BCC Question Bank Answers
BCC Question Bank Answers
A computer is an electronic device that can process, store, and retrieve data. It
can perform various tasks, such as arithmetic operations, data analysis,
andcommunication.
The different parts of a computer include:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): It is the brain of the computer and performs
most of the processing tasks. It executes instructions and coordinates the
functions of other components.
Random Access Memory (RAM): It is the temporary storage area where the
CPU stores data and instructions that are currently in use.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD): It is the permanent storage
area where the computer stores data and software programs.
Motherboard: It is the main circuit board that connects and controls all the
other components of the computer.
Input Devices: These include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, and microphone.
They allow users to input data and commands into the computer.
Output Devices: These include the monitor, printer, and speakers. They display
the results of the computer's processing and output data in a human-readable
format.
Power Supply Unit (PSU): It supplies the necessary power to run the computer
and its components.
Peripheral Devices: These include any external devices that can be connected
to the computer, such as external hard drives, printers, and scanners.
All of these components work together to perform the various tasks that a
computer is capable of.
2. How does a computer work?
A computer works by executing a series of instructions that are stored in its
memory. These instructions are typically written in a programming language
and are translated into machine language, which is the binary code that the
computer's CPU can understand.
The process begins when a user inputs data or instructions through an input
device, such as a keyboard or mouse. This data is then transmitted to the CPU,
which interprets and processes the input according to the instructions it has
been given.
The CPU then retrieves data from the computer's memory or storage devices,
performs any necessary calculations or operations on that data, and then
stores the results back in the memory or storage devices.
Finally, the computer outputs the results through an output device, such as a
monitor or printer, where it can be read or used by the user.
This process repeats continuously, with the computer executing instructions in
a specific order, known as a program or software, until the task is complete or
the user shuts down the computer.
Overall, the computer works by processing and manipulating data according to
instructions, which enables it to perform a wide variety of tasks, from simple
arithmetic calculations to complex data analysis and communication.
3. Draw the architecture of a computer system. Discuss about its various
parts.
Here is a basic diagram of the architecture of a computer system:
yamlCopy code
_____________________ | | | Input | | Devices | |_____________________|
|| \/ _____________________ | | | CPU | |_____________________| || \/
_____________________ | | | Memory & Storage |
|_____________________| || \/ _____________________ | | | Output | |
Devices | |_____________________|
The various parts of a computer system include:
Input devices: These devices allow the user to input data and commands into
the computer system. Examples include the keyboard, mouse, scanner, and
microphone.
CPU: The Central Processing Unit is the main processing component of the
computer system. It performs arithmetic and logic operations on data and
executes program instructions.
Memory & Storage: These components provide storage for data and program
instructions. Memory is temporary storage for data that is currently in use by
the CPU, while storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives provide
long-term storage for data and programs.
Output devices: These devices display or output the results of the computer's
processing in a human-readable format. Examples include the monitor, printer,
and speakers.
Buses: Buses are the channels through which data is transmitted between the
various components of the computer system. They allow the CPU to
communicate with memory and storage, and allow input and output devices to
communicate with the CPU.
Overall, the architecture of a computer system is designed to allow for the
efficient processing, storage, and retrieval of data, and for the output of that
data in a usable format for the user.
4. What is OS? Why do we need OS?
An operating system (OS) is a software program that manages computer
hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer
programs. It acts as a communication bridge between the hardware and the
software, allowing them to interact and work together.
We need an operating system for several reasons:
Resource Management: An operating system manages computer resources
such as CPU, memory, and storage devices. It allocates resources to different
programs and users in a way that maximizes efficiency and minimizes conflicts.
Program Execution: The OS provides an interface for users to execute and
manage programs. It manages the program execution process, including
loading programs into memory, starting and stopping programs, and handling
program errors.
User Interface: An operating system provides an interface for users to interact
with the computer. This includes graphical user interfaces (GUIs), command-
line interfaces (CLIs), and touch-based interfaces.
File Management: An operating system manages the storage and retrieval of
files and directories on storage devices. This includes managing access to files
and directories, creating and deleting files and directories, and organizing files
and directories.
Security: An operating system provides security features to protect the system
and its resources from unauthorized access or damage. This includes user
authentication, access control, and malware protection.
Overall, an operating system plays a critical role in the efficient and effective
management of computer resources and in providing a user-friendly interface
for users to interact with the computer. Without an operating system, it would
be difficult for users to use a computer effectively, and for software programs
to run smoothly and efficiently.
