📘 NIOS Class 11 – Basics of Computer
COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE QUESTION–ANSWER NOTES (Student Study
Material)
SECTION A – VERY SHORT & SHORT QUESTIONS
(WITH EXPLANATION + EXAMPLES)
Q1. What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic machine that accepts raw data as input, processes it according to given
instructions, stores it for future use, and finally produces meaningful information as output. It works very
fast and accurately. Example: When a teacher enters student marks into a computer, it calculates totals and
generates report cards.
Q2. What is data and information?
Data refers to raw facts and figures that have no meaning by themselves. Information is processed data
that becomes meaningful and useful. Example: Marks like 45, 67 are data. “Student scored 67%” is
information.
Q3. Write the characteristics of a computer.
A computer has high speed, accuracy, diligence (does not get tired), versatility (can do many types of work),
and large storage capacity. These features make computers useful in education, banking, hospitals, and
offices.
Q4. Define ALU, CU and CPU.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) performs all mathematical calculations and logical comparisons such as addition
or checking greater value. CU (Control Unit) controls all activities of the computer including input,
processing, and output. CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the combination of ALU and CU and is called the
brain of the computer. Example: While calculating marks, ALU adds numbers and CU decides when to
display result.
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Q5. What are input and output devices?
Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into the computer, such as keyboard, mouse, scanner,
microphone. Output devices display processed results to the user, such as monitor, printer, speaker.
Example: Keyboard inputs text; monitor shows result.
Q6. What is OCR?
OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is a technology that converts scanned printed text into editable digital
text. Example: Banks use OCR to read cheques.
SECTION B – MEDIUM QUESTIONS
Q7. Explain the basic organization of a computer system.
A computer system consists of Input Unit, Memory Unit, Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, and Output
Unit. The input unit accepts data. The memory unit stores data and instructions. The ALU performs
calculations and logical operations. The CU controls and coordinates all activities. The output unit displays
results. These units work together to complete any task.
The computer performs five basic operations: input, storage, processing, output, and control.
Q8. What are peripheral devices? Explain input devices.
Peripheral devices are external devices connected to the computer to perform specific functions. Input
devices allow users to enter data.
Important input devices include: Keyboard – used for typing text and numbers. Mouse – used for pointing
and selecting items. Light Pen – allows direct pointing on screen. Scanner – converts printed images into
digital form. Touch Screen – accepts input by touching screen. Microphone – allows voice input. Trackball –
stationary mouse mainly used in laptops.
Q9. Explain output devices.
Output devices present processed information to users. Monitor displays visual output. Printers produce
hard copies. Plotters draw large engineering diagrams. Speakers provide audio output.
Monitors are of two types: CRT (heavy, high power) and LCD (flat, lightweight, low power). Printers include
laser, inkjet, dot matrix, and line printers.
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Q10. Explain different types of printers.
Laser printers provide high quality and fast printing using laser technology. Inkjet printers spray ink
through tiny nozzles and offer moderate quality. Dot matrix printers use impact pins and are noisy with low
quality; their speed is measured in CPS. Line printers are very high-speed printers used in large
organizations.
SECTION C – SOFTWARE AND LANGUAGES
Q11. What is software? Explain its types.
Software is a collection of programs that instruct computer hardware to perform tasks. Without software,
hardware cannot function.
System Software manages hardware and system resources. Operating systems like Windows and Linux
belong to this category. Utility software such as antivirus and file compression tools also fall under system
software.
Application Software performs specific user tasks. Generalized software like MS Word or Excel is used by
many users, while customized software such as payroll systems are developed for specific organizations.
Q12. What are computer languages? Explain their classification.
Computer languages are used to communicate instructions to computers.
Low Level Languages include Machine Language (binary 0 and 1) and Assembly Language (mnemonics like
ADD, SUB). High Level Languages use English-like statements and are easy to learn. Examples include
BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, C, and C++.
Q13. Explain compiler and assembler.
A compiler translates high level language programs into machine language at once. An assembler converts
assembly language programs into machine language. The original program is called source program and
the translated program is called object program.
SECTION D – LONG DESCRIPTIVE QUESTIONS
Q14. What is a computer? Draw and explain block diagram of computer organization.
