- •Ssd2: Introduction to Computer Systems contents
- •Prerequisites
- •Course Textbook
- •Hardware/Software Requirements
- •The purpose of ssd2 is for students to
- •Students successfully completing ssd2 will be able to
- •1.1 Overview of Computer Systems
- •1.1.1 Components of a Computer System
- •Hardware System
- •Software System—Operating System Software and Application Software
- •Network System
- •1.2 Evolution of Computer Systems
- •1.2.1 Brief History
- •1200S—Manual Calculating Devices
- •1600S—Mechanical Calculators
- •1800S—Punched Cards
- •1940S—Vacuum Tubes
- •1950S—Transistors
- •1960S—Integrated Circuits
- •1970S to Present—Microprocessor
- •Pace of Advancement
- •1.2.2 Applications of Computer Systems
- •In Education Multimedia-Facilitated Learning
- •Simulation-Based Education
- •Intelligent Machine-Based Training
- •Interactive Learning
- •In Business Supply Chain Management
- •Project Management
- •Customer Relationship Management
- •Sales and Marketing Using Electronic Commerce
- •Manufacturing Research
- •In Entertainment Movies
- •Video Games
- •1.3 Data Representation in a Computer System
- •1.3.1 Bits and Bytes
- •Data Representation Using Binary Digits
- •Increasing Need for Bytes
- •1.3.2 Number Systems
- •Decimal
- •Hexadecimal
- •Learning Exercise
- •2.1 Processor and Memory
- •2.1.1 Processor Basics
- •Processor
- •Instruction Execution with the cpu
- •Performance: Factors and Measures
- •Types of Processors
- •2.1.2 Types of Memory
- •Cmos Memory
- •Summary
- •2.1.3 Lab: Benchmarking (Optional)
- •2.2 Peripherals
- •2.2.1 Connecting Peripherals
- •Expansion Slots and Cards
- •Usb and FireWire
- •Comparing Different Ports
- •2.2.2 Buses
- •2.2.3 Input/Output Devices
- •Input Devices
- •Cameras
- •Digital Camcorders
- •Scanners
- •Output Devices: Monitors and Projectors
- •Crt Monitors
- •Lcd Monitors
- •Projectors
- •Output Devices: Printers
- •Ink Printers
- •Dye-Sublimation Printers
- •Laser Printers
- •Comparing Printers
- •2.3 Storage Devices
- •2.3.1 Disk Controller Interfaces
- •Ide Interface
- •Eide Master/Slave
- •2.3.2 Mass Storage
- •How Mass Storage Devices Differ from ram
- •Disk Drive Reliability
- •Optical Media: cDs versus dvDs
- •Magnetic Media
- •Optical versus Magnetic
- •Solid State
- •Comparing Storages
- •2.4 Putting Together the Hardware Components
- •2.4.1 How Components Work Together
- •2.4.2 Lab: Researching a Computer System
- •2.4.3 Lab: Online Configuration
- •2.5 Improving Computer Performance
- •2.5.1 Moore's Law
- •2.5.2 Bottlenecks
- •Bottlenecks—Slowing a Process
- •Typical Bottlenecks
- •Eliminating Bottlenecks
- •2.5.3 Throughput and Latency
- •Unit 3. Operating System Software
- •3.1 Structure
- •3.1.1 Layers of Software
- •Layers and Process Management
- •Encapsulation and Abstraction
- •Layers of Software
- •3.1.2 The bios: Life at the Bottom
- •The Role of the bios
- •Changing bios Settings
- •3.1.3 Process Control
- •3.1.4 Lab: The Task Manager
- •3.2 Device Management and Configuration
- •3.2.1 Interrupt Handling
- •Interrupts
- •Interrupt Priority and Nested Interrupts
- •Traps and Faults
- •3.2.2 Hardware Attributes
- •Installing Drivers
- •Changing a Driver's Configuration
- •3.2.3 Configuration
- •3.2.4 Lab: Device Management
- •3.3 Resource Sharing
- •3.3.1 Virtual Memory
- •Managing Memory
- •Relocation
- •Virtual Memory
- •3.3.2 File and Printer Sharing
- •Printers
- •3.4 File Systems
- •3.4.1 File Organization
- •Folders
- •Shortcuts
- •File Names and Types
- •3.4.2 File Allocation Table and nt File System
- •Clusters and File Allocation Tables
- •Nt File System
- •Unit 4. Application Software
- •4.1 Software Basics
- •4.2 Using Software Systems
- •4.2.1 Lab: dos Commands
- •4.2.2 Lab: Macros
- •4.2.3 Lab: Embedding Application Objects
- •4.3 Batch Script Files
- •4.3.1 Advanced Command-Line Functions
- •Dos Command Syntax
- •Review of File System Commands
- •Wildcard Characters
- •Redirection and Piping
- •4.3.2 Batch File Commands
- •Batch Files
- •Commands
- •4.3.3 Lab: Creating a Batch File
- •Example of a Batch File
- •Example of a Batch File with Arguments
- •4.4 Databases
- •4.4.1 Lab: Searching the Library of Congress
- •4.5 Software Engineering
- •4.5.1 Issues in Large-Scale Software Development
- •The Software Development Process
- •Define or Redefine the Problem
- •Plan a Solution to the Problem
- •Code the Solution
- •Evaluate and Test Everything
- •4.5.2 Open Source Model
- •Free Software
- •4.5.3 Tools for Software Creation and Management
- •Editors
- •Compilers
- •Debuggers
- •Integrated Development Environments (idEs)
- •Unit 5. Network Systems
- •5.1 Internet Basics
- •5.1.1 Mime Types
- •5.1.2 Internet Languages
- •JavaScript
- •5.2 Local and Wide Area Networks
- •5.3 Communication Strategies
- •5.3.1 Client-Server Framework
- •5.3.2 Peer-to-Peer Connectivity
- •5.4 Data Transfer Technologies
- •5.5 Internet Architecture
- •5.5.1 Routers and tcp/ip
- •Internet Protocol
- •Routers
- •Transmission Control Protocol
- •5.5.2 Domain Name Service
- •Domain Name Service
- •5.5.3 Connectivity
- •Conventional Analog Phone Lines
- •Isdn: Integrated Services Digital Network
- •Cable Modem
- •XDsl: Digital Subscriber Line
- •Dedicated High Speed Lines
- •5.5.4 Internet Service Providers
- •Unit 6. Computer Security
- •6.1 Security Threats
- •6.1.1 Intruders: Who, Why, and How?