5. What are the goals of OS? What are the functionalities of OS?
The goals of an operating system (OS) can be broadly classified into four
categories:
Convenience: The OS should provide a convenient and easy-to-use interface
for users to interact with the computer.
Efficiency: The OS should allocate resources (such as CPU time, memory, and
storage) in an efficient and effective manner to maximize the performance of
the computer system.
Security: The OS should provide security mechanisms to protect the system
and its resources from unauthorized access or damage.
Adaptability: The OS should be adaptable to new hardware and software
environments and should be able to evolve to meet changing needs.
The functionalities of an operating system can be grouped into the following
categories:
Process management: The OS manages the execution of multiple processes or
programs at the same time, ensuring that each process gets the required
resources and is able to execute efficiently without interfering with other
processes.
Memory management: The OS manages the allocation and deallocation of
memory to running processes to ensure that each process has enough memory
to execute.
File management: The OS manages the storage and retrieval of files on storage
devices, including organizing files into directories, managing access to files and
directories, and providing backup and recovery facilities.
Device management: The OS manages communication with external devices
such as printers, scanners, and other input/output devices.
Security management: The OS provides security mechanisms such as user
authentication, access control, and malware protection to ensure the safety
and integrity of the system and its resources.
Network management: The OS provides facilities for managing network
connections, including communication protocols, network resource allocation,
and network security.
Overall, the functionalities of an operating system are designed to provide a
reliable and efficient interface between the hardware and software of a
computer system and to ensure that the system operates smoothly and
effectively.
9. Discuss about the modes of OS. What is Kernel? What do you mean by
System Call?
Modes of OS: There are typically two modes of operation in an operating
system: kernel mode and user mode. These modes are used to protect the
operating system from user applications and to provide a mechanism for
privileged operations to be performed.
Kernel mode is a privileged mode of operation in which the operating system
has full access to the hardware and system resources. In this mode, the
operating system can execute any instruction and perform any operation
without any restrictions. User mode, on the other hand, is a non-privileged
mode of operation in which user applications are executed. In this mode, user
applications have limited access to the hardware and system resources and are
restricted from performing privileged operations.
Kernel: The kernel is the core component of an operating system that provides
basic services to other parts of the operating system and to user applications.
It is responsible for managing system resources, such as the CPU, memory, and
I/O devices, and for providing a common interface for user applications to
access these resources. The kernel is always running in kernel mode and has
full access to the hardware and system resources.
System Call: A system call is a mechanism by which a user application can
request a service from the operating system. When a user application requires
access to system resources that are not available in user mode, it makes a
system call to request the service from the operating system. The system call
transfers control from user mode to kernel mode, allowing the operating
system to perform the requested operation on behalf of the user application.
Examples of system calls include opening and closing files, reading and writing
to files, creating new processes, and allocating and freeing memory. System
calls are typically exposed to user applications through a set of application
programming interfaces (APIs) provided by the operating system.
10.What are the different types of OS? Briefly write about them.
There are several types of operating systems, each with its own characteristics
and features. Here are some of the most common types of operating systems:
Batch Operating System: In a batch operating system, jobs are submitted in
batches and processed without user interaction. Examples of batch operating
systems include IBM OS/360 and its successors.
Real-time Operating System: A real-time operating system is designed to
handle real-time applications that require quick response times and
predictable timing behavior. Examples include VxWorks and QNX.
Network Operating System: A network operating system is designed to
manage and control network resources and provide network services to other
computers on the network. Examples include Novell NetWare and Microsoft
Windows Server.
Distributed Operating System: A distributed operating system is designed to
manage a group of interconnected computers and provide a common set of
services and resources to users. Examples include Linux clusters and Microsoft
Windows HPC Server.
Embedded Operating System: An embedded operating system is designed to
run on embedded systems such as routers, switches, and other specialized
devices. Examples include VxWorks, Embedded Linux, and Windows
Embedded.
Mobile Operating System: A mobile operating system is designed for mobile
devices such as smartphones and tablets. Examples include iOS, Android, and
Windows Mobile.
Desktop Operating System: A desktop operating system is designed for
personal computers and workstations. Examples include Microsoft Windows,
macOS, and Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Fedora.
Server Operating System: A server operating system is designed to provide
services and resources to other computers on a network. Examples include
Microsoft Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and Ubuntu Server.
