Lesson 2.8

2.8  WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT

In this lesson we discussed five basic operations that a computer performs. These are input, storage, processing, output and control. A computer accepts data as input, stores it, processes it as the user requires and provides the output in a desired format. The storage unit of a computer is divided into two parts: primary storage and secondary storage. We have discussed the devices used for these two types of storage and their usefulness.

2.9  TERMINAL QUESTIONS

1.  What are the five basic operations performed by any computer system?

2.  Draw a block diagram to illustrate the basic organization of computer system and explain the function of various units.

3.   What is input device? How does it differ from output device?

4.  Differentiate between RAM and ROM. Also distinguish between PROM and EPROM.

5.  What is cache memory? How is it different from primary memory?

6. Write short notes on (a) Control Unit  (b) Random Access Memory (RAM)

2.10   FEEDBACK TO IN-TEXT QUESTIONS

 IN-TEXT QUESTIONS 1

1.   The five basic operations that a computer performs are input, storage, processing, output and control.

2.      ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit

CU: Control Unit

CPU: Central Processing Unit

3.  (a) i    (b) iii   (c) i

IN-TEXT QUESTIONS 2

1.    A bit is an acronym for binary digit, which stands for one binary piece of information. This can be either 0 or 1. A byte is equal to 8 bits.

2.    The memories which are erased if there is a power failure are known as volatile memories. RAM is an example of volatile memory. The memories, which do not loose their content on failure of power supply, are known as non-volatile memories. ROM is non-volatile memory.

3.     (a) T    (b) T   (c) F    d) F  (e) T

IN-TEXT QUESTIONS 3

1.  Impact printers use the familiar typewriter approach of hammering a typeface against the paper and inked ribbon. Non-impact printers do not hit or impact a ribbon to print. They use electro-static chemicals and ink-jet technologies.

2.    A hard copy terminal provides a printout on paper whereas soft copy terminals provide visual copy on monitor.

3.    (a) T  (b) F     (c) T   (d) F      (e) T