SIPO

Computer
System Overview
InTisChapfer
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Basic Computer Organization
1.3 Mobile System Organization
1.4 Types of Software

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Computers are the machines that have revolutionised the world around us. The way we used to
live around 25-30 years ago is very different from how we live today. Amodern age student
cannot even imagine life, without email, Internet, print outs, playing music on computers or
smartphones,photos just a click away in the form of smartphones and so on. In short, in every
aspect of life around us, we see computers playa role directly or indirectly.
Computers deliver so much, diligently and efficiently, all thanks to the wonderful combination
of their hardware and software.
>Hardware. The physical electronic components of a computer are called hardware, e.g.,
keyboard, CPU, monitor, printer etc.
) Software. These are the recorded instructions and programns that govern the working of a
computer. Recall that a program is a set of instructions to carry out a specific task or achieve a
special work goal.
In this chapter, we shall discuss computer's functioning in broad sense by discussing
computer system organization and how various types of software aid in computer's overall
performance.
 rOMPUER 5ECF WIHPYTHON

1.2 BASL LOMPULR

ORGANIZATION
Lonputer onganiz alionrefes to logi al stru ture of acomputer dec ribing how its compnents
are connected to one another ; howv they affed one anothers functioning, and contribute to
orerall pcrfomance of the computer.
Computers, as you must be knowing, followthe "|PO' principle ie, Input >lroess >Dutput (a
certan input is processed to generate speific output), So, the computer orgarization is also like
this - these are component(s) dedicated to obtain input in different torms, componentts)
dedcated to perform processing part and component(s) to produce output indifterent forrns.
Ihus basic computer organization is as shown in Figure 1.1. To see the interconnections and
basic working of computer (Computer Organization), scan this QR (xde vith SiPO app.
To see CPU
Computer Organization
in action ALU Registers

DNO Control Memory

D
Scan
QR Code
BUS

Input Output Storage

unit unit unit

Figure 1.1 Basic Computer Organization.

NOTE
Let us talk about these functional components of a
one by one.
computer,
A computer runs on electricity
power.
1.2.1 Input Unit
The input unit is formed by the input devices attached to the computer. Examples ot input
devices and mediaare : keyboard, mouse, magnetic ink character reader (MICR), optical mark
reader (OMR), optical character reader (0CR), joystick etc.
The input unit is responsible for taking input and converting NOTE
it intoconmputer understandable form (the binary code). Since
acomputer operates on electricity, it can understand only the An input unit takes the input and
language of electricity i.e., either ON or OFF or high voltage converts it into binary form so
that it can be understood by the
or low voltage. That means a computer can understand two
computer
stages ON/OFF or High/Low voltage or the binary larnguage
that uses just two symbols :1 for ON and 0 for OFF.
Allthe inputs consisted of data (on which the action was to be
performed) as well as the instruction
(the action to be taken).
On the same lines, the computer input also consists of dataand
instructions. For
the givern inputto the computer is Add2 and 3 then data consists of 2and 3 and example, is
if
instruction
Add. Similarly, if the given input is Print "Hello World" then data consists of "Hello World"
and instruction is Print.
 3
Chapter : COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW

in different forrns and

Theinput unit is comprisedof different input devices that take the input
pass them in digital form to CPU or processing:
Some common input devices are:
letters,
(i) Keyboard. Keyboard is a typewriter like device which is used to type in the
digits and commands.
or some laser
(u) Mouse. Mouse is pointing device with either a roller on its base
mechanism. Mouse controls movement of pointer (also called mouse pointer) on screen.
(ii) Microphone (Mic). We can send sound input to computer through a special input
into
device called microphone or mic in short. A mic converts the sound received
computer's format, which is called digitized sound or digital audio.
as sound card.
A mic can work if your computer has a special hardware known
1.2.2 Output Unit
The output unit is formed by the output devices attached to
Output Unit converts the
the computer.The output coming from the CPU is in the form outpat in binary form to
of electronic binary signals which needs conversion in some human readable form.
form which can be easily understood by human beings it.,
characters, graphical or audio visual form. This function of
conversion is performed by output units.
Some popular output devices are :
(i) Monitors. Monitor (or "screen") is the most common form of output from a computer.
It displays information in a similar way to that shown on a television screen. The
picture on a monitor is made up of thousands of tiny coloured dots called pixels.
(i) Printers. Printers are the devices that deliver information by means of printed
characters on paper.
(iii) Speakers. Speakers receive the sound in form of electric current from the sound card
and then convert it to sound format audible to user.

