1. Explain the Anatomy of a computer in detail.

A computer can accept input, process or store data, and produce output. A
computer system can be divided into two components: 1. Software and 2.
Hardware. These are responsible for providing the mechanisms to input and
output data, to manipulate and process data.

SOFTWARE: Software is a set of programs/instructions that control the

hardware and make it perform specific tasks. Without software, a computer is
useless. Software provides the instructions that tell the hardware what is to be
performed and in what order. This set of instructions is called a computer
program. Therefore, a program is a series of instructions which is intended to
direct a computer to perform certain functions. A program is executed by the
processor. In a broader sense, software can be described as a set of related
programs. Software can be broadly categorized as System software and
Application software.

HARDWARE: The hardware is the collection of physically existing parts of the

computer. It includes all mechanical, electrical, electronic and magnetic parts
attached to it. A computer consists of the following major hardware
components:
 Input and output devices
 Central processing unit (CPU)
 Memory unit and storage devices
 Interface unit

Input devices: The data and instructions are typed, submitted, or transmitted
to a computer through input devices. Input devices are electronic or electro-
mechanical equipment that provide a means of communicating with the
computer system. Most common input devices include keyboard, mouse,
scanner & joystick.

Output devices: Output devices mirror the input data, or show the results or
print the data. The most common output device is monitor or visual display
unit. The printer is used to print the result.
Central processing unit (CPU): Central Processing Unit or CPU can be thought
of as the brain of the computer. Most of the processing takes place in CPU.
During processing, it locates and executes the program instructions. It also
fetches data from memory and input/output devices and sends data back.
The CPU itself can be divided into following functional units:
 Registers These are high-speed storage devices. In most CPUs, some
registers are reserved for special purposes. For example, the Instruction
Register (IR) holds the current instruction being executed.
 Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) It is the part of the CPU that performs
arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction as well as logical
operations, such as comparing two numbers.
 Control unit (CU) The control unit coordinates the processing by
controlling the transfer of data and instructions between main memory
and the registers in the CPU. It also coordinates the execution of the
arithmetic logic unit (ALU) to perform operations on data stored in
particular registers.
 Cache memory: Nowadays, a high-speed memory, called cache
memory, is embedded with the CPU chip. This improves the computer
performance by minimizing the processor need to read data from the
main memory.

Memory unit: A storage unit is needed in a computer to store instructions and

data, either temporarily or permanently. Data are stored in memory as binary
digits, called bits. There are mainly two types of memory that are used in a
computer system. One is called primary memory and the other secondary
memory.

Interface unit: The interface unit interconnects the CPU with memory and also
with the various input/output (I/O) devices. The instructions and data move
between the CPU and other hardware components through interface unit. It is
a set of parallel wires or lines. Depending on the type of data transmitted, a
bus can be classified into the following three types:
 Data bus: The bus used to carry actual data.
 Address bus: Addresses travel via the address bus.
 Control bus: This bus carries control information between the CPU and
other devices within the computer.
2. What are input devices and output devices?

Input devices: The information that is given to the computer is input. The
devices used for sending input are said to be input devices. Keyboard is
standard input device. Mouse is used to operate windows. Some of the input
devices are listed below.

 Key board : with keyboard user can enter data into the computer and can
also perform several actions such as saving, deleting etc. now a days we
have internet-ready keyboard which has more number of keys than that of
standard keyboard.
 Mouse: with mouse we can move the cursor to a desired location. Mouse
also has buttons to perform clicking and double clicking.
 Scanner: with scanner we can scan images or text documents and store
them in computer. There are also optical code recognition software to
recognize the text or specific symbols.
 Joystick: it is mainly used for the purpose of playing games. It has a spindle
which can move by the user.
 Bar code reader: Barcode reader is used to scan the pattern of printed bars
on a product. After scanning the image it converts into numerical
equivalent data. This could be the cost of the product. It emits a Laser
beam on the bar code – which is reflected by the image. These are
generally used in super-markets.
 Touch Screen: This is input / output device that accepts input directly from
the monitor; the user touches buttons displayed on screen to activate
commands. User places a finger top directly on computer screen, usually to
make a selection from menu of choices. ATM’s use this mechanism.
 Light Pens: This device is very much similar to an ordinary pen. User holds
the pen in the hand and writes something on a special pad. They can be
used to enter large amounts of text. A pen-based system can be used to
recognize handwritings of individuals.
 PC Video Camera: This is used to convert full motion pictures and still
images to digital signals and to submit the data to the computer. These can
be stored and manipulated using some software programs.
 Trackball: Track ball is an input device, which works like an upside-down
mouse. The ball upside is rolled using thumb to move the cursor over
 screen. It is comparatively small than mouse. We use track ball when the
space is less.
 Track-pad: Track-pad is a stationary input device. The size of the Track-pad
is compact. It, best suits for notebook computers. Track-pad has a small
screen of size around 2 Inches Square. We move the finger over the small
screen to move the cursor on the monitor.

