Computer System

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation
A computer is an electronic device which is versatile in nature, capable of storing, processing, and retrieving data. Computers can perform a variety of tasks, making life more comfortable by enhancing efficiency, productivity, and convenience in various aspects of daily activities.

A is true but R is false.

Explanation
Random Access Memory (RAM) is used for primary storage in computers to hold active information of data and instructions. RAM is a volatile memory as it does not store data and instructions permanently and loses its contents when the power is switched off or interrupted.

A is false but R is true.

Explanation
Data is not stored inside RAM for future retrieval because RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory as it does not store data and instructions permanently and loses its contents when the power is switched off or interrupted. Secondary memory, on the other hand, holds data permanently within the computer system, as it includes non-volatile storage.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation
A language translator is special system software used to translate programs written in high-level languages into machine code. Language processors or translators can be any of the following three types: compilers, interpreters, and assemblers.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation
An Operating System (OS) is a program that acts as an interface between a user and the hardware of a computer system. It provides a user-friendly interface, allowing users to interact with the computer system and access various hardware devices, enabling communication between them.

A is true but R is false.

Explanation
Utility software performs tasks that contribute to the smooth functioning of a computer system, such as disk cleanup, antivirus protection, and file management. While a computer system can still work without utility software, this software helps manage, maintain, and control computer resources.

Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Explanation
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory located between the CPU and RAM. It operates much faster than primary memory (RAM) and temporarily stores frequently used instructions and data for quicker processing by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) of a computer.

Input Process Output

Reason — The full form of IPO is Input Process Output.

Register

Reason — Registers are the fastest memory device because they are small amounts of on-chip memory built directly into the CPU, providing immediate access to the data they store.

Random Access Memory

Reason — The full form of RAM is Random Access Memory.

non-volatile memory

Reason — ROM is a permanent and non-volatile memory as it does not lose its contents when the power is switched off or interrupted.

Processed data

Reason — Information is defined as processed data, organized in a particular manner to generate meaningful piece of data.

All of these

Reason — Examples of utility software are text editor, disk defragmenter, backup software, compression software, antivirus software.

Both (i) and (ii)

Reason — CPU consists of Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU) and registers.

CU

Reason — Control unit coordinates all activities within it and determines the sequence in which instructions are executed, sending instructions sequence to other smaller units.

Hard disk

Reason — Hard disk is a external storage device and hence it will store the data or information permanently.

System software

Reason — Operating System is an example of System software.

OSS

Reason — Open-Source Software (OSS) makes its source code available to users, allowing them to view, modify, and distribute the code as per their requirements.

2¹⁰ GB

Reason — 1 TB is equivalent to 2¹⁰ GB.

1024

Reason — 1 KB = 1024 bytes.

None of the above

Reason — 1 MB = 1024 KB = 1024 * 1024 bytes = 10,48,576 bytes.

Microphone

Reason — A microphone is an input device used to provide audio data to a computer.

Volatile

Reason — Volatile memory is a type of computer memory that loses its contents when the power is turned off.

Plotter

Reason — Plotters are output devices that are used for producing high quality images, engineering drawings, architectural blueprints etc. They support printing of large-sized papers and large-scale graphics.

Blu-ray Disc

Reason — A Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a high-capacity optical disc medium developed for recording, rewriting and playing back high-definition video. It uses blue laser technology, which allows for storing large amounts of data at greater density.

OMR

Reason — Optical Mark Reader (OMR) is capable of recognizing a pre-specified type of mark made with dark pencil or ink.

Barcode Reader

Reason — A barcode is a collection or a sequence of lines of different heights and widths that are printed on various types of products.

Biometric sensor

Reason — Biometric sensor uniquely identifies a person on the basis of physical or behavioral traits such as eyes, fingerprints, DNA, etc.

Utility software

Reason — An antivirus software is an example of utility software.

Third generation

Reason — Integrated Circuits (ICs) were introduced in third generation of computers.

Collecting data from different sources in digital form

Reason — Data capturing refers to the process of collecting and gathering data from various sources in a digital format.

CPU

Reason — ALU + CU = CPU. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control Unit) are two essential components of a computer's Central Processing Unit (CPU).

3D printing

Reason — 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional physical objects from a computer model or digital file.