1.2.3 The CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPUor the Central Processing Unit is the main control centre and processing unit. It is also
called brain of the computer as it guides, directs, controls and governs the pertormance of a
computer. The CPU has some sub-components that help in carrying out the processing of atask.
These are:
) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) (ii) Control Unit (CU) (in) Registers
() Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU performs all the four arithmetic (+, -, ") and some logical (<,>, =, <=, =,!)
operations. When two numbers are required to be added, these numbers are sent from memory
to ALUwhere addition takes place and the result is put back in the memory. In the same way,
other arithmetic operations are performed (through ALU only).
For logical operations also, the numbers to be compared are sent
from memory to ALU where the comparison takes place and ALU performs arithmetic
the result is returned to the memory. The result of a logical (t. "./) and logic
operations.
operation is either TRUE or FALSE. These operations provide
the capability of decision-making to the computer.
 COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH pYTHON

() Control Unit (CU)

the CU controls and guides the interpretation, flow and manipulation of al! data and
ntormation. The Cæ sends control signals until the required operations are done properly bu
ALU and memory. Another important function of CU is the program execution ie.,
out all theinstructions stored in the
program. The CU gets programinstructions from carrying
menoryth
and executes them one after the other. After getting the instructions from memory in CU.
instruction is decoded and interpreted ie., which operation 1s
to be performed. Then the asked operation is carried out. CU acts as a
superVisor by
After the work of this instruction is completed, control unit controlling and guiding
the
Sends signal to memory to send the next instruction in operation taking place.
sequence to CU.
The controlunit even controls the flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory
to output devices.
(i) Registers
RegisterS or processor registers are small units of data holding places. The CPUuses registers to
temporarily hold some important processing-information during the time the processing is
tak1ng place. CPUmay store some part data or some memoryaddress or some instruction in its
processor registers.
1.2.4 The Memory Main Memory/Primary Memoryl
The memory of a computer is more like a predefined working place, where it temporarily keeps
information and data to facilitate its performance. Each memory location has aunique memory
address. When the task is performed, it clears its memory and memory
for the next task to be performed. When the power is switched off, space is then available
memory gets erased and cannot be recalled.
everything stored in the
The memory of a computer can be thought of as 'cells'. Each of these cells is
down into smaller parts known as bits (see Fig. 1.2). A bit further broken
A number of bits together are used to store data means a binary digit i.e., either 0 or 1.
instructions by their combination.

Bit NOTE
Cell 0
0 1 0 1 1 0 Cell 1 The memory of computer is
often called main memory or
primary memory.

Figure 1.2 Memory cells.

BYTE OR NIBBLE
Abit is an elementary unit of the memory. Eight bits together
form a byte. Agroup of 8 bits is called a byte
and a group of 4 bits is called a
Onebyte is the smallest unit which can nibble.
represent a data item
or a character. Other units of memory are KB,
MB, GB, TB.
Every higher memory unit is equal to 2" of its lower unit.
Chopter : COMPUTER SYSILM OVERVIEW 5

Following Table 1.] lists various memory units used.

