This page contains the CBSE Computer Science with Python class 11 Unit-1 chapter 1 Computer Fundamentals. You can find the solutions for chapter 1 of CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python Exercise. So is the case if you are looking for CBSE class 11 Computer Science with Python related topic Computer Fundamentals questions and answers for the Exercise.
Question a
a) Name at least four early calculating devices.
Answer a
Some early calculating devices are:
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Abacus – used beads on movable rods for addition and multiplication.
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Napier’s Bones – numbered rods developed by John Napier for easier multiplication and division.
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Pascaline – adding machine invented by Blaise Pascal (1642) for addition and subtraction.
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Leibnitz’s Calculator – developed by Gottfried Leibnitz; could perform multiplication and division along with basic operations.
These devices reduced manual effort and laid the foundation for the evolution of computers.
Question b
b) Name the first operational general purpose computer.
Answer b
The first operational general-purpose computer was Mark I.
Completed in 1944 by Prof. Howard Aiken with IBM, this electromechanical machine could execute pre‑programmed instructions automatically without human intervention. It is regarded as the first such computer because of its ability to perform a variety of computations as directed by stored instructions.
Question c
c) Who first proposed the concept of ‘Stored Program Computer’?
Answer c
The concept of a Stored‑Program Computer was first proposed by Dr. John von Neumann in 1945.
He suggested that a computer’s memory should hold both program instructions and data. This principle became the foundation of modern computers, allowing operations to be organized and executed efficiently.
Question d
d) Define the IPO cycle.
Answer d
The IPO cycle stands for Input – Process – Output, which describes the basic working sequence of a computer.
Data is received by the input unit, processed by the CPU (with help from memory to store instructions and temporary results), and the final result is delivered by the output unit.
Question e
e) Differentiate between data and information.
Answer e
Basis
Data
Information
Meaning
Data refers to raw facts and figures.
Information is data presented in a useful and meaningful form.
Form
It is in an unprocessed form.
It is in a processed and organized form.
Usefulness
By itself, it may not give a clear meaning.
It gives a proper meaning and is useful for understanding.
Role
It is the raw material for processing.
It is the final meaningful result after processing data.
Thus, data is the basic input, while information is the meaningful output obtained after processing that data.
Data consists of raw facts and figures, whereas information is obtained when that data is arranged or processed in a way that becomes useful and meaningful. This is why computers are often said to process data to produce information.
Question f
f) Explain the Von Neumann Computer.
Answer f
The Von Neumann Computer is based on the idea that the processor executes instructions stored in memory.
Architecture of Von Neumann computer
Its main features are:
•
Program and data are stored in the same memory – In this computer model, both the instructions and the data are kept together in a single memory unit. This made computer design more practical and systematic.
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Instructions are executed one by one – The processor fetches instructions from memory and executes them in a proper sequence. Because of this, the working of the computer takes place in a sequential manner.
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Single communication channel is used – There is only one communication path between the processor and the memory. Due to this, the processor can fetch either data or an instruction at one time.
•
Limitation: Von Neumann bottleneck – Since data and instructions cannot be fetched at the same time, the speed of processing gets limited. This limitation is known as the Von Neumann bottleneck.
Thus, the Von Neumann Computer laid the foundation of modern computer architecture, but its performance is limited by the single-channel design.
Question g
g) Compare the salient features of first and second generation computers.
Answer g
Basis
First Generation Computers
Second Generation Computers
Time period
1942–1955
1955–1964
Main technology
Used vacuum tubes
Used transistors
Size
Very large and bulky
Smaller than first generation
Cost
Very costly
Less expensive comparatively
Power consumption
Consumed a lot of electricity
Consumed less electricity
Heat generation
Generated a lot of heat
Generated less heat
Reliability
Less reliable; frequent hardware failures
More reliable
Programming language
Mainly machine language; assembly started later
Assembly language and later high-level languages
Storage
No advanced storage like later generations
Used magnetic core memory and magnetic disks
Operating system
Not developed in proper form
First operating system developed
Examples
ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC 1
IBM 1401, IBM 1620, UNIVAC 1108
Question h
h) Why is Charles Babbage known as the Father of Modern Computers?
Answer h
Charles Babbage is known as the Father of Modern Computers because he designed the Analytical Engine, which later proved to be the basis of the modern computer.
Its importance can be understood from the following points:
•
It could perform arithmetic operations – The Analytical Engine could perform all the four arithmetic operations.
•
It could also do comparison – Along with calculations, it was designed to perform comparison operations, which is an important feature of a computer.
•
It had the basic parts of a modern computer – It included the concepts of central processor, memory storage, and input-output devices. These are the main functional components of present-day computers.
•
It introduced the idea of modifying stored information – The stored information in the machine could also be modified, which made the design more advanced for that time.
•
It laid down the basic principles of modern computers – Even though the Analytical Engine was not actually built at that time, Babbage established the basic principles on which modern computers work.
Thus, because of his important inventions and his contribution to the basic design of computers, Charles Babbage is called the Father of Modern Computers.
Question i
i) Explain the functional components of a computer with the help of a block diagram.
