COMPUTER SYSTEM

DEFINITON
TYPE
COMPUTER ENVIRONMENT
 COMPUTER SYSTEMS

• A computer system is a set of integrated devices that perform input, output, process, and store
data and information.
• Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device.
• Main components of computer system: Hardware and Software
 HARDWARE

• Hardware refers to the physical, tangible computer equipment and devices, which provide
support for major functions such as input, processing (internal storage, computation and control),
output, secondary storage (for data and programs), and communication.
There are five main hardware components in a computer system: Input, Processing, Storage,
Output and Communication devices.
Used to
produce audio Produces
output
TYPICAL COMPUTER HARDWARE printed copies
of computer
output
Lets you see
your work
Located inside
Reads CD DVD the system unit
discs. and used to
store programs
Contains the and most data.
CPU, memory, SPEAKER MONITOR CD/DVD SYSTEM PRINTER
the power DRIVE UNIT
supply, disc Used to read
drives, and all flash memory
other hardware cards
such as
integrated
modem. Reads and
writes to floppy
Used to get disks
spoken input MICROPHONE HARD DISK
DRIVE A pointing
Used for storing device used to
FLOPPY DISCS
small amounts make on-screen
of data for selections
backup or to FLASH
transport data MEMORY
to another PC CARD READER Commonly
KEYBOARD
CD/DVD DISC MOUSE used to deliver
FLOPPY DISC programs and
Used to type DRIVE store large
instructions multimedia
into the files
computer.
 ARE COMPUTERS CATEGORIZED IN ANY
WAY?
• Computers are versatile machines that can perform a truly amazing assortment of tasks, but some
computers are better suited than others for certain tasks.
• Categorizing computers is a way of grouping them according to criteria such as usage, cost, size,
and capability.
 TYPE OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

• Several types:
• MICROCOMPUTER
• MOBILE COMPUTER
• MINI COMPUTER
• MAINFRAME
• SUPERCOMPUTER
TYPE 1: MICROCOMPUTER
• The term microcomputer relates to microprocessor which is used with a personal computer for
the purpose of processing data and instruction codes.
• A microprocessor is a computer processor that incorporates its functions on a single integrated
circuit(IC).
• Personal computer, Gaming consoles, Sound & Navigation system of a car, Calculators are all
types of microcomputers.
MICROCOMPUTER
• The microcomputers are widely used & the fastest growing computers.
• These computers are the cheapest among the other types of computers.
• The microcomputers are specially designed for general usage like entertainment, education and
work purposes.
• Microcomputers are client computers (most of the time) in a client-server system.
• Microcomputer is available in the form of a PC now.
 PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)

• A personal computer is a computer designed to be used by one user at a time. It is a

multipurpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.
• Example:
• Desktop
• PDA (Personal Digital Assistance)
• Laptop
• Netbook
• Tablet PC
• Smartphone
• Wearable Computer
DESKTOP
 DESKTOP

• Desktop computers are not built to be mobile. They are moved, but only to a new desktop
location and with the power supply inactive.
• Desktop computers are large and heavy in comparison to portables.
• Desktop computers typically feature a mother board, processor, random access memory (RAM),
a number of function-specific cards and at least one hard drive contained inside a metal case.
Typical peripherals include a keyboard, mouse, monitor and printer.
• A main power supply is mandatory, as desktop computers cannot work without a constant supply
of electrical power.
 DESKTOP

• A desktop computer means one that sits on the desk.

