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