Delhi Public School Ruby Park, Kolkata

Class – IX
Subject: Computer Science Study Material

Ch- Computer Fundamentals, Operating Systems, Computer Software

What is Computer?
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and
processes these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives
the result (output) and saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and
non-numerical (arithmetic and logical) calculations.
A computer has four functions:

a. accepts data Input

b. processes data Processing
c. produces output Output
d. stores results Storage

Input (Data):
Input is the raw information entered into a computer from the input devices. It is the
collection of letters, numbers, images etc.

Process:
Process is the operation of data as per given instruction. It is totally internal process of
the computer system.

Output:
Output is the processed data given by computer after data processing. Output is also
called as Result. We can save these results in the storage devices for the future use.

Computer System
All of the components of a computer system can be summarized with the simple
equations.

COMPUTER SYSTEM = HARDWARE + SOFTWARE+ USER

 Hardware = Internal Devices + Peripheral Devices
All physical parts of the computer (or everything that we can touch) are known as
Hardware.

 Software = Programs
Software gives "intelligence" to the computer.

 USER = Person, who operates computer.

Major parts of the Computer
Input Devices

2. Keyboard
1. Mouse

4. Digital
3. Scanner
Camera

5. Web 6. Joysticks
Camera

8. Touch
Pad/
7. Track Ball
Screen

10. Bar Code

9. Light Pen
Reader

12. Graphics
11. Microphone
Tablets
 14. Optical
13. Magnetic Mark
Ink Reader
Character (Used for
Reader Answer-
(Used in Sheet
Bank) Marking
Purpose)

15. Magnetic
Card
Reader 16. Biometric
(Used in Devices
Shops,
Colleges,
Stations etc)

17. Bluetooth
 Processor
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events inside
the computer. It controls all internal and external devices, performs arithmetic and logic
operations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the device that interprets and executes
instructions.
Different Parts of CPU
Now, the CPU consists of 3 major units, which are:
 Memory or Storage Unit
 Control Unit
 ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)
Let us now look at the block diagram of the computer:

Output Devices
 2. Printer
1. Monitor (Dot
Matrix)

3. Projector InkJet

4. Plotter Laser

5. Speaker
Storage Devices
1. Primary memory (main memory)
A. RAM (Random Access Memory/Read-Write Memory)

B. ROM (Read-only-memory)

2. Secondary memory (storage devices)

A. Hard Disk (Local Disk)
B. Optical Disks: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW
C. Pen Drive
D. Zip Drive
E. Floppy Disks
F. Memory Cards
G. External Hard Disk

A. Hard
Disk
B. Optical
C. Pen Drive
disk

D. Zip
Disk
E. Floppy Disk
(super
disk)

F. Memory G. External
Cards Hard Disk

Peripheral Devices

1. The
Modem/ 2. Switches/H
Internet ub
Adapter

4. TV Tuner
3. Router
Card
Internal Components

1. The Mother 2. Expansion

Board Slots

3. CMOS 4. Cooling
Battery Fan

5. Network 6. Graphics
Card Card

7. Power Supply 8. Memory

Unit (SMPS) Slots

Software
Software, simply are the computer programs. The instructions given to the computer in
the form of a program is called Software. Software is the set of programs, which are used
for different purposes. All the programs used in computer to perform specific task is
called Software.

Types of software
1. System software:
a) Operating System Software
DOS, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Unix/Linux, MAC/OS X etc.
b) Utility Software
Windows Explorer (File/Folder Management), Windows Media Player, Anti-
Virus Utilities, Disk Defragmentation, Disk Clean, BackUp, WinZip, WinRAR
etc…
2. Application software:
a) Package Software
Ms. Office 2003, Ms. Office 2007, Macromedia (Dreamweaver, Flash,
Freehand), Adobe (PageMaker, PhotoShop)
b) Tailored or Custom Software
SAGE (Accounting), Galileo/Worldspan (Travel) etc.

