Section A — 1 Mark Questions
1. Define a computer. [1 Mark]
Answer: A computer is an electronic device that processes data according to a set of instructions to produce meaningful information.
2. State one main characteristic of a computer. [1 Mark]
Answer: Speed; computers can perform calculations at an incredibly high velocity.
3. What is the full form of CPU? [1 Mark]
Answer: Central Processing Unit.
4. Identify an example of an input device. [1 Mark]
Answer: Keyboard.
5. What is software? [1 Mark]
Answer: Software is a collection of programs, data, or instructions used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
6. Name one type of utility software. [1 Mark]
Answer: Antivirus software.
7. What is open-source software? [1 Mark]
Answer: Software whose source code is available for anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance.
8. What is proprietary software? [1 Mark]
Answer: Software that is owned by an individual or a company and is protected by copyright laws, restricting modification and redistribution.
9. Define application software. [1 Mark]
Answer: Application software is designed to help the user perform specific tasks such as word processing or browsing the internet.
10. What is the primary function of an output device? [1 Mark]
Answer: To present processed data from the computer to the user in a human-readable form.
11. Give one example of a system software. [1 Mark]
Answer: Operating System (e.g., Windows).
12. What is a mobile app? [1 Mark]
Answer: A software application designed to run on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.
13. Mention one generation of computers. [1 Mark]
Answer: First Generation (using vacuum tubes).
14. What is hardware? [1 Mark]
Answer: Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen.
15. What does the ALU stand for? [1 Mark]
Answer: Arithmetic Logic Unit.
16. What is data processing? [1 Mark]
Answer: The conversion of raw data into meaningful information by the computer.
17. Is a mouse an input or output device? [1 Mark]
Answer: Input device.
18. What is firmware? [1 Mark]
Answer: A specific class of software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware.
19. Define computer storage. [1 Mark]
Answer: The capacity of a computer to hold data and instructions for future use.
20. What is a supercomputer? [1 Mark]
Answer: A type of computer designed for complex, high-speed mathematical calculations.
Section B — 2/3 Mark Questions
1. Differentiate between hardware and software. [2 Marks]
Answer: Hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of a computer (like the CPU, keyboard, and monitor). Software is the intangible collection of programs and instructions that tell the hardware how to perform tasks.
2. List three characteristics of modern computers. [3 Marks]
Answer: 1. Speed: Ability to perform millions of operations per second. 2. Accuracy: Ability to perform tasks without errors provided inputs are correct. 3. Storage: Capability to store vast amounts of data for long durations.
3. Explain the role of an Operating System. [2 Marks]
Answer: An operating system acts as an interface between the hardware and the user. It manages system resources, handles input/output operations, and provides a platform for application software to run.
4. Compare open-source and proprietary software. [3 Marks]
Answer: Open-source software provides access to the source code, allowing users to modify it for free (e.g., Linux). Proprietary software is restricted, copyrighted by a company, and usually requires a license fee to use (e.g., Microsoft Windows).
5. Why are input devices essential for a computer? [2 Marks]
Answer: Input devices are essential because they allow the computer to receive data and control signals from the external environment, which is necessary for any processing activity to occur.
6. Describe the function of the ALU and CU within the CPU. [3 Marks]
Answer: The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs all mathematical calculations and logical comparisons. The Control Unit (CU) manages the flow of data within the computer and coordinates the activities of all other hardware components.
7. What is the purpose of utility software? [2 Marks]
Answer: Utility software is designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain a computer system, such as disk defragmenters or antivirus software.
8. Provide examples of output devices and their usage. [3 Marks]
Answer: 1. Monitor: Used to display visual output. 2. Printer: Used to produce physical paper copies. 3. Speakers: Used to produce audio output.
9. How have computers evolved over generations? [2 Marks]
Answer: Computers have evolved from bulky, vacuum-tube-based systems to compact, powerful devices using integrated circuits and microprocessors, leading to significantly higher speed and efficiency.
10. Explain the concept of mobile applications. [2 Marks]
Answer: Mobile apps are specialized software applications developed for handheld devices, focusing on accessibility, portability, and touch-based user interaction to perform specific mobile-oriented tasks.
Section C — 5 Mark Questions
1. Describe the basic organization of a digital computer system with its main components. [5 Marks]
Answer: A digital computer follows a structured organization to process information efficiently. It consists of the following primary components:
- Input Unit: Devices like keyboards and mice that allow users to feed data into the system.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer, consisting of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) for calculations, the Control Unit (CU) for managing data flow, and Registers for quick storage.
- Memory Unit: Divided into Primary memory (RAM/ROM) for immediate access and Secondary memory (Hard drive, SSD) for long-term storage.
- Output Unit: Devices like monitors or printers that display the results processed by the CPU.
- Bus System: The communication pathway that connects these components to transmit data and control signals.
2. Discuss the classification of software with appropriate examples. [5 Marks]
Answer: Software is broadly categorized into three types based on functionality:
System Software
This software manages the hardware and provides a platform for other applications. Example: Operating Systems like Windows, Linux, or macOS.
Application Software
These programs are designed to assist users in completing specific tasks. Examples include Word processors (MS Word), Browsers (Chrome), or Graphic design tools.
Utility Software
Utility programs are focused on system maintenance, performance optimization, and security. Examples include antivirus software, file compression tools (like WinRAR), and disk cleanup utilities.
3. Explain the evolution of computers through different generations. [5 Marks]
Answer: The history of computers is marked by technological shifts:
- First Generation (1940-1956): Used vacuum tubes. They were huge, expensive, and produced excessive heat.
- Second Generation (1956-1963): Introduced transistors, making computers smaller, faster, and more efficient than vacuum tubes.
- Third Generation (1964-1971): Used Integrated Circuits (ICs), where multiple transistors were placed on silicon chips, drastically increasing performance.
- Fourth Generation (1971-Present): The era of microprocessors, where thousands of ICs were built onto a single silicon chip, leading to the development of personal computers.
- Fifth Generation (Present & Beyond): Focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), parallel processing, and supercomputing capabilities.
4. What are the primary characteristics of computers that make them powerful tools? [5 Marks]
Answer: Computers possess several key characteristics that have revolutionized modern society:
- Speed: Computers can execute billions of instructions per second, completing complex tasks in milliseconds that would take humans weeks.
- Accuracy: Computers perform calculations with high precision. Errors, if any, are generally due to incorrect input data or human programming errors.
- Diligence: Unlike humans, computers do not get tired or bored. They can perform repetitive tasks with the same speed and accuracy indefinitely.
- Versatility: A single computer can perform varied tasks, such as playing games, browsing the web, managing databases, or scientific research, simply by changing the software.
- Storage Capacity: Computers have the ability to store and retrieve massive amounts of data efficiently using internal and external storage mediums.
5. Explain the difference between Open-source and Proprietary software, including their advantages and disadvantages. [5 Marks]
Answer: The choice between open-source and proprietary software depends on user needs regarding flexibility, cost, and support.
Open-Source Software
The source code is open to the public. Advantages: Low cost, transparency, and community support. Disadvantages: Might lack professional technical support and user-friendly documentation.
Proprietary Software
The source code is restricted and owned by the creator. Advantages: Highly stable, professional support services, and polished user interface. Disadvantages: High cost due to licensing fees and dependency on the vendor for updates or bug fixes.
Summary
Open-source is ideal for developers and organizations wanting to customize solutions, while proprietary is preferred by businesses requiring standardized, vendor-supported software systems.