LEARNING AREA 2 – COMPUTER SYSTEMS

System Concept 2.1

Overview of Computer Systems 2.1.1

Define computer systems 2.1.1.1

A Computer System is defined as combination of component designed
for input , process data and store files.

State the meaning of input, process, output and storage 2.1.1.2

Meaning of input:
Any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer. There
are four types of input which are: text, graphics, audio and video.
Example of devices:
Keyboard, mouse, digital camera, joystick, trackball, touch screen,
microphone, pointing
stick, graphic tablet and scanner, barcode reader.

Meaning of process:
Interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the
computer.
Example of devices:
CPU or Central Processing Unit/ Processor/ Microprocessor such as
Intel® Core™2 Duo Processor, AMD Athlon

Meaning of output:
The result of raw input data that has been processed by the Central
Processing Unit (CPU) into meaningful information.
Example of devices:
Speaker, monitor, LCD projector, printer and plotter.

Meaning of storage:
A location in which data, instructions, and information are saved for future
use.
Example of devices:
CDROM, diskette, hard disk, flash disk.

Describe the information processing cycle which includes input,

process, output and storage 2.1.1.3

Input Process Output

Storage

Information processing cycle of computer can be well described as follow:

User will input the data using input devices.

Data will be process by the processor.
The output devices present the processed data and,
The storage holds data, files & instruction to be retrieve for the future use.
Exta Info:
MACHINE CYCLE

FETCHING

STORING DECODING

EXECUTING

The processing unit (CPU) controls all activities within the system. For
every instruction, the control unit repeats a set of four basic operations
called the machine cycle:

FETCHING : the process of obtaining a program instruction or data item

from memory
DECODING : the process of translating a program instruction into signal
that the
computer can execute
EXECUTING : the process of implementing the instructions in a program
STORING : the process of writing the result to the storage or memory

Data Representation 2.1.2

State the relationship of data representation: bit, byte and
character 2.1.2.1

BIT : Bit is a short for binary digit. A bit is represented by the

numbers 1 and 0.
BYTE : Byte is a unit of information built from bits. One byte is
equals to 8 bits.
CHARACTER : One byte represents one character such as A, 7, 9 and +.
Eight bits that are
grouped together as a unit.

The relationship of data can be as follow:

1 bit = 0 or 1
1 byte = 8 bits
1 character = 1 byte

Introduction to Binary Coding 2.1.3

Explain the function of ASCII code 2.1.3.1

ASCII can be pronounced as "ask-key". It stands for the American

Standard Code for Information Interchange. ASCII is a standard of 7-bit
code

The function of ASCII is used

• to represent characters such as letters, numbers and punctuation
marks.
 • to let human communicate with digital computer that use binary
signal.

Data Measurements 2.1.4

State the unit of data measurement 2.1.4.1
1 Bit 1 bit = 1 or 0 (Single Binary Digit)
2 Byte 1 Byte = 8 bits
3 Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 bytes
4 Megabyte 1 MB = 1024 KB
5 Gigabyte 1 GB = 1024 MB
6 Terabyte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB

Additional notes: A petabyte (PB) is 1,024TB. Indiana University is now

building storage systems capable of holding petabytes of data. An
exabyte (EB) is 1,024PB. A zettabyte (ZB) is 1,024EB. Finally, a
yottabyte (YB) is 1,024ZB.

Clock Speed Measurement 2.1.5

State the units of clock speed measurement: (Megahertz and
Gigahertz) 2.1.5.1

MEGAHERTZ (MHz)
Mega is a prefix that stands for million. Thus, megahertz (MHz) equals to
one million cycles of the system clock

GIGAHERTZ (GHz)
Giga is a prefix that stands for billion. Gigahertz (GHz) equals to one billion
cycles of the system clock. In relation with megahertz, 1.0 GHz is
equivalent to 1000 MHz.

The clock speed unit is measured in hertz.

1 Hertz

2 Megahertz(MHz)

3 Gigahertz(GHz)
HARDWARE (2.2)

Input Device (2.2.1)

Identify the input devices used for text, graphic, audio and video (2.2.1.1)

• Any hardware component that allows users to enter

data and instruction into a computer.