A computer is an electronic device that accepts a set of instructions in the form of a program, executes it and displays the output to the user.

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) makes all calculations and comparisons. The ALU performs the arithmetic (+, -, *, /) and logical (AND, OR, NOT, XOR) operations sent from the memory and returns the result to the memory. The result of the logical operations is either true or false and helps the computer in decision-making.

The control unit controls the flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory to output devices. It controls and guides the interpretation, flow and manipulation of all data and information. It does not actually process the data, instead, it sends control signals to ALU and memory for carrying out the required operations.

Software is the collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that performs different tasks in a computer system.

Some hardware components found in computer equipment are:

1. CPU (Central Processing Unit)
2. Motherboard
3. RAM (Random Access Memory)
4. Keyboard
5. Mouse
6. Printer
7. Monitor

(a) To output audio — Speakers (output device)

(b) To enter textual data — Keyboard (input device)

(c) To make hard copy of a text file — Printer (output device)

(d) To display the data or information — Monitor (output device)

(e) To enter audio-based command — Microphone (input device)

(f) To build 3D models — 3D Mouse or Graphics Tablet (input device)

(g) To assist a visually impaired individual in entering data — Braille Keyboard (input device)

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, which provide the infrastructure for computing operations. However, without software — the programs and applications that instruct hardware how to function — these components cannot perform meaningful tasks. Conversely, software requires hardware to execute its instructions. Software encompasses operating systems, applications, and utilities that enable users to interact with computers and perform specific tasks. These programs rely on hardware to provide processing power, storage, and input/output capabilities necessary for running software effectively. Together, hardware and software make the computer system function.

Depending on the mode of interaction with hardware and functions to be performed, software can be broadly classified into three categories:

1. System Software — System software refers to the programs that control internal computer operations and make best use of the hardware. For example, operating system, language translators etc.
2. Application Software — Application Software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified application. For example, word processing software, spreadsheet software etc.
3. Utility Software — Utility software helps to manage, maintain and control computer resources. For example, text editor, antivirus software etc.

An operating system is an integrated set of programs that manages various resources and the overall operations of a computer system. It is designed to support the various activities of the computer system in a systematic way.

For example, Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc.

The measuring units of memory are bit (elementary unit), byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte, Petabyte, Exabyte, Zettabyte, Yottabyte, Brontobyte, Geopbyte.

Output devices are the devices that produce the output generated by the CPU in human understandable form, such as audio, video, text or hard copy, viz. printed documents.

For example: Visual Display Unit (VDU)/Monitor, LCD Screen, LED Screen, OLED, Printer, Speakers, Plotters etc.

The different types of impact printers are as follows:

1. Dot Matrix Printers
2. Daisy Wheel Printers
3. Line Printers
4. Band Printers
5. Drum Printers

Laser printers use laser technology to produce printed documents. They use a dry form of ink called toner which is made up of tiny particles. They are very fast and are used for high-quality prints.

Touch screen is a type of display screen which allows interaction with computer through a touch-sensitive transparent panel covering the entire screen without any intermediate device. The touch screen uses a technology that enables the users to touch the screen with fingers to select objects.

Plotters are output devices that are used for producing high quality images, engineering drawings, architectural blueprints etc.

The different types of plotters are as follows:

1. Pen Plotters
2. Flatbed Plotters
3. Drum Plotters

Secondary storage devices are used to store a large amount of data permanently which is not possible by using the primary or main memory.

For examples, Hard disk, Blu-ray disc, Compact disc, Magnetic tapes, DVD, USB pen drive, memory cards etc.

Optical Discs use laser technology to read and write data. The data is encoded on the disc surface as tiny pits and lands, which are read by a laser beam.

Magnetic Discs use magnetic fields to store data. The data is recorded on a magnetic surface, such as that found in hard disk drives, in the form of magnetic patterns.

The statement "Functioning of a computer is similar to the way the human brain functions" compares how both systems process information. Computers use input devices like keyboards and mice to receive data, and output devices like monitors and printers to present results. Similarly, the human brain receives input through sensory organs such as the eyes, ears, and skin, and produces responses through actions and speech. Both systems use internal processes—computers use the CPU and memory for data handling, while the brain processes sensory information and stores memories.

