Ch 1.

– Computer System ( Q and A )

Q1. Name the software required to make a computer functional. Write down its two
primary functions.
Ans The software required to make a computer functional is operating system(OS). It’s two primary
services are :
• Memory Management : Ii’s manage primary or main memory of a computer system.
• Device Management : It’s interacts with the device driver and the related software for a
particular device.
Q2. What is the need of RAM? How does it differ from ROM?
RAM ROM
Its stand for Random Access Memory It stands for Read Only Memory
It is a volatile It is non volatile
It stores data temporarily It stores instruction permanently
Q3. What is the need for secondary memory?
The Secondary Memory ( also call storage device ) is required to store data, instruction and results
permanently for the future use
Q4. Draw the block diagram of a computer system. Briefly write about the functionality
of each component.
A computer system primarily comprise the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, input/ output
devices and storage devices.

CPU : The CPU has two main components — Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU). ALU
performs all the arithmetic and logic operations. The control unit controls the sequence in which
computer programs and instructions are executed.

Input device : The devices through which control signals are sent to a computer are termed as input
devices. Eg. Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner etc.

Output Device : The device that receives data from a computer system for display is called output
device. It converts digital information into human understandable form.
For example, monitor, projector, headphone, speaker, printer, etc.

Storage Device : A computer system needs memory to store the data and instructions for processing.
Those devices which stores data for processing are called storage devices like hard disk, SSD etc.
Q5. Differentiate between proprietary software and freeware software. Name two
software of each type.
Proprietary Software Freeware Software
Source code is not available Source code is available
Not for free to use Free to use
Example : Microsoft Windows, MS Office etc. Example : python, Open Office, etc.
Q6. Mention any browsers used for browsing the internet.
The web browser are : Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Firefox Mozilla.
Q7. 7. Name the input/output device used to do the following:
a) To output audio Speaker
b) To enter textual data Keyboard
c) To make hard copy of a text file Printer
d) To display the data/information Monitor
e) To enter audio-based command Microphone
f) To build 3D models 3D Printer
g) To assist a visually impaired individual in entering Braille keyboards
Q8. Identify the category (system, application, programming tool) of the following software:
a) Compiler System Software
b) Assembler System Software
c) Ubuntu System Software
d) Text editor Programming Tool
Q9. Convert the following into bytes:
a) 2 MB 1 Megabyte is equal to 1048576 bytes
2 * 1048576 = 2097152
b) 3.7 GB 1 Gigabyte is equal to 1073741824 bytes
3.7 * 1073741824 = 3972844748.8
c) 1.2 TB 1 Terabyte is equal to 1099511627776 bytes
1.2 * 1099511627776 = 1319413953331.2
Q10. What is the security threats involved when we throw away electronic gadgets
that are non-functional?
Security threat can increase if the electronic gadgets and the magnetic strip inside the devices are
not disposed properly. Personal details, bank details, important documents can be fetched through
broken hard disk or memory card which can be used by hackers.
Q11. Write down the type of memory needed to do the following:
a) To store data permanently
b) To execute the program
c) To store the instructions which can not be overwritten.
A ) Secondary Storage like hard disk, Pen drive, CD, DVD, SD Card, SSD etc
B ) RAM – Random Access Memory
C ) ROM – Read Only Memory.
What is Computer System?
Combination of Software and Hardware together is called Computer System. A computer is a
device(hardware) that can perform operations in accordance with a set of instructions called
program (software).
Write the Component of Computer System.
Since a computer follows Input-Process-Output cycle, thus components of computer are categorized
in three parts:
1. Input Devices 2. Central Processing Unit 3. Output Devices

Write about the Input devices?

Input device is responsible for taking input from user and provide to computer. Some most
commonly used input devices are
Keyboard , Mouse ,Microphone , Webcam, Scanner , Bar code reader , Light pen , Joystick
Write about the Output devices?
Output device is responsible for providing and displaying output to user. Some most commonly used
output devices are:
Monitor- LED Monitor, LCD Monitor, CRT Monitor
Printer- Impact Printer (Inkjet, Dot-Matrix), Non-Impact Printer (Laser, Inkjet), Plotter, Speaker
Draw the basic component structure of the computer.

