System
Prof. Malaram Kumhar
Assistant Professor
CSE Department
Institute of Technology
Nirma University
Computer Generations
Computer Architecture
Hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical elements that
constitutes a computer system.
Computer hardware refers to the physical parts or components of a
computer such as the monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data
storage, hard drive disk (HDD), system unit (graphic cards, sound cards,
memory, motherboard and chips), etc. all of which are physical objects
that can be touched
Software
Computer software, or simply software, also known as computer programs,
is the non-tangible component of computers.
It represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a computer
system and make the hardware run.
Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical
component of computers.
Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be
realistically used without the other.
System Software- To help the computer to perform specific functions for
itself. One major example is operating system. All computers require an
operating system. E.g. DOS ( Disk operating System, Windows 98, Windows
2000, Windows XP, Windows NT, Linux, UNIX etc.)
Register
Hardware register, a placeholder for information about some hardware
condition
Processor register, a component inside a central processing unit for
storing information
e.g. Program Counter (PC)
Stack Pointer (SP)
Accumulator
CPU
Main Memory
Commonly known as random access memory, or just RAM
Holds instructions and data needed for programs that are currently
running
RAM is usually a volatile type of memory
Contents of RAM are lost when power is turned off
Secondary Memory
A nonvolatile storage medium
Contents retained while power is off
Hard disk drives are most common
Records data magnetically on a circular disk
Provides fast access to large amounts of data
Input Devices
Accept data and instructions from the user or from another computer
system
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KeyBoard
Mouse
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Scanner
Joy Stick
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Light Pen
Web Camera
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Touch Screen
Mike
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Output Devices
Return Processed data back to the user or other computer system
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Laser Printer
Line Printer
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Speakers
19-Aug-14
Monitor
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Compiler
compiler is a computer program (or set of programs) that transforms source
code written in a programming language (the source language) into another computer
language (the target language, often having a binary form known as object code). The
most common reason to transform source code is to create an executable program.
The name "compiler" is primarily used for programs that translate source code from
a high-level programming language to a lower level language (e.g., assembly
language or machine code).
If the compiled program can run on a computer whose CPU or operating system is
different from the one on which the compiler runs, the compiler is known as a crosscompiler.
A program that translates from a low level language to a higher level one is
a decompiler.
A program that translates between high-level languages is usually called a source-tosource compiler or transpiler.
Interpreter
A translating program that translates and executes the statements in
sequence
Assembler or compiler produce machine code as output, which is then executed
in a separate step
An interpreter translates a statement and then immediately executes the statement
Interpreters can be viewed as simulators
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Compilers
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Assembler
An assembler is a program that takes basic computer instructions and
converts them into a pattern of bits that the computer's processor can
use to perform its basic operations.
mov bx, ax
sub bx, 100
jge continue
mov ax, 100
continue: mul ax
Operating System(OS)
Operating System is a software, which makes a computer to actually
work.
It is the software the enables all the programs we use.
The OS organizes and controls the hardware.
What OS does?
An operating system performs basic tasks such as,
Types of Computers
Computer can be classified based of their:
1. Application: Digital, Analog, Hybrid
2. Purpose: General and Specific Purpose
3. Size: Micro, Mini, Mainframe, Super