Table 1.1 Units of Computer Memory
Meosurements
Unit Short Name Full Name Unit Short Name FullNane
1Bit Bit
Binary Digit 2" ie., 024 GB 1TB Terra Byte
8Bits 1Byte Byte 2" ie, 1024 TB 1PB Peta Byte
210 ie., 1024 Bytes I KB Kilo Byte 2" ie, 1024 PB Eza Byte
2" ic., 1024 KB 1MB Mega Byte 2" ic, 1024 EB IZB Zetta Byte
2 ic.. 1024 MB 1GB Giga Byte
Since computer's main memory (primary memory) is temporary, secondary rnernory space 1s
needed to store data and information permanentlyfor later use.Some rnost comnorn secondary
storage media are the hard disk, CD-RWs, pen drive etc. The secondary rnernory devices are
also known as storage devices.
1.2.4A Parts of Main Memory/Primary Memory
In the random-access memory (RAM), the memory cells can be accessed for information
transfer from any desired random location. That is, the process of locating a word in memory iS
the same and requires an equal amount of memory, thus the name "random access'".
The main drawback of RAM memory is that it is a volatile memory. That is, when the power
goes off, the contents of RAM get erased.
The RAM chips in a computer can be of two basic types :
(i) DynamicRAM (DRAM). These are made up of transistors and capacitors. The amount
of time taken to produce data required from memory, from the start of access until the
availability of data is called memory access timne. Today's DRAM chips have access times
ranging from below 20 to 70 nanoseconds.
MEMORY ACC
(ii) Static RAM. These are made up of flip-flops' and offer The amount of time taken to
faster access times (about 10 nanoseconds) than produce data required from
DRAMS.
memory, from the start of
Static RAMs are thus used in specialized applications access until the availability of
while dynamic RAMs are used in the primary storage data, is called Memory Access
sections of most computers. Time.

Reod Only Memory (ROM)

As the name implies, a read-only memory (ROM) is amemory unit that performs the read
operation only; it does not have a write capability. This implies that the binary information
stored in a ROM ismade permanent during the hardware production of the unit and cannot be
altered by writing different words into it (hence non-volatile). Whereas a RAM is a general
purpose device whose contents can be altered during the computational process, a ROM is
restricted to reading words that are permanently stored within the unit. ROMs are used for
applications in which it is known that the information never needs to be altered, for example, a
monitor program controlling a machine. These, however, are slower than RAM.
Aflip-flop is a binary cell capable of storing one bit of information.
 cOMPUTER SCIENCE WITH PIfHCa.

There are varioUS types of ROM which are given below:

(i) PROM (programmable ROM). Also called OTP(One Time Programmable), PROM Is a
user-programmable memory in which information is burnt using speciai equiprnent
called a ROM burner.
(r) EPROM (erasabBe programmable ROM). In EPROM, one can prograrn the
chip (through various mechanisms eg. UV radiation) and erase it many tirnes as
needed. The UV-EPROM can take up to 20 minutes tor erasing EPROM contente
rnernory
(i) EEPROM (electrically erasable programnable ROM). In EEPROM, the EPROM is
erased electrically which is faster. Also, with EEPROM, selective bytes can be erased
unlike UV-EPROM which erases fully.
(e) Flash EEPROM. It is like EEPROM but is very fast comparatively (the erasure of the
entire contents takes less than asecond). Also, it erases fully and not selectively
(o) Mask ROM. Mask ROM refers to a kind of ROM in which the contents are prograrmee
by the ICmanufacturer. It is not a user-programmable ROM.
125 The Storoge Unit
Computers need to store and retrieve data for processing. Since primary memory has alimited
Storage capacity and is not permanent, secondary storage devices are used to store laros
amount of data permanently. There are various types of secondary devices available these days.
To specify the storage capacity of storage devices, same Some most common
nits of memory are used, which are used for measuring storage devices
primary memory. That is, we can represent the storage 4 Hard disks
Magnetic
Media
capacity of storage devices in terms of kilo bytes (KBs), nega
CD ROMs
bytes (MBs), giga bytes (GBs) and tera bytes (TBs) as we do for Optical
DVDs Media
main memory.
Let us now talk about some most common storage devices. Pen drive Flash
memory
1. Hord Disks
The hard disk memories store information on one or more circular platters (or disks) which are
continually spinning. These rotating disks are coated with amagnetic material and stacked
with space between them. Information is recorded on the surface of rotating disks by magnetic
heads as tiny magnetic spots,
The hard disks of today have storage capacity measured in giga bytes upto tera by tes.
2. Compact Disks (CDs)
The compact disks or CDs are optical media. The CDs are relatively cheap and have astorage
capacity of upto 700 Mb. There are three main types of CDs :
(i) CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory). This is used only to store
information and cannot be used to store data. It is mainly used for CD distribution
eg, encyclopedias, soft ware, games, e-books etc.
(ii) CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable). It is mainly used for CD-R and can be written on
only once and disk can't be erased.
(iii) CD-RW (Compact Disk-Rewritable). CD-RW is an erasable disk vou can write on
multiple times.
Crorier.COMPUTER SYSTENM CVERVIEW

