Introduction to Computer System

Notes

1
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER
SYSTEM

We find computers everywhere around us, at home, in schools, hospitals, railway

stations, airports, banks, shopping malls and so on. Before we proceed with our
study of computers, let us first of all define a computer.A computer is an electronic
machine that takes an input, processes it to producethe desired output. Every
computer is a combination of hardware and software.The physical components of
a computer that can be seen and touched form thehardware. For example, CPU,
monitor, keyboard, printer etc., are hardware orperipheral devices. The input to
a computer is given in the form of instructions.These set of instructions that we
give to the computer to perform a particular taskconstitutes a program. Many such
programs together form a software for thecomputer. Operating system, Antivirus,
MS Office, Computer games are allsoftware applications. In this lesson, you will
learn about, the basic components of a computer along with their functions.

Objectives
After reading this lesson, you will be able to:
z differentiate between hardware and software;
z explain the basic components of a computer along with their functions;
z list input, output and storage devices.

1.1 What is a Computer?

A computer is a device that is being used for computing, document preparation,
calculation, and online form filling (e.g., any admission form, passport application
and many more), searching jobs, mailing/messaging etc. It is a combination of
hardware and software. The monitor, keyboard, mouse, Central Processing Unit

Basic Computing 1
 Introduction to Computer System

(CPU), motherboard, printers, scanners come under hardware. Then we have the
operating system which is a system software and then MS-Office/OpenOffice, web
Notes browsers are the different types of application softwares or computer programs.
Let us see the difference between hardware and software in the table 1.1.
Table 1.1: Difference between Hardware and Software
Terms for Hardware Software
Difference
Definition The physical components of It is a collection of computer
a computer system that can programs that enables users
be seen and used to physically to interact with computer
store and perform the hardware. it is where the
operations on the data. information is processed into
data.

Example Keyboard, mouse, monitor, MS-Office, operating system

CPU etc. such as Windows7, Linux etc.

Nature They have physical They have logical existence.

existence. You can touch You cannot touch them but
them. they are essential.

Types Computer hardware can be Software can be categorized

categorized as input devices, into two parts, System
output devices and storage software and application
devices. software.

To function properly, the computer needs both hardware and software. Software
works as intermediate between user and hardware.
The working of a computer can be well understood by the block diagram shown
in Fig 1.1.

Central Processing Unit

Arithmetic Logic Unit
Input Unit Output Unit
Control Unit
Registers

Memory

Fig. 1.1: Block Diagram of a Computer

2 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

The working of a computer can be broadly categorized into four functions or steps.
z Receive Input: Accept data/information from user through various input Notes
devices like the keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.
z Process Information: Perform arithmetic or logical operations on data/
information.
z Store Information: Store the information in storage devices such as hard
disk, CD, pen drive etc.
z Produce Output: Communicate information to the user through any of the
available output devices such as monitor, printer, etc.
The hardware components of the computer specialize in any one of these
functions. Computer hardware falls into two categories; processing hardware and
the peripheral devices. The processing hardware consists of the Central Processing
Unit (CPU), and as its name implies, it is where the data processing is done.
Peripheral devices allow people to interact with the CPU. Together, they make it
possible to use the computer for a variety of tasks.
Now we shall discuss the details about various components of a computer system.

1.2 Components of a Computer

A computer has four main components:
z Input Devices: These are the devices that are used to accept data and
instructions from the user. Keyboard, mouse, scanner etc., are examples of
input devices.
z Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is known as the ‘Brain of the
Computer’ as it controls the complete working of the computer.
z Memory: The data and instructions are stored in this component of the
computer. Hard disk, DVD, pen drive etc., are examples of memory storage
devices.
z Output Devices: These are the devices that are used to display the desired
result or information. Monitor, printer etc., are examples of output devices.
Let us now learn each of the components in detail.

1.3 Input Devices

An input device is used to get data or instructions from the user. This data is then
passed on to the CPU for processing so as to produce the desired result. Although

Basic Computing 3
 Introduction to Computer System

keyboard and mouse are the two common input devices, other devices such as
Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
Notes
(MICR), and mark sense reader, etc., are also used as per our requirement.

