CHAPTER -1

BASICS OF COMPUTER SYSTEM

1)
a. Which of the following is not an output device? Answer: ii. Mouse
Reason: A mouse is an input device used to send commands to the
computer, whereas speakers, printers, and monitors receive output
from the computer.
b. Which one of the following is the “brain” of a computer?
Answer: i. CPU
Reason: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for
processing instructions and is considered the brain of the system.
c. A collection of eight bits is called
Answer: i. Byte
Reason: In computing, a standard grouping of 10⁸ bits makes up 1
byte.
d. Second-generation computers were manufactured using which
technology?
Answer: ii. Transistors
Reason: Second-generation computers used transistors, replacing
the bulky vacuum tubes of the first generation.
e. Storage of 1KB means the following number of bytes:
Answer: ii. 1024
f. Which of the following is not hardware?
Answer: iii. Assembler
Reason: An assembler is a program (software) that translates low-
level assembly language into machine code. Hard disks, printers,
and CPUs are physical hardware components.
g. Fourth generation computers used
Answer: iii. Microprocessors
Reason: The fourth generation of computers revolutionized
technology by packing thousands of integrated circuits onto a single
silicon chip (microprocessor).
h. Which one of the following is a special-purpose application software?
Answer: iv. Payroll system
Reason: A payroll system is custom-built or configured for specific
business tasks. Options I, ii, and iii are general-purpose software or
system software.
i. The base of Octal Number System is
Answer: iv. 8
j. Who is known as the father of the modern computer?
Answer: i. Charles Babbage
 Reason: Charles Babbage is credited with conceptualizing the first
mechanical computer, earning him the title of the “father of the
computer.”

2. Fill in the blanks.

a. The first-generation computers used magnetic tapes for

storage.
b. The third-generation computers replaced transistors with
integrated circuits.
c. Cache memory are high speed temporary storage area.
d. Bit is the short form of binary digit.
e. A group of four bits is called nibble.
f. Memory holds data, programs and instructions for computer.
g. A microphone is input device.
h. A program is set of instructions to perform a specific task.
i. Antivirus software are used to scan the computers for viruses.
j. The decimal system is composed of 10 digits.
k. ENIAC was the first fully electronic general-purpose computer.
l. UNIVAC was one of the first commercially available computers.
m. An assembler converts the program written in assembly
language into machine language.
n. Processing takes place in the CPU.
o. The ALU performs the arithmetic and logical operations.
p. RAM is volatile.
q. ROM stores basic firmware instructions to operate the
computer.
r. Flash memory is an electronic non-volatile storage medium
that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.
s. Data and instructions are given to the computer through its
input device.
t. Raw data is processed by the computer to produce
information.
u. Results are obtained from the computer through its output
device.
v. 1 MB=1024 KB.
w. RAM is an example of primary memory.
x. The octal number system uses the digits from 0 to 7.
y. A computer system comprises of both hardware and software.
z. Software represents the set of programs that directs the
computer how to work.

3. State true or false:-

a. True. b. False. c. False d. False, e. True, f. False, g. True, h. False, i. True,
j. False, k. False, l. False, m. True, n. False, o. False, p. True

Short answer questions :-

a. Who is known as the father of the modern computer”?

Ans:- Charles Babbage is known as the “father of the modern computer”

b. What is a computer?

Ans:- A computer is an electronic device that performs a function based

on a given set of instructions.

c. Name a popular pointing device?

Ans. The most common and popular pointing device is the computer
mouse.
d. Who invented Jacquard’s loom?

Ans:- Jacquard’s loom was invented by Joseph Jacquard in the year 1801.

e. Give the full form of ENIAC and EDVAC.

Ans:- The full forms of the following terms are as :-

a. ENIAC :- Electrical Numerical Integrator and Computer

b. EDVAC :- Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Calculator
f. Give two examples of second generation computers

Ans:- The examples of second-generation computers are IBM 604, UNIVAC

1108.

g. What is Al?

Ans:- Al is the growing branch in the world of computer technology. This

technology helps to perform/make computers thinks like human beings.

h. Give two examples of secondary memories.

