Computer System

Computer System:
Computer system comprises of the input unit, central processing unit and the output unit. When
such devices are connected with the computer to achieve common objective, which will make it a
complete set, it is referred to as 'computer system'. In other words, a combination of input unit,
central processing unit (CPU), output unit and other parts is called computer system.

Computer Architecture:
The style of construction and organization of the many parts of a computer system are its 'architecture'.

SOFTWARE LEVEL

HARDWARE LEVEL
Fig. Basic levels of Computer Architecture

While discussing computer architecture, the above basic level can be further extended into a 'multi-layer
machine' consisting of several layers of further division of software and hardware.
7 Application Layer
6 SOFTWARE LEVEL Higher Order Software Layer
5 Operating System Layer
4 Machine Layer
3 Micro-programmed Layer
HARDWARE LEVEL
2 Digital Logic Layer
1 Physical Device Layer
Fig. Multi-Layered Computer Architecture

a) Physical Device Layer: It contains electrical and electronic component.

b) Digital Logic Layer: All the most basic operations of the machine are provided at this
level.
c) Micro-programmed Layer: This layer interprets the machine language instructions from the
machine layer to perform the required operations.
d) Machine Layer: Machine language instructions are provided at this layer.
e) Operating System Layer: It hides the complexities of the hardware from other software by
providing its own facilities which enable software to sue the
hardware more simply.
f) Higher Order Software Layer: It covers all programs in languages other than machine language
which require translation into machine code.
g) Application Layer: It is the language of the computer as seen by the end-user.

Elements of Computer System:

Fig.: A typical diagram showing all elements of

a computer system and logical connections
Microprocessor (CPU):
The microprocessor is built onto a single piece of silicon, known as a wafer or chip. Its size is about 0.5 cm
along one side and not thicker than 0.05 cm. It may function by itself in a wide range of applications,
incorporating several hundred thousands elements on its single chip.
The first microprocessor chip was invented by Dr. Ted Hoff of Intel Corporation (USA) in 1969 and it
became commercially available in 1971.
Microprocessor is a ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration) which contains 1 million transistors, which drive
everything from computer. In the world of personal computers, the terms microprocessor and CPU are used
interchangeably.
Functions of Processor:
 To control the use of main storage to store data and instruction.
 To control he sequence of operations.
 To give commands to all parts of the computer system.
 To carry out processing.

The processor mainly consists of following elements. They are:

(a) Control Unit: It is responsible for execution of instructions. Its main functions are:
 It performs the data processing operations.
 It gives commands to transfer data from the input device to the memory and ALU.
 It stores program in the memory.
 It fetches the required instruction from the main storage and analyses each instruction.

(b) ALU (Arithmetic and Logical Unit): It contains circuitry to perform all type of mathematical and
logical data processing. Its main functions are:
 It accepts operands from registers.
 It performs arithmetic and logical operations.
 It returns results to register or a memory.

Memory:
Computer memory is a data storing device. Computer memory is basically classified into:
(a) Main (primary) memory and
(b) Auxiliary (Secondary) memory.

S.N. Primary Memory Secondary Memory

1. It is a semiconductor memory. It is a magnetic and optical memory.
2. High speed, expensive and smaller in size Low speed, cheaper and large in size
in comparison with secondary memory. in comparison with primary memory.
3. Storing capacity is small. High storing capacity.
4. Processor directly accesses primary It is accessed through I/O interface or
memory. I/O processor.
5. E.g.: RAM, ROM E.g.: Hard Disk, CD-ROM etc.

RAM and ROM:

S.N. RAM ROM
1. It stands for Random Access Memory. It stands for Read Only Memory.
2. It holds currently running It is a data storage device which is manufactured
application/programs file and data. with fixed contents.
3. Volatile Non-Volatile (firmware).
4. RAM is divided into two categories: (a) ROM is divided into: (a) PROM (b) EPROM
Static and (b) Dynamic. (c) EEPROM and (d) Flash Memory
5. Costly Cheap
Volatility:
Type of memory whose contents are erased when the system's power is turned off (or interrupted) is called
volatile memory. This feature of storage device is called volatility.
RAM is volatile, but ROM is not. It is because of RAM's volatile nature that users must frequently save
their work to a permanent medium, such as a hard drive, to avoid losing data if the system's power is
interrupted. RAM can only hold the currently running application/program files and currently processed
data.
Firmware:
The data, instructions or information stored on ROM chips often are recorded when the chip is
manufactured. ROM chips that contain permanently written data, instructions or information are called
firmware.
Input & Input Devices:
To enter the different unprocessed data to the computer through different devices is called input. The
devices through which the user feed data and instruction to the computer for processing is called Input
devices. Some common input devices are : Keyboard and Mouse. Some other input devices are Joystick,
Scanner, Microphone etc.
Output & Output Devices:
The processed information that out from the computer to user through different output devices is called
output. The computes outs its result in two ways :
1) Hardcopy Output : The result that can be seen and touched is called hardcopy output.
2) Softcopy Output : The result that can't be touched only can be seen and fell is call softcopy output.

The devices through which user receives the results/information from the processed data
performed by the computer. Some common output devices are Monitor and Printer. The output given
by Monitor is called soft-copy output and the output given by Printer is called hard-copy output. Some
other output devices are Speaker, Plotter etc.

Impact and Non-Impact Printers:

S.N. Impact Printers Non-Impact Printers
1. An impact printer is like a typewriter and The characters are formed by using heat (in thermal
the characters are formed by physically printers), laser (in laser printers), ink spray (in ink-
striking the type device againsed an inked jet pritners).
ribbon.
2. Produce low-quality output. Produce high-quality output.
3. Less reliable, noisy and slower. They are comparatively much more reliable, quiter
and faster than impct printers.
4. E.g. Dot-matrix printers, Daisy Wheel E.g. Laser printers and inkjet printers.
Printers, Drum Printers, Chain Printers
and Line Printers.

Bus Architecture:
The bus is a medium used to transfer data and controls from one part to other part of computers. There are
mainly three types of bus:
Data bus: A bus which carries a word to or from memory, microprocessor and peripheral devices is
known as data bus.
Address bus: The address bus carries memory address. The width of the address bus equal to the number
of bits in the MAR (Memory Address Register).
Control bus: The control bus carries the control signals between the units of computers.

Overall Functions of bus:

 Carries information from one place to another.
 It may carry data, address or instructions.
 One component interacts with other through bus.

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