Keyboard
The keyboard is very much like a standard typewriter with a few additional keys
(refer Fig. 1.2). Generally, we find a QWERTY keyboard with 104 keys on it. The
additional keys may be included in modern multimedia keyboards.

Fig. 1.2: Keyboard

Mouse
A mouse is another very commonly used input device (refer Fig. 1.3). It is basically
a pointing device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display
screen. It is a small object that you can roll along a hard and flat surface. As you
move the mouse, the pointer on the display screen moves in the same direction. A
mouse may contain one, two or three buttons which have different functions
depending on what program is running.

Fig. 1.3: Mouse

4 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

Scanner
It is an input device that can read text or an illustration printed on paper and Notes
translates the information into a form that the computer can use (refer Fig. 1.4).
You cannot directly edit text that has been scanned. To edit the text read by a
scanner, you need an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system to translate the
image into ASCII characters. Moderate quality converters are available on the
Internet for free use.

Fig. 1.4: Scanner

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

An Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is a device that is used for reading text
from paper and translating the images into a form that the computer can
understand. An OCR is used to convert books, magazines and other such printed
information into digital form.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

An MICR can identify characters printed with a special magnetic ink. This device
particularly finds applications in banking industry. The cheques used for transactions
have a unique MICR code that can be scanned by an MICR device.

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Optical Mark Recognition, also called Mark Sense Reader, is a technology where
an OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark, such as pencil mark.
OMR is widely used for assessing the objective examinations involving multiple
choice questions.

Basic Computing 5
 Introduction to Computer System

Bar Code Reader

Notes A bar code reader is an input device that is generally seen in super markets,
bookshops, libraries etc. It scans the bar code of the product and checks the
description and the latest price of the product.

Digitizing Tablet
This is an input device that enables you to enter drawings and sketches into a
computer. The tablet contains electronic field that enables it to detect movement
of the cursor or pen and translate the movements into digital signals that it sends
to the computer.

Light Pen
A light pen is an input device that utilizes a light-sensitive detector to select objects
on a display screen.

Speech Input Devices

Speech or voice input devices eg., microphone convert a person’s speech into
digital form. These input devices, when combined with appropriate software, form
voice recognition systems. These systems enable users to operate microcomputers
using voice commands.

1.4 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

As mentioned earlier, the CPU is the ‘Brain of a computer’. This is because it
processes or executes the instructions given to the computer. Any type of
instructions given to the computer using any of the input devices has to be sent to
the CPU for execution. In a microcomputer, the CPU is based on a single chip
called the microprocessor.
A typical CPU has the following components:
z Control Unit (CU)
z Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
z Memory Registers

1.4.1 Control Unit (CU)

The Control Unit manages the instructions given to the computer. It coordinates
the activities of all the other units in the system by instructing rest of the
components of the computer. It reads and interprets instructions from memory and

6 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

transforms them into series of signals to be executed or stored. It also directs the
movement of these electronic signals between memory and ALU or between CPU
and input/output devices. Hence it controls the transfer of data and information Notes
between various units. The user’s program provides the basic control instructions.
Conceptually, the control unit fetches instructions from the memory, decodes them
and directs the various units to perform the specified functions.

1.4.2 Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

Arithmetic Logic Unit or ALU performs two types of operations - arithmetic and
logical. Arithmetic operations are the fundamental mathematical operations
consisting of addition, subtraction, multiplication and shifting operations. Logical
operations consist Boolean comparisons such as AND, OR and NOT.

1.4.3 Memory Registers

The CPU processes data and instruction with high speed. There is also movement
of data between various units of the computer. It is necessary to transfer the
processed data with high speed. So the computer uses a number of special memory
units called registers. A memory register is a sort of special storage area that holds
the data and instructions temporarily during processing. They often hold data for
less than a millisecond. This high speed storage area makes processing more
efficient.

The contents of the memory is stored only as long as the microcomputer is turned
on. When you turn the machine off, the contents are lost. The capacity of the
memory to hold data and program instructions varies in different computers. The
original IBM PC could hold approximately several thousand characters of data or
instructions only. But modern microcomputers can hold millions or even billions
of characters in their memory.

