TNPSC Group 2A Mains Syllabus

📌 Digital Computer Fundamentals:

Hardware Components – Input /
Output Devices

1️⃣ Introduction to Digital Computer Fundamentals

A digital computer is an electronic device that processes data using binary (0s and 1s). It
performs arithmetic, logic, and control operations based on programmed instructions.

📌 Example: *Personal computers, laptops, smartphones, and supercomputers all function using
digital computing principles.

2️⃣ Hardware Components of a Digital Computer

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 2 | Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer
Science, Unit 1

A computer system consists of hardware (physical components) and software (programs

and instructions).

2.1 Main Hardware Components

Component Function Example

Central Processing Unit Executes instructions and processes data. Intel i7, AMD Ryzen
(CPU)

Memory (RAM & ROM) Stores data temporarily or permanently. 8GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB
SSD

Storage Devices Stores files and operating systems. Hard Drive, SSD, USB
Drive

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 Component Function Example

Motherboard Connects all components for ASUS, Gigabyte

communication.

Power Supply Unit (PSU) Converts electricity to usable power for SMPS
components.

📌 Example: *The CPU is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer as it handles processing
tasks.

3️⃣ Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the most critical component responsible for executing instructions.

3.1 CPU Components

Component Function

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU) Directs operations and manages data flow.

Registers Small, high-speed storage locations for quick data access.

📌 Example: *When you press a key on a keyboard, the CPU processes the input and displays it on
the screen.

4️⃣ Memory (Primary & Secondary Storage)

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 2
4.1 Types of Memory
Memory Type Function Example

Random Access Memory (RAM) Temporary storage for active programs. DDR4 8GB RAM

Read-Only Memory (ROM) Stores firmware, non-volatile. BIOS

Cache Memory Small, high-speed memory in CPU. L1, L2, L3 Cache

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 Memory Type Function Example

Virtual Memory Simulated RAM using storage. Paging in Windows

📌 Example: *If you open multiple apps on your phone, RAM helps in switching between them
smoothly.

5️⃣ Input Devices

📌 Reference: Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer Science, Unit 1
Input devices allow users to enter data into a computer.

5.1 Common Input Devices

Device Function Example

Keyboard Input text and commands. QWERTY, Mechanical

Mouse Controls the cursor and selects items. Optical, Laser

Scanner Converts physical documents into digital form. Flatbed Scanner

Microphone Captures sound input. Condenser Mic

Joystick Used for gaming and simulations. Xbox Controller

📌 Example: *ATMs use touchscreens as an input device for banking transactions.

6️⃣ Output Devices

📌 Reference: Samacheer Kalvi Class 12 Computer Science, Unit 1
Output devices display or present processed data from the computer.

6.1 Common Output Devices

Device Function Example

Monitor (Display Screen) Displays graphical and textual information. LED, OLED

Printer Converts digital documents into physical copies. Inkjet, Laser

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 Device Function Example

Speakers Produces audio output. JBL, Bose

Projector Enlarges digital images onto surfaces. LCD Projector

📌 Example: *Your mobile phone screen is an output device that displays text, images, and videos.

7️⃣ Storage Devices (Secondary Memory)

📌 Reference: NCERT Class 11 Computer Science, Chapter 2
Storage devices help in permanently storing data.

7.1 Types of Storage Devices

Type Example Speed & Capacity

Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Seagate, Western Digital High capacity, slow

Solid State Drive (SSD) Samsung NVMe SSD Fast speed, expensive

USB Flash Drive Pen Drives, OTG Portable, low capacity

Cloud Storage Google Drive, OneDrive Internet-based storage

📌 Example: *SSDs are preferred over HDDs for faster performance in gaming and video editing.

8️⃣ Importance of Hardware Components in Digital

Computing
Enables fast and efficient processing of data.

Facilitates user interaction through input/output devices.

Provides reliable data storage for long-term use.

Ensures seamless communication between components for smooth computing

operations.

📌 Example: *A well-configured hardware system (e.g., gaming PC) ensures smooth performance
without lagging.

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✅ Summary
A digital computer consists of hardware components like CPU, memory, and storage.

Input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner) send data, while output devices (monitor,
printer, speakers) display results.

Storage devices store data permanently or temporarily.

Efficient hardware ensures smooth computing operations in personal and

professional applications.

🔍 MCQs for TNPSC Preparation

Q1. Which of the following is an example of an input device?
(a) Printer
(b) Keyboard ✅
(c) Monitor
(d) Speaker

Q2. What is the function of the Control Unit in a CPU?

(a) Stores data permanently
(b) Manages and directs operations within the computer ✅
(c) Performs arithmetic calculations
(d) Displays output

Q3. Which type of memory is non-volatile?

(a) RAM
(b) Cache Memory
(c) ROM ✅
(d) Virtual Memory

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✅ Final Revision Strategy
✔ Revise key hardware components (CPU, Memory, I/O Devices).
✔ Understand the difference between RAM, ROM, and Storage.
✔ Practice MCQs to test knowledge.

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