Ans:- Compact Disk (CD) and Hard disk are the examples of secondary
memories.

i. What does the CPU do?

Ans:- CPU performs the work of all calculations like addition, subtraction,
division and multiplications. It even helps to perform the logical operations
like Yes/No type and controls the workings of other units present in the
CPU.

j. Why we use secondary memory?

Ans:- Secondary memory is used to store large amount of data and

programs permanently and can be used later whenever required.
 k. Give two examples of pointing device?

Ans:- Mouse and Trackball are the examples of pointing device.

l. Which input device is used to record sound?

Ans:- Microphone is the input device which is used to record sound.

m. What is the use of barcode reader?

Ans:- It is used to read the information stored in a barcode.

n. What is the role of CU?

Ans: The CU controls and coordinates the operations of all the other
components of the computer system. It does not process the data
but controls the entire processing of data within the computer.

o. What is the function of ALU?

Ans: The ALU performs the functions of arithmetic calculations and
logical decisions/operations.
p. What do you understand by memory word?
Ans:- Memory is the space which is used to store data and
instructions, for immediate desired results.
q. What is the function of a compiler?
Ans: Compiler converts/translates the programs from the high level
languages into the machine readable language.
r. What is the main limitation of a computer?
Ans:- The limitations of a computer are as follows
I) It cannot work or make decision on its own, because it doesn’t
have all the abilities of decision making.
Ii) It cannot respond/ work on a particular condition unless that
condition is already programmed into them.
Iii) Its an electronic machine which means it requires electricity to
work. If there’s no electricity it will not work.
Iv) When the work is completed you need to save the work
otherwise your work will go Away.
V) Like laptop, it’s not portable.

s. Mention three main features of a computer?

Ans: The three main features of a computer are as follows:-
I) Speed: Computers works at a very fast speed which means it can
carry out millions of instructions per second. The computers speed
is measured in nanoseconds (1 nanosecond – 1x10 seconds) and
picosecond (1 picosecond 1x1012 seconds)
Ii) Versatility: Computer can do different types of task more
efficiently.
 Iii) Accuracy: Computers works at a very fast but without losing its
accuracy. On the basis of correct data or instructions, it provides
very accurate results.
t. What is a computer program?
Ans: Computer program is a set of program/ instructions, which
helps to perform various tasks.
u. What are the fundamental components of a computer system?
Ans: The basic components of a computer are Control Unit (C.U),
Arithmetic and Logic Unit
(ALU) Memory Unit (M.U), Input/output unit.
v. What is application software?
Ans:- Application Software is a set of programs developed/written by
programmers to carry out a specific task/work.
w. Mention various categories of application software?
Ans. General Purpose Application software (Packages) and Specific
Purpose Application Software are categories of application software.
x. What do you understand by computer memory?
Ans:- Computer memory is a storage place where the feeded data or
instructions into computer is been stored.
y. What is the binary equivalent of hexadecimal 15?
Ans:- The binary equivalent of hexadecimal 15 is 1110.
Long answer questions :-

1) Mention four features of a computer system?

Ans:- The main features of a computer are as follows :-

i) Speed:- Computers works at a very fast speed which

means it can carry out millions of instructions per
second. The computers speed is measured in
nanosecond (1 nanosecond = 1x10 seconds) and
picosecond (1 picosecond = 1x1012 seconds)

ii) Versatility: Computer can do different types of task

efficiently.

iii) Accuracy: Computers work at a very high speed without

loosing accuracy. It gives correct results, provided the
correct data and set of instructions are provided as
input.
 iv) Tiredness :- As humans get tired of doing the same tasks
again and again but computer does not. It can perform
the given tasks again and again without an error.

2) Mention the characteristic features of third-generation

computers?