1.5 Output Devices

Output devices receive information from the CPU and present it to the user in the
desired form. Output devices include monitor, printers, plotters, etc. Let us learn
about them.

1.5.1 Monitor
A monitor or Visual Display Unit (VDU) is just like a television screen and it is used
to display data and information. When some data or instruction is being keyed in,
the monitor displays the characters being typed. The monitors are available in

Basic Computing 7
 Introduction to Computer System

various sizes. They may also differ for different types of computers. The standard
size is 24 lines by 80 characters. The output displayed on the monitor is called soft
Notes copy.
There are two types of monitors – CRT and TFT-LCD monitors
Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor: A CRT monitor is a relatively older type of
monitor. It is rarely being used today. These were bigger and bulkier monitors and
hence took lot of desk space. It also consumed lot of electricity.
Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display
(TFT-LCD) Monitors: These monitors are
lighter and occupy less space (refer Fig. 1.5).
They are also commonly referred to as flat
screen displays and consume much less electricity
than CRT monitors. Nowadays even Light
Emitting Diode (LED) monitors are available.
1.5.2 Printer
Printer is a device that produces the output on
paper (also known as hard copy) and it may be
Fig. 1.5: TFT Monitor
in the form of text or graphics. There are many
different types of printers. These printers vary in terms of size, speed and quality
of output. Some of them are discussed below:
z Dot Matrix Printer: It is a type of impact printer that uses a print head to print
characters on paper. The print head undertakes back and forth or up and down
motion on the page. The print head strikes on an ink soaked cloth ribbon that
is laid against a paper. The characters formed from dots are thus printed on
the paper.
z Ink-jet Printer: Ink-jet printers are non-
impact printers which work by spraying
ionized ink on a sheet of paper.
Magnetized plates in the ink’s path direct
the ink onto the paper in the desired
shapes. Ink-jet printers are capable of
producing a better print quality than the
dot matrix printers. A typical ink-jet printer
provides a resolution of 300 dots per
inch, although some newer models offer
higher resolutions. These are also known
Fig. 1.6: Ink-jet Printer

8 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

as Line Printers (as the output is produced line by line). Fig. 1.6 depicts Ink-
jet Printer.
Notes
z Laser Printers: These are non-impact printers which work on the principle
of a photo copier. It utilizes a laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The
light of the laser alters the electrical charge on the drum wherever it hits. The
drum is then rolled through a reservoir of toner, which is picked up by the
charged portions of the drum. Finally, the toner is transferred to the paper
through a combination of heat and pressure.
Since the entire page is transmitted to a drum before the toner is applied, laser
printers are sometimes called page printers. In addition to text, laser printers
are very adept at printing graphics. However, you need significant amount of
memory in the printer to print high-resolution graphics.
The speed of laser printers ranges from about 4 to 20 pages of text per minute
(ppm). A typical rate of 6 ppm is equivalent to about 40 characters per second
(cps).
The drawback of ink-jet printers is that they require a special type of ink that
is apt to smudge on inexpensive copier paper. Since ink-jet printers require
smaller mechanical parts than laser printers, they are especially popular as
portable printers. In addition, colour ink-jet printers provide an inexpensive
way to print full-colour documents.
z Thermal Printer: Thermal printers are printers that produce images by
pushing electrically heated pins against special heat-sensitive paper. Thermal
printers are inexpensive and are used in many fax machines. They produce
low-quality print, and the paper tends to curl and fade after a few weeks or
months.

1.5.3 Plotter
A plotter is a device that is used to draw charts,
graphs, maps etc., with two or more automated
pens (refer Fig. 1.7). Multi-colour plotters use
different-coloured pens to produce a multi-
coloured output.
Different types of plotters are available in the
market. A drum plotter has a paper wrapped
around a moving drum and the pens move on the
paper to print the output. A flatbed plotter has a
flat surface on which the paper is placed and the Fig. 1.7: Plotter

Basic Computing 9
 Introduction to Computer System

pens move to draw the output. An electrostatic plotter has a negatively charged
paper on which the drawing is made using a positively charged toner.
Notes
Plotters are considerably more expensive than printers. These were the first of the
devices that could print full sized engineering drawings with colour. They are
frequently used for Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) applications such as
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).