Output devices: The information that is received from the computer is

output. The devices used for receiving output are said to be output devices.
printer and plotter. Monitor is standard output device. Printer and plotter are
used for printing. Some of the output devices are listed below

 Monitor: Monitors are used to print text or images on the monitor.

Monitors are of two types: CRT monitors and LCD panels.
 Printer: Printer is an output device, which prints the images or data files
on papers.
 Plotter: Plotters work the same as printers, but it accommodates very big
size sheet. Plotter uses colored pens and a robotic arm to draw on the
sheets. It is designed to produce large drawings such as building plans and
machine drawing.
 Speaker: Speaker is an output device that can be connected to a
computer to receive sounds. They vary in size and configuration.
 Projector: A PC Projector is a portable projector that can be connected to
a PC and projects content on a screen.

3. Write about different types of memories?

A storage unit is needed in a computer to store instructions and data, either

temporarily or permanently. Data are stored in memory as binary digits, called
bits. There are mainly two types of memory that are used in a computer
system. One is called primary memory and the other secondary memory.

Primary memory: Primary memory is the area where data and programs are
stored while the program is being executed. This memory is accessed directly
by the processor. These are volatile in nature. Primary memory devices are
expensive. They are limited in size, consume very low power, and are faster as
compared to secondary memory devices.
  RAM: RAM stands for random access memory. The data what we store in
RAM can be changed by the user.
 ROM: ROM stands for Read only memory. The data stored in ROM cannot
be changed and it is static.
 Cache memory: Cache memory is used to avoid the mismatch between the
speeds of CPU and RAM.

Secondary Memory: Secondary memory provides large, non-volatile, and

inexpensive storage for programs and data. However, the access time in
secondary memory is much larger than in primary memory. Secondary storage
stores a huge number of data bytes at a lesser cost. It includes the following
subtypes.
 Magnetic type: They include hard disks, Floppies and magnetic tapes.
Computer writes the data onto these devices by charging iron particles and
creating magnetic field in them.
 Optical type: They include CDs. It uses a laser beam to write data on the
disks.
 Magneto Optical: It includes Magneto optical disks. To write data onto
magneto-optical disks, high-powered laser is used and crystals are aligned
as per the data.

4. Explain RAM, ROM, and Cache memory (or) Explain Primary memory in
detail.

Primary memory Primary memory is the area where data and programs are
stored while the program is being executed. This memory is accessed directly by
the processor. These are volatile in nature. Primary memory devices are
expensive. They are limited in size, consume very low power, and are faster as
compared to secondary memory devices. The sub types of primary memory are
discussed below.

 RAM: RAM stands for random access memory. The data what we store in
RAM can be changed by the user. When we enter the data, the data is first
stored in RAM. When the system is switched off the information in the RAM
is lost. Speed of the RAM determines the speed of the computer. RAM is said
to be main memory or primary memory.
  ROM: ROM stands for Read only memory. The data stored in ROM cannot be
changed and it is static. When we switch of the system it will not affect the
data in ROM. Manufacturer provides fixed information i.e. firmware in ROM.

 Cache memory: Cache memory is used to avoid the mismatch between the
speeds of CPU and RAM. The speed of RAM is slower than the speed of CPU.
When we enter some data, the data first moves into RAM and then CPU. It
becomes time consuming to collect the data every time from RAM. To avoid
this, Cache memory is included. Cache memory is similar to RAM but it is
extremely fast. When CPU collects information from RAM, it loads the same
data into Cache memory. The next time the CPU needs the same data, it
finds it in the Cache memory.

5. Explain Memory Hierarchy.

Memory unit includes mainly two types 1. Primary memory and 2. Secondary
Memory.

Primary memory Primary memory is the area where data and programs are
stored while the program is being executed. This memory is accessed directly
by the processor. These are volatile in nature. Primary memory devices are
expensive. They are limited in size, consume very low power, and are faster as
compared to secondary memory devices.

Secondary memory Secondary memory provides large, non-volatile, and

inexpensive storage for programs and data. However, the access time in
secondary memory is much larger than in primary memory. Secondary storage
stores a huge number of data bytes at a lesser cost.

Memory hierarchy The various types of memory used in a computer system

differ in speed, cost, size, and volatility (permanence of storage). They can be
organized in a hierarchy. The memory hierarchy in the computer system is
shown below. From top to bottom, the speed decreases while the capacity
increases and the prices become much lower.

Of the various memories specified in the hierarchy, those above the secondary
memory are volatile and the rest are non-volatile. While designing a computer
 system, there must always be a balance on all of the above factors, i.e. speed,
cost, volatility, etc. at each level in the hierarchy. Memory hierarchy diagram is
shown below.

6. What is Software? Explain types of Software.

Software: Software provides the instructions that tell the hardware what is to
be performed. This set of instructions is written as a computer program. In a
broader sense, software can be described as a set of related programs.
Software is generally categorized as system software and application software.

