INDEX NUMBER

LANKA NIPPON BIZTECH INSTITUTE

FINAL EXAMINATION

Department Computing
Course Information Technology
Module Code CMP110120
Module Name Computer Fundamentals
Year of Study
Academic Year 2024
Semester 1
Date of the Examination
Time of the Examination
Duration 2 hours
Maximum marks for
final grade

Instructions to Candidates
1. This paper contains 05 questions on 04 pages (from page 2 to 4).
2. You should answer all 5 questions.
3. Student Should write answers according to the order of the question paper.
4. Clearly write your index number (do not write your name or student ID) on the examination
booklet, supplementary answer sheets and the question paper.
5. Write your answers in the examination answer booklet provided and all answers to a new
question should start on a new page.
6. Clearly write the question number on the left side margin of the answer sheet.
7. Candidates are not allowed to bring any material other than those allowed by the invigilator
into the examination hall.
8. Students are not permitted to use red ink / correction pens while writing answers.
9. This is a closed book examination.
10. Please check you have entered all the necessary information on your answer booklet and
attached all the supplementary answer sheets.
11. You are not allowed to take the examination paper or any other material out of the
examination hall.

Page 1 of 5
Question 01
a) Briefly explain four (4) main component of a computer system? [6 marks]

b) What are the different types of computer hardware, and provide an example for each
category? [6 marks]

c) Differentiate between system software and application software with examples. [4 marks]

d) What are the three main parts of a CPU, and what are their primary functions? [6 marks]

e) Describe the difference between RISC and CISC processors. [3 marks]

[Total - 20 marks]
Question 02
a) Explain the Von Neumann and Harvard architectures in terms of memory organization.
[4 marks]

b) Describe the role of the Program Counter (PC) and Instruction Register (IR) in a CPU.
[2 marks]

c) Add the binary numbers: 10112 + 11012 [2 marks]

d) Convert the following numbers to decimals.

i. 1011010012
ii. 2618
iii. 4𝐷316 [2x3 = 6 marks]

e) What is the equivalent binary number for the octal number 27438 ? [2 marks]

f) Represent -11 in 8 bit 2’s complement. [4 marks]

[Total - 20 marks]

Question 03
a) Simplify the Boolean expression 𝐴(𝐴 + 𝐵̅ 𝐶) + 𝐴( 𝐵̅ + 𝐶)using Boolean algebra laws.
[5 marks]

b) Consider the Boolean function 𝐴𝐵(𝐵 ̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅̅

̅ + 𝐴𝐶 ).
i) Draw Truth table for the function. [4 marks]

ii) Draw the combinational logic circuits diagram. [3 marks]

Page 2 of 5
 c) A computer system has the following specifications:

• 32 address lines
• 16 data word lines

i) Calculate the total size of the memory in bytes. (show the steps of the calculation)
[3 marks]

d) Draw a diagram of the computer memory architecture. Your diagram should include the
following components:

• CPU
• Cache Memory (L1, L2, L3)
• Main Memory (RAM)
• Storage Devices (e.g., Hard Drive, SSD) [5 marks]

[Total - 20 marks]

Question 04

(a) An Operating System (OS) is software that helps manage a computer's hardware and lets users
run applications. It handles tasks like managing memory, files, and devices.

(i) List and briefly describe at least three key functions of an operating system. [3 marks]
(ii) What is the difference between 'user mode' and 'kernel mode' in an operating system?
[2marks]
(iii)What is virtual memory? List and explain two benefits of using virtual memory. [3 marks]
(iv) What is the difference between multitasking and multiprocessing operating systems? Provide
an example of an operating system for each type. [3 marks]

(b) Linux is a popular, open-source OS known for being reliable and customizable. It features a
central core called the kernel, supports different versions (distributions), and allows users to
modify and share its source code.assuming that aswer to the following questions.

Page 3 of 5
 (i) Fill in the blanks to complete the following fundamental architecture of Linux.

(a)………………………………

(b)………………………………

(c)………………………………

(d)………………………………

[4 marks]
(ii) How do you list all files and directories, including hidden ones, in the current directory
using the ls command? [1 mark]
(iii) What does the pwd command do in the Linux shell? [1 mark]
(iv) List three different types of shells available in Linux? Describe each shell. [3 marks]
[Total - 20 marks]

Question 05

(a) You need to design a simple network for a small office with 20 employees. The office requires
basic connectivity for 20 computers, 02 printers, and internet access. The setup should also allow
for secure access to the internet and basic protection from external threats.

Design a basic network for the office, addressing the following points:

(i) List all five essential network components you would use. [2 marks]
(ii) Explain the role of each component in this setup. [4 marks]
(iii)Choose a suitable network topology for this small office and explain why it is appropriate.

[2 marks]

(iv) Draw the network diagram to the given scenario according to the selected topology in part(iii).
[5 marks]
(v) Write two methods that can apply to ensure that the office has secure internet access.
(Mention any basic security measures you would implement to protect the network)
[3 marks]
Page 4 of 5
 (vi) What type of network cables will use for this network design. [1 mark]
(vii) Describe the type of networking used and explain why this design is suitable for the given
setup. [3 marks]

[Total - 20 marks]

***END OF QUESTION PAPER***

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