3. DVDs
hold abit
DVDISain ophcalstorage device that looks the same as a cornpact disc but isable to
15 times as much intormation and transfer if fo the computer about 20 times as fast as
CD-ROM. ADVD, also called a Super Density disk (SD), can hold upto 17 gjgabytes of data or
four hours of movies on a side. DVDs also come in three varieies.
(} DVD-ROM. This is read only DVDs ie. once recorded initially, you carnot write ori it
disc once
(1) DVD-R (DVD-Recordable). DVD-R similar to CD-R's allow users to write on the
but read it many times.
erase and
(i11) DVD-RW (DVD-Rewritable). Most writable DVD drives are DVD-RW You can
read many times on them.

4. Flosh Memory
i.e., it has no
A tlash drive is a small, ultra-portable storage device with a'solid state' mernory optical
lasers - unlike
moving parts unlike magnetic storage devices, nor does it make use of retained in
drives. Instead, it works in a similar way to RAM. The key difference is that data is
costing frOm
Flash memorv even when the power is switched off. They are now fairly inexpensive,
R250/- upwards. Typical sizes range from 256 Mbytes up to 128 GB and beyond.
5. Blu Roy Disk
Blu-ray Disc (also known as Blu-ray or BD) is an optical disc
Check
Point storage media format. Its main uses are high-definition
video and data storage. The disc has the same dimensions
1.1 as a standard DVD or CD. While current optical disc techno
DVD-RAM
()) Storage of 1 KB means the logies such as DVD, DVD ±R, DVD ±RW, and
rely on a red laser to read and write data, the new format
1
following number of bytes :
(a) 1000 (b) 964 uses a blue-violet laser instead, hence the name Blu-ray.
(c) 1024 (d) 1064 The benefit of using a blue-violet laser (405 nm) is that it has a
(i) One Megabyte is equivalent to shorter wavelength than a red laser (650 nm), which makes it
(a) 210 bytes (b) 220 bytes
possible to focus the laser spot with even greater precision.
(c) 230 bytes (d) none of the above
This allows data to be packed more tightly and stored in less
What are the functional conponents of space, so ie'spossible to fit moredata on the disceven though
a digital computer ? it's the same size as a CD/DVD. Blu Ray disks of today are
capable of storing upto 128 GB of data.
3. What are the components of CPU ?
What is its role ? What is the function
of contro! unit of CPU ?
1.2.6 The System Bus
4. What role does the input unit play in a
The system bus (or the bus) is an electronic pathway
CoInputer ?
composed of connecting cables and that connects the major
components of acomputer system. Through system bus,
5. What is the function of ALU ? data and instructions are passed among the computer
6. What role does the output unit play in system components.
a computer ?
The data carrying part of system bus is called data bus.
7. What is the function of main mnemory ?
What are the measuing wits of memory ? Thecontrol instruction carrying part of system bus is called
control bus.
8. What are different types of ROM ? >The memory address carrying part of system bus is called
9. Name some fast storage devices. Address bus.
10. Which storage device is considered a ’Aseparate type of bus called I/O Bus connects the Input,
portable device ? Output and other external devices to the system.
 COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH PYTHON
1.3 MOBILE SYSTEM
ORGANIare ZATION in your hand.
Modern mobile svstem Although they have
power tiny conmputers less
compared to their bigger
making calls through radio signals,versions, they handle diverse type of applications s
offering camera utilities, handling touch Such as computing
display audio'viideo/graphical
content but having little battery based power etc. sensitive screen,
Display Subsystem
Touch sensitive interface
Camera Unit
(Image Signal
Keyboard Display screen Processor)
CPU