• The size and relatively low cost of desktop computers make computer applications and Internet
access available to home and small business users.
• Compared to laptop computers, larger desktop machines allow users to more easily upgrade the
devices with larger, less-expensive components.
• Users can create, edit, print and send documents, communicating with other users, and playing
music, videos, games, develop programs, applications and many more.
TOWER CASING VS DESKTOP CASING
 DESKTOP

• The desktops can further be subdivided depending with the casing type, tower casing and
desktop casing.
• For tower casing, the motherboard is placed on side of the system unit, while the other major
components like the power supply, and mass storage devices are stacked on top of each other in
a cabinet.
• One main advantage with computers using the tower casings is that there is ample space for
future upgrades for example if need to add more storage devices.
• For the desktop casings, the motherboard lies on the bottom and is parallel to the desk or table.
The system unit is usually smaller and more compact. It is not a very good choice if you are
going to install other drives like another hard disk or a DVD writer.
• One main advantage is that they are small and thus will occupy less space.
SINGLE UNIT COMPUTER/ ALL-IN ONE COMPUTER

• Single unit computers, also known as all-in-one PCs,

are a sub-type of desktop computers.
• They integrate the monitor and system unit within a
single unit.
• They also have connectivity to a mouse, keyboard,
and other peripherals, usually through USB ports.
 NETTOP SYSTEMS

• Nettop, which are sometimes called miniature PC, Mini PC or Smart Micro PC,
• Small and cheap system units.
• They use less power and perform less processing.
• For example: Acer Aspire Revo
• Commonly considered to be a kind of "temporary substitute" PC of a lower cost for users.
• Common features of Nettops include the Intel Atom microprocessor, 1-2 GB memory, and Wi-Fi
connectivity.
• Just like any other desktop, they attach to peripheral accessories via USB ports and the monitor
via VGA or DVI ports.
SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS
 SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS (SBC)

• Single board computers are entire computers built onto a single circuit board.
• A single board computer can’t do many of the things that a modern high-performance PC does.
• They are small computing devices that can be used for a variety of purposes that include home automation,
and performing computing tasks such as web browsing or word processing.
• SBCs are also increasingly used for a wide range of industrial applications in areas that include robotics and
the Internet of things (IoT).
• An SBC can easily be confused with an embedded system because of its size but is not, because it permits
general purpose functionalities synonymous with microcomputers.
• Example of SBC: Raspberry Pi3
 HOME AUTOMATION
• Home automation is building automation for a home, called a smart home or smart
house.
• A home automation system will control lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and
appliances.
• It may also include home security such as access control and alarm systems.
• When connected with the Internet, home devices are an important constituent of
the Internet of Things (IoT).
• For example, Light Control Switches which will make outside lights to turn on and off
while you’re away to give the appearance that you are home. Other function is can turn
the porch lights on before heading home after dark.
 INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

• Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected
to the internet, collecting and sharing data.
• The term IoT is mainly used for devices that wouldn't usually be generally expected to have an internet
connection, and that can communicate with the network independently of human action.
• Smart mirror can show on a display the weather
• For example, connected contact lenses with condition, time, date, and various notifications
inbuilt sensors can analyze tears and provide the from smartphone. Moreover, the connection to in-
information to doctors on a health state of their voice search features is available.
patients.
THIN CLIENT
 THIN CLIENT
• These are low-cost computer types which rely on server systems in order to provide computing services to
attached monitors.
• Thin clients work by connecting remotely to a server-based computing environment where most
applications, sensitive data, and memory, are stored.
• They communicate to the server via the remote desktop protocol and are part of the networking
implementation setup known as client/server model.
• While a thin client depends entirely on the availability of a server, a desktop based client (the typical
desktop computer), sometimes called fat client, can operate independently of a server in case of
transmission downtime.
• A typical thin client features most input/output ports for connectivity to peripherals. Standout are VGA or
DVI ports to the monitor, PS/2 or USB ports for keyboard and mouse, and audio input/output ports.
MOBILE COMPUTER
• Mobile devices have become the norm in recent years.
• Particular features that make mobile systems a favourite include: Extended battery use, Wi-Fi
capabilities, and mobility.
• Portable or mobile computers are manufactured with a very important feature; they are portable
(are designed for mobility).
• This means a computer user can be able to move with it from one point to another comfortably.
• One can also work from any location irrespective of if there is a power source.
• Have their own power in form of a battery but of course it does not last forever, thus they have to
be plugged to a source of power once in a while.
• A mobile computing device is described as small, lightweight, battery fitted, portable and
containing wireless Internet access.
MOBILE COMPUTER
• A computer without an Internet browser is not generally referred to as a mobile computing
device.
• There are a number of computers classed as mobile computing devices, including laptop,
notebook, netbook, PDA, tablet PC, smartphones
• However, those computers are sometimes removed from the group of mobile computing due to
unavailability of Internet connection.
• Cellular telephones not equipped with wireless Internet access are not defined as mobile
computing devices.
 LAPTOP

