KENDRIYA VIDYALAYA HINOO 1ST

SHIFT RANCHI

CHAPTER-1
COMPUTER SYSTEM ORGANISATION

CBSE NEW
SYLLABUS
2023-24

COMPUTER SCIENCE
CLASS-XI
DINESH KUMAR RAM, PGT(CS)
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CHAPTER-1
COMPUTER SYSTEM ORGANIZATION
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What is Computer?
Computer is an electronic device which is capable of receiving
information or data and perform a series of operations in
accordance with a set of operations. This produce results in the
form of data or information. Computer is a machine capable of
solving problems and manipulating data. It accepts and processes
the data by doing some mathematical and logical operations and
gives us the desired output.
Data and Information
Raw fact and figures are called data. Processed data is called
information. So, we can say that data are raw and unorganized fact
that are processed to get meaningful information.
Computer System:
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the
simpleequations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER

• Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices

All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are
known asHardware.
• Software = Programs
Software gives “intelligence” to the computer.
• USER = Person, who operates computer.
Characteristics of computer: Speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, huge
memory, noIQ, lack of decision making.

BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS:

A computer basically performs five major operations or functions

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such as:
● Accepts data or instructions by way of input.
● Stores data,
● Processes data as required by the user,
● Gives results in the form of output, and
● Controls all operations inside a computer
Every task given to a computer follows an Input- Process- Output Cycle
(IPO cycle). IPO Cycle

Block Diagram of Computer

The above diagram describes the basic layout of a computer. A

computer receives data and instructions through "Input Devices"

which get processed in Central Processing Unit, "CPU" and the

result is shown through "Output Devices". The "Main / primary
Memory" and "Secondary / Auxiliary Memory" are used to store
data inside the computer. These are the basic components that

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each computer possesses. Each of these components exists in

various types and variety that differ in shape, size, usage and
performance.

CPU(Central Processing Unit):

The ALU and the CU of a computer system are jointly known as
the central processing unit(CPU) . You may call CPU as the brain
of any computer system. It is just like brain that takes all major
decisions, makes all sorts of calculations and directs different parts
of the computer functions by activating and controlling the
operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that
interprets and executes instructions.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit):

• ALU Perform all the arithmetical and logical operations.
• Arithmetic operations like +, -, *, /
• Logical operation like comparison or decision making like: >, <, =,
>=, <=, <>
CU(Control Unit):
• Control and guides the interpretation of all the data and
information.
• It coordinates the different units attached to computer system.
• It takes input from Input device and store it in main memory, then
itsend the data to ALU if any arithmetic operation is required after
this it transfer the output to output devices.

INPUT DEVICES:
The devices through which control signals are sent to a computer are
termed as inputdevices. These devices convert the input data into a
digital form that is acceptable by the computer system.

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Following are some of the important input devices which are used in a
computer –

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Joy Stick
• Light pen
• Track Ball
• Scanner
• Graphic Tablet
• Microphone
• Magnetic Ink Card Reader(MICR)
• Optical Character Reader(OCR)
• Bar Code Reader
• Optical Mark Reader(OMR)
• QR Code Reader

1. Keyboard:Keyboard is the most common

and very popular input device which helps
to input data to the computer.

Keyboards are of two sizes 84 keys or

101/102 keys, but now keyboards with 104

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keys or 108 keys are also available for Windows and Internet.

2. Mouse:A mouse is a pointing device that

functions by detecting two-dimensional
motion relative to its supporting surface. The
mouse's motion typically translates into the
motion of a cursor on a display, which allows
for fine control of a Graphical User Interface.
A mouse primarily comprises of three parts:
the buttons, the handling area, and the
rolling object. Using left button of mouse different operations like
selection, dragging, moving and pasting can be done.
With the right button we can open a context menu for an
item, if it is applicable.

3. Joystick: Joystick is also a pointing device, which is

used to move the cursor position on a monitor screen. It is
a stick having a spherical ball at its both lower and upper
ends. The lower spherical ball moves in a socket. The
joystick can be moved in all four directions.

The function of the joystick is similar to that of a mouse. It is mainly used

in Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.

