CLASS 11 COMPUTER SCIENCE - COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW

1 What are the main parts of a Computer System?

A computer system consists of several main parts:

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for
executing instructions and processing data.

Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that holds data and instructions the CPU
needs while performing tasks. It helps the computer work quickly.

Storage (Hard Drive or SSD): Where data and programs are permanently
stored. Hard drives are slower and use spinning disks, while SSDs are faster
with no moving parts.

Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all parts of the computer. It
allows communication between the CPU, memory, storage, and other
components.

Input Devices: Tools like a keyboard, mouse, or microphone that allow users
to interact with the computer.

Output Devices: Devices like monitors, printers, or speakers that display or

produce information from the computer.

Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides the necessary power to all the
components of the computer.

Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles rendering images, videos, and

animations. It's especially important for gaming and graphic design.

2 Write functions of the following parts of a CPU:

1. Control Unit
2. ALU
3. Registers

Ans The control unit, ALU, and registers are essential components of a computer's
Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Control Unit:

It is the "brain" of the CPU.

It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and executes them.

Author: S. K. Manna Page 1 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 It controls the flow of data between the CPU and other components of the
computer.

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit):

It performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)

and logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
It is responsible for carrying out calculations and making decisions.

Registers:

They are small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU.

They hold data temporarily while it is being processed.
There are different types of registers for different purposes, such as
general-purpose registers, instruction registers, and program counters etc.

3 Write names of input devices and briefly write functions of each of them

Ans Input Devices:

Keyboard: This is the most common input device used to enter text and
commands into the computer. It has keys for letters, numbers, symbols, and
function keys
.
Mouse: A pointing device used to control the cursor on the screen. It has
buttons for clicking and dragging.

Touchscreen: A display screen that can detect touch input. Users can interact
with the computer by touching the screen.

Scanner: Used to convert physical documents (like images or text) into digital
format.

Webcam: A camera used to capture images or videos and transmit them to the
computer.

Microphone: Used to record sound and input it into the computer.

Gamepad: A specialized input device used for playing video games. It has
buttons and joysticks for controlling game characters.

Joystick: A lever-like device used to control movement in games or other

applications.

Author: S. K. Manna Page 2 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 Pen Tablet: A tablet with a pressure-sensitive pen used for drawing or writing
on the computer screen.

Barcode Reader: A device used to scan barcodes and read the encoded data.

4 Write names of output devices and briefly write functions of each of them

Ans Output Devices:

Monitor: A visual display device that shows information in the form of text,
images, and graphics.

Printer: A device that produces hard copies of documents on paper.

Speaker: A device that produces sound output.

Headphones: A device that delivers sound directly to the ears.

Projector: A device that displays images and videos on a large screen.

Plotter: A device used to produce large-format graphics on paper or film.

3D Printer: A device that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital

model.

5 What is Primary memory or main memory? What are its types?

Ans Primary memory is the computer's main memory, where data, instructions, and
programs are stored.

It's directly accessible by the CPU, making it crucial for the computer's
operations.

Key points about primary memory:

Volatile: It loses its data when the computer is turned off.

Fast access: It provides quick access to data compared to secondary storage.

Types: It primarily consists of two types:

RAM (Random Access Memory): This is the most common type, allowing
data to be read and written in any order.

ROM (Read-Only Memory): This stores data that cannot be modified. It's used

Author: S. K. Manna Page 3 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 for storing essential system information like the BIOS.

6 What are the different types of RAM? Explain briefly each of them

Ans Types of RAM

There are several types of RAM, each with its own characteristics and use
cases. Here are some of the most common types:

1. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM):

● The most common type of RAM.

● Requires constant refreshing to retain data.
● Slower than SRAM but cheaper.

2. Static Random Access Memory (SRAM):

● Faster than DRAM but more expensive.

● Doesn't require constant refreshing.
● Often used in CPU caches and registers.

3. Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM):

● Operates in sync with the system clock.

● Provides higher bandwidth than asynchronous DRAM.

4. Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM:

● Transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal,
doubling the effective data rate.
● DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 are common generations of DDR
SDRAM.