A computer system comprises of five basic components:

1. Input Unit — An input unit takes the input and converts it into binary form so that it can be understood by the computer. For example, keyboard, mouse etc.
2. Output Unit — It converts the output in binary form to human readable form. For example, monitor, speakers etc.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU) — It is responsible for processing the data and instructions. It consists of two parts:
   1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) — It performs all the four arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) and some logical operations (less than, greater than, less than equal to, greater than equal to, equal to, not equal to).
   2. Control Unit (CU) — It acts as a supervisor by controlling and guiding the operation taking place.
4. Primary Memory — It is the internal volatile­ memory where data and instructions are stored during processing. It is of two types: Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM).
5. Secondary Storage Unit — It refers to the external storage devices which provide permanent memory to the computer system. For example, hard disk, compact disk, flash drive etc.

An input unit takes the input and converts it into binary form which is directly understood by the computer.

Computers only understand binary language that uses just two symbols: 1 for ON and 0 for OFF. The input unit translates raw data from external sources into binary language that the computer understands. Without this conversion, the computer would not be able to understand or process the data provided.

There are mainly three components of a CPU:

1. Arithmetic and Logical Unit (ALU) — All calculations and comparisons are made in this unit. The ALU performs the arithmetic (+, -, *, /) and logical (AND, OR, NOT, XOR) operations sent from the memory, performs specific operations (addition, subtraction etc) and the result is returned to the memory. The result of the logical operations is either true or false and helps the computer in decision-making.

2. Control Unit (CU) — The CU controls the flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory to output devices. It controls and guides the interpretation, flow and manipulation of all data and information. It does not actually process the data, instead, it sends control signals to ALU and memory for carrying out the required operations.

3. Registers — These are high-speed temporary storage areas found in CPU. Registers work as per the instructions given by the control unit (CU), storing instructions and data immediately required for performing an operation. The CPU places the highest priority jobs/data inside registers for faster execution/processing. Registers can be of different sizes (16 bits, 32 bits, 64 bits and so on) and each register inside the CPU has a specific function like storing data, storing an instruction, storing address of a location in memory etc.

A control unit is referred to as the central controller of a computer because it controls the flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory to output devices. It controls and guides the interpretation, flow, and manipulation of all data and information, sending control signals to the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and memory to execute the required operations effectively.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) does not work independently; it operates in coordination with the control unit and memory. The control unit fetches instructions from memory and decodes them, directing the ALU to perform specific operations such as addition, subtraction, or logical comparisons. The results produced by the ALU are then stored back in memory or used by other components of the computer system.

(a) Light Pen — A light pen is a pointing device, basically a stylus, that can be used to select anything on the computer screen by simply pointing at it or for drawing figures directly on the screen. It consists of a photocell mounted on a pen-shaped tube and is capable of sensing a position on the screen when its tip touches the screen. Clicking is performed by pressing the pen on the screen. A light pen is mostly used by engineers, architects or designers.

(b) CD-ROM — Compact Disc is a thin optical disc which is commonly used to store audio and video data. The capacity of a standard 120 mm CD is 700 MB. Originally, CD-ROM drives had transfer rates of only 150 KB/sec which was considered very slow. The newest CD-ROM drives can transfer up to 72x, i.e., 10800 KB/sec.

(c) DVD — Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc is an optical disc storage device. It can be recorded on single side or on both sides. Its capacity may range from 4.7 GB to 17.08 GB.

Hardware are physical tangible (which can be touched) components of a computer like motherboard, memory devices, monitor, keyboard, etc. while software are a set of programs or instructions, intangible components of a computer like operating system, application software, utility software, etc.

The term freeware is generally used for software, which is available free of cost and which allows copying and further distribution, but not modification and whose source code is not available. The right to use the software is limited to certain types of users for instance, for private and non-commercial purposes.

For example, TeamViewer, VLC Media Player etc.

