COMPUTER SYSTEM AND ORGANISATION

CONTENT – REVIEW
● Basic Computer Organisation: Introduction to computer system, hardware, software,
input device, output device, CPU, memory (primary, cache and secondary), units of
memory (Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB)
● Types of software: system software (operating systems, system utilities, device drivers),
programming tools and language translators (assembler, compiler & interpreter),
application software
● Operating system (OS): functions of operating system, OS user interface

Computer:
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and
processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the
result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non-
numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.
Computer System:
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple
equations. COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER
• Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices
All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as
Hardware.
• Software = Programs
Software gives “intelligence” to the computer.
• USER = Person, who operates computer.
Characteristics of computer: Speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, huge memory, no
IQ, lack of decision making.
Functional Units of a computer: Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Storage
Unit and Output Unit.
Input Unit: The data and instructions for their processing are entered into the computer

through the input unit. They are stored in the memory (storage unit). Eg: keyboard,
mouse,
scanner, mic, digital camera, Joystick, Trackball, Light pen, Barcode Reader, OMR,
OCR, MICR etc.
Central Processing Unit: CPU is the brain of the computer. It consists of three
components-
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and registers. ALU performs
calculations and logical operations such as comparisons and decision making. CU manages
and co-ordinates all other units of the computer. Registers are temporary storage elements
that facilitate the functions of CPU.
Storage Unit: It holds data and instructions required for processing, intermediate results
for ongoing processing and final results of processing.
Output Unit: The information obtained after data processing is supplied to the outside
world through this unit. Monitor, Projector, Sound Speaker, Plotter and printer are the
commonly used output devices.

Memory of Computer
Memory refers to the place where data is stored temporarily or permanently.
Computer Memory is basically of 2 types:
1. Primary Memory
Primary or main memory stores information (data and instruction)
2. Secondary Memory
Stores the data permanently for future retrieval
Primary Memory
❖Random Access Memory (RAM)
● It is the working memory, right from the booting of computer till the computer is
shutdown, this memory is in use to store all the operation done by the computer
● It is used for primary storage in computers to hold active information of data and
instructions.
● It holds data temporarily i.e. Volatile Memory
● Data is lost if Power Off

❖Read Only Memory (ROM)

● ROM (Read Only Memory) is used to store the instructions provided by the
manufacturer, which holds the instructions to check basic hardware inter connecter and to
load operating system from appropriate storage device
● It is also known as FIRMWARE
● Its data is stored permanently on it so it is non-volatile device.

Units of Memory
4 BITS = 1 NIBBLE
8 BITS = 1 BYTE
1024 BYTES = 1 KILO BYTE(KB)
1024 KB = 1 MEGA BYTE(MB)
1024 MB = 1 GIGA BYTE(GB)
1024 GB = 1 TERA BYTE(TB)
1024 TB = 1 PETA BYTE(PB)
The elementary unit of memory is a bit (binary digit) i.e. Zero(0) & One(1)

Secondary Storage Devices

● If we want to save data for future reference and retrieval then it needs to be saved in
memory other than primary memory, which is called secondary memory, or auxiliary
memory. Normally hard disk of computer is used as secondary memory but this is not
portable so there are many other secondary storage media in use.
Example:
Hard Disk , CD/DVD , Pen Drive , Floppy, etc.

