EURO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, SECTOR-45, GURGAON

CLASS XI : COMPUTER SCIENCE

CHAPTER : COMPUTER FUNDAMENTAL
Q1. What is a computer ?
Ans : It is an electronic device that processes the input according to the set of instructions
provided to it and gives the desired output at a very fast rate. Computers are very versatile as
they do lot of different tasks such as storing data, weather forecasting, booking airline, railway
or movie tickets and even playing games.
Q2. Define with example : Data and Information.
Ans : Data: It is the term used for raw facts and figures. For example, 134, + 9, ‘Raju’, ‘C’ are
data. Definition of information should start from next line as given in the word file. In composed
file it is starting from the same line immediately after the definition of data.
Information: Data represented in useful and meaningful form is information. In simple words we
can say that data is the raw material that is processed to give meaningful, ordered or structured
information. For example Raju is 9 years old. This is information about Raju and conveys some
meaning. This conversion of data to information is called data processing.
Q3. What are the Functional Components of a Computer ?
The computer is the combination of hardware and software. Hardware are the physical
components of a computer like motherboard, memory devices, monitor, keyboard etc. while
software is the set of programs or instructions. Both hardware and software together make the
computer system function.
Q4. What is IPO Cycle? Explain.
Every task given to a computer follows an Input- Process- Output Cycle (IPO cycle). It needs
certain input, processes that input and produces the desired output. The input unit takes the
input, the central processing unit does the processing of data and the output unit produces the
output. The memory unit holds the data and instructions during the processing.
Fig below shows the basic structure of the computer.

Q5. Differentiate between Input and Output units of Computer?

Input Unit
The input unit consists of input devices that are attached to the computer. These devices take
input and convert it into binary language that the computer understands. Some of the common
input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner etc.
Output Unit
The output unit consists of output devices that are attached with the computer. It converts the
binary data coming from CPU to human understandable from. The common output devices are
monitor, printer, plotter etc.
Q6. How does CPU Work?
Ans : Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Once the information is entered into the computer by the input device, the processor processes
it. The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control centre of the computer.
As the CPU is located on a small chip, it is also called the microprocessor. It first fetches
instructions from memory and then interprets them so as to know what is to be done. If required,
data is fetched from memory or input device. Thereafter CPU executes or performs the required
computation and then either stores the output or displays on the output device. The CPU has
three main components which are responsible for different functions – Arithmetic Logic Unit
(ALU) , Control Unit (CU) and Memory registers.
Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
The ALU, as its name suggests performs mathematical calculations and takes logical decisions.
Arithmetic calculations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Logical
decisions involve comparison of two data items to see which one is larger or smaller or equal.
Control Unit The Control unit coordinates and controls the data flow in and out of CPU and
also controls all the operations of ALU, memory registers and also input/output units. It is also
responsible for carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. It decodes the fetched
instruction, interprets (understands) it and sends control signals to input/output devices until the
required operation is done properly by ALU and memory.
Memory Registers
A register is a temporary unit of memory in the CPU. These receive data/information and then
this data/information is held in them as per the requirement. Registers can be of different
sizes(16 bit , 32 bit , 64 bit and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a specific function
like storing data, storing an instruction, storing address of a location in memory etc. The user
registers can be used by an assembly language programmer for storing operands, intermediate
results etc. Accumulator (ACC) is the main register in the ALU and contains one of the
operands of an operation to be performed in the ALU.

Q7. What do mean by Memory of the Computer?

Memory attached to the CPU is used for storage of data and instructions and is called internal
memory. During processing, it is the internal memory that holds the data. The internal memory
is divided into many storage locations, each of which can store data or instructions. Each
memory location is of the same size and has an address. With the help of the address, the
computer can find any data easily without having to search the entire memory. The internal
memory is also called the Primary memory or Main memory. When the task is performed,
the CU makes the space available for storing data and instructions, thereafter the memory is
cleared and the memory space is then available for the next task. The time of access of data is
independent of its location in memory, therefore this memory is also called Random Access
memory (RAM). Primary memory is volatile in nature. That means when the power is switched
off, the data stored in this memory is permanently erased. That is why secondary memory is
needed to store data and information permanently for later use. Some of the examples of
secondary storage devices are hard disk, compact disks, pen drives etc

Q8 . How does we measure computer memory ?

Ans Memory is one of the most important components of a computer system as it stores data
and instructions. Every memory chip contains thousands of memory locations. In the computer,
the data is stored in the form of bits and bytes.
A bit is the smallest storage unit of memory.
A nibble is a collection of 4 bits.
Eight bits combined together to form a single byte, which in turn represents a single
character. Other units of memory are KB (Kilobyte), MB (Megabyte), GB (Gigabyte)
,TB(Terabytes), PB (Petabyte), EB (Exabytes), ZB (Zettabytes) and YB (Yottabytes). Every
higher unit is equal to 210 of the previous unit.
Q9 Show relationship between various units of memory ?

Q10 Name three categories of Computer Memories ?

