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a. What is a computer? Write any two characteristics of a computer.

➢ A computer is an electronic device that can process information and perform tasks based on
instructions given to it. Characteristics of a computer:
o Speed: Computers can process information and perform calculations at incredibly fast speeds.
o Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate in performing calculations and processing data, with
minimal errors.
b. Difference between impact printer and non-impact printer.
• Impact Printer: In an impact printer, the printing mechanism physically strikes the paper to create
an impression. Examples include dot matrix printers and daisy wheel printers.
• Non-impact Printer: In a non-impact printer, there is no physical contact between the printing
head and the paper. Examples include inkjet printers and laser printers.
c. What is language processor (translator)? Write examples.
➢ A language processor is a software program that translates human-readable code (source code) into
machine-readable code (object code) that the computer can understand and execute. Examples:
o Compiler: Translates the entire source code into object code before execution.
o Interpreter: Translates and executes the source code line by line.

d. What is input device? Write two examples.

➢ An input device is a hardware component that allows you to enter data or instructions into the
computer. Examples:
o Keyboard: Used to input text and commands.
o Mouse: Used to control the cursor and interact with objects on the screen.
e. What is secondary memory? Write its types.
➢ Secondary memory is a type of storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU. It is used to store
data and programs for long-term storage. Types:
o Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Stores data magnetically on spinning platters.
o Solid State Drive (SSD): Stores data electronically using flash memory.
f. What is computer software? What are the major types of software?
➢ Computer Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do. It is the
intangible part of the computer system. Major Types of Software:
o System Software: Controls the basic operations of the computer, such as the operating system.
o Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks, such as word processing,
spreadsheets, and games.
g. What is proprietary software? Write two examples.
➢ Proprietary software is software that is owned by a specific company or individual and is not freely
available to the public.
• Examples:
o Microsoft Windows: An operating system owned by Microsoft.
o Adobe Photoshop: An image editing software owned by Adobe.
h. Difference between CRT and LCD monitor.
• CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Older technology, bulky and heavier. Uses an electron beam to
display images on the screen.
• LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Flat-panel technology, lighter and more energy-efficient. Uses
liquid crystals to display images.
i. What is supercomputer?
➢ A supercomputer is a powerful computer designed for high-performance computing tasks, such as
scientific research, weather forecasting, and financial modeling.
j. What is device driver?
➢ A device driver is a small software program that allows the computer's operating system to
communicate with a specific hardware device.
k. Difference between analog and digital computer.
Analog Computer:
o Represents data using continuous physical quantities like voltage or current.
o Works by measuring and manipulating these analog quantities.
o Examples: Thermometers, speedometers, slide rules.
Digital Computer:
o Represents data using discrete values, typically in the form of binary digits (0s and 1s).
o Performs calculations and processes information based on these discrete values.
o Examples: Desktops, laptops, smartphones, tablets.
l. What is a computer system?
A computer system is a complete set of hardware and software components that work together to process
information. It includes:
• Hardware: The physical components of the computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, storage devices,
input/output devices).
• Software: The programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do (e.g., operating systems,
application software).
m. What is memory? Write its types.
➢ Memory is a electronic component of a computer system that stores data and instructions
temporarily or permanently. Types:
Primary Memory (RAM):
▪ Volatile memory (data is lost when the power is turned off).
▪ Used to store data and instructions that are currently being used by the CPU.
Secondary Memory:
▪ Non-volatile memory (data persists even when the power is off).
▪ Used for long-term storage of data and programs. Examples include hard drives, SSDs, and optical
drives.
n. What is optical storage? Write with examples.
➢ Optical storage is a method of storing data on a computer that uses a laser to read and write
information. Examples:
o CD-ROM: Read-Only Memory, used for storing audio and data.
o DVD: Digital Versatile Disc, used for storing movies, music, and data.
o Blu-ray: High-capacity optical disc used for storing high-definition video and data.
o. Write the function of CU and ALU.
CU (Control Unit):
o Responsible for fetching instructions from memory.
o Decodes the instructions to determine the required operations.
o Directs the flow of data and controls the operation of other components (e.g., ALU, memory).
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit):
o Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
o Performs logical operations (AND, OR, NOT).
o Provides the results of these operations to the CU.
p. What are the features of a hybrid computer?
➢ Hybrid Computer is combines the characteristics of both analog and digital computers. Features:
o Can handle both continuous and discrete data.
o Offers the speed and accuracy of digital computers with the ability to model real-world systems
more naturally.
o Used in applications like flight simulators, process control, and scientific simulations.
q. What is a printer?
➢ Printer is an output device that creates a physical representation of digital data, typically on paper.
Types:
o Impact printers: Strike the paper to create an impression (e.g., dot matrix printers).
o Non-impact printers: Use lasers or ink to create images (e.g., inkjet printers, laser printers).
s. Explain the phrase ‘Garbage In Garbage Out’.
➢ The phrase ‘Garbage In Garbage Out’ means that the quality of output from a computer depends on
the quality of the input. If incorrect, incomplete, or invalid data is entered (garbage in), the output
will also be incorrect or meaningless (garbage out).
t. Difference between mini computers and microcomputers.

