Week 2

System software and User Interface

internal computer hardware
ADC and DAC
Digital Data
 Language of computer is
‘0’ and ‘1’
 Digital data with
discontinuous values
 Binary values in the form
of discrete values
 Understood by the
computer
Analogue Data
 Real data has number of
values and is called
analogue data
 analogue data with
continuous values
 Many possible values
between 0-6
 ADC and DAC
If analogue data is being sent to a computer, it must first be
converted into
digital data; this is done by hardware known as an analogue to
digital converter
(ADC).
If the computer is controlling a device (such as a motor) then the
digital
output from the computer needs to be converted into analogue
form. This is done
by a digital to analogue converter (DAC)
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Linkers

Compile
Utilities Syste rs
m
Softwa
re

Operati
Device
ng
drivers
systems
 Operating Systems
The operating system (OS) is essentially software running in the background of a
computer system. It manages many of the basic functions. Without the OS, most
computers would be very user-unfriendly and the majority of users would find it
almost impossible to work with computers on a day-to-day basis. Operating
systems allow:
• input/output operations
• users to communicate with the computer (for example, Windows)
• error handling to take place
• the loading and running of programs to occur
• managing of security (for example, user accounts, log on passwords)
 Linkers
A linker (or link editor) is a computer program that takes one or
more object files produced by a compiler and combines them into a
single program that can be run on a computer. For example, many
programming languages allow programmers to write different pieces
of code, called modules.
Makes the life of programmers easy
 Utilities
Utility programs are software that has been designed to carry out specific tasks on a
computer. Essentially, they are programs that help to manage, maintain and control
computer resources. Examples include:
• antivirus
• anti-spyware
• backup of files
• disk repair
• file management
• security
• screensavers
• disk defragmenter
 Device Drivers
 A device driver is the name given to software that enables one or
more hardware devices to communicate with the computer’s
operating system.
 CD , mouse, usb drivers
 Compilers
 A compiler is a computer program that translates a program
written in a high-level language (HLL) into machine code (code
that is understood by the computer) so that it can be directly used
by a computer to perform a required task. The original program is
called the source code and the code after compilation is called the
object code. Once a program is compiled, the machine code can
be used again and again to perform the same task without
recompilation. Examples of high-level languages include Java,
Python, Visual Basic, Fortran, C++ and Algol.
 Internal Computer Hardware
The main components of the computer constitute of internal and
external hardware. While the external hardware includes input and
output device, the internal hardware are as following .
» the central processing unit (CPU) (contained on the motherboard)
» internal hard disk drive or solid-state drive
» random access memory (RAM)
Also known as internal key components of the
» read-only memory (ROM). computer
 CPU(Central Processing Unit)
 The central processing unit (CPU) is the part of the computer that
interprets and executes the commands from the computer
hardware and software.
 also referred to as the microprocessor
 combination of integrated circuit
 has two parts: ALU and CU
 Internal Memory
 Random access memory (RAM) is an internal chip where data is
temporarily stored
when running applications. This memory can be written to and read
from. Because its contents are lost when power to the computer is
turned off, it is often referred to as a volatile or temporary memory.
 Internal memory
 ROM
Read-only memory (ROM) is a memory used to store information that needs to
be permanent.
 Boot file: ROM contains boot file code. This code tells the computer what to do when
it first starts up; it is often referred to as the BIOS (basic input/output system).
ROM checks for all hardware functionality and presence before the operating
system can be loaded.
The BIOS stores the date, time and system configuration in a non-volatile chip
called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) – this is usually
battery powered.
 INPUT
AND
OUTPUT
DEVICES
Backing Storage

 to permanently store
large amounts of data it
is necessary to use
backing storage. This
normally takes the form
of the internal hard disk
drive (HDD) or solid-
state drive (SSD).
 Operating System and User
Interface
To enable computer systems to function and to allow users to communicate with
computer systems OS have been made. They function to:
 Control input, output and backup
 Manage application programs
 Maintain errors in application programs
 Managing the security of the whole computer
 Maintain computer log(usage)
 Allowing communication between user and computer
 User Interface
 Operating systems offer various types of user interface. We will
consider four different types:
» command line interface (CLI)
» graphical user interface (GUI)
» dialogue-based user interface
» gesture-based user interface.
User Interface
CLI

 A command line
interface (CLI) requires
a user to type in
instructions to choose
options from menus,
open software, etc.
 The user has to learn
the commands for basic
operations.
 CLI: a programmer,
analyst or technician
 User Interface:GUI
 A graphical user interface (GUI) allows the user to interact with a computer (or MP3 player,
gaming device, mobile phone, etc.) using pictures or symbols (icons) rather than having to
type in a number of commands.
 A simple desktop icon can relace the CLI code
 WIMP (windows icons menu and pointing device) developed for PCs simplifies the user and
machine communication
 touch screen smartphones and tablets use post WIMP interaction, where fingers are in contact
with the screen allowing actions
 such as pinching and rotating, which would be difficult to do using a single pointer and device
such as a mouse
 Used by a person who uses the computer to run software, play games or store/manipulate
photographs
 User interface:
Dialogue based
 Dialogue-based user interfaces use
the human voice to give commands
to a
computer system.
Converts normal speech to machine
code and then after processing the
desired output is achieved
 User interface: Gesture based
 Gesture-based interfaces rely on human interaction by the moving
of hands,
head or even the feet.
opening the thumb and next finger will change the track being
listened to (for
example, in a playlist)
» moving the foot under the rear bumper of the car automatically
opens trunk Either a camera or a sensor detects
the signal to perform the required
» moving a hand near a window switch automatically
action opens a
window.