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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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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views7 pages

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.

Uploaded by

joashtanxz
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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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.
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