2

Chapter

Computer System Fundamentals

Introduction
Computers are an essential tool of information technology
(IT). They are multi-purpose machines that are used to
solve a variety of problems in different fields. The basic
working principle of a modern computer is based on the
analytical engine designed by Charles Babbage in the
19th century. Computers have changed our daily routine
as the entire task performed by us in our daily routine is
automated. Our lives are directly or indirectly affected by
the computers. It was in the past era where computers
were used in industries. In this era of information, we are
dependent on the storage, flow, and processing of data
and information which can only be possible with the help
of computers. This is the reason a computer is called a
multi-purpose machine. The purpose of this Chapter is
to introduce you to a computer.

Computer System
The term ‘computer’ is derived from the word ‘compute’,
meaning ‘to calculate’. A computer is a programmable
electronic machine that accepts data from the user,
processes it by performing calculations and operations
on it, and generates the desired output results. Computer
performs both simple and complex operations, with
Fig. 2.1: Computer system speed and accuracy.
Computing is not restricted to only mathematical
computing but to a variety of logic‑based tasks. Computer,
process the data as per the given set of instructions. It
can perform operations like generating bills, reserving
tickets, printing mark-sheets, printing business reports,
or communicating messages. Data can be text, number,
audio, video, graphs, or animations.

Characteristics and Limitations of a Computer

As we know, computers can execute millions of
instructions per second. The computer gives a correct
result only if the data and instructions given are correct.

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 The term garbage in, garbage out (GIGO) is used to refer Notes
to this feature. Computers are very useful because of
their characteristics like speed, accuracy, automation,
programming ability, storage, diligence, versatility, and
ability to retain data.

Characteristics
Speed: The speed of computer data processing is
measured in terms of instructions per second. Modern
computers can process the data very fast that is at the
rate of millions of instructions per second. It means
the calculations which otherwise require hours and
days to compute manually, can be completed in a few
seconds using computers.
Accuracy: Computers can perform complex arithmetic
and logical computations with 100% accuracy. For
example, the computer can accurately give the result of
division of any two numbers up to ten decimal places.
Automation: Computers can automatically perform a
given task based on the given instructions. Once data
and necessary instructions are stored in the computer
memory, human intervention is not required.
Programability: Computers can be programmed to
execute predefined set of instructions. The program
once written can be modified later for the revised task.
Storage: Computers can store large volumes of data
permanently in secondary storage for a long time. The
stored content can be retrieved whenever required. A
limited amount of data can be stored, temporarily, in
the primary memory.
Diligence: Computers are machines and hence they can
operate consistently for long hours without any break.
They can perform long and complex calculations with
the same speed and accuracy from the start till the end.
Versatility: Computers are versatile in nature. They
can perform different types of tasks with the same ease.
At one moment, you can use the computer to prepare
a letter document and the next moment you may play
music or print a document.
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 Limitations
Computers also have some limitations. Computers do
not have emotions, knowledge, experience, and feelings.
They can only perform tasks as per the instructions
given by the user and do not take their own decisions.

Generations of Computer
The computer has evolved from a large simple calculating
machine to a smaller but much more powerful machine.
The evolution of the computer to the current state is
defined in terms of generations of the computer. Each
generation of the computer is designed based on a new
technological development, resulting in better, cheaper,
and smaller computers that are more powerful, faster,
and efficient than their predecessors. There are five
generations of the computer.
Table 2.1 Generations of computer

Generations Hardware Technology Systems Examples

First Generation Main electronic component: vacuum ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC, UNIVAC,
(1942–1954) tubes IBM 701
Input/Output device: punch card

Second Main electronic component: transistors IBM 7030, IBM 7094, IBM 1400
Generation Input/Output device: floppy disk and series, CDC 164, UNIVAC series
(1955–1964) tape

Third Generation Main electronic component: integrated IBM 360/370, UNIVAC 1108,
(1964–1975) circuits (IC) UNIVAC AC 9000, PDP 11, CDC
Input/Output device: keyboard and 6600
mouse as input device, high capacity
disk for secondary storage