3. Computer Languages & Scripting:

a) Low Level Language
i) Machine Level Language
ii) Assembly Language

Machine language: These language instructions are directly executed by CPU

Assembly language: The endeavor of giving machine language instructions a

name structure that means bit strings of instructions of machine language are
given name here

High Level Language: The user friendly language ...more natural language
than assembly language.

Assembler is needed to convert assembly language into machine language

Complier is needed to convert high level to machine language

b) High Level Language

COBOL (COmmon Business Oriented Language), FORTRAN (FORmula
TRANslation), BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code), C,
C++ etc. are the examples of High Level Language.

a) Super Computer
The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for
specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For
example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers
include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and
petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer
channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a
mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.

b) Mainframe Computer
A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even
thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers at
the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more
powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But
supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

a) Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers
and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously.
b) Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
ii. Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and

keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a notebook
computer.

iii. Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops

have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.
 c) Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just
a generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or
"mainframe."

An Operating System is a System software that manages all the resources of the computing
device.
 Acts as an interface between the software and different parts of the computer or the
computer hardware.
 Manages the overall resources and operations of the computer.
 Controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the computer,
which also includes application programs and other system software of the computer.
 Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.
What is an Operating System Used for?
 As a platform for Application programs: It provides a platform, on top of which, other
programs, called application programs can run.
 Managing Input-Output unit: It also allows the computer to manage its own resources
such as memory, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc. Management of these resources is
required for effective and fair utilization.
 Multitasking: It manages memory and allows multiple programs to run in their own space
and even communicate with each other through shared memory.
 Manages memory and Files: It manages the computer’s main memory and second
storage. Additionally, it allows and deallocates memory to all tasks and applications.
 Provides Security: It helps to maintain the system and applications safe through the
authorization process. Thus, the OS provides security to the system.

Functions of the Operating System

 Resource Management: The operating system manages and allocates memory, CPU time,
and other hardware resources among the various programs and processes running on the
computer.
 Process Management: The operating system is responsible for starting, stopping, and
managing processes and programs. It also controls the scheduling of processes and
allocates resources to them.
 Memory Management: The operating system manages the computer’s primary memory
and provides mechanisms for optimizing memory usage
 Multiprocessing Operating System: Multiprocessor Operating Systems are used in
operating systems to boost the performance of multiple CPUs within a single computer
system. Multiple CPUs are linked together so that a job can be divided and executed more
quickly.
 Single-User Operating Systems: Single-User Operating Systems are designed to support a
single user at a time. Examples include Microsoft Windows for personal computers and
Apple macOS.
 Multi-User Operating Systems: Multi-User Operating Systems are designed to support
multiple users simultaneously. Examples include Linux and Unix.
A kernel is the core part of an operating system. It acts as a bridge between software
applications and the hardware of a computer.
 The kernel manages system resources, such as the CPU, memory, and devices, ensuring
everything works together smoothly and efficiently.
 It handles tasks like running programs, accessing files, and connecting to devices like
printers and keyboards.
 An Operating System includes the kernel as its core, but also provides a user interface, file
system management, network services, and various utility applications that allow users to
interact with the system

 Facilitates communication between hardware and user applications.