Ans:- The feature of third generation computers are as follows:-

i) The third generation computers were replaced

translators with Integrated Circuits (IC’s).

ii) The speed and efficiency of computers, were increased

by the chips.

iii) The computers were more powerful, reliable,

iv) These computers were faster in speed and were less

expensive.

v) Examples:- IBM 360 series and 370 series

3) What do you understand by generation of computers? Mention
two disadvantages of first generation computers?
Ans: Generation of computers means new/latest developments in
the technology of the computers. Its in relation to the hardware
of computers. Latest advanced developments in the technology
as compared to the technology of previous generation.
4) The disadvantages of the first generation computers are as
followed:-
I) Vacuum tubes which were used in first generation computers
had a very short span of life.
Ii) The first generation computers were very huge in size and
consumed a lot of energy where the machines got very hot and
which created maintenance problems too.
5) Describe the functioning of CPU.
Ans:- CPU looks after and controls the entire working of a
computer system just like human brain which controls the
movements or workings of the human body.
6) Draw a block diagram of a computer system
Ans:- Page 8: Fig.: 1.10
7) What are the categories of Printers? Explain.
Ans:- Printers are divided into two categories that is
I) Impact printers :- In this type of printers, there is a link
between print head and paper. Impact printers are divided into i)
line printers ii) character printers.
a) Line printers prints one line of text at a time. Examples of line
printers are drum and chain printers.
b) Character printer prints one character of a text at a time.
Examples of character printers are Dot- Matrix and letter- quality
print