Fourth Very large scale integrated circuits STAR 1000, CRAY-X-MP (super
Generation (VLSI) technology, microprocessor computer), DEC 10, PDP 11
(1975–Present) CRAY-1, IBM 4341, ALTAIR 8800,
Input/Output device: keyboard and Apple computers, VAX9000
mouse as input device, high capacity
disk for secondary storage

Fifth Generation These machines will incorporate IBM notebooks, Pentium PCs,
(Present–Future) bio-chip and VVLSI (very very large SUN workstations
scale integration) or ultra-large scale
integration (ULSI)
artificial intelligence (AI)

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 Hardware and Software
A computer needs both hardware and software to
function properly.
Hardware: It consists of mechanical and electronic
devices which we can see and touch. CPU, keyboard,
mouse, and monitor are examples of hardware.
Software: It consists of programs, operating systems,
and the data that resides in the memory and storage
devices. Windows, Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and
Photoshop are some examples of software.
A computer system is useful only if it consists of both
hardware and software.

Hard disk
Optical drive
CPU fan

CPU Processor
Heat sink

(a) (b)
RAM
Fig. 2.2: (a) Hardware and (b) Software

Identify whether the following are a part of the computer

hardware or software.
Component Hardware/Software
Motherboard
Monitor
DVD drive
Hard disk
Microphone
MS Office
Keyboard
CorelDraw
LibreOffice
RAM

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 The Input-Process-Output Concept
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data,
processes data, generates output, and stores data. A
computer mainly performs the following four functions:

Input
The computer accepts input data from the user via
an input device like keyboard. The input data can be
characters, word, text, sound, images, document, etc.

Process
The computer processes the input data. It performs
arithmetic or logic calculation, editing, modifying a
document, etc. During processing, the data, instructions,
and the output are stored temporarily in the computer’s
main memory.

Output
It is the result generated after the processing of data.
The output may be in the form of text, sound, image,
document, etc. The computer may display the output
on a monitor and send the output to the printer
for printing.

Storage
The input data, instructions, and output are stored
permanently in the secondary storage devices like hard
disk. The stored data can be retrieved, whenever
needed.

Main Components of the

Memory Unit
Computer System
The internal design of a computer
differs from one model to another but
CPU the basic components of all computers
Input Output remain the same. The basic working
Unit Registers
Unit model of a computer is based on the
John von Neumann architecture. The
CU ALU interconnection diagram for a simple
computer is shown in the Figure 2.3.
Fig. 2.3: John von Neumann architecture John von Neumann proposed the first

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 usable draft of a working computer. It consists of some
functional units namely input/output unit, central Monitor
processing unit (CPU), and memory.
A computer has the following three main components —
(i) input/output unit
(ii) central processing unit
(iii) memory unit
CPU
Keyboard
Input and output unit Mouse
The user interacts with the computer via the I/O unit.
The input unit accepts data from the user and the output
unit provides the processed data that is the information
to the user. The input unit accepts data from the
user, converts it into computer understandable form.
Similarly, the output unit provides the output in a form
that is understandable by the user. The input is provided
to the computer using input devices like keyboard and
mouse. The commonly used output devices are monitor
and printer. Headphone

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

It is the main component of the computer. It performs
all the processing of input data and is responsible
for activating and controlling the operations of other
units of the computer. In microcomputers, the CPU is
built on a single chip or integrated circuit (IC) and is
called microprocessor. Internal architecture of a CPU
Printer
consists of the following parts —
Fig. 2.4: Input and output
(i) arithmetic logic unit (ALU) devices
(ii) registers
(iii) control unit (CU)
(iv) buses
(v) clock

Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

It consists of two units—arithmetic unit and logic unit.
The arithmetic unit performs arithmetic operations
such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. Logic unit performs comparisons of numbers,
letters, and special characters. Logic operations include

