MODULE 3: COMPUTER SYSTEM

Objectives:
At the end of the module, you should be able to:
1. Identify the elements of computer system
2. Understand how the CPU works
3. Identify different application software
4. Understand the use of operating system

1.1. Key Components of a Computer System

1.1.1. Computer System

A computer is an electronic device used to process data, converting the data into
information that is useful to people. It is an electronic device that can interpret and
execute programmed commands for input, output computation, and logic operations.
Computer System refers to the logical and physical interconnection of interrelated
computer parts, units and functions, and other associated materials to accomplish a
specific goal. Each computer part has mutual or reciprocal relation with the other parts
of the computer system such that the first part serves to support the operation of the
second part, the second part also helps to support the third part and so on.

1.1.2. Parts of the Computer System: Hardware, Software, Data and User
A. Hardware - refers to the physical parts of the computer system such as the CPU,
keyboard, monitor, printer and etc.

Input Output
Control Unit (CU)

ALU

Registers

Memory

Storage
Basic Hardware Components

a. Processor or the Central Processing Unit (CPU) – like the brain of the computer
in a way that I organizes and controls instructions that come from either the
user or the software. Usually consists of one or more microprocessor chips
that are plugged into the main circuit board.

CU: contains circuitry that uses electrical signals to direct the operation of the
processor. It tells the memory and other parts of the computer system how to
respond to the instructions that have been sent to the processor. Provide
timing and control signals. Directs the flow of data between the CPU and other
devices.

ALU: contains the electronic circuitry that executes all arithmetic and logical
operations. It can perform four kinds of operations, or mathematical
calculations – addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. As its name
implies, the ALU also performs logical operations.

REGISTERS: A processor register (CPU register) is one of a small set of data

holding places that are part of the computer processor. A register may hold an
instruction, a storage address, or any kind of data (such as a bit sequence or
individual characters). Some instructions specify registers as part of the
instruction.

b. Memory (RAM or ROM) – like an electronic scratchpad inside the computer.

The place where the program and data are loaded during execution. Measured
in terms of bytes (kilobyte, megabyte, gigabytes, terabytes)

c. Storage device – a place to keep program files and related data when they are
not in use. Example, hard disk, etc.
d. Input and Output devices – Input Devices: accept data and instruction from
the user or from another computer system. Output Devices: return processed
data back to the user or another computer system.

How the CPU Executes Program Instructions

Before the instruction can be executed, program instructions and data must be
placed into memory from an input device or a secondary storage device. Once the
necessary data and instruction are in memory, the CPU performs the following
four steps for each instruction:
 The CU fetches (gets) the instruction from memory.
 The CU decodes the instruction and directs that the necessary data be
moved from memory to the ALU. These first two steps together are called
instruction time.
  The ALU executes the arithmetic or logical instruction. That is, the ALU is
given control and performs the actual operation on the data.
 The ALU stores the result of this operation in memory or in a register. Steps
3 and 4 together are called execution time.

B. Software is a set of electronic instructions consisting of complex codes (program) that

tell the computer what to do.

Categories:

a. System Software – a program that is created to serve in the operation of other

programs. Example: Operating System
b. Application Software – program that is created for a specific purpose.
Example: Word Processing, etc.

Operating System (OS) – is a set of computer program that control the computer
hardware and act as an interface with application programs.
 Activities of OS:
a. Common Hardware Functions
a. Converts a single, basic instruction into the set of detailed instructions
the hardware require
b. Notifies the user if input/output devices need attention, if an error has
occurred.
b. User Interface
 Allows individual to access and command the computer system (e.g.
command-based user interface, GUI)
c. Hardware Interdependence
 Application use the OS by making request for services through a defined
application program interface (API) – programmer can use APIs to create
application software without understanding the inner workings of the OS
d. Memory Management
 Converts a user’s request for data or instructions to the physical location
where the data or instructions are stored
e. Processing Tasks
 Multitasking, user can run more than one application at the same time
f. Networking Capability
 Aid users in connecting to a computer network
g. Access to System Resources
 Provide a high level of security against unauthorized access to user’s data
and programs (e.g. establish a log-on procedure)
h. File Management
 Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed

Types of Application Software

a. Proprietary Application Software – solve a unique or specific problem, meeting
the needs of a particular industry or company.
b. Off-the-Shelf Application Software – programs developed for a general market
c. Customized Package

C. Data – is a collection of raw, unorganized facts and figures that need to be processed.
Raw facts or details from which information is derived.

D. User – is a person or computer that uses or operates a computer.

NAME: ________________________________ COURSE/YR: _________________

ASSESSMENT:
1. What makes a “computer system” a system? Explain your answer?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
2. When programs are being run, where are they in a computer system? Explain your
answer.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
3. Give a good metaphor to explain the function of an operating system. Explain briefly.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________