CHAPTER TWO COMPUTER SYSTEMS

2.1.1.1

Define computer systems.

A computer system is defined as combination of components designed to process data and store files. A computer system consists of four major hardware components; input devices, output devices, processor and storage devices. A computer system requires hardware, software and a user to fully function. 2.1.1.2 State the meaning of input, process, output and storage.

Input Input is any data or instructions that we enter into the computer system for processing. There are four types of input: which are text, graphic, audio and video. Example of input devices are keyboard, light pen, joystick, microphone, mouse, video & digital camera. Process The processing unit controls all activities within the system. The CPU is an example of a processor. It has the same important as the brain to human being. Storage Storage is a location which data, instruction and information are held for future use. It is the physical material that keeps keeps data, instruction and information. There are two types of storage. They are the primary storage and secondary storage. The example of storage devices are hardisk, Floppy Disk, diskette, RAM, CD ROM and DVD ROM. Output Output is data that has been processed into a useful form, called information. There are four types of output, which are texts, graphics, audio and video. Example of output devices are monitor, printer, speaker and plotter. 2.1.1.3 Describe the information processing cycle which includes input, process, output and storage.

Input Users input data or instruction into the computer system to be process. Input could be either text, graphic, audio or video. Input devices are used by users to input data. Input devices are any electronic device connected to a computer and produces input signals. Process Data or instruction being input into the computer system is then processed by the CPU which controls all activities within the system. The results of the processed data are then sent to an output device as usable data. A CPU interprets the and carries out the instructions by processing data and controlling the rest of the computers components. A CPU consists of two subcomponents; the Control Unit (CU) and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). CUs main function is to direct the CPU to process d ata by extracting instructions from memory and decodes and executes them. The CU manages a four-step basic operation which is called a machine cycle. The steps are Fetching, Decoding, Executing & Storing: Storage Computer storage is important to help users store programs and data to be used at a later time. It is also useful to keep current data while being processed by the processor until the information is saved in a storage media such as a hard disk or a diskette. Computer storage also stores instructions from a computer program. There are two type of computer storage; primary storage and secondary storage.

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Primary storage is known as the main memory of a computer, including RAM (Random-Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). It is an internal memory (inside the CPU) that can be accessed directly by the processor. Secondary storage an external storage that refers to various ways a computer can store program and data. Many complex functions, such as translators for high-level languages and operating systems are placed in primary storage. Secondary storage is an alternative storage. It is very useful to store programs and data for future use. Output Output is the result of data processing activity when it is presented external to the system. The output from a computer can be in a form for use by people, for example, printed or displayed. There are four types of output, which are texts, graphics, audio and video. 2.1.2.1 State the relationship of data representation: bit, byte and character.

Bit A bit is the smallest unit of data that the computer can process. Bit is a short for binary digit. A bit is represented by the numbers 1 and 0. These numbers represent the binary system. They correspond to the states of on and off, true and false, or yes and no. All digital data use the binary system to process the information. This information include letters, digits or special character. Byte Byte is a unit of information built from bits. One byte is equals to 8 bits. Eight bits that are grouped together as a unit. A byte provides enough different combinations of 0s and 1s to represent 256 individual characters. One byte represents a single character such as the number 3, letter b or a $ symbol. Bits and bytes are the basis for representing all meaningful information and programs on computers. Character A byte represents a single character in the computer. One character such as A, 7, 9 and + is eight bits that are grouped together.A byte provides enough different combinations of 0s and 1s to represent 256 individual characters. For example, the capital letter F is represented by the binary code 01000110 that can be understood by the computer system. Eight bits grouped together as a unit are called a byte..

