Here are the questions and answers for the chapter “Basics of Computer Systems” for Class 9. We have discussed all the questions which have high chances, of being asked in the your exams. Read and increase your knowledge:
1. What is a computer system?
Answer: A computer system is an integrated combination of hardware and software that works together to perform various tasks. The hardware includes the physical components like the CPU, monitor, and keyboard, while software includes programs that instruct the hardware on what actions to perform, such as operating systems and application software.
2. What are the two main components of a computer system?
Answer: The two main components of a computer system are hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer, such as the CPU, memory devices, and peripherals. Software is a collection of programs and applications that direct the hardware on how to perform specific tasks like calculations, display data, or manage resources.
3. What is hardware?
Answer: Hardware refers to the tangible, physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched. It includes devices like the central processing unit (CPU), monitor, keyboard, printer, and storage devices like hard drives. These components are responsible for executing tasks and interacting with the user, and they require software to function properly.
4. Name some examples of input devices.
Answer: Input devices allow users to provide data or instructions to the computer. Examples include the keyboard, which is used to type text; the mouse, which helps in navigating the interface; a scanner, which digitizes documents; a microphone, used for voice input; and a webcam, which captures images or videos for the computer to process.
5. What is the function of the CPU?
Answer: The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the core of the computer system, often referred to as the “brain” of the computer. It is responsible for executing instructions, performing arithmetic and logical operations, and managing the flow of information between other components. The CPU processes input data, stores results, and outputs them as needed.
6. What is RAM and what is its function?
Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory used by the computer to temporarily store data and programs that are currently being processed. It allows the CPU to quickly access the information it needs to execute tasks. Since RAM is volatile, it loses its data when the computer is turned off, unlike non-volatile storage like hard drives.
7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary and volatile, meaning it loses all stored data when the computer is powered off. It is used to store data and instructions that the CPU is actively using. ROM (Read-Only Memory), on the other hand, is permanent and non-volatile, storing critical instructions for booting the system and operating the hardware.
8. What are output devices?
Answer: Output devices are hardware components that allow a computer to communicate or display processed data to the user. Examples include monitors, which display visuals, printers, which produce physical copies of documents, and speakers, which produce sound. These devices work with the CPU to convert the information from the computer into a usable or perceivable format.
9. What is the role of the operating system in a computer?
Answer: The operating system (OS) is software that acts as an intermediary between the user and the computer hardware. It manages the computer’s hardware resources, provides a user interface, and facilitates the execution of applications. It handles tasks like memory management, process scheduling, file management, and controls input/output devices to ensure efficient functioning of the system.
Class 9 Chapter 1 Basics of Computer System
10. What is software?
Answer: Software is a collection of programs, data, and instructions that tell the computer how to perform specific tasks. It is categorized into system software, which manages hardware and basic system functions (e.g., the operating system), and application software, which enables the user to perform specific tasks like word processing, gaming, or web browsing.
11. What is the function of the ALU (Arithmetic and Logic Unit)?
Answer: The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) is a critical part of the CPU. It performs all arithmetic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as logical operations like comparison and decision-making (e.g., AND, OR, NOT). The ALU processes data according to instructions and sends results back to memory or output devices.
12. What is a byte?
Answer: A byte is a unit of digital information in computing, consisting of eight bits. Each bit can have a value of either 0 or 1, and a byte represents one of the basic building blocks for data storage. A byte can represent a single character, such as a letter, number, or punctuation mark, in a computer’s memory.
13. What are secondary storage devices?
Answer: Secondary storage devices are used to store data permanently, unlike primary memory (RAM) that is temporary. Examples of secondary storage devices include hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), optical discs (CDs, DVDs), and USB flash drives. These devices allow users to store large amounts of data and programs for long-term access, even when the computer is turned off.
14. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory?
Answer: Primary memory, like RAM, is temporary and volatile, meaning it only stores data while the computer is running. It provides fast access to data that the CPU is currently using. Secondary memory, such as hard drives or SSDs, is non-volatile and used for long-term storage. It holds data even when the computer is powered off and has a larger capacity than primary memory.
15. Name some examples of application software.
Answer: Application software refers to programs designed to perform specific tasks for the user. Examples include word processors like Microsoft Word for document creation, web browsers like Google Chrome for browsing the internet, spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel for data analysis, and media players like VLC for playing audio and video files.