As shown in diagram various part of computer interact together to make the computer work, you
input data to computer by using input devices and the CPU acts upon this data and provide output
which is made available to user by using output device.
Abacus(500BC)
Computing is attributed to the invention of ABACUS almost 3000 years ago. It was a mechanical
device capable of doing simple arithmetic calculations only.
Pascaline (1642)
Blaize Pascal invented a mechanical calculator known as Pascal calculator or Pascaline to do addition
and subtraction of two numbers directly and multiplication and division through repeated addition or
subtraction.
Analytical Engine (1834)
Charles Babbage invented analytical engine, a mechanical computing device for inputting,
processing, storing and displaying the output, which is considered to form the basis of modern
computers.
Tabulating Machine(1890)
Herman Hollerith designed a tabulating machine for summarising the data stored on the punched
card. It is considered to be the first step towards programming.
Turing Machine(1937)
The Turing machine concept was a general-purpose programmable machine that was capable to
solve any problem by executing the program stored on the punched cards.
EDVAC/ENIAC(1945)
John Von Neumann introduced the concept of stored program computer which was capable of
storing data as well as program in the memory. The EDVAC and then the ENIAC computers were
developed based on this concept.
Transistor(1947)
Vaccum tubes were replaced by transistors developed at Bell Labs, using semiconductor materials.
Integrated Circuit (1970)
An Integrated Circuit (IC) is a silicon chip which contains entire electronic circuit on a very small area.
The size of computer has drastically reduced because of ICs.

Explain about the CPU ?

CPU (Central Processing Unit)
CPU is control center of computer. It understands the instructions and carries out operations on the
computer accordingly. It is the brain of computer and controls the activity performed by the
computer.
The CPU has three components:
ALU (Arithmetic and Logical Unit)
MU (Memory Unit)
CU (Control Unit)
ALU (Arithmetic and Logical Unit)
ALU is component which is responsible for all the arithmetic or logical operation done on the
data. Arithmetic operations are the basic mathematical calculations. Logical operations are
basically comparison operation involves comparing data and determine different action to be
performed PROCESSOR.
CU (Control Unit)
The control unit is a component which controls the flow of data and operations in a computer. It acts
as a manager and instructs and coordinates all the components of CPU to perform their respective
task.
MU (Memory Unit)
Memory unit is a component which is responsible for storing all data and information and
instructions.

Memory of computer is more like a predefined working space where it temporary keep information
and data to facilitate its performance. When the task is performed, it clears it’s memory and memory
space is then available for the next task to be performed. This memory is often called main memory.
There are two types of memory:

Primary Memory
Primary memory also known as Volatile memory that is temporary as it loses its contents when the
computer’s power is turned off. It is internal memory that is accessed directly by the processor.
Following are the Primary memory:

RAM:
Random Access Memory is the memory that the computer uses for storing the programs and their
data while working on them. We can either read data from the RAM or write onto it. Hence it is
called read/write memory.

ROM:
Read Only Memory is used to store the data about the hardware which does not require frequent
updates, for example startup programs that loads Operating System into RAM. ROM is non-volatile
memory. We can only read data from the ROM and hence called read only memory.
Cache Memory:
Catch memory is very high-speed memory which is placed between processor and RAM to speed up
the operations of CPU. Generally, it stores the copies of data frequently accessed from RAM.

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory also known as non-volatile memory stores data and instructions permanently for
future use. It is slower than primary memory but cannot be accessed by processor directly. Example
of Secondary Memory are :
Hard Disk
CD/DVD
USB Flash Drive
Memory Card

Data Capturing
Data capturing refers to process of collecting or inputting data from different sources. To input data
different input devices can be used such as keyboard, scanner, camera, bar code reader etc. data
capturing might be a complex process due to nonuniformity in data.