 Ensures efficient and secure multitasking.
 Manages system stability and prevents unauthorized resource access.
Types of Kernel
The kernel manages the system’s resources and facilitates communication between hardware
and software components. These kernels are of different types let’s discuss each type along
with its advantages and disadvantages:
1. Monolithic Kernel
It is one of the types of kernel where all operating system services operate in kernel space. It
has dependencies between systems components. It has huge lines of code which is complex.
2. Micro Kernel
It is kernel types which has minimalist approach. It has virtual memory and thread
scheduling. Micro Kernel is more stable with less services in kernel space. It puts rest in user
space. It is use in small os.
Functions of Kernel
The kernel is responsible for various critical functions that ensure the smooth operation of the
computer system. These functions include:
1. Process Management
 Scheduling and execution of processes.
 Context switching between processes.
 Process creation and termination.
2. Memory Management
 Allocation and deallocation of memory space.
 Managing virtual memory.
 Handling memory protection and sharing.
3. Device Management
 Managing input/output devices.
 Providing a unified interface for hardware devices.
 Handling device driver communication.
4. File System Management
 Managing file operations and storage.
 Handling file system mounting and unmounting.
 Providing a file system interface to applications.
5. Resource Management
 Managing system resources (CPU time, disk space, network bandwidth)
 Allocating and deallocating resources as needed
 Monitoring resource usage and enforcing resource limits
6. Security and Access Control
 Enforcing access control policies.
 Managing user permissions and authentication.
 Ensuring system security and integrity.
Types of files in the Linux system.
1. General Files – It is also called ordinary files. It may be an image, video, program, or
simple text file. These types of files can be in ASCII or Binary format. It is the most
commonly used file in the Linux system.
2. Directory Files – These types of files are a warehouse for other file types. It may be a
directory file within a directory (subdirectory).
3. Device Files – In a Windows-like operating system, devices like CD-ROM, and hard drives
are represented as drive letters like F: G: H whereas in the Linux system

Directories Description
Directories Description

/bin binary or executable programs.

/etc system configuration files.

/home home directory. It is the default current directory.

/opt optional or third-party software.

/tmp temporary space, typically cleared on reboot.

/usr User related programs.

/var log files.

Some other directories in the Linux system:

Directories Description

It contains all the boot-related information files and folders such as conf, grub, etc.
/boot

It is the location of the device files such as dev/sda1, dev/sda2, etc.

/dev

It contains kernel modules and a shared library.

/lib

It is used to find recovered bits of corrupted files.

/lost+found

It contains subdirectories where removal media devices are inserted.

/media

It contains temporary mount directories for mounting the file system.

/mnt

What is a Software?
In a computer system, the software is basically a set of instructions or commands that tell a
computer what to do. In other words, the software is a computer program that provides a set of
instructions to execute a user’s commands and tell the computer what to do. For example
like MS-Word, MS-Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Types of Software
It is a collection of data that is given to the computer to complete a particular task. The chart
below describes the types of software:

System Software
System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides the
basic functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly. Or in other
words, system software basically controls a computer’s internal functioning and also controls
hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc. It is like an interface
between hardware and user applications, it helps them to communicate with each other because
hardware understands machine language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user applications are work in
human-readable languages like English, Hindi, German, etc. so system software converts the
human-readable language into machine language and vice versa.
Types of System Software
It has two subtypes which are:
1. Operating System: It is the main program of a computer system. When the computer
system ON it is the first software that loads into the computer’s memory. Basically, it
manages all the resources such as computer memory, CPU, printer, hard disk, etc., and
provides an interface to the user, which helps the user to interact with the computer system.
 It also provides various services to other computer software. Examples of operating
systems are Linux, Apple macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.
2. Language Processor: As we know that system software converts the human-readable
language into a machine language and vice versa. So, the conversion is done by the
language processor. It converts programs written in high-level programming
languages like Java, C, C++, Python, etc(known as source code), into sets of instructions
that are easily readable by machines(known as object code or machine code).
3. Device Driver: A device driver is a program or software that controls a device and helps
that device to perform its functions. Every device like a printer, mouse, modem, etc. needs
a driver to connect with the computer system eternally. So, when you connect a new device
with your computer system, first you need to install the driver of that device so that your
operating system knows how to control or manage that device.
Features of System Software
Let us discuss some of the features of System Software:
 System Software is closer to the computer system.
 System Software is written in a low-level language in general.
 System software is difficult to design and understand.
 System software is fast in speed(working speed).
 System software is less interactive for the users in comparison to application software.
Application Software
Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are much more than the
basic operation of the computer is known as application software. Or in other words,
application software is designed to perform a specific task for end-users. It is a product or a
program that is designed only to fulfill end-users’ requirements. It includes word
processors, spreadsheets, database management, inventory, payroll programs, etc.
Types of Application Software
There are different types of application software and those are:
1. General Purpose Software: This type of application software is used for a variety of tasks
and it is not limited to performing a specific task only. For example, MS-Word, MS-Excel,
PowerPoint, etc.
2. Customized Software: This type of application software is used or designed to perform
specific tasks or functions or designed for specific organizations. For example, railway
reservation system, airline reservation system, invoice management system, etc.
3. Utility Software: This type of application software is used to support the computer
infrastructure. It is designed to analyze, configure, optimize and maintains the system, and
take care of its requirements as well. For example, antivirus, disk fragmenter, memory
tester, disk repair, disk cleaners, registry cleaners, disk space analyzer, etc.
Features of Application Software
Let us discuss some of the features of Application Software:
 An important feature of application software is it performs more specialized tasks like
word processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.
 Mostly, the size of the software is big, so it requires more storage space.
 Application software is more interactive for the users, so it is easy to use and design.
 The application software is easy to design and understand.
 Application software is written in a high-level language in general.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Now, let us discuss some difference between system software and application software:

