Section A — 1 Mark Questions
1. Convert the decimal number 5 to binary. [1 Mark]
Answer: 101.
2. What is the base of the hexadecimal number system? [1 Mark]
Answer: 16.
3. Which language processor converts assembly language into machine language? [1 Mark]
Answer: Assembler.
4. Define an algorithm. [1 Mark]
Answer: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure to solve a specific problem.
5. What is the primary function of a loader? [1 Mark]
Answer: A loader loads the executable program into the main memory for execution.
6. How many digits are there in the octal number system? [1 Mark]
Answer: Eight digits (0-7).
7. What does an interpreter do? [1 Mark]
Answer: It translates high-level code into machine language line-by-line.
8. What is the full form of OS? [1 Mark]
Answer: Operating System.
9. Which symbol in a flowchart is used to represent the start or end of a process? [1 Mark]
Answer: An oval or rounded rectangle (terminal symbol).
10. Is machine language a low-level or high-level language? [1 Mark]
Answer: Low-level language.
11. What is the base of the decimal system? [1 Mark]
Answer: 10.
12. Define a compiler. [1 Mark]
Answer: A compiler is a program that translates an entire high-level language program into machine code at once.
13. Which character representation scheme uses 7 bits? [1 Mark]
Answer: ASCII.
14. What is the purpose of a linker? [1 Mark]
Answer: To combine different object modules and libraries into a single executable file.
15. What represents a decision-making step in a flowchart? [1 Mark]
Answer: A diamond shape.
16. What is the binary equivalent of decimal 8? [1 Mark]
Answer: 1000.
17. Name one function of an operating system. [1 Mark]
Answer: Memory management.
18. What is high-level language? [1 Mark]
Answer: A programming language that is closer to human language and easier to understand than machine language.
19. What does a parallelogram represent in a flowchart? [1 Mark]
Answer: Input or output operations.
20. What is machine language? [1 Mark]
Answer: A language consisting only of binary digits (0 and 1) that is directly understood by the computer hardware.
Section B — 2/3 Mark Questions
1. Explain the difference between an interpreter and a compiler. [3 Marks]
Answer: A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code at once, resulting in faster execution. An interpreter translates code line-by-line, which is slower but makes debugging easier. Compilers create an executable file, while interpreters do not.
2. List two important functions of an Operating System. [2 Marks]
Answer: 1. Process Management: Managing CPU time and execution. 2. Memory Management: Allocating and deallocating memory to various programs.
3. What is a flowchart and why is it used? [3 Marks]
Answer: A flowchart is a visual or graphical representation of an algorithm. It uses specific symbols connected by arrows to show the flow of logic. It is used to understand the sequence of operations clearly and to facilitate debugging the logic of a program.
4. Convert the decimal number 13 to binary. [2 Marks]
Answer: 13 divided by 2 gives 6 remainder 1. 6 divided by 2 gives 3 remainder 0. 3 divided by 2 gives 1 remainder 1. 1 divided by 2 gives 0 remainder 1. Reading remainders from bottom to top, the binary is 1101.
5. Explain the role of a Linker. [3 Marks]
Answer: A linker is a utility program that takes object files generated by the compiler or assembler. It combines these object files and required library functions into a single, cohesive executable file. This allows modular programming where different parts of a program are compiled separately.
6. Distinguish between Assembly Language and High-level Language. [3 Marks]
Answer: Assembly language is a low-level language that uses mnemonics (like ADD, MOV) and is hardware-specific. High-level language uses English-like statements, is machine-independent, and easier for humans to read. Assembly language requires an assembler, while high-level languages require a compiler or interpreter.
7. What is the purpose of an Operating System? [2 Marks]
Answer: The operating system acts as an interface between the computer hardware and the user. It provides a platform to run applications, manages computer resources, and ensures efficient system operation.
8. What is meant by a number system base? [2 Marks]
Answer: The base (or radix) of a number system is the total number of unique digits or symbols available in that system. For example, decimal uses 10 digits (0-9), hence base 10.
9. Describe the function of a Loader. [3 Marks]
Answer: The loader is a part of the operating system that reads the executable file from the disk into the primary memory (RAM). It sets up the memory space for the program, initializes registers, and prepares the computer to execute the specific instructions of the program.
10. Define Algorithm. [2 Marks]
Answer: An algorithm is a logical sequence of finite steps required to accomplish a specific task. It must be clear, precise, and unambiguous to ensure the problem is solved correctly.
Section C — 5 Mark Questions
1. Explain the various types of computer languages. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Machine Language
This is the lowest level language, consisting strictly of binary digits (0 and 1). It is directly understood by the CPU but is extremely difficult for humans to program in.
Assembly Language
This language uses mnemonic codes (e.g., ADD, SUB, MOV) instead of binary numbers. It is closer to machine language and requires an assembler to be converted into machine-readable format.
High-Level Language
These are user-friendly languages that use English-like syntax (e.g., C, Python, Java). They are machine-independent and require a compiler or interpreter to translate the code into machine language for execution.
2. Discuss the primary functions of an Operating System. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Processor Management
The OS manages the execution of processes by scheduling CPU time among multiple tasks, ensuring fair usage.
Memory Management
It controls the allocation and deallocation of primary memory. It tracks which parts of memory are currently in use and by which process.
File Management
The OS manages the creation, deletion, and organization of files and directories on storage devices, providing a structured file system.
Device Management
It handles communication between the operating system and hardware devices through drivers, controlling peripherals like printers, keyboards, and disks.
Security and Protection
The OS implements authentication (user passwords) and access control to protect data and programs from unauthorized access.
3. Describe the life cycle of a program from source code to execution. [5 Marks]
Answer:
- Source Code Writing: The programmer writes instructions in a high-level language.
- Compilation/Translation: A compiler or interpreter converts the source code into object code (machine language).
- Linking: A linker combines the generated object code with necessary libraries to create a single executable file.
- Loading: The loader moves this executable file from the secondary storage into the RAM.
- Execution: The CPU fetches instructions from the memory and performs the specified tasks, outputting the result.
4. Explain the binary, octal, and hexadecimal number systems. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Binary System (Base 2)
Uses two digits: 0 and 1. It is the fundamental language of all digital computers.
Octal System (Base 8)
Uses eight digits: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. It is often used as a shorthand for binary.
Hexadecimal System (Base 16)
Uses 16 symbols: 0-9 and letters A, B, C, D, E, F (where A=10, B=11, etc.). This is widely used in computing because 16 is a power of 2, making conversions to binary very efficient.
Comparison
Binary is native to hardware; Hexadecimal is highly efficient for memory addressing and representing large binary strings in a compact format.
5. Explain the process of creating a flowchart with an example. [5 Marks]
Answer:
Introduction
A flowchart provides a step-by-step graphical view of an algorithm using standard symbols.
Key Symbols
- Terminal (Oval): Indicates the start and end.
- Input/Output (Parallelogram): Data being entered or displayed.
- Processing (Rectangle): Calculations or assignments.
- Decision (Diamond): Branching logic (Yes/No).
Example Scenario
To find the greater of two numbers A and B:
- Start (Terminal).
- Input A and B (Parallelogram).
- Decision: Is A > B? (Diamond).
- If Yes, print A; if No, print B (Parallelogram).
- Stop (Terminal).
This visual approach helps in identifying logical errors before writing the actual code.