• Unlike desktops, laptop combines the microprocessor, screen, and keyboard in a single case. The screen folds
down onto the keyboard when not in use.
• Has similar computing power as the desktop but smaller, lightweight and has a set of electrical batteries that
allows it to be used easily on the go.
• Example of usage:
• Surf the net, send e-mails.
• Create, edit and send documents, excel sheets.

• The portability and the computing power of laptops make them suitable for presentations, using for example
power point, in conferences and forums.
• They also have enough power to play games, read and write CD's and DVD's.
 NOTEBOOK

• The difference between a laptop and notebook computer are separated by a small, almost invisible
fine line today.
• Technically and traditionally, the difference between the two is a matter of size and weight.
• Advances in technology have resulted in much smaller and lighter components so this is much less
of an issue.
• Today, the difference between a laptop and notebook is mainly what the manufacturer chooses to call
its product.
• Consumers frequently call their notebook a laptop and use the two words interchangeably. However,
many mobile computing manufacturers have actually dropped the term laptop completely from their
product line up in favour of the term notebook.
• On the Acer Web site you'll find the Aspire and TravelMate notebook series.
 ULTRABOOK

• Ultrabooks are special laptops specifically designed to be thin and lightweight.

• They usually have longer lasting batteries (5 hours minimum) and have strong hardware and
processing power to run any software around.
• Ultrabooks also ship with the faster SSD storage in place of the slower hard disk drives that are
commonly used.
CHROMEBOOK
 CHROMEBOOK

• Chromebooks are low-end laptops that only runs the web-based Chrome operating system. After
the installation of Chrome OS, additional software can only be installed via the Chrome Web Store.
• The OS allows you to achieve traditional PC functionality online.
• You can type documents, edit them, implement group discussions, have teleconferencing, and use
basic online tools like search engines and e-mail.
• These devices are increasingly targeted for users that spend most of their time online for social
activities.
• Their hardware includes the Intel Atom microprocessor, Wi-Fi and wired network connectivity,
solid state disks (SSD), and an average of five hours of battery life. They usually do not have
optical drives.
 NETBOOK
• Generic name given to a category of small, lightweight, inexpensive laptop computers.
• It is called a netbook because it is designed just for browsing the Web.
• Have the looks of laptops, but lack the full capabilities of a computer. Low-powered laptops (low
specification of processor and has limited memory size), small screens and keyboard  price is lower
than laptop
• Weigh less than a laptop and are smaller in size which are big advantages for travellers with needs to
these machines.
• Almost all netbooks do not have optical drives.
• Most people start losing interest for netbooks due to incapable of using demanding desktop applications
and cramped keyboard.
• The biggest difference is that netbook can run on other operating system such as Jolicloud, Windows 7,
Ubuntu.
TABLET
 TABLET

• Is usually used for Internet browsing.