4. Light Pen: Light pen is a pointing device similar to a

pen. It is used to select a displayed menu item or draw
pictures on the monitor screen. It consists of a photocell
and an optical system placed in a small tube.When the
tip of a light pen is moved over the monitor screen and
the pen button is pressed, its photocell sensing element
detects the screen location and sends the
corresponding signal to the CPU.

5. Track Ball: Track ball is an input device that is

mostly used in notebook or laptop computer, instead
of a mouse. This is a ball which is half inserted and
by moving fingers on the ball, the pointer can be
moved.

Since the whole device is not moved, a track ball requires less space
than a mouse. A track ball comes in various shapes like a ball, a button,
or a square.

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6. Scanner:Scanner is an input device,

which works more like a photocopy
machine. It is used when some information
is available on paper and it is to be
transferred to the hard disk of the computer
for further manipulation.
Scanner captures images from the source
which are then converted into a digital form
that can be stored on the disk. These
images can be edited before they are printed.

7. Digitizer:Digitizer is an input device which converts analog information

into digital form. Digitizer can convert a signal from the television or
camera into a series of numbers that could be stored in a computer.
They can be used by the computer to create a picture of whatever the
camera had been pointed at.

Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics

Tablet as it converts graphics and pictorial
data into binary inputs. A graphic tablet as
digitizer is used for fine works of drawing
and image manipulation applications.

8. Microphone:Microphone is an input device to input sound that is then

stored in a digital form.

The microphone is used for various applications

such as adding sound to a multimedia
presentation or for mixing music.

9. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR): MICR input

device is generally used in banks as there are
large number of cheques to be processed every
day. The bank's code number and cheque number
are printed on the cheques with a special type of

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ink that contains particles of magnetic material that are machine

readable.

This reading process is called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

(MICR). The main advantages of MICR is that it is fast and less error
prone.

10. Optical Character Reader (OCR):

OCR is an input device used to read a printed

text.OCR scans the text optically, character by
character, converts them into a machine-
readable code, and stores the text on the
system memory.

11. Bar Code Readers: Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading
bar coded data (data in the form of light and
dark lines). Bar coded data is generally used in
labelling goods, numbering the books, etc. It
may be a handheld scanner or may be
embedded in a stationary scanner.Bar Code
Reader scans a bar code image, converts it
into an alphanumeric value, which is then fed
to the computer that the bar code reader is
connected to.

12. Optical Mark Reader (OMR): OMR is a special type of optical

scanner used to recognize the type of mark made by pen or pencil. It is
used where one out of a few alternatives is to be selected and marked.

It is specially used for

checking the answer
sheets of examinations
having multiple choice
questions.
13. QR Code Reader:QR code is an abbreviation for Quick
Response code. It is a special kind of barcode that
anybody can scan with smartphone App that usually directs

the user to website.

14. Smart Card Reader:A smart card reader is

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an input device that is used to read a smart card. A smart card is a

plastic badge that incorporates an installed coordinated circuit that can
be either a safe micro-controller or memory chip.

OUTPUT DEVICES:
The device that receives data from a computer systemfor display,
physical production, etc., is called outputdevice. It converts digital
information into humanunderstandableform.For example, monitor,
projector,headphone, speaker, printer,
etc.Output devices are classified as
● Hard copy devices (Printer, Plotter,
Computer Output on Micro-film)
● Soft copy devices (Monitor, Visual
Display Terminal, Video Output and
Audio Response)

1. Monitor :Also known as Visual

Display Unit (VDU). Monitor is a TV like device that display
information. It can display text as well as graphic images in color or
black & white while based on monitor type. Monitors are classified on
the basis of color and signals. Its display may be CRT, LCD, LED
OLED
CRT – Cathode ray tube
LCD – Liquid Crystal Display
LED – Light Emitting Diode
OLED- Organic light-emitting diodes

2. Printers: Printer is an output device, which is used to print

information on paper.
There are two types of printers −
• Impact Printers
• Non-Impact Printers
Impact Printers: Impact printers
print the characters by striking
them on the ribbon, which is then
pressed on the paper.

