Chapter 2

Computer 1
Physical Description of Computer

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 Functional Units of a Computer
Input Devices: Enter data and instructions into the computer.
Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.
 Role: Send data to the CPU for processing.
CPU (Central Processing Unit):The "brain" of the computer.
Components:
 Control Unit (CU): Coordinates operations, fetches, decodes, and executes instructions.
 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Memory
 Primary Memory (RAM):Volatile, fast, and holds data currently in use.
 Secondary Memory: Non-volatile, for long-term storage.
Examples: HDD, SSD, USB drives, CDs/DVDs.
Output Devices
 Display results of processing.
Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers.
Data Paths (Solid Lines):Represent pathways for data transfer between components.
Control Signals (Dotted Lines):Sent by the CU to coordinate actions between components.
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COMPONENT OF A COMPUTER SYSTEM

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 What is a system?
• For example digestive system is composed of a group of

components like mouth, stomach, and intestine and so on. You

can also see that the output of one of the components will

become the input of the other component.

• From this you can understand that the components work

together in coordination in such a way that the input of one

component is the output of the other until a common goal is

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 …………What is a system?
• Likewise, a computer system is also composed of physical

components (hardware) and non-physical component (software)

that work together in coordination to achieve a common goal (data

processing).

• What is the common goal of computer system?

 In general, a system is a group of components that work

together in coordination to achieve a common goal.

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 Components of Computer
System
• Computer system is a system that has two fundamental components:
1. Hardware component and

2. Software component.

• The primary purpose of computer systems in most businesses today is to

transform data into information that can be used by people to make
decisions, sell products, and perform a variety of other activities.

• Data can be considered the raw material - whether in paper, electronic, or

other form - that will be processed by the computer.

• Information is summarized data or otherwise manipulated (processed)

data.
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 Components of Computer System:
Hardware Component
Hardware component of the computer systems is a part
of computer which we can touch or see.
Hardware component classified into four sub
components based on its function.
1. Input devices

2. Processing device

3. Storage devices

4. Output devices 8
 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
• Input devices are those devices which help to enter data
into computer system.

• The function of input devices is to accept data and

convert it into a form suitable for computer processing.

• In other words, input hardware allows people to put data

into the computer in a form that the computer can use.

• It may include: keyboard, mouse,

9 scanner and so on.
 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
1. Keyboard
• A computer keyboard is a peripheral modeled after the typewriter

keyboard.
• Keyboards are designed for the input of text and characters and also to

control the operation of a computer.

• Physically, computer keyboards are an arrangement of rectangular or

near-rectangular buttons, or "keys".

• Keyboards typically have characters engraved or printed on the keys; in
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most cases, each press of a key corresponds to a single written symbol.
 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
• However, to produce some symbols requires pressing and
holding several keys simultaneously or in sequence;

• Other keys do not produce any symbol, but instead affect the
operation of the computer.

• Roughly 50% of all keyboard keys produce letters, numbers or

signs (characters). Other keys can produce actions when
pressed, and other actions are available by the simultaneous
pressing of more than one action
11key.
Classification of Keyboards

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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
The keys on the keyboard are grouped according to their functions as follows:
Alphanumeric keys
The group of keys that comprises the alphabets, punctuation marks, and
digits.
These keys are used to enter text, digit, and punctuation marks.
Function keys
The group of keys found at the top of keyboard labeled from F1 to F12.
These keys execute different commands based on the applications that are
running.
Numeric keypad
Found at the right most of the keyboard, is the numeric keypad.

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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
Cursor movement keys
The Cursor, also called the insertion point, is the symbol on the display
screen that shows where data may be entered next.

The cursor movement keys, or arrow keys, are used to move the cursor
around the text on the screen.

These keys move the cursor left, right, up or down.

The keys labeled Page Up and Page Down move the cursor, the equivalent
of one page, up or down on the screen.

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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
Editing keys
Editing keys are the keys which are used to make our text stylish.