Each type of operating system has its own unique features and capabilities,
and is optimized for specific use cases and environments.
11.What do you mean by network?
A network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as computers,
servers, printers, and other devices, that are able to communicate with each
other and share resources. Networks can be classified based on their size and
scope, ranging from small, local area networks (LANs) to large, wide area
networks (WANs) that span multiple geographic locations.
Networks can be connected using various types of wired and wireless
communication technologies, such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular
data. They can also be connected using various types of network topologies,
such as bus, ring, star, and mesh.
The primary purpose of a network is to facilitate communication and
information sharing between devices and users. Networks can be used to
share files, printers, and other resources, as well as to access and use shared
applications and services. They can also be used to connect devices to the
internet and to other networks, allowing users to access remote resources and
communicate with users in other locations.
13.What do you mean by data? Discuss the various forms to represent data.
Data refers to any information or input that can be stored, processed, and
communicated by a computer or other digital device. This information can take
various forms, including text, numbers, images, audio, and video.
Here are some of the most common forms of data representation:
Text: Text data consists of characters and symbols that are used to represent
words, sentences, and other forms of written communication.
Numbers: Numeric data represents numerical values, such as integers,
decimals, and fractions.
Images: Image data represents visual information in the form of pictures,
graphics, and other visual media.
Audio: Audio data represents sound and other forms of audio input, such as
music, speech, and other types of audio recordings.
Video: Video data represents moving images and other forms of video input,
such as movies, TV shows, and other types of video recordings.
Signals: Signal data represents analog input that is converted into digital form
for processing by a computer or other digital device. Examples include
temperature readings, pressure measurements, and other types of sensor
data.
Each form of data has its own characteristics and requires different types of
processing and storage methods. In addition, data can be organized in
different ways, such as through databases, spreadsheets, and other data
management tools, to help users access, analyze, and use the information in a
meaningful way.
21.What do you mean by Big data? Discuss about the various types of Data.
Big data refers to extremely large data sets that cannot be easily processed
using traditional data processing methods. The size of big data sets can range
from terabytes to petabytes and beyond, and they are typically characterized
by three key attributes, known as the three Vs: volume, velocity, and variety.
Volume refers to the sheer size of the data sets, which can be so large that
they are difficult to store and process using traditional methods. Velocity refers
to the speed at which data is generated, which can be so fast that it is difficult
to process and analyze in real time. Variety refers to the diverse types of data
that can be included in big data sets, including structured data (such as data
stored in databases), semi-structured data (such as data stored in XML or JSON
files), and unstructured data (such as text, images, and videos).
There are various types of data, which can be broadly classified into structured,
semi-structured, and unstructured data.
Structured Data: Structured data is highly organized and can be easily stored
and processed using traditional database management systems. Examples of
structured data include data stored in tables, spreadsheets, and relational
databases.
Semi-Structured Data: Semi-structured data is less organized than structured
data and can be stored in formats such as XML or JSON. This type of data may
contain tags or other metadata that can help to organize and structure the
data.
Unstructured Data: Unstructured data is the most complex type of data and
includes text, images, videos, and other types of multimedia content. This type
of data is difficult to organize and process using traditional methods and
requires specialized tools and technologies.
In addition to these three types of data, there are also other types of data that
are important in the context of big data, such as time-series data, geospatial
data, and social media data. Each of these types of data presents its own
challenges in terms of storage, processing, and analysis, and requires
specialized tools and techniques to work with effectively.
22.Mention the sources of generating Big Data
Big data can be generated from a variety of sources, including:
Social media: Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
generate vast amounts of data in the form of posts, comments, likes, and
shares.
E-commerce: Online shopping platforms generate large amounts of data on
user behavior, product preferences, and purchase history.
Sensors and IoT devices: Sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices generate
vast amounts of data on everything from temperature and humidity to traffic
patterns and energy usage.
Business transactions: Financial transactions, inventory data, and customer
data generated by businesses can also contribute to big data sets.
Healthcare: Medical records, research data, and patient data generated by
healthcare organizations can also contribute to big data sets.
Government data: Government agencies generate vast amounts of data on
everything from census information to weather patterns and crime statistics.
Multimedia: Images, videos, and audio files generated by various sources can
also contribute to big data sets.
Overall, big data can be generated from virtually any source that produces
large amounts of data, and this data can be used to gain insights and make
better decisions in a wide range of industries and applications.