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 Notes testing for greater than, less than or equal to condition.
ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations and uses
registers to hold the data that is being processed.
Registers
They are high speed but have low storage in the CPU.
They are referred to as the CPU’s working memory and
are directly accessed and manipulated by the CPU during
instruction execution. They store data, instructions,
addresses, and intermediate results of processing.
The data and instructions are brought in the registers
processing. For example, if two numbers are to be
added, both numbers are brought in the registers and
added and the result is also placed in a register. There
are different registers for different specific purposes.
Some of the important registers in CPU are as follows —
• Accumulator (ACC): stores the result of arithmetic
and logic operations.
• Instruction register (IR): contains the most
recently fetched instruction.
• Program counter (PC): contains the address of
next instruction to be processed.
• Memory address register (MAR): contains the
address of next location in the memory to
be accessed.
• Memory buffer register (MBR): temporarily stores
data from memory or the data to be sent to
memory.
• Data register (DR): stores the operands and any
other data.
The number of registers and the size (number of
bits) of each register in a CPU helps to determine the
power and the speed of a CPU. The overall number of
registers can vary from about ten to many hundreds,
depending on the type and complexity of the processor.
The size of the register also called word size, indicates
the amount of data with which the computer can work
at any given time. The size of a register may be 8, 16,
32, or 64 bits. In 32-bit CPU, each register is 32 bits
wide and it can manipulate 32 bits of data at a time.
The modern PCs have 32-bit or 64-bit registers and are

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 referred to as 32‑bit processor and 64‑bit processor. A Notes
64‑bit processor can process the data twice as much as
a 32-bit processor.
Control unit (CU)
It controls the input, output, and processing activities
inside the computer. It maintains the order and
controls the operation of the entire system. The control
unit interprets the instructions given to the computer,
determines the data to be processed, where to store the
results (output), and sends the control signals to the
devices required for the execution of the instructions.
It directs the computer to carry out stored program
instructions by communicating with the ALU and the
registers. CU uses the instructions in the instruction
register (IR) to decide which circuit needs to be activated.
It also instructs the ALU to perform the arithmetic or
logic operations. When a program is run, the program
counter (PC) register keeps track of the program
instruction to be executed next. CU tells when to fetch
the data and instructions, what to do, where to store
the results, the sequencing of events during processing,
etc. CU also holds the CPU’s instruction set, which is a
list of all operations that the CPU can perform.
Buses
Data is stored as a unit of 8 bits in a register. Each bit
is transferred from one register to another by means of
a separate wire. This group of eight wires which is used
as a common way to transfer data between registers
is known as a bus. Bus is a connection between two
components to transmit signals between them. Bus is
of three major types namely—data bus, control bus,
and address bus.
Clock
It is an important component of CPU which
measures and allocates a fixed time slot for processing
each and every micro operation. CPU executes the
instructions in synchronisation with the clock pulse.
The clock speed of a CPU is measured in terms of mega

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 hertz or millions of cycles per second. The clock speed
of a CPU varies from one model to another.

Memory unit
It stores the data, instructions, intermediate results
and output, temporarily during the processing of
data. The memory unit consists of cache memory and
primary memory. Primary memory or main memory of
the computer is used to store the data and instructions
during execution of the instructions. Random access
memory (RAM) and read‑only memory (ROM) are the
primary memory. The input data that is to be processed
is brought into the main memory before processing.
The instructions required for processing of data and
any intermediate results are also stored in the main
memory. The output is stored in memory before being
transferred to the output device. CPU can work with
the information stored in the main memory. In addition
to the main memory, there is another kind of storage
device known as the secondary memory. It is non-
volatile memory and is used for permanent storage of
data and programs. A program or data that has to be
executed is brought into the RAM from the secondary
memory. Magnetic disks, optical disks, and magnetic
tapes are examples of secondary memory.
Cache memory
During processing, data and instructions are brought
to RAM from secondary storage devices. For processing,
the data and instructions are accessed from the RAM
and stored in the registers. The time taken to move
the data between RAM and CPU registers is large. This
affects the speed of processing of a computer and results
in decreasing the performance of CPU. Cache memory is
a very high speed memory placed in between RAM and
CPU. It increases the speed of processing
and it is a storage buffer that stores the
Processor
(Core)
L1 Cache L2 Cache RAM data that is used more often temporarily
and makes it available to the CPU at a
fast rate. During processing, CPU first
Fig. 2.5: Illustration of cache memory
checks cache for the required data. If

