CSC101

Components of a Computer System

Information is funny stuff. The information for the web page you are looking at is recorded on a
hard disk inside a computer located in New Britain, Connecticut. The information was copied
from that physical device to other physical devices perhaps hundreds of times before it got to
your computer where your web browser is using it to display these words on your monitor.
Clearly information is something different from the devices used to store and transmit it.

A computer system consists of both hardware and information stored on hardware. Information
stored on computer hardware is often called software.

The hardware components of a computer system are the electronic and mechanical parts.
The software components of a computer system are the data and the computer programs.

Click Here to see the desktop system these notes were originally prepared on. (This was back
when anything to do with computers had to be beige. Everything in this picture has since been
replaced, except for the gargoyle.)

The major hardware components of a computer system are:

 Processor
 Main memory
 Secondary memory
 Input devices
 Output devices

For typical desktop computers, the processor, main memory, secondary memory, power supply,
and supporting hardware are housed in a metal case. Many of the components are connected to
the main circuit board of the computer, called the motherboard. The power supply supplies
power for most of the components. Various input devices (such as the keyboard) and output
devices (such as the monitor) are attached through connectors at the rear of the case.

So a lot easily the foregoing USER and DATA are components of the Computer System.

Hardware Components
The terms input and output say if data flow into or out of the computer. The picture shows the
major hardware components of a computer system. The arrows show the direction of data flow.

A bus is a group of wires on the main circuit board of the computer. It is a pathway for data
flowing between components. Most devices are connected to the bus through a controller which
coordinates the activities of the device with the bus.

The processor is an electronic device about a one inch square, covered in plastic. Inside the
square is an even smaller square of silicon containing millions of tiny electrical parts. A modern
processor may contain billions of transistors. It does the fundamental computing within the
system, and directly or indirectly controls all the other components.

The processor is sometimes called the Central Processing Unit or CPU. A particular computer
will have a particular type of processor, such as a Pentium processor or a SPARC processor.

Memory
The processor performs all the fundamental computation of the computer system. Other
components contribute to the computation by doing such things as storing data or moving data
into and out of the processor. But the processor is where the fundamental action takes place.

A processor chip has relatively little memory. It has only enough memory to hold a few
instructions of a program and the data they process. Complete programs and data sets are held in
memory external to the processor. This memory is of two fundamental types: main memory, and
secondary memory.

Main memory is sometimes called volatile because it looses its information when power is
removed. Secondary memory is usually nonvolatile because it retains its information when
power is removed. (However, it needs power when information is stored into memory or
retrieved from it.)
Main memory is sometimes called main storage and secondary memory is sometimes called
secondary storage or mass storage.

 Main memory:
o closely connected to the processor.
o stored data are quickly and easily changed.
o holds the programs and data that the processor is actively working with.
o interacts with the processor millions of times per second.
o needs constant electric power to keep its information.

 Secondary memory:
o connected to main memory through the bus and a controller.
o stored data are easily changed, but changes are slow compared to main memory.
o used for long-term storage of programs and data.
o before data and programs can be used, they must be copied from secondary
memory into main memory.
o does not need electric power to keep its information.

Main Memory
Main memory is where programs and data are kept when the processor is actively using them.
When programs and data become active, they are copied from secondary memory into main
memory where the processor can interact with them. A copy remains in secondary memory.

Main memory is intimately connected to the processor, so moving instructions and data into and
out of the processor is very fast.

Main memory is sometimes called RAM. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. "Random"
means that the memory cells can be accessed in any order. However, properly speaking, "RAM"
means the type of silicon chip used to implement main memory.

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a long-term basis. Common
secondary storage devices are the hard disk and optical disks.

 The hard disk has enormous storage capacity compared to main memory.
 The hard disk is usually contained inside the case of a computer.
 The hard disk is used for long-term storage of programs and data.
 Data and programs on the hard disk are organized into files.
  A file is a collection of data on the disk that has a name.

A hard disk might have a storage capacity of 500 gigabytes (room for about 500 x 109
characters). This is about 100 times the capacity of main memory. A hard disk is slow compared
to main memory. If the disk were the only type of memory the computer system would slow
down to a crawl. The reason for having two types of storage is this difference in speed and
capacity.

Large blocks of data are copied from disk into main memory. The operation is slow, but lots of
data is copied. Then the processor can quickly read and write small sections of that data in main
memory. When it is done, a large block of data is written to disk.

Often, while the processor is computing with one block of data in main memory, the next block
of data from disk is read into another section of main memory and made ready for the processor.
One of the jobs of an operating system is to manage main storage and disks this way.