23.What are the characteristics of Big Data? What are the challenges
associated with Big Data?
Characteristics of Big Data:
Volume: Big data refers to data sets that are too large and complex to be
managed and analyzed using traditional data processing tools and techniques.
Velocity: Big data is generated at an incredibly fast pace, often in real time or
near real time.
Variety: Big data can come in many different forms, including structured data
(such as data stored in databases) and unstructured data (such as social media
posts, emails, and other forms of text).
Veracity: Big data can be messy and unreliable, with errors, inconsistencies,
and inaccuracies that must be identified and corrected.
Challenges associated with Big Data:
Data storage and management: Big data requires significant amounts of
storage space and specialized tools and techniques for managing and
processing large data sets.
Data quality: Big data can be messy and unreliable, with errors,
inconsistencies, and inaccuracies that must be identified and corrected.
Data privacy and security: Big data can contain sensitive information, and
ensuring the privacy and security of this data is a major challenge.
Data analysis: Big data requires specialized tools and techniques for analyzing
and extracting insights from large data sets, and these tools and techniques are
often complex and difficult to use.
Talent and skills: There is a shortage of skilled professionals with the expertise
to work with big data, and this talent gap is a major challenge for many
organizations.
Cost: Implementing big data solutions can be expensive, and the cost of
storing, managing, and processing large data sets can be prohibitive for some
organizations.
Overall, while big data offers many opportunities for businesses and
organizations, it also presents significant challenges that must be addressed in
order to realize its full potential.
24.What is Distributed OS? What are its characteristics?
A Distributed Operating System (DOS) is a type of operating system that
manages resources across a network of computers, rather than on a single
machine. In a distributed OS, multiple machines work together as a single
system, allowing resources such as processing power, storage, and memory to
be shared across the network.
Characteristics of a Distributed Operating System include:
Resource sharing: One of the main characteristics of a distributed OS is the
ability to share resources across multiple machines. This allows for better
utilization of resources and can improve overall system performance.
Transparency: A distributed OS should provide transparency to users and
applications, meaning that users and applications should not need to know or
care about the underlying network structure or the location of specific
resources.
Scalability: A distributed OS should be designed to scale seamlessly as the
network grows, without requiring major changes to the system architecture or
underlying infrastructure.
Fault tolerance: Because a distributed OS relies on a network of machines, it
should be designed to tolerate failures of individual machines or network
components without compromising overall system functionality.
Security: A distributed OS must be designed with security in mind, since
resources and data are being shared across a network. This includes measures
to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other security threats.
Coordination: A distributed OS must provide mechanisms for coordinating and
managing resources across the network, including distributed file systems,
distributed process management, and distributed scheduling algorithms.
Overall, a distributed OS provides a way to harness the power of a network of
computers and manage resources in a more efficient and effective way.
However, designing and implementing a distributed OS is a complex task that
requires careful consideration of many different factors, including network
topology, security, scalability, and fault tolerance.
25.Differentiate between Centralized Systems and Distributed Systems. Give
examples of Distributed Systems.
Centralized Systems and Distributed Systems are two different ways of
organizing computing resources. Here are the key differences between the
two:
Centralized Systems:
In a centralized system, all computing resources (such as processing power,
storage, and memory) are located on a single machine or set of machines.
Users and applications access these resources through a central point of
control, such as a mainframe or server.
Centralized systems are generally easier to manage and control, but can be
limited in their scalability and flexibility.
Distributed Systems:
In a distributed system, computing resources are distributed across a network
of machines, allowing for better scalability and flexibility.
Users and applications access resources through a decentralized network, and
individual machines can perform specific tasks or provide specific services.
Distributed systems can be more complex to manage and require careful
coordination between different machines and services.
Examples of Distributed Systems include:
Cloud Computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure,
and Google Cloud Platform.
Peer-to-peer file sharing networks such as BitTorrent, which rely on distributed
storage and bandwidth sharing.
Distributed databases such as Apache Cassandra, which allow for distributed
data storage and processing.
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) such as Akamai or Cloudflare, which
distribute content across a network of servers for faster access and improved
reliability.
Overall, while Centralized Systems and Distributed Systems have different
strengths and weaknesses, Distributed Systems have become increasingly
popular in recent years due to their scalability, flexibility, and ability to harness
the power of a network of machines.