Unit-1

Introduction to Computer System

1. Briefly explain the basic architecture of a Computer

Ans. A Computer is an electronic device that can be programmed to accept data or instructions
as input through input devices then process it through central processing unit and generate
output through output devices and store results in the memory.

A computer follows the I.P.O. Cycle i.e. it needs certain input, carries out a process and
produces an output

2. Differentiate between Data and Information.

Ans. Data:- Data is a collection of raw facts about something or somebody. It could be a
collection of numbers, letters, images etc.
For example name, age, height etc.is data which can be used in many different ways to
provide information.
Information:- Data becomes information when it is put together to give some meaning.
For example A barcode number is just data on its own. So is the product name, image and
price. But this data becomes meaningful information when data is put together. When a
barcode is scanned, we can find out what item it is, what it is, what it looks like and how much
it will cost

3. Define Input Unit.

Ans. A computer system accepts data and instructions through input unit.

4. Define Process Unit

5. Define Output Unit

6. Define Input devices also give examples.

Ans. Input devices are used to give data or instructions to the computer. Examples are:-
Keyboard, Mouse, scanner, Joystick etc.

7. Define Output devices also give examples.

Ans. Output devices are used to receive result after processing either in soft copy or hard
copy. Examples are:-
Monitor, Printer, speakers, Headphones etc.
8. Explain the components of CPU with the help of block diagram
9. What is the function of Memory? What are its measuring units?
Ans. Memory means the place where we have to store anything. Memory plays an important
role in computer system .Memory is used to store data and information in Computer.

10. Name the different types of Memory

Ans: Memory can be classified into three categories:-
(a) Internal Processor Memory (Registers and Cache Memory)
(b) Primary Memory or Internal Memory (RAM and ROM)
(c) Secondary Memory or External Memory (Secondary storage devices)

11. Define Registers.

Ans. Registers or Processor registers are small units of data holding places. The CPU uses
registers to temporarily hold some important processing-information during the time the
processing is taking place. CPU may store some data, memory address or some instruction in
its processor registers.

12. Define Cache Memory.

Ans. Cache Memory is a very high-speed memory. It is an extremely fast memory type that
acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU. It holds frequently requested data and
instructions so that they are immediately available to the CPU when needed.
Cache memory is used to reduce the average time to access data from the Main memory. The
cache is a smaller and faster memory which stores copies of the data from frequently used
main memory locations. There are various different independent caches in a CPU, which store
instructions and data.
13. Explain Primary Memory or Internal Memory.

14. Differentiate between RAM and ROM

15. Define Secondary Memory or External Memory.

Ans. Secondary memory is computer memory that is non-volatile and persistent in nature and
is not directly accessed by a computer/processor. It allows a user to store data that may be
instantly and easily retrieved, transported and used by applications and services.
Secondary memory is also known as secondary storage or External Memory.
16. Why we need Secondary storage devices to store data.

17. Explain various secondary storage devices.

Ans (a) Hard Disk:- is an electro-mechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to
store and retrieve digital data using one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with
magnetic material. The platters are paired with magnetic heads, usually arranged on a moving
actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter surfaces. Data is accessed in a random-
access manner, meaning that individual blocks of data can be stored and retrieved in any
order. HDDs are a type of non-volatile storage, retaining stored data even when powered off.

CD:- Stands for "Compact Disc." CDs are circular discs that are 4.75 in (12 cm) in diameter. CDs
can hold up to 700 MB of data.

DVD:- Stands for "Digital Versatile Disc." A DVD is a type of optical media used for storing
digital data. It is the same size as a CD, but has a larger storage capacity. DVD can store 4.7 GB
of data.

Pen drive:- Pen Drive also referred as USB flash drive is a portable device which allows user to
transfer data (text, images, videos etc) to and from computer quickly. Users can easily read
and write the data on the Pen Drive by plugging it into the USB port on the computer.
Currently available pen drives with storage capacities ranging from 8GB and 64GB can be used
to store graphics-heavy documents, photos, music files and video clips.

Memory card:- A memory card is a type of storage device that is used for storing media and
data files. It provides a permanent and non-volatile medium to store data and files from the
attached device. Memory cards are commonly used in small, portable devices, such as
cameras and phones. A memory card is also known as a flash card.

Blu-ray disc:- Blu-ray. Blu-ray is an optical disc format such as CD and DVD. It was developed
for recording and playing back high-definition (HD) video and for storing large amounts of
data. While a CD can hold 700 MB of data and a basic DVD can hold 4.7 GB of data, a single
layer of Blu-ray disc can hold up to 25 GB of data. It has dual layer.
18. Define Software. What are the various categories of Software?
Ans . Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and
execute specific tasks. Software can be classified broadly in two categories:-
(a) System Software (b) Application Software

19. Define System Software. Give examples of system software.

Ans. The software that controls internal computer operations is called System Software.
Examples of System Software are:-
Operating System
Language translators
Communication Software
Utility Software

20. What is the importance of an Operating System (OS)? Give examples of OS.
Ans. Operating System is basic software which is required for the functioning of the computer.
The OS organizes and controls the hardware. It acts an interface between the users
and System. Examples are Windows, Linux, UNIX, Mac OS etc.

21. Define Language translator or Processor .Name three types of Language processors.
Ans. A language translator or processor is a special type of computer software that can
translate the source code into object code or machine code.
Source Code: - It refers to the program –code written by a programmer in a high level
programming language such as in C, Java C++ etc.
Object Code or Machine Code: - It refers to a code usually in machine language or binary code,
a language that computer understands.
The three types of language translators or processors are:-
 Assembler
 Interpreter
 Compiler
22. What is the difference between an Interpreter and a Compiler?
Ans. Interpreter: - An interpreter is a type of system software that translates and executes
instructions written in a computer program line-by line.
Compiler: - A compiler is another type of system software that translates and executes
instructions written in a computer program in one go.

23. Define Communication software.

Ans. Communication Software is used to provide remote access to systems and exchange files
and messages in text, audio or video formats b/w different computers.
24. Define Utility. Explain the role of various utilities.
Ans. Utility programs, commonly referred to as just "utilities," are software programs that add
functionality to your computer or help your computer perform better. These include antivirus,
backup, disk repair, file management, security, and networking programs.
The role of various utilities is as follows:-
(a) Text Editor:- This utility program is used for creating, editing text files.
(b) Backup Utility: - This utility program facilitates the backing –up of disk. Back-up
means duplicating the disk information.
(c) Compression Utility: - This utility program facilitates compression of files. Large files
can be compressed so that they take less storage area.
(d) Disk Defragmenter:- This utility program speeds up disk access by rearranging the
files and free space on your computer.
(e) Antivirus Software: - Antivirus software is a type of program designed and developed to
protect computers from malware like viruses, computer worms, spyware etc. Antivirus
programs function to scan, detect and remove viruses from your computer.

25. What is Application Software?

Ans: - An Application Software is a set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a
specific task or application.

26. Name the various categories of Application Software.

Ans:- Application Software can be classified in to two categories:-
 General Purpose Software
 Specific Purpose Software

27. Explain General Purpose Software with examples.

Ans. General Purpose application software is a type of application that can be used for a
variety of tasks. It is not limited to one particular function. For example, a word processor
could be classified as general purpose software as it would allow a user to write a novel, create
a restaurant menu or even make a poster. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets,
databases, desktop publishing packages, graphics packages etc.

28. Explain Specific or Special Purpose Software with examples.

Ans. Special purpose application software is a type of software created to execute one specific
task. For example, a camera application on your phone will only allow you to take and share
pictures. Other examples of special purpose application software are web browsers,
calculators, media players, calendar programs etc.