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 data is not found in cache, then it looks in the RAM for Notes
data. To access the cache memory, CPU does not have
to use the motherboard’s system bus for data transfer.
Cache memory is built into the processor and may
also be located next to it on a separate chip between
the CPU and RAM. Cache built into the CPU is faster
than separate cache, running at the speed of the
microprocessor itself. However, separate cache is roughly
twice as fast as RAM.
The CPU has a built-in level 1 (L1) cache and level
2 (L2) cache, as shown in Figure 2.5. In addition
to the built-in L1 and L2 cache, some CPUs have a
separate cache chip on the motherboard. This cache on
the motherboard is called level 3 (L3) cache. Modern
processor comes with built-in L3 cache, like in Intel core
i7. The L1, L2, and L3 cache store the most recently
run instructions, the next ones and the possible ones,
respectively. Typically, CPUs have cache size varying
from 256KB (L1), 6 MB (L2), to 12MB (L3) cache. Cache
memory is very expensive, so it is smaller in size.
Generally, computers have cache memory of sizes 256
KB to 2 MB.
Primary memory
It is the main memory of a computer. It is used to store
data and instructions during the processing of data. It
is semiconductor memory and is of two kinds—random
access memory (RAM) and read‑only memory (ROM).
Read‑only memory (ROM)
It is an essential memory unit in every computer. It
holds the boot up program called BIOS (Basic Input
Output System) required to boot the computer. This
memory is permanent and is not erased when the
system is switched off. The memory capacity of ROM
varies from 64 KB to 256 KB depending on the model of
the computer.
Random access memory (RAM)
It is used to store data and instructions during the
execution of programs. CPU accesses the data and the

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 Notes instructions from RAM, as it can access them at a faster
speed than the storage devices connected to the input
and output unit. The input data that is entered using
the input unit is stored in RAM, to be made available
during the processing of data. Similarly, the output
data generated after processing is stored in RAM before
being sent to the output device. Any intermediate
results generated during the processing of program are
stored in RAM. RAM is volatile meaning it is temporary
and is erased when the computer is switched off. It is
a read/write type of memory and thus can be read and
written by the user. As it is possible to randomly use
any location of this memory, it is known as random
access memory. The memory capacity of RAM starts
from 640 KB and the present computers have 4 GB to
16 GB RAM.
Memory representation
In a computer, data is stored as a machine code. The
machine code has only two states either 0 or 1. Binary
digit or bit is the basic unit of memory. A bit is a single
binary digit that is 0 or 1. A bit is the smallest unit
of representation of data in a computer. The storage
capacity of memory is measured in bytes. A group of
8 bits form a byte. One byte can store 28 that is 256
different combinations of bits and thus can be used to
represent 256 different symbols. In a byte, the different
combinations of bits fall in the range 00000000 to
11111111.
Binary digit = 1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Nibble = 4 bits
1 Byte (B) = 8 bits
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 210 = 1024 bytes
1 Megabyte (MB) = 220 = 1024KB
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 230 = 1024 MB = 1024*1024 KB
1 Terabyte (TB) = 240 = 1024 GB = 1024*1024*1024 KB
A computer with 2GB of RAM can hold 2 billion bytes
of data and instructions at any time.
Secondary memory
It stores data and instructions permanently. The
information can be stored in secondary memory for

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 a long time (years), and is generally permanent in
nature unless erased by the user. It is a non-volatile
memory. It provides backup storage for data and
instructions. Hard disk drive and optical disk drives are
some examples of storage devices.
The data and instructions that are currently not
being used by CPU, but may be required later for
processing are stored in secondary memory. It has a
higher storage capacity and is also cheaper than the
primary memory. But it takes a longer time to access
the data and instructions stored in secondary memory
than in primary memory.
Magnetic Storage Devices
These use plastic tape or metal or plastic disks
coated with magnetic materials. Data is recorded
magnetically in these devices. Read/write heads
are used to access data from these devices. Hard
disk drive is the most popular magnetic storage
device now.
Hard disk drive (HDD): This consists of metal disks
coated with magnetic material concealed in dust
free containers. Hard disks have a very high storage
capacity, high data transfer rates, and low access
time. They are more durable, less error prone, and
are the most common secondary storage device used
in computers. Fig. 2.6: Hard disk drive

