MODULE -1

BASICS OF COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

1.What is Vonn-Newman architecture? (3 marks)

Ans: "Von Neumann architecture," named after the Hungarian-American mathematician and computer
scientist John von Neumann. It is the foundational design concept for most modern computers. Von
Neumann architecture consists of three main components:
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): Responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.
2. Memory: Used to store data and instructions, which can be accessed by the CPU.
3. Input/Output (I/O) devices: Enable communication with the outside world, such as keyboards, displays,
and storage devices.
This architecture allows data and instructions to be stored together in the same memory, making it possible
for the CPU to retrieve and process them sequentially.

2. What are the different input and output devices of PC(personal computer)?
(3 marks and 7 marks)
Ans: Input Devices:
1. Keyboard: Allows users to input text and commands by pressing keys.
2. Mouse: Enables users to navigate the graphical user interface and interact with objects on the screen.
3. Touchscreen: A display that can detect touch input, allowing users to interact directly with the screen.
4. Trackpad: Found on laptops, it serves as a touch-sensitive alternative to a mouse.
5. Microphone: Captures audio input, allowing users to record voice or interact with voice recognition
software.
6. Webcam: Captures video input, enabling video conferencing, video recording, and more.
7. Scanner: Converts physical documents or images into digital formats for storage and manipulation on the
computer.
Output Devices:
1. Monitor/Display: Displays visual output from the computer, showing images, videos, and text.
2. Printer: Produces hard copies of digital documents or images on paper.
3. Speakers: Produce audio output, allowing users to hear sounds, music, and other audio content.

4. Headphones/Earphones: Provide private audio output for users, ideal for listening to music, videos, or
taking calls.
5. Projector: Displays computer content on a larger screen or surface for presentations and entertainment
purposes.
6. External Hard Drive: While primarily a storage device, it can also serve as an output device by providing
additional storage for backups or file transfers.
7. Touchscreen Display: Combines input and output functions, allowing users to interact with the computer
through touch and receive visual feedback on the same screen.
These input and output devices play crucial roles in how users interact with and receive information from
their PCs.

⭐3. Differentiate between compilers and interpreters.(3 marks and 7 marks)

Ans:
⭐4. Differentiate between high level and low level languages. (3 marks)

5. What is structural programming? (3 marks)

Ans: Structural programming is a programming paradigm that focuses on dividing a program into smaller,
manageable procedures or functions. It emphasizes the use of control structures like sequences,
conditionals, and loops to control the flow of execution. The main characteristics of structural programming
are modularity, clarity, and maintainability. It helps developers to create organized and easy-to-understand
code, promoting better code reuse and scalability.

⭐6. Differentiate between system and application software. (3 marks and 7 marks)
⭐7. With a neat diagram, explain the functional units of a computer. (7 marks and above)

Ans: 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU):

The CPU serves as the computer's main processing unit, acting as the "brain" of the system. It consists of
two critical components:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): The ALU performs mathematical operations like addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division. It also executes logical operations, such as AND, OR, and NOT, which are
essential for decision-making and data processing.
- Control Unit: The Control Unit acts as the "traffic manager" of the CPU, coordinating the flow of data and
instructions. It fetches instructions from memory, decodes them, and directs the ALU and other
components to carry out the required operations.
2. Memory Unit:

The Memory Unit plays a vital role in data manipulation and program execution. It stores data and
instructions temporarily and permanently:
- Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is volatile memory that enables the CPU to quickly access data and
instructions during processing. It serves as a temporary workspace and allows the computer to handle
multiple tasks simultaneously. However, its contents are lost when the power is turned off.
- Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is non-volatile memory that contains essential firmware and instructions
necessary for the computer's basic operation, such as the BIOS used during the booting process. It retains
its content even when the power is off.
3. Input Unit:
The Input Unit facilitates communication between the computer and external devices, allowing data and
instructions to enter the system. Common input devices include:
- Keyboards: For entering text and commands.
- Mice: For pointing, clicking, and controlling the cursor.
- Scanners: For converting physical documents and images into digital format.
- Microphones: For capturing audio input and voice commands.
- Cameras: For capturing visual input and images.
4. Output Unit:
The Output Unit presents processed data and results to the user or other external devices. It transforms the
computer's digital output into human-readable or machine-readable formats. Common output devices
include:
- Monitors: For displaying visual output in the form of text, images, and videos.
- Printers: For producing hardcopy output on paper or other physical media.
- Speakers: For producing audio output, including music, sound effects, and spoken words.
5. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
The ALU performs essential calculations and logical operations. It processes numerical data and evaluates
conditions, determining the flow of program execution based on logical decisions.
6. Control Unit:
The Control Unit coordinates the operation of all components within the CPU. It fetches instructions from
memory, decodes them, and directs the ALU and other components to carry out the required operations.
The Control Unit ensures the proper sequencing and timing of operations, synchronizing the flow of data
through the computer's different components.
7. Storage Unit:
The Storage Unit provides long-term storage for data and programs, enabling data retention even when the
computer is turned off. It includes various types of storage devices, such as:
- Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): These mechanical drives use magnetic storage to read and write data onto
spinning disks. They offer large storage capacities at relatively affordable prices.
- Solid-State Drives (SSDs): SSDs use flash memory, without any moving parts, to store data. They offer
faster access speeds and improved durability compared to HDDs, making them suitable for systems
requiring faster performance.
These functional units work together to enable a computer to perform various tasks, from simple
calculations to complex data processing, and from interacting with users to providing output in various
forms.

8. List five important registers in CPU and their functions. (5 marks and above)
Ans: 1. Program Counter (PC): It stores the memory address of the next instruction to be fetched and
executed.
2. Accumulator (ACC): It holds intermediate results during arithmetic and logical operations.
3. Instruction Register (IR): It temporarily holds the current instruction being executed by the CPU.
4. Memory Address Register (MAR): It stores the memory address where data needs to be fetched or
stored.
5. Memory Data Register (MDR): It temporarily holds the data fetched from or to be written to memory.
These registers play crucial roles in the execution of instructions and data manipulation within the CPU.
⭐9. Write an algorithm and draw a flowchart to find the sum of digits of a given number.(5 marks and
above)
Ans: Step 1: Start
Step 2: Initialize a variable 'sum' to 0.
Step 3: Read the input number.
Step 4: While the number is greater than 0, repeat steps 5 to 7.
Step 5: Extract the rightmost digit using the modulo operator (%) and store it in a variable 'digit'.
Step 6: Add 'digit' to 'sum'.
Step 7: Remove the rightmost digit from the number by dividing it by 10.
Step 8: Print the value of 'sum' as the result.
Step 9: Stop

⭐10. Write an algorithm and draw a flowchart to find the sum of first N numbers. (5 marks and above)
Ans: Step 1: Start
Step 2: Initialise the variables, ‘i’ and ‘sum’ as 0 .
Step 3: Read the value of ‘N’ from the user.
Step 4: Repeat steps 5 to 6 when ‘i’ is less than or equal to ‘N’ .
Step 5: Add the current value of ‘sum’ and ‘i’ and store it in the variable ‘sum’ itself.
Step 6: Increment the value of variable ‘i’ by 1.
Step 7: Print the value of ‘sum’ as result.
Step 8: Stop

11. Write a short note on processor and memory in a computer.(3 marks)

Ans: Processor (CPU):
The processor is the computer's central unit responsible for executing instructions and performing
calculations. It fetches, decodes, and executes instructions, and its speed is measured in GHz.
Memory (RAM):
RAM is a fast and volatile storage that temporarily holds data and programs for quick access by the CPU. It
directly affects multitasking capabilities, and having sufficient RAM is vital for smooth computing.

⭐⭐12. Write an algorithm, draw a flowchart and develop a pseudo-code of Linear Search.(14 marks)
⭐⭐13. Write an algorithm, draw a flowchart and develop a pseudo-code of Bubble Sort.(14 marks)
14. Differentiate between procedural programming and object oriented programming. (3 marks or 5 marks)