2.1.3.1

Explain the function of ASCII code.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) was established to: achieve compatibility between various types of data processing equipment making it possible for the components to communicate with each other successfully. enables manufacturers to produce components that are assured to operate correctly in a computer. make it possible for humans to interact with a computer. It also enables users to purchase components that are compatible with their computer configurations. 2.1.4.1 State the units of data measurement:

Bit A bit is represented by the numbers 1 and 0. They correspond to the states of on and off, true and false, or yes and no. Byte 1 byte = 8 bit Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 bytes or 1 KB = 210 bytes Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1 048 576 bytes or 1 MB = 220 bytes Gigabyte (GB) 1 GB = 1 073 741 824 bytes 1 GB = 230 bytes

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Terabyte (TB) 1 TB = 1 099 511 627 776 bytes or 1 TB = 240 bytes Note: 1 KB = 1 024 byte 1 MB = 1 024 KB = 1 048 576 byte 1 GB = 1 024 MB = 1 048 576 KB = 1 073 741 824 byte 1 TB = 1 024 GB = 1 048 576 MB = 1 073 741 824 KB = 1 099 511 627 776 byte 2.1.5.1 State the units of clock speed measurement:

Hertz & Seconds A hertz is one cycle per second. Megahertz (MHz) Megahertz (MHz) equals to one million cycles of the system clock. (Mega is a prefix that stands for million. A computer that operates at 933 MHz has 933 million clock cycles in one second.) Gigahertz (GHz) Gigahertz (GHz) equals to one billion cycles of the system clock. In relation with megahertz, 1.0GHz is equivalent to 1000 MHz. Giga is a prefix that stands for billion. GHz is most often used as a measurement of a PC processor chip and power, with bigger numbers meaning more speed and higher price. A microprocessor that runs at 200 GHz executes 200 billion cycles per second. For a 2.4 GHz machine . Its clock rate is 2.4 billion cycles per second..) 2.2.1.1 Identify the input devices used for text, graphic, audio and video.

Input Devices For Texts Keyboard, virtual keyboard (on the screen) & an optical reader (uses a light source to read characters, marks and codes and then converts them into digital data that a computer can process. Input Devices For Graphics Scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints, posters, magazine pages and similar sources for computer editing and display. Digital camera allows you to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally. Input Devices For Audio Audio input devices are such microphone and digital musical instruments like the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) keyboard. Input Devices For Video Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) video camera is a type of digital video camera that enables a home or small business user to capture video and still images. A webcam is any video camera that displays its output on a web page. A digital video camera allows you to record full motion and store the captured motion digitally. Pointing Devices A pointing device is another form of input device. Pointing devices such as a mouse, trackball, graphics tablet and touch screen are used to input spatial data into the computer. (Spatial data refers to data that is continuous and multi-dimensional).

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2.2.2.1

Identify the output devices used for text, graphic, audio and video

A monitor is an example of an output device that can be used to display text. It can also display graphics and video. It iaccepts video signals from a computer and displays information on its screen. A printer is another example of an output device that can be used to print text, apart from graphics, on mediums such as paper, transparency film or even cloths. A photo printer is a colour printer that produces photo-lab-quality pictures. An image setter produces high quality output compared to an ordinary laser printer. An image setter is a high resolution output device that can transfer electronic text and graphics directly to film, plates, or photo-sensitive paper. A pair of speakers is an audio output device that generates sound. The headphone is a pair of small speakers placed over the ears and plugged into a port on the sound card. A woofer or subwoofer is used to boost the low bass sound and is connected to the port on the sound card. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) projector uses its own light source to project what is displayed on the computer on a wall or projection screen. A digital light processing (DLP) projector uses tiny mirrors to reflect light which can be seen clearly in a well-lit room. 2.2.3.1 Identify the location of the central processing unit (CPU), expansion slots, expansion cards, RAM slots, ports and connectors on the motherboard.

Motherboard is the main circuit board which has some electronic components attached to it and others built into it. CPU, expansion slots, expansion cards, RAM slots, ports and connectors are the components on the motherboard. 2.2.4.1 Explain types and functions of:

