Computer System Organisations
Computer System Organisations
2. What do you understand by input unit? What is its significance? What does computer input consist of?
Ans: Input Unit
The input unit is the part of a computer system that receives data and instruc ons from external sources, allowing the
computer to process and respond to informa on.
Significance
It is crucial for enabling communica on between the user and the computer, providing the necessary data and
commands for opera ons.
Computer Input Components
i. Data: Informa on such as text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
ii. Instruc ons: Commands or programs that direct the computer on how to process data.
3. What is the func on of CPU in a computer system? What are its subunits?
Ans: The Central Processing Unit (CPU), o en referred to as the brain of the computer, is responsible for execu ng
instruc ons from programs by performing basic arithme c, logical, control, and input/output opera ons. Its primary
func ons include:
i. Execu ng Instruc ons: The CPU interprets and processes instruc ons from so ware applica ons and the
opera ng system.
ii. Performing Calcula ons: It performs mathema cal opera ons and logical comparisons.
iii. Control: The CPU manages and coordinates the ac vi es of all other hardware components by sending control
signals.
Subunits of the CPU are: ALU, CU and Registers.
4. What func ons are performed by the control unit? Can we call it the control center of computer system? Why?
Ans: Func ons of the Control Unit
i. Fetches instruc ons from memory.
ii. Decodes and interprets instruc ons.
iii. Executes instruc ons by direc ng opera ons.
iv. Manages data movement between components.
v. Generates control signals for coordina on.
Control Center Role
The Control Unit is considered the control center of the computer system because it manages and coordinates all
hardware ac vi es, ensuring proper execu on of tasks and smooth opera on.
5. What func ons are performed by the ALU? Is it an independent unit? If not, which unit does ALU work in coordina on
with?
Ans: Func ons of the ALU
i. Arithme c Opera ons: Performs basic mathema cal calcula ons like addi on, subtrac on, mul plica on, and
division.
ii. Logical Opera ons: Handles logical opera ons such as comparisons, AND, OR, NOT, and XOR.
Independence and Coordina on
The ALU is not an independent unit; it works in coordina on with the Control Unit (CU). The CU directs the ALU on what
opera ons to perform based on the instruc ons fetched from memory.
8. What role does memory play in the func oning of computer system?
Ans: Memory plays a crucial role in a computer system by storing data and instruc ons needed for processing. It serves
the following func ons:
i. Data Storage: Stores data temporarily (RAM) or permanently (ROM, hard drives).
ii. Instruc on Storage: Holds the instruc ons for the CPU to execute.
iii. Data Access: Provides quick access to data and instruc ons, enabling efficient processing.
iv. Program Execu on: Supports the running of programs by holding them and their data in memory.
10. What is the meaning of the term vola le primary memory? What can be done to overcome the problems of
vola lity?
Ans: It is type of computer memory that requires power to maintain stored informa on. When the computer is
turned off, all data stored in vola le memory is lost. To overcome the problem of vola lity, data that needs to be
retained even a er the computer is turned off should be saved to non-vola le storage devices such as: SSD, HDD,
External Storage Devices and Cloud Storage.
External Memory
i. Defini on: Memory that is not part of the main system unit and is connected externally to the computer.
ii. Types: Includes hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, op cal discs (CDs, DVDs), and memory cards.
iii. Purpose: Used for long-term data storage and backup, allowing users to store large amounts of data and
transport it between devices.
iv. Speed: Slower compared to internal memory, as it relies on external connec ons like USB or SATA interfaces.
v. Capacity: Generally much larger in capacity than internal memory.
12. What is the role of memory in a computer func oning? What types of memory does the computer work
with?
Ans: Memory in a computer stores data and instruc ons needed for processing, enabling the CPU to access
informa on quickly. It plays a cri cal like
i. Storing running program
ii. Data Access and processing
iii. Temporary and permanent storage
13. What are RAM and ROM? How are they alike? How are they different? What are EEROM, PROM and EPROM?
Ans: RAM (Random Access Memory) A type of vola le memory used for temporary storage of data and
instruc ons that the CPU needs while performing tasks.
Func on: Allows read and write opera ons; data is lost when power is turned off.
ROM (Read-Only Memory) It is A type of non-vola le memory that stores essen al instruc ons for boo ng and
basic system func ons.
Func on: Data is permanently wri en during manufacturing and cannot be easily modified or erased; retains
data even when the power is off.
Similari es
Both are types of memory used in computers.
Both store data and instruc ons for the computer to use.
Differences
Vola lity: RAM is vola le (loses data when power is off), while ROM is non-vola le (retains data without power).
Mutability: RAM allows both read and write opera ons, while ROM is typically read-only a er being wri en
ini ally.
Use: RAM is used for temporary storage and fast access during opera on; ROM stores permanent firmware and
system instruc ons.
Types of ROM
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory):
Can be electrically erased and reprogrammed mul ple mes. Used for storing firmware that can be
updated without removing the chip.
PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory):
Can be programmed once a er manufacturing using a special device. Once programmed, the data
cannot be changed.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory):
Can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed. Used for applica ons that
require reprogramming, but not as frequently as EEPROM.
22. What is system so ware? What role does it play in the func oning of the computer?
Ans: It manages and controls a computer's hardware, providing a pla orm for applica on so ware. It includes the
opera ng system (OS), device drivers, and u li es. Its role is to manage hardware resources, provide a user
interface, and enable the execu on of applica ons.
23. Discuss the role of u lity so ware in the context of computer performance.
Ans: U lity so ware enhances computer performance by performing maintenance and op miza on tasks. It
includes tools for disk cleanup, an virus protec on, file management, and system monitoring. These u li es help
improve system efficiency, protect against malware, and manage resources, ensuring the computer runs smoothly
and efficiently.
28. To run your computer system, what types of so ware are necessary? What role does each type play in computer's
func oning?
Ans: To run a computer system, the following types of so ware are necessary:
System So ware:
Opera ng System (OS): Manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and allows applica ons to run.
Device Drivers: Enable the OS to communicate with hardware devices like printers, graphics cards, and
peripherals.
U lity So ware:
U li es: Perform maintenance tasks such as disk cleanup, an virus scanning, and system monitoring, ensuring
the system runs efficiently and securely.
These so ware types collec vely manage and op mize hardware func onality, provide essen al services for
applica on so ware, and maintain system health and performance.
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