The document provides an overview of computer systems, covering topics such as evaluating devices, the distinction between hardware and software, and key design factors. It explains types of software, including system and application software, and discusses data representation, including binary and ASCII. Additionally, it details computer architecture, memory types, and the role of logic gates and circuits in processing data.
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Computer Systems
The document provides an overview of computer systems, covering topics such as evaluating devices, the distinction between hardware and software, and key design factors. It explains types of software, including system and application software, and discusses data representation, including binary and ASCII. Additionally, it details computer architecture, memory types, and the role of logic gates and circuits in processing data.
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Computer Systems
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Systems
Evaluating Computer Systems Definition: Judging the quality of a device based on its features, positives/negatives, and potential improvements. Process: 1. Identify the purpose of the device. 2. Identify the features of the device. 3. Assess the positives and negatives of the features. 4. Suggest improvements. Key Terms: o Critical Thinking o Features o User Interface Hardware vs. Software Hardware: Physical components of a computer system (e.g., keyboard, monitor). Software: Programs and applications that run on a computer (e.g., Word Processor, Games). Features of Devices Definition: Individual parts or aspects of a system. Examples: Touch screen, camera, battery life, connectivity. Positives & Negatives Compare features based on: o Usability o Performance o Aesthetics Improvement Ideas: Suggest enhancements (e.g., better screen, longer battery). Design Factors Key Goals: o Easy to use o Visually appealing o Fit user needs Key Concepts in Design User Experience (UX): How easy and enjoyable the device is to use. Accessibility: Usability by people with disabilities (e.g., speech-to-text, large icons). Ergonomics: Comfortable and safe design (e.g., shape of mouse). Emerging Technologies: o AI o 5G o Biometrics o Nanotech (e.g., Graphene) Prototypes & MVP Prototype: Early model to test and improve design. MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Basic version for feedback. Advantages: Fast release, cost-effective. Risks: Low quality, bad impression. Chapter 2: Types of Software Types of Software System Software: Controls and manages computer hardware and operations. o Operating Systems: Allows the computer to function properly. o Utility Software: Helps keep the computer running smoothly. o Translators: Translates source code into binary code that the CPU can understand and execute. Application Software: Performs everyday tasks. o Examples: Word Processor, Spreadsheets, Media Player Operating System (OS) Purpose: Interface between hardware & user. Runs application software. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS Key OS Tasks: o Memory Management o File Management o Device Management o User Accounts & Security o Providing a User Interface o Running Application Software o Power Management Utility Software Purpose: Maintains system efficiency. Organizes, protects, and manages system resources. Examples & Functions: o Device Drivers – Allow OS to communicate with hardware o Defragmentation – Organizes scattered files o Security Software Antivirus: Protects against malware Encryption Firewalls User Access Control o Backup Software Translators Purpose: Converts source code to machine code (binary). Types: o Compiler – Translates whole program at once. Faster after compilation. o Interpreter – Translates line by line. Better for debugging. Key Terms RAM – Temporary memory Defragmentation – File organization Encryption – Securing data User Interface – What users interact with (windows, icons, etc.) Power Management – Battery saving, sleep mode Chapter 3: Data Representation Understanding Binary Computers only understand binary (0s and 1s). Humans use denary (base 10). 1 bit = smallest unit of data 1 byte = 8 bits Binary is used to represent: Text, Numbers, Images, Sound Denary to Binary Conversion Denary to Binary: Convert Denary to Binary using the 8-4-2-1 method. Binary to Denary: Multiply by powers of 2 and add. Example: o Denary 5 → Binary 01010×8+1×4+0×2+1×1=50×8+1×4+0×2+ 1×1=5 o Denary 15 → Binary 11111×8+1×4+1×2+1×1=151×8+1×4+1×2 +1×1=15 o Binary 1001 → Denary 9(1×8)+(0×4)+(0×2)+(1×1)=9(1×8)+(0×4) +(0×2)+(1×1)=9 Characters and ASCII Character set = all letters, digits, symbols a computer understands. ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) Each character = 7-bit binary number Lowercase and uppercase have different values. Data Compression Why Compress? Saves space, Faster upload/download. Used in emails, media, etc. How? Identifies repeated elements (words, data). Stores only unique elements + positions. Sound Representation Analogue sound (continuous) → Digital (discrete) Microphone captures sound → digital samples Sample rate = samples/second (e.g., 44,100 Hz) Higher sample rate = better quality, bigger file Data Storage Units Units (from smallest to largest): Bit → Nibble → Byte → KB → MB → GB → TB Conversions: o 1 Byte = 8 bits o 1 KB = 1024 Bytes o 1 MB = 1024 KB Convert by multiplying/dividing by 1024 Examples: o 1. 4 GB = 1433.6 MB o 2. 5 MB = 2560 KB o 1877 KB = 1,921,920 bits o 5.67 MB = 0.00000541 TB Chapter 4: Computer Architecture Primary Memory Definition: Memory directly accessed by the CPU. Types: o RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage o ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage Roles of RAM and ROM RAM: Stores data temporarily while CPU processes. Volatile – data is lost when power is off. ROM: Stores instructions to boot the computer. Non-volatile – retains data permanently. Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle Fetch: Get instruction from RAM Decode: Understand what the instruction means Execute: Carry out the instruction Example of Fetch-Decode-Execute Multiply 2 × 10: o Fetch 2, 10, and the multiply instruction o Decode the instruction o Execute to get 20 Why Each Stage Matters Fetch: Without it, the CPU has no instruction Decode: Without understanding, it can't act Execute: Final step to carry out task Chapter 5: Logic Gates & Circuits CPU & Boolean Logic CPU is the brain of the computer. Executes instructions via Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle. Uses Boolean Logic (True/False) to make decisions. Binary & Boolean Data Binary = base-2 system (0 and 1) Boolean values: True / False All data processed as electrical signals Logic Gates Overview Small hardware components in CPUs. Use electrical signals to perform logical operations. Inputs and outputs are 0 or 1. Types of Logic Gates NOT Gate o Symbol: 1 input → 1 output (opposite) o Example: 0 → 1, 1 → 0 OR Gate o Symbol: 2+ inputs → 1 output o Output is 1 if any input is 1 AND Gate o Symbol: 2 inputs → 1 output o Output is 1 only if both inputs are 1 Truth Tables Shows all possible input combinations and their outputs. Used to visualize how each logic gate behaves. Logic Circuits Combination of logic gates. Used to represent more complex Boolean expressions. Can include multiple gates. o Example: X=(A AND B) OR CX=(A AND B) OR C o Example: X=(NOT A OR B) AND CX=(NOT A OR B) AND C Drawing Circuits Use standard gate symbols (NOT, OR, AND). Brackets in expressions show order of operations. Useful practice: draw from Boolean expressions. |