• A tablet is a mobile computer equipped with a touch screen or hybrid screen, which allows the
user to operate it by use of a digital pen or fingertip.
• The keyboard or mouse are not needed.
• It is light and small in size and is therefore easy to transport. Tablets are handy, especially when
normal notebooks and laptops are simply too bulky for the mobile user.
• Allow you to use the internet to look for information and news, watch online videos, read e-
books, communicate with your friends, shop online.
• Tablets are fitted with batteries.
• Not specialized on intensive tasks.
PDA (PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT)
 PDA (PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT)

• Personal digital assistants (PDAs), also called handheld computers, pocket PCs, or palm top
computers, are battery-powered devices that are small enough to carry almost anywhere.
• While weaker to larger systems, these are useful for scheduling appointments, storing addresses
and phone numbers, and playing games.
• Some have more advanced capabilities, such as making telephone calls or accessing the Internet.
• However sales of PDA has dropped due to growth of smartphone which offers numerous
functionality.
• PDAs seem to have been overtaken by tablets and smartphones, almost rendering them obsolete.
SMARTPHONE
 SMARTPHONE

• The iPhone, released in 2007, was the first true smartphone. It became an instant hit with
consumers worldwide. It started the smartphone industry that still persists today.
• Most smartphones today use an operating system such as IOS and Android.
• They often have the ability to add applications.
• This is in contrast to regular cellular phones which only support sandboxed applications like Java
games. In terms of features, smartphones support full email capabilities as well as multiple
functions to serve as a complete personal organizer.
 SANDBOXED APPLICATION
• Sandboxing is an important security technique that isolates
programs, preventing malicious or malfunctioning programs from
damaging or snooping on the rest of your computer.
• A sandbox is a tightly controlled environment where programs can
be run. Sandboxes restrict what a piece of code can do, giving it just
as many permissions as it needs without adding additional
permissions that could be abused.
• For example, Adobe Flash is run in a sandbox. Playing a flash game
on a web page is safer than downloading a game and running it as a
standard program because Flash isolates the game from the rest of
your system and restricts what it can do.
 SMARTPHONE

• Depending on the manufacturer, other functions might include additional interfaces such as
miniature QWERTY keyboards, touch screens, built-in cameras, contact management, built-in
navigation software, ability to read office documents in PDF and Word file formats, media software
for playing music, browsing photos, and viewing video clips.
• It also has the ability to let you send and receive e-mails, browse websites on the net and read
documents.
• Higher portability due to its size.
• Restriction: smaller display
 WEARABLE COMPUTER

• Like the term suggests, wearable computers, or simply wearables, are miniature devices that are
designed to be worn or attached onto your body.
• Also known as wearables or body-borne computers.
• Wearables are designed to function as smart devices similar to smartphones.
• They typically provide specific functions like health monitoring.
• Examples of wearable computer include smartwatches, smartglasses, smartclothes, smartshoes.
SMARTWATCH
 SMARTWATCH

• These became popular around 2013, when Samsung launched Gear, a wristwatch fitted with sensors to
communicate directly with a smartphone.
• Smartwatch is a touchscreen wearable computer in the form of wristwatch.
• A smartwatch gives features like internet connectivity and text messaging among others.
• It also provides communication between the user and other devices.
• Early model of smartwatch can only perform basic task such as calculation.
• However, 2010 smartwatches have more general functionality closer to smartphones such as playback
of digital audio and video vs USB headset, monitor health through health related applications.
GOOGLE GLASS
 GOOGLE GLASS
• Google Glass makes it possible to use voice for searching on the Internet, choosing pictures, and
interacting with the digital world in different ways.
• Just like with a smartphone , but without the necessity to involve your hands.
• For example, you can see your flight information right at the moment of entering the airport.
• Or scan the barcode to see the full information about the product.
• Or get directions to the best coffee shop in a new city .
 SMARTWARE

Smart socks: Sensoria Smart Sock Smart shoes: Pizza Hut Pie Top

Smart cloth: LikeAGlove

 SMARTWARE

• Smart socks: The Sensoria Smart Socks can detect which part of your feet are receiving the most
pressure during your run and can send this data to a smartphone app.
• Smart shoes: Pizza Hut has actually experimented with their own limited edition smart shoes that can
order pizza. For the smart shoes to work as it is intended, it needs a Pizza Hut account, the Pie Tops
app, which is separate from Pizza Hut's main app, pairing Pie Tops app to the phone over Bluetooth by
pressing the button on the right tongue. Then, can continue make order through the app on the
smartphone.
• Smart clothes: LikeAGlove is a smart leggings measure your shape in seconds and send the data over
Bluetooth to the app. The app then matches your measurements against catalog of jeans and finds
brands, models and sizes that will fit your shape best.
 EMBEDDED SYSTEM