RF Transceiver
APU (Application
SIM COMMUNICATIONS Processing Unit) Storage
PROCESSOR
Radio Signal (Digital Signal
Management Processor) GPU (Graphic
Processing Unit) External
Power Management Storage
Battery
pack Battery
management CODEC ROM RAM
ADC
Charger Audio
DAC
Memory
Subsystem
Mic Speaker
Figure 1.3 Mobile System
Organization
Thus, the system
organization
diagram of a mobile system is
of amobile
system has components to handle all
as shown here.
Let us talk about these. The block
these functional
Amobile
system's components of a mobile systenm one by one.
CPU handles diverse
computers as mobile systems run on battery types of applications but has a
power. little power
1. Mobile
Processor (Mobile CPU) compared to
This is the brain of a
plays audio/video, storessmartphone. The CPU receives
The CPU of a information and sends signalscommands, makes instant calculations,
(i)
mobile system has majorly two the throughout device.
Communi catio ns Processing Unit sub-processor
(i)
types:
In fact, major
subsystems are like processors in
signal processor.
Applications Processing Unit (APU)
themselves e.g., Radio Signal
Management system can be termed as Raáio
Chopter 1 : COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW 9

() Communications Processing Unit. [Mobile System IO Unitl This subsystem is

responsible for making and receiving phone calls on a mobile handset. It has adigital
signal processor that helps it work with RF Transceiver and the Audio subsystem.
Radio Signal Management Unit is responsible NOTE
for connecting SIM (which provides a type of
modem) to the base stations through radio These days major components
signals. (3G/LTE/4G based cellular networks). of a mobile system are
integrated on a single chip called
() Applications Processing Unit (APU). This subsystem System on a Chip (Soc). The SoC
is responsible for governing, controlling all types of chips consurne less power
Compared to other alternatives.
operations taking place on amobile system by running
various types of mobile applications (apps).
2. Display Subsystem
This subsystem is responsible for providing display facilities, touch sensitive interface and
touch sensitive keyboards.
3. Camera Subsystem
This subunit is designed to deliver a tightly bound image processing package and enable an
improved overallpicture and video experience. It has an integrated Image Signal Processor
ensures things like instant image capture, high-resolution support, image stabilization, and other
image enhancements.
4. Mobile System Memory
Like its other counterparts, a mobile system also needs memory to work. Amobile system's
memory is comprised of following two types of memories :
() RAM (Random Access Memory). It is the work memory of your mobile system. The
installed mobile apps, when run, are first loaded in the RAM and then executed. These apps
remain in the RAM after you are no longer using them and then they are shifted to background.
The more RAM you have on asmartphone, the better the performance and faster the phone will
generally be. RAM does not store information once the device is turned off.
(ii) ROM (Read Only memory). The ROM or Read Only
Check
Point Memory is a part of mobile system's internal storage and it
isnot accessible for users to write on and is thus referred to
1.2
as Read Only Memory. The ROM is basically Flash memory
1. What are major functional components or technically EEPROM (electrically erasable and program
of a mobile system ? mable read only memory).
2. What is the role of Communication This ROM part of a mobile system internal storage is where
processoI of a mobile system ? operating system resides. It also has some preinstalled apps
3. How does a mobile system manage and in this memory sections which cannot be deleted on users'
draw power ? end either. This is the reason why you don'tget full internal
4. What is the role of display management memory as advertised on the NOTE
unit of a mobile system ? Box, because a part of it has
5. How does memory of mobile function ? been used to house operating RAM memory is volatile, it loses
6. How does the CPU of a mobile system system and other pre its contents when you switch off
the device.
work ? installed apps.
 10
COMPUIER SCIENCE WITH PrTHON X1
5. SioCge
Ihe external storage of a mobile system is also called
of SD cards, or micro SD expandable storage. It comes in the form
cards etc. It is the storage which can be removed easily by you and can