Primary memory Secondary memory

 Fast  Slow
 Expensive  Cheap
 Low capacity  Large capacity
 Works directly with the processor  Not connected directly to the processor

Input and Output Devices

Input and output devices allow the computer system to interact with the outside world by moving
data into and out of the system. An input device is used to bring data into the system. Some input
devices are:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Microphone
 Bar code reader
 Graphics tablet

An output device is used to send data out of the system. Some output devices are:

 Monitor
 Printer
 Speaker

A network interface acts as both input and output. Data flows from the network into the
computer, and out of the computer into the network.
How to Convert from Decimal to Binary
Three Methods: Short Division by Two with Remainder

The decimal (base ten) numeral system has ten possible values (0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8, or 9) for each
place-value. In contrast, the binary (base two) numeral system has two possible values
represented as 0 or 1 for each place-value.[1] Since the binary system is the internal language of
electronic computers, serious computer programmers should understand how to convert from
decimal to binary.

Decimal to Binary Converter

Method 1

Short Division by Two with Remainder

1.

Set up the problem. For this example, let's convert the decimal number 15610 to binary. Write
the decimal number as the dividend inside an upside-down "long division" symbol. Write the
base of the destination system (in our case, "2" for binary) as the divisor outside the curve of the
division symbol.

o This method is much easier to understand when visualized on paper, and is much easier
for beginners, as it relies only on division by two.
o To avoid confusion before and after conversion, write the number of the base system that
you are working with as a subscript of each number. In this case, the decimal number will
have a subscript of 10 and the binary equivalent will have a subscript of 2.
2.

Divide. Write the integer answer (quotient) under the long division symbol, and write the
remainder (0 or 1) to the right of the dividend.[2]

o Since we are dividing by 2, when the dividend is even the binary remainder will be 0, and
when the dividend is odd the binary remainder will be 1.

3.

Continue to divide until you reach 0. Continue downwards, dividing each new quotient by two
and writing the remainders to the right of each dividend. Stop when the quotient is 0.
 4.

Write out the new, binary number. Starting with the bottom remainder, read the sequence of
remainders upwards to the top. For this example, you should have 10011100. This is the binary
equivalent of the decimal number 156. Or, written with base subscripts: 15610 = 100111002

o This method can be modified to convert from decimal to any base. The divisor is 2
because the desired destination is base 2 (binary). If the desired destination is a different
base, replace the 2 in the method with the desired base. For example, if the desired
destination is base 9, replace the 2 with 9. The final result will then be in the desired base.

How to Convert from Binary to Decimal

Three Methods:ConverterUsing Positional NotationUsing DoublingCommunity Q&A

The binary ("base two") numerical system has two possible values, often represented as 0 or 1,
for each place-value. In contrast, the decimal (base ten) numeral system has ten possible values
(0,1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9) for each place-value. To avoid confusion while using different
numeral systems, the base of each individual number may be specified by writing it as a
subscript of the number. For example, the binary number 10011100 may be specified as "base
two" by writing it as 100111002. The decimal number 156 may be written as 15610 and read as
"one hundred fifty-six, base ten". Since the binary system is the internal language of electronic
computers, serious computer programmers should understand how to convert from binary to
decimal. Converting in the opposite direction, from decimal to binary, is often more difficult to
learn first.

Converter

Binary to Decimal Converter

Method 1

Using Positional Notation

1.

Write down the binary number and list the powers of 2 from right to left. Let's say we want
to convert the binary number 100110112 to decimal. First, write it down. Then, write down the
powers of two from right to left. Start at 20, evaluating it as "1". Increment the exponent by one
for each power. Stop when the amount of elements in the list is equal to the amount of digits in
the binary number. The example number, 10011011, has eight digits, so the list, with eight
elements, would look like this: 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, 1

2.

Write the digits of the binary number below their corresponding powers of two. Now, just
write 10011011 below the numbers 128, 64, 32, 16, 8, 4, 2, and 1 so that each binary digit
corresponds with its power of two. The "1" to the right of the binary number should correspond
 with the "1" on the right of the listed powers of two, and so on. You can also write the binary
digits above the powers of two, if you prefer it that way. What's important is that they match up.

3.

Connect the digits in the binary number with their corresponding powers of two. Draw
lines, starting from the right, connecting each consecutive digit of the binary number to the power
of two that is next in the list above it. Begin by drawing a line from the first digit of the binary
number to the first power of two in the list above it. Then, draw a line from the second digit of the
binary number to the second power of two in the list. Continue connecting each digit with its
corresponding power of two. This will help you visually see the relationship between the two sets
of numbers.

4.
 Write down the final value of each power of two. Move through each digit of the binary
number. If the digit is a 1, write its corresponding power of two below the line, under the digit. If
the digit is a 0, write a 0 below the line, under the digit.

o Since "1" corresponds with "1", it becomes a "1." Since "2" corresponds with "1," it
becomes a "2." Since "4" corresponds with "0," it becomes "0." Since "8" corresponds
with "1", it becomes "8," and since "16" corresponds with "1" it becomes "16." "32"
corresponds with "0" and becomes "0" and "64" corresponds with "0" and therefore
becomes "0" while "128" corresponds with "1" and becomes 128.

