Class 11 Informatics Practice–

Chapter 1: Computer System

1. What is a Computer System?
A computer system is a combination of hardware and software components that work
together to input, process, store, and output data. It performs a wide range of functions
from simple calculations to complex data analysis.
2. Functional Components of a Computer

a) Input Unit:
The input unit is responsible for taking data and instructions from the user and converting
them into a form that the computer can understand. Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.

b) Central Processing Unit (CPU):

It is the brain of the computer that performs all processing tasks. It has three components:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs all arithmetic and logical operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Directs the operations of all units by fetching, decoding, and executing
instructions.
- Registers: Small, high-speed storage areas used to hold temporary data and instructions.

c) Memory Unit:
Responsible for storing data temporarily or permanently.
- Primary Memory: RAM (temporary, volatile) and ROM (permanent, non-volatile).
- Secondary Memory: Hard disk, CD, DVD, USB drives for long-term storage.

d) Output Unit:
Displays the results of processing to the user through output devices like monitors and
printers.
3. Memory Hierarchy
The memory system is arranged in a hierarchy based on speed and cost:
- Registers (fastest, smallest)
- Cache Memory (very fast, stores frequently used data)
- Main Memory (RAM, ROM]
- Secondary Storage (HDD, SSD)
Cache memory is a smaller, faster memory component that stores frequently accessed data
and instructions, acting as a buffer between the CPU and main memory to speed up data
retrieval. Registers are extremely small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used
to temporarily store data during processing.
Difference between Ram and Rom
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning data is lost when the power is turned
off, and it's used to store the computer's active data and instructions. ROM (Read-Only
Memory) is non-volatile, retaining data even when powered off, and it's used to store
permanent data like the BIOS.
Secondary storage:
 Hard Disk Drives (HDDs):
Traditional magnetic storage devices using rotating platters to store data, offering large
storage capacity.
 Solid-State Drives (SSDs):
Faster storage devices that use flash memory, providing faster access and data transfer
speeds than HDDs.
 Optical Storage:
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray disks store data using laser technology.
 Removable Storage:
USB flash drives, floppy disks, and memory cards offer portable and easily accessible
storage.
 Magnetic Tape:
While less common now, magnetic tape was historically used for large-scale data storage
and backups.

4. Software Components
In computing, hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, like the
monitor, CPU, and keyboard. Software, on the other hand, is the set of instructions,
programs, and data that tell the hardware what to do. It's the non-physical, intangible part
of a computer that makes it function.
Software is a set of programs that enable a computer to perform specific tasks. It acts as
an interface between the user and the hardware. There are two major types of software:
A. System Software
System software is designed to manage the system resources and provide a platform for
application software to run. It includes:
1. Operating System:
o Manages computer hardware and software resources.
o Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
2. Language Processors:
o Translate programming language into machine language.
o Types:
 Assembler: Converts assembly language into machine code.
  Compiler: Converts high-level language into machine code at
once.
 Interpreter: Converts high-level language into machine code line-
by-line.
3. Utility Software:
o Performs maintenance tasks.
o Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, File Compression software.
B. Application Software
These are programs designed to perform specific user-oriented tasks.
1. General Purpose Application Software:
o Can be used for a wide variety of tasks.
o Examples: MS Word (word processing), MS Excel (spreadsheets),
PowerPoint (presentations).
2. Specific Purpose Application Software:
o Designed for a specific task.
o Examples: Railway reservation system, Payroll software, Inventory
management.
3. Open Source Software:
o Software with source code available to users for modification.
o Examples: LibreOffice, GIMP, Linux.
4. Proprietary Software:
o Commercial software owned by an individual or company.
o Users have to buy licenses to use it.
o Examples: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.

Evolution of Computers
Early Computing Devices
Device Inventor Features
Chinese (c.
Abacus First mechanical calculating device – used beads on rods.
3000 BC)
Napier’s John Napier
Used for multiplication & division.
Bones (1617)
Blaise Pascal
Pascaline First mechanical adding machine using gears & wheels.
(1642)
Gottfried Could perform all 4 operations – addition, subtraction,
Leibniz Wheel
Leibniz multiplication, division.
Charles Considered the first concept of a general-purpose
Analytical
Babbage computer. Had input, process, output, and memory
Engine
(1833) components.
Lady Ada First computer programmer – wrote programs for
—
Lovelace Babbage’s Analytical Engine.
 .Generations of Computers

Generation Time Period Technology Used Characteristics

1st Gen 1940–1956 Vacuum Tubes Very bulky, slow, used punch cards.
2nd Gen 1956–1963 Transistors Smaller, faster, more reliable.
Integrated Circuits Smaller, more efficient, used
3rd Gen 1964–1971
(ICs) keyboards and monitors.
Very fast, compact, widely used in
4th Gen 1971–Present Microprocessors
PCs.
Smart systems, robotics, speech
Present & Artificial Intelligence recognition, etc.
5th Gen
Beyond (AI)

Computer system and Data

✅ 1. Data Capture
Definition:
Data capture is the process of collecting or acquiring data from various sources for
further processing.
Examples:
 Scanning a barcode at a supermarket
 Filling a form online
 Using sensors in IoT devices

✅ 2. Data Storage
Definition:
Data storage refers to saving collected data in a digital format on storage devices such
as hard drives, SSDs, or cloud so that it can be accessed and used later.
Examples:
 Saving a document on a computer
 Storing user details in a database

✅ 3. Data Retrieval
Definition:
Data retrieval is the process of accessing or fetching stored data from storage devices
or databases whenever required for processing or viewing.
Examples:
 Opening a saved file
 Searching for a customer’s name in a database