1.What is a computer?

Write and explain the block diagram of the

computer.

Ans: A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a

set of instructions called a program. It takes input, processes it, stores
data, and produces output. Computers are used to perform a wide range
of tasks, from simple calculations to complex problem-solving tasks like
data analysis, simulations, and graphical processing.

A computer operates based on four main units: Input Unit, CPU (Central
Processing Unit), Memory Unit, and Output Unit.

1.Input Unit: This unit allows users to provide data to the computer
through input devices like keyboards, mice, and scanners. It converts the
data into a form the computer can understand.

2.CPU (Central Processing Unit): The CPU is the brain of the computer. It
has two main components:

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): Handles all arithmetic and logical operations.

Control Unit (CU): Directs the operation of the entire computer system,
managing the flow of data between input, memory, and output.

3.Memory Unit: This stores data temporarily in Primary Memory (RAM)

and permanently in Secondary Memory (hard drives). It holds both the
data and instructions for processing.

4.Output Unit: After processing, the output unit sends the results to
output devices like monitors or printers, making it available to the user in
a readable format.

Operating System (OS):

An Operating System (OS) is software that acts as an intermediary

between computer hardware and the user. It manages hardware
resources, facilitates the execution of programs, and provides essential
services for computer applications. The OS handles tasks like memory
management, process scheduling, file management, and input/output
operations.
Types of Operating Systems:

1:Batch Operating System:Processes tasks in batches without user

interaction.

Suitable for jobs that need similar processing.

Example: Early mainframe systems.

1. Time-Sharing Operating System:

Allows multiple users to access the system simultaneously by time-

sharing resources.

Reduces idle time and improves efficiency.

Example: UNIX.

2. Real-Time Operating System (RTOS):

Provides immediate response and ensures tasks are completed within a

specified time.

Used in applications like medical systems or embedded systems.

Example: VxWorks.

3. Distributed Operating System:

*Manages a group of computers and makes them appear as a single

cohesive system.

*Resources are shared across multiple systems.

*Example: Windows Server, Apache Hadoop.

4. Network Operating System (NOS):

*Supports networking, allowing computers to communicate and share

resources over a network.

*Example: Windows Server, Linux.

5. Mobile Operating System:

*Designed for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

*Optimized for touchscreens and mobile-specific hardware.

Example: Android, iOS.

These different types of operating systems cater to various computing

environments and user needs.
(3) Hardware:

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that

you can touch and see. It includes everything from the processor to
peripherals like a keyboard or mouse. Hardware is essential for the
functioning of the software and the entire computer system.

Types of Hardware

1. Input Devices:

Used to provide data to the computer.

Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone.

2. Output Devices:

Used to display or output data after processing.

Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speakers.

3. Processing Devices:

Responsible for processing the input data into meaningful output.

Example: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

4. Storage Devices:

Used to store data and programs either temporarily or permanently.

Examples: Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), USB Drive,
CD/DVD.

5. Memory Devices:

Temporary storage for data that is being processed.

Examples: Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM).

 6. Communication Devices:

Used to connect and communicate with other computers or networks.

Examples: Network Interface Card (NIC), Modem, Router.

4.Software:

Software is a set of instructions or programs that enables a computer to

perform specific tasks. It acts as an intermediary between the user and
the hardware, allowing the hardware to function according to the user’s
commands.

Types of Software:

1. System Software: This software manages and operates the

hardware components of the computer. It provides a platform for
running other software.

Operating Systems (OS): These control all hardware and basic system
functions (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).

Utility Software: Programs designed to maintain and optimize the system

(e.g., antivirus, disk management tools).

2. Application Software: These programs are designed to help users

perform specific tasks.

General-Purpose Software: Includes tools like word processors,

spreadsheets, and presentation software (e.g., Microsoft Office).

Specialized Software: Tailored for specific tasks such as graphic design or

accounting (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Tally).

5.Network:

A network is a collection of interconnected computers and devices that

communicate with each other to share resources and information.
Networks can vary in size and complexity, from small local networks to
extensive global systems like the Internet. They enable data exchange,
resource sharing, and communication between devices.

