Fundamentals of a Computer System

Fundamentals of a Computer System

1. What is a System?

   • A system is a integrated collection of parts which work together for a common purpose
   • For a system to be useful it must produce an output
   • Systems interact wit other systems. There may be many subsystems operating in one device. Interconnections between these subsystems are called interconnections.

2. Characteristics of a Computer System

   • Uses input devices to allow information to be put on the computer.
     • When data is entered it is converted into binary.
   • It can perform a number of operations on the data to achieve a desired result. e.g. it can perform calculations on numbers that have been entered
   • The output device converts data in form that the user can understand such as images on a screen, a print out or as a sound file

3. Types of Computer Systems

   • Dedicated systems are computer systems with a fixed purpose.
   • General Purpose Systems can be used for different purposes depending on what is needed to be done by the user.
   • Embedded Systems are computer systems that are part of a larger system
   • Control Systems are systems which control machinery rather tan produce an output.
   • Expert Systems are systems designed to behave like a human expert. These systems have three parts the knowledge base hos is responsible for facts or past results. The inference engine which is responsible for judgements using the knowledge base. And an inference that allows human access to the system. They are commonly used for finding faults in a machine, diagnosing diseases and making credit checks.
   • Management Information Systems bring together information from all parts of an organisation so that managers can make sensible decisions. This deals with technology, data and people

4. Kernel - The lowest level of an OS controls the hardware. It is the main or central part of an OS. Connects application software to computer hardware. It has the main task of managing the system resources