Question 1

Name the software required to make a computer functional. Write down its two primary functions.

Accepted Answer

The software required to make a computer functional is the Operating System (OS). Its two primary functions are:
1. Managing hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
2. Providing a user interface and platform for running application software. — Operating System acts as an intermediary between the user and computer hardware. It manages hardware resources efficiently and provides services to application programs.

Question 2

What is the need of RAM? How does it differ from ROM?

Accepted Answer

RAM (Random Access Memory) is needed to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU needs while executing programs. It is volatile memory, meaning data is lost when power is off.

ROM (Read Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that permanently stores instructions needed to boot the computer. Data in ROM cannot be modified or is difficult to modify.

Differences:
- RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile.
- RAM is used for temporary data storage during execution; ROM stores permanent instructions.
- RAM is readable and writable; ROM is mostly read-only. — RAM provides fast access to data for running programs, improving performance. ROM stores firmware essential for starting the computer. Their characteristics differ in volatility and usage.

Question 3

What is the need for secondary memory?

Accepted Answer

Secondary memory is needed to store data and programs permanently or for long-term use. It provides large storage capacity at a lower cost compared to primary memory (RAM). It retains data even when the computer is turned off. — Primary memory is limited and volatile, so secondary memory like hard disks, SSDs, or optical disks are used to store data persistently and in large volumes.

Question 4

Draw the block diagram of a computer system. Briefly write about the functionality of each component.

Accepted Answer

Block Diagram of a Computer System includes:
- Input Unit: Accepts data and instructions from the user.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): Processes data and controls operations.
- Memory Unit: Stores data and instructions temporarily (RAM) or permanently (ROM).
- Output Unit: Displays or produces the results.
- Secondary Storage: Stores data permanently.

Functionality:
- Input Unit: Converts user input into machine-readable form.
- CPU: Executes instructions, performs arithmetic and logic operations.
- Memory Unit: Holds data and instructions needed for processing.
- Output Unit: Converts processed data into human-readable form.
- Secondary Storage: Provides long-term data storage. — The block diagram shows the flow of data from input to processing to output, with memory units supporting the CPU and secondary storage providing permanent data retention.

Question 5

Differentiate between proprietary software and freeware software. Name two software of each type.

Accepted Answer

Proprietary Software:
- Owned by an individual or company.
- Requires purchase or license to use.
- Source code is not shared.
Examples: Microsoft Windows, Adobe Photoshop.

Freeware Software:
- Available free of cost.
- Can be used without paying.
- Source code may or may not be available.
Examples: Google Chrome, VLC Media Player. — Proprietary software restricts usage and distribution, while freeware is free to use but may have limitations on modification or redistribution.

Question 6

Mention any browsers used for browsing the internet.

Accepted Answer

Some commonly used internet browsers are:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari
- Opera — Browsers are software applications used to access and view websites on the internet.

Question 7

Name the input/output device used to do the following:
a) To output audio
b) To enter textual data
c) To make hard copy of a text file
d) To display the data/information
e) To enter audio-based command
f) To build 3D models
g) To assist a visually impaired individual in entering data

Accepted Answer

a) Speaker or Headphones
b) Keyboard
c) Printer
d) Monitor
e) Microphone
f) 3D Scanner or 3D Printer (for output), or specialized 3D modeling input devices like 3D mouse
g) Braille Keyboard or Screen Reader with voice input — Each device corresponds to a specific input or output function:
- Speakers output sound.
- Keyboard inputs text.
- Printer produces physical copies.
- Monitor displays visuals.
- Microphone inputs audio commands.
- 3D modeling requires specialized input/output devices.
- Braille devices assist visually impaired users.

Question 8

Identify the category (system, application, programming tool) of the following software:
a) Compiler
b) Assembler
c) Ubuntu
d) Text editor

Accepted Answer

a) Compiler - Programming Tool
b) Assembler - Programming Tool
c) Ubuntu - System Software (Operating System)
d) Text editor - Application Software — Categories:
- Programming tools help in software development (compiler, assembler).
- System software manages hardware and system resources (Ubuntu OS).
- Application software performs specific user tasks (text editor).

