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IT Basic Questions Notes

The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, including definitions of a computer, input and output devices, CPU, ALU, and types of computer memory. It explains the differences between hardware and software, lists various types of memory, and details the characteristics of primary, secondary, and cache memory. Additionally, it includes the full forms of technical acronyms and the relationship between different data storage units.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
8 views

IT Basic Questions Notes

The document provides an overview of computer fundamentals, including definitions of a computer, input and output devices, CPU, ALU, and types of computer memory. It explains the differences between hardware and software, lists various types of memory, and details the characteristics of primary, secondary, and cache memory. Additionally, it includes the full forms of technical acronyms and the relationship between different data storage units.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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UDAIPUR ENGLISH MEDIUM HS SCHOOL

SUBJECT :- IT-ITES (402)


CLASS :- IX-X

1. What is computer?
- A computer is an electronic device that stores and processes information, following a
set of instructions called a program. These programs can be built into the hardware
(like on a microprocessor) or loaded into the computer's memory. Computers use a
binary system, which uses only two digits (0 and 1) to represent and manipulate
data.
2. Define input and output devices?
- Input devices are hardware that allows users to enter data or instructions into a
computer.
Examples:
• Keyboard: Used for typing text and numbers.
• Mouse: A pointing device used to navigate menus and select items on the
screen.
• Microphone: Used to record audio input for the computer.
• Webcam: Captures video and images for the computer.
• Scanner: Converts physical documents into digital images.
• Touchscreen: Allows users to interact with the computer by touching the
screen.
Output devices are hardware that displays or delivers the results of the computer's
processing in a human-readable form.
• Examples:
• Monitor: Displays text, images, and videos.
• Printer: Produces physical copies of documents.
• Speakers: Play audio output from the computer.
• Projector: Displays output on a screen.
• Headphones/Earphones: Provide private audio output.
3. What is CPU?
- The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the main part of a computer that executes
instructions, controlling other components. It's often called the "brain" of the
computer, responsible for all basic logical and arithmetic operations. The CPU fetches
instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them in a process
called the fetch-execute cycle.
4. Define ALU?
- An ALU, or Arithmetic Logic Unit, is a fundamental digital circuit within a computer's
central processing unit (CPU) that performs arithmetic and logic operations. It's the
part of the CPU that executes calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division, as well as logical operations like AND, OR, and NOT.
5. Define Computer Memory?
- Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information
and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be
processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the
input and output can be stored here
6. Describe Types of computer Memory.
- In general, computer memory is divided into three types:
Primary memory
Secondary memory
Cache memory
Now we discuss each type of memory one by one in detail:
Primary Memory
It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data
and programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor
technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor memory. Primary memory
is of two types:
• RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. Volatile memory stores
information based on the power supply. If the power supply fails/
interrupted/stopped, all the data and information on this memory will be
lost. RAM is used for booting up or starting the computer. It temporarily
stores programs/data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two
types:
o S RAM (Static RAM): S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this memory
are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied. This
memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing 1 bit. It
has less access time and hence, it is faster.
o D RAM (Dynamic RAM): D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and stores the
data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells.
It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few milliseconds. This
memory is slower than S RAM.
• ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores
information even when there is a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is
used to store information that is used to operate the system. As its name refers to
read-only memory, we can only read the programs and data that are stored on it. It
contains some electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of specific
information. The information is stored in the ROM in binary format. It is also known
as permanent memory. ROM is of four types:
o MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed collection
of data or instructions were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of low-
cost ROM that works in this way.
o PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is
modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses
a PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content
can't be erased once written.
o EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): EPROM is an
extension to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to
Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
o EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Here the
written contents can be erased electrically. You can delete and
reprogram EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and programming take very
little time, i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be
wiped and programmed selectively.

Secondary Memory
It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory. It is a non-
volatile memory and used to store a large amount of data or information.
The data or information stored in secondary memory is permanent, and it
is slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot access secondary memory
directly. The data/information from the auxiliary memory is first transferred
to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.

Types of Secondary Memory


1. Magnetic Tapes: Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of plastic film with a thin, magnetic
coating on it that is used for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as magnetic
patches called RECORDS that run along many tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded
concurrently. Each track has one read/write head, which allows data to be recorded and
read as a sequence of characters. It can be stopped, started moving forward or backwards or
rewound.
2. Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disk is a circular metal or a plastic plate and these plates are
coated with magnetic material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in magnetized
surfaces in locations called tracks that run in concentric rings. Sectors are typically used to
break tracks into pieces.
Hard discs are discs that are permanently attached and cannot be removed by a single user.
3. Optical Disks: It's a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and read. It is
reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the computer
by occasional users.
Types of Optical Disks
CD - ROM
• It's called a compact disk. Only read from memory.
• Information is written to the disc by using a controlled laser beam to burn pits on the
disc surface.
• It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually aluminium.
• The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
• 16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
• The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector storing 2048 bytes of data.
• The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new access time is around 80
milliseconds.
WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY)
• A user can only write data once.
• The information is written on the disc using a laser beam.
• It is possible to read the written data as many times as desired.
• They keep lasting records of information but access time is high.
• It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another part of the disc.
• Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
• Usual size - 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
• The usual capacity of a 5.25-inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.
DVDs
• The term "DVD" stands for "Digital Versatile/Video Disc," and there are two sorts of
DVDs:
o DVDR (writable)
o DVDRW (Re-Writable)
• DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-only memory (ROM) discs that
can be used in a variety of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a lot
more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer that serves as a foundation for
the other layers. It's an optical memory that can read and write data.
• DVD-R: DVD-R is a writable optical disc that can be used just once. It's a DVD that can
be recorded. It's a lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging from 4.7 to 17
GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3 GB.
Cache Memory
It is a type of high-speed semiconductor memory that can help the CPU
run faster. Between the CPU and the main memory, it serves as a buffer.
It is used to store the data and programs that the CPU uses the most
frequently.

7. What is software and hardware in computer?

- In simple terms, hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, like
the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Software, on the other hand, is the set of instructions
that tells the hardware what to do. Both are essential for a computer to function.

Hardware Examples:

• Physical components: Motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive, and other internal
components.
• Input/Output Devices: Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer.
• Storage Devices: Flash drives, DVDs, Blu-rays.

Software Examples:

• Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux.


• Applications: Word processors, web browsers, image editors.
• Utilities: Antivirus software, file managers.

8. Full form RAM, ROM, ALU, CPU, KB, MB, GB, TB, PB, MROM ,PROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, S RAM, D RAM:

RAM: Random Access Memory


ROM: Read Only Memory
ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit
CPU: Central Processing Unit
KB: Kilo Byte
MB: Mega Byte
GB: Giga Byte
TB: Tera Byte
PB: Peta Byte
MROM: Masked ROM
PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory
EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
S RAM: Static RAM
D RAM: Dynamic RAM
9. 1 KB = 1024 BYTES
1 MB = 1024 KB
1 GB = 1024 MB
1 TB = 1024 GB
1 PB = 1024 TB

10. Difference between Software and Hardware?


-
Software Hardware
Software is the program which is executed Hardware is a physical part of the
by CPU. computer.
It cannot be touched. It can be touched
Software is intangible. Hardware is tangible.
Software cannot be executed without Hardware can perform any task without
hardware. software.
Software is debugged in case of problem. Hardware is repaired in case of problem.

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