Hardware and Components

Exercises

Fill in the blanks

Question 1
A computer system coordinates between hardware
and software.

Question 2
A computer is an electronic data processing machine.

Question 3
The CPU is considered to be the brain of a computer
system.

Question 4
Hardware and software are complementary to each other.

Question 5
A byte is the smallest unit of memory which represents a
character in a computer.

Question 6
A set of computer programs with the help of which the
system works, is known as software.

Question 9
Secondary memory is known as an auxiliary memory of the
computer system.
Question 10

Ports are the connecting nodes to interface the peripheral

devices with the processor.

Label the block diagram

Question 1
Label the given block diagram to depict the basic
organisation of a computer system

Answer
Name the following

Question 1

Two application softwares

Answer

1. MS Paint
2. Microsoft Excel

Question 2

Two system softwares

Answer

1. Windows 10
2. Linux

Question 3

Four major parts of a computer system

Answer

1. Central Processing Unit

2. Memory
3. Input
4. Output

Question 4

Two types of primary memory

Answer

1. Random Access Memory

2. Read Only Memory

Short Answer Questions

Question 1
Define System Software.

Answer

System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operations of a
computer system. They support the running of other softwares and communicate with the
peripheral devices.

For example, operating system.

Question 2

Define the term 'hardware' with an example.

Answer

Hardware refers to the machinery and to the various components and equipment of the
computer system. It refers to all the physical devices of the computer system.

For example, monitor, keyboard etc.

Question 3

Define software. How is it classified?

Answer

Software refers to a set of computer programs, procedures and associated documents that
describe how the programs are to be used. It is a collection of programs that aim at enhancing
the capabilities of the hardware.

Software are classified into two types:

1. System software
2. Application software

Question 4

What is meant by the term 'memory'? What are its types?

Answer

Memory is the basic unit of a computer where it can store data and instructions.

Memory is of two types-

1. Primary Memory
2. Secondary Memory

Differentiate between the following

Question 1

Hardware and Software

Answer

Hardware Software

It refers to the programs that

It is required to store and
enable a computer to perform
run a software.
specific tasks.

Hardware starts Software is installed on the

functioning once a hardware to deliver its set of
software is loaded. instructions.

Hardware is physical in
Software is logical in nature.
nature.

There are more chances

Software does not have a failure
of failure in hardware
rate and hence, is more reliable.
devices.

Hardware components Software can be viewed at the time

can be seen and touched. of execution/loading.

Question 2

System Software and Application Software

Answer

System Software Application Software

It is designed to control It is designed to carry out specific

the operations of a tasks such as creating documents
computer system. etc.

These programs help in These programs allow a computer to

the running of other perform useful tasks beyond the
softwares. running of the system itself.

For example- Windows For example- MS Word

 System Software Application Software

10

Question 3

Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)

Answer

Random Access Memory

Read Only Memory (ROM)
(RAM)

Data or instructions can The stored information can only

randomly be read as well as be read but new information
written onto it. cannot be written onto it.

Any information stored in it The information in ROM remains

is lost when the power intact even if the power supply is
supply is switched-off. switched-off.

Question 4

Primary Memory and Secondary Memory

Answer

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

It is the auxiliary memory from

It is the main memory of
where stored data can be
the computer system.
retrieved.

Data and instructions get Data or instructions are stored for

erased as soon as the future use, even when the
computer is switched off. computer has been switched off.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1

Hardware and software are complementary to each other. Explain.

Answer

Hardware refers to all the visible devices which are assembled together to
build a computer system. Software refers to the computer programs that
are loaded into the computer system. The blending of software and
hardware gives life to a computer system.

Though hardware is the physical part of a computer, it is nothing unless it

has a software to control it. In a way, hardware is like a car without a
driver. Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do
and how to perform the requested actions.

Hence, both are essential to get the work done. Hardware and software
are complementary to each other.

Question 2

What is a modem? What are its types? Explain.

Answer

A modem is a device that modulates outgoing digital signals from a

computer or other digital devices to analog signals. It also demodulates
the incoming analog signals and converts them to digital signals for the
digital device.

Modems are of three types-

1. Internal modem — These are attached to the internal slot of the

motherboard. These are categorised as full duplex and half duplex
which are used for fax and internet communications. They can also
be used for data and voice communication.

2. External modem — It is a small box connected to the

communication port of the computer. It works similar to the internal
modem. The only difference is that it is placed outside the CPU box.

3. USB modem — It refers to any type of data/fax/voice modem

device which can be connected to a computer using the USB port. It
looks just like a USB flash drive but is smaller in size.

Question 3

What is meant by the term 'ports'? Explain the different types of ports.

Answer

Ports are the connecting nodes to interface the peripheral devices with
the processor. They act as a bridge between the external devices and the
CPU for data communication.
The different types of ports are as follows:

1. Serial port — It is used to supply data serially i.e., bit by bit. It uses
a single wire for communication. This port takes much time to
transfer data i.e., it transfers a byte in eight tries. Serial ports are
usually available with 9 pins or 24 pins and allow connections of
mouse, modem etc.

2. Parallel port — This type of port is available with a 24 pins female

connector and is capable of transmitting eight bit signals at a time
i.e., the bits travel parallel to each other. The transfer rate is eight
times faster than a serial port. This port is basically to connect CD-
writers, scanners, printers, hard disks etc.

3. USB port — This port is usually designed to connect printers,

plotters, mouse, joystick, pen drives, digital cameras etc. with a
single plug arrangement. It avoids pin configuration of the ports.

Question 5
What are the main functions of the CPU? Explain.
Answer
Central Processing Unit is 'the brain of the computer' and
takes all the major decisions in a computer system. CPU
consists of three main components. The functions of these
components are as follows:
1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit(ALU) — All the
arithmetical and logical operations are performed
through this unit. An arithmetical operation includes
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and logical
operations include all types of comparisons.
2. Control Unit — This unit controls each and every part
of the computer system along with the peripherals. It
retrieves data and instructions from the memory and
sends the commands to various parts of the computer
system.
3. Memory Unit — This unit provides space for storing
data, instructions, intermediate results and final results.