BCS-011

IMPORTANT CHAPTERS

Write short notes on the Differentiate between

following the following :
(i) Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
(i) Cache Memory
 SRAM:
o Retains data as long as power is supplied.
 High-speed memory that stores
o Faster but more expensive than DRAM.
frequently used data and
o Used for cache memory.
instructions for quick access by
the CPU.  DRAM:
o Requires periodic refreshing to retain data.
 Reduces average access time by
o Slower but cheaper and denser than SRAM.
storing data closer to the CPU.
 Types: L1, L2, and L3 caches, o Used for main memory.
each with increasing size and
decreasing speed. (ii) RAM and ROM

(ii) PROM (Programmable Read-  RAM (Random Access Memory):

Only Memory) o Volatile memory used for temporary storage
of data and instructions.
 Memory chips that can be o Loses data when power is turned off.
programmed once with data  ROM (Read-Only Memory):
that cannot be erased or o Non-volatile memory used for storing
modified later. permanent data and instructions.
 Used for storing firmware, o Retains data even when power is off.
configuration settings, and
other permanent data. (iii) Hard Disk and Magnetic Tapes
 Slower than RAM but non-
volatile, meaning it retains data  Hard Disk:
even when power is off. o Direct access storage device.
o Data can be accessed directly without going
(iii) Winchester Disk through other data.
o Faster and more reliable than magnetic tapes.
 A type of hard disk drive  Magnetic Tapes:
(HDD) that encloses the disk o Sequential access storage device.
platters, read/write heads, and o Data is accessed sequentially, one after the
spindle motor in a sealed unit. other.
 Reduces contamination and o Slower and less reliable than hard disks.
improves reliability compared
 to earlier open-frame disk
drives. (iv) DVD and CD
 Common in personal computers
and servers.  DVD (Digital Versatile Disc):
o Higher storage capacity than CDs.
(iv) WORM (Write Once, Read o Can store both data and video.
Many)  CD (Compact Disc):
o Lower storage capacity than DVDs.
 Optical storage media that o Primarily used for audio and data storage
allows data to be written once
and read multiple times. *Parallel Port and Serial Port
 Used for archival purposes, as
data cannot be modified or  Parallel Port:
deleted after it's written. o Transmits multiple bits of data
 Examples include CD-R and simultaneously.
DVD-R discs. o Used for printers and older devices.
o Slower and less common than serial ports.
(v) Wiki  Serial Port:
o Transmits data one bit at a time.
 A collaborative website that o Used for modems, mice, and other devices.
allows multiple users to create o Slower than parallel ports but more versatile.
and edit content.
 Uses a simple markup language *Subroutines and Functions
to format text and add links.
 Popular for knowledge sharing,  Subroutines:
documentation, and o A sequence of instructions that performs a
community-driven projects. specific task.
 Examples include Wikipedia o Can be called from different parts of a
and internal company wikis. program.
o Often used for repetitive tasks.
(i) Half Duplex  Functions:
o Similar to subroutines but often return a
 A communication channel that value.
allows data transmission in both o Used to modularize code and improve
directions, but only one readability.
direction at a time.
 Examples: Walkie-talkies, two-
*Word Processing and Spreadsheet Software
way radios.
 Slower than full-duplex
 Word Processing Software:
communication.
o Used for creating and editing text documents.
o Examples: Microsoft Word, Google Docs.
(ii) Channel
 Spreadsheet Software:
o Used for organizing and analyzing data in
 A path or medium used for data
rows and columns.
transmission between devices.
o Examples: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets.
 Can be physical (like a cable)
or logical (like a frequency
*Primary Search Engines and Meta Search Engines
band).
 Types: wired (e.g., Ethernet
cable) and wireless (e.g., Wi-  Primary Search Engines:
o Directly index and search the web.
Fi).
o Examples: Google, Bing, Yahoo.
 Meta Search Engines:
 o Search multiple primary search engines
(iii) Packet Switching simultaneously.
o Provide a broader range of results.
 A method of data transmission o Examples: Dogpile, MetaCrawler.
where data is divided into
packets, each with a header *Microwave Transmission and Infrared Transmission
containing information about
the source, destination, and  Microwave Transmission:
sequence number. o Uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves
 Packets are transmitted for communication.
independently over different o Used for satellite communication, cellular
routes and reassembled at the networks, and radar.
destination. o Can travel long distances but is susceptible to
 More efficient than circuit interference.
switching, especially for bursty  Infrared Transmission:
traffic. o Uses infrared light for short-range
communication.
(iv) Bandwidth o Used for remote controls, wireless
keyboards, and data transfer between
 The maximum rate of data devices.
transfer over a communication o Limited range and easily blocked by
channel. obstacles
 Measured in bits per second
(bps). *DIMM and SIMM
 Determines the capacity of a
network and the speed of data
SIMM:
transmission.
 Older technology.
 Uses a single row of pins on one side of the module.
 Limited to 32-bit data transfer.
(i) Network Interface Card (NIC)  Higher power consumption.
 Lower capacity.
 A hardware component that
connects a computer to a DIMM:
network.
 Provides a physical interface  Newer technology.
for data transmission.  Uses two rows of pins on both sides of the module.
 Types: Wired (Ethernet) and  Supports 64-bit data transfer.
Wireless (Wi-Fi).  Lower power consumption.
 Essential for network  Higher capacity.
communication.
In essence, DIMMs have replaced SIMMs as the
(ii) Modem (Modulator- standard for modern computer memory due to their
Demodulator) higher performance, lower power consumption, and
greater capacity.
 Converts digital signals from a
computer into analog signals Sources and related content
for transmission over analog
lines (like phone lines).
 Converts received analog
signals back into digital signals
for computer processing.
  Used for dial-up internet
connections and older
technologies.

(iii) Repeater

 A network device that amplifies

and regenerates signals to
extend the range of a network.
 Operates at the physical layer of
the OSI model.
 Used to overcome distance
limitations and improve signal
strength.