Unit 1
Computer Organization
Computer: Computer is an electronic device,it works on electronic signals. The on and off signals denote
1 and 0 respectively. The binary language, also called machine language, works on two digits 0 and 1.
Computer mainly contains hardware and software. The data/ instructions given by the user to the
machine are termed as Input and the result generated after processing the data is the Output.
Q1. What are the different characteristics of a Computer?
Answer – The different characteristics of a computer are –
Speed – Computers process data and instructions at a very high speed. It can perform about 3-4
million instructions per second (mips).
Versatility – is the ability of a computer to do a variety of jobs at the same time.
Accuracy – computer perform varied jobs with high precision and accuracy.
Diligence – its ability to perform the same task repeatedly over and over again without getting
bored.
Memory – One of the notable features of a computer is its memory. However, the computer’s
main memory is volatile, i.e., it is lost when we switch off the computer.
Storage – Huge amounts of data and information can be stored
Q2. Explain the main components of a Computer with block diagram.
Answer: The computer is the combination of hardware and software. Hardware are the physical
components of a computer like motherboard, memory devices, monitor, keyboard etc. while software is
the set of programs or instructions. Both hardware and software together make the computer system
function.
Input: To initiate the process, the computer needs to be told of the problem to be solved. For this
purpose, a set of instructions and data is provided through the input devices such as Keyboard, Mouse,
scanner, web cam, microphone etc.
Storage: There are basically two types of computer storage devices: Primary and Secondary.
Primary Memory: Data stored in Primary Memory is directly accessible by the CPU. This storage is
relatively fast and expensive as compared to the secondary storage. Primary memory is of two types
1. RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a primary volatile memory i.e. its data gets lost once the
power supply is stopped. RAM is of two types: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory).
2. ROM (Read Only Memory): It is generally used in startup operations of computer. It is a non-
volatile primary memory. Further it may be classified as: ROM, PROM, EPROM.
Secondary Storage: The memory which is external to the computer system forms the secondary
storage, for example, the magnetic tapes, compact disks, pen drives etc
CPU (Central Processing Unit): Mainly contains CU and ALU
Control Unit: It is responsible for coordination between the different units of a computer. It’s
the core component of CPU. It controls the input, processing and output operations. It
controls the manner in which the program is executed.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): is responsible for actual processing of data. It retrieves the data
from the storage unit and performs the arithmetic calculations (+,-,*,/) and/or
comparisons(<,>,>=,>=) on them.
Output: The result of processing carried out by the computer is often directed to the output devices
such as monitor, printer, projector, speaker, plotter etc
Q 3. What are the different memories in the computer system?
Answer – There are two different type of memory in computer system –
Primary Memory – Data stored in Primary Memory is directly accessible by the CPU. This storage is
relatively fast and expensive.
1. RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a primary volatile memory i.e. its data gets lost once the
power supply is stopped. RAM is of two types: DRAM and SRAM.
2. ROM (Read Only Memory): It is generally used in startup operations of computer. It is a non-
volatile. it may be classified as: ROM, PROM, EPROM.
Secondary Memory – The memory which is external to the computer system for example, the magnetic
tapes, compact disks, pen drives.
Cache memory: It is a particularly fast memory that helps the CPU keep up with its high speed.
Q 4. Expand the following:
Answer: a. ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit
b. CPU: Central Processing Unit
c. CU: Control Unit
d. RAM: Random Access Memory
e. ROM: Read Only Memory
f. DRAM: Dynamic Random Access Memory
g. SRAM: Static Random Access Memory
h. EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
Q 5. What are the different types of RAM?
Answer – RAM is a temporary storage device it is also known as Volatile memory. RAM is divided into
two type – DRAM, SRAM
Q 6. What is the difference between SRAM and DRAM?
Answer – DRAM SRAM
DRAM Used in main memory SRAM It is used in cache
Inexpensive Expensive
Uses more power Uses less power
Slower than SRAM Faster than DRAM
Can store more data can store less data
Q 7. What is Cache Memory?
Answer – Cache memory is a particularly fast memory that helps the CPU keep up with its high speed. It
serves as a buffer and is often positioned between the CPU and primary memory. It decreases the average
access time to data from the main memory.
Q 8. Briefly describe the roles of the ALU and CU?
Answer –
ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit is referred to as ALU. It is a crucial component of the CPU. It does all
arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) as well as logical
operations.
CU – Control Unit is referred to as CU. It is one of the CPU’s core components. It directs all
associated operations to the various processing components.
Q 9. Establish a distinction between input and output devices.
Answer –
Input: To initiate the process, the computer needs to be told of the problem to be solved. For this
purpose, a set of instructions and data is provided through the input devices such as Keyboard, Mouse.
