THE ASIAN SCHOOL

KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
GRADE: 9 SUBJECT: COMPUTER SCIENCE

UNIT 1 – COMPUTER SYSTEM OVERVIEW

FILL IN THE BLANKS:

1. The word computer is derived from the Latin word Computare.
2.External Memory is also known as Secondary Memory.
3. Processed form of data as per user instructions are called Information.
4. Central Processing Unit is known as the brain of the computer.
5. A storage location where the data is stored temporarily is called Primary
memory.
STATE TRUE OR FALSE
1)Primary Memory is much slower than secondary Memory - False
2)Flash Drive is not a portable storage device – False
3)Memory cards are generally used in digital cameras -True
4)The Unit of measurement of computer memory is CD – False
5)DVD is an example of primary Memory – False
ANSWER THE FOLLOWING:
1.What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device which accepts user data and instructions,
processes it and produces the useful output.
2. What are the functions of the computer?
Computer has mainly four functions to perform:
a. Input: Accepts data and instructions.
b. Processing: Manipulates data as per instructions.
c. Output: Produces desired output/information
d. Storage: Stores data, instructions and information.
3. Explain the components of a computer system with a diagram?
The components of a computer system can be explained with the help of a block
diagram as follows.

INPUT UNIT
Functions of an input unit as are follows:
Accepts the input in the form of raw data and instructions and converts them to
computer understandable form (binary code) and transfers them to the main
memory of the computer.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)
It is the brain of the computer which is the main control centre and processing
unit. It directs and controls the performance of a computer with the help of the
following sub components.
CONTROL UNIT
The functions of control unit are as follows:
• Controls the data and instruction flow from input devices to memory and from
memory to output devices.
• Ensures that all the required operations are done properly by different parts of
the computer, by sending control signals.
ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU)
• It carries out all the mathematical operations and logical operations.
• For example, when two numbers are to be added, it receives the numbers
from the memory and finds the sum. The sum found is sent back to the
memory.
• Logical operations are also carried out the same way and results are returned
as TRUE or FALSE, based on which the decision making is done by the
computer.
4.What are the characteristics of a computer?
a. Speed: A computer can execute basic operations like addition or subtraction
at a speed of a few microseconds i.e., millionth of a second.
b. Accuracy: Computers are very accurate. If the input data entered into the
computer is correct, and the set of instructions given are correct, then the result
produced will be accurate.
c. High Storage Capacity: A computer has a very large memory. It can store a
large amount of data in a very small space and retrieve the information instantly
and correctly when desired.
d. Diligence: Being a machine it does not suffer from boredom, tiredness or
lack of concentration. Even if millions of calculations are to be performed, it
will perform the last calculation with the same accuracy and speed as it has
done in the first one.
e. Versatile: Computers can perform different types of jobs efficiently. They can
work with different types of data and information.

5.Difference between Primary and Secondary Storage?

6. Difference between RAM and ROM?

7.Define the following terms:

1. Data: Raw facts or figures.
2. Input: Data or command that is entered into the computer.
3. Output: Result produced by the computer.
4. Processing: Doing calculations or comparisons.
5. Store: To retain information in the computer.
6. Retrieve: To get back the information stored in the computer.
7 .RAM: Random Access Memory
8. ROM: Read Only Memory
9. PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory
10.EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
11.EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
12.Bit: A binary digit, either 0 or 1.
13.Nibble: A group of 4 bits is called a nibble
14.Byte: A combination of 8 bits is called a byte.
1024 BYTES = 1 KILO BYTE
1024 KILOBYTE = 1 MEGABYTE
1024 MEGABYTE = 1 GIGABYTE
1024 GIGABYTE = 1 TERABYTE
1024 TERAABYTE = 1 PETABYTE
15.Hard Disk: Magnetic disk consisting of rigid aluminium substance coated
usually on both sides with a magnetic material
16.Pen Drive: A light weight, small, removable and re-writable data storage
device.
17.CD-ROM: Compact -Disc Read only Memory is a memory that provides
read only access to a large amount of data for use on computer system.
18. Monitor: A TV like screen, which displays results. Monitor is also called
VDU (Visual Display Unit)
19.Cursor: A bright spot blinking on the screen.
20.Hard copy: Output produced on paper, which is permanent and can be
referred at any time.
21.Soft copy: Output produced on VDU/ Monitor which is temporary.
22.Plotter: An output device used to print graphs and figures.
23.Printer: An output device used to print output on paper.
24.Impact Printer: Printer in which a print head strikes an inked ribbon and
prints a character on paper.
25.Non-impact printer: These printers use thermal, chemical, laser beam or
inkjet technology for printing.
26.Hardware: All electronic and mechanical components of the system which
can be seen and touched. Eg: Keyboard, Monitor
27.Software: Set of programs which governs the working of computer and
instruct the computer to perform the desired operation on data are called
software. Ex: Ms Word, MySQL.
28.Operating System: A Software which manages system resources and act as an
interface between user and computer. Ex: Windows, Linux.