CH1.

Computer System Overview

Question 1

Briefly explain the basic architecture of a computer.

Answer

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.

Question 2

What is the function of CPU in a computer system ? What are its subunits ?

Answer

The CPU or the Central Processing Unit is the main control centre and processing unit. It is
also called brain of the computer as it guides, directs, controls and governs the
performance of a computer.
The CPU has three sub-components which are as follows:

1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) — It is responsible for carrying out the arithmetic
instructions (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and making logic decisions (greater than,
less than, equal to).
2. Control Unit — It is responsible for controlling and supervising the processing.
3. Registers — The CPU uses these small units of data holding places to temporarily
hold some important processing-information during the time the processing is taking
place.

Question 3

Distinguish between CPU and ALU.

Answer

CPU ALU
CPU refers to Central Processing Unit. ALU refers to Arithmetic and Logic unit.
CPU is one of the main components of a
ALU is a sub-unit of the CPU.
computer system.
CPU guides, directs, controls and governs ALU carries out arithmetic and logic operations
the performance of a computer. on the operands in computer instructions.

Question 4

What role does memory play in the functioning of computer system ?

Answer

The memory of a computer is more like a predefined working place, where it temporarily
keeps information and data to facilitate its performance. When the task is performed, it
clears its memory and memory space is then available for the next task to be performed.

There are two types of main memory:

1. Random Access Memory

2. Read Only Memory
Since computer's main memory is temporary, secondary memory space, such as hard disk,
CDs, pen drive etc., is needed to store data and information permanently for later use.

Question 5

What are RAM and ROM ? How are they alike ? How are they different ? What are
EEPROM, PROM and EPROM?

Answer

RAM refers to Random Access Memory where both read and write operations can take
place. But the RAM is a volatile memory and its contents are lost when power is turned off.

ROM refers to Read Only Memory where only read operation can take place. It does not
have a write capability. ROM is a non-volatile memory.

RAM and ROM are the main memory of a computer and both of them are required for the
smooth functioning of a computer system.

The RAM provides memory for reading as well writing and its contents can be modified as
and when required. ROM, on the other hand, stores some instructions which are
permanent. ROM cannot be written onto. One can only read instructions from ROM.

EEPROM refers to electrically erasable programmable ROM. In EEPROM, the EPROM is

erased electrically which is faster. Also, with EEPROM, selective bytes can be erased unlike
UV-EPROM which erases fully.

PROM refers to programmable ROM. It is a user-programmable memory in which

information is burnt using special equipment called a ROM burner. It can be programmed
only once.

EPROM refers to erasable programmable ROM. In EPROM, one can program the memory
chip through various mechanisms (e.g., UV radiation) and erase it as many times as needed.
The UV-EPROM can take up to 20 minutes for erasing EPROM contents.

Question 6

What are major functional components of a mobile system ?

Answer
The major functional components of a mobile system are as follows:

1. Mobile Processor (Mobile CPU) — This is the brain of a smartphone. It has two sub-
processor types:
1. Communications Processing Unit — responsible for making and receiving
phone calls.
2. Applications Processing Unit (APU) — responsible for governing, controlling all
types of operations taking place on a mobile system by running various apps.
2. Display Subsystem — responsible for providing display facilities, touch sensitive
interface and touch sensitive keyboards.
3. Camera Subsystem — designed to deliver a tightly bound image processing package.
4. Mobile System Memory — consists of RAM (work memory) and ROM (mobile's
internal storage).
5. Storage — external storage of a mobile system.
6. Power Management Subsystem (Battery) — responsible for providing power to a
mobile system.

Question 7

Draw a block diagram depicting organization of a mobile system.

Answer

Block diagram depicting mobile system organization is shown below:

Question 8

What are different categories of software? Give examples.