16. What does an operating system (OS) manage?
Answer: The operating system (OS) is responsible for managing the computer’s hardware resources, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. It also provides a platform for running application software, manages file systems, controls user access, and ensures security and stability by coordinating tasks and managing processes efficiently.
17. What is the role of input devices in a computer system?
Answer: Input devices are used to provide data and commands to a computer system. They allow users to interact with the computer by entering information. Examples include keyboards (for typing), mice (for navigation), microphones (for voice input), and scanners (for digitizing documents). These devices convert user actions into data that the computer processes.
18. What is the difference between a program and software?
Answer: A program is a specific set of instructions written in a programming language to perform a particular task, such as calculating numbers or sorting data. Software refers to a collection of programs and related data that work together to accomplish multiple tasks. Software may include operating systems, applications, and utilities, whereas a program is just one component of software.
19. What is a microprocessor?
Answer: A microprocessor is a small, integrated circuit (IC) that serves as the central processing unit of a computer. It performs most of the processing tasks by executing instructions and performing calculations. Microprocessors are responsible for controlling other components and executing tasks, making them the “brains” of modern computing devices like computers and smartphones.
20. What is the function of the control unit (CU) in the CPU?
Answer: The Control Unit (CU) in the CPU is responsible for directing the operation of the computer by coordinating the activities of the computer’s components. It retrieves instructions from memory, decodes them, and then executes them by sending signals to the appropriate parts of the computer, ensuring that tasks are carried out in the correct order.
21. What is the function of a hard drive in a computer system?
Answer: The hard drive is a storage device used to store the operating system, software applications, and data permanently. It uses magnetic storage to read and write data. Unlike primary memory (RAM), the hard drive retains data even when the computer is powered off, making it essential for long-term storage of files, documents, and programs.
22. What is an integrated circuit (IC)?
Answer: An integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic device made up of many interconnected components like transistors, resistors, and capacitors. These components are etched onto a single piece of semiconductor material, usually silicon. ICs are widely used in modern electronics, including computers, to perform complex functions in a compact, efficient manner.
23. What are transistors and how did they impact computing?
Answer: Transistors are semiconductor devices used to amplify or switch electronic signals. They replaced the bulky and inefficient vacuum tubes in early computers, allowing for smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient machines. Transistors were a major breakthrough in computing, leading to the development of modern computers and the miniaturization of technology.
24. What is an example of a primary memory device?
Answer: An example of a primary memory device is RAM (Random Access Memory). It is used to temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly. RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is turned off. It helps improve the speed and efficiency of the computer by providing fast data access.
25. What is the purpose of a compiler in computing?
Answer: A compiler is a program that translates a high-level programming language, such as C++ or Java, into machine code or an intermediate language that the CPU can execute. The purpose of a compiler is to convert human-readable code into a format that the computer can understand and process, ensuring the software works as intended.
26. What is the significance of the “bit” in computing?
Answer: A bit, short for “binary digit,” is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a value of either 0 or 1. All information in a computer, including text, images, and videos, is ultimately represented as sequences of bits. Bits are combined to form larger units, such as bytes, to store and process more complex data.
27. What is the base of the hexadecimal number system?
Answer: The base of the hexadecimal number system is 16. This system uses the digits 0-9 to represent values zero through nine and the letters A-F to represent values ten through fifteen. Hexadecimal is widely used in computing because it provides a more compact representation of binary numbers, making it easier to work with memory addresses and color codes.
28. What is a program?
Answer: A program is a set of instructions written by a programmer that tells the computer how to perform a specific task or function. It is written in a programming language such as Python, Java, or C++. Programs can be simple, like adding two numbers, or complex, like running an operating system or a video game.
29. What are the four generations of computers?
Answer: The four generations of computers are:
- First Generation: Used vacuum tubes for processing and were large, slow, and unreliable.
- Second Generation: Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors, making computers faster and smaller.
- Third Generation: Used integrated circuits (ICs), further reducing size and increasing speed.
- Fourth Generation: Relied on microprocessors, leading to personal computers and modern computing devices.
30. What is EEPROM and how is it different from ROM?
Answer: EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed, unlike traditional ROM (Read-Only Memory), which can only be read and not easily altered. EEPROM is used to store data that may need to be updated, such as firmware in devices like computers or printers.
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