Differentiate between the following
Question 1
Hardware and Software
Answer
Hardware Software
It refers to the programs that
It is required to store
enable a computer to perform
and run a software.
specific tasks.
Hardware starts Software is installed on the
functioning once a hardware to deliver its set of
software is loaded. instructions.
Hardware is physical
Software is logical in nature.
in nature.
There are more Software does not have a
chances of failure in failure rate and hence, is more
hardware devices. reliable.
Hardware
Software can be viewed at the
components can be
time of execution/loading.
seen and touched.
Question 2
System Software and Application Software
Answer
System Software Application Software
It is designed to
It is designed to carry out
control the
specific tasks such as creating
operations of a
documents etc.
computer system.
These programs help These programs allow a
System Software Application Software
computer to perform useful
in the running of
tasks beyond the running of
other softwares.
the system itself.
For example-
For example- MS Word
Windows 10
Question 3
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
Answer
Random Access Read Only Memory
Memory (RAM) (ROM)
The stored information can
Data or instructions can
only be read but new
randomly be read as
information cannot be
well as written onto it.
written onto it.
Any information stored The information in ROM
in it is lost when the remains intact even if the
power supply is power supply is switched-
switched-off. off.
Question 4
Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
Answer
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
It is the auxiliary memory
It is the main memory
from where stored data can
of the computer system.
be retrieved.
Data and instructions Data or instructions are
get erased as soon as stored for future use, even
the computer is when the computer has been
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
switched off. 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-
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Memory Unit — This unit provides space for storing data, instructions, intermediate
results and final results.