They change what has been entered. Editing keys include: Spacebar, Enter
(Return), Delete, Backspace, etc.

Special keys
Special keys are keys that are used to execute some commands.

They also work in combination with other keys to execute commands.

These keys include: Shift, Alt, Ctrl etc.

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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
2. Mouse
A mouse is a device that is rolled about on a desktop to direct a
pointer on the computer’s display screen.
The pointer is a symbol, usually an arrow that is used to select
items from lists (menus) on the screen or to position the
cursor (insertion point).
Mouse consists of:
1. Primary button (Left button)
2. Secondary button (Right Button)
The following operations can
be performed using the mouse.
Selection (Single click)
Giving Commands (Double click)
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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
3. Scanner
• Scanner is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an
object, and converts it to digital image.

•4. JOYSTICK:

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 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
Joystick is a pointing device with a vertical handle mounted on a base,
typically equipped with one or two buttons. The handle can rotate 360 degrees,
and as it moves, the cursor on the screen follows the movement. Joysticks are
commonly used in gaming and simulation for precise control.

5. Microphone
o (Greek micros "small" and phone "voice" or "sound") originally referred
to a mechanical hearing aid for small sounds.
6. Touch screen
• Touch screens are display overlays which have the ability to
18 the same screen.
display and receive information on
 ……Hardware Component: Input
devices
7. Touch pad

• In Touchpad the cursor is controlled with the fingers.

• About the same size as a mouse, touchpad is a flat, rectangular

device.

8. Light pen

• A Light Pen is a handheld input device used to draw or select

objects directly on a computer screen. It works by detecting the
light emitted from the screen to pinpoint
19 the cursor's position.
 Hardware Component:
Processing devices
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a fundamental component of a
computer system, often referred to as the "brain" of the computer.
1.Role and Function
1. The CPU performs most of the calculations that enable a computer to function.
2. It processes instructions from programs and controls the operations of other
components.
2.Significance
1. The CPU is the most critical part of a computer system.
2. It determines the speed and efficiency of processing tasks.
3.Physical Structure
1. In personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is integrated into a single chip,
known as a microprocessor.
2. This compact design allows for efficient and reliable operation in modern computing
devices. 20
 ……Hardware Component:
Processing devices
CPU has three components, namely:
1. The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (comparisons, negation,
conjunction). It handles the actual processing of data.
2. The Control Unit (CU) manages and coordinates all computer operations. It fetches
instructions from memory, decodes them, and generates control signals for components
like the ALU and memory to execute those instructions. It acts as the "traffic director" of
the computer, ensuring smooth operation.
3. The Memory unit or registers, Registers are small, fast memory units within the CPU
that store intermediate results from the ALU during processing. They enable quick data
access for subsequent operations, bridging the gap between processing and memory
access.

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Hardware Component: Storage
devices
Storage Capacity Measurement
Bit (Binary Digit)
Definition: A bit is the smallest unit of storage or data in computing.
Value: It can hold one of two states:
• 1 (on, true)
• 0 (off, false)
Analogy: Think of a bit as a light switch that can either be turned on (1) or off (0).
Purpose: A bit represents the quantity of information required to distinguish between two mutually
exclusive states, such as yes/no, true/false, or on/off.
Byte
Definition: A byte is a collection of 8 bits grouped together as a single unit of data.
Size: It typically consists of 8 bits, although historically there have been systems with different byte sizes.
Purpose: A byte is used to store a single character of data (like a letter, digit, or symbol) in most computer
systems.
Relationship to Bits:
• 1 Byte = 8 Bits
• 22
Larger units like kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes are derived from bytes (e.g., 1 KB = 1024 bytes).
 MEMORY UNITS:
•In general, Memory is used to store the data for later reference.
• The smallest unit is bit, which mean either 0 or 1.
1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte = 8 bits
1 Kilo Byte = 1024 Byte= 210 Byte
1 Mega Byte = 1024 KB= 210 KB
1 Giga Byte = 1024 MB= 210 MB
1 Tera Byte = 1024 GB= 210 GB
1 Peta Byte =1024 TB= 210 TB
1 Exa Byte =1024 PB= 210 PB
1 Zetta Byte = 1024 EB= 210 EB
1 Yotta Byte = 1024 ZB= 210 ZB
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Exercise
1. If a storage device is 35 GB, find the memory capacity in
a) byte
b) Bit
c) MB
2. If a storage device is 23 TB, find the memory
capacity in
d) GB
e) MB