System Software Application Software

It is designed to manage the resources of the

It is designed to fulfill the requirements of
computer system, like memory and process
the user for performing specific tasks.
management, etc.

Written in a low-level language. Written in a high-level language.

Less interactive for the users. More interactive for the users.

Application software is not so important

System software plays vital role for the
for the functioning of the system, as it is
effective functioning of a system.
task specific.

It is independent of the application software to

It needs system software to run.
run.

called high-level languages.

1. First-Generation Language :
The first-generation languages are also called machine languages/ 1G language. This language
is machine-dependent. The machine language statements are written in binary code (0/1 form)
because the computer can understand only binary language.
Advantages :
1. Fast & efficient as statements are directly written in binary language.
2. No translator is required.
Disadvantages :
1. Difficult to learn binary codes.
2. Difficult to understand – both programs & where the error occurred.
2. Second Generation Language :
The second-generation languages are also called assembler languages/ 2G languages.
Assembly language contains human-readable notations that can be further converted to
machine language using an assembler.
Assembler – converts assembly level instructions to machine-level instructions.
Programmers can write the code using symbolic instruction codes that are meaningful
abbreviations of mnemonics. It is also known as low-level language.
Advantages :
1. It is easier to understand if compared to machine language.
2. Modifications are easy.
3. Correction & location of errors are easy.
Disadvantages :
1. Assembler is required.
2. This language is architecture /machine-dependent, with a different instruction set for
different machines.
3. Third-Generation Language :
The third generation is also called procedural language /3 GL. It consists of the use of a series
of English-like words that humans can understand easily, to write instructions. It’s also called
High-Level Programming Language. For execution, a program in this language needs to be
translated into machine language using a Compiler/ Interpreter. Examples of this type of
language are C, PASCAL, FORTRAN, COBOL, etc.
Advantages :
1. Use of English-like words makes it a human-understandable language.
2. Lesser number of lines of code as compared to the above 2 languages.
3. Same code can be copied to another machine & executed on that machine by using
compiler-specific to that machine.
Disadvantages :
1. Compiler/ interpreter is needed.
2. Different compilers are needed for different machines.
4. Fourth Generation Language :
The fourth-generation language is also called a non – procedural language/ 4GL. It enables
users to access the database. Examples: SQL, Foxpro, Focus, etc.
These languages are also human-friendly to understand.
Advantages :
1. Easy to understand & learn.
2. Less time is required for application creation.
3. It is less prone to errors.
Disadvantages :
1. Memory consumption is high.
2. Has poor control over Hardware.
3. Less flexible.
5. Fifth Generation Language :
The fifth-generation languages are also called 5GL. It is based on the concept of artificial
intelligence. It uses the concept that rather than solving a problem algorithmically, an
application can be built to solve it based on some constraints, i.e., we make computers learn to
solve any problem. Parallel Processing & superconductors are used for this type of language to
make real artificial intelligence.
Examples: PROLOG, LISP, etc.
Advantages :
1. Machines can make decisions.
2. Programmer effort reduces to solve a problem.
3. Easier than 3GL or 4GL to learn and use.
Disadvantages :
1. Complex and long code.
2. More resources are required & they are expensive too.
What is Language Processors?
Compilers, interpreters, translate programs written in high-level languages into machine code
that a computer understands and assemblers translate programs written in low-level or
assembly language into machine code. In the compilation process, there are several stages. To
help programmers write error-free code, tools are available.