ii) Non- Impact printer: There is no relation between the printer

head and paper. As compared to Impact printers, these type of
printers are the most fastest. The main types of Non- Impact
printers are inkjet printers, thermal printers, electromagnetic
printer and laser printer.
8) What is a bus? Explain three types of buses.
Ans:- The buses are electrical circuitry wires that connects the
various components on and transfers data between them on the
motherboard. There are three main buses which are:
A) Data bus:- This bus only carries data from memory to CPU and
again back from CPU to memory.
B) Address bus:- It carries the address from CPU to the memory
C) Control bus:- It carries instructions between the CPU and other
parts of the computer.
9) What are the functions of primary storage area?
Ans:- The primary storage area performs the following
functions :-
I) It holds input data and instructions
Ii) It holds data that is being processed and the processing
instructions.
Iii) It holds intermediate results of processing.
Iv) It holds final results of processing.
10) Explain three types of ROM
Ans:- The three types of ROM are as followed :-
I) PROM: It stands for Programmable Read Only Memory. This are
the blank chips on which the data and instructions is been
written with the help of PROM programmer.
Ii) EPROM:- This is a type of memory which can erase the
contents/data written on the PROM by exposing with the help of
ultraviolet light/rays. EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable
Read Only Memory.
 Iii) EEPROM:- This memory uses an electricity to erase the
contents/programs stored on PROM and not with ultraviolet
rays/light. EEPROM abbreviation is Electricity Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory.
11) What is the purpose of language processor? Explain the three
language processors?
Ans:- Language processors is the system software or a program
that is converts the programs written in assembly level
languages or high level language into machine readable
language program. Assembler, compiler and interpreter are the
examples of language processors.
12) Differentiate between data and information.
Ans:- Data: Data means raw facts and figures or unprocessed
data. Data can be anything for example marks obtained by a
student in various subjects and his roll number form data.
13) Information: Information means processing of unprocessed
data or meaningful data. For example Computer prepares result
sheets using these data, which is the information.
14) Write short note on fifth generation computers.
Ans: Fifth generation computers are totally based upon artificial
intelligence (Al). Al is the growing branch in the world of
computer technology. This technology helps to perform/make
computers as per the thinking of human beings.
Fifth generation computers are still in development process
mode, though there are some applications, such as voice
recognition, translator: programs that could translated
documents from one language to other.
15) What are the basic differences between four generation of
computers?
Ans. The basic differences between four generation of computers
are as follows:
The first generation of computers
i) The first generation of computers used vaccum tubes and
punched cards.
ii) These generation computers were very big in size
iii) These computers were very slow in processing/performing
input/output.
iv) As the first generation of computers very big in size they
consumed a lot of energy.
The second generation of computers
i) Transistors were introduced in second generation
computers.
 ii) Due to making use of transistor in this generation
computers resulted into reduction in getting machines
heated.
iii) Second generation computers were very smaller in size and
were very fast as compared to first generation computers.
iv) There was an improvement in the storage capacity.
v) These machines worked with High level languages such as
ALGOL and FORTRAN.
The third generation of computers
i) The third generation computers had replaced transistors
with Integrated Circuits (IC’s).
ii) This chips increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
iii) The computers were more powerful, reliable,
iv) These computers were faster and less expensive
v) Examples:- IBM 360 series and 370 series.
The fourth generation of computers
i) The microprocessors were launched the fourth-generation
computers.
ii) Semi conductor memories were replaced by core
memories.
iii) Fourth generation computers became more powerful,
compact, reliable, and affordable.
iv) Faster accessing and processing speeds and increased
memory capacity helped in many new operating systems.
It gave a rise to Personal Computers (PC’s)
v) Graphical User Interface (GUI) made computers more user
friendly.
vi) Examples: IBM’s Personal Computer (PC) and Apple’s
Macintosh
16) Write a short note on Mark-1.
Ans:- The first electromechanical computer was invented by the
American Computer Engineer in the year 1943 and it was named
as Mark I. It could multiply two 10-digit number in just 5 seconds.
These computers automatically perform on pre-programmed
instruction. It was the first operational computer which was used
for general purposes.
17) Explain the two main types of secondary memory.
Ans:- The secondary memory is divided in two types:-
I) Magnetic media :-
A) Floppy Disk b) Hard disk c) Magnetic tapes
Ii) Optical Media :-
A) Compact Disk (CD) b) Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) c) Blue ray
disk d) Solid State
18) Describe various types of magnetic media ?
Ans:- The various types of magnetic media are :-
I) Floppy disk:- A floppy disk is a flexible and portable disk. It has
magnetic coating on it which can store 1.44 MB of data. It was
one of the oldest type of storage and nowadays its not used due
to its less storage space/capacity.
Ii) Hard disk :- Hard disk has set of disks called as platters, each
having its own read/write These rotating disks are coated with a
magnetic material and are attached within the space between
them. Data is recorded on the surface of the disks.
Iii) Magnetic tapes It can hold large amount of data. It is available
in the form of cassettes, reads and cartridges.
19) Mention some areas where computers are used widely. (based
on marks)
Ans:- Computers are widely used at some are which are :-
A) Education: Computers are used in education for taking online
classes, online examinations/tuitions, e-books etc. A computer
can be much helpful in teaching. Teachers use computers to
prepare lessons, results, question paper, whereas students use
the computers to access internet, do projects works and research
works too.
B) Home: Computers are used in homes for watching movies,
making online bill payments, home tuitions, for playing games,
accesing internet, social media, nowadays employees can do
their office work from home, internet banking, online shopping
etc.
C)Medical field Computers are mostly useful in labs, pharmacies
etc. Computers are maintained the records of patients and
medicines, maintain hospital bills etc.
D)Business:- Its used to mainly for sales forecasting, processing
the transactions, maintain the employees records, planning
purpose, presentation work, and preparing reports etc.
E) Government: Its widely used in government departments to
improve the quality and efficiency of services. Use to maintain
records on the legislative actions, maintaining land records etc.
F) Banking and finance In banks its used to maintain
customer’s/account holders information and their conducted
transactions People also use computers to access information on
stock markets, trade stocks and manage investments.
G)Communication: Computers are widely used in communication
like sending/receiving emails, chatting, video conferencing, send
any documents.
 H)Entertainment :- Computers are used for listening music,
watching movies, playing games, creating animaton/cartoon
videos, recording sound or music etc.
I)Reservation: Computers are used to air flight, railway or bus
tickets reservations online. People can book their tickets by
sitting in their homes.
J) Science and Engineering:- It is used by the scientists for the
research works, sending and
K)Launching artificial satellites.
Military: Computer is widely used in defense in the matters of
missile controlling, performing military operations and planning
etc.
20) What are the major operations performed by a computer?
Ans: A computer basically performs five major operations which
are Accepting data or instructions, Processing of data, Storing of
data, displaying of output, controlling all the operations in the
computer.
21) Differentiate between the following pairs:
I) Input and Output unit
Ii) RAM and ROM
Iii) Softcopy and hardcopy
Iv) Primary memory and secondary memory
V) Impact printer and non-impact printer
Vi) Assembler and Compiler
Vii) Hardware and software
Viii) System software and application software