TYPES OF INPUT EXAMPLE OF INPUT DEVICES

Text Keyboard, barcode reader
Graphics Digital camera, scanner, graphic tablet
Microphone, MIDI keyboard, digital
Audio
voice recorder pen
Video Digital video camera, webcam, CCTV

Output Devices (2.2.2)

Identify the output devices used for text, graphic, audio and video.
(2.2.2.1)

• Any hardware that is capable of delivering or showing information to

one or more user. An output device shows, prints and presents the
result of a computer’s work.

TYPES OF INPUT EXAMPLE OF OUTPUT DEVICES

Text Screen (monitor), printer, plotter
Graphics Screen (monitor),printer, plotter
Audio Speaker, headphone
Video LCD projector, screen (monitor)

Motherboard 2.2.3

Identify the location of the central processing unit (CPU), expansion

slots,expansion cards, RAM slots, ports and connectors on the
motherboard.( 2.2.3.1)
LABEL THE COMPONENTS:
 PORTS AND CONNECTORS:

Power

mous
keyboar e
d
USB
USB
printer
(parallel
serial port)

speake
r
Monitor microph
one
game
port
network
telephon
e line
telephon out
e line in
svideo FM
out reception
cable TV
 COMPONENT FUNCTION
Central Processing Unit The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
controls the operation of the
computer. It interprets and carries
out the basic instructions that
operate a computer
Expansion Slot In computers, a slot or expansion
slot, is an engineered technique for
adding capability to a computer in
the form of connection pinholes
Expansion Card An expansion card is a circuitry
designed to provide
expanded capability to a computer.
RAM Slot The slot where the computer
memory, also called as RAM is
placed on the computer’s
motherboard.
Port and Connector A port is the point at which a
peripheral attaches to a system unit
so that the peripheral can send data
to or receive information from the
computer. A connector joins a cable
to a peripheral

TYPE OF PORT FUNCTIONS

Serial Port Connect modem and old printer
Parallel Port Connect printer
USB Port Printer, external hard disk, mouse,
scanner
Firewire Port Require faster data transmission

Storage 2.2.4
STORAGE
Explain types and function of: (2.2.4.1)
- Primary Storage
- Secondary Storage SECONDAR
PRIMARY
Y

ROM RAM Magnetic Medium

CD, CD-ROM, and DVD

Magnetic disk: floppy disk, hard disk, CD-R:
magnetic tape; video cassette, audio
CD-RW, DVD-RW, and DVD-RAM
storage reel-to-reel tape

Optical Medium

Flash Memory

Memory card, Flash drive

PRIMARY STORAGE FUNCTION
RAM o RAM is volatile, which means the program
and data will be lost when the computer is
turned off.
o Data from RAM can be read or retrieved and
written or stored during processing
ROM o ROM is non-volatile which means is holds
the programs and data event when
computer is turned off.
o data from ROM can just be read only.

SECONDARY STORAGE

Secondary storage is an alternative storage. It is very useful to store

programs and data for future use
 TYPE OF DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
MEDIUM
Magnetic Magnetic Medium is a non- Magnetic disk: floppy
Medium volatile storage medium. It disk, hard disk,
can be any type of storage magnetic tape; video
medium that utilizes cassette, audio
magnetic patterns to storage reel-to-reel
represent information. The tape
devices use disks that are
coated with magnetically
sensitive material.
Optical Optical Medium is a non- CD, CD-ROM, and DVD
Medium volatile storage media that CD-R:
holds content in digital form CD-RW, DVD-RW, and
that are written and read by DVD-RAM
a laser. These media include
various types of CDs and
DVDs.
Flash Flash Memory is a solid- Memory card, Flash
Memory state, non-volatile, drive
rewritable memory that
functions like RAM and a
hard disk drive combined.
Flash memory store bits of
electronic data in memory
cells just like DRAM
(Dynamic RAM), but it also
works like a hard disk drive
that when the power is
turned off, the data remains
in the memory.