1. HARD DISK :
● A hard disk drive (HDD; also hard drive, hard disk, or disk drive) is a device for storing
and retrieving digital information, primarily computer data.
● It consists of one or more rigid (hence "hard") rapidly rotating discs (often referred to
as platters), coated with magnetic material and with magnetic heads arranged to write data
to the surfaces and read it from them.
● Generally hard disks are sealed units fixed in the cabinet. It is also known as fixed disk
2. FLOPPY DISK :
● It is a data storage medium that is made up of a disk of thin, flexible magnetic material
enclosed in a cover. Its capacity is 1.44 MB.
3. COMPACT DISK (CD) :
● Capacity of standard 120mm CD is 700MB. It is a thin optical disk which is commonly
used to store audio and video data. Transfer speed is mentioned as multiple of 150 KB/s.
4x means 600 KB/s.
4. DIGITAL VIDEO DISK (DVD) :
● This is an optical disc storage device. It can be recorded on single side or on double
side. Its capacity may range from 4.7 GB to 8.5 GB.
5. PEN DRIVE :
This is small, portable memory, which can be plugged into a computer with USB Port.
They have capacity lesser than hard disk but much larger than a floppy or CD. They are
more reliable also.
 Operating system (OS): A set of programs that acts as an interface between the user and
computer hardware. It controls and co-ordinates the operations of a computer. It acts as
the resource manager of the computer system.
Function of OS: Process management, memory management, file management, device
management, security management and command interpretation.
Computer languages: Broadly classified into low level languages and high level
languages.
Machine language and assembly language are the different low level languages. The
language, which uses binary digits 0 and 1, is called machine language.
Assembly language use mnemonics. Mnemonic is a symbolic name given to an operation.
High Level Languages are like English languages and are simpler to understand.
Language processors: These are the system programs that translate programs written in
high level language or assembly language into its equivalent machine language.
Types of language processors: Assembler (translates the program code written in
assembly language to machine language), Interpreter (converts a HLL program into
machine language line by line) and Compiler (translates a program written in high level
language into machine language).
Utility software: A set of programs which help users in system maintenance tasks. Some
of them are compression tools, disk defragmenter, backup software and antivirus software.
Compression utility: Large files can be compressed so that they take less storage area.
These compressed files can be decompressed into its original form when needed.
Compression of files is known as zipping and decompression is called unzipping. WinZip,
WinRAR, etc. are examples.
Disk defragmenter: A program that rearranges files on a computer hard disk. This enables
the computer to work faster and more efficiently.
Backup utility: These programs facilitate the backing up of disk.
Antivirus programs: A utility program that scans the computer system for viruses and
removes them. Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky, etc. are examples.
General purpose software: These are used to perform tasks in a particular application
area.
General purpose software is classified as word processors, spreadsheet software,
presentation software, database software and multimedia software.
Word processing software: It is designed for creating and modifying documents. It helps
to create, edit, format and print textual matters easily. Formatting features include different
font settings, paragraph settings, bullets and numbering, alignments and more. In addition
to this it can check spelling and grammar in the document, insertion of pictures, charts and
tables. We can specify headers and footers for every page in the document. The most
popular examples of this type of software are MS Word, Open Office Writer, Apple iWork
Pages, etc.
Spreadsheet software: This software allows users to perform calculations using
spreadsheets. It also allows us to insert drawing objects in the worksheet and create
different types of charts for graphical representation of numerical data. Microsoft Excel,
Open Office Calc, Lotus 1-2-3 and Apple iWork Numbers are some examples of
spreadsheet software.
Presentation software: The software is used to display information in the form of a slide
show. Presentation software allows preparing slides containing pictures, text, animation,
video and sound effects. Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple iWork Keynote and Open Office
Impress are examples for presentation software.
Database software: Database is an organised collection of data arranged in tabular form.
Database Management System (DBMS) consists of a collection of interrelated data and a
set of programs to access those data. They provide privacy and security to data and enforce
standards for data. Examples of DBMS software are Microsoft Access, Oracle, Postgres
SQL, My SQL, etc.
Multimedia software: Multimedia is the integration of multiple forms of media. This
includes text, graphics, audio, video, etc. Some multimedia software allows users to create
and edit audio and video files. Audio converters, audio players and video editing software
are some forms of multimedia software. Examples are VLC Player, Adobe Flash, Real
Player, Media Player, etc.

WORKSHEETS
Worksheet- LEVEL-1
1. Name the software required to make a computer functional. Write down its two primary
services.
2. What is the need for secondary memory?
3. Draw the block diagram of a computer system. Briefly write about the functionality of
each component.
4. Why is primary memory termed as “destructive write” memory but “non- destructive”
read memory?
5. Discuss the role of utility software in the context of computer performance?
6. Write equivalent memory units of the following:
1. 596 MB = __________ KB

2. 14 PB = ____________ GB

3. 135 YB = __________ PB

4. 10000 MB = ________ PB

5. 1000000 KB = _______GB

7. What is the need of RAM? How does it differ from ROM?

8. Name the input or output device used to do the following:
a) To output audio
b) To enter textual data
c) To make hard copy of a text file
d) To display the data or information
e) To enter audio-based command
f) To build 3D models
g) To assist a visually-impaired individual in entering data
9. What is Operating system. Write any three functions of Operating System.
10. SRAM is faster memory than DRAM. (True/False)

Computer Systems and Organization

Worksheet- LEVEL-2
1. State the basic units of Computer along with its sub units and their functions.
2. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.
3. What is the role of CPU in Computer System.
4. Arrange the memory units from smallest to biggest:
Giga Byte, Tera Byte, Mega Byte, Byte, Peta Byte, Kilo Byte.
5. What is the importance of an OS?
6. What is the difference between an interpreter and a compiler?
7. What is an application software? Why it is required?
8. What is volatile memory?
9. Write equivalent memory units of the following:
1. 596 MB = __________ KB

2. 14 PB = ____________ GB

3. 135 YB = __________ PB

4. 10000 MB = ________ PB

5. 1000000 KB = _______GB

10. Write short notes on Assembler, Compiler and Interpreter.

Worksheet- LEVEL-3

1. Name any four secondary storage media.

2. Define software. Explain with examples- a) System Software b) Utility
Software c)
Application Software.
 3. Write short notes on Assembler, Compiler and Interpreter.
4. The computer follows the IPO cycle that refers to Input-Performance-
Output.
(True/False)
5. The software provided in Operating Systems to assist the user is known as
_______.
6. The _______ software rearranges the files in the computers and cleans up
the memory.
7. Draw the basic computer system architecture.
8. What are the types of language processors?
9. What is an application software? Name some popular application softwares.
10. Identify the category (system, application, programming tool) of the
following software:
a) Compiler
b) Assembler
c) Ubuntu
d) Text editor

DATA REPRESENTATION

CONTENT – REVIEW
Number systems are the technique to represent numbers in the computer system architecture,
every value that you are saving or getting into/from computer memory has a defined number
system.
Computer architecture supports following number systems.