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CHAPTER -1 Basics of Computer System

The document provides an overview of computer systems, detailing the distinction between hardware and software, and outlining the characteristics of computers such as speed, accuracy, and storage capacity. It explains the functional units of a computer, including the input unit, output unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and storage unit, along with their respective roles. Additionally, it describes the types of memory, specifically primary (RAM) and secondary memory, highlighting their functions and characteristics.

Uploaded by

Vimal Vijayakumar
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

CHAPTER -1 Basics of Computer System

The document provides an overview of computer systems, detailing the distinction between hardware and software, and outlining the characteristics of computers such as speed, accuracy, and storage capacity. It explains the functional units of a computer, including the input unit, output unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), and storage unit, along with their respective roles. Additionally, it describes the types of memory, specifically primary (RAM) and secondary memory, highlighting their functions and characteristics.

Uploaded by

Vimal Vijayakumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CHAPTER -1

Basics of
computer system
Introduction
A computer is a programmable machine
designed to perform arithmetic and
logical operations on the input given by
the user and gives the desired output
after processing.
Hardware and Software
 Computer components are divided into two
major categories namely hardware and
software.
 Hardware refers to the physical components
of your computer such as the system unit,
mouse, keyboard, monitor etc.
 Software are the set of programs that make
use of hardware for performing various
functions.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
COMPUTERS
 Speed: Computers work at an incredible speed and
they are capable of performing millions of
instructions per second.
 Accuracy: It is an important feature of computers.
Any type of task or calculation by a computer is
always correct.
 Diligence: Unlike human beings, computers are highly
consistent as they do not suffer from human traits of
boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of
concentration.

Contd…
 Versatility: It refers to the capability of a
computer to perform different kinds of works
with same accuracy and efficiency.
 Storage Capacity: Computers can store large
volumes of data.
Functional Units of a Computer
Input Unit:
 This unit is used for entering data and
programs into the computer system by the
user for processing.
 Eg: keyboard, mouse, scanner, joystick, etc.
Output Unit:
 The output unit is used for displaying or
presenting the result as output produced
by the computer after processing.
 Eg: Monitor, printer, speaker, etc.
The Central Processing Unit
(CPU)
 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) takes data
and instructions from the storage unit and
makes all sorts of calculations based on the
instructions given.
 CPU is also known as the brain of the
computer.
 CPU includes Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and
Control unit(CU)
Arithmetic Logic Unit:
 All calculations and comparisons, based
on the instructions provided, are carried
out within the ALU.
 It performs arithmetic operations like
addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division and also logical operations like
greater than, less than and equal to etc.
Control Unit:
 Controlling of all operations like input,
processing and output are performed by
control unit.
 It takes care of step by step processing of
all operations inside the computer.
Storage Unit:
 The storage unit is used for storing data
and instructions before and after
processing.
 It is also known as memory.
 Computer’s memory can be classified
into two types; primary memory and
secondary memory.
Primary Memory(RAM)
 RAM or Random Access Memory is the
primary memory unit in a computer system.
 It is the place in a computer where the
operating system, application programs
and the data in current use are kept
temporarily so that they can be accessed
by the computer’s processor.
 It is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents
are accessible only as long as the
computer is on.
Secondary memory
 Secondary/Auxiliary memory is storage other
than the RAM.
 These include devices that enable permanent
storage of programs and data.
 Secondary storage devices are generally
separated into three types:
 Magnetic storage devices, such as hard disk
drives and tapes.
 Optical storage devices, such as CD, DVD and
Blu-ray discs.
 Solid state storage devices, such as solid state
drives(SSD) and USB memory sticks.

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