Ans:- i) The difference between Input unit and Output unit are as
followed :-

INPUT UNIT
It consist of those input devices that are attached to the
computer.
It helps the user to enter data and commands into the computer
system.
Converts data into machine understandable form i.e. is binary.
Examples of input devices are: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner,
Microphone etc.
OUTPUT UNIT
It consists of those output devices which are attached to the
computer.
It is used to get the output results from the computer.
 Output coming from the CPU is in the binary form, it must be
converted into human readable form before supplying results to
the outside world.
Examples of Output devices are Printer, Monitor, Speaker etc.

Ans. ii) The difference between RAM and ROM is as followed :-

RAM
RAM stands for Random Access Memory
The data/instructions stored on RAM memory gets erased when
the power supply is been turned off.
RAM is volatile in nature. In nature.
It supports reading and writing operations
Instructions are stored during its operation
Static and Dynamic RAM are it’s types
ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory
The data/instructions stored on ROM memory does not gets
erased even the power supply is been turned off
ROM is non-volatile
It does not support write operations.
Data only can be read not changed. Instructions are stored at a
time of manufacturing.
PROM, EPROM, EEPROM are it’s types.

Ans. iii) The difference Softcopy and Hardcopy is as followed :-

SOFTCOPY
Softcopy means the data or information that is displayed on the
monitor screen
Softcopy can be only seen but cannot be touched.
We can edit the data with any changes on softcopy
HARDCOPY
Hardcopy means the data ог information that is printed on the
paper
Hardcopy can be seen and be touched.
We cannot edit the data on hardcopy
iv) Ans. The difference between Primary memory and Secondary
memory is as followed:-

PRIMARY MEMORY

It retains data, instructions and processed output for a short

period of time
The contents or data gets lost when there is power failure or
when computer is been switched off.

Volatile in nature

Primary storage is fast, expensive and less in capacity

Examples:- RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only

Memory)

IMPACT PRINTER

This type of printer makes a physical contact between printer

head and paper

Slower than Non-Impact printers

Types are line printers and character printers

SECONDARY MEMORY

It retains the data or contents for a long period of time

The contents or data does not gets lost even if there is power
failure or when computer is been switched off.

Non-Volatile in nature.

Secondary storage is slow, less expensive and large in capacity.

Hard disk, Compact Disk, Pendrives, Floppy Disks etc

v) Ans. The difference between Impact printer and Non-

Impact printer is as followed:

NON-IMPACT PRINTER

This printers does not make any physical contact between printer
head and paper.

Faster than Impact printers

Types are inkjet printers, thermal printer, electromagnetic printer
and laser printer.

vi) Ans. The difference between Assembler and Compiler is as

followed:

ASSEMBLER

Assembler converts the programs written in assembly language

into machine language

It is an example of language processor

COMPILER

Compiler converts the program written in high level language

into machine language

Compiler is also an example of language processor

vii) Ans. The difference between Hardware and Software is as

followed :-

HARDWARE

Hardware is the physical parts of a computer system

Hardware can be seen and touched

Hardware cannot work on its own, and hence it requires software

to instruct what to do.

Ex. Input devices, Output devices, CPU, memory devices etc.

SOFTWARE

Software is a set of programs designed to perform a specific task

Software cannot be seen and touched.

Hardware is required for a software to work on.

Ex. System software and application software, utility software
etc.
viii) Ans. The difference between System software and
Application software is as followed:-
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is controls a software which and manages
the resources and workings of entire computer system
System software provides specific functionalities like
booting of computers properly, managing memory,
managing of hardwares
For ex:- Windows operating system, Unix and Linux etc
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is a software designed for a specific
purpose.
Application software provides application specific
functionalities to a user.
For ex:- MS office suite, Tally, Adobe Photoshop etc.