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The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, covering topics such as the definition and history of computers, data processing, memory hierarchy, and input/output devices. It also explains software types, operating systems, data communication, networking, and web technologies. Key concepts include the differences between system and application software, types of computer languages, and the functioning of the World Wide Web.

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4 views

Computer_Fundamentals_Important_Questions_Cleaned

The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, covering topics such as the definition and history of computers, data processing, memory hierarchy, and input/output devices. It also explains software types, operating systems, data communication, networking, and web technologies. Key concepts include the differences between system and application software, types of computer languages, and the functioning of the World Wide Web.

Uploaded by

donn3558
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Important Questions & Short Answers - Computer Fundamentals

UNIT I: Introduction to Computers


1. What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data to perform tasks, calculations, and
operations automatically.

2. Briefly explain the history and generations of computers.

First Generation (1940-1956) - Used vacuum tubes, very slow.


Second Generation (1956-1963) - Used transistors, faster than the first.
Third Generation (1964-1971) - Used integrated circuits, smaller and more efficient.
Fourth Generation (1971-Present) - Used microprocessors, very fast and compact.
Fifth Generation (Future) - Uses AI, quantum computing, and advanced processors.

3. What is Data Processing?

It is the collection, manipulation, and processing of data to produce meaningful information.

4. Explain Memory Hierarchy.

Memory hierarchy organizes memory into different levels based on speed, cost, and size:
1. Registers (Fastest, Smallest)
2. Cache Memory
3. Main Memory (RAM, ROM)
4. Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD)
5. Tertiary Storage (CD/DVD, Tape Drives)

5. What are Input and Output Devices?

Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.


Output Devices: Monitor, Printer, Speaker.

6. What is BIOS?

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware and loads the operating
system.

7. Explain Data Representation and Number System Conversions.

Binary (Base 2): Uses 0 and 1.


Decimal (Base 10): Regular number system.
Octal (Base 8): Uses digits 0-7.
Hexadecimal (Base 16): Uses digits 0-9 and A-F.
Conversion: Binary -> Decimal, Octal -> Binary, Hex -> Decimal, etc.
8. What is 1's and 2's complement?

1's Complement: Invert all bits (0 -> 1, 1 -> 0).


2's Complement: 1's complement + 1, used for representing negative numbers.

UNIT II: Software & Operating Systems


9. What is the difference between System Software and Application Software?

System Software: Manages hardware (e.g., OS, drivers).


Application Software: Used for specific tasks (e.g., MS Word, Photoshop).

10. Define Open-Source Software and Proprietary Software.

Open-Source: Free and modifiable (e.g., Linux, LibreOffice).


Proprietary: Paid and restricted (e.g., Windows, MS Office).

11. What are the types of Computer Languages?

1. Machine Language - Binary code (0s and 1s).


2. Assembly Language - Uses mnemonics, requires an assembler.
3. High-Level Language - Human-readable, uses compilers or interpreters (e.g., Python, Java).

12. What is a Translator? Name its types.

A translator converts code from one language to another.


Compiler: Translates entire code at once.
Interpreter: Translates line by line.

13. Explain the functions of an Operating System.

Process Management - Runs programs.


Memory Management - Allocates memory.
File System Management - Organizes files.
Device Management - Controls hardware.

14. What are different types of Operating Systems?

Single-User - Windows, macOS.


Multi-User - UNIX.
Multi-Tasking - Allows multiple tasks (Windows).
Time-Sharing - Allocates CPU time (UNIX).
Distributed - Runs on multiple computers.
Real-Time - Used in medical, automotive systems.

UNIT III: Networking & Communication


15. What is Data Communication? Why is it needed?

Data Communication is the exchange of data between devices, necessary for efficient
communication in businesses, homes, and industries.

16. Explain Communication Modes.

Simplex: One-way (e.g., Radio).


Half-Duplex: Two-way but one at a time (e.g., Walkie-Talkie).
Full-Duplex: Simultaneous two-way (e.g., Phone Call).

17. What is a Network? Name its types.

LAN (Local Area Network) - Small area (e.g., Office, School).


MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - Covers a city.
WAN (Wide Area Network) - Covers large distances (e.g., Internet).

UNIT IV: Internet & Web Technologies


20. What is WWW and how does a Web Browser work?

WWW (World Wide Web) is a system of interlinked web pages.


A web browser (Chrome, Firefox) fetches and displays web pages using HTTP/HTTPS.

21. What is a URL and a Domain Name?

URL (Uniform Resource Locator): Web address (e.g., https://www.google.com).


Domain Name: Human-readable name of a website (e.g., google.com).

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