Operating System ( 2.3.1)

An operating system (OS) is software, consisting of programs and data,
that runs on computers and manages the computer hardware and
provides common services for efficient execution of various application
software.
State the various types of OS used on different platform (2.3.1.1)
Types of OS
• Stand alone operating system

o Eg: Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS, Linux, DOS

 • Network Operating System

o an operating system that includes special functions for

connecting computers and devices into a local-area network
(LAN).

o Eg: Windows NT, Windows Server 2000, Linux, UNIX, Solaris

• Embedded Operating System

o An embedded operating system is an operating system

for embedded computer systems. very compact and efficient.

o Examples of embedded operating systems could include the

software used in Automated Teller Machines, Cash Registers,
CCTV systems, a TV box set, a GPS, jukeboxes, missiles, etc

Platform Operating System

• PC and IBM compatible • Microsoft DOS
• Microsoft Windows XP
• Microsoft Windows Vista
• Microsoft Windows 7
• Linux
• Free BSD
• TinyOS
• Mac –Macintosh (Apple) • Mac OS
• Mac OS X
• Mac OS X Leopard
• Mac OS X Snow Leopard

State the functions of OS (2.3.1.2)

• Starting a computer (booting)

• User Interface

o how the user interacts with the computer to perform various

tasks

o User runs the application programs, opens the document,

enters the data, prints the output reports etc

• Managing program

o Some operating systems have single user functionality and

can support only one user at a time.

o The operating systems can perform the following tasks.

i) Multi Tasking

In multitasking, more than one program can be

executed at a time on a single computer.
 ii) Multi Programming

o Different users can simultaneously run

two or more programs.
o controlled by the multi-user operating
systems
o mainframe or supercomputer where
thousands of users can perform different
tasks at same time.

iii) Multiprocessing

o multiple programs (more than one

programs) are executed on different
processors at same time. very fast.
• Managing memory

o Allocating data and instruction to an area of memory while

being processed

o Monitoring the contents of memory

• Configuring devices

o The functions of devices attached with the computer are

controlled by the special system software called device
drivers.

o The device driver tells the operating system how to

communicate with a device.

o Each device has its own device driver.

.
State the different interfaces of OS (2.3.1.3)

• There are two main types of user interfaces. These are:

o Command-line User Interface

 The command is typed manually from keyboard to
perform a specific task.
 The command typed must follow the specific rules
and syntax.
 difficult to use, not user friendly
 example: DOS .
o Graphical User Interface (GUI)
 the operating system provides graphical images on
the computer screen,
 known as icons or command buttons and represent
objects.
 The user clicks the icon to open the document or to
execute the command.
 The GUI is very easy to interact with the computer.
 Example: Microsoft Windows operating system .

Application Software (2.3.2)

State the types of application software (2.3.2.1)
Describe the uses of application software (2.3.2.2)
Types of Uses / function Examples
software
Word Processing • Allows user to create and MS-Word,WordPad,
manipulate documents Notepad
containing mostly text and
sometimes graphics.
Spreadsheet • Allows users to perform Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
calculations. and Apple
• They simulate paper Numbers
worksheets by displaying
multiple cells that make up
a grid.
Presentation • To display information in Microsoft
the form of a slide show. PowerPoint, Flash,
• The software perform three Open Office
functions: Impress, Apple
 o Editing Text and Keynote
o Inserting graphics
o formatting

Graphic • allows users to work with Adobe photoshop

drawing, photos and Adobe ilustrator
pictures. Corel draw
• Provide the users the ability GIMP
of creating, manipulating Ulead Photoimpact
and printing graphics.

Utility Program (2.3.3)

• Known as service programs
• Allow users to perform maintenance-type task related to managing
a computer, its device, or its program

Differentiate between the types and usage of utility programmes

(file management, diagnostic and file compression). (2.3.3.1)

Utility Program Usage Examples

File management • Perform functions related to Windows
files and disk management Explorer
• Ex: copy, move, rename or
delete files
Diagnostic Utility • Diagnostic or troubleshooting Norton utilities
utility
• compiles technical information
about a computer’s hardware
and certain system software
programs
• prepares a report outlining
any identified problems
File Compression • System software used to Winzip,
shrink the size of files WinRar, PKZip
Antivirus • A program that protects a Norton
computer against viruses by Antivirus,
identifying and removing any Kaspersky,
computer viruses found in a AntiVir, AVG
memory , storage media or
incoming files.
Defragmenter • Utility program that Norton Speed
reorganises files and unused Disk, Disk
space on a computer hard disk Defragmenter

