Develop a Basic Understanding of Computer Systems

Computer systems are programmable devices that process the input data provided and then provide output as per the programme instructions. They have become an integral part of everyone’s life by revolutionising the world. Though the literal meaning of computer is calculating, the modern computer can do much more than that. Computer systems are the union of software and hardware components. This article will help you understand computer systems, their software and hardware components, programming, and many more. 

Components of Computer Systems

The computer has both hardware and software components. Hardware is the physical component, whereas software is the set of instructions, or we can define them as programming codes. 

1. Hardware Components

A computer has four essential hardware components that work systematically to function accurately by processing the information. These are: 

• Input: Input is those devices through which we enter the data into the computer systems. For example, keyboard, mouse, scanner all are input devices. Output: The output is those components through which computer systems provide us with the information or data after processing them. For example, the speaker and desktop screen are outputs. 
• CPU: The Central Processing Unit, abbreviated as CPU, is the control unit of computer systems. The component receives input from the user, then processes it and sends the output. 
• Memory: Memory or simply RAM (Random Access Memory) is the component that stores all the information of the computer. 

2. Software Component

Software is the collection of codes, instructions or documents to perform the tasks on the computer. For executing the software, we need hardware components; it can not be done without them. There are two types of software: 

• Software Application: Software applications are programs designed to carry out particular tasks—for example, word processors and media players. 
• Operating Systems: The function of the operating system is to manage the hardware and software of the computer. Windows, iOS, Linux are examples of operating systems. 

Evolution of Computer Systems

Charles Babbage, a mechanical engineer and polymath, was the one to invent the very first mechanical computer in the 19th century. He is also known as the Father of the Computer. After that, there have been various developments and inventions in the computer field. The evolution of computer systems can be differentiated into different generations, namely the first generation, the second generation of computers and so on. Therefore, the evolution in computer technology can be categorised into 5 generations.

Types of Computer Systems :-

Though there are different computer systems, all can be classified into four main types; supercomputer, personal computer, mainframe computer, minicomputer. These are classified based on size, functions, speed, performance, and storage. 

1. Supercomputer

Supercomputers have the highest computing power of any other computer system. Its performance is measured in floating-point operation per second. 

Instant retrieval of data and instructions are required to meet such high speed. Supercomputers are found in places where enormous computation is required, such as astrophysics, quantum physics, and gas exploration. 

2. Personal Computer

Personal computers are microcomputers. Their size, capabilities and functions make them best for individual uses. 

The end-users directly operate these computers. The desktop computers and laptops used in offices, schools and homes are examples of personal computers. 

3. Mainframe

Mainframe computers are enormous systems that big organisations use to carry out necessary and high processing. It is different from supercomputers. The mainframe computers store large databases and provide servers to various other systems. 

4. Minicomputers

Minicomputers are less potent than supercomputers and mainframe computers but are much more powerful than personal computers. 

The minicomputers have all the features in a concise size that a large-sized computer has. Therefore, it is generally used for scientific computation, engineering, file handling and many other purposes. 

Computer Language

Computer language is the set of instructions used to communicate with the computer system. It is widely classified into three different languages: 

• Machine Language
• Assembly Language
• High-level Language

1. Machine Language

The machine language is a set of binary digits 0 and 1. The input digits are read and interpreted directly by the CPU. The binary system is where the commands are written only in 1s and 0s. 

The computer systems can only understand the machine language. Therefore, a compiler is needed to convert the programming language into machine language for the computer to understand. 

2. Assembly Language

The assembly language is the second generation language used to write an operating system. It is not an easy language to understand. The assembly language is a union of other languages. 

In this language, the execution is done by the programmer on the Central Processing Unit. The assembly has the same structure and commands as machine language. The only difference is that assembly language uses names instead of 1 and 0. 

3. High-level Language

The high-level language is used to write the programs and quickly transfer them to other machines. It focuses on programming languages that the users can easily understand. 

The programs written in high-level language need to be converted by the compiler into machine language. This is done as the computer system only understands machine language. Examples of high-level languages are C++, Java, C, and FORTRAN. 

Conclusion

Computer systems are electronic devices that have become a crucial part of our everyday lives. It is used at every workplace and home for numerous purposes. These devices have revolutionised the world with their extraordinary capabilities. Thus it has made computer education vital. Computer science is the study of computer systems, computer and programming languages.