Unit-1 Introduction to Computer

Fundamentals

Computer System Components:

Input and Output Devices, Memory and Storage Devices,
Block diagram of Computer System,
Types of Software, Operating System with its types,
Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler, Linker, Loader.

1. Computer System Components

Input Devices: Devices that allow users to input data into the computer.
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone, Scanner, Touchscreen, Barcode
Reader.
Output Devices: Devices that output data from the computer to the user.
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers, Projector, Headphones.

2. Memory and Storage Devices

Primary Memory (Volatile): Fast and temporary storage used by the CPU to store
data currently being used.
Examples: RAM (Random Access Memory), Cache.

Secondary Memory (Non-volatile): Permanent storage for storing large amounts of

data.
Examples: Hard Drive (HDD), Solid-State Drive (SSD), Optical Discs (CD,
DVD), Flash Drives.

3. Block Diagram of a Computer System

A typical block diagram of a computer system shows the interaction between major
components:
In the above diagram, both control (control unit or CU) and arithmetic & logic unit
(ALU) combined called as Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Let’s describe all the parts as included within the above diagram one by one.

1. The Processor Unit (CPU): It is the brain of the PC system. All major
calculations and comparisons are made inside the CPU and it’s also liable for
activation and controlling the operation of another unit.

This unit consists of two major components, that are arithmetic logic unit
(ALU) and control unit (CU).

2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Here arithmetic logic unit performs all arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also
uses logical operation for comparison.

3. Control Unit (CU): And the control unit controls the whole operation of the PC.
It also controls all devices like memory, input/output devices connected to the
CPU. Following are the three steps of the instruction execution cycle:

1. Fetch : This is the first step where the CPU 'fetches' an instruction
from the primary memory (RAM).
2. Decode: Right after fetching the instruction, the CPU 'decodes' it or
translates it into a series of actions it can understand.
3. Execute: Finally, the CPU 'executes' the instruction decoded in the
previous step. It carries out the actions dictated by the instruction.
 4. Input/output Unit: These devices are used to enter data and instructions into
the computer. They act as a bridge between the user and the computer system.

**Input Devices:** Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.

**Output Devices:** Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers.

5. Memory Unit: The memory unit is an important component of a computer . it’s

where all data intermediate and finds results are stored. The data read from
the most storage or an input unit are transferred to the computer’s memory
where they’re available for processing. This memory unit is employed to carry
the instructions to be executed and data to be processed.

6. Disk Storage Unit: Data and instruction enter into a computing system through
data input device need to stored inside the pc before actual processing start.
Two sorts of storage units are the first and auxiliary storage units.

i. **Primary Storage Unit:** Primary memory features a direct link with the
input unit and output unit. It stores the input file , calculation result.
ii. **Secondary Storage Unit:** The primary storage isn’t ready to store data
permanently for future use. So another sorts of storage technology are required
to store the info permanently for an extended time, it’s called secondary or
external storage .

4. Types of Software
Software can be broadly classified into two main categories:

1. System Software:
Controls the hardware and provides a platform for running application
software.
Examples: Operating System, Device Drivers, Utilities.

2. Application Software:
Designed to perform specific tasks for the user.
Examples: Word Processor (MS Word), Web Browser (Chrome), Games,
Databases.

5. Operating System (OS) and its Types

The Operating System is system software that manages computer hardware and software
resources, providing services for computer programs.

Types of Operating Systems:

1. Batch OS: Processes batches of jobs without manual intervention.

2. Time-Sharing OS: Allows multiple users to share system resources
simultaneously.
3. Real-Time OS (RTOS): Processes tasks in real-time with stringent timing
constraints.
4. Distributed OS: Manages a group of independent computers and makes them
appear to be a single computer.
5. Network OS: Manages data, users, groups, and security in a networked
environment.
6. Embedded OS: Used in embedded systems like appliances, phones, and cars.

Functions of an Operating System

 1. Process Management: Manages processes, including their execution,
scheduling, and termination.
2. Memory Management: Allocates and manages system memory for
processes and applications.
3. File System Management: Manages files, directories, and file
permissions.
4. Device Management: Manages communication with hardware devices
like printers, disks, and monitors.
5. Storage Management: Organizes data on storage devices and manages
data retrieval and backups.
6. Security and Access Control: Ensures system security through user
authentication and access control.
7. Network Management: Manages network connections and communication
between devices.

6. Compiler, Interpreter, Assembler, Linker, Loader

Compiler:

Translates high-level programming language (e.g., C, C++) into machine

code in one go.
Creates an object file or executable.

Interpreter:

Translates and executes high-level language line by line.

Does not produce an intermediate machine code file.
Example languages: Python, JavaScript.

Assembler:

Converts assembly language into machine code (object code).

Machine-specific.
Example: Converts x86 assembly into machine code for an x86 processor.

Linker:

Combines multiple object files (compiled code) into a single executable.

Resolves external references between different object files and
libraries.

Loader:

Loads the executable into memory, performs address binding, and starts
the program's execution.

Feature Compiler Interpreter Assembler Linker L

Combines
Translates the Load
Translates Converts object
entire high- exec
and executes assembly files and
level program into
Definition the high- language code libraries
into machine and
level code into machine into a
code in one it f
line by line. code. single
go. exec
executable.
Execution Faster Slower Doesn't No direct No
Time execution execution as execute code; execution; tran
since it it translates only converts it prepares it p
translates the the code line assembly to the the
code once. by line machine code. executable. for
during exec
runtime.

Converts Load
Converts Translates Combines
assembly code mach
Translation entire source one line of machine
into object into
Method code into source code code
code (machine for
machine code. at a time. modules.
code). exec

No Does
Produces an Produces an
intermediate Produces an prod
object file or executable
object file, object file outp
Output executable file from
directly (machine file
after object
executes code). simp
translation. files.
instructions. into

Handles
Stops errors Does
Displays all
execution Reports related to hand
errors after
Error when the assembly unresolved erro
compilation,
Handling first error errors during references reli
stopping at
is translation. between the
none.
encountered. object this
files.

Used with Work

Example Python, Ruby, Assembly compiled exec
C, C++, Java
Languages JavaScript Language languages file
like C, C++ plat

Generally
requires more Efficient use Works with Allo
Requires
memory since of memory as machine code, memo
Memory memory for
the entire only one line memory depends the
Usage the linking
program is is processed on the code duri
process.
compiled at at a time. size. exec
once.

Not machine- Plat

Platform-
The output is specific, spec
specific,
machine- often Machine- load
links
Platform specific platform- specific exec
machine
Dependency (dependent on independent (dependent on mach
code for a
the target if run on an architecture). on a
specific
architecture). appropriate part
platform.
interpreter. syst

Examples GCC, Clang CPython, NASM, MASM GNU Linker Oper

Node.js, Ruby (ld), Syst
Interpreter load
 Microsoft (Win
Linker load
Linu
load

____

### Summary
of
Components
and
Functions:

Component Description

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Devices to
provide data
Input to the system
Devices (e.g.,
keyboard,
mouse).

Devices that
show the
result of
Output
processing
Devices
(e.g.,
monitor,
printer).

Primary and
secondary
memory that
Memory
stores data
and
instructions.

Manages
hardware
resources and
Operating
provides an
System
environment
for
applications.

Compiler Converts the

entire high-
level source
 code into
machine code.

Converts and
executes code
Interpreter line-by-line
during
runtime.

Converts
assembly
Assembler
language into
machine code.

Combines
object files
into a single
Linker
executable,
resolving
references.

Loads an
executable
into memory
Loader
and prepares
it for
execution.