Proprietary and Open Source Software (2.3.4)

Proprietary Software
• Company that developed that software owns the software

• No one may duplicate or distribute without the companies

permission

• Users have to purchase the software

 • Examples: Microsoft Office 2010, Adobe Photoshop CS3, and
Windows 7

Open Source Software

• Software that is free to use

• Provide the original source code so that advanced users can modify
it

• Examples: LINUX, GIMP, Blender, Mozilla Firefox, and OpenOffice.org

Differentiate between proprietary and open source software

(2.3.4.1)
Open Source Software Proprietary Software
Purchased with its source code Purchased without its source code
User can get open software for free User must pay to get the
of charge proprietary software
Users can modify the software Users cannot modify the software
Users can install software freely into User must have a license form
any computer vendor before install into computer
No one is responsible to the Full support from vendor if anything
software happened to the software
Installation(2.4)
Personal Computer (PC) Assembling(2.4.1)
Assemble the components of a PC(2.4.1.1)

Component List For Assembling a PC

PC Assembling

Hard Disk Partition And Formataing(2.4.2)

STEP EXPLAINATION
1. Fixing 1. Place the CPU into the CPU socket. Make sure
TheProcessor pin number
one is placed correctly.
2. Lock the socket using the locking lever.
3. Apply the IC paste at the bottom of the heat sink.
4. Fix the processor fan on the processor

2. Installing The 1. Insert the RAM in the RAM slot and press
RAM downwards. Ensure
that the RAM remains in the locked position.

3. Installing The 1. Attach the power supply to the motherboard.

Power Supply Ensure all
connections are firmly attached and no wires run
near the top
of the processor fan.

4. Installing The 1. Set the jumper on the CD-ROM drive as Master

Optical 2. Attach the drive to the trails on the casing.
Drive (DVD or 3. Screw the drive securely on both sides.
CD) 4. Plug in the IDE cable and power cable.

5. Installing The 1. Attach the drive to the casing

Floppy 2. Screw the drive securely on both sides.
Drive 3. Plug the power cable.
4.Connect the IDE cable

6. Installing The 1. Set the jumper to master. If this is second hard

Hard disk, set the
Disk jumper to slave.
2. Secure the hard disk on both sides.
3. Attach the master or slave connection of the IDE
cable to the
hard disk.
4. Connect the power cable.

7. Connecting 1. Replace the casing and screw it tightly and finally

Other set it in an
Peripherals upright position.
2. Plug in the video cable from the monitor to the
display card.
3. Connect the keyboard, speakers and mouse to
the respective
ports.

8. Powering The 1. Plug in the power cord and switch on the power.
System 2. Press the power button.

Format and Partition The Hard Disk(2.4.2.1)

Creating A Partition On Hard Disk

To continue installing a fresh copy of Windows XP without

repairing, press ESC.

A simple Disk Manager, allowing to create and delete

partitions. Then select an “ Unpartitioned space” and press
C to create partition. If do not need to specify the size of
the partition, use the default size and press ENTER.

Now, a partition is created. Select the partition and press Enter to set up
Windows XP on the selected partition. Choose a desired format either
using NTFS or FAT for the partition. Click ENTER on the chosen format.

Formatting Hard Disk

Once the partition is created, the next screen will ask for the type of disk
formatting to be used. Disk formatting is the process of making a disk for
specific file system such as NTFS. Here, we are going to use NTFS, so we
will select it and press ENTER. Setup will start formatting the disk and will
then start copying files from the CD-ROM to the disk. The system will then
need to reboot.
After the restart, Windows XP starts the first time with the graphical user
interface. Setup will continue to copy files and to install the OS.

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION(2.4.3)

Install Operating System, Application Software And Utility

programs(2.4.3.1)

Examples of operating system

Steps In Finalizing Windows Xp Installation

Installing An Application Software

To install a new application software, you need to check:

• the hardware requirements demanded by the
software, for example whether you have a Pentium
4 Processor
• other software requirements, such as DirectX 10 or
Windows XP

Some new software need special hardware and software specifications.