Output: The result of processing carried out by the computer is often directed to the output devices such
as monitor, printer, etc
Q 10. Describe the function of cache memory.
Answer – The effectiveness of data retrieval is increased by cache memory. It saves information that is
frequently used in the execution of programs and hence saves time.
Q 11. Describe the computer’s storage components.
Ans A storage device is computer hardware that is used to store, transfer, or extract data files.
Information can be temporarily or permanently stored by storage devices. They could be internal to
a computer like primary memory (RAM,ROM) or external i.e Secondary Memory (Hard drive, CD-dvd etc).
Q12. What is Motherboard?
Answer: This is the main circuit board which holds together various components like CPU, memory,
connectors for the hard drive and optical drives, expansion cards and connections in the form of various
ports (such as USB ports). It provides a connection to every component of the computer.
Q 13. Write a short note on Optical storage devices?
Answer – In Optical storage devices low-power laser beams are used in optical storage to store and
retrieve digital data. Compact disc (CD) and Digital Video Disc(DVD) are examples of optical storage
devices. Data in a Cd/DVD may be accessed by inserting the disc in a Disc Drive.
Q 14. Explain the role of the Power Supply Unit.
Answer – A power supply unit (PSU) transforms mains AC electricity into low-voltage, regulated DC power
for a computer’s internal components. Switched-mode power supply (SMPS) are used in every modern
personal computer.
Q 15. Explain various units to measure storage capacity of a device. Give the smallest unit.
Answer: (Binary Digits) i.e. 0s and 1s
1 nibble = 4 bits
1 byte = 8 bits
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes
1 Megabyte (MB)= 1024 KB
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB
1 Terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB
1 Petabyte (PB) = 1024 TB
1 Exabyte(EB) = 1024 PB
1 Zettabyte(ZB) = 1024 EB
1 Yottabyte (YB) = 1024 ZB
Q 16. Do the following conversions:
Ans: a.2 GB = 221 KB
b. 210 MB = 230B
Q 17. What is Operating System?
Ans: Operating system is the software that acts as an interface between user and computer hardware. A
computer needs to communicate with both the hardware and software; to do this; it utilizes the services
of an Operating system. Examples of some popular operating system are Windows, Linux, Unix, MS-DOS,
SOLARIS, MAC OS etc.
Q 18. List the various functions of an operating system.
Answer – The various functions of an operating system are –
Communication manager – The operating system handles the system’s communication
requirements, whether they include connecting to the internet or peripheral devices.
Resource Management – The operating system handles the allocation of all resources such as -
the memory of the computer, the CPU time, files, secondary storage, input/output devices etc.
These resources are allotted to the various processes to get an optimum performance.
Process Management – The OS manages, controls, schedules all the processes being executed in
the computer. It decides which process gets the processor and for how long.
Memory Management – The memory management section of an operating system dynamically
allocates memory to the processes as needed and releases it when not in use.
File Management – All of the files and folders (directories) kept on the computer drive are taken
care of by the operating system. The operations that a user must carry out on files include
creating, renaming, deleting, copying, and relocating files and folders.
Q 19. Describe different types of operating system.
Ans: Operating systems can be classified in different ways:
Single-tasking and Multi-tasking Operating System: Single tasking OS allow execution of only a
single program at any given instant. Multi-Tasking OS can execute more than one program
simultaneously. The processor time, in this case, is divided amongst various processes.
Single user and Multi-user operating systems: Single User OS allow only one user to use the
system. The desktop systems can be classified as typical single user systems Multi-user OS allow
many users to access the system by maintaining an account of all the registered users.
Real-Time Operating System: This Operating systems ensure that the response time is fixed. Real
time OS are used for applications where data needs to be processed quickly, without any
significant delays.
Batch Processing Systems: In a batch processing system, similar jobs are clubbed together and
submitted as a block to the processor for execution.
Q 20. Compare batch processing systems and multiprogramming systems?
Answer – Multiprogramming is the capacity of an operating system to run numerous programmes at the
same time on a single processor machine. Batch processing is the grouping of several processing jobs to
be completed one after another by a computer without any human input.
Q 21 What is FAT? Give an example.
Answer – The file system known as File Allocation Table (FAT) was created for hard drives and at first used
12 or 16 bits. The operating system (OS) makes use of FAT to control files on hard drives and in other
computer systems.
Example of FAT file system are – FAT16/ FAT32 and NTFS (New Technology file system)
Q 22. Fill in the blanks:
1. The unit used to measure the performance of a computer is Megahertz (MHz).
2. Two main type of file systems are FAT and NTFS.
3. Operating system is the software that act as an interface between user and the Hardware.
Q 23. List some common troubleshooting steps that you should keep in mind.