1.5.4 Speakers
The speakers are used to produce audio output. The computers have sound cards that
enable the computer to produce audio output through the speakers (refer Fig. 1.8).

Fig. 1.8: Sound Card and Speakers

Nowadays, 3D audio is a technique for giving more depth to traditional stereo
sound. Typically, 3D sound, is produced by placing a device (3D audio) in a room
with stereo speakers. The device dynamically analyses the sound coming from the
speakers and sends feedback to the sound system so that it can readjust the sound
to give the impression that the speakers are further apart. 3D audio devices are
particularly popular for improving computer audio where the speakers tend to be
small and close together. There are a number of 3D audio devices that can be
attached to a computer’s sound card.

Intext Questions 1.1

1. The four basic functions performed by the computer are ......................,
......................, ......................, ......................
2. A bar code reader is an ...................... device.
3. Choose the correct answer:
(a) Arithmetic and logical operations is performed by ...................... unit.
(i) ALU (ii) Editor
(iii) Storage (iv) Output

10 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

(b) The ALU and CU are jointly knows as ......................

(i) RAM (ii) ROM
Notes
(iii) CPU (iv) None of the above
(c) The process of producing results from the data for getting useful
information is called ......................
(i) Output (ii) Input
(iii) Processing (iv) Storage

1.6 Memory Unit

There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and secondary. Primary
memory is accessible directly by the Central Processing Unit. Random Access
Memory (RAM) is an example of primary memory. You will learn more about
RAM later. As soon as the computer is switched off, the contents of the primary
memory are lost. But data can be stored and retrieved at much faster rate with
primary memory as compared to secondary memory. Examples of secondary
memory storage devices are magnetic tape, magnetic disk, hard disk, CD, pen
drive, etc. The secondary memory devices may be located outside the computer.
Primary memory is more expensive than secondary memory.
Measuring Memory
The primary or internal storage unit is made up of several small storage locations
called cells. Each of these cells can store a fixed number of bits called word length.
Each cell has a unique number assigned to it called the address of the cell and it is
used to identify the cells. Hence we can say that memory is like a large cabinet
containing as many drawers as there are addresses on memory. Each drawer
contains a word and the address is written on outside of the drawer.
You know that data in a computer is stored in the form of 0s and 1s. Each of these
digits is known as a bit. A collection of 8 bits constitutes a byte. So the capacity
is defined in terms of bytes or words. However higher units of memory are
KiloBytes, MegaBytes, GigaBytes etc. 1 Kilobyte is equal to 1024 bytes. Thus 64
kilobyte (KB) memory is capable of storing 64 x 1024 = 32,768 bytes. Other units
of memory are listed in the table below:
Table 1.2: Memory Units
KiloByte (KB) 210 = 1024 bytes
MegaByte (MB) 220 = 1048576 bytes
GigaByte(GB) 230 = 1073741824 bytes
TeraByte(TB) 240 = 1099511627776 bytes

Basic Computing 11
 Introduction to Computer System

1.6.1 Primary Memory

Notes Primary memory is the memory that is accessed by the processor directly. It is also
known as main memory or internal memory. It helps in executing applications that
are temporarily stored in a specific memory location. Primary memory is of two
types – RAM and ROM.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the type of memory in which it is possible to
randomly select and use any location of the memory directly to store and retrieve
data. It takes same time to access any address of the memory as to access the first
address. It is also called read/write memory. Since it is volatile, the data from
RAM is lost as soon as the power to the computer is switched off.

Read Only Memory (ROM)

This is another type of primary memory from which data can only be read. We
cannot write or modify data once written on to the ROM. Also this type of primary
memory is not volatile. The storage of program and data in the ROM is permanent.
The ROM stores some standard processing programs supplied by the manufacturers
to operate our computer. The Basic Input Output System (BIOS) is stored in the
ROM. It examines and initializes the start up process of the computer and also
checks various peripheral devices attached to the PC when the computer is turned
ON. The various types of ROMs are discussed below:
z Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM): You know that it is not
possible to modify or erase programs stored in ROM, but it is possible for you
to store your program in PROM chip. Once the programs are written it cannot
be changed. Also the program is not lost even if power is switched off.
z Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM): This type of
ROM overcomes the problem of PROM and ROM. EPROM chip can be
programmed again by erasing the information stored earlier in it. Information
stored in EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light. This
memory can be reprogrammed using a special programming facility. When
the EPROM is in use, information can only be read.
z Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM):
This type of ROM is somewhat similar to EPROM. The only difference is that
unlike EPROM, electrical signals are used to erase the contents of EEPROM.
Also, this type of ROM need not be completely erased. Partial modification
of ROM is possible.

