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1 Computer systems, communications and software

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Components of a computer system and modes of use1.1

2 Module 1

A “computer system” is made up of hardware and

software. In this chapter we explain the terms relating

to a computer system that will be used throughout the

rest of the coursebook.

Definitions and purposes of hardware devicesThe hardware is the physical electronic and electrical

components that make up the computer system. For

example, these include the motherboard, a keyboard

and a monitor. In this section, we explain terms relating

to hardware devices that we use throughout the rest of

the text.

Peripheral devices are hardware devices that

are outside the central processing unit (CPU). They

are normally connected to the computer by internal

wiring (buses), cables or wireless technology. A

printer is obviously a peripheral as it is separate from

the computer. A hard disk drive is also a peripheral

because it is not part of the CPU. This is less obvious

because it is in the same box as the computer.

Most peripheral devices are one of three types:

● An input device transmits data from the user to

the computer processor. A computer is only of

value if it is possible to give it data and processing

instructions.● An output device conveys the results of processing

from the computer processor to the user.● A storage device can store data outside the

processor. When a computer system is switched off,

data in the processor are lost. Data that are needed

for future use must be saved to a storage device

Figure 1.1.1 shows a typical set of hardware in a

computer system. The arrows show the direction of

T

1.1 a, b

flow of data and information. The storage device is both

an input device and an output device.

Figure 1.1.1 The typical hardware of a computer system.Fi 1 1 1 Th i l h d f

input device output device

main memory(hard disk drive)

processor (CPU)

storage device

In Chapter 1.4, we look at various types of hardware

in more detail.

Definitions and purposes of software typesSoftware is the set of instructions that make the

computer hardware usable. These sets of instructions

are known as “programs”. So, a computer program is a

piece of software. It is important to distinguish between

operating system software and generic applications

software.

Operating system software is the set of instructions

that make the hardware of the computer available for

use. It includes programs:● that allow the user to communicate with the

computer● that control the movement of data around the

computer● that turn instructions that people can understand

into instructions that a computer can recognise.

Applications software is a set of instructions designed

to make the computer do something for the user. For

example, the user might want to write a letter, create a

report or create a slide show presentation.

1.1 a, c

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Software that can be used for many tasks is

called generic applications software or general purpose

applications software. Microsoft Office is a suite of

generic applications, including Microsoft Word (a

word processing application), Microsoft Excel

(a spreadsheet application) and Microsoft PowerPoint

(a presentation application).

Other applications software carries out a specific

sequence of tasks. For example, a payroll application

can process payroll data, print payslips and

generate BACS payments. It cannot process electricity

billing data.

In Chapter 1.2, we discuss types of system software

in more detail. You will notice that applications

software is covered throughout much of the rest

of the syllabus, which should give you an idea of

its importance. Chapter 1.7 looks specifically at

applications software.

Summary

● Hardware is the physical components that make up the computer system.

● Software is the set of instructions (programs) that make the computer hardware usable.

● An input device is a physical component that transmits data to the computer.

● A storage device is a physical component that stores data for use by the computer.

● An output device is a physical component displays data transmitted from the computer.

● Operating system software comprises the programs that make the computer hardware available for use, often

unseen by the user.

● Generic/general purpose applications software comprises programs that can be used for many tasks, such as a word

processor, spreadsheet software and database software.

Test yourself1. Explain the difference between hardware and software. [2]

Hint

The question mentions two items (“hardware” and “software”) and two marks are available.

Therefore, you should make two points. Make sure that the second point is not just the opposite

of the first. The word “explain” indicates that the two points need to say how the items differ.

2. Give two reasons why a computer system would need to have some type of external storage device. [2]

Hint

Notice that the question asks for reasons why the system needs external storage. Do not say

what is stored or what sort of device might be used. There are two indicators in the question

that you should make two points: the word in bold and the marks awarded.

3. Describe the difference between system software and application software. [2]

Hint

This question is similar in style to Question 1. Remember that you need to state two distinct

points that are related to each other.

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System software1.2

4 Module 1

● The OS provides a platform on which the

applications software can run.● The OS hides the complexity of the hardware from

the user.● The OS controls access to the computer system so

that you can put passwords on your files to stop

other people seeing them. It controls the access

rights of different users.

Whether or not a certain feature is classified as

part of the operating system or as a utility program

varies considerably across operating systems. We

consider utility software in more detail at the end of

this chapter.

