It is easy to take your computer for granted. You switch it on, it works, you can run your favourite application programs then you shut down the machine. In this module we will consider the operation of a computer system at a lower level. That is, we will think about what is actually happening inside the box on your desk.

We will look at the role of operating systems, what tasks do they perform inside your system?

Other types of system will be looked at, for example, what special type of system must a bank or air traffic control or travel agent use?

We will look at how files are stored on the machine and how the processor and memory work together to do all the tasks you do every day.

Binary, the internal language of the computer, will be examined in greater depth. How can large numbers, negative numbers, images and text be stored using just combinations of ones and zeroes.

Finally, storage capacity will be examined in relation to contemporary software and hardware requirements.