Primary Storage (RAM, ROM) Primary storage is the main memory in a computer. It stores data and programs that can be accessed directly by the processor. There are two types of primary storage which are RAM (Random-Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). RAM is installed inside computers. RAM is also known as a working memory. RAM: The data in RAM can be read (retrieved) or written (stored). RAM is volatile which means the programs and data in RAM are lost when the computer is powered off. Computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables CPU to access instructions and data stored in the memory very quickly. RAM stores data during and after processing. ROM: ROM is another type of memory permanently stored inside the computer. ROM is non-volatile. It holds the programs and data when the computer is powered off. Programs in ROM have been pre-recorded. It can only be stored by the manufacturer; once it is done, it cannot be changed. Many complex functions, such as start up operating instructions, translators for high-level languages & operating systems are placed in ROM memory. All the contents in ROM can be accessed and read but cannot be changed. ASPECT Data and program Content Processing time Volatility RAM Stores during and after processing Stores information temporarily Very fast, but uses a lot of power Volatile ROM Stored by manufacturer Stores instructions (Information) permanently Fast, but uses very little power Non-volatile

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Secondary Storage (magnetic medium optical medium, flash memory) Secondary storage can be divided into magnetic medium, optical medium and flash memory. Magnetic Medium Magnetic medium is a non-volatile storage medium. It can be any type of storage medium that utilizes magnetic patterns to represent information. The devices use disks that are coated with magnetically sensitive material. The examples of magnetic storage are: magnetic disk such as: o a floppy disk, used for off-line storage o hard disk, used for secondary storage magnetic tape; including video cassette, audio storage reel-to-reel tape & others. Optical Medium Optical medium is a non-volatile storage media that holds content in digital form that are written and read by a laser. These media include various types of CDs and DVDs. These following forms are often commonly used : CD, CD-ROM, and DVD: Read only storage, used for distribution of digital information such as music, video and computer programs. CD-R: Write once storage, the data cannot be erased or written over once it is saved. CD-RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM: Slow to write but fast reading storage; it allows data that have been saved to be erased and rewritten. The disk capacity of optical media is more compared to magnetic media. Durability is another feature of optical media, they are able to last for up to seven times as long as traditional storage media. Flash Memory Flash Memory is a solid-state, non-volatile, rewritable memory that functions like RAM and a hard disk drive combined. Flash memory store bits of electronic data in memory cells just like DRAM (Dynamic RAM), but it also works like a hard disk drive that when the power is turned off, the data remains in the memory. Flash memory cards and flash memory sticks are examples of flash memory. Flash memory cards are also used with digital cellular phones, MP3 players, digital video cameras and other portable digital devices. Flash memory is also called USB drives, thumb drives, pen drives or flash drives, are the up-andcoming players in the portable storage market. The advantages of flash memory are, it offers fast reading access times among the secondary storage devices, (though not as fast as RAM) it is durable and requires low voltage. It is also light and small. The disadvantage is, it is more expensive than the magnetic disk of the same capacity. 2.3.1.1 State the various types of OS used on different platforms.

PC Platform Operating Systems The examples of operating systems used on PC platforms or IBM compatible computers are: Disk Operating System (DOS) Microsoft Windows XP DOS used a command line interface when Microsoft first developed it. Microsoft Windows XPs operating environment is a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Both are closed source software. Apple Platform Operating Systems The operating systems used on Apple platforms are Mac OS & Mac OS X. Mac OS was the first commercially successful graphical user interface. It is a closed source software and are targeted for use with home desktops and workstations. Mac OS X is a multitasking operating system and targeted for use with home desktops, workstations and servers. It also has better security protection compared to Mac OS, for example the integrated firewall utility. Cross-Platform Operating Systems Cross-platforms operating systems are: UNIX LINUX UNIX is a multitasking operating system. Some versions of UNIX have a command line interface but most versions of UNIX offer a graphical user interface. Linux is a popular, free, UNIX-like graphical user interface operating system. It is an open source software. Linux provides a great deal of liberty to those that interact with Linux technology. Although

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Linux runs on many kinds of equipment, it is best known for its support of IBM-Intel PC-based hardware. 2.3.1.2 State the functions of OS.