De used for storing pictures, music. videos andthe likes. To an
can also be categorized as extent, even the cioud storage
external storage.
o. Fowe:
ionouenent Sisyste (Battery)
Ihis subsvstem is responsible for providing power to a
mobile
woTk on limitedpower provided through an attached battery unit. system. The mobile systems
Thissubsystem has a battery
management system that works with a battery charger and a battery unit, and provides power
to the mobile system in
required form.
1.4 TYPES OF SOFTWARE
A computer system consists of hardware and
software for its proper functioning.
ia aac represents the physical and tangible
that can be seen and touched. Input devices,components
of the computer .e., the components
output devices, CPU, hard disk, printer etc. are
examples of computer hardware.
Soteare represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a
make the hardware run. Software can be classified broadly into two computer system and
1. System Software categories.
2. Application Software
Following sections discuss system software and application software in
details.
l41S stem Software
A computer is mere a machine that knows
nothing of itself. Rather it requires instructions for
each and everything it performs. These
instructions are provided to it through software. The
software that controls internal computer operations (viz.
reading data from input devices,
transmitting processed information to the output devices, checking system components, converting
data/instructions to computer understandable form etc.) is known as system software.
The system software can further be classified into oo SYSTEM SoFTWARE
categories :
The software that controls
1. Operating System 2. Language Processor. internal computer operations is
Let us discuss each one of these called System Software.
individually.
1.4.1A Operating System
The primary goal of an operating system is thus to
and secondary goal is to use make the computer system convenient to use
computer hardware in an efficient manner. An
an important component of a
computer system which controls all other operating system is
components of the
computer system. Major components of a computer system are:
1. The Hardware 2. The Operating System OPERATING SYSTEM
An Operating System is a
3. The Application program routines (compiler,
database management systems, utility programs)linkers,
program which acts as ar
interface between a user and
4. The Humanware (users) the hardware (i.e., all computer
resources).
 11
Chopter : COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW

where hardvare provides the basic computing resources, the ayplication program routines define the
ways in which these resSOurces are used to solve the computing problems of the userS ane tne
Operating System controls and coordinates the use of the hardware among the various
application programs for the various users.
An operatng system's major role is to eXecute a program. How an operating system executes a
program, is covered in chapter 4.
of
Ihere are ditterent types of operating systems available today to cater to varied type
requirements. These are: Single user 0S, Multiuser OS, Time sharing OS, Real time 05,
Multiprocessing OS, Distributed OS etc.
We are not discussing these operating systems types here as it is beyond the scope of the
svllabus.

1.4.1B Longuoge Processors

can translate the source code
Alanguage processor is a special type of a computer software that the terms source code
nto an object code or machine code. Here vou should know the meaning of
or object code.
a high ievel
A source code refers to the program-code written by a programmer in
programming language (HLL) such as in C, Java, Ctt etc.
larnguage
An object code refers to a code usually in machine language or binary code, a
that computer can understand easily and run on hardware.
convert source codes into object
So, you can sately say that language processors are software that
codes.
interpreter.
There are three types of language processors : assembler, compiler and
language
() Assembler. This language processor converts the program written in assembly
into machine language.
translates and executes
(11) Interpreter. An interpreter is a type of system software that
instructions written in acomputer program line-by-line, unit by unit etc.
and executes
(iii) Conpiler. A Compiler is another type of system software that translates
instructions written in acomputer program in one go.