Optical storage devices: This is a data storage medium

which uses a low power laser beam to read from and
write data into it. The laser beam reads the pits and
lands (all optical media have pits and lands which
are microscopic) as 0s and 1s. It is very cheap to
manufacture optical disks in large quantities and it is a
popular secondary storage medium. The main types of Fig 2.7: CD, DVD, and Blu-ray
optical disks are—CD, DVD, and Blu-ray. disc

Compact disc (CD): This is an optical storage medium

capable of storing up to 700 MB of data. A CD drive uses
red laser beams for reading from and writing data into
CDs. There are two types of CDs—CD-R and CD-RW.
In CD-R (compact disc recordable), data can be written
once and read many times whereas in CD-RW (compact

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 disc rewritable) disks, it can be erased and rewritten at
any time.
Digital versatile disk (DVD): This is an optical storage
media similar to CD-ROM but with a higher storage
capacity. This is achieved by using smaller spots to
record data. Recording and reading of data is done using
a DVD drive. Here also, red laser beam is used for these
operations. The capacity of a DVD varies from 4.37 GB
to 15.9 GB. DVDs also come in the form of DVD-ROM
and DVD-RW.
Blu-ray DVD: This is an optical disk format developed
to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of high
definition (HD) video as well as storing huge amounts
of data. CD and DVD technologies use red laser to
read and write data while Blu-ray format uses a blue-
violet laser. The benefit of using a blue-violet laser is
that it has a shorter wavelength than a red laser,
which makes it possible to focus on the laser spot
with greater precision. This allows data to be packed
more tightly. Therefore, it is possible to store more
data on the disk even though it is the same size as
that of a CD or DVD. The format offers more than five
Fig. 2.8 (a): Flash drive times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and
can hold up to 25 GB on a single layer disc and 50 GB
on a dual layer disc.

Semiconductor storage (flash memory)

Flash drives use EEPROM chips for data
storage. Flash memory is faster and durable as
compared to other types of secondary memory.
USB flash drive and flash memory cards are
the examples of flash memory.
USB flash drive: This is a small external storage
device. It is portable and rewritable. The storage
capacity of an USB drive currently varies from
2 GB to 128 GB.
Flash memory card: This is of size about 1
Fig. 2.8 (b): Flash memory cards inch × 0.75 inches with a thickness of about 2
mm. It has storage capacities in the range of 1
GB–32 GB. It also has a smaller version which is used
within cell phones and tablets. These smaller cards are

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 about 6 mm × 3 mm in size and are less than 1 mm Notes
thick. These cards have various speed levels as per
their usage.
Table 2.2 summaries the characteristics of the
various kinds of data storage in the storage hierarchy.
Modern computers are designed with this hierarchy due
to the characteristics listed in the table.
Table 2.2 Comparison of different types of memory

Storage Speed Capacity Relative Cost Volatile

Registers Fastest Lowest Highest Yes

Cache Faster Low Very high Yes

RAM/ Low/
Fast High Yes
ROM Moderate

Hard Disk Moderate Very high Very low No

Practical Activity
Identify the computer hardware and software.
Material required
Computer, RAM, hard disk drive, CD, DVD, pen drive
Procedure
1. Identify the RAM chip and note its memory capacity.
2. Identify the hard disk drive and note its memory
capacity.
3. Insert the CD in the CD drive and note its memory
capacity.
4. Insert the DVD in the DVD drive and note its memory
capacity.
5. Insert the pen drive in the USB slot and note its
memory capacity.
6. Categorise all of the above memory into primary and
secondary memory.

Classification of Computers
Generally, the word computer refers to a personal
computer such as a desktop or laptop. However, we

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 see different types of computers in our daily lives
performing various tasks, for example while operating
an ATM, purchasing groceries at the store, etc.