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 …………Hardware Component: Storage
devices
Primary storage
Primary storage refers to the computer's internal memory that stores data and instructions actively used by the CPU for
processing. It is fast, directly accessible, and volatile (data is lost when power is off). Primary storage is typically made
up of cache memory and RAM.
1.Cache Memory: is high-speed memory located on or near the CPU, designed to store frequently accessed data and
instructions, reducing access time and improving efficiency. Acting as a buffer between the CPU and RAM, it speeds
up data retrieval. Cache is small in size (kilobytes to megabytes), faster than RAM but slower than registers, volatile,
and relatively expensive. It is organized into levels: L1 Cache (closest to the CPU, fastest, and smallest), L2 Cache
(larger and slightly slower), and L3 Cache (shared among CPU cores, largest, and slowest).
2. RAM (Random Access Memory) is the primary storage used for loading and manipulating active applications and
data. It is volatile, losing all data when powered off, and has a larger capacity than cache (usually in gigabytes). RAM
is expandable in most computers through memory slots and serves as a temporary workspace for the CPU. While
slower than cache memory, it is faster than secondary storage and more affordable, though still pricier than disks like
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 ………Hardware Component: Storage
devices
3. ROM (Read-only Memory) is a type of storage used in computers and
electronic devices that primarily stores firmware—software that is closely
tied to hardware and usually doesn't require frequent updates. While ROM is
traditionally "read-only," meaning it cannot be easily written to, data can be
written into it during manufacturing or through a process called
programming. Some ROM types can be erased and re-programmed multiple
times, though they are still considered read-only because the reprogramming
involves a relatively infrequent, complete erasure and rewrite.

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………….Hardware Component:
Storage devices
Types of ROM
1.Classic Mask-ROM: This type of ROM is made during production, and the data cannot
be changed afterward. It’s fixed and can’t be written to again.
2.PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory): PROM can be written to once using a
special device called a PROM programmer. After it's programmed, the data cannot be
changed anymore.
3.EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): EPROM can be erased and
rewritten. To erase the data, the chip is exposed to ultraviolet light. After erasing, it can be
reprogrammed. It has a small window on top for the UV light to pass through. Once it's
programmed, the window is covered to stop accidental erasure.
4.EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory): EEPROM
can be erased and rewritten electrically, without removing the chip from the device. This
makes it more flexible because you can update the data many times without using special
tools.
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RAM Vs ROM

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…………Hardware Component: Storage
devices
2. Secondary storage
• Secondary storage is memory that the CPU cannot directly access, and it
requires input/output channels to interact with. It is used to store data not
actively in use. While it is slower than primary storage, secondary storage
offers much higher capacity and is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even if
the power is lost.
• One example of secondary storage is magnetic tape. It is a non-volatile
storage medium made of a thin plastic strip with a magnetic coating. Magnetic
tape has a large storage capacity but is slow to access because it uses
sequential access, meaning data must be read in order from the beginning.

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2.devices
Magnetic disk
• Magnetic Disk refers to storage devices that use magnetic media to store data. Two common
types are floppy disks and hard disks:
1.Floppy Disk: A small, portable storage device made of a thin, flexible magnetic disk inside a
plastic shell. It is read and written by a floppy disk drive. Floppy disks are inexpensive and
portable but have a small storage capacity (1.44 MB) and are unreliable.

