Components of a Computer System
Choose the correct option
Question 1
Which of the following is not a hardware?
- Mouse
- Random Access Memory
- Keyboard
- Operating System
Answer
Operating System
Reason — Operating System is a system software. Rest all are hardware.
Question 2
Which of the following devices is used to transfer data from source to destination over internet?
- Thumb drive
- RAM
- ROM
- MODEM
Answer
MODEM
Reason — A Modem converts analog signals to digital signals and vice-versa facilitating the transfer of data between devices through the internet.
Question 3
Which of the following is not an operating system?
- MAC
- UNIX
- LINUX
- Microsoft
Answer
Microsoft
Reason — Microsoft is the name of the company founded by Bill Gates that creates Windows and DOS operating system.
Question 4
What is the full form of SMPS?
- Simple Machine Power Supply
- Simple Motor Power Supply
- Switched-Mode Power Supply
- System Mode Power Supply
Answer
Switched-Mode Power Supply
Reason — SMPS or Switched-Mode Power Supply provides regulated power to the computer system.
Question 5
Which of the following is not an application software?
- MS Word
- Android
- MS Excel
- Notepad
Answer
Android
Reason — Android is an operating system hence it is a system software. Rest all are application software.
Fill in the blanks
Question 1
A computer system coordinates between hardware and software.
Question 2
A computer is an electronic data processing machine.
Question 3
The CPU is considered to be the brain of a computer system.
Question 4
Hardware and software are complementary to each other.
Question 5
A byte is the smallest unit of memory which represents a character in a computer.
Question 6
A set of computer programs with the help of which the system works, is known as software.
Question 7
ROM (Read Only Memory) does not allow new information to be written on it.
Question 8
Serial port is used to supply data serially.
Question 9
Secondary memory is known as an auxiliary memory of the computer system.
Question 10
Ports are the connecting nodes to interface the peripheral devices with the processor.
Write down the full forms of the following
Question 1
ALU
Answer
Arithmetic and Logic Unit
Question 2
ROM
Answer
Read Only Memory
Question 3
BIOS
Answer
Basic Input Output System
Question 4
POST
Answer
Power-On Self-Test
Question 5
DVD
Answer
Digital Versatile/Video Discs
Question 6
SMPS
Answer
Switched-Mode Power Supply
Question 7
USB
Answer
Universal Serial Bus
Question 8
CMOS
Answer
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Label the block diagram
Question 1
Label the given block diagram to depict the basic organisation of a computer system
Answer
Name the following
Question 1
Two application softwares
Answer
- MS Paint
- Microsoft Excel
Question 2
Two system softwares
Answer
- Windows 10
- Linux
Question 3
Four major parts of a computer system
Answer
- Central Processing Unit
- Memory
- Input
- Output
Question 4
Two types of primary memory
Answer
- Random Access Memory
- Read Only Memory
Question 5
Two input hardware
Answer
- Keyboard
- Mouse
Question 6
Two communication ports
Answer
- Serial Port
- Parallel Port
Question 7
Two secondary memory units
Answer
- Hard Disk
- Optical Disc
Question 8
Three components of CPU
Answer
- Input Unit
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Output Unit
Case-Study Based Questions
Question 1
The hardware components present inside a computer are called internal hardware. The descriptions of some of the internal components are given below:
(a) This device is one of the most useful, reliable and popular secondary storage devices that consists of a number of circular metallic plates coated with iron oxide.
(b) This component is a small box placed at the back of a computer's cabinet that provides regulated power to the computer system.
(c) This component is the printed circuit board that contains processor, Integrated Circuit (IC) chips, memory devices and other hardware components.
(d) They are the connecting nodes used to connect the peripheral devices with the processor.
Identify and write the names of the devices described above in (a), (b), (c) and (d).
Answer
(a) Hard Disk
(b) Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
(c) Motherboard
(d) Communication Ports
Short Answer Questions
Question 1
Define System Software.
Answer
System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operations of a computer system. They support the running of other softwares and communicate with the peripheral devices.
For example, operating system.
Question 2
Define the term 'hardware' with an example.
Answer
Hardware refers to the machinery and to the various components and equipment of the computer system. It refers to all the physical devices of the computer system.
For example, monitor, keyboard etc.
Question 3
Define software. How is it classified?
Answer
Software refers to a set of computer programs, procedures and associated documents that describe how the programs are to be used. It is a collection of programs that aim at enhancing the capabilities of the hardware.
Software are classified into two types:
- System software
- Application software
Question 4
What is meant by the term 'memory'? What are its types?
Answer
Memory is the basic unit of a computer where it can store data and instructions.