5.

Add the final values. Now, add up the numbers written below the line. Here's what you do: 128
+ 0 + 0 + 16 + 8 + 0 + 2 + 1 = 155. This is the decimal equivalent of the binary number
10011011.

Write the answer along with its base subscript. Now, all you have to do is write 15510, to show
that you are working with a decimal answer, which must be operating in powers of 10. The more
you get used to converting from binary to decimal, the more easy it will be for you to memorize
the powers of two, and you'll be able to complete the task more quickly.

6.

Use this method to convert a binary number with a decimal point to decimal form. You can
use this method even when you want to covert a binary number such as 1.12 to decimal. All you
have to do is know that the number on the left side of the decimal is in the units position, like
normal, while the number on the right side of the decimal is in the "halves" position, or 1 x (1/2).

o The "1" to the left of the decimal point is equal to 20, or 1. The 1 to the right of the
decimal is equal to 2-1, or .5. Add up 1 and .5 and you get 1.5, which is 1.12 in decimal
notation.

Web Surfing
: To move from place to place on internet searching for topics of interest. Web surfing has become a
favorite pastime for many internet users.

Alternatively referred to as web surfing, surfing describes the act of browsing the internet by going from
one web page to another web page using hyperlinks in an internet browser.

The term “Surfing” was first used by Mark McCahill.

Tip: When someone is surfing the internet they can be referred to as a surfer or net surfer.

Operating System
Operating Systems cab be accessed through two modes: CLI – Command Line Interface and GUI-
Graphics User Interface.

Through the CLI mode, the interaction with the operating system environment is through typing
commands at the command prompt; which through the GUI mode, the interaction is achieved through
pictures and symbols.

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows
you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

The operating system's job

Your computer's operating system (OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the
computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same
time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and
storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it
needs.

Types of operating systems

Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the
operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change
operating systems. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are
Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI
lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed
on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system
it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and
most of the basic principles are the same.

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there have
been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in
2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes
pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the
world.
Mac OS X

Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all new
Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as OS X (pronounced O-S
Ten), and the specific versions include El Capitan (released in 2015), Yosemite (2014),
Mavericks (2013), Mountain Lion (2012), and Lion (2011).

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Mac OS X users account for less than 10% of global
operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One
reason for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do
prefer the look and feel of Mac OS X over Windows.

Check out our tutorials on OS X Basics and specific OS X versions for more information.

Linux

Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they
can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary
software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The
advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—
you can choose from.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating
systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.
To learn more about different distributions of Linux, visit the Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora
websites, or refer to our Linux Mint Resources. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit
MakeUseOf's list of The Best Linux Distributions.

Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and
laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are
different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed
specifically for mobile devices. Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and
Google Android. In the screenshot below, you can see iOS running on an iPad.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop
and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still
do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and
play games.

WWW

The World Wide Web (abbreviated WWW or the Web) is an information space where documents and
other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Locator (URL) interlinked by hyperlinks and can
be accessed via the internet. English scientist Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.
Remember WWW supports Multimedia computing: texts, videos, sounds etc.

HTTP

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application protocol for distributed, collaborative,
hypermedia information systems. Hypertext is structured text that uses logical links (hyperlinks) between
nodes containing text. Development of HTTP was initiated by Tim Berners-Lee at CERN in 1989. HTTP
is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web.

Now, HTTP is the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web and this protocol defines how
messages are formatted and transmitted and what actions web servers and browsers should take in
response to various commands.

Search Engines

It is a web-based tool or software program/system that is designed to search for information on the World
Wide Web. The program searches for and identifies items in a database that corresponds to keywords or
characters specified by user, used specifically in finding particular sites on the Web.

List Of Some Best Search Engines

 Google
 Bing
 Yahoo
 Baidu
 AOL
 Ask.com
 Excite
 DuckDuckGo
Social, Ethical Issues and Professional Issues in Computing.

Ten Commandments of Computer Ethics

1. Thou shalt not use a computer to harm other people.

2. Thou shalt not interfere with other people's computer work.
3. Thou shalt not snoop around in other people's computer files.
4. Thou shalt not use a computer to steal.
5. Thou shalt not use a computer to bear false witness.
6. Thou shalt not copy or use proprietary software for which you have not paid (without
permission).
7. Thou shalt not use other people's computer resources without authorization or proper
compensation.
8. Thou shalt not appropriate other people's intellectual output.
9. Thou shalt think about the social consequences of the program you are writing or the system you
are designing.
10. Thou shalt always use a computer in ways that ensure consideration and respect for your fellow
humans