Short Answer Type Questions
Q.1 State the basic units of computer. Name the subunits that make up the CPU, and give the function of each of the unit.
Ans: Basic units of computer are Input Unit, Central Processing Unit and Output Unit. Sub unites of CPU are Arithmetical Logical Unit(ALU), Control Unit (CU) and Memory Unit(MU).
Q.2 What is the function of memory? What are its measuring units?
Ans: The computer memory is a temporary storage area. It holds the data and instructions that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs. Before a program can run, the program is loaded from some storage medium into the memory. This allows the CPU direct access to the program. Its measuring units are byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte etc.
Q.3 What is the role of CPU of a mobile system?
Ans: A mobile processor is found in mobile computers and cellphones. A CPU chip is designed for portable computers, it is typically housed in a smaller chip package, but more importantly, in order to run cooler, it uses lower voltages than its desktop counterpart and has more sleep mode capability. A mobile processor can be throttled down to different power levels or sections of the chip can be turned off entirely when not in use. Further, the clock frequency may be stepped down under low processor loads. This stepping down conserves power and prolongs battery life.
Q.4 What are various categories of software?
Ans: Software are classified into following categories –
(i) System Software
a. Operating System
b. Language Processor
(ii) Application Software
a. Packages
b. Utilities
c. Customized software
d. Developer Tools
Q.5 What is the difference between an interpreter and a compiler?
Ans: Interpreter: Interpreter is a type of system software that translates and executes instructions written in a computer program lini-by-line, unit by unit etc. It is slower in execution because each time when you run the program translation is required.
Compiler: Compiler is another type of system software that translates and executes instructions written in a computer program in one go. Once compiled program need not to translate again so it works faster.
Q.6 What is application software? Why it is required?
Ans: Application software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specific task. Such as for word processing there are many application software like MS-Word, Wordpad etc. These software are required to perform special task using the computer like painting, recording, typing, data handling etc.
Q7. Briefly explain the basic architecture of a computer.
Ans: Computer organization refers to logical structure of a computer describing how its components are connected to one another, how they affect one another's functioning and contributes to overall performance of computer.
Computers follow the 'IPO' principal i.e.
Input >Process >Output
(That means a certain input is processed to Generate specific output)
Q.8 What do you understand by input unit? What is its significance? What does computer system consist of?
Ans: Input unit is formed by the input devices(Keyboard, mouse, MICR, OBCR etc.) attached to the computer. Input unit is responsible for taking input and converting it into computer understandable form(the binary code). Some common input devices are:
(i) Keyboard
(ii) Mouse
(iii) Microphone
(iv) Scanner
(v) Webcam
(vi) Optical Bar Code Reader
(vii) Optical Mark Reader
(viii) Magnetic Ink Character Reader
(ix) Touch Pad
(x) Track Ball
(xi) Joy stick
(xii) Touch Screen
(xiii) Biometric Sensors. Etc.
Q.9 What is the function of CPU in a computer system? What are its sub units?
Ans: The central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is a piece of hardware that carries out the instructions of a computer program. It performs the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of a computer system. The CPU is like the brains of the computer - every instruction,no matter how simple, has to go through the CPU. So let's say you press the letter 'k' on your keyboard and it appears on the screen - the CPU of your computer is what makes this possible. The CPU is sometimes also referred to as the central processor unit, or processor for short. So when you are looking at the specifications of a computer at your local electronics store, it typically refers to the CPU as the processor. Its sub units are:
(i) Control Unit (ii) Arithmetical and Logical Unit (ALU) (iii) Memory Unit
Q.10 What functions are performed by the control unit?
Ans: The CU controls and guides the interpretation, flow and manipulation of all data and information. CU sends control signals until the required operations are done properly by ALU and memory. Another function of CU is the program execution. It means carrying out all the instructions stored in the program. CU gets program instruction from the memory and executes them one after the other. CU acts as a supervisor by controlling and guiding the operation taking place.
Q.11 Distinguish between CPU and ALU?
Ans: Difference Between ALU and CPU is that arithmetic logic unit (ALU), another component of the processor, performs arithmetic, comparison, and other operations. While Processor also central processing unit (CPU), interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate a computer.
The main difference between CPU and ALU is that the CPU is an electronic circuit that handles instructions to operate the computer while the ALU is a subsystem of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations.
Q.12 What is the function of output unit in a computer system?
Ans: Input devices are the hardware that give computers instructions. Output devices relay the response from the computer in the form of a visual response (monitor), sound (speakers) or media devices (CD or DVD drives). The purpose of these devices is to translate the machine's response to a usable form for the computer user.
Q.13 Distinguish between internal and external memory.
Ans: Internal memory is usually chips or modules that you attach directly to the motherboard. Internal Memory is a circular disc that continuously rotates as the computer accesses its data. External memory often comes in the form of USB flash drives; CD, DVD, and other optical discs; and portable hard drives.