7 What are the different types of ROM? Briefly explain each of them.

Ans Types of ROM (Read-Only Memory)

ROM is a type of memory that stores data that cannot be modified. It's used to
store essential system information, such as the BIOS (Basic Input/Output

Author: S. K. Manna Page 4 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 System) and firmware. Here are the different types of ROM:

1. Mask ROM:

The most basic type of ROM.

Data is programmed during manufacturing and cannot be changed afterward.

Used for large-scale production of devices with fixed firmware.

2. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM):

Can be programmed once by the user using special programming equipment.

Used for smaller-scale production or devices with customizable firmware.

3. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM):

Can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times using ultraviolet light

exposure.

Used for development and prototyping, as well as devices that require firmware
updates.

4. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM):

Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.

Provides more flexibility and can be used in devices that need frequent
firmware updates.

5. Flash Memory:

A type of EEPROM that is organized into blocks.

Can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks, making it more efficient than

traditional EEPROMs.

Widely used in devices like USB drives, SD cards, and digital cameras.

8 What is secondary memory? What are its types?

Ans Secondary memory is a type of computer storage that is used to store data

Author: S. K. Manna Page 5 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 and programs outside of the primary memory (RAM). It's slower than primary
memory but can store much larger amounts of data.

Types of Secondary Memory:

1. Hard Disk Drive (HDD):

○ A magnetic storage device that stores data on spinning disks.
○ Typically has a large storage capacity and is relatively
inexpensive.
○ Can be prone to mechanical failures.
2. Solid-State Drive (SSD):
○ Uses flash memory to store data.
○ No moving parts, making it faster and more reliable than HDDs.
○ Generally more expensive than HDDs.
3. Optical Disc:
○ Stores data using laser technology.
○ Types include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.
○ Read-only discs (ROM) cannot be modified, while writable discs
can be used to store data.
4. Magnetic Tape:
○ A sequential storage device that stores data on magnetic tape.
○ Used for long-term data storage and backup.
○ Slower than other secondary storage options.
5. Cloud Storage:
○ A type of secondary storage that is accessed over the internet.
○ Data is stored on remote servers.
○ Provides flexibility and accessibility but requires an internet
connection.

9 Write differences between Primary memory and Secondary memory.

Ans Differences Between Primary and Secondary Memory:

● Speed: Primary memory is significantly faster than secondary memory.

● Capacity: Secondary memory typically has a much larger capacity than
primary memory.
● Volatility: Primary memory is volatile, meaning data is lost when the
power is turned off. Secondary memory is non-volatile, meaning data
persists even when the power is off.

Author: S. K. Manna Page 6 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 ● Access: Primary memory allows for direct access to any memory
location. Secondary memory typically requires sequential access,
meaning data is accessed in order.
● Cost: Primary memory is generally more expensive per bit than
secondary memory.
● Use: Primary memory is used for active data and program instructions.
Secondary memory is used for long-term data storage and backup.
● Examples: Primary memory examples include DRAM and SRAM.
Secondary memory examples include HDDs, SSDs, optical discs, and
magnetic tapes.

10 What are the different units of measuring memory in a Computer?

Ans Units of Measuring Memory in Computers:

● Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer, representing a single binary

digit (0 or 1).
● Nibble: A group of 4 bits.
● Byte: A group of 8 bits.
● Kilobyte (KB): 1024 bytes.
● Megabyte (MB): 1024 kilobytes.
● Gigabyte (GB): 1024 megabytes.
● Terabyte (TB): 1024 gigabytes.
● Petabyte (PB): 1024 terabytes.
● Exabyte (EB): 1024 petabytes

11 What are the two main types of Software? Explain briefly each of them.

Ans Two main types of software:

1. System Software:
○ This type of software manages the hardware and resources of a
computer system.
○ It provides a platform for other software to run.
○ Examples include operating systems (like Windows, macOS,

Author: S. K. Manna Page 7 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 Linux), device drivers, and utility programs.
2. Application Software:
○ This type of software is designed to perform specific tasks for
users.
○ It runs on top of the system software.
○ Examples include word processors (like Microsoft Word),
spreadsheets (like Microsoft Excel), web browsers (like Google
Chrome), games, and media players.

