ASSINGMENT-2

1.What are the 5 basic functions perform by a

computer system?
Ans:
A computer system performs several fundamental
functions to process data and execute tasks. Here are
five basic functions that a computer system typically
performs:
 Input: The computer system accepts data and
instructions from external sources, such as users
through input devices like keyboards, mice, and
touchscreens. This data can include text, numbers,
images, and other forms of information.

 Processing: The computer system processes the

input data using the Central Processing Unit (CPU),
which includes operations performed by the
control unit and arithmetic logic unit. Processing
involves executing instructions, performing
calculations, making decisions, and transforming
data.
 Storage: Processed and unprocessed data, as well
as programs and applications, are stored in various
types of storage devices such as hard drives, solid-
state drives, and memory. Storage ensures data is
accessible for future use.

 Output: The computer system presents the results

of processing as output, which can be in the form
of text, images, sounds, or any other format.
Output devices like monitors, printers, speakers,
and screens deliver the processed information to
users.

 Control: The computer system manages and

coordinates the various operations of hardware
components, including input, processing, and
output. This control ensures that tasks are
executed in a systematic and organized manner,
following the instructions provided by software.
 2.Draw a block diagram to basic organisation of a
computer system and explain function of
various units.
Ans:
BLOCK DIAGRAM OF COMPUTER

SECONDERY
STORAGE

IN PUT OUT PUT

DATA PRIMARY INFORMATION
UNIT UNIT
STORAGE

CONTROL UNIT
(CU)

ARITHMETICAL
AND LOGICAL
UNIT
3.How many types of storage a computer
normally uses? Justify need for each storage
type.
Ans:
A computer typically uses several types of storage to
fulfill different needs based on factors like speed,
capacity, durability, and accessibility. The main types of
storage devices used in a computer system are:

 Primary Storage (Main Memory):

 Types: Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only
Memory (ROM)
 Need: RAM is volatile memory used to temporarily
store data and instructions that the CPU is
currently using. It provides fast access for active
programs but loses data when power is turned off.
ROM contains permanent instructions and data
that don't change, like the computer's firmware.
 Justification: RAM's fast read and write speeds
enable efficient program execution, while ROM
ensures essential system instructions are always
available.
 Secondary Storage:
 Types: Hard Disk Drives (HDD), Solid-State Drives
(SSD), Optical Drives, Magnetic Tapes
 Need: Secondary storage devices offer non-volatile
storage for data that needs to be retained even
when the computer is powered off. They provide
larger storage capacities than primary memory.
 Justification: HDDs and SSDs provide ample
storage for applications, files, and operating
systems. Optical drives are used for reading CDs,
DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Magnetic tapes are used
for long-term data archiving.

 Tertiary Storage:
 Types: Cloud Storage, External Drives, Network-
Attached Storage (NAS)
 Need: Tertiary storage involves storing data off-
site or externally to ensure data redundancy,
backup, and remote accessibility.
 Justification: Cloud storage allows data to be
accessed from anywhere and offers backup and
synchronization services. External drives provide
additional portable storage, and NAS devices offer
shared storage for home or office networks.
 Offline Storage:
 Types: Magnetic Tapes, Optical Discs, USB Drives
 Need: Offline storage serves as a long-term archive
for data that is rarely accessed but needs to be
preserved.
 Justification: Magnetic tapes and optical discs are
used for data backup and archival purposes due to
their cost-effectiveness and durability. USB drives
offer portable and easily accessible offline storage.

 Cache Memory:
 Types: L1 Cache, L2 Cache, L3 Cache
 Need: Cache memory is a small and extremely fast
memory storage that temporarily stores
frequently accessed data and instructions to
reduce CPU access times.
 Justification: Cache memory speeds up data
retrieval for the CPU by storing copies of
frequently used data, minimizing the need to
access slower main memory
4.What are the two main components of CPU of a
computer system list the main functions of each
component.
Ans: The two main components of the Central
Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system are:

1. Control Unit (CU):

 Function: The control unit is responsible for
managing and coordinating the operations of the
CPU and the computer system as a whole.
 Main Functions:
 Instruction Fetch: It retrieves program instructions
from memory.
 Instruction Decoding: It interprets the fetched
instructions and determines the necessary
operations.
 Execution Control: It directs other components of
the CPU to execute instructions in the correct
sequence.
 Data Flow Control: It manages the flow of data
within the CPU and between the CPU and other
system components.
 Control Signals: It generates control signals that
regulate the timing of various operations.
2. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
 Function: The ALU is responsible for performing
arithmetic operations and logical operations on
data.
 Main Functions:
 Arithmetic Operations: It performs basic
arithmetic calculations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division on
numerical data.
 Logical Operations: It executes logical operations
like AND, OR, NOT, and XOR on binary data.
 Comparison: It compares data values to determine
relationships (greater than, less than, equal to).
 Bit Manipulation: It handles individual bits within
data for various operations.