Data Storage
Data storage refers to process of storing captured data for future use. There are many different types
of storage device are available which can be used to store data. Now a day due to rise in computers,
Internet and Technology large volume of data being produced and hence the storage device should
be of large capacity and updated regularly. to store large amount of data, Server can be deployed or
Cloud computing can also be used.

Data Retrieval
Data Retrieval refers to accessing or fetching data from storage device as per requirement. Due to
large volume of data now a day, system must have good quality and effective programs in order to
access data at minimum time.
Data Deletion and Recovery
Deleting data refers to erasing data from storage device. There can be many reasons for deleting data
such as system crash, accidental deletion, and illegal deletion by hackers/mischief mongers. When
data is deleted from storage media, only the status (address entry) of data is changed and that space
is shown empty to user without deleting data actually.
Data recovery is process of accessing deleted, lost or corrupted data from storage device. Deleted
data can only be recovered when memory space of deleted data have not been overwritten with new
data.

Software
Software is set of programs that instruct hardware to what to and how to do. It makes hardware
functional to achieve a common objective. Some examples of software are Window10, Macintosh,
MySQL, MS Word, Excel, Games etc.

Types of software
There are two types of software:
System software
Application software

System Software
System software manages computer system. It is software that control and coordinate all internal
activities of a computer system.

System software can be categorized as

Operating System
Utility Software
Device Driver

Operating System
Operating System acts as an interface between user and machine. It is set of programs that –
Manages hardware resources Manage memory Display result in monitor
Control all hardware component attached to computer system Read data through input devices.
Examples of Operating System are Window10, Window8, Macintosh, Ubuntu, DOS etc.

Utility software
It is system software that helps you to configure and optimize and maintain a computer. Examples of
utility software are- Disk Cleaner, File Backup Utility, Antivirus, Firewall, Disk Defragmenter etc.

Device Driver
Device driver is software which controls a particular type of hardware attached with a computer. It
acts as an interpreter between particular hardware and computer system.
 Computer and its Functioning
Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 mark each]
1. Which part interprets program instructions and initiate control operations ?
Control unit.
2. What is primary memory ?
Primary memory : This is the storage section of computer which is used to store data or instructions
or both for processing purpose. This is non-volatile in nature.
3. What is RAM ?
RAM : RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is the main memory of computer used to
retain user’s instructions and data for processing purpose. This is volatile in nature.
4. What is ROM ?
ROM : ROM stands for Read Only Memory. ROM applies to semiconductor memory whose contents
cannot be altered, once they have been set. So non-volatile in nature.
5. Give three examples of both input devices and output devices.
Input Devices : 1. Keyboard 2. Mouse 3. Scanner Output Devices : 1. Monitor 2. Speaker
3. Printer
6. What is EPROM ?
EPROM : EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. It can be erased and
programmed with a special type of equipment. If it is exposed in ultraviolet light, it allows data to be
erased and reprogrammed.
7. What is EEPROM ?
EEPROM : EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. This type of
ROM can be erased and programmed with the help of electric pulse.

8. Write the name of the first calculating device.

Calculating machine ABACUS is not called a computer, it can almost be called a computer.
9. Write the name of first device for multiplication.
Napier’s Bone was a mechanical device built for the purpose of multiplication in 1617 A.D. by an
English mathematician John Napier.
10. Question 3: How many generations of computer exist ?
There are five genera nations of computer.
11. What is the time period for first generation of computer ?
First Generation is from 1940 to 1956 (used Vacuum Tubes).
12. What is the time period for second generation of computer ?
Second Generation is from 1956 to 1963 (used Transistors).
13. What is the time period for third generation of computer ?
Third Generation is from 1964 to 1971 (used Integrated Circuits).
14. What is the time period for fourth generation of computer ?
Fourth Generation is from 1971 to present (used Microprocessors).
15. What difference does the 5th generation computer have from other generation computers ?
Artificial intelligence.
16. Who is known as the Father of Computers ?
Charles Babbage is known as the Father of Computers.
17. Who was the first lady programmer ?
Lady Ada Lovelace.
18. In which generation vacuum tubes were used ?
Vacuum tubes were used in first generation computers.
19. In which generation transistors were used ?
Transistors were used in second generation computers.
20. Who introduced the concept of punched cards ?
Herman Hollerith introduced the concept of punched cards.
21. Name the machine developed by Blaise Pascal ?
The machine developed by Blaise Pascal is Pascaline.
22. Give two examples of fourth generation computers.
Two examples of fourth generation computers are home computers and personal computers.