• These are computer-based systems which are standalone electronic hardware designed to
perform dedicated computing tasks.
• Actually, they are computers which may not always seem to be computers!
• They include a combination of the outer hardware, microprocessor chip, and software.
• The embedded software, usually firmware.
• Firmware on these systems is written in the read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory chips.
Despite the seemingly persistent firmware which is deemed unaltered, they can be re-
programmed to suit evolving demands.
 EMBEDDED SYSTEM

• Popular devices that may be categorized under embedded systems are listed below:
• Set-top boxes
• MP3 players
• DVD players
• Drones
• Printers
• Robot vacuum cleaner
 EMBEDDED SYSTEM

• Robot vacuum cleaner is autonomous, in which can vacuum on its own and
is programmed with intelligent programming (AI).
• Set Top Box is a box-shaped device that converts a digital television signal to
analogue signal for viewing. Enable cable TV (example Mega TV operated
by TV3), satellite TV (ASTRO) to be viewed.
• Drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle navigated manually with a remote
control or fly autonomously through software controlled flight plan in their
embedded system.
 MINICOMPUTER

• Minicomputers are used by small businesses & firms.

• Minicomputers are also called as “Midrange Computers” which is a medium-sized computer
system.
• Most midrange computers today function as servers in a network.
• These computers are not designed for a single user.
• It is used to host programs and data for small network specifically in a client-server network model.
• A minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of supporting from 4 to about 200 users
simultaneously.
• Servers are optimized to run 24 hours and are capable of hot swapping of storage and other
hardware without having to shut down the system.
 MINICOMPUTER

• A common errant is that desktop systems can be used as servers. Far from it, true server systems
are specialized computers with abilities far beyond what personal computers can deliver.
• The use of the term Minicomputer has diminished and they have merged with servers.
• It is ranked below mainframe. Their processing power is below that of mainframe systems but
above the capabilities of personal computers.
MAINFRAME

• Has very powerful processors, lots of backing storage, and large internal memory.
• Not as powerful as supercomputers but still quite expensive.
• Is designed to process large volumes of data at high speed.
• Therefore many large firms & government organizations uses mainframes to run their business
operations such as government companies, banks, airline companies for bookings, insurance
companies to process information about millions of policy holders.
NOTE ON MINICOMPUTER AND MAINFRAME

• Users connects to the mainframe or minicomputers using dumb terminal – a keyboard and monitor.
• A dumb terminal is simply an output device that accepts data from the CPU.
• Dumb terminals has very limited processing capabilities. When you process data from dumb terminal,
it is the mainframe at the other end of the network that is performing all the calculations.
• Example of dumb terminal is a bank ATM.
NOTE ON MINICOMPUTER AND MAINFRAME

• Intelligent terminal has built-in processing capabilities and secondary storage device such as disc
drive.
• Example of intelligent terminal is microcomputer (e.g.: PC, laptop).
• It performs a lot of processing locally.
• It also can be used to link to the minicomputer and mainframes.
NOTE ON MINICOMPUTER AND MAINFRAME

• A smart terminal is a monitor that has its own processor, so it can do some processing and store its
data.
• But, it cannot perform any programming operations.
• Example of smart terminal is POS (Point-of-Sale Cash Register).
NOTE ON MINICOMPUTER AND MAINFRAME
MAINFRAME