2.Hard Disk: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a non-volatile storage device that stores data on
spinning platters with magnetic surfaces. Initially developed for computers, hard disks are now
used in various devices like video recorders, audio players, and digital cameras. Hard disks
offer much larger storage capacities compared to floppy disks and are more reliable.

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…………Hardware Component: Storage
devices
3. Optical Disks are storage devices that use light to read and write data. Key
types include:
1.CD-R (Compact Disc-Read Only): A write-once, read-only disc that retains
high compatibility with standard CD readers. It is cheaper and more reliable
than rewritable discs like CD-RW.
2.CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewriteable): A rewritable optical disc, allowing
multiple data writes, introduced in 1997. It is more expensive and less
compatible than CD-R.
3.DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): A high-density optical disc used for data
storage. DVDs have the same physical size as CDs but store much more data
due to higher encoding density.

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CD-R vs CD-RW vs DVD vs Floppy Disk Vs Hard Disk

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 …………Hardware Component: Storage
devices

4. Flash Memory

• USB flash drives -handy drives-, which are used for

general storage and transfer of data between computers.

• Flash memory is highly portable and it can store much

data but it is expensive.

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 Hardware Component: Output
1.
devices
Display devices: are softcopy output
 LCD(Liquid Crystal Display)

2. Printers: are hardcopy output

Printer is a device that prints text or illustrations on paper.

There are many different types of printers depending on the technology they utilize.

3. Plotter: are hardcopy output

Plotter is a printer that produces hard copy output. Plotters produce high-quality color graphics
output

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Hardware Component: Output
devices
4.Speaker (Voice Output): A speaker converts electrical signals into
sound, allowing the computer to produce audible output, such as music or
voice.
5.Robot (Physical Output): A robot performs physical tasks using pre-
programmed instructions. It is used in manufacturing (e.g., assembling
parts) and advanced fields like space and undersea exploration.

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Software Component
Computer software is a collection of instructions or programs that tell the computer how
to perform specific tasks, process data, and produce meaningful information. In simple
terms, software is the "intelligence" of a computer. When software is stored in non-
volatile memory, such as integrated circuits, it is called firmware.
Firmware is a type of software that is permanently or semi-permanently stored in
hardware devices.

Software components can be classified into

1. System software and

2. Application Software

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Software Component: System
Software
System software is essential software that helps the computer operate and manage
hardware resources. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and user applications.
Examples of system software include:
Operating System (OS): Manages hardware, software, and resources (e.g.,
Windows, macOS, Linux).
Device Drivers: Allow hardware components (like printers or graphics cards) to
communicate with the operating system.
Utility Software: Performs maintenance tasks (e.g., antivirus programs, disk
cleanup tools).
Language Software: Supports programming languages (e.g., compilers,
interpreters).

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 Software Component: System
Software
Operating system
• An operating system (OS) is a computer program that
manages the hardware and software resources of a computer.
• At the foundation of all system software, the OS performs
basic tasks such as controlling and allocating memory,
prioritizing system requests, controlling input and
output devices, facilitating networking, and managing
files.
• It also may provide a graphical user interface for higher-
level functions.
• The operating system is considered as the boss of the whole
system. 38
 Software Component: System
Software
• Basic functions of operating system are:
1.Input /output management
2.Memory management
3.file management
4.job control (process scheduling)

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Software Component
• Application software
Application software includes programs designed to help users perform specific tasks.
Unlike system software, which manages hardware, application software enables end-users
to be productive or entertained.
There are four main categories of application software:
1.Productivity Software: Helps users perform tasks like word processing, creating
spreadsheets, managing presentations, and accounting (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel).
2.Home/Personal Software: Designed for personal or household use, such as cookbooks,
medical guides, and gardening apps.
3.Education/Reference Software: Aims to help users learn or access additional
information, like encyclopedias, dictionaries, and computer-based tutorials.
4.Entertainment Software: Focuses on entertainment, such as games and media players.
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THANK YOU
Questions….?

Comments….! 41