
the quality and abilities of the operational staff.

Design of Humanware
o Often begins with understanding the needs and limitations of the end-user and
working bottom-up to design a product that is ultimately useful.
o User interacts with hardware to produce needful input.
Ex:
 Food and cookware = hardware
 The recipe = software
 The chef = humanware
o Both computer hardware and computer software are complimented by the works of
humanware to produce a fully functional computer system.

The concept of peopleware/humanware in the software community covers a variety of aspects

 Development of productive persons
 Organizational culture
 Organizational learning
 Development of productive teams, and
 Modeling of human competencies.
 Major functions of operating system
An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer
by a boot program, manages all of the other application programs in a computer. The application
programs make use of the operating system by making requests for services through a defined
application program interface (API).
 Operating System

Windows, Linux, and Android are examples of operating systems that enable the user to use
programs like MS Office, Notepad, and games on the computer or mobile phone. It is necessary to
have at least one operating system installed in the computer to run basic programs like browsers.
 ▓ Processor Management:
 An operating system manages the processor’s work by allocating various jobs to it and
ensuring that each process receives enough time from the processor to function
properly.

▓ Memory Management:
 An operating system manages the allocation and de-allocation of the memory to
various processes and ensures that the other process does not consume the memory
allocated to one process.

▓ Device Management:
 There are various input and output devices. An OS controls the working of these input-
output devices. It receives the requests from these devices, performs a specific task,
and communicates back to the requesting process.

▓ File Management:
 An operating system keeps track of information regarding the creation, deletion,
transfer, copy, and storage of files in an organized way. It also maintains the integrity
of the data stored in these files, including the file directory structure, by protecting
against unauthorized access.

▓ Security:
 The operating system provides various techniques which assure the integrity and
confidentiality of user data. Following security measures are used to protect user
data:
o Protection against unauthorized access through login.
o Protection against intrusion by keeping Firefall active.
o Protecting the system memory against malicious access.
o Displaying messages related to system vulnerabilities.

 Error Detection:
o From time to time, the operating system checks the system for any external
threat or malicious software activity.
o It also checks the hardware for any type of damage.
o This process displays several alerts to the user so that the appropriate action
can be taken against any damage caused to the system.

 Job Scheduling:
o In a multitasking OS where multiple programs run simultaneously, the
operating system determines which applications should run in which order
and how time should be allocated to each application.

 TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS?

There are several different types of operating systems present. In this section, we will discuss
the advantages and disadvantages of these types of OS.
 Batch Operating System.
o The first operating system for second-generation computers.
o This OS does not directly interact with the computer. Instead, an operator takes up
similar jobs and groups them together into a batch, and then these batches are
executed one by one based on the first-come, first, serve principle.
 o Advantages of Batch OS
 Execution time taken for similar jobs is higher.
 Multiple users can share batch systems.
 Managing large works becomes easy in batch systems.
 The idle time for a single batch is very less.
o Disadvantages of OS
 It is hard to debug batch systems.
 If a job fails, then the other jobs have to wait for an unknown time till the
issue is resolved.
 Batch systems are sometimes costly.
o Examples of Batch OS:
 payroll system, bank statements, data entry, etc.

 Distributed Operating System.

o A recent advancement in the field of computer technology and is utilized all over the
world that too with great pace.
o In a distributed OS, various computers are connected through a single communication
channel.
o These independent computers have their memory unit and CPU and are known as
loosely coupled systems.
o The system processes can be of different sizes and can perform different functions.
o Advantages of Distributed OS
 Failure of one system will not affect the other systems because all the
computers are independent of each other.
 The load on the host system is reduced.
 The size of the network is easily scalable as many computers can be added to
the network.
 As the workload and resources are shared therefore the calculations are
performed at a higher speed.
 Data exchange speed is increased with the help of electronic mail.
o Disadvantages of Distributed OS
 The setup cost is high.
 Software used for such systems is highly complex.
 Failure of the main network will lead to the failure of the whole system.
o Examples of Distributed OS:
 LOCUS, etc.

 Multitasking Operating System.

o Also known as the time-sharing operating system as each task is given some time so
that all the tasks work efficiently.
o This system provides access to a large number of users, and each user gets the time
of CPU as they get in a single system.
o Advantages of Multitasking OS
 Each task gets equal time for execution.
 The idle time for the CPU will be the lowest.
 There are very few chances for the duplication of the software.
o Disadvantages of Multitasking OS
 The setup cost is high.
 Software used for such systems is highly complex.
 Failure of the main network will lead to the failure of the whole system.
o Examples of Multitasking OS:
- UNIX, etc.
 Network Operating System.
o Systems that run on a server and manage all the networking functions.
o They allow sharing of various files, applications, printers, security, and other
networking functions over a small network of computers like LAN or any other private
network.
o Advantages of Network OS
 New technologies and hardware can easily upgrade the systems.
 Security of the system is managed over servers.
 Servers can be accessed remotely from different locations and systems.
 The centralized servers are stable.
o Disadvantages of Network OS
 The Server costs are high.
 Regular updates and maintenance are required.
 Users are dependent on the central location for the maximum number of
operations.
o Examples of Network OS:
 Microsoft Windows server 2008, LINUX, etc

 Real-time Operating System.

o Systems serve real-time systems.
o These operating systems are useful when many events occur in a short time or within
certain deadlines, such as real-time simulations.
o Types of the real-time OS are:
 Hard real-time OS
- The hard real-time OS is the operating system for mainly the
applications in which the slightest delay is also unacceptable.
- The time constraints of such applications are very strict. Such systems
are built for life-saving equipment like parachutes and airbags, which
immediately need to be in action if an accident happens.
 Soft real-time OS
- The soft real-time OS is the operating system for applications where
time constraint is not very strict.
o In a soft real-time system, an important task is prioritized over less important tasks,
and this priority remains active until the completion of the task.
o Advantages of Real-Time OS
 It provides more output from all the resources as there is maximum utilization
of systems.
 It provides the best management of memory allocation.
 These systems are always error-free.
 These operating systems focus more on running applications than those in
the queue.
 Shifting from one task to another takes very little time.
o Disadvantages of Real-Time OS
 System resources are extremely expensive and are not so good.
 The algorithms used are very complex.
 Only limited tasks can run at a single time.
 In such systems, we cannot set thread priority as these systems cannot switch
tasks easily.
o Examples of Real-Time OS:
 Medical imaging systems, robots, etc.
 Mobile Operating system
o A mobile OS is an operating system for smartphones, tablets, and PDA’s.
o It is a platform on which other applications can run on mobile devices.
o Advantages of Network OS
 It provides ease to users.
o Disadvantages of Mobile OS
 Some of mobile operating systems give poor battery quality to users.
 Some of the mobile operating systems are not user-friendly.
o Examples of Mobile OS:
 Android OS, IOS, Symbian OS, and Windows mobile OS.
References:
 Linda Null and Julia Lobur Jones (2014). The Essential of Computer Organization and
Architecture 2nd, 4th edition,; Published by Bartlett Publishers Inc.
 Barron, A.F (2015). New Technologies for Education: A beginner’s Guide
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