- •6.1.2 Identity Theft and Privacy Violation
- •Password Cracking
- •Packet sniffing
- •Social Engineering/Fraud
- •Spoofing
- •Port Scanning
- •6.1.3 Malicious Software
- •Trojan Horse
- •Prevention
- •Detection
- •Counter Measures
- •6.1.4 Denial of Service
- •Network Connectivity
- •Network Bandwidth
- •Other Resource Consumption Attacks
- •Distributed Denial of Service Attack
- •Prevention
- •6.2 Security Technologies
- •6.2.1 Encryption
- •Substitution Cipher
- •Transmitting the Key
- •Private Key Encryption Scheme
- •Public Key Encryption Scheme
- •Hybrid Encryption Schemes
- •6.2.2 Applications of Encryption
- •Hard Drives
- •Dvd Movies
- •Cellular Phones
- •6.2.3 Authentication
- •Strong Passwords
- •Smart Cards
- •Biometrics
- •Digital Signatures
- •Digital Certificates and Certificate Authorities
- •Ssl Protocol
- •6.3 Prevention, Detection, and Recovery
- •6.3.1 Firewall
- •Application Gateway
- •Packet Filter
- •Application Gateway versus Packet Filter
- •Intruder Attacks Prevented by Firewall
- •Setting up a Firewall
- •6.3.2 Intrusion Detection Tools
- •Intrusion Detection Systems
- •Network Monitoring Tools
- •Anti-Virus Software
- •6.3.3 Data Recovery
- •6.3.4 Summary of Security Tips
Changing a Driver's Configuration
A driver is designed to operate in a particular fashion, but it may also include a number of operations to customize its functions for a particular user or system environment. Features to be modified include those that match some particular hardware or system requirement (such as the transfer speed of a modem, how much data to buffer, what protocols should be used, etc.), and those that are user-oriented (what is your screen's resolution, what wallpaper to display, whether the mouse should function as a left-handed mouse, etc.).
Most devices and software modules in the operating system that manage resources have an applet installed in the Control Panel window to present a user interface for changing some of these options. (The Control Panel is listed under Settings, which is on the Start menu.) This is the most convenient method of changing the parameters that affect a driver's or resource manager's operation. Depending on the change, it may take effect immediately or require the operating system to be rebooted to take effect.
Another means for changing a driver's configuration is the Device Manager function. Device Manager presents information either about your computer as a whole or about an individual hardware component. By selecting a specific device and selecting to view its properties, you can change various functions.
Since you as the user of a home computer are also its administrator, all of the environment and user settings are under your control. However, you should take a great deal of caution before making any changes, as it may make the device or even the entire computer unusable unless a reinstallation is performed. Because of the possible problems that can occur with these changes, most computers in a business or school environment prevent all users except the "system administrator" from making these changes.
When you make a change to the operation of the system, the related data needs to be saved so it can be referenced the next time the system is rebooted. Operating systems such as UNIX keep all configuration information in text files that an administrator can change through a simple text editor. Windows started out similar to UNIX in keeping configuration information in text files (such as WINDOWS.INI, SYSTEM.INI, CONFIG.SYS), but later versions consolidate all configuration information (including application information) that is installed into several binary files, which are collectively called the Registry. The registry has its own editor (either REGEDIT or REGEDT32) for viewing and modifying the information. Due to the cryptic nature of this information, novice users should rely on facilities such as Control Panel to modify its contents. However, some drivers and resource managers have options that cannot be accessed through Control Panel and can only be modified directly in the registry.
Utilities exist for backing up or restoring the registry on a regular basis, or before making any major changes to hardware or installing new applications on the computer system. If the system should become unusable after installing a new program or making a change through Control Panel, the registry can be restored to its prior settings to make the system functional again, performing as it did at the time the registry was backed up.