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Characteristics of Impact Printers are the following −
• Very low consumable costs
• Very noisy
• Useful for bulk printing due to low cost
• There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image
These are further divided into two types:
• Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)
• Daisy Wheel
Dot Matrix Printer
These printers are popular because
of their ease of printing and
economical price. Each character
printed is in the form of pattern of
dots and head consists of a Matrix of
Pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7 or 9*9)
which come out to form a character
which is why it is called Dot Matrix
Printer.

Daisy Wheel
Head is lying on a wheel and pins
corresponding to characters are like
petals of Daisy (flower) which is why it
is called Daisy Wheel Printer. These
printers are generally used for word-
processing in offices that require a few
letters to be sent here and there with
very nice quality.

Line Printers
Line printers are the printers
which print one line at a time.

These are of two types −

• Drum Printer
• Chain Printer

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Non-impact Printers:Non-impact printers print the characters without

using the ribbon. These printers print a complete page at a time, thus
they are also called as Page Printers.
These printers are of two types −
• Laser Printers
• Inkjet Printers

Characteristics of Non-impact Printers

• Faster than impact printers
• They are not noisy
• High quality
• Supports many fonts and different
character size

Laser Printers:These are non-impact page

printers. They use laser lights to produce the
dots needed to form the characters to be printed
on a page.

Advantages
• Very high speed
• Very high quality output
• Good graphics quality
• Supports many fonts and different character size
Disadvantages
• Expensive
• Cannot be used to produce multiple copies of a document in
a single printing

Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers are non-impact character
printers based on a relatively new
technology. They print characters by
spraying small drops of ink onto paper.
Inkjet printers produce high quality output
with presentable features.
They make less noise because no
hammering is done and these have many

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styles of printing modes available. Color printing is also possible.

Some models of Inkjet printers can produce multiple copies of
printing also.
Advantages
• High quality printing
• More reliable
Disadvantages
• Expensive as the cost per page is high
• Slow as compared to laser printer

3. Plotter: A plotter is a printer that interprets

commands from a computer to make line
drawings on paper with one or more automated
pens. Unlike a regular printer, a plotter can
draw continuous point-to-point lines directly
from vector graphic files or commands.

4. Speaker:A computer speaker is an output gear that connects to a

computer to produce sound resultant. We can listen to the sound as
an outcome and more.

MEMORY:

Computer memory is any physical device, used to store data, information

or instruction temporarily or permanently. It is the collection of storage
units that stores binary information in the form of bits.

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Primary memory:Primary memory is also known as the computer

system's main memory that communicates directly within the CPU,
Auxiliary memory and the Cache memory. Main memory is used to
kept programs or data when the processor is active to use them.When
a program or data is activated to execute, the processor first loads
instructions or programs from secondary memory into main memory,
and then the processor starts execution

The primary memory is further divided into two parts:

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the faster types of main

memory accessed directly by the CPU. It is the hardware in a
computer device to temporarily
store data, programs or program
results. It is used to read/write
data in memory until the machine
is working. It is volatile, which
means if a power failure occurs
or the computer is turned off, the
information stored in RAM will be

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lost. All data stored in computer memory can be read or accessed

randomly at any time.
There are two types of RAM:

o SRAM
o DRAM

SRAM: (Static Random-Access Memory) is a type of RAM used to store static data
in the memory. It means to store data in SRAM remains active as long as the
computer system has a power supply. However, data is lost in SRAM when power
failures have occurred. It made up with flip-flop to store data in binary form.

DRAM: DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a type of RAM that is used

for the dynamic storage of data in RAM. It is less expensive as compared to SRAM. It
made up with transistor and capacitor. It uses electric charge to store data.

SRAM Vs. DRAM

SRAM DRAM

It is a Static Random-Access Memory. It is a Dynamic Random-Access Memory.

The access time of SRAM is slow. The access time of DRAM is high.

It uses flip-flops to store each bit of It uses a capacitor and transistor to store
information. each bit of information.

It does not require periodic refreshing to It requires periodically refreshing to

preserve the information. preserve the information.

It uses in cache memory. It is used in the main memory.

The cost of SRAM is expensive. The cost of DRAM is less expensive.

It has a complex structure. Its structure is simple.

