INFORMATICS PRACTICES CLASS 11
Chapter - 1: Computer System
1. Name the software required to make a computer functional. Write down its two primary functions.
Software required: Operating System (OS)
Two primary functions are:
1. Resource Management: It manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, storage devices and input/output devices.
2. User Interface: It provides an interface that allows users to interact with the computer and run applications.
2. What is the need of RAM? How does it differ from ROM?
Need of RAM: RAM (Random Access Memory) is needed to temporarily store programs and data that are currently being used by the CPU. It allows fast access to information and helps the computer perform tasks efficiently.
Difference between RAM and ROM:
1. RAM is volatile memory; data is lost when power is turned off.
2. ROM is non-volatile memory; data remains even after power is turned off.
3. RAM can be read and written easily.
4. ROM mainly stores permanent instructions and is generally not modified by users.
3. What is the need for secondary memory?
Secondary memory is needed for permanent storage of data and programs. It stores information even when the computer is switched off. It also provides much larger storage capacity than primary memory at a lower cost.
4. Draw the block diagram of a computer system. Briefly write about the functionality of each component.
Block Diagram:
Input Unit → CPU (Control Unit + ALU + Memory Unit) → Output Unit
Functions of each component:
1. Input Unit: Accepts data and instructions from the user and converts them into machine-readable form.
2. CPU (Central Processing Unit): It is called the brain of the computer and processes all instructions.
3. Control Unit (CU): Controls and coordinates all activities of the computer.
4. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic operations and logical comparisons.
5. Memory Unit: Stores data, instructions and intermediate results.
6. Output Unit: Displays the processed information to the user.
5. Differentiate between proprietary software and freeware software. Name two software of each type.
Proprietary Software:
Software owned by a company or individual that requires permission or a license to use, modify or distribute.
Examples: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Office
Freeware Software:
Software available free of cost for users, but its source code is usually not available for modification.
Examples: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Skype
6. Mention any browsers used for browsing the internet.
Some commonly used web browsers are:
1. Google Chrome
2. Mozilla Firefox
3. Microsoft Edge
4. Safari
5. Opera
7. Name the input/output device used to do the following:
a) To output audio
Answer: Speakers
b) To enter textual data
Answer: Keyboard
c) To make hard copy of a text file
Answer: Printer
d) To display the data/information
Answer: Monitor
e) To enter audio-based command
Answer: Microphone
f) To build 3D models
Answer: 3D Printer
g) To assist a visually impaired individual in entering data
Answer: Braille Keyboard
8. Identify the category (system, application, programming tool) of the following software:
a) Compiler
Answer: Programming Tool
b) Assembler
Answer: Programming Tool
c) Ubuntu
Answer: System Software
d) Text editor
Answer: Programming Tool
9. Convert the following into bytes:
a) 2 MB
1 MB = 1024 × 1024 bytes
2 MB = 2 × 1024 × 1024
= 2,097,152 bytes
b) 3.7 GB
1 GB = 1024³ bytes
3.7 GB = 3.7 × 1,073,741,824
= 3,972,844,749 bytes (approximately)
c) 1.2 TB
1 TB = 1024⁴ bytes
1.2 TB = 1.2 × 1,099,511,627,776
= 1,319,413,953,331 bytes (approximately)
10. What are the security threats involved when we throw away electronic gadgets that are non-functional?
Discarded electronic gadgets may still contain personal and sensitive data. If storage devices are not properly erased, unauthorized people may recover information such as passwords, bank details, personal photographs and confidential documents. Therefore, devices should be securely wiped or physically destroyed before disposal.
11. Write down the type of memory needed to do the following:
a) To store data permanently
Answer: Secondary Memory (Hard Disk, SSD)
b) To execute the program
Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory)
c) To store the instructions which cannot be overwritten
Answer: ROM (Read Only Memory)