Short Answer Type Questions – I [2 mark each]

1. Name the components of a computer system.
The computer system consists of two parts : 1. Hardware. 2. Software.
2. Explain functional components of a computer system.
A computer system contains many different objects such’ as a CPU, memory, disks, etc. These all
must be connected for the system to function.

3. Explain volatile and non-volatile memory.

The memory is which data is lost when power is removed is called volatile memory. The memory is
which data is not lost when power is removed is called non-volatile memory.
4. What are the basic units of computer ? Give two names of sub-units of CPU and also give the
functions of each unit?
The computer consists of the following basic units :
1. Input unit
2. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
3. Output unit
4. Memory unit The CPU has two sub units :
(A) Control Unit (CU) : Control unit controls the entire operation being carried out.
(B) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) : It performs the arithmetic and logical operations.
5. What is data ? What is the output of data processing system ?
Аnswer:
Data is derived from a word ‘datum’ i.e. a fact. Data is a collection of raw facts and figures. Data
processing system is a computer based system which converts data into information.
6. What is the difference between data and information ?
Аnswer : Data : Data means facts and figures. Data is unprocessed information. For
example : Siddharth, 40400195, M.
Information : Information means what we get after processing data i.e., processed data. In other
words, information is processed data.
7. What is the function of memory ? What are the types of it ?
The memory stores data temporarily or permanently. Computer memory is of two types :
1. Primary Memory (Main Memory) :
The primary or main memory holds the data and information during processing. It holds data
temporarily, as we switch off computer the information vanishes. For example : RAM.
2. Secondary Memory :
It can store data permanently on the computer but it cannot process data. It is meant for permanent
storage of data and information. For example : CD-ROM, DVD-ROM.
8. What is a bit ? How bit, byte and nibbles are related to each other ?
Bit (Binary Digit) : A bit is the smallest elementary unit of memory, which can store one binary
signal either 0 or 1. A group of 8 bits is called a byte. A group of 4 bits is called a nibble.
9. What do you mean by Input Unit ? Give the examples of Input Unit.
Input Unit : An input unit takes the input and converts it into binary form so that it can be
understood by CPU for processing accordingly. For example : Keyboard, Mouse, Joystick, Scanner,
Camera, Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR),Bar Code Reader (BCR) etc.
10. What is the function of CPU in a computer system ?
The CPU is the control centre for a computer. It controls, directs and manages the entire performance
of the computer. The CPU has two different parts which are responsible for different functions.
11. What do you understand by IPO cycle ?
IPO cycle refers to the Input Process Output cycle where every operation undergoes the phases
namely input, process and output.
Draw the labelled diagram, representing the basic structure of a computer system.
12.

Short Answer Type Questions – II [3 mark each]

1. Explain Primary Memory Unit.
Memory Unit stores the data, instructions, intermediate results and output temporarily, during the
processing of data. This memory is also called the main memory or primary memory of the computer.
The input data that is to be processed is brought into the main memory before processing.