Types of Networks:

1. Local Area Network (LAN):

Covers a small geographical area, like a home, office, or campus.

Typically consists of a few interconnected devices, such as computers,
printers, and servers.Example: A network within a school or a home Wi-Fi
network.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN):

Spans a large geographical area, often connecting multiple LANs.Used to

connect remote locations over long distances.

Example: The Internet is the largest WAN

3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

Covers a larger area than a LAN but is smaller than a WAN, typically a city
or a large campus.Often used to connect multiple LANs within a specific
area.Example: A network connecting several government offices in a city

4. Personal Area Network (PAN):

A small network typically used for connecting personal devices within a

range of a few meters.Used for short-range communication between
devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops.Example: Bluetooth
connections between a smartphone and a headset.

5. Virtual Private Network (VPN):

A secure network that uses encryption to protect data transmitted over

the Internet.Allows users to connect to a private network securely from a
remote location.Example: Businesses using VPNs to allow employees to
access company resources remotely.

6.Topology:

Topology refers to the arrangement of devices in a network and how they

are interconnected. It influences the network’s performance, reliability,
and scalability.

Types of Network Topologies:

1. Bus Topology:
Advantages: Easy to install, requires less cable, cost-effective for
small networks.
Disadvantages: Limited devices, a single point of failure (cable),
difficult troubleshooting.
2. Star Topology:

Advantages: Easy to manage, individual cable failures don’t affect the

whole network, easy to add/remove devices.

Disadvantages: Requires more cable, central hub failure can disrupt the
network, more expensive
 3. Ring Topology:

Advantages: High-speed data transmission, easy to troubleshoot.

Disadvantages: Device failure can disrupt the network, adding/removing

devices affects the network.

4. Mesh Topology:

Advantages: Highly reliable with multiple data paths, excellent

redundancy.

Disadvantages: Expensive due to cabling and complexity, difficult setup

and maintenance.

5. Tree Topology:

Advantages: Scalable and hierarchical structure simplifies management.

Disadvantages: Root node failure can disrupt the network, requires more
cabling.

7.OSI Model:

The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model is a framework that

standardizes network communication into seven layers, each with specific
functions. This model facilitates interoperability between different
networking systems.

The Seven Layers:

1. Physical Layer (Layer 1):

Transmits raw bitstreams over physical media (e.g., cables,
switches).
2. Data Link Layer (Layer 2):Manages node-to-node data transfer, error
detection, and framing (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi).
3. Network Layer (Layer 3):
Handles packet forwarding, routing, and addressing (e.g., Internet
Protocol – IP).
4. Transport Layer (Layer 4):

Ensures reliable data transfer, flow control, and error recovery (e.g.,
TCP, UDP).

5. Session Layer (Layer 5):

Manages sessions and controls dialogues between computers (e.g.,

Remote Procedure Call – RPC).

6. Presentation Layer (Layer 6)

Translates data formats, handles encryption, and compression (e.g., JPEG,
ASCII).

7. Application Layer (Layer 7):

Provides network services directly to users and facilitates application

communication (e.g., HTTP, FTP).

The OSI model helps in understanding how different protocols and

systems work together in a network environment.

8.Memory Hierarchy:

Memory hierarchy is a structured arrangement of different types of

memory in a computer, organized by speed, cost, and capacity, to
optimize performance and storage efficiency.

Levels of Memory Hierarchy:

1. Registers:

Fastest, smallest memory located within the CPU, holding data and
instructions currently being processed.

2. Cache Memory:

High-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data and instructions

to speed up processing. It is faster than RAM but has limited capacity.

3. Main Memory (RAM)

Volatile memory used for storing active data and programs. It is slower
than cache but offers higher capacity.

4. Secondary Storage:

Non-volatile storage (e.g., HDDs, SSDs) for long-term data storage. It is

slower than RAM but provides substantial capacity.

5. Tertiary Storage:

Slowest storage used for archiving infrequently accessed data (e.g., CDs,
magnetic tapes). It offers very high capacity.

The hierarchy allows for efficient data management, balancing speed and
storage needs in computing systems.