Computer Systems

Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer Systems

Evaluating Computer Systems
 Definition: Judging the quality of a device based
on its features, positives/negatives, and
potential improvements.
 Process:
1. Identify the purpose of the device.
2. Identify the features of the device.
3. Assess the positives and negatives of the
features.
4. Suggest improvements.
 Key Terms:
o Critical Thinking
o Features
o User Interface
Hardware vs. Software
 Hardware: Physical components of a computer
system (e.g., keyboard, monitor).
 Software: Programs and applications that run on
a computer (e.g., Word Processor, Games).
Features of Devices
 Definition: Individual parts or aspects of a
system.
 Examples: Touch screen, camera, battery life,
connectivity.
Positives & Negatives
 Compare features based on:
o Usability
o Performance
o Aesthetics
 Improvement Ideas: Suggest enhancements
(e.g., better screen, longer battery).
Design Factors
 Key Goals:
o Easy to use
o Visually appealing
o Fit user needs
Key Concepts in Design
 User Experience (UX): How easy and enjoyable
the device is to use.
 Accessibility: Usability by people with
disabilities (e.g., speech-to-text, large icons).
 Ergonomics: Comfortable and safe design (e.g.,
shape of mouse).
 Emerging Technologies:
o AI
o 5G
o Biometrics
o Nanotech (e.g., Graphene)
Prototypes & MVP
 Prototype: Early model to test and improve
design.
 MVP (Minimum Viable Product): Basic version
for feedback.
 Advantages: Fast release, cost-effective.
 Risks: Low quality, bad impression.
Chapter 2: Types of Software
Types of Software
 System Software: Controls and manages
computer hardware and operations.
o Operating Systems: Allows the computer to
function properly.
o Utility Software: Helps keep the computer
running smoothly.
o Translators: Translates source code into
binary code that the CPU can understand
and execute.
 Application Software: Performs everyday tasks.
o Examples: Word Processor, Spreadsheets,
Media Player
Operating System (OS)
 Purpose: Interface between hardware & user.
Runs application software.
 Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
 Key OS Tasks:
 o Memory Management
o File Management
o Device Management
o User Accounts & Security
o Providing a User Interface
o Running Application Software
o Power Management
Utility Software
 Purpose: Maintains system efficiency. Organizes,
protects, and manages system resources.
 Examples & Functions:
o Device Drivers – Allow OS to communicate
with hardware
o Defragmentation – Organizes scattered files
o Security Software
 Antivirus: Protects against malware
 Encryption
 Firewalls
 User Access Control
o Backup Software
Translators
 Purpose: Converts source code to machine code
(binary).
 Types:
o Compiler – Translates whole program at
once. Faster after compilation.
o Interpreter – Translates line by line. Better
for debugging.
Key Terms
 RAM – Temporary memory
 Defragmentation – File organization
 Encryption – Securing data
 User Interface – What users interact with
(windows, icons, etc.)
 Power Management – Battery saving, sleep
mode
Chapter 3: Data Representation
Understanding Binary
  Computers only understand binary (0s and 1s).
Humans use denary (base 10).
 1 bit = smallest unit of data
 1 byte = 8 bits
 Binary is used to represent: Text, Numbers,
Images, Sound
Denary to Binary Conversion
 Denary to Binary: Convert Denary to Binary
using the 8-4-2-1 method.
 Binary to Denary: Multiply by powers of 2 and
add.
 Example:
o Denary 5 → Binary
01010×8+1×4+0×2+1×1=50×8+1×4+0×2+
1×1=5
o Denary 15 → Binary
11111×8+1×4+1×2+1×1=151×8+1×4+1×2
+1×1=15
o Binary 1001 → Denary
9(1×8)+(0×4)+(0×2)+(1×1)=9(1×8)+(0×4)
+(0×2)+(1×1)=9
Characters and ASCII
 Character set = all letters, digits, symbols a
computer understands.
 ASCII (American Standard Code for Information
Interchange)
 Each character = 7-bit binary number
 Lowercase and uppercase have different values.
Data Compression
 Why Compress? Saves space, Faster
upload/download. Used in emails, media, etc.
 How? Identifies repeated elements (words,
data). Stores only unique elements + positions.
Sound Representation
 Analogue sound (continuous) → Digital
(discrete)
 Microphone captures sound → digital samples
 Sample rate = samples/second (e.g., 44,100 Hz)
  Higher sample rate = better quality, bigger file
Data Storage Units
 Units (from smallest to largest): Bit → Nibble →
Byte → KB → MB → GB → TB
 Conversions:
o 1 Byte = 8 bits
o 1 KB = 1024 Bytes
o 1 MB = 1024 KB
 Convert by multiplying/dividing by 1024
 Examples:
o
1. 4 GB = 1433.6 MB
o
2. 5 MB = 2560 KB
o 1877 KB = 1,921,920 bits
o 5.67 MB = 0.00000541 TB
Chapter 4: Computer Architecture
Primary Memory
 Definition: Memory directly accessed by the
CPU.
 Types:
o RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary
storage
o ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent
storage
Roles of RAM and ROM
 RAM: Stores data temporarily while CPU
processes. Volatile – data is lost when power is
off.
 ROM: Stores instructions to boot the computer.
Non-volatile – retains data permanently.
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
 Fetch: Get instruction from RAM
 Decode: Understand what the instruction means
 Execute: Carry out the instruction
Example of Fetch-Decode-Execute
 Multiply 2 × 10:
o Fetch 2, 10, and the multiply instruction
 o Decode the instruction
o Execute to get 20
Why Each Stage Matters
 Fetch: Without it, the CPU has no instruction
 Decode: Without understanding, it can't act
 Execute: Final step to carry out task
Chapter 5: Logic Gates & Circuits
CPU & Boolean Logic
 CPU is the brain of the computer.
 Executes instructions via Fetch-Decode-Execute
Cycle.
 Uses Boolean Logic (True/False) to make
decisions.
Binary & Boolean Data
 Binary = base-2 system (0 and 1)
 Boolean values: True / False
 All data processed as electrical signals
Logic Gates Overview
 Small hardware components in CPUs.
 Use electrical signals to perform logical
operations.
 Inputs and outputs are 0 or 1.
Types of Logic Gates
 NOT Gate
o Symbol: 1 input → 1 output (opposite)
o Example: 0 → 1, 1 → 0
 OR Gate
o Symbol: 2+ inputs → 1 output
o Output is 1 if any input is 1
 AND Gate
o Symbol: 2 inputs → 1 output
o Output is 1 only if both inputs are 1
Truth Tables
 Shows all possible input combinations and their
outputs.
 Used to visualize how each logic gate behaves.
Logic Circuits
 Combination of logic gates.
 Used to represent more complex Boolean

expressions.
 Can include multiple gates.
o Example: X=(A AND B) OR CX=(A AND B) OR
C
o Example: X=(NOT A OR B) AND CX=(NOT A
OR B) AND C
Drawing Circuits
 Use standard gate symbols (NOT, OR, AND).
 Brackets in expressions show order of
operations.
 Useful practice: draw from Boolean expressions.
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