It requires low power consumption. It requires more power consumption.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is a memory device or storage
medium that is used
to permanently store information
inside a chip. It is a read-only memory
that can only read stored information,
data or programs, but we cannot write

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or modify anything. A ROM contains some important instructions or program data

that are required to start or boot a computer. It is a non-volatile memory; it means
that the stored information cannot be lost even when the power is turned off or the
system is shut down.

Types of ROM

There are five types of Read Only Memory:

1. MROM – Masked ROM is pre-programmed and hardwired ROM. Any text

that has already been written cannot be changed in any way.

2. PROM – The user can only change the programmable ROM once. The user
purchases a blank PROM and writes the required text on it; however, the
content cannot be changed once it has been written.

3. EPROM – Erasable Programable ROM that can be erased and programmed

by removing the original material, which can be done by exposing EPROM to
UV radiation, and the content can be modified. The charge on the ROM is
dissipated by the ultraviolet light, allowing content to be rewritten on it.

4. EEPROM – The initial content of an electrically erasable and programmable

ROM can be modified by erasing the content that can be easily deleted
electrically. Instead of removing everything at once, one byte can be wiped at
a time. As a result, reprogramming an EEPROM is a time-consuming
procedure.

5. FlashROM:
Flash memory is a non-volatile storage memory chip that can be written or
programmed in small units called Block or Sector. Flash Memory is an
EEPROM form of computer memory, and the contents or data cannot be lost
when the power source is turned off. It is also used to transfer data between
the computer and digital devices.

Difference between RAM and ROM

RAM ROM

It is a Random-Access Memory. It is a Read Only Memory.

Read and write operations can be Only Read operation can be performed.
performed.

Data can be lost in volatile memory when Data cannot be lost in non-volatile
the power supply is turned off. memory when the power supply is

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turned off.

It is a faster and expensive memory. It is a slower and less expensive

memory.

Storage data requires to be refreshed in Storage data does not need to be

RAM. refreshed in ROM.

The size of the chip is bigger than the ROM The size of the chip is smaller than the
chip to store the data. RAM chip to store the same amount of
data.

Types of RAM: DRAM and SRAM Types of ROM: PROM, EPROM, EEPROM

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is a permanent storage space to hold a large amount of data.
Secondary memory is also known as external memory that representing the various
storage media (hard drives, USB, CDs, flash drives and DVDs) on which the computer
data and program can be saved on a long-term basis. However, it is cheaper and
slower than the main memory. Unlike primary memory, secondary memory cannot
be accessed directly by the CPU. Instead of that, secondary memory data is first
loaded into the RAM (Random Access Memory) and then sent to the processor to
read and update the data. Secondary memory devices also include magnetic disks
like hard disk and floppy disks, an optical disk such as CDs and CDROMs, and
magnetic tapes.

Features of Secondary Memory

o Its speed is slower than the primary/ main memory.

o Store data cannot be lost due to non-volatile nature.
o It can store large collections of different types, such as audio, video, pictures,
text, software, etc.
o All the stored data in a secondary memory cannot be lost because it is a
permanent storage area; even the power is turned off.
o It has various optical and magnetic memories to store data.

Types of Secondary Memory

1. Hard Disk

A hard disk is a computer's permanent storage device. It

is a non-volatile disk that permanently stores data,

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programs, and files, and cannot lose store data when the computer's power source is
switched off. Typically, it is located internally on computer's motherboard that stores
and retrieves data using one or more rigid fast rotating disk platters inside an air-
sealed casing. It is a large storage device, found on every computer or laptop for
permanently storing installed software, music, text documentation, videos, operating
system, and data until the user did not delete.

2. Floppy Disk

A floppy disk is a secondary storage system that consisting of

thin, flexible magnetic coating disks for holding electronic
data such as computer files. It is also known as Floppy Diskette
that comes in three sizes like 8 inches, 5.5 inches and 3.5
inches. However, it is the oldest type of portable storage
device, which can store data up to 1.44 MB.

3. CD (Compact Disc) :A CD is an optical disk storage device, stands for Compact

Disc. The CD has a width of 1.2 mm and 12 cm in height, which can store
approximately 700 MB of data size. It uses laser light to read and write data from the
CDs.