Types of operating systemBatchWhen computing was still a new science, there

were not enough machines to satisfy the demand

for processor time. There was a “speed mismatch”

between the user sitting at the keyboard, who was very

slow, and the processing by the computer, which was

very fast. One solution to this problem is to buy more

machines. Another solution is to make the machines

work more effectively by taking away the slowest part

of the system – the human being. Nowadays we might

well opt to buy more machines! When computers were

very expensive, an aim for efficiency improvements

gave rise to batch processing.

A batch processing operating system does not allow

for interaction between the user and the processor

during the execution of the program. Lots of programs

(or lots of data to be run through the same program)

are collected together (to form a batch). The batch

operating system then controls their passage through

the computer.

T1.2 b

The purpose of an operating systemAn operating system (OS) is the main item of system

software used by a computer system. The OS is a set

of programs designed to run in the background on a

computer system and provide an environment in which

application software can be executed.

Most operating systems comprise a large set

of programs, only some of which are stored in the

computer’s memory all the time. Many of the routines

available in the OS are stored on the hard drive so that

they can be accessed when required. This saves space

in the computer’s main memory .

When you are using applications software, you

are not communicating directly with the computer

hardware. Your applications software communicates

with OS program modules that communicate with the

computer hardware on its behalf. Without an operating

system, a computer is useless no matter how many

programs you have.

There are many different types of operating system.

Each type makes the computer behave differently

and is appropriate to a given computer system and its

applications. We look at some of the different types of OS

in this chapter and again in other parts of the syllabus.

All operating systems have some common purposes:

● The OS must manage the physical resources of the

computer. Some resources are limited and must be

managed to maximise the use of the computer system:

− A simple system has only one processor.

− Secondary storage is of a fixed size.

− Some input/output devices (e.g. printers) are

shared.● The OS provides a means of communication (the

user interface) between the human user, or the

outside world, and the computer.

TA

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Nowadays, batch processing is used for applications

where:● there are large amounts of data to be processed● the data are very similar in nature and require

similar processing● the computer system has identifiable times

when it is not being used and so has available

processor time● the application does not require interaction by

a user.

Typical examples of applications which use batch

processing include:● the processing of payroll information● the production of bank statements from customer

files at periodic intervals; e.g. all accounts with

surnames starting A–E could be processed on the

fifth of each month, surnames F–J on the tenth of

each month, and so on● the production of utility (gas, electricity and

telephone) bills from customer records.

Real-timeA real-time operating system can react quickly

enough to affect the next input or process that needs

to be carried out. There is a continuous cycle of input–

processing–output.

Most real-time systems are based on the control of

some process in the real world (where the processing

takes place on a timescale of milliseconds). Some

information processing applications require the

processing to be done within seconds; it still fits the

description of the continuous cycle and is known as a

pseudo real-time operating system.

The following examples of real-time applications

show why immediate response can be vital:● A chemical plant has a reaction vessel in which

the temperature is critical to the result of the

process. The temperature is monitored by a

computer that accepts input from a sensor. The

computer uses the sensor data to make decisions

about adjusting the heating elements in the vessel.

A delay in the decision-making process might

corrupt the reaction.● A robot trolley is controlled by a processor that

takes input from a sensor following a black line

on the floor. The processor makes decisions about

steering to keep the trolley on the black line. The

trolley would very soon lose its direction if it was not

steering quickly enough.● A catalogue shop processes orders. The code for a

product is input and the system compares it with

information in its files. When it finds the correct

code, it can report to the user the quantity of that

product in stock. It is necessary to record a purchase

before the next shopper’s request is processed

otherwise the second person might be sold the

same item.

Single-userA single-user operating system controls a system

which has only one user, and their programs, at any

one time. A perfect example of a single-user system is

the PC or laptop that you may have at home. Only one

person uses the computer system at any one time. Note

that it does not mean a system that only ever has one

user! This means that security measures are important

so that the system only allows access to files that

belong to the appropriate user.

Multi-userAgain, as the name implies, this type of operating

system allows the computer to service more than one

user simultaneously. A multi-user operating system

has a single (normally powerful) computer which is

connected to a number of terminals. These terminals

are not computers, although they may have a very

limited amount of processing power. They rely on the

main computer to carry out any processing.

The computer sends a message to each of the

terminals in turn, asking if it wants any processing

to be carried out. This process is called a time-share

system or a round robin system. Each of the small

amounts of processor time is called a “time slice”. The

length of a time slice varies according to the system but

is typically about a hundredth of a second.