A) System software: The software that is used for the functioning of a system
can be called as system software. It interacts with the computer system at low
level. This is mainly used to run the computer and manage the functionality of
the computer. Different types of system software are given below.
 Operating system: It allows the user to interact with the system and
controls input output operations of a computer.
 Device driver: It allows computer devices such as keyboard and etc to
interact with the system
 Compiler: It converts High-level programs to low-level programs (Whole
program at once).
  Interpreter: It converts high-level programs to low-level programs (Line by
line).

B) Application software: Application software is designed to perform specific

usages of the users. Application software is some software that is specially
designed to suit the requirements of business purposes, or personalized and
customized purposes. Using application software the task becomes easy but it
can perform one or two specific tasks. These are applicable generally in the
field of business, education and scientific applications. There are two
categories of application software, custom software and pre-written software
packages.
 Custom software: Software that is developed for a specific user or
organization for their needs is known as custom software.
 Pre-written software package: It predefines generic specifications that may
or may not cater to any specific user’s requirements. The most important
categories of software packages available are as follows:
• Database management software, e.g. Oracle, DB2,
• Spreadsheet software, e.g. Microsoft Excel.
• Word processing Software, e.g. Microsoft Word, WordPerfect
• Graphics software, e.g. Corel Draw.

7. What is Operating System? What are the functions of Operating System?

Operating system is system software that acts like an interface between user
and the system's hardware. It consists of a set of software modules that makes
computing resources (hardware and software) available to users. Some of the
operating systems used nowadays are Mac, MS Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc.
The common functions of an operating system are listed below.

 Process management The operating system manages all the programs that
are running. The process abstraction is a fundamental mechanism required
for the execution of programs. A process is basically a program in execution.
The operating system decides which process runs and for how long and at
what priority.
 Memory management Operating system handle requests to allocate
memory, frees up unused memory and rearranges memory. Often several
 programs may be in memory at the same time. The operating system selects
processes that are to be placed in memory and decides where they are to be
placed, and how much memory is to be given to each.
 Device management The operating system allocates the various devices to
the processes and initiates the I/O operations. It also controls and schedules
accesses to the input/output devices among the processes.
 File management A file is a sequence of bytes. Files are storage areas for
programs, source codes, data, documents etc. The operating system keeps
track of every file in the system, including data files, program files, compilers,
and applications. The file system is an operating system module that allows
users and programs to create, delete, modify, open, close, and apply other
operations to various types of files. It also allows users to give names to files,
to organize the files hierarchically into directories and etc.

8. What is Operating System? What are the types of Operating System?

Single User operating system: It is an operating system which allows only one
user to work with one copy of operating system.
Ex: DOS

Multi User operating system: It is an operating system which allows multiple

users to work with one copy of operating system.
Ex: Windows, UNIX

CUI operating system: CUI stands for command user interfacing. It is an

operating system which allows the user to interact with the system with
commands:
Ex: DOS, UNIX

GUI operating system: GUI stands for graphical user interfacing. It is an

operating system which allows the user to interact with the system with
Graphical User Interfacing elements such as buttons and textboxes.
Ex: Windows, LINUX

Multitasking operating system: Ability to perform many tasks at a time is

multi tasking. Some of the operating systems such as windows perform
multitasking. Those operating systems follow time sharing mechanism to
 achieve this. Time-sharing means allotting equal intervals of a unit time for all
the tasks to be performed.
Ex: Windows, UNIX

Multi user operating system: the operating system that allows more number
of users to work on single copy of operating system is multi-user operating
system. When computers are networked this would be very useful to exchange
the information among users.
Ex: Windows Server, LINUX, UNIX

9. Explain operational overview of a CPU.

The processing required for the execution of a single instruction is called an

instruction cycle. The four steps of instruction cycle are fetch, decode, execute,
and store. The four steps are described below.
 Fetch: The Program Counter (PC) is the register that keeps track of
instructions. At the first step, the instruction is fetched from main memory
and loaded into Instruction Register (IR), whose address is specified by PC
register. Immediately the PC is incremented so that it points to the next
instruction in the program.
 Decode: In this step the CPU decodes the instruction fetched from memory
to determine the operation to be performed.
 Execute: Once in IR, the instruction is decoded, the control unit then issues
the sequence of control signals to enable the execution of the instruction.
 Store: The result of the instruction is stored (written) to either a register or a
memory location.

The next instruction of a program will follow the same steps. This will continue
until there is no more instruction in the program.
10.What are registers?

Registers are high-speed storage devices. Registers are of two types. Special
purpose registers and general purpose registers.
 Special purpose registers: In most CPUs, some registers are reserved for
special purposes. For example, the Instruction Register (IR) holds the
current instruction being executed. Another example is 'the Program
Counter (PC)'. It is a register that holds the address of the next instruction
to be executed.
 General purpose registers: Registers also include general-purpose registers
that are used for temporary storage of data.