Question 9

Convert the following into bytes:
a) 2 MB
b) 3.7 GB
c) 1.2 TB

Accepted Answer

Conversions:
1 MB = 1024 × 1024 bytes = 1,048,576 bytes
1 GB = 1024 MB = 1,073,741,824 bytes
1 TB = 1024 GB = 1,099,511,627,776 bytes

Calculations:
a) 2 MB = 2 × 1,048,576 = 2,097,152 bytes
b) 3.7 GB = 3.7 × 1,073,741,824 = 3,973,844,749 bytes (approx)
c) 1.2 TB = 1.2 × 1,099,511,627,776 = 1,319,413,953,331 bytes (approx) — Use binary prefixes where 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, etc. Multiply accordingly to convert to bytes.

Question 10

What is the security threats involved when we throw away electronic gadgets that are non-functional?

Accepted Answer

Security threats include:
- Data theft: Sensitive data stored on devices can be recovered by unauthorized persons.
- Environmental hazards: Improper disposal can lead to data leakage and physical harm.
- Identity theft: Personal information can be misused.

Therefore, proper data wiping and secure disposal methods are necessary. — Electronic gadgets may contain residual data. Throwing them away without proper data destruction can lead to data breaches and security risks.

Question 11

Write down the type of memory needed to do the following:
a) To store data permanently
b) To execute the program
c) To store the instructions which can not be overwritten.

Accepted Answer

a) To store data permanently - Secondary Memory (e.g., Hard Disk, SSD)
b) To execute the program - Primary Memory (RAM)
c) To store the instructions which cannot be overwritten - ROM (Read Only Memory) — Permanent storage requires secondary memory. Program execution needs fast, volatile primary memory. Non-overwritable instructions reside in ROM.

Question 12

What is a computer system and what are its primary components?

Accepted Answer

A computer system is a combination of a computer along with additional hardware and software working together. Its primary components include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, input/output devices, and storage devices. For example, a personal computer with a CPU, RAM, keyboard, monitor, and hard drive forms a computer system. — A computer system integrates hardware and software components to perform computing tasks. The CPU processes data, memory stores data and instructions, input devices capture data, output devices display results, and storage devices save data permanently.

Question 13

Identify the main components shown in the block diagram of a computer system and describe the flow of data among them.

Accepted Answer

The main components in the block diagram are the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, input devices, output devices, and storage devices. Data flows from input devices to memory, then CPU fetches data and instructions from memory for processing. The processed output is sent to output devices or stored in storage devices for future use. For example, a keyboard sends input data to memory, CPU processes it, and the result is displayed on a monitor. — The block diagram illustrates how data and signals move between components. Input devices capture data, memory stores it temporarily, CPU processes it, and output devices present the results. Storage devices save data permanently. This flow enables a computer system to function as a unit.

Question 14

Which part of the computer is commonly called the 'brain' and why?

Accepted Answer

Central Processing Unit (CPU) — The CPU is called the 'brain' of the computer because it carries out all processing tasks, including arithmetic and logical operations, instruction execution, and data management. It controls the functioning of other components.

Question 15

What are registers in a CPU and what is their function?

Accepted Answer

Registers are small, fast storage locations within the CPU chip used to temporarily hold data, instructions, or intermediate results during processing. For example, while performing arithmetic operations, the CPU stores operands and results in registers for quick access. — Registers help the CPU process instructions efficiently by providing immediate access to data and instructions. They are limited in size and number and are critical for CPU performance.

Computer Chapter System

Computer Chapter System — Study Notes

COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.1.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

1.1.2 Input Devices

Practice Questions — Computer Chapter System

All 8 Chapters in Informatics Practices