1. Write the full forms of the following abbreviations.
i. EC – Electronic Communication
ii. MHz – Megahertz
iii. GHz – Gigahertz
iv. ms – Millisecond
v. ns – Nanosecond
vi. Ps – Picosecond
vii. Fs – Femtosecond
viii. GIGO – Garbage In Garbage Out
ix. RAM – Random Access Memory
x. IPOS – Input Process Output Storage
xi. ATM – Automated Teller Machine
xii. CT Scans – Computed Tomography Scans
2. Choose the
correct answer.
a.
Which fraction of a second is equivalent to one millionth of a second?
i) Milliseconds
ii)
Microsecond
iii) Nanosecond
iv) picoseconds
b.
Incorrect input results in incorrect output. It is referred to as ….
i) FIFO
ii) LIFO
iii)
GIGO
iv) None of the above
c.
How many kilobytes are in one megabyte?
i) 1030
ii) 1000
iii)
1048
iv) 1024
d.
Repeatedly working capability of computers is known as ………..
i) storage
ii) speed
iii)
diligence
iv) versatility
e.
What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer system?
i) Memory storage
ii) Data input
iii)
Arithmetic and logic operations
iv) Graphics rendering
a) Define the
Computer.
Ans. A computer is an electronic machine that takes input, processes it, and
gives output. It works very fast and stores data for future use.
b) How do IPOS
work?
Ans. IPOS stands for Input, Process, Output, and Storage.
c) What is
GIGO?
Ans. GIGO means Garbage In, Garbage Out. If wrong or bad data is entered into
the computer, the output will also be wrong.
d) List any
four computer features.
Ans. The four
computer features are:
e) Why is a
computer called a diligence machine?
Ans. A computer is called a diligence machine because it never gets tired or
bored and can work continuously without losing accuracy.
f) List four
computer-related uses.
Ans. The four
computer related uses are:
g) Identify
distinct computer storage units.
Ans. The Identified
distinct computer storage units are:
4. Write long
answers to these questions.
a) Explain the
working principles of computers with a block diagram and explain it in detail.
Ans. A computer
is an electronic device that processes data according to instructions provided
by software programs. It operates by taking input, processing it, storing data
as needed, and producing output. Below, I’ll explain the working principles of
a computer, provide a block diagram, and describe each component in detail.
Block Diagram
of a Computer
+-----------------+
|
Input Unit |<---- Input
Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)
+-----------------+
|
v
+-----------------+
| Central |
| Processing Unit |<---->
+-----------------+
| (CPU) | | Memory Unit |
| - ALU | | - Primary (RAM) |
| - Control Unit |
| - Secondary |
+-----------------+ |
(HDD, SSD) |
| +-----------------+
v
+-----------------+
|
Output Unit |----> Output
Devices (Monitor, Printer, etc.)
+-----------------+
Working
Principles of a Computer
Ans. The
computer operates based on the Input-Process-Storage-Output cycle:
1. Input: Data
and instructions are fed into the computer via input devices.
2. Process: The
CPU processes the input data by performing computations and logical operations.
3. Storage: Data
and instructions are stored in memory for immediate or future use.
4. Output: Processed data is presented to the user through output devices.
Detailed
Explanation of Each Component
1. Input Unit:
- Function: Accepts data and instructions
from the user or external sources.
- Examples: Keyboard, mouse, scanner,
microphone, webcam.
- How it Works:
- Input devices convert user actions
(e.g., typing, clicking) into digital signals the computer understands.
- For example, a keyboard sends binary
codes corresponding to pressed keys to the CPU.
- Role in the System: Acts as the interface between the user and the computer, enabling data entry.
2. Central
Processing Unit (CPU):
- Often called the "brain" of the
computer, the CPU is responsible for executing instructions.
- Subcomponents:
-
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
- Performs arithmetic operations
(addition, subtraction, etc.) and logical operations (comparisons like AND, OR,
NOT).
- Example: If a program requires adding
two numbers, the ALU handles the computation.
- Control Unit (CU):
- Directs the operation of the processor
by fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, and coordinating their
execution.
- It controls data flow between the CPU,
memory, and input/output devices.
- Registers:
- Small, high-speed storage areas within
the CPU for temporary data during processing (e.g., instruction register,
program counter).
- How it Works:
- The CPU follows the Fetch-Decode-Execute
cycle:
1. Fetch: Retrieves an instruction from
memory.
2. Decode: Interprets the instruction to
determine the required action.
3. Execute: Performs the instruction
(e.g., computation or data transfer).
- The CPU interacts with memory and I/O
devices to complete tasks.
3. Memory Unit:
- Stores data and instructions for
processing.
- Types:
- Primary Memory (RAM):
- Volatile, temporary storage used for
data and instructions the CPU needs immediately.
- Example: When you open a program, it’s
loaded into RAM for quick access.
- Fast but limited in capacity and loses
data when power is off.
- Secondary Memory (HDD, SSD):
- Non-volatile, permanent storage for
data and programs.
- Example: Hard drives or solid-state
drives store operating systems, files, and applications.
- Slower than RAM but offers larger
capacity.
- Cache Memory:
- High-speed memory between the CPU and
RAM to store frequently accessed data, improving processing speed.
- How it Works:
- The CPU retrieves data/instructions from memory, processes them, and stores results back in memory if needed.
4. Output Unit:
- Function: Presents processed data to the
user in a usable form.
- Examples: Monitor, printer, speakers.
- How it Works:
- Converts processed digital data into
human-readable or usable formats (e.g., text/images on a screen, printed
documents).
- Example: A monitor displays the results
of a calculation performed by the CPU.
- Role in the System: Communicates the
results of processing to the user.
b) Describe the use of computers in the education field.
Ans. Computers have transformed education by enhancing teaching, learning, and administration. Below is a concise description of their uses in the education field:
1. Enhanced Learning:
- E-Learning Platforms: Computers enable
access to online courses (e.g., Coursera, Khan Academy), allowing students to
learn at their own pace.
- Interactive Tools:
Software like simulations, educational games, and virtual labs (e.g., PhET
simulations) make complex subjects engaging and interactive.
- Access to Resources: Students use computers to access digital libraries, research databases (e.g., Google Scholar), and educational videos.
2. Teaching and Instruction:
- Digital
Classrooms: Teachers use computers for presentations, interactive whiteboards,
and multimedia to deliver lessons.
- Learning
Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Moodle or Google Classroom help
teachers share materials, assign tasks, and track progress.
- Personalized Learning: Adaptive software tailors content to individual student needs (e.g., Duolingo for language learning).
3. Administrative Efficiency:
- Record Keeping:
Computers manage student records, grades, and attendance through software like
PowerSchool.
- Communication:
Email and platforms like Zoom facilitate parent-teacher meetings and remote
classes.
- Timetabling: Software automates scheduling for classes and exams.
4. Skill Development:
- Digital Literacy:
Students learn coding, data analysis, and software use (e.g., Python, Microsoft
Office), preparing them for modern careers.
- Collaboration: Tools like Google Docs enable group projects and real-time collaboration.
5. Accessibility and Inclusion:
- Special Needs
Support: Assistive technologies (e.g., text-to-speech, screen readers) aid
students with disabilities.
- Remote Learning: Computers enable education for students in remote areas via online classes.
6. Research and Innovation:
- Data Analysis:
Computers help researchers and students analyze data using tools like SPSS or
Excel.
- Virtual Reality (VR): VR applications create immersive learning experiences, such as virtual field trips.
Impact: Computers make education more accessible,
interactive, and efficient, enabling personalized learning, global
connectivity, and skill development for the digital age.