12 What is an Operating System? Explain briefly its functions.

Ans An operating system (OS) is the software that manages all the hardware and
software on a computer. It acts as an interface between the user and the
computer hardware, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

Functions of an Operating System:

1. User Interface: Provides a way for users to interact with the computer,
usually through a graphical interface (like Windows, macOS) or a
command-line interface.

2. File Management: Organizes and keeps track of files and directories,

allowing users to create, delete, move, and access files.

3. Process Management: Manages the execution of programs, ensuring that

each process gets the CPU time it needs and that multiple processes can run
simultaneously without interference.

4. Memory Management: Controls how the computer's memory is allocated

and used by different programs, ensuring efficient use of memory and
preventing conflicts.

5. Device Management: Manages input and output devices (like keyboards,

printers, and USB drives), ensuring that they function properly and
communicate effectively with the rest of the system.

6. Security: Protects the system from unauthorized access and ensures that
users have the appropriate permissions to access resources.

7. Networking: Manages network connections and allows the computer to

Author: S. K. Manna Page 8 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 connect to and communicate over networks like the internet.

The operating system makes it possible for users to run applications and
perform tasks on a computer.

13 What is utility software? Give a few examples and their purpose.

Ans Utility software refers to a category of system software that performs specific
tasks to maintain and optimize the performance of a computer system. These
software ensure that the computer system runs efficiently and securely.

Examples of Utility Software and Their Purposes:

1. Antivirus Software:

- Purpose: Protects the computer from viruses, malware, and other security
threats by detecting and removing harmful software.

- Example:Quick Heal, McAfee

2. Disk Cleanup:

- Purpose: Removes unnecessary files, temporary files, and system cache to

free up space on the hard drive, improving system performance.

- Example: Windows Disk Cleanup

3. Disk Defragmenter:

- Purpose: Reorganizes fragmented data on the hard drive so that related

pieces of data are closer together, speeding up data access and improving
performance.

- Example: Windows Disk Defragmentation

4.Backup Software:

- Purpose: Creates copies of files and data to prevent loss in case of system
failure or accidental deletion. It ensures that important data can be restored.

- Example: Windows Backup

Author: S. K. Manna Page 9 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 5. File Compression Tools:

- Purpose: Compresses files to reduce their size, making it easier to store or

transfer them. It also decompresses files for use.

- Example: WinRAR, 7-Zip

These utility programs help maintain the health and efficiency of a computer
system.

14 What are language translators? What are its different types?

Ans Language translators are software programs that convert code written in one
programming language into another form, typically converting high-level
programming languages (like Python or Java) into machine code (binary code)
that a computer's CPU can execute. These translators are essential for making
human-written programs understandable by computers.

Types of Language Translators:

1. Compiler:
○ Purpose: A compiler translates the entire source code of a
program from a high-level language into machine code in one go.
The machine code is then saved as an executable file, which can
be run independently of the original source code.
○ Example: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) for C/C++, Java
Compiler (javac)
2. Interpreter:
○ Purpose: An interpreter translates and executes the source code
line by line, without producing an intermediate machine code file.
This allows for immediate execution but may be slower than using
a compiler because translation happens in real-time.
○ Example: Python Interpreter, JavaScript Interpreter
3. Assembler:
○ Purpose: An assembler converts assembly language code, which
is a low-level language closer to machine code, into actual
machine code that the computer's CPU can execute. Assembly
language uses symbolic names instead of binary, making it
slightly easier for humans to write.

Author: S. K. Manna Page 10 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science

 15 What are the two types of Application software? Explain briefly each of them.

Ans Application software refers to programs designed to help users perform specific
tasks on a computer, such as writing a document, managing data, or playing a
game. There are two main types of application software:

General Purpose Software:

● Designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users and applications.

● Highly versatile and can be used for various tasks.
● Often commercially available and mass-produced.
● Examples: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web
browsers (Chrome, Firefox), operating systems (Windows, macOS,
Linux).

Customized Software:

● Developed specifically to address the unique requirements of a particular

organization or individual.
● Tailored to fit specific workflows, processes, and preferences.
● Often more expensive and time-consuming to develop.
● Examples: enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, customer
relationship management (CRM) software, content management
systems (CMS), School software (SRM), Reservation Software.

Author: S. K. Manna Page 11 of 11 Class 11 Computer Science