Answer i
The main functional components of a computer are Input Unit, Central Processing Unit (CPU), Memory Unit, and Output Unit. Every task in a computer follows the Input–Process–Output (IPO) cycle. In this cycle, the input unit accepts data, the CPU processes it, the memory unit stores the data and instructions during processing, and the output unit gives the final result.
Block diagram
Functional Components of a Computer
Explanation of the components
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Input Unit – The input unit consists of input devices attached to the computer. It takes the input and converts it into binary language that the computer can understand. Common input devices are keyboard, mouse, joystick, and scanner.
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Central Processing Unit (CPU) – The CPU is called the brain of the computer because it is the control centre of the computer. It first fetches instructions from memory, interprets them, performs the required processing, and then stores or displays the result.
•
Parts of CPU – The CPU has three main components:
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ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – It performs arithmetic calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It also takes logical decisions such as comparison of values.
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CU (Control Unit) – It controls and coordinates the working of the computer and directs the different units to perform operations properly.
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Memory Registers – These are temporary storage locations inside the CPU used to hold data and instructions as required during processing.
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Memory Unit – The memory unit stores the data and instructions needed during processing. It supports the CPU while the task is being executed.
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Output Unit – The output unit produces the final result after processing is completed. It presents the result to the user in a usable form.
Thus, these functional components work together to make the computer perform every task in a proper and systematic way.
Question j
j) What are the functions of the control unit?
Answer j
The Control Unit (CU) is one of the main components of the CPU. Its main work is to control and coordinate the activities of the different parts of the computer so that the instructions are carried out properly.
Its functions can be explained as follows:
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Controls the working of the computer – The Control Unit acts like a supervisor and manages the overall operations of the computer system. It ensures that each unit works in the correct order.
•
Coordinates different units – It coordinates the working of the ALU, memory, input unit, and output unit so that all parts work together smoothly. The computer follows the IPO cycle, and the Control Unit helps in maintaining this flow.
•
Fetches and interprets instructions – The CPU first fetches instructions from memory and interprets them before execution. Since the Control Unit is responsible for controlling CPU operations, it helps in directing this instruction cycle.
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Directs data flow – It helps in controlling the movement of data and instructions between memory and the processor, so that the required task can be performed correctly.
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Makes memory available during processing – During a task, the CU makes space available in memory for storing data and instructions, and after the task is completed, that memory space can be used again for the next task.
Thus, the Control Unit does not perform calculations itself, but it plays a very important role by managing, coordinating, and controlling the entire processing work of the computer.
Question k
k) Where are the instructions needed to start a computer stored?
Answer k
The instructions needed to start a computer are stored in ROM (Read Only Memory). These instructions are part of the boot program. When the computer is switched on, a copy of this boot program is brought from ROM into the main memory to begin the booting process.
Thus, ROM stores the starting instructions of the computer and helps the system begin its operation properly.
Question l
l) Explain booting process and its types.
Answer l
Booting is the process in which, when the computer is switched on, a copy of the boot program is brought from ROM into the main memory.
Booting process
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The CPU starts execution and transfers control to BIOS.
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BIOS performs self-diagnostic tests called POST (Power On Self Test).
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It checks memory, video circuitry, hardware, and other devices.
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BIOS then locates a bootable drive.
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Control is transferred to the Boot Strap Loader in the boot sector.
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The loader then loads and executes the operating system.
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If booting is from hard disk, the MBR (Master Boot Record) checks the partition table and loads the active partition’s boot sector.
Types of booting
Type
Explanation
Cold Booting (Hard Booting)
When the computer starts from the initial state after switching on the power. The instructions are read from ROM to begin the booting process.
Warm Booting (Soft Booting)
When the computer is restarted or reset without switching it fully off. Since it is not starting from the initial state, all diagnostic tests may not be required.
In warm booting, there can be chances of data loss or system damage if data was not properly saved.
Question m
m) Differentiate between :
a)
Digital computers and analog computers.
b)
Microcomputers and Mini Computers
Answer m
a) Digital computers and analog computers
Basis
Digital Computers
Analog Computers
Data type
Process information in discrete form
Work on continuous physical quantities
Representation
Data is represented in binary form (0s and 1s)
Data is represented by continuously changing values
Working style
Compute by counting and adding operations
Measure changes in quantities like pressure, motion, current, voltage
Accuracy
More accurate
Less accurate compared to digital computers
Suitability
Suitable for business, industrial, scientific and large volume data processing
Suitable for real-time physical process simulation
Example
Personal computers, laptops
Thermometer
Digital computers are best when exact numerical or logical processing is needed, while analog computers are useful when continuous changes have to be measured quickly.
b) Microcomputers and Mini Computers
Basis
Microcomputers
Mini Computers
Other name
Personal Computers
Mini Computers
CPU type
Use a microprocessor (CPU on a single chip)
Not mainly defined by single-chip personal use
Number of users
Usually meant for single user or limited personal use
Can support multiple users simultaneously
Data volume
Work on small volume of data
Used in organizations for larger shared tasks
Usage
Desktops, laptops, PDAs, tablets, CAD, multimedia, workstations
Small business organizations and departmental interconnected systems
Portability
Often portable (laptops, tablets, PDAs)
Generally not as portable as microcomputers
So, microcomputers are mainly personal-use systems, while mini computers are shared systems used by multiple users in an organization.