12 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

1.6.2 Cache Memory

The speed of CPU is extremely high as compared to the access time of main Notes
memory. Therefore, the performance of CPU decreases due to the slow speed of
main memory. To increase the performance of CPU, a small memory chip is
attached between CPU and main memory whose access time is very close to the
processing speed of CPU. This memory is called Cache memory. Cache memories
are accessed much faster than conventional RAM. It is used to store programs or
data currently being executed or data that is being frequently used by the CPU. Fast
access of these data and instructions increases the overall execution speed of the
software. It is very expensive memory and so has to be used in a limited amount.

1.6.3 Secondary Memory

You are now clear that the operating speed of primary memory or main memory
should be as fast as possible so as to cope up with the CPU speed. These high-speed
storage devices are very expensive and hence the cost per bit of storage is also very
high. Again, the storage capacity of the main memory is also very limited. Often
it is necessary to store hundreds of millions of bytes of data for the CPU to process.
Therefore, additional memory is required in all the computer systems. This
memory is called auxiliary memory or secondary storage.
In this type of memory, the cost per bit of storage is low. However, the operating
speed is slower than that of the primary memory. Large volume of data are stored
here on permanent basis and transferred to the primary storage as and when
required. Most widely used secondary storage devices are hard disks, CDs, DVDs
and pen drives. But before learning about these modern storage devices let us also
have a look at some primitive storage devices like magnetic tapes, magnetic drums
and floppy disks.

Magnetic Tape
Magnetic tapes (refer Fig. 1.9) are used for large computers like mainframe
computers where large volume of data is stored for a longer time. Earlier, these
were used with PCs also. The cost of storing data in tapes is low. Tapes consist of
magnetic materials that store data permanently. It can be 12.5 mm to 25 mm wide
plastic film-type and 500 meter to 1200 meter long which is coated with magnetic
material. The deck is connected to the central processor and information is fed into
or read from the tape through the processor. It is similar to a cassette tape recorder.
Magnetic disks are most popular for direct access storage. Each disk consists of
a number of invisible concentric circles called tracks. Information is recorded on
tracks of a disk surface in the form of tiny magnetic spots. The presence of a

Basic Computing 13
 Introduction to Computer System

magnetic spot represents one bit (1) and its absence represents zero bit (0). The
information stored in a disk can be read many times without affecting the stored
Notes data. But if you want to write a new data, then the existing data is erased from the
disk and new data is recorded.
10½ inches

Fig.1.9: Magnetic Tape

Hard Disk
A hard disk is the most commonly used secondary storage device. Although
generally it is fixed inside the CPU cabinet but still external hard disks are also
available. It can store large amount of data and also provides relatively quick
access to data stored on it.
A hard disk is a set of numerous disks stacked one above the other with a cylindrical
spindle in-between. The data is recorded electromagnetically in the form of
concentric circles called tracks. In the hard disk drive, there are Read/Write heads
mounted on the arm placed next to the stacked disks. These heads move
horizontally to read or write data on the disks.

Optical Disk
With every application and software, there is greater demand for memory capacity.
It is the necessity to store large volume of data that has led to the development of
optical disk storage medium. Optical disks can be divided into the following
categories.
z Compact Disk - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM): CD-ROMs are made of
reflective metals. A CD-ROM is written during the process of manufacturing
by high power laser beam. Here the storage density is very high, storage cost
is very low and access time is relatively fast. Each disk is approximately 4 ½
inches in diameter and can hold over 600 MB of data. As the CD-ROM can
be read only we cannot write or make changes into the data contained in it.