Purpose
According to purpose, computers can be classified into
two types:
General purpose computers
These computers are used for general use such as office
applications, banking, invoice, sales analysis, and
financial accounting. They are used at home, offices,
and educational institutions.
Special purpose computers
These computers are designed to perform scientific
applications, weather forecasting, space applications, etc.
Fig. 2.9: Digital and analog
signals Working principle
According to the technology used, computers can be
classified into three types — analog, digital, and hybrid
computers.
Analog computers
These deal with analog data which represents the
(a) continuously varying physical quantities, such as
current, voltage, or frequency. They are used to
measure physical quantities like pressure, temperature,
speed, etc., and to perform computation on these
measurements. Examples are thermometer and
(b)
speedometer.
Digital computers
These operate on digital data. Input and output is in the
form of on/off type (digit 1 and 0). Digital computers are
based on counting operation. Any data to be manipulated
by a digital computer must be converted to a discrete
(1,0) representation. The digital computers are mainly
(c) used in office, home, and industry.
Fig. 2.10: (a) Analog computer, Hybrid computers
(b) Digital computer, (c) Hybrid
computer These use the combination of digital and analog
computers. These computers use digital‑to‑analog

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 (DAC) and analog-to-digital (ADC) technology to deal
with both types of data. They store and process both
analog and digital data. Hybrid computers are mainly
used in artificial intelligence. The ECG machine used
in hospitals is an example of hybrid computer. ECG
machine reads the heart beat as an analog signal and
then converts it into digital signal to print the graph.
Classification of computers according to size and
storage capacity
Supercomputer: This is designed by interconnecting
a number of processors. It has the highest processing Fig. 2.11: Supercomputer
speed with multiprocessing technology. It is mainly
used in weather forecasting, biomedical research,
aircraft design, remote sensing, and other areas of
science and engineering. A supercomputer focuses on
executing a few programs as fast as possible. Examples
of supercomputers are CRAY YMP, CRAY2, NEC SX-3,
CRAY XMP, and PARAM.
Mainframes: These are slower than the supercomputers
in speed and processing power. They can support
hundreds of users simultaneously. In one way,
mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers
because they support more programs simultaneously,
while the supercomputer can execute a single program
faster than a mainframe. Mainframes have a very
large storage capacity and can handle large database
systems, such as patient information system in
a big hospital or student information system in an
university. Example of mainframes are DEC, ICL, Fig. 2.12: Mainframe
and IBM 3000 series. The capacity of a mainframe computer
can be a hundred or even a thousand times that of a
modern PC.
Mini computer: This uses multiprocessing. It is capable
of supporting hundreds of users simultaneously. It
has a large storage capacity and operates at a higher
speed. The minicomputer is used in multi-user system
where various users can work at the same time. This Fig. 2.13: Mini computer
type of computer is generally used for processing a large
volume of data. It is also used as a server in Local Area
Networks (LAN).

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 Micro computer: This has the lowest speed and
storage capacity. Its CPU is a microprocessor. The 4
bit microprocessor chip was invented first. The 8 bit
microprocessor chip was used in the first microcomputer.
The microprocessor chip continues to improve 16 bit, 32
bit, and 64 bit chips. Examples of microcomputer are
IBM PC, PC-AT. The PC supports a number of input and
Fig. 2.14: Micro Computer output devices. Today’s microcomputer is so powerful
that it can serve the purpose of a server, or sometimes
that of a minicomputer that can be used as a server.
The microcomputer can be categorised as below —

Desktop computers
Desktop computers are also known as personal computer
(PC). They are intended for use at a fixed location. They
consist of CPU, monitor, speaker, keyboard, and mouse.
Desktop computers are easy to upgrade and expand.
They are also less expensive.

All in one computer

All in one computers are the new form of desktop
PC. They have inbuilt CPU and monitor like that of a
Fig. 2.15: All in one
computer
laptop. They can also have a touch screen monitor and
are mounted on a desk like a standard monitor. CPU is
mounted on the back side of the monitor. It has a USB
port for connection of a mouse and keyboard.