Answer – Some of the common troubleshooting steps are –
Uninstall unnecessary file from the computer system
Always keep your antivirus update
Always use disk cleanup for temporary file
Remove unwanted files and folders from the system
Use defragmentation
Q 24. What steps would you take if the monitor is not showing any display, or the screen is blank?
Answer – If the monitor is not showing any display or the screen is blank: the system could be in sleep
mode, check all the connections, the laptop’s battery may be low.
Q 25. What would you do when your keyboard or mouse is not responding/ working properly?
Answer – If keyboard or mouse is not responding properly then follow the following steps –
Check the connection of the keyboard/mouse to the computer.
Inspect the keyboard/mouse cord for any damage.
If wireless, Check the battery
Check if keyboard keys are stuck.
Try cleaning the mouse/keyboard with a damp cloth.
Q 26. What troubleshooting step will you take when the printer is not responding?
Answer – The printer may not be responding because:
It may not be connected properly or not switched on;
The printer could be out of paper;
There could be a paper caught in the printer;
Printer’s ink cartridge could be empty;
An incorrect printer driver may be configured.
IP address configuration in case of Wireless printer
Q 27. How can you check the IP address of a printer connected through a wireless connection?
Answer –
Step 1 : Open the devices and printer dialog box by clicking Start button >> Control Panel
>> Hardware and Sound >> Device Printers
Step 2 : Select the Printer
Step 3 : Run the HP Print Assistant
Step 4 : Click on the Utilities icon to get the printer utilities screen
Step 5 : Run the “Update IP Address” utility
Step 6 : Press the Wireless button or touch the wireless icon on the printer display.
Q 28. What steps do you need to take to change the default printer?
Answer – To change the Default Printer, open the devices and printer dialog box.
Click Start button >> Control Panel >> Hardware and Sound >> Devices and Printers.
Q 29. What could be the reasons for the print jobs being sent to the wrong printer?
Answer – When there are multiple printers on a network, a possible problem could be that a print job is
being sent to the wrong printer. This is because your system has set the default printer as Printer A, but
you wanted the print job to go to Printer B.
Q 30. What checks would you undertake when the speaker is not working?
Answer – If speaker is not working then you can take following steps – Check Speaker Volume, Check
Audio Player Controls, Check the cables, Check the sound using headphones.
Q 31. What are the troubleshooting steps taken when an application freezes?
Answer –
Forcefully End the Application
Restart the computer
Q 32. What could be the possible cause for all the applications to be running slow?
Answer – The possible cause for all the applications running slow are –
Viruses are affected in the computer
Free space on the hard drive
Run a Disk Cleanup application
Delete unused files and programs
Empty your recycle bin
Remove Temporary files
Q 33. How can one free disk space on the computer?
Answer – There should be at least 200-500 MB of free hard drive space on your system. Non-availability
of free space slows the functioning of the computer. To create free space on the computer do the
following –
Run a Disk CleanUp application
Delete Unused Files and Programs
Empty Your Recycle Bin
Remove Temporary File
Q 34. How do we remove temporary files?
Answer – To delete temporary files from the computer do the following –
Step 1 : Click on Search
Step 2 : Write %temp% and press enter
Step 3 : Delete all files and folder
Q 35. Why is disk defragmentation required? How can we achieve disk defragmentation?
Answer – Due to change in files, gaps or spaces get created in the file stored in memory (hard disk). This
may cause the computer to slow down. You need to run a Disk Defragmentation program to reclaim these
gaps in space. This can be achieved as follows.
Click on My Computer.
Highlight the C drive and right click.
Select the Properties option from popup Menu.
The dialog box showing the properties of the local disk (C:) is displayed
Click on defragmentation
Q 36. What steps do we take to remove unused shortcuts and program services?
Answer – click Start button > All Programs > Startup. Right-click the shortcuts that you do not need and
click Delete.
Q 37. How can we check the network connectivity of your system?
Answer – To check the internet connection, view the Network icon (triangular in shape). This is on the
Taskbar (bottom right of the screen).
Q 38. Explain how you would check the validity of the IP address.
Answer – First check the validity of the IP address of your system. In the bottom left corner of your
Windows screen click Start. In the Search box type CMD and press Enter in the command prompt write
IPCONFIG and press enter.
Q 39. How will you check whether the network fly lead is working properly?
Answer – The fly lead is the cable that connects the network card in your computer to a network point. A
non-operational network fly lead could also cause failure in the internet connection. Your fly lead could
be faulty or damaged. Check whether the cable or point has been damaged.
Q 40. Describe the procedure to check whether the network card is working properly.
Answer – The network card lights must be flashing or lit up. If there are no lights, either the network card
is broken, or there is no network to connect to. Click Start and in the Search box type ping 127.0.0.1 and
press Enter.
