Computer Fundamental (Subjective Questions)
Computer Fundamental (Subjective Questions)
(Subjective Questions)
Q.1) Explain the difference between primary, secondary, and cache memory. Describe
their roles in a computer system with examples.
Q.2) Define system software and application software. Compare their functions with
suitable examples.
Q.3) What are the functions of an operating system? Explain how the OS manages memory
and processes.
Q.4) Discuss the different types of logic gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR. Draw
their symbols and truth tables.
Q.5) State and prove De Morgan’s Laws using truth tables. How are these laws used in
simplifying logic circuits?
Q.7) What are input and output devices? Explain any two input and two output devices
with their uses.
Q.8) Differentiate between assembler, compiler, and interpreter. Explain how each works
in the program execution process.
Q.9) What is the importance of encoding schemes in computing? Compare ASCII, ISCII,
and Unicode (UTF-8 & UTF-32) with their features.
Q.10) What is the structure of a computer system? Describe its main components and how
they interact during data processing.
Q.11) Explain the units of memory in a computer system and their hierarchical order with
examples.
Q.12) Describe the differences between volatile and non-volatile memory with suitable
examples.
Q.13) Compare binary and hexadecimal number systems. Convert the binary number
11011110 to hexadecimal.
Q.14) Write a short note on device drivers and system utilities with examples.
Q.15) Explain the role of the Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in the
CPU.
Solution
Q1. Explain the difference between primary, secondary, and cache memory.
Describe their roles in a computer system with examples.
• Definition: Temporary memory that stores data and programs that the CPU is currently
using.
• Volatile: Data is lost when power is off.
• Speed: Slower than cache but faster than secondary memory.
• Example: 8GB DDR4 RAM.
2. Secondary Memory
3. Cache Memory
Comparison Table:
Conclusion:
All three types of memory work together to ensure the smooth execution of processes. Cache
speeds up CPU tasks, RAM holds active programs, and secondary memory stores data
permanently.
Q2. Define system software and application software. Compare their functions
with suitable examples.
1. System Software
• Definition: Software that manages and controls computer hardware so that application
software can function.
• Purpose: Acts as an interface between hardware and user.
• Examples:
o Operating System (Windows, Linux)
o Device Drivers
o System Utilities (Disk cleanup)
2. Application Software
Comparison Table:
Conclusion:
System software enables the computer to function, while application software allows the user to
perform tasks. Both are essential for a complete computing experience.
Q3. What are the functions of an operating system? Explain how the OS
manages memory and processes.
1. Process Management:
o Schedules processes
o Allocates CPU time
o Example: Multitasking in Windows
2. Memory Management:
o Allocates and deallocates memory
o Uses techniques like paging and segmentation
o Prevents memory leaks
3. File System Management:
o Organizes data into files and folders
o Manages permissions and access
4. Device Management:
o Manages input/output devices through drivers
o Coordinates communication between devices
5. User Interface (UI):
o Provides GUI/CLI for user interaction
o Example: Start Menu in Windows
When you open two programs, OS allocates separate memory space for each to avoid conflict.
In multitasking, the OS switches rapidly between tasks, giving the illusion they run
simultaneously.
1. AND Gate
A B A AND B
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1
2. OR Gate
A B A OR B
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
3. NOT Gate
A NOT A
0 1
1 0
• Truth Table:
A B A NAND B
0 0 1
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0
• Truth Table:
A B A NOR B
0 0 1
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 0
• Truth Table:
A B A XOR B
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0
Laws:
1. ¬(A ∧ B) = ¬A ∨ ¬B
2. ¬(A ∨ B) = ¬A ∧ ¬B
¬(A∧B) = ¬A∨¬B
¬(A∨B) = ¬A∧¬B
Application:
Used in logic circuit simplification, helping to reduce the number of gates required.
Importance:
Encoding ensures correct interpretation and exchange of text/data between systems.
Main Components:
Interaction Process:
Basic Units:
• 1 Bit = Smallest data unit (0 or 1)
• 1 Nibble = 4 Bits
• 1 Byte = 8 Bits
• 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
• 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB
• 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
• 1 Terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
• 1 Petabyte (PB) = 1024 TB
Memory Hierarchy:
Examples:
Comparison Table:
Now convert:
• 1101=D
• 1110=E
➡ Hexadecimal: DE
Device Drivers:
• Definition: Software that acts as an interface between the OS and hardware devices.
• Function: Enables OS to communicate with hardware like printers, keyboards, etc.
• Examples:
o Printer driver
o Graphics card driver (e.g., NVIDIA driver)
System Utilities:
Q.15) Role of Control Unit (CU) and Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)