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Free Study Material for Competitive Exams 2025

Computer Basics
Computers have become an integral part of daily life, from personal use to industrial applications. Understanding
computer fundamentals is essential for various competitive exams, including SSC, CBSE, Railways, and Supreme
Court Junior Court Assistant exams. This guide provides a systematic overview of computer organization, CPU,
input/output devices, memory, ports, and the Windows operating system.

Organization of a Computer
A computer system consists of various units that work together to process data. These units include the Input
Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Output Unit, and Memory Unit.

Component Function Examples

Input Unit Accepts data from users and converts it into a Keyboard, Mouse,
machine-readable format Scanner
Central Processing Unit Executes instructions and processes data Intel Core i7, AMD
(CPU) Ryzen
Memory Unit Stores data temporarily or permanently RAM, Hard Drive, SSD
Output Unit Converts processed data into human-readable form Monitor, Printer
Ports Connect external devices to the computer USB, HDMI, Ethernet

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions. It consists of three main
components:

Component Function
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Performs arithmetic and logical operations
Control Unit (CU) Directs the operation of the processor
Registers Small storage areas inside the CPU for quick data access

Types of CPUs
Type Example Processors
Single-core Intel Pentium
Dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo
Quad-core Intel Core i5
Hexa-core AMD Ryzen 5
Octa-core Intel Core i7/i9

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Input and Output Devices

Input Devices
Devices used to enter data into the computer.
Device Function
Keyboard Used for text input
Mouse Pointing device
Scanner Converts physical documents into digital format
Microphone Captures sound input
Webcam Captures video input

Output Devices
Devices used to display or present processed data.
Device Function
Monitor Displays visual output
Printer Prints hard copies of documents
Speaker Outputs sound
Projector Displays images on a large screen

Computer Memory
Memory is classified into primary and secondary storage.

Primary Memory (Volatile Memory)

Used for temporary data storage and processing.
Type Function Example
RAM (Random Access Memory) Stores active programs and data DDR4, DDR5
Cache Memory Provides high-speed data access to the CPU L1, L2, L3 Cache
Registers Holds temporary data for immediate processing CPU Registers

Secondary Memory (Non-Volatile Memory)

Used for permanent data storage.
Type Function Example
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Stores OS, applications, and files 1TB HDD
Solid-State Drive (SSD) Faster alternative to HDDs 512GB SSD
Optical Discs Used for media storage CDs, DVDs
Flash Memory Portable storage USB Drive, SD Card

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Computer Ports
Ports allow computers to connect with external devices.
Port Type Function Example Devices
USB Connects peripherals Pen drive, Keyboard
HDMI Transmits audio and video Monitors, TVs
Ethernet Network connectivity Routers, LAN
VGA Video output Older monitors
Audio Jack Sound input/output Headphones, Speakers
Thunderbolt High-speed data transfer MacBooks, External GPUs

Windows Operating System

Windows OS is a graphical operating system developed by Microsoft.

Versions of Windows
Version Release Year Features
Windows XP 2001 User-friendly, stable
Windows 7 2009 Improved performance, Aero UI
Windows 8 2012 Touchscreen support
Windows 10 2015 Cortana, Edge Browser
Windows 11 2021 New UI, better performance

Features of Windows
Feature Function
File Explorer Manages files and folders
Control Panel Adjusts system settings
Task Manager Monitors performance and processes
Windows Defender Provides security and antivirus protection
Start Menu Accesses applications and settings

Conclusion
Understanding computer basics is crucial for competitive exams. The fundamental topics include:
• Computer Organization (Input, Output, CPU, Memory, Ports)
• CPU Components (ALU, CU, Registers)
• Types of Memory (Primary and Secondary Storage)
• Common Ports (USB, HDMI, Ethernet)
• Windows OS Versions and Features

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 Test Your Knowledge
1. Which of the following CPU components is responsible for directing the execution of instructions in a
computer system?
A) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
B) Control Unit (CU)
C) Registers
D) Cache Memory
Answer: B) Control Unit (CU)
Explanation: The Control Unit (CU) directs the operation of the processor by managing instruction execution,
coordinating with the ALU, memory, and input/output devices.

2. Which type of memory provides the fastest access to data for the CPU?
A) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
C) Cache Memory
D) Random Access Memory (RAM)
Answer: C) Cache Memory
Explanation: Cache memory (L1, L2, L3) is a small, high-speed memory located inside the CPU, providing faster
data access than RAM or secondary storage devices like HDDs and SSDs.

3. What is the primary purpose of the USB port in a computer?

A) Transmitting video and audio signals
B) Providing high-speed internet connectivity
C) Connecting external peripherals
D) Storing data permanently
Answer: C) Connecting external peripherals
Explanation: USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports allow external devices like pen drives, keyboards, and external
hard drives to connect to the computer.

4. Which Windows operating system introduced the Start Menu redesign with a centered layout and
rounded corners?
A) Windows 7
B) Windows 8
C) Windows 10
D) Windows 11
Answer: D) Windows 11
Explanation: Windows 11, released in 2021, introduced a new UI with a centered Start Menu, rounded window
corners, and improved multitasking features.

5. In a multi-core processor, what is the primary advantage of having multiple cores?

A) Higher clock speed
B) Ability to execute multiple instructions simultaneously
C) Reduced power consumption
D) Larger cache memory

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Answer: B) Ability to execute multiple instructions simultaneously
Explanation: Multi-core processors can perform parallel processing, improving performance by executing
multiple instructions at the same time.

6. Which port is commonly used for connecting an external display to a laptop?

A) HDMI
B) USB
C) Ethernet
D) Thunderbolt
Answer: A) HDMI
Explanation: HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the most commonly used port for transmitting
video and audio signals to external displays like monitors and projectors.

7. Which of the following best describes volatile memory?

A) Memory that retains data even after power is turned off
B) Memory that loses data when power is lost
C) Memory used for permanent storage
D) Memory that operates at a slower speed than secondary storage
Answer: B) Memory that loses data when power is lost
Explanation: Volatile memory, such as RAM, temporarily stores data while the system is running but loses all
data when power is turned off.

8. Which storage type is the most durable and resistant to physical damage?
A) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
C) Optical Disc (CD/DVD)
D) USB Flash Drive
Answer: B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Explanation: SSDs use flash memory and have no moving parts, making them more durable and resistant to
physical damage compared to HDDs or optical discs.

9. Which of the following is NOT an input device?

A) Scanner
B) Printer
C) Microphone
D) Webcam
Answer: B) Printer
Explanation: A printer is an output device because it converts digital data into a physical printed format, unlike
input devices that send data to the computer.

10. What is the role of registers in the CPU?

A) Store long-term data for future use
B) Provide high-speed access to frequently used instructions and data
C) Convert machine language to human-readable language
D) Manage input and output devices
Answer: B) Provide high-speed access to frequently used instructions and data
Explanation: Registers are small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU that temporarily hold data and
instructions needed for immediate execution.