2. Write a short note on Herman Hollerith.

In 1889, Herman Hollerith invented a machine which worked on electricity for the first time. One
machine was used for recording data and the other one was used for doing calculations on that
recorded data. His machine was capable of reading both numbers and letters. Herman Hollerith
introduced the concept of punched cards. Hollerith invented the tabulating machine that could read
Information from punched cards
3. What is booting ? What are the types of booting ?
Booting is the process of restarting a computer or its operating system software. It starts with
switching on the computer and ends when the operating System is loaded in main memory and the
computer is ready to take commands from the user. Booting is of two types :
1. Cold booting : When the computer is started after having been switched off.
2. Warm booting : When the operating system alone is restarted after a system crash or freeze
4. Explain the evolution of computing device.
The computing devices have evolved from simple mechanical machines like ABACUS, Napier’s
Bones, Slide Rule, Pascal’s Adding and Subtraction Machine, Leibniz’s Multiplication and Dividing
Machine, Jacquard Punched Card System, Babbage’s Analytical Engine and Hallerith’s Tabulating
Machine, to the first electronic computer.

Long Answer Type Questions [4-5 mark each]

1. Explain four characteristics of computer.
Аnswer:
Speed, accuracy, diligence, storage capability and versatility are some of the key characteristics of a
computer. A brief overview of these characteristics are :
1. Speed : The computer can process data very fast, at the rate of millions of instructions per second.
Some calculations that would have taken hours and days to complete otherwise, can be completed in a
few seconds using the computer.
2. Accuracy : Computer provides a high degree of accuracy. For example : the computer can
accurately give the result of division of any two numbers up to 30 decimal places.
3. Diligence : When used for a longer period of time, the computer does not get tired or fatigued. It
can perform long and complex calculations with the same speed and accuracy from the start till the
end.
4. Storage Capability : Large volumes of data and information can be stored in the computer and
also retrieved whenever required. A limited amount of data can be stored temporarily in the primary
memory. Secondary storage devices like DVD and compact disk can store a large amount of data
permanently.
2. 2: Compare human beings with computer. Or What is the difference between man and
computer ?
A computer is an electronic device which can process data to give meaningful information with the
help of a set ofinstructions called ‘Program’. In computer, following are the advantages as compare to
man :
1. It is faster as compared to human beings
2. It is more accurate in comparison to human being.
3. It can store a huge amount of information that can be retrieved instantly as compared to the human
beings.
4. It is immune to boredom and tiredness.
5. It is versatile, can do different types of work with same accuracy and speed. A computer has
following disadvantages :
1. A computer does not have its own intelligence that a man has. 2. A computer cannot work without
power (electric or battery)
3. Explain what is a computer and write its advantage. Or Define computer. Give it’s
characteristics.
A computer is an electronic device which can perform various operations correctly and fast. For
example data processing, huge calculations etc. Characteristics of computer :
1. Speed : Its speed is very fast. A modern computer can execute millions of instructions in one
second.
2. Accuracy : A computer can give accurate results up to 20 to 30 places of decimal.
3. High storage capacity : A computer can store large amount of data in very small space.
4. Versatility : A computer can do different types of tasks like data processing, graphics, audio and
visual effects.
5. Repetitive: A computer makes no mistake in repeating anything as many times.

Acronyms :
CPU Central Processing Unit
ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit
CU Control Unit
MU Memory Unit
IC Integrated Circuits
RAM Random Access Memory
ROM Read Only Memory
ENIAC Electronic Numerical Integrator And Computer
EDVAC Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
LSI Large Scale Integration
VLSI Very Large Scale Integration
SLSI Super Large Scale Integration
IBM International Business Machine
GUI Graphical User Interface
CUI Character User Interface
DOS Disk Operating System
IoT Internet of Things
KB Kilobyte
MB Megabyte
GB Gigabyte
TB Terabyte
PB Petabyte
EB Exabyte
ZB Zettabyte
YB Yottabyte
HDD Hard Disk Drive
SSD Solid State Drive
CD Compact Disk
DVD Digital Versatile Disk
VLC Video LAN Client
OS Operating System
iOS iPhone Operating System
GIMP GNU Image Manipulation Program
GNU GNU’s Not Unix
FOSS Free and Open Source Software
FLOSS Free Libre and Open Source Software
WWW World Wide Web
W3C World Wide Web Consortium
OMR Optical Mark Recognition
OCR Optical Character Recognition
MICR Magnetic Ink Character Recognition