Memory is of two types-
- Primary Memory
- Secondary Memory
Differentiate between the following
Question 1
Hardware and Software
Answer
| Hardware | Software |
|---|---|
| It is required to store and run a software. | It refers to the programs that enable a computer to perform specific tasks. |
| Hardware starts functioning once a software is loaded. | Software is installed on the hardware to deliver its set of instructions. |
| Hardware is physical in nature. | Software is logical in nature. |
| There are more chances of failure in hardware devices. | Software does not have a failure rate and hence, is more reliable. |
| Hardware components can be seen and touched. | Software can be viewed at the time of execution/loading. |
Question 2
System Software and Application Software
Answer
| System Software | Application Software |
|---|---|
| It is designed to control the operations of a computer system. | It is designed to carry out specific tasks such as creating documents etc. |
| These programs help in the running of other softwares. | These programs allow a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the system itself. |
| For example- Windows 10 | For example- MS Word |
Question 3
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
Answer
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Read Only Memory (ROM) |
|---|---|
| Data or instructions can randomly be read as well as written onto it. | The stored information can only be read but new information cannot be written onto it. |
| Any information stored in it is lost when the power supply is switched-off. | The information in ROM remains intact even if the power supply is switched-off. |
Question 4
Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
Answer
| Primary Memory | Secondary Memory |
|---|---|
| It is the main memory of the computer system. | It is the auxiliary memory from where stored data can be retrieved. |
| Data and instructions get erased as soon as the computer is switched off. | Data or instructions are stored for future use, even when the computer has been switched off. |
Long Answer Questions
Question 1
Hardware and software are complementary to each other. Explain.
Answer
Hardware refers to all the visible devices which are assembled together to build a computer system. Software refers to the computer programs that are loaded into the computer system. The blending of software and hardware gives life to a computer system.
Though hardware is the physical part of a computer, it is nothing unless it has a software to control it. In a way, hardware is like a car without a driver. Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to perform the requested actions.
Hence, both are essential to get the work done. Hardware and software are complementary to each other.
Question 2
What is a modem? What are its types? Explain.
Answer
A modem is a device that modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer or other digital devices to analog signals. It also demodulates the incoming analog signals and converts them to digital signals for the digital device.
Modems are of three types-
Internal modem — These are attached to the internal slot of the motherboard. These are categorised as full duplex and half duplex which are used for fax and internet communications. They can also be used for data and voice communication.
External modem — It is a small box connected to the communication port of the computer. It works similar to the internal modem. The only difference is that it is placed outside the CPU box.
USB modem — It refers to any type of data/fax/voice modem device which can be connected to a computer using the USB port. It looks just like a USB flash drive but is smaller in size.
Question 3
What is meant by the term 'ports'? Explain the different types of ports.
Answer
Ports are the connecting nodes to interface the peripheral devices with the processor. They act as a bridge between the external devices and the CPU for data communication.
The different types of ports are as follows:
Serial port — It is used to supply data serially i.e., bit by bit. It uses a single wire for communication. This port takes much time to transfer data i.e., it transfers a byte in eight tries. Serial ports are usually available with 9 pins or 24 pins and allow connections of mouse, modem etc.
Parallel port — This type of port is available with a 24 pins female connector and is capable of transmitting eight bit signals at a time i.e., the bits travel parallel to each other. The transfer rate is eight times faster than a serial port. This port is basically to connect CD-writers, scanners, printers, hard disks etc.
USB port — This port is usually designed to connect printers, plotters, mouse, joystick, pen drives, digital cameras etc. with a single plug arrangement. It avoids pin configuration of the ports.
Question 4
How the data is recorded on the disk and then retrieved from the hard disk? Explain.
Answer
The data is recorded on the disks through the read-write head, which resembles a record player. The information that comes from the CPU is recorded digitally (in the form of 0 and 1) on the disk surface through the read-write head. On the other hand, the information is also retrieved digitally from the disk through the read-write head to the computer system for further processing.
Question 5
What are the main functions of the CPU? Explain.
Answer
Central Processing Unit is 'the brain of the computer' and takes all the major decisions in a computer system. CPU consists of three main components. The functions of these components are as follows:
Arithmetic and Logic Unit(ALU) — All the arithmetical and logical operations are performed through this unit. An arithmetical operation includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and logical operations include all types of comparisons.
Control Unit — This unit controls each and every part of the computer system along with the peripherals. It retrieves data and instructions from the memory and sends the commands to various parts of the computer system.
Memory Unit — This unit provides space for storing data, instructions, intermediate results and final results.