Answer

There are broadly two categories of software:

1. System Software — This type of software controls internal computer operations. The
system software can further be classified in two categories:
1. Operating System — An operating system is a program which acts as an
interface between a user and the hardware. For example, Microsoft Windows
10, Linux OS.
2. Language Processor — This program is responsible for converting an HLL code
(High Level Language code) into machine understandable code. For example,
interpreter and compiler.
 2. Application Software — An application software is the set of programs necessary to
carry out operations for a specified application. For example, Microsoft Word, Adobe
Photoshop, etc.

Question 9

What is system software? What role does it play in the functioning of the computer?

Answer

The software that controls internal computer operations such as reading data from input
devices, transmitting processed information to the output devices, checking system
components, converting data/instructions to computer understandable form etc., is called
System Software.

The system software can further be classified into two categories:

1. Operating System — It is a program which acts as an interface between a user and

the hardware. For example, Microsoft Windows 10.
2. Language Processor — It is a special type of a computer software that can translate
the source code into an object code or machine code. For example, interpreter and
compiler.

Question 10

Discuss the role of utility software in the context of computer performance.

Answer

Utilities are those application programs that assist the computer by performing
housekeeping functions like backing up disk or scanning / cleaning viruses or arranging
information etc.
Utilities bridge the gaps by helping to solve the problems and maximize our computer's
potential. Some important utilities are as follows:

1. Text Editor — This utility program is used for creating, editing text files.
2. Backup Utility — This utility program facilitates the backing-up of disk so that in case
of any damage or data-loss, this backed up data may be used.
 3. Compression Utility — This utility program facilitates compression of files. Large files
can be compressed so that they take less storage area.
4. Disk Defragmentor — This program speeds up disk access by rearranging the files
and free space on our computer, so that files are stored in contiguous units and free
space is consolidated in one contiguous block.
5. Antivirus Software — This utility program ensures virus-free work environment. It
scans our disk for viruses and removes them, if any virus is found. Moreover, some
antivirus software remains present in memory all the time so that they can detect
the viruses and counterattack them.

Question 11

What is the importance of an OS ?

Answer

An Operating System is a program which acts as an interface between a user and the
hardware. For example, Microsoft Windows 10, Linux etc.

The primary goal of an operating system is to make the computer system convenient to use
and secondary goal is to use computer hardware in an efficient manner. It performs the
following functions:

1. It controls all other components of the computer system.

2. It coordinates the use of the hardware among the various application programs for
the various users.
3. It manages the CPU time.
4. It manages the main memory of the computer.
5. It executes all the programs.

Question 12

How are software libraries useful ? Name some software libraries of Python.

Answer

Software libraries provide pre-written and tested code for a specific set of functions or
features that can be included in a software program, saving programmers time and effort.
By utilizing existing libraries, programmers can avoid having to write complex code from
 scratch and can benefit from the experience and knowledge of other developers who have
contributed to the library. This results in more efficient coding, faster development, and
more reliable software.

Some software libraries of Python are as follows:

1. NumPy (Numerical Python)

2. SciPy (Scientific Python)
3. Panda Library

Question 13

How is system software different from application software ?

Answer

System Software Application Software

It is designed to control the It is designed to carry out specific tasks such as
operations of a computer system. creating documents etc.
These programs help in the running These programs allow a computer to perform useful
of other softwares. tasks beyond the running of the system itself.
For example - Windows 10 For example - MS Word

Question 14

To run your computer system, what types of software are necessary ? What role does each
type play in computer's functioning ?

Answer

To run our computer system, the following two types of software are necessary:

1. System Software — This type of software controls internal computer operations. The
system software can further be classified in two categories:
1. Operating System — An operating system is a program which acts as an
interface between a user and the hardware. For example, Microsoft Windows
10, Linux OS.
 2. Language Processor — This program is responsible for converting an HLL code
(High Level Language code) into machine understandable code. For example,
interpreter and compiler.
2. Application Software — An application software is the set of programs necessary to
carry out operations for a specified application. For example, Microsoft Word, Adobe
Photoshop etc.