The main functions of OS are starting a computer providing a user interface managing data & program managing memory configuring devices Starting the Computer The first function of an operating system is to start the computer. This process is called booting. Booting means to load & initialize the operating system. It can happen in two ways: warm boot or cold boot. A warm boot means restarting a computer that is already on. It normally happens after installing a new software or hardware or after an application crashes or stops working. A cold boot means starting a computer that is already off. It happens when we turn on a computer that has been completely powered off. Providing a User Interface This function controls how the user enters data and instruction and how information is displayed. The three type of user interface are Command-Line, Menu-Driven and Graphical User Interface . The user interface typically enables users: to start an application program to manage disks and files such as formatting, copying and renaming to shut down the computer safely by following the correct procedures Managing Data & Programs When we start an application, the CPU loads the application from storage into memory. In the early days, single-tasking operating systems could run only one application at a time. Multitasking operating systems enable users to work with two or more application programs at the same time. Managing Memory The computer's operating system is responsible for managing memory such as: optimizing the use of RAM allocating data & instruction to an area of memory while being processed monitoring the contents of memory releasing data & instructions from being monitored in memory when the process is done Configuring Devices Another function of an operating system is handling input and output, as well as enabling communication with input and output devices. Most operating systems come with drivers for popular input and output devices. These drivers install new devices and check whenever there is conflict with these devices. 2.3.1.3 State the different interfaces of OS.

The three type of user interface are Command-Line, Menu-Driven and Graphical User Interface .Command-Line User Interface The command-line user interface requires a user to type commands or press special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions that instruct the operating system what to do. It has to be typed one line at a time. It is difficult to use because it requires exact spelling, syntax or a set of rules of entering commands and punctuation. We must observe the complicated rules of syntax that specify exactly what you can type in a given place. This interface also requires memorisation. It is also easy to make a typing mistake. The advantage of command-line interface is, it helps the user to operate the computer quickly after memorizing the keywords and syntax. Menu Driven Interface

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Menu-driven user interface enables the user to avoid memorizing keywords such as copy, paste and syntax. On-screen, menu-driven interface provide menus as means of entering commands. It shows all the options available at a given point in a form of text-based menu. Menu-driven user interfaces are easy to learn. Graphical User Interface (GUI) GUI makes use of the computers graphics capabilities to make the operating system and programs easier to use, which is also called user-friendly. Today GUIs are used to create the desktop that appears after the operating system finishes loading into memory. We can easily differentiate the interfaces between Mac OS, Windows XP or Linux by looking at their desktops. GUI with menus and visual images such as buttons, icons and other graphical objects to issue commands. On the desktop, we can initiate many actions by clicking icons that represent computer resources such as files, programs and network connections. GUI is commonly used and has become a standard. 2.3.2.1 State the types of application software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphic).

Application software is a computer program or a suite of computer programs that performs a particular function for the user. Application software includes all programs that perform specific tasks for user such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, e-mail and web browsing. 2.3.2.2 Describe the uses of application software (word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, graphic).

Usages of Word Processing Software A word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents containing mostly text and sometimes graphics. It provides the ability to create, check spelling, edit and format a document on the screen before printing it to paper. The software can be used to produce documents such as letters, memos, reports, fax cover sheets, mailing labels, newsletters, and web pages. Examples of word processing software are Microsoft Word, StarOffice Writer, TexMaker and Corel WordPerfect. Usages of Spreadsheet Software Spreadsheet software is an application that allows users to organise and manipulate data in rows and columns. It produces worksheets that require repetitive calculations budgeting, maintaining a grade book, balancing accounts, tracking investment, calculating loan payments, estimating project costs and preparing financial statements. Examples of spreadsheet software are Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro and Sun Staroffice Calc. Usages of Presentation Software Presentation software is an application that allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages and other information to an audience. Examples of presentation software are Microsoft PowerPoint, StarOffice Impress and CorelDraw. Usages of Graphics Software Graphics software is an application that allows users to work with drawings, photos and pictures. It provides the users the ability of creating, manipulating and printing graphics. Examples of graphics software are Microsoft Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Corel Painter and Macromedia Fireworks.

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Differentiate between the types and usage of utility programmes (file management, diagnostic and file compression).