• Mainframe computers are large sized computer types. They are equally powerful but fall short in terms
of the computation ability in supercomputers.
• They are like big file servers, enabling multiple users from nearby and remote locations to access
resources at the same time.
• Allows several thousands of users at any time.
• Also known as big iron, these systems can handle massive amounts of data going in and out
simultaneously. This makes them popular with businesses.
• Users access the mainframe using terminals or personal computers. This can happen within the same
building or via wide area network (WAN).
MAINFRAME

• The use of mainframe:

• Performing ATM cash withdrawals and deposits. During the process, communication between
the mainframe and remote computer will help accomplish the financial transactions at hand.
• Making reservations and travel schedules for airline companies.
• Handling of patient records in major hospitals.
• Cloud storage.
MAINFRAME

• Allows several thousands of users at any time.

• The Mainframe computers can be accommodated in large
air-conditioned rooms because of its size.
• System z9, Fujitsu-ICL VME and Hitachi’s Z800 are examples of Mainframes.
• It is ranked below supercomputer.
SUPERCOMPUTER

• The most powerful computers in terms of performance and data processing are the
Supercomputers. It has the ability to do large amount of calculations and store large amount of
data.
• They are capable of executing trillions of instructions per second, which is calculated in floating
point operations per second (FLOPS).
• They have evolved from the grid to cluster systems of massively parallel computing.
• Massively parallel refers to the use of a large number of processors (or separate computers) to
perform a set of coordinated computations in parallel (simultaneously).
SUPERCOMPUTER

• The supercomputers are very expensive and very large in size due to the numerous parts and
components involved in their design.
• It can be accommodated in large air-conditioned rooms; some super computers can span an
entire building.
• They are capable of executing trillions of instructions per second, which is calculated in floating
point operations per second (FLOPS). These are specialized and task specific computers used by
large organizations.
• Supercomputers are not intended for normal everyday tasks. They handle exhaustive scientific
applications that require complex and real-time processing.
SUPERCOMPUTER

• Example:
• The military use supercomputers to test new aircraft, tanks, and a host of weaponry and
camouflage. They also use them to understand the effects they will have on soldiers and wars.
• Meteorologists use them to simulate weather behavior. They can also be used to predict
earthquakes.
• Scientists use them to simulate and test the effects of nuclear weapon detonation.
SUPERCOMPUTER

• A good example of a Supercomputer is Tianhe-2: TH-IVB-FEP Cluster; National Super

Computer Center in Guangzhou, China.
 ENVIRONMENT

• In this modern day computer system is used everywhere and for anything, example at Home,
Business, Networking, Real-time, Communication and Computer Games.
• Environment refers to a situation or scenario in which the computer system is used.
 ENVIRONMENT

• Home:
• Computer is used at home for various tasks.
• At home the computer is used for normal works like for searching information on internet,
preparing assignments and etc.
• Those tasks don’t require a high speed computer.
• However, a high specification computer is needed for intensive tasks done at home for example
video editing.
 ENVIRONMENT

• Business:
• Computer is used for business purposes such as product marketing & sales, managing business
finance such as record all the business transaction, to control the finance cash flow and etc .
• Computer Gaming:
• Computer used for playing video games. Will require high-end CPU or video cards depending
on requirements of the video games.
 ENVIRONMENT

• Networking:
• Computer used to exchange, share data over network.
• Without computer, Networking is impossible and resources cannot be shared (i.e. files, videos,
sounds, pictures, etc).
• Communication between two or more people will not be possible.
 ENVIRONMENT

• Real-time:
• Computer used in real-time environment is highly subjected to operational deadlines from event
to system response.
• It means; upon receiving data and processing them, the results must be returned quickly to affect
the environment at that time.
 ENVIRONMENT

• Communication:
• Communication is now done worldwide using computer system.
• Today most of the computers are capable of communication, like we can send a message,
documents, picture and etc to our friend.
• For example, an instant messenger program allows two different computers to converse by
typing in text or they can even voice chat with each other.
• Require computer with internet connection.