Installing Ms Office XP
Guided through the installation of Microsoft Office XP. Check minimum
hardware and system requirements:
• Windows 98
• 133 MHz Processor
• 24 MB RAM
• 245 MB of available hard disk space

• Enter name and initials in the User name and Initials

fields, and Organization field, respectively. Enter the CD Key (the 25
characters located on the back of the CD's case and called Product
Key) into the Product Key field. Click Next.

• Read the End-User License Agreement. Select the “I accept the terms
in the License Agreement" option, then click Next to continue.

• Leave Install Now selected for the default install. Click Next.
A new window will appear, verifying the components that you wish to
install. If the
information is correct, click Install; otherwise click Back and make
necessary changes.

• Microsoft Office XP will install to the computer. The installation may

take several minutes.

• If the program installs correctly, a Microsoft Office XP window will

appear, stating that the program has been installed successfully. Click
OK to complete the installation.

• Restart the computer. Save any opened documents or files before

restarting to avoid data loss.

• Microsoft Office icons will appear on computer’s Desktop.

Installing A Utility Program

General Guide in installing Utility Program

1. Make sure a computer meets the requirements of the utility to

install.
2. The 'Readme’ file is usually located in the same directory as
installation program. Installation instructions are usually found in
this file.
3. When installing the utility, it is always advisable to first close or
disable other programs that are still running.
4. Most utilities contain an Auto Play feature that will automatically
start the setup screen for the program when the CD is run.
5. Otherwise, you can open the My Computer window, and locate the
setup file manually.
Installing An Antivirus Program

• An antivirus program will detect, clean or quarantine

viruses found. First download the free antivirus
program, AVG Free Edition. Click on the downloaded
file to begin installation.

• A pop-up window appears requiring the user to

continue the installation steps. Click OK to complete
the installation.

Current and Future Development (2.5))

Latest Open source Software Available(2.5.1)
Explain The latest Open Source OS And Application Software
Available In The Market(2.5.1.1)

Open Source Software

Open source software is:
• software provided for use, modification and redistribution
• software that any programmer can download from the Internet
for free and modify with suggested improvements.
• the only qualification is that changes can't be copyrighted,

Why is it popular? Because this software is not closed software. Any

programmer can make improvements which can result in better quality
software.

Examples Of Open Source Software

Linux is the popular multi-tasking UNIX type operating system. Some

version of Linux are command line. Others are GUI. The two most popular
GUIs available for Linux are GNOME and KDE. Many application programs,
uitlities and plugins have Linux versions including OpenOffice.org, PHP-
Nuke,The GIMP, Mozilla, ClamAV,OpenLDAP, Audacity and RedHat.
Users can obtain Linux in a variety of ways. Some download it for free
from the web. Others purchase it from vendors.

Comparison
LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN ICT(2.5.1)
Explain The Latest ICT Harware and Software(2.5.2.1)
Explain Pervasive Computing(2.5.2.2)

What Is Pervasive Computing?

Pervasive computing means the technology that is gracefully integrated in
our everyday life. The user is no longer aware of this embedded
technology.

Pervasive computing uses web technology, portable devices, wireless

communications and nomadic or ubiquitous computing systems. Other
terms for pervasive computing are Ubiquitous Computing, Calm
Technology, and Things That Think.

It is about the ability to deliver any information to any device over any
network. In short, it is about computers everywhere where computers are
embedded into equipments, machines, furniture or people. The current
technology has evolved into embedded, networked and wireless.

Pervasive Computing
Pervasive computing devices are not personal computers, but very tiny -
even invisible - devices, either mobile or embedded in almost any type of
object imaginable, including cars, tools, appliances, clothing and various
consumer goods - all communicating through interconnected networks.

Expert predict pervasive computing in year 2010 will become so

naturalized within the environment that people will not even realize that
they are using computers.

Example Of Pervasive Computing

This is an example of pervasive computing in our daily lives which is the

automatic Touch 'n Go SmartTAG toll gate.

Another example of pervasive computing in daily lives is the 3G

technology video phone.