2.3.3.1

Utility programs, also known as service programs, perform maintenance-type tasks related to the managing of a computer, its devices, or its programs. They provide services not supplied by other system software programs. Most computers come with built-in utilities as part of the system software. However they may also be bought separately as external utility programs such as Norton SystemWorks and McAfee Utilities. File Manager File manager is the software used to manage files on a disk. It provides functions to delete, copy. move, rename and view files as well as create and manage folders (directories). File manager performs tasks of formatting and copying disks, displaying a list of files on a storage medium, checking the amount of used or free space on a storage medium, organising, copying, renaming, deleting, moving and sorting files and also creating shortcuts. Diagnostic Utility A diagnostic utility compiles technical information about a computer's hardware and certain system software programs and then prepares a report outlining any identified problems.Information in the report assists technical support staff in remedying any problems. Disk Defragmenter When an operating system stores data on a disk, it places the data in the first available sector on the disk. The process of defragmentation is the reorganising of the disk so the files are stored in contiguous sectors. A fragmented disk has many files stored in non-contiguous sectors. Defragmenting reorganises the files so they are located in contiguous sectors, which speeds access time. Data Compression Data compression is a utility that removes redundant elements, gaps and unnecessary data from a computers storage space so that less space is required to store or transmit data. With the increasing use of large graphics, sound, and video files, data compression is necessary to reduce the time required to transmit such large files over a network. Compressed files are sometimes called zipped files and it must be unzipped to its original form before being used. Two popular file compression utilities are PKZIP and WinZip. 2.3.4.1 Differentiate between proprietary and open source software.

Proprietary Software Proprietary software is also called closed source software. The closed source software or proprietary software offers a stable system with support if the software fails or malfunctions. Examples of Proprietary Software are Ms-Dos, Mac OS, UNIX & Solaris. Open Source Software Open source software is not a closed software. It is provided for use, modification and redistribution. Any programmer can make improvements which can result in better quality software. A programmer can download from the Internet for free and modify with suggested improvements. The only qualification is that changes can't be copyrighted. Linux is an example of Open Source Software. Linux is the popular multi-tasking UNIX type operating system. Some version of Linux are command line. Others are GUI. The two most popular GUIs available for Linux are GNOME and KDE. Many application programs, uitlities and plugins have Linux versions including OpenOffice.org, PHPNuke,The GIMP, Mozilla, ClamAV, OpenLDAP, Audacity and RedHat. Users can obtain Linux in a variety of ways. Some download it for free from the web. Others purchase it from vendors. The comparision between proprietary and open source software SOFTWARE PROS CONS security poblems runs on a wide range of not efficient as a server OS hardware Windows XP have to reboot every time a (Propriety Software) has largest market share network configuration is has many built-in utility changed Mac OS X easy to install supports only Apple

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SOFTWARE (Propriety Software) PROS best Graphical User Interface (GUI) secure and stable CONS computers base hardware more expensive than other platforms fewer utilities available fewer games than Windows many appications still being uodated to run wth OS X limited support for games limited commercial application available can be difficult to learn

Linux (Open Source Software)

runs on a wide range of hardware has largest number of user interface types can be used as destop PC OS or server

2.4.1.1

Assemble the components of a PC.

2.4.1.2

Display cooperation in assembling the components of a PC.

Assemble components. Follow step-by-step installation instructions provided. Test the functionality of the PC. 2.4.2.1 Format and partition the hard disk.

2.4.3.1

Install operating system, application software and utility programs. Explain the latest open source OS and application software available in the market. Explain the latest ICT hardware and software

2.5.1.1

2.5.2.1

2.5.2.2

Explain pervasive computing.

Pervasive computing means the technology that is gracefully integrated in our everyday life. The user is no longer aware of this embedded technology. Pervasive computing uses web technology, portable devices, wireless communications and nomadic or ubiquitous computing systems. Other terms for pervasive computing are Ubiquitous Computing, Calm Technology, and Things That Think. Pervasive computing devices are not personal computers, but very tiny - even invisible - devices, either mobile or embedded in almost any type of object imaginable, including cars, tools, appliances, clothing and various consumer goods - all communicating through interconnected networks. Thee xamples of pervasive computing in our daily lives are which is the automatic Touch 'n Go, SmartTAG toll gate & the 3G technology video phone.

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