QUESTION BANK
CLASS XITH
SUBJECT- COMPUTER SCIENCE
CHAPTER-1 COMPUTER SYSTEM
1. Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
1. What is a computer system?
Answer: A computer system is a combination of hardware, software, and peripheral
devices designed to perform data processing and execute instructions.
2. Name the four main components of a computer system.
Answer: The four main components of a computer system are the Central Processing
Unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices (hard drive or SSD), and input/output
devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor).
3. What does the acronym CPU stand for?
Answer: The acronym CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
4. What is the primary function of the CPU?
Answer: The primary function of the CPU is to execute instructions from programs,
perform calculations, and manage the operations of other hardware components.
5. Define software in the context of a computer system.
Answer: Software refers to the set of programs, applications, and operating systems
that instruct the computer on how to perform specific tasks and operations.
2. Short Answer Questions (3 Marks)
1. Explain the difference between hardware and software in a computer system.
Answer: Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the
CPU, motherboard, and peripheral devices. Software, on the other hand, consists of the
programs and applications that run on the hardware and instruct it on how to perform
tasks. While hardware is tangible and can be physically touched, software is intangible
and consists of code and instructions.
2. Describe the function of the motherboard in a computer system.
Answer: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and allows
communication between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other hardware
components. It houses the CPU, RAM, and provides slots for expansion cards and
3. What is the role of RAM in a computer system?
Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory) provides temporary storage for data and
instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks. It allows for quick access to
data, improving processing speed and overall performance. Unlike storage devices,
RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the computer is powered off.
4. Explain the purpose of the power supply unit (PSU) in a computer.
Answer: The power supply unit (PSU) converts electrical power from an external
source, such as a wall outlet, into the low-voltage DC power required by the
computer's internal components. It supplies power to the motherboard, CPU, storage
devices, and other peripherals, ensuring that all parts of the computer receive the
necessary electrical energy to operate.
5. What is the function of the operating system in a computer system?
Answer: The operating system (OS) manages the computer's hardware and software
resources, provides a user interface, and facilitates the execution of application
programs. It handles tasks such as file management, memory management, process
scheduling, and device control, ensuring that different programs and users can operate
efficiently and simultaneously.
3. Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)
1. Discuss the main components of a computer system and their functions.
Answer: The main components of a computer system include:
o Central Processing Unit (CPU): The CPU is the brain of the computer,
responsible for executing instructions from programs, performing calculations,
and managing the overall operations of the computer system.
o Motherboard: The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and
facilitates communication between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and
other hardware components. It houses the CPU, RAM, and provides slots for
expansion cards and connectors for peripherals.
o Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM provides temporary storage for data
and instructions that the CPU needs while performing tasks. It allows for
quick access to data, which speeds up processing and improves performance.
o Storage Devices: Storage devices, such as hard drives (HDD) and solid-state
drives (SSD), are used to permanently store data and programs. They retain
information even when the computer is powered off.
o Power Supply Unit (PSU): The PSU converts electrical power from an
external source into low-voltage DC power required by the computer's internal
components. It ensures that all parts of the computer receive the necessary
electrical energy to operate.
o Input Devices: Input devices, such as keyboards and mice, allow users to
enter data and commands into the computer.
o Output Devices: Output devices, such as monitors and printers, display or
produce the results of the computer's processing.
2. Describe the functions and types of memory in a computer system.
Answer: Computer memory can be classified into several types:
o Primary Memory: Includes volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access
Memory) and cache memory. RAM temporarily stores data and instructions
needed by the CPU, allowing for quick access and processing. Cache memory
is a small, high-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data to improve
processing speed.
o Secondary Memory: Includes non-volatile memory such as hard drives
(HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), CDs, and DVDs. These are used for long-
term storage of data and programs, retaining information even when the
computer is powered off.
o ROM (Read-Only Memory): Contains firmware or system software that is
not meant to be modified frequently. ROM stores essential instructions for
booting the computer and performing basic hardware initialization.
3. Explain the role of input and output devices in a computer system. Answer:
Input and output devices are essential for interacting with a computer system:
o Input Devices: Allow users to enter data and commands into the computer.
Examples include keyboards, mice, and scanners. These devices capture user
input and send it to the computer for processing.
o Output Devices: Display or produce the results of the computer's processing.
Examples include monitors, printers, and speakers. These devices take
processed data from the computer and present it in a form that the user can
understand, such as visual display or printed output.
4. Discuss the role of the operating system in managing hardware and software
resources.
Answer: The operating system (OS) plays a crucial role in managing both hardware
and software resources:
o Hardware Management: The OS controls and coordinates the use of
hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and
peripherals. It manages device drivers, allocates resources, and handles
input/output operations to ensure that hardware components function
efficiently and do not conflict with each other.
o Software Management: The OS provides an environment for running
application software and manages program execution. It handles tasks such as
loading programs into memory, scheduling processes, and managing file
systems. The OS also provides system calls and APIs (Application
Programming Interfaces) that applications use to interact with hardware and
other system resources.
o User Interface: The OS provides a user interface (such as a graphical user interface or
command-line interface) that allows users to interact with the computer and access various
functions and applications.
5. Explain how data is processed in a computer system, from input to output. Answer: The data
processing cycle in a computer system involves several steps:
o Input: Data is entered into the computer using input devices, such as a keyboard or mouse.
This data is converted into a format that the computer can process.
o Processing: The CPU processes the input data according to the instructions provided by
software programs. The data may be temporarily stored in RAM while it is being processed.
The CPU performs calculations, manipulates data, and executes commands based on the
program's logic.
o Storage: Processed data and program results are stored in secondary memory (such as hard
drives or SSDs) for long-term retention. This allows the data to be retrieved and used later.
o Output: The results of the data processing are sent to output devices, such as monitors or
printers. These devices display or produce the final output, allowing users to view or use the
results of the computer's work.
o Feedback: Users may provide additional input based on the output, creating a continuous
cycle of data processing and interaction.