A configuration in which a central computer

(a server) processes data from several terminals

(see Figure 1.2.1 on page 6) is called a “thin-client

network”.

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Figure 1.2.1 A multi-user computer system. Since terminals do no processing this is a thin client network.

server

network cable

server processes eachterminal’s application

program

terminals do not haveany processing

capability

server stores:- application programs- users’ data files

terminal 1 terminal 2 terminal 3

There is a limit to the number of terminals that can

be serviced. The system needs to be fast enough that

a user at a terminal does not have to wait for too long

before being given processing time. The system can be

speeded up if the computer ignores terminals that are

not active. Terminals can send a signal to the computer

when they need processor time. Such a system is

only satisfactory if the response time for all users is

acceptable; no user should have to wait for a long time

for a program to respond.

Multi-taskingA multi-tasking operating system allows several

applications to be available simultaneously. On a

single-user system, you are probably used to having

a number of processes loaded in main memory

at the same time. One window may show a spreadsheet

while another shows a word processing application;

you may also be connected to the Internet through an

email client; and you may be playing music while you

work. It appears that more than one task is running

simultaneously but they aren’t, they just appear to be.

The OS can switch between tasks so quickly that it

seems to the user as if they are all being done at once.

The method used to do this is very similar to the multi-

user OS. The tasks are allocated time slices and the

computer goes from one to the other servicing them.

Microsoft Windows is a multi-tasking operating

system. You can view a list of the running processes

in the Task Manager operating system utility

(Figure 1.2.2). In Chapter 3.1, we further consider

multi-tasking in Windows.

NetworkA network comprises a number of computers linked

together for the purposes of communication and the

sharing of resources. Networks are important because

they allow hardware and software to be shared. They

require the computers to run a network operating

system. Often, one of the machines is used to control

the rest of the system; this machine is called the server.

A network OS must carry out tasks such as:● control of access to the network● management of the filing system● management of all applications programs available

from the server● management of all shared peripherals.

A common misunderstanding is to confuse network

systems with multi-user systems. A multi-user system

has many users using one computer at the same time;

a network system has many computers each using

shared hardware and software.

In Chapter 3.8, we consider networking in detail.

Application requirements for operating systemsIn an examination, you will be asked to identify

applications that require batch processing and

applications that require real-time processing.

Applications that require batch processing include:

payroll, the production of bills and the production

of bank statements. Be very careful in choosing any

other application – it must be clear that there are

good reasons for using batch processing. For example,

simply to say that an ATM machine uses batch

processing is not enough. Requests for bank statements

AI

1.2 c

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are batched for later processing but the PIN for a

customer must be checked in real time. You must be

specific and justify your choice. For example, you could

write “Because statements must be sent out by post,

they can be processed while the computer is not doing

other things. It makes sense to process a large number

of statements at the same time as a batch.”

Control applications, in which the results of a

process are used to inform the next input, use real-

time processing. A good example would be the

control of a robotic machine on a production line.

Information systems also require real-time processing.

It is necessary to update the file of information before

the next enquiry is dealt with. The classic example is

the airline (or theatre) booking system. If a customer

decides to buy a ticket for a flight, the number of tickets

available must be updated before the next person

makes an enquiry, otherwise another person may be

sold the same seat.

In general terms, an examination question will ask

you to decide which of these two types of processing

is most appropriate for a given application. It is not

sensible to try to memorise a list of applications for

each type. You must learn to identify the characteristics

of each of the types of processing for a given

application.

Types of user interfaceThe user interacts with a computer system through its

user interface. The user gives input (e.g. the click of a

mouse) and receives responses from the computer. A

user interface (also called a human–computer interface

(HCI)) consists of both hardware and software.

When a user types instructions into a computer and

the computer responds by displaying details on a screen,

then that is an interface. The keyboard and the screen

are the hardware components; the software components

of the interface allow the computer to understand the

typed instructions. In the early days of computing,

people could use a teleprinter instead of a monitor.

The teleprinter was similar to a typewriter. As the user

typed commands on it, the computer would print the

commands and its response on paper. The hardware

TT

1.2 d

Figure 1.2.2 The Windows Task Manager utility.

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and software components of the interface need to be

appropriate to the use. For example, a keyboard and

screen are needed for an interface that enables the user

to make enquiries about theatre tickets; a printer would

enable the user to print a booked ticket.