Ans 1, Primary Memory
2. Secondary memory
3. Cache Memory
Q11. Write short note on Primary Memory .
Ans Primary Memory Primary memory or main memory is a Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS)
memory used for storing program and data during the execution of the program. It is directly
accessible to CPU.
A high speed main memory that is organised into words of fixed lengths. A given memory is
divided into N words where each word is assigned an address in the memory. A word is
generally more than 8 bits in length and the number of bits in a word is termed as word length.
Computers with 8, 16, 24 and 32 and 64 bit word length are available. The higher the word
length, the more powerful a computer is.
Each word is assigned an address starting from 0 to the largest number that the computer can
support. Each address uniquely specifies the memory location of a particular word. The total
number of memory cells that can be uniquely addressed by CPU depends on the total number
of address lines in an address bus. If there are n lines in the address bus then there are 2n
addressable locations in the memory.

Q12 : Explain the two types of Primary Memory?

Ans : Memories can be both read from and written to are called read/write memories. On the
other hand memories that have data or program permanently stored onto them and hence can
be only read from are called Read Only memories. Memories can be both read from and written
to are called read/write memories. On the other hand memories that have data or program
permanently stored onto them and hence can be only read from are called Read Only
memories. Broadly primary memory can be of two types – RAM (Random Access Memory)
and ROM (Read only memory).
Random Access Memory (RAM)
In case of RAM, the memory can be accessed from any desired location randomly. That
means without searching the entire memory, any location can be accessed in the same amount
of time. The instructions and data that we input into the computer are stored in the RAM of the
Computer. It is a read/write memory, so data can be both read from and written to the RAM. It
is a volatile memory and loses its contents when the power is switched off or interrupted.
Nowadays RAMs are available in gigabytes.
Read only memory (ROM)
ROM is a type of memory that can perform read operation only. The contents of ROM are
written by the manufacturer and come along with the computer. We cannot change its contents
or write something else on it. Data is written on to the ROM at the time of its manufacture and it
cannot be changed thereafter. It is a non-volatile memory, which means that contents stored in
it are not lost even when the power to the computer is switched off. ROMs are used in
applications where the information once written, need not be altered. They hold certain essential
instructions such as interrupt service routines or a monitor program controlling the machine.
Instructions that are needed to start the computer are also stored in the ROM.
Q 13. What is Booting? Explain
Ans. : When the computer is switched on, a copy of boot program is brought from ROM into the
main memory. This process is called booting. The CPU first runs a jump instruction that
transfers to BIOS (Basic Input output System) and it starts executing. The BIOS conducts a
series of self diagnostic tests called POST (Power On Self Test). These tests include memory
tests, configuring and starting video circuitry, configuring the system’s hardware and checking
other devices that help to function the computer properly. Thereafter the BIOS locates a
bootable drive to load the boot sector. The execution is then transferred to the Boot Strap
Loader program on the boot sector which loads and executes the operating system
Q14 What are the two types of Booting Process ?
Ans : Warm and Cold .
Cold Booting: When the system starts from initial state i.e. it is switched on, we call it cold
booting or Hard Booting. When the user presses the Power button, the instructions are read
from the ROM to initiate the booting process.
Warm Booting: When the system restarts or when Reset button is pressed, we call it Warm
Booting or Soft Booting. The system does not start from initial state and so all diagnostic tests
need not be carried out in this case. There are chances of data loss and system damage as the
data might not have been stored properly.

Q15 . What do you mean by Input and Output Devices ?

