System Design Basics for IB Computer Science

Overview of System Design Topics

• System Design: Planning and constructing computer systems.

• Computer Organization: Structure of computer components.

• Networks: Communication between computers.

• Computational Thinking: Problem-solving methodology.

• Abstract Data Structures: Efficient data management concepts.

• Resource Management: Optimal use of computing resources.

• Control: Managing computer processes.

Key Concepts

1. Components of a Computer System

• Hardware: Physical components like CPU, RAM.

• Software: Applications running on hardware.

• Peripheral Devices: External devices (printers, scanners).

• Network: Interconnected devices for communication.

• Human Resources: People managing the system.

2. Roles of Computers in a Networked World

• Client: Requests data from a server.

• Server: Provides data/services to clients (e.g., email, DNS).

3. Client-Server vs. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Architectures

• Client-Server Model: Centralized server with multiple clients.

• Peer-to-Peer (P2P): Equal status participants sharing resources.

Understanding Servers

Server Functionality

• Types of Servers:

  • Web Servers: Host websites (e.g., Apache).

  • Mail Servers: Handle emails (e.g., Exim).

  • File Servers: Share files (e.g., Samba).

Client-Server Model Dynamics

• Connection: Client requests connection; server handles requests.

• One-to-Many Relationship: Servers serve multiple clients simultaneously.

Important Networking Components

Router

• Routes data between networks; can be hardware or software.

DNS Server

• Translates domain names into IP addresses for easy access.

Firewall

• Filters between trusted networks and outside connections; protects against threats.