There are many different types of interface. Their

features vary depending on the application, the

conditions in which it is to be used and the knowledge

and skills of the user. From the many types of HCI, you are

expected to be able to describe the five software interfaces

discussed below and give a typical application for each

of them. In Chapter 1.9, we discuss the hardware that is

necessary to put the software interface into operation.

Form-based interfaceIf the majority of the input to a system is standardised,

a typical interface is an on-screen form to be filled in.

This type of interface is used by an operator inputting

information while talking to a customer over the

telephone.

The interface:● prompts the operator to ask each of the questions

in turn● makes the operator input the information in the

correct order and ensures that nothing is missed out● ensures that the information is input in the

correct format● makes the checking of the information easier.

A form-based interface (see Figure 1.2.3) has a specific

area for each piece of data. For example, there may be:● a drop-down list for restricted input (such as the

person’s title or a date)● boxes for textual information (such as the name or

email address)● check boxes for yes–no information (such as a box

to indicate acceptance of conditions).

The form uses standard widget controls – text boxes,

radio buttons, check boxes and drop-down lists.

When the user enters data, the cursor often moves

automatically to the next box to be filled in. Sometimes a

Figure 1.2.3 Form-based interface.

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box is highlighted to make it clear to the operator where

the data are to be inserted. Some of the data are more

important than others and the cursor does not move on

until data have been supplied. The interface checks that

the input is sensible for that box before moving on.

When a person orders something from a supplier

on the Internet, a form-based interface is used. The

customer fills in a number of standard personal and

payment details.

Menu-based interfaceA menu-based interface is used in situations where

the user does not know what options are available.

Examples of this are information systems for tourists

and the on-screen menus for digital television. A list

of choices is made available. When the user selects an

option, a further set of choices is displayed, and so on

until the result is obtained.

Imagine an information system at a train station

in a popular holiday location. The first screen may

ask for the general area of interest (accommodation,

trips, shopping or entertainment). If the user selects

“accommodation”, the next screen may offer a choice

of types of accommodation (hotels, guest houses, etc.).

The third screen may offer different price bands. Finally,

the user may see a list of all the available properties

that match the choices of type and price band. Such an

information system often uses a touch screen because

other peripherals are less appropriate. For example, a

mouse connected to an information system in a train

station might be vandalised or damaged by the weather.

Graphical user interfaceA graphical user interface (GUI) uses windows, icons,

menus, and a pointer (giving rise to the acronym

WIMP). The user of a GUI expects to be able to view

different applications or files on the screen at the

same time. This is done by putting each into its own

bordered area known as a window. The user can select

a command by clicking on a small picture (an icon)

that represents it. The user selects further options from

menus. Icons and menu options are selected by using

some sort of pointing device such as a mouse.

In Figure 1.2.4, the main menu is displayed

horizontally as text options (File, Edit, etc.). Selecting

Shape from the menu opens a drop-down menu of

Figure 1.2.4 Graphical user interface.

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Figure 1.2.5 Command line interface.

selections. Selecting Rotate or Flip gives access to a

final menu from which the user can select the final

command – Rotate Right. The user can save a file in one

step by clicking the “Save” icon (it represents a floppy

disk); in Figure 1.2.4 you can see this button directly

under the “Edit” button.

The whole principle of a GUI is to make using the

system as simple as possible by hiding all the complicated

bits! For example, when the user clicks an icon to bring

a piece of software onto the screen, it involves only one

action. In the background, the computer is executing a

complicated process involving a lot of instructions. When

the icon is chosen, the computer is simply told to run

those instructions so the software will appear. The icon

has hidden the complexity from the user.

Natural language interfaceA natural language interface is sometimes referred to

as a “conversational interface”. The computer displays

or speaks questions that give the user the impression

that the computer is talking to them. However, the

system restricts itself to questions that will provoke very

simple responses which the computer can understand.

If the user does not give one of the expected responses,

a message is produced which makes it clear that the

user must try again.

It is often assumed that a natural language interface

is very close to a spoken language. This may be true but it

is likely to be typed into the machine rather than actually

being spoken. For example, some Internet search engines

or large information systems can process natural language

queries. This is the next step up from a simple keyword

search, where the software picks out the keywords and

then searches for matching documents or files.

Computerised telephone systems may use voice

input to select menu choices. A true spoken interface

might be used by a disabled person to communicate

with a computer.

Command line interfaceIn a command line interface, or “command-based

interface”, the user types a series of commands at

the keyboard and the computer displays appropriate

output (see Figure 1.2.5). The computer does not