Chapter 4 (section 4.3) discusses the working of compilers and interpreters in details.
1.4.2 Applicotion Software
instance, a software that can
This type of software pertains to one specific application. For
perform railway reservation functions cannot prepare result for a school.
specitictask
These are the programs written by programmers to enable computer to pertorm a
and figures, medical
such as processing words, inventory control, handling alculations
accounting, financial accounting, result preparation, railway reservation, billing etc.
Application software can further be subdivided into four APPLICATION SOETWARE
An Application Software is the
categories : set of programs necessary to
2. Utilities
1. Packages carry out operations for a
3. Customised Software 4. Developer Tools specified application.
 12
COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH PrTHON

14.2A Packoges
Only sstem software
software exists nostBy fordoesthenotbenefit
suffice for efficient use of computers because the
system
of the computer. Other proOgrans 1.¬., the application
softw are are required to make
WIitten to do almost every task the computer useful for people. Application software has
imaginable, from word processing to selecting a been
attend. college to
As
applications may be numerous (from thousands to millions of them), it is not feasible to
SOtware for each one of them. Rather
individual users in theemanner it suitssome general software are designed that may be used by design
their needs and requirements. Such
software are known general-application
as packages. Some major and most common categories of
application software (packages) are : general
() Word Processing
(ii) Software (i) Spreadsheets
Database
(o) Graphics, Management Systems (iv) Desktop Publishing Software
multimedia, and presentation applications.
1.4.2B Utilities
Utilities are those helpful programs that ensure the
smooth functioning of the computer. UTILITIES
SImply Utilities are meant to assist your Utility programs or Utilities
utilities help you backup data, somecomputer. Some those application
are

programs that assist the computer by

outdated files or recover data that has beenhelp remove performing housekeeping functions
erased. Some make it easier to find accidentally like backing up disk or
cleaning viruses or scanning
/
information you need. And some help and arrange the
arranging
attacks or clean viruses, if any. In other you avoid virus information etc.
programs perform house-keeping functions. words, the utility
It is an established truth
that
an exception to it. Utilities everything comes with certain pros and cons. Software also are not
bridge the gaps by helping to solve the
computer's potential. problems and maximize your
Some important utilities are being
discussed below.
1. Text Editor. This
utility program is used for creating,
2. Backup Utility. This editing text files.
utility program facilitates the
duplicating the disk backing-up of disk. Back-up
up data may be used.information that in case of any damage or data-loss, this means
so
backed
3. Compression Utility.
This
be compressed so that theyutility program facilitates compression of files.
take less storage
area. Large files can
4 Disk
Defragmentor. A file is
to store in a single location ontragmented when it
a disk. When this becomes too large for your computer
up and stores it in happens, your
longer to access them.
pieces. You can use
iragmented iles, but itcomputer splits the file
takes your computer
Disk Defragmentor utility program speeds up disk access by
free space on your rearranging the files and
computer, so that iles are stored in
is consolidated in one contiguous block. contiguous units and free space
Chapter 1 :COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW 13

3. Antuius Software. This utilityprogram ensures virus-free work envirornment. Acomputer

Virus is a maliciousconputer program that disrupts normal functioning of acomputer.
An antivirus software scans vour disk for viruses and rermoves thern, if ary virus Is
tound. Moreover, some antivirus software remains presernt in mernory all the time so
that they can detect the viruses (as soon as they occur) and counterattack them.

Application Software
Word processors

Spreadsheets System Software Databases

Hardware
Graphic Operating Presentation
design System
Utilities
software
software CPU, disks, mouse,
printer, etc.