14 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

z Compact Disk - Recordable (CD-R): These CDs can be used to write data
on to them provided your computer has a CD writer. The CD writer uses a
special laser light to write data on to a blank CD. Once the CD-R has been Notes
burned, i.e., data has been written on it, it cannot be modified. The information
can be added to it, but the parts that have been burned cannot be edited.
z Compact Disk – Read/Write (CD- R/W): This type of CD can be used for
both reading and writing. Also these can be written and erased again and
again.
z Digital Versatile Disk (DVD): A DVD is an optical storage disk with much
larger storage capacity than that of CDs. A single sided DVD can store upto
4.7 GB of data. Due to its high storage capacity, DVDs are generally used to
store movies and other audio video files.

Flash Memories
Flash memory is a memory chip that is used for storage and also for transferring
of data between a computer and digital device. A flash memory is one that retains
data in spite of the electricity supply being switched off. Hence, it is a non- volatile
memory. It evolved from EPROM and EEPROM but more often it is said to be a
distinct type of EEPROM which is programmed and erased in blocks. That means
devices using flash memories erase data at the block level. A block of flash memory
chip must be erased before data is written on it. Flash memory is widely used for
storage in consumer devices like mobile phones, USB flash drives, tablet computers,
digital cameras and other solid state drives. It is the least expensive form of
semiconductor memory. It is non-volatile and consumes very less power. That is
why its use is increasing day by day, especially for in-memory devices to help speed
up performance and at the same time increase the scalability of the devices. The
data in flash memory can be erased, modified and rewritten many times. It does not
require batteries for solid state storage.
The memory card that you find in your digital cameras and mobile phones is also
a type of flash memory. A variety of such cards are available in the market. Some
of the varieties are Secure Digital Card (SD Card), memory stick, Multimedia
Card (MMC) etc. The price of these cards depends on their size and storage
capacities.
Another form of flash memory or solid state memory is a pen drive. A pen drive
is a small portable secondary storage device (somewhat shaped like a pen) that
connects to a computer through a USB port. It functions as a portable hard drive
and is small enough to be carried easily. These are also known as thumb drives.

Basic Computing 15
 Introduction to Computer System

Notes Intext Questions 1.2

1. Fill in the blanks.
(a) 1 KB = ...................... bytes.
(b) Primary memory is of two types : ...................... and ......................
(c) To increase the performance of CPU, a small memory chip is attached
between CPU and main memory whose access time is very close to the
processing speed of CPU. This memory is called ...................... memory.
(d) A hard disk is the most commonly used ...................... storage device.
2. State True or False:
(a) There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and secondary.
(b) The computer can understand decimal system also.
(c) The storage of program and data in the RAM is permanent.
(d) PROM is secondary memory.
(e) The memories which do not loose their content on failure of power
supply are known as non-volatile memories.

What You have Learnt

z Devices that are used for storing and processing of computer data.
z It is collection of computer programs that enables user to interact with
computer hardware.
z The computer has four main components – Input Devices, Central Processing
Unit (CPU), Memory and Output Devices.
z CPU is the ‘Brain of your computer’. A typical CPU has Control Unit (CU),
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Memory Registers components.
z There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and secondary. Primary
memory is accessible directly by the Central Processing Unit.
z Most widely used secondary storage devices are hard disks, CDs, DVDs and
pen drives.

16 Basic Computing
 Introduction to Computer System

Terminal Exercise Notes

1. What are the major components of a computer?
2. What is CPU and how does it work? Explain briefly.
3. What is a plotter and how does it work?
4. Describe the various types of printers briefly.
5. Differentiate between the following:
(a) RAM and ROM
(b) Volatile and non-volatile memory.
(c) Sequential access and Random access
6. Explain different types of ports.

Answers to Intext Questions

1.1
1. Four basic functions are:
(a) Receive input
(b) Process information
(c) Produce output
(d) Store information for future use
2. Input
3. (a) ALU (b) CPU (c) Processing

1.2
1. (a) 1024 bytes
(b) RAM, ROM
(c) Cache
(d) Secondary

Basic Computing 17
 Introduction to Computer System

3. (a) True (b) False (c) False

Notes (d) False (e) True

Key Learning Outcomes

Be able to:
z identify the hardware and software components of the computer system;
z the storage devices and use the optimum storage device.

18 Basic Computing