Types of CDs

1. CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory): It

is mainly used for bulk size mass like audio CDs,
software and computer games at the time of
manufacture. Users can only read data, text, music,
videos from the disc, but they cannot modify or
burnt it.
2. CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable): The type of
Compact Disc used to write once by the user; after
that, it cannot be modified or erased.
3. CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable): It is a rewritable CD disc, often used to
write or delete the stored data.

4. DVD Drive/Disc

DVD is an optical disc storage device, stands for Digital Video

Display or Digital Versatile Disc. DVD drives are divided into
three types, such as DVD ROM (Read Only Memory), DVD
R (Recordable) and DVD RW (Rewritable or Erasable). It can
store multiple data formats like audio, videos, images,

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software, operating system, etc. The storing capacity of data in DVD is 4.7 GB to 17
GB.

5. Blu Ray Disc (BD)

Blu Ray is an Optical disc storage device used to store a large amount of data or high
definition of video recording and playing other media files. It uses laser technology
to read the stored data of the Blu-ray Disk. It can store more data at a greater density
as compared to CD/ DVD. For example, compact discs allow us to store 700 MB of
data, and in DVDs, it provides up to 8 GB of storage capacity, while Blu-ray Discs
provideupto 128 GB of space to store data.

6. Pen DriveA pen drive is a portable device used to permanently

store data and is also known as a USB flash drive. The storing capacity

of pen drives from 64 MB to 128 GB or more.

7. SSD

Solid-state drives (SSDs) are the most common storage

drives today. SSDs are smaller and faster than hard disk
drives (HDDs). SSDs are noiseless and allow PCs to be
thinner and more lightweight.

Cache Memory

It is a small-sized chip-based computer memory that lies

between the CPU and the main memory. It is a faster, high
performance and temporary memory to enhance the
performance of the CPU. It stores all the data and
instructions that are often used by computer CPUs. It also
reduces the access time of data from the main memory. It is
faster than the main memory, and sometimes, it is also
called CPU memory because it is very close to the CPU chip.

Advantages of Cache Memory

1. Cache memory is the faster memory as compared to the main memory.

2. It stores all data and instructions that are repeatedly used by the CPU for
improving the performance of a computer.
3. The access time of data is less than the main memory.

Disadvantage of Cache Memory

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1. It is very costly as compared to the Main memory and the Secondary memory.
2. It has limited storage capacity.

Register Memory

It temporarily stores data instructions and the address of the memory that is
repeatedly used to provide faster response to the CPU. It is the smallest and fastest
memory of a computer. It is a part of computer memory located in the CPU as the
form of registers. The register memory is 16, 32 and 64 bits in size.

Primary Vs. Secondary Memory

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

It is also known as temporary memory. It is also known as a permanent memory.

Data can be access directly by the processor Data cannot be accessed directly by the I/O
or CPU. processor or CPU.

Stored data can be a volatile or non-volatile The nature of secondary memory is always
memory. non-volatile.

It is more costly than secondary memory. It is less costly than primary memory.

It is a faster memory. It is a slower memory.

It has limited storage capacity. It has a large storage capacity.

It required the power to retain the data in It does not require power to retain the data
primary memory. in secondary memory.

Examples of primary memory are RAM, Examples of secondary memory are CD,
ROM, Registers, EPROM, PROM and cache DVD, HDD, magnetic tapes, flash disks, pen
memory. drive, etc.

Basic Unit of Memory Measurement:

The elementary unit of memory is a bit. A bit means binary digit(0 or 1)

No. Unit Description

1 Bit (Binary Digit) A binary digit is logical 0 & 1

2 Nibble 1 Nibble = 4 bits

3 Byte (B) 1 Byte = 8 bits

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4 Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 B

5 Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1024 KB

6 Gigabyte (GB) 1 GB = 1024 MB

7 Terabyte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB

8 Petabyte (PB) 1 PB = 1024 TB

9 Exabyte (EB) 1 EB = 1024 PB

10 Zettabyte (ZB) 1 ZB = 1024 EB

11 Yottabyte (YB) 1 YB = 1024 ZB

12 Bronto Byte 1 Bronto Byte=1024 YB

13 Geop Byte 1 Geop Byte=1024 Bronto Byte

Tags: Memory Measurement Unit, Computer Memory, Computer Hard Disk Memory

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