Language Device
processSors drivers

Figure 1.4 Working hierarchy in a computer.

1.4.2C Business Software

This typeof software is specifically created software according to abusiness requirements. This
type of software is developed to meet the general requirements of a business. For instance, a
company wants to computerize its 'Accounts' department and gets asoftware that can serve its
needs. Such a software is business software. There are many readymade business software.
These can cater to a variety of business needs. Examples of these software are Inventory
Management System (for managing inventory details of a company), Payroll system (tor
handling payroll of a company's employees), Financial Accounting, Hotel Management and
Reservation System etc. Although there are standard business software available in market, yet
some companies prefer getting customized (tailor-made) software as per their specific
Check
Point requirements. However, such softwares cannot be directly
installed at any other user's workplace as the requirements
1.3
of the second user may differ from the first and the sottware
1. How can computer software be classified ? may not fit in the requirements of the new user.
2. What are two categories of system
software ?
1.4.3 Software Libraries
3. What is an operating system ? What is When programmers develop software and programs, they
its role ? have a prewritten set of code/functions, classes, scripts etc.
4. What is application software ? What are available to do avariety of tasks, which they can use
the three categories of application directly in their code. These predetined sets of codes are
software ? called software libraries. Asoftware library is a predefined
5. Differentiate between a compiler and and available to use, suite of data and programming code
interpreter. inthe fornm of prewritten code/ functions/scripts/classes etc.
6. What is utility software ? that can be used in the development of new software
7. What are software libraries? How are
programs and applications.
they useful to programmers ?
 14 COMPUTER SCIENCE WITH PYTHON

The Sottare libraries combine codes/ functions /scripts / classes etc. on the basS of the
unon domain. In order to use the ewritten functionality, a programmer needs to add th
eraries to its code. For instance. ifvour software requires some heavy mathematical work the
VOu need not write the functions/code etc. for
SOFTWARE LI6RARIES
Complex mathematical functions. Rather what you
need to do is that to include/import an available Asoftware library is a predefined an
available to use, suite of data an
math based software library in your
program. Then
VOucan use all the available functions and features
programming code in the form of prewtitte
code / functions / scripts / classes etc. tha
of this library in vour code without can be used in the development of ne
having to software programs and applications.
rewTite them. You can use a software library in a
variety of projects.
For example, Python comes equipped with many software libraries. Some of these are :
I. NumPy (Numerical Python). It provides an abundance of useful features and functior
tor operations on numeric arrays and matrices in Python.
2. SciPy (Scientific Python). SciPy contains modules for linear algebra, optimizatio
integration, and statistics.
3. Panda Library. Pandas is a Python package designed to do work with "labeled" an
"relational" data. It is designed for quick and easy data manipulation, aggregation, an
visualization.
With this we have come to the end of this chapter. Let us quickly revise what we have leant s
far.

LET US REVISE

e Computers can deliver performance because of an efficient combination of hardware and software.
G While hardware refers to physical electronic components of a computer, software represent the recordec
instructions/software that govern its operation.
GComputer organizoion refers to logical structure of a computer describing their interconnections and wor
dependency.
The functional conmponents of acomputer include : input unit, CPU, Menmory, Storage Unit, Output Unit.
e The Input unit is responsible for obtaining input from user and converting it to digital form.
G The CPU(Central Processing Unit) processes the receiver input as per a set of instructions and produces output.
The CPU has these sub-components : ALU, Control Unit and Registers.
The ALU(Arithmetic of Logic Unit) is responsible for carrying out arithmetic operations and logic operations (e.g.
comparing two values).
The Control Unit controls or supervises the processing taking place.
Registers are small data holding areas within CPU that hold daa, instructions and memory address during the
processing.
). The main memory or memory holds the data and programs for the pro essing.
Main memory can either be ROM or RAM.
ROM is read only memory that stores some prewritten instructions.