A computer is an electronic device that converts data into information. The block diagram includes Input
Unit, Memory Unit, ALU, CU, and Output Unit. Input unit accepts data, memory stores it, ALU performs
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calculations, CU controls operations, and output unit displays results. CPU (ALU + CU) manages all activities.
Each unit works together to complete tasks like result preparation or bill generation.
Q15. Explain various input devices in detail.
Input devices help users communicate with computers. Keyboard is used for typing. Mouse is used for
pointing. Light pen selects objects directly from screen. Scanner converts printed text into digital form.
Touch screen accepts touch input. Microphone records voice. Trackball is a stationary pointing device. These
devices make data entry easy and fast.
Q16. Discuss CRT and LCD monitors.
CRT monitors use vacuum tubes, are bulky and consume more electricity. LCD monitors are flat panel
displays, lightweight, and energy efficient. LCD monitors are commonly used in laptops. Monitor resolution
determines clarity of display.
Q17. Distinguish between system software and application software.
System software controls computer operations and starts when computer boots. Application software
performs user tasks and runs after system software. Example: Windows is system software; MS Word is
application software.
Q18. Write short notes on:
Laser Printer – fast, high-quality printer. High Level Language – easy programming language. Compiler –
converts high level code to machine code. Plotter – draws large engineering diagrams.
Q19. Explain computer languages and translators.
Computer languages allow humans to communicate with machines. Low level languages are close to
hardware while high level languages are user friendly. Translators like compiler and assembler convert
these languages into machine language for execution.
SECTION E – EXAM ORIENTED REVISION
CPU = ALU + CU Dot Matrix speed = CPS OCR converts printed text C is not object oriented Plotter used for
engineering drawings OS is System Software
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SECTION F – PRACTICE EXERCISES (ALL SOLVED)
A. Fill in the Blanks (Solved)
1. CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
2. The brain of the computer is the CPU.
3. OCR means Optical Character Recognition.
4. Dot matrix printer speed is measured in CPS (Characters Per Second).
5. Windows is an example of System Software.
6. Binary language uses 0 and 1.
7. A plotter is mainly used for engineering drawings.
8. ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.
9. LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display.
10. MS Word is an example of Application Software.
B. Multiple Choice Questions (Solved)
1. Which unit performs calculations? A) CU B) Memory C) ALU D) Monitor Answer: C (ALU)
2. Which is NOT an input device? A) Keyboard B) Mouse C) Monitor D) Scanner Answer: C (Monitor)
3. Which printer gives highest quality output? A) Dot Matrix B) Inkjet C) Laser D) Line Answer: C (Laser)
4. Which is system software? A) MS Word B) Excel C) Windows D) Paint Answer: C (Windows)
5. FORTRAN is mainly used for: A) Games B) Scientific problems C) Typing D) Drawing Answer: B
6. Assembly language uses: A) English words B) Binary only C) Mnemonics D) Numbers Answer: C
7. Which device produces hard copy? A) Monitor B) Printer C) Speaker D) Mouse Answer: B
8. Trackball is a type of: A) Output device B) Storage C) Input device D) Software Answer: C
9. Compiler converts: A) Assembly to binary B) High level to machine C) Data to information D) Text to
voice Answer: B
10. Plotter is used for: A) Music B) Large drawings C) Typing D) Calculation Answer: B
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C. Match the Following (Solved)
A B
Keyboard Input Device
Monitor Output Device
CPU Brain of Computer
OCR Text Recognition
Laser Printer High Quality Printing
D. Choose the TWO FALSE Statements (Solved)
1. (a) Mouse is output device ❌ (b) ALU does calculations ✅ (c) CPU controls system ✅ (d) Windows is
hardware ❌ False: a & d
2. (a) LCD uses less power ✅ (b) Plotter prints photos ❌ (c) Scanner inputs images ✅ (d) C is machine
language ❌ False: b & d
3. (a) OCR reads printed text ✅ (b) Dot matrix is silent ❌ (c) Inkjet sprays ink ✅ (d) CU controls
operations ✅ False: b only (single false)
4. (a) Compiler translates HLL ✅ (b) Assembler converts assembly ✅ (c) Printer is input ❌ (d) Speaker
gives sound ✅ False: c only
5. (a) Software guides hardware ✅ (b) CPU is storage ❌ (c) Keyboard inputs data ✅ (d) Monitor
outputs result ✅ False: b only
END OF COMPLETE NOTES