Feature Mini Computers Microcomputers

Larger and more powerful than Smaller and less powerful

Size
microcomputers. than mini computers.

High processing power, capable of Lower processing power

Processing
handling multiple users and tasks compared to mini
Power
simultaneously. computers.

More expensive than Generally, more affordable

Cost
microcomputers. than mini computers.

Older models like the VAX, IBM Desktops, laptops, tablets,

Examples
midrange servers. smartphones.

Export to Sheets
u. What is computer hardware? Write two examples.
➢ Computer hardware is the physical components of a computer system. These are the tangible parts
that you can see and touch. Examples:
o Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, responsible for processing
instructions.
o Hard Disk Drive (HDD): A storage device used to store data permanently.
v. What is output device? Write two examples.
➢ Output device is a hardware component that allows you to see or hear the results of the computer's
processing. Examples:
o Monitor: Displays visual output on a screen.
o Printer: Produces a physical copy of digital data on paper.
w. What is primary memory? Write its types.
➢ Primary memory, also known as main memory, is the memory that a computer uses to store data
and instructions that are currently being processed. It is fast, volatile, and directly accessible by the
CPU. Types of Primary Memory:
1. RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage used for running programs and processes.
2. ROM (Read-Only Memory): Permanent storage containing essential system instructions like
the BIOS.
x. What is utility software? Name any two utility programs.
➢ Utility Software is software designed to perform specific tasks that help manage and maintain the
computer system. Examples:
o Antivirus software: Protects the computer from viruses and malware.
o Disk Defragmenter: Rearranges fragmented files on the hard drive to improve performance.
y. What is CPU? List its main sections:
➢ The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer that performs calculations,
processes data, and executes instructions. Main Sections of the CPU:
i. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical calculations and logical
operations.
ii. Control Unit (CU): Directs and coordinates the operations of the computer.
iii. Registers: Temporary storage for instructions and data during processing.
z. What is open-source software? Write two examples:
➢ Open-source software is software with source code that is freely available for modification,
enhancement, and distribution by anyone. Examples: Linux Operating System, Mozilla Firefox
aa. What are the different types of microcomputers?
➢ Microcomputers are small, affordable computers designed for individual use. Types include:
1. Desktop Computers: Used for personal or office work.
2. Laptops: Portable computers with built-in battery.
3. Tablets: Touchscreen devices with lightweight design.
4. Smartphones: Handheld devices with computing capabilities.

bb. Difference between Input and Output:

Feature Input Output

Data or commands sent to the Data or results produced by the
Definition
computer computer
Devices Input devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse) Output devices (e.g., monitor, printer)
Purpose Provides information to the system Displays or conveys results to the user

cc. Difference between ROM and RAM.

ROM (Read-Only
Feature RAM (Random Access Memory)
Memory)

Type Non-volatile Volatile

Data Retains data even when

Loses data when the power is off
Retention the power is off

Generally slower than

Speed Faster than ROM
RAM

Stores temporary data (e.g.,

Stores permanent data
Purpose programs, data being used by the
(e.g., BIOS, firmware)
CPU)
dd. What is internet?
➢ Internet is a global network of interconnected computers and servers that allows users to share and
access information, communicate, and perform various tasks.
ee. What is web browser?
➢ A web browser is a software application that allows users to access and interact with content on
the World Wide Web.
ff. what is search engine?
➢ A search engine is an online tool that helps users find information on the internet.
gg. what is HTML?
➢ HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the standard language used to create and structure
content on the web.
hh. what is html tag?
➢ HTML tag is a code element used in HTML to define the structure and content of a web page.
ii. what is keyword?
A keyword is a reserved word that has a specific meaning in a programming language.
jj. what is variable?
➢ A variable is a named storage location in a computer's memory that holds a value.
kk. what is program?
➢ A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform specific tasks.
2. Full forms [5*1= 5]
a. SSD: Solid State Drive
b. SRAM: Static Random-Access Memory
c. BCR: Bar Code Reader
d. CRT: Cathode Ray Tube
e. WAN: Wide Area Network
f. CUI: Character User Interface
g. DRAM: Dynamic Random Access Memory
h. USB: Universal Serial Bus
i. MAN: Metropolitan Area Network
j. IBM. International Business Machine
k. LED: Light Emitting Diode
l. LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
m. HDD: Hard Disk Drive
n. EPROM: Erasable and Programmable Read-Only Memory
o. OCR: Optical Character Reader
p. GUI: Graphical User Interface
q. LAN: Local Area Network
r. ALU: Arithmetic and Logic Unit