Laptop computers
A laptop has a built-in monitor, keyboard, touch-pad,
and speakers to make a fully functional computer.
The modern laptops also have touch screen, which
minimises the use of a keyboard or mouse. They are
called laptops because of their small size and being
light enough to be used while being placed on one’s
lap. A laptop can perform almost all jobs of a desktop.
The main components of laptop are  —  touchpad,
Fig. 2.16: Laptop computer
battery, AC adapter and ports. A user can work on
a fully charged laptop without connecting it to a
power supply for three to seven hours. A laptop has a
power cable and AC adapter designed to be used with

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 specific type of laptop. The laptop also have 3 – 4 USB
ports to connect peripheral devices, a VGA or HDMI
port to connect the projector and a slot to insert a
memory card.

Mobile computers
Many mobile devices work as specialised computers.
These are normally used for internet, e-mail, photography,
capturing and storing images and videos. These devices are
portable and consume very less space. The various mobile
computers are categorised as  — tablets, smartphones,
wearable devices, vehicle-mounted, handheld computers,
e-book readers, etc. The most common are tablets and
smartphones, which are discussed here.
Tablets
They are handheld computers and are more portable
than laptops. They use a touch sensitive screen for
typing and navigation. The size of a tablet is about 7 to
10 inches. They work on specialised operating systems
such as Android, Windows, and iOS. The iPad is an
example of a tablet.
Smartphones
In addition to providing telephone services, a smartphone
is designed to run a variety of applications (apps). They
are small tablet computers and can be used for web
browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing
games. Many apps can be installed on the smartphone
which we use in our daily lives for booking tickets, bill Fig. 2.17: Smartphone
payment, etc.

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

They are just like a mobile phone with a touch screen and
keypad. They have bigger screens than mobile phones.
They use handwriting recognition software to enter text
and are extremely portable and fit into pockets. They are
a powerful computer that includes satellite navigation Fig. 2.18: PDA
facilities (GPS), mobile phone capability, and versions
of application software that have a limited range
of functions.

Computer System Fundamentals 41

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 Types of computers on the basis of brand
There are two types of PCs — IBM/IBM compatible Intel
PC and Mac PC.
IBM PC
IBM PC began with the original IBM PC that was
introduced in 1981. Other companies began
Fig. 2.19: IBM computer
manufacturing similar computers which were called
IBM Compatible.
Apple/Macintosh
Macintosh introduced the first personal computer with
graphical user interface (GUI) in 1984. Macs are made
by Apple Inc., and use Mac OS X (an operating system).
Fig. 2.20: Apple computer

Look through the list of computer types and state

where they are being used. Discuss which computer
should be used for what purpose. State three reasons to
choose a laptop computer rather than a general purpose
desktop computer.

Check Your Progress

A. Multiple choice questions
1. The computer system is used to _________________.
(a) compute the result
(b) process the data
(c) produce result
(d) All of these
2. The data and information can be stored in __________.
(a) primary storage
(b) secondary storage
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
3. Which of the following are components of central
processing unit (CPU)?
(a) Arithmetic logic unit, mouse, control unit
(b) Arithmetic logic unit, control unit, memory
(c) Arithmetic logic unit, integrated circuits, memory
(d) Control unit, monitor, memory

42 Installation Technician — Computing and Peripherals — Class XI

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 4. The device through which data and instructions are Notes
entered into a computer is ____________.
(a) software
(b) output device
(c) input device
(d) memory
5. The measurement of storage capacity of memory is
in______________.
(a) bite
(b) bytes
(c) kilobytes
(d) megabytes
6. The ‘heart’ of the processor which performs many
different operations —
(a) arithmetic and logic unit
(b) motherboard
(c) control unit
(d) memory
7. Unit of computer which is capable of performing
arithmetic, logical, and data manipulation operations on
binary numbers is called __________.
(a) CU
(b) ALU
(c) I/O Unit
(d) processing unit
8. Operations of computer arithmetic and logic unit are
directed by ______________.
(a) ALU itself
(b) program
(c) control unit
(d) memory unit
9. CPU consists of _____________.
(a) ALU, control unit and registers
(b) ALU and control unit
(c) ALU, control unit, and hard disk
(d) ALU, control unit, and monitor
10. The output of a computer is sent to _______________.
(a) input device
(b) output device
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of these
11. Which among the following was found in the first
generation of computers?
(a) Vacuum tubes and magnetic drum
(b) Integrated circuits
(c) Magnetic tape and transistors
(d) All of above