Ans
Input Devices: Those devices which help to enter data into computer system. Eg. Keyboad,
Mouse, Touchscreen, Barcode Reader, Scanner, MICR, OMR etc.
Output Devices : The output unit consists of output devices that are attached with the
computer. It converts the binary data coming from CPU to human understandable from. The
common output devices are monitor, printer, plotter,speaker etc.
Q 16 How the Classification of Computers is done based on the technology being used ?
Ans Computer can be classified as Digital, Analog and Hybrid Digital Computers on the basis of
Technology .
These computers are capable of processing information in discrete form.
In digital technology data which can be in the form of letters, symbols or numbers is
represented in binary form i.e. 0s and 1s. Binary digits are easily expressed in a digital
computer by the presence (1) or absence (0) of current or voltage. It computes by counting and
adding operations. The digital computers are used in industrial, business and scientific
applications. They are quite suitable for large volume data processing.
Analog Computers An analog computer works on continuously changeable aspects of physical
phenomenon such as fluid pressure, mechanical motion and electrical quantities. These
computers measure changes in continuous physical quantities say current and voltage. These
computers are used to process data generated by ongoing physical processes. A thermometer
is an example of an analog computer since it measures the change in mercury level
continuously. Although the accuracy of an analog computer is less as compared to digital
computers, yet it is used to process data generated by changing physical quantities especially
when the response to change is fast. Most present day analog computers are well suited to
simulating systems. A simulator helps to conduct experiments repeatedly in real time
environment. Some of the common examples are simulations in aircrafts, nuclear power plants,
hydraulic and electronic networks.
Hybrid Computers These use both analog and digital technology. It has the speed of analog
computer and the accuracy of a digital computer. It may accept digital or analog signals but an
extensive conversion of data from digital to analog and analog to digital has to be done.
Generally the analog components provide efficient processing of differential equations while the
digital part deals with logical operations of the system. Hence benefits of both analog and digital
computing are readily available. Hybrid Computers are used as a cost effective means for
complex simulations.
Q 17 How do we classify Digital Computers?
Ans : The digital computers are classified according to their computing capabilities. The various
types of digital computers are discussed below:
Micro Computers These are also known as Personal Computers. These type of digital
computer uses a microprocessor (a CPU on a single chip) and include both desktops and
laptops. These computers can work on small volume of data, are very versatile and can handle
variety of applications. These computers are being used as work stations, CAD, multimedia and
advertising applications. Small portable computers such as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants)
and tablets with wireless computing technology are increasingly becoming popular.
Mini Computers These computers can support multiple users working simultaneously on the
same machine. These are mainly used in an organization where computers installed in various
departments are interconnected. These computers are useful for small business organizations.
Main Frames These computers are large and very powerful computers with very high memory
capacity. These can process huge databases such as census at extremely fast rate. They are
suitable for big organizations, banks, industries etc. and can support hundreds of users
simultaneously on the network.
Super Computers These are fastest and very expensive computers. They can execute billions
of instructions per second. These are multiprocessor, parallel systems suitable for specialized
complex scientific applications involving huge amounts of mathematical applications such as
weather forecasting. The main difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer executes fewer programs as fast as possible whereas a mainframe executes
many programs concurrently. ANURAG and PARAM are India Super Computer.
Q18 What is Cache Memory?
Ans : Cache memory is random access memory (RAM) that a computer microprocessor can
access more quickly than it can access regular RAM. As the microprocessor processes data, it
looks first in the cache memory and if it finds the data there (from a previous reading of data), it
does not have to do the more time-consuming reading of data from larger memory. It is of two
types- L1 cache is on the same chip as the microprocessor. L2 is usually a separate static RAM
(SRAM) chip.
Q19 .What is Mobile Computing? Write its advantages and disadvantages.
Ans: Mobile Computing is the term that defines the use of Computer services anywhere easily.
By the development of different portable computing devices, it made easy to use the services
from different places. It makes easy and fast for different tasks such as internet browsing,
communication, information transfer, etc. It saves user’s time and effort for different operations.
It was introduced in 1990 A.D.

Advantages/Pros of Mobile Computing

1. It’s portable and easy-to-use.
2. It helps for different communication and information exchange.
3. It saves user’s time and effort.
4. It provides quick services like online business, e-mail, e-fax, etc.
5. It increases the social interaction by sharing location services and GPS system.
Disadvantages/Cons of Mobile Computing
1. There are some security problems which results the users to rely on VPNs which are
usually slow while on a public network.
2. It provides limited bandwidth.
3. There’s lack of interactive input devices like mouse, keyboard, etc.
4. Since the grid can’t be used, they must rely on battery power and due to their compact
size, unusually expensive batteries must be used.

Q20 . Name some of the most common forms of mobile computing devices .
Ans :
 Portable computers, such as laptops/desktops, smartphones/tablets, etc.
 Smart cards that can run multiple applications but are typically used for payment, travel
and secure area access.
 Mobile phones, telephony devices which can call from a distance through cellular
networking technology.
 The wearable computer, Apple Watch
 Personal digital assistant
Q21 . How do we measure battery size of Mobile Phones ?

Ans Battery Size is Measured in mAh(milliamphour) eg 2000 mAh,4000 mAh etc.

It is used to measure the energy capacity of the Battery.

Q22 . Explain the given terms.

Ans :

a) RF transceiver – Receive and send radio signal from to mobiledevice with mobile
network(tower).
b) SIM - A subscriber identity module is an integrated circuit that store the
international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) number and its related key, which
are used to identify and authenticate subscribers on mobile telephony devices. It
is also possible to store contact information on many SIM cards. battery pack -
batteries are miracles of chemical engineering, holding huge amounts of energy to
keep mobile devices running for hours.
c) Battery management - an electronic system that manages a rechargeable
battery (cell or battery pack), such as by protecting the battery from operating
outside its safe operating area[clarification needed], monitoring its state,
calculating secondary data, reporting that data Mobile System organization
d) A battery charger- or recharger, is a device used to put energy into a secondary
cell or rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it.
e) Touch interface – either keyboard based where user have to press key and
commands are given to mobile device or touchscreen based where user touch the
screen to give commands.
f) Communication processor - is used to create an interface between radio signal
management and APU / GPU.
APU – a microprocessor processes application based data.
GPU – a microprocessor processes graphical data to how to display.
g) Codec - is short for "coder-decoder." a device used to encode audio/video data.
ADC - Analog to digital converter. DAC – Digital to analog converter.

Q22 : Give full forms of

a) CDMA – Code Division Multiple Access.
b) GPS – Global Positioning System
c) GSM – Global System of Mobile Communication
d) Wi-Fi – Wireless Fidelity
e) ISDN – Integrated Services Digital Network
f) Mbps – Megabytes per second
g) RF – Radio Frequency
h) MMS – Multimedia Message Service
i) SMS – Short Message Service
j) TCP/IP – Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol

**************************