The various categories of printer are as follows:

1. Impact Printers — In impact printers there is a mechanical contact between printer head and paper.
   1. Dot Matrix Printer — A dot matrix printer also known as Serial printer, prints one character at a time. It uses dots to create an image. This printer prints characters by striking an ink-soaked ribbon against the paper which produces sound and is termed as impact printer. It has low operating cost and can be used to generate carbon copies also. This printer prints one line of text at a time and can only print low-resolution graphics.
2. Non-impact Printers — In non-impact printers there is no mechanical contact between printer head and paper.
   1. Inkjet/Deskjet/Bubble Jet Printers — An inkjet printer is the most common type of low-cost printer. It uses the technique of spreading quick-dry ink on paper. The ink is stored in the form of cartridges of different colors (red, green, black etc). These printers generate high-quality prints and are ideal for small offices and homes.
   2. Laser Printers — These printers use laser technology to produce printed documents. They use dry form of ink called toner which is made up of tiny particles. They are very fast and are used for high-quality prints.
3. 3D Printers — They are used to build 3D models. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a method of creating a three-dimensional object layer by layer using a computer-aided design.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is used for primary storage in computes to hold active information of data and instructions.

Difference Between RAM and ROM:

Memory cards are small, portable storage devices used to store data, such as photos, videos, music, and other files, in electronic devices like cameras, smartphones, tablets, and laptops and are also called flash cards.

The types of memory cards are as follows:

1. Secure Digital (SD) cards — SD cards are widely used in cameras, smartphones, and other devices. They come in various capacities, from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes.

2. MicroSD cards — A smaller version of SD cards, microSD cards are used in devices like smartphones, tablets, and action cameras.

3. CompactFlash (CF) cards — CF cards are larger and faster than SD cards, making them suitable for professional photographers and high-end cameras.

(a) 2 MB — 2 MB * 1024 KB/MB * 1024 bytes/KB = 2 * 1024 * 1024 = 2,097,152 bytes

(b) 3.7 GB — 3.7 GB * 1024 MB/GB * 1024 KB/MB * 1024 bytes/KB = 3.7 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 = 3,973,078,528 bytes

(c) 1.2 TB — 1.2 TB * 1024 GB/TB * 1024 MB/GB * 1024 KB/MB * 1024 bytes/KB = 1.2 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 * 1024 = 1,319,843,208,192 bytes

Discarding non-functional electronic gadgets without properly deleting the stored data permanently by proper tools can lead to significant security risks, including potential data breaches where personal and sensitive information can be recovered and exploited, resulting in identity theft and data leaks.

1. To store data permanently — Secondary memory (e.g., Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), Flash Memory)
2. To execute a program — Random Access Memory (RAM)
3. To store instructions which cannot be overwritten — Read-Only Memory (ROM)

True

Reason — The Control unit controls flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory to output devices. It sends control signals to ALU and memory for carrying out the required operations.

True

Reason — A light pen is a pointing device, basically a stylus, that can be used to select anything on the computer screen by simply pointing at it or for drawing figures directly on the screen.

False

Reason — Cache memory is a small memory that operates much faster than the primary memory or RAM.

False

Reason — 1 GB = 1024 MB and 1 MB = 1024 KB. Therefore, 1 GB = 1024 * 1024 KB.

True

Reason — An operating system is a program that acts as an interface between the user and hardware of the computer

True

Reason — A computer can perform a wide range of tasks, including complex calculations, logical functions, data processing, and running various applications. In contrast, a calculator is primarily designed for arithmetic and simple geometrical operations.

False

Reason — Laser printers use laser technology, while dot matrix printers use dots and strike an ink-soaked ribbon against paper to print, producing sound, and are called impact printers.

False

Reason — Primary memory stores data and programs temporarily as long as they are being executed as primary memory has limited storage capacity.

False

Reason — ROM is permanent and non-volatile in nature.

True

Reason — External memory devices, such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and flash drives, provide a permanent storage solution for large quantities of data.

True

Reason — Registers are small, high-speed temporary storage locations within the CPU.

True

Reason — Cache memory is also known as CPU memory. It is a high speed memory available inside the CPU in order to speed up access to data and instructions stored in RAM.

True

Reason — Data on a hard disk is stored in sectors. A sector is a small, fixed-size physical storage unit on the disk where data can be written and read.

False

Reason — Sending files to the Recycle Bin does not increase the free space on the disk immediately. The files are still taking up space on the disk; they are just marked as deleted and moved to the Recycle Bin directory. To actually increase free space on the disk, we need to empty the Recycle Bin, which permanently deletes the files from the disk.