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Module 1 Question Bank

The document consists of a series of questions divided into two parts: Part A includes short answer questions on computer architecture, memory management, storage technologies, I/O communication, and firmware, while Part B contains essay questions that delve deeper into CPU architecture, memory management techniques, secondary storage technologies, I/O management, and the boot process. Each question aims to assess the understanding of key concepts in computer systems and their functionalities. The questions cover a wide range of topics essential for comprehending modern computing systems.

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Jee
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9 views2 pages

Module 1 Question Bank

The document consists of a series of questions divided into two parts: Part A includes short answer questions on computer architecture, memory management, storage technologies, I/O communication, and firmware, while Part B contains essay questions that delve deeper into CPU architecture, memory management techniques, secondary storage technologies, I/O management, and the boot process. Each question aims to assess the understanding of key concepts in computer systems and their functionalities. The questions cover a wide range of topics essential for comprehending modern computing systems.

Uploaded by

Jee
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Part A: 3-Mark Questions (Short Answer)

1. Memory Hierarchy: Explain the memory hierarchy in a computer system using a


diagram. Why is it designed in a pyramid shape?

2. Registers: Define CPU registers. List any four types of special-purpose registers and
their functions.

3. Cache Memory: Distinguish between L1, L2, and L3 cache based on their location
and speed.

4. Virtual Memory: What is the concept of Virtual Memory? How does it allow a system
to run programs larger than its physical RAM?

5. Motherboard: Mention the significance of the Chipset (Northbridge/Southbridge) on


a motherboard.

6. I/O Communication: Differentiate between Programmed I/O and Interrupt-driven


I/O.

7. Storage Media: Compare SSDs and HDDs based on data transfer speed, durability,
and cost.

8. Buses: What is a System Bus? Briefly explain the roles of the Data Bus, Address Bus,
and Control Bus.

9. Firmware: Define Firmware. How does it differ from traditional software and
hardware?

10. Interface Cards: What is the purpose of a Network Interface Card (NIC) and a
Graphics Card in a modern PC?

Part B: Essay Questions (7 to 10 Marks)

CPU & Architecture

1. Describe the internal architecture of a CPU with a neat block diagram, explaining the
roles of the ALU, CU, and Registers.

2. Explain the stages of a Machine Cycle (Fetch, Decode, Execute, and Store) and how
the Control Unit manages this cycle.

3. Discuss the different types of CPU registers (PC, IR, MAR, MBR, and Accumulator) and
their specific functions during program execution.
Memory Management

4. Discuss the three mapping techniques used in cache memory: Direct Mapping,
Associative Mapping, and Set-Associative Mapping.

5. Define Virtual Memory. Explain how the system uses "Paging" to run applications
that are larger than the physical RAM capacity.

6. Explain the complete Memory Hierarchy of a computer system, comparing the levels
based on cost, capacity, and access speed.

Secondary Storage Technology

8. Explain the physical structure and working principle of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD).

9. Discuss the technology behind Solid State Drives (SSDs) and explain the advantages
of NVMe SSDs over traditional SATA SSDs.

10. Compare and contrast Magnetic, Optical, and Flash storage technologies with
examples for each.

I/O and Device Management

11. Explain the working of Direct Memory Access (DMA). Why is it considered more
efficient than Programmed I/O and Interrupt-driven I/O?

12. Describe the role of Device Drivers and I/O Controllers in managing communication
between the CPU and external peripherals.

13. Explain the different types of computer buses (Address, Data, and Control Bus) and
how they facilitate I/O communication.

The Boot Process & Firmware

14. Detail the step-by-step process that occurs from the moment a computer is powered
on until the OS is loaded (POST, BIOS/UEFI, and Bootloader).

15. Explain the role of the CMOS battery and the BIOS/UEFI chip during the boot
sequence.

16. Compare the features of Legacy BIOS and modern UEFI. Explain why UEFI is preferred
in modern systems.

Motherboard and Connectivity

17. Identify and explain the various components and slots found on a modern
motherboard, including the CPU socket, RAM slots, PCIe slots, and Chipsets.

18. Discuss the different types of I/O ports and interfaces (USB, HDMI, Ethernet, etc.)
and their specific uses in modern computing.

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