CBSE IP Chapter 1

• A computing device, also referred to as computer  processes the input data as per given instructions  to generate desired output.  

• Computer process data to generate information  whose further analysis and interpretation yields  knowledge. 

• Computer system has four physical components  viz. i) CPU ii) Primary memory iii) Input device and  iv) Output device. They are referred to as computer hardware  of computer. 

• Computer system has two types of primary  memories viz. i) RAM the volatile memory and ii)  ROM the non-volatile memory. 

• Software is a set of instructions written to achieve  the desired task and are mainly categorised as  system software, programming tools and application  software.  

• Hardware of a computer cannot function on its own.  It needs software to be operational or functional. 

• Operating system is an interface between the user  and the computer and supervises the working of the computer system i.e. it monitors and controls the  hardware and software of the computer system. 

Q1. Name the software required to make a computer  functional. Write down its two primary functions.

Ans: The System software also known as Operating System which is  required to make a computer functional. It also acts as an interface between the user and the hardware. The two primary functions are Resources Management and Memory Management.

Q2. What is the need of RAM? How does it differ from ROM? 

Ans: RAM also known as Random Access Memory. It helps in the booting and loading of the operating system. It is a volatile memory. It loses data as soon as the machine shuts down. It is different from ROM because ROM is non volatile memory.

Q3. What is the need for secondary memory? 

Ans: Primary memory has limited storage capacity and is either volatile (RAM) or read-only (ROM). Thus, a computer system needs auxiliary or secondary memory to permanently store the data or instructions for future use. The secondary memory is non-volatile and has larger storage capacity than primary memory. Examples of secondary memory devices include Solid State Drive,Hard Disk Drive (HDD), CD/ DVD, Memory Card, etc.

Q4. Draw the block diagram of a computer system. Briefly  write about the functionality of each component. 

Ans: 

CPU (Central Processing Unit):  It is the electronic circuitry of a computer that carries out the actual processing and is usually referred to as the brain of the computer. It is also commonly called 'processor' also. The CPU is given instructions and data through programs. The CPU then fetches the program and data from the memory and performs arithmetic and logical operations as per the given instructions and stores the result back to memory. The CPU has two main components — Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU). ALU performs all the arithmetic and logic operations that need to be done as per the instruction in a program. CU controls sequential instruction execution, interprets instructions and guides data flow through the computer’s memory, ALU and input or output devices. CPU is also popularly known as microprocessor. 

Q5. Differentiate between proprietary software and freeware  software. Name two software of each type. 

Ans: Proprietary Software: When software to be used has to be purchased from the vendor who has the copyright of the software, then it is a proprietary software. Examples of proprietary software include Microsoft Windows, Tally, Quickheal etc. 

Freeware Software: Software are freely available for use but source code may not be available. Such software is called freeware. Examples of freeware are Skype, Adobe Reader etc. 

Q6. Mention any browsers used for browsing the internet.

Ans: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox.

Q7. Name the input/output device used to do the following: 

a) To output audio  - Speakers

b) To enter textual data - Keyboard

c) To make hard copy of a text file - Printer

d) To display the data/information  - LCD or Monitor

e) To enter audio-based command - Mic

f) To build 3D models  - 3D Printer

g) To assist a visually impaired individual in entering  data - Braille keyboards

Q8. Identify the category (system, application, programming  tool) of the following software:  

a) Compiler - Programming Tool

b) Assembler - Programming Tool

c) Ubuntu - System

d) Text editor - Application

Q9. Convert the following into bytes:  

a) 2 MB - 2097152 bytes

b) 3.7 GB - 3972844748.8 bytes

c) 1.2 TB - 1319413953331.2 bytes

Q10. What is the security threats involved when we throw away electronic gadgets that are non-functional?  

Ans: Security threat may increase if we discard our old, broken or malfunctioning storage devices without taking care to delete data like cutting the cards before throwing it). We assume that the contents of deleted files are permanently removed. However, if these storage devices fall into the hands of mischief-mongers, they can easily recover data from such devices; this poses a threat to data confidentiality. This concern can be mitigated by using proper tools to delete or shred data before disposing off any old or faulty storage device.

Q11. Write down the type of memory needed to do the following: 

a) To store data permanently - Secondary Memory like Hard Disk, SSD (Solid state device), Pen Drive, CD or DVD.

b) To execute the program - Primary Memory Like RAM

c) To store the instructions which can not be overwritten. - ROM (Read Only Memory)