Assembly language is machine-dependent, yet mnemonics used to represent instructions in it
are not directly understandable by machine and high-Level language is machine-independent.
A computer understands instructions in machine code, i.e. in the form of 0s and 1s. It is a
tedious task to write a computer program directly in machine code. The programs are written
mostly in high-level languages like Java, C++, Python etc. and are called source code. These
source code cannot be executed directly by the computer and must be converted into machine
language to be executed. Hence, a special translator system software is used to translate the
program written in a high-level language into machine code is called Language Processor and
the program after translated into machine code (object program/object code).
Types of Language Processors
The language processors can be any of the following three types:
1. Compiler
The language processor that reads the complete source program written in high-level language
as a whole in one go and translates it into an equivalent program in machine language is called
a Compiler. Example: C, C++, C#.
In a compiler, the source code is translated to object code successfully if it is free of errors.
The compiler specifies the errors at the end of the compilation with line numbers when there
are any errors in the source code. The errors must be removed before the compiler can
successfully recompile the source code again the object program can be executed number of
times without translating it again.
2. Assembler
The Assembler is used to translate the program written in Assembly language into machine
code. The source program is an input of an assembler that contains assembly language
instructions. The output generated by the assembler is the object code or machine code
understandable by the computer. Assembler is basically the 1st interface that is able to
communicate humans with the machine. We need an assembler to fill the gap between human
and machine so that they can communicate with each other. code written in assembly language
is some sort of mnemonics(instructions) like ADD, MUL, MUX, SUB, DIV, MOV and so on.
and the assembler is basically able to convert these mnemonics in binary code. Here, these
mnemonics also depend upon the architecture of the machine.
For example, the architecture of intel 8085 and intel 8086 are different.

3. Interpreter
The translation of a single statement of the source program into machine code is done by a
language processor and executes immediately before moving on to the next line is called an
interpreter. If there is an error in the statement, the interpreter terminates its translating process
at that statement and displays an error message. The interpreter moves on to the next line for
execution only after the removal of the error. An Interpreter directly executes instructions
written in a programming or scripting language without previously converting them to an
object code or machine code. An interpreter translates one line at a time and then executes it.

Example: Perl, Python and Matlab.

 Difference Between Compiler and Interpreter
Compiler Interpreter

A compiler is a program that converts the

An interpreter takes a source program and
entire source code of a programming
runs it line by line, translating each line as it
language into executable machine code for a
comes to it.
CPU.

The compiler takes a large amount of time to

An interpreter takes less amount of time to
analyze the entire source code but the overall
analyze the source code but the overall
execution time of the program is
execution time of the program is slower.
comparatively faster.

The compiler generates the error message

only after scanning the whole program, so Its Debugging is easier as it continues
debugging is comparatively hard as the error translating the program until the error is met.
can be present anywhere in the program.

The compiler requires a lot of memory for It requires less memory than a compiler
generating object codes. because no object code is generated.

Generates intermediate object code. No intermediate object code is generated.

For Security purpose compiler is more The interpreter is a little vulnerable in case of
useful. security.

Examples: C, C++, C# Examples: Python, Perl, JavaScript, Ruby.