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 Notes 12. Which of the following refers to the fastest, biggest, and
most expensive computer?
(a) Personal computer
(b) Supercomputer
(c) Laptop
(d) Notebook

B. Fill in the blanks

1. The _____________________ unit is used to perform the
arithmetic operations.
2. The input, output, and processing activities are controlled
by the ____________
3. The ___________ unit acts as central nervous system of
the computer.
4. The _____________ unit presents the results to the user.
5. The different parts of the CPU are ___________, _________,
and _____________.
6. ____________ and _____________ are the main memory.
7. The fastest memory in a computer is _______________.
8. ALU consists of the _________ unit and ____________ unit.
9. The ___________ memory is placed between the RAM and
the CPU.
10. The result of input given to computer is called as
_________________.
11. The __________ is the physical part of the computer
system which one can see, feel, or touch.
12. The _____________ is also called the brain of the computer.
13. The wrong results produced by computer on wrong input
are ______________.
14. According to its size and memory capacity, the digital
computer is categorised into ___________ types.
15. A bit is a single binary digit __________ or ____________.
16. One byte can store ________ different combination of bits.
17. 1 Byte = ___________ bits
18. 1 Kilobyte (KB) = ____________ bytes
19. 1 Megabyte (MB) = _______ KB
20. 1 Gigabyte (GB) = ____________ MB = ___________ KB
21. 1 Terabyte (TB) = ______________ GB
22. The registers are located inside the _______________.

C. State whether the statements given below are True or False

1. The random access memory is used to hold the boot
up program.
2. Control unit is used to present the result to the user.
3. For entering data and instruction to a computer, an
input device is used.

44 Installation Technician — Computing and Peripherals — Class XI

Unit 1.indd 44 21-Oct-19 11:12:53 AM

 4. Control unit decides where to store processed data. Notes
5. A computer can do anything without data and instruction.
6. A computer is a high speed calculator.
7. CPU is a microprocessor with high speed processing
power.
8. Minicomputer uses microprocessor having large storage
capacity.
9. Supercomputer has highest processing speed after
mainframe with multiprocessing technology.
10. The output of the digital computer is in the form of 0 or
1 type.
11. Digital computers are used for measuring physical
quantities like pressure, temperature, etc.

D. State the long form of the following acronyms —

1. CPU
2. ALU
3. CU
4. RAM
5. ROM
6. HDD
7. ENIAC
8. EDVAC
9. EDSAC
10. UNIVAC
11. GIGO
12. IBM
13. PDA
14. LSI
15. VLSI

E. Short answer questions

1. What is a computer?
2. Explain input and output with examples.
3. List the important characteristics of computers.
4. List the limitations of the computer.
5. Distinguish between software and hardware.
6. Explain the input-process-output cycle.
7. What are the main components of the computer system?
8. Define analog, digital, and hybrid computers.
9. Give an example of analog computer and digital computer.
10. Give names of different types of computers.
11. How is a computer a versatile machine?
12. Explain how a computer is diligent?
13. Draw a labeled diagram of a basic model of a computer
system.

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 Notes 14. List the functions of a computer.
15. List the components of central processing unit.
16. Name the functional units of a computer.
17. What is the function of ALU?
18. What is the function of control unit?
19. What is primary memory?
20. List five important registers of the CPU and state the
purpose of each register.
21. Why are registers used in the CPU?
22. Define word size.
23. Explain the meaning of 64‑bit processor.
24. List the key features of the internal memory.
25. List the key features of the main memory.
26. Which is the fastest memory?
27. Arrange the memories in increasing order of speed —
register, RAM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, cache
memory.
28. Give the approximate speed and size of the registers,
cache memory, RAM, and magnetic disk.
29. List the different memories available in the computer in
order of their hierarchy with respect to the CPU.
30. Why is primary memory faster than the secondary
memory?
31. What is the meaning of volatile memory? Also give an
example of volatile memory. Differentiate between RAM
and ROM.

46 Installation Technician — Computing and Peripherals — Class XI

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