Computer Science – Unit 1: Computer Fundamentals & Programming Concepts
NOTES
1) Basics of Computer
- Computer: An electronic device that processes data into information.
- Characteristics: Speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility, storage.
- Functional Units: Input, Process, Output, Storage, Control.
2) Components of Computer System
- Hardware: Physical components like CPU, monitor, keyboard, etc.
- Software: Instructions that make hardware work.
- Firmware: Software embedded into hardware.
3) Types of Software
- System Software: Operating systems, compilers, drivers.
- Application Software: Word processors, games, browsers.
- Utility Software: Antivirus, compression, file management tools.
4) Number Systems & Data Representation
- Binary (Base 2), Octal (Base 8), Decimal (Base 10), Hexadecimal (Base 16).
- Conversions between number systems.
- Character coding: ASCII, Unicode.
5) Logic Gates
- Basic gates: AND, OR, NOT.
- Derived gates: NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR.
- Truth tables and Boolean expressions.
6) Memory & Storage
- Primary Memory: RAM (volatile), ROM (non-volatile).
- Secondary Storage: Hard disk, SSD, optical drives.
- Cache & Registers: Fast temporary storage near CPU.
7) Operating System Concepts
- Acts as interface between user and hardware.
- Functions: process management, memory management, file handling.
- Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
8) Programming Fundamentals
- Program: Set of instructions written in programming language.
- Types: Procedural, Object-Oriented, Functional, Logic-based.
- Steps: Problem definition → Algorithm → Flowchart → Coding → Testing.
9) Algorithm & Flowchart
- Algorithm: Step-by-step solution to a problem.
- Flowchart: Graphical representation using symbols (start, input/output, process, decision).
- Helps visualize logic and debug errors early.
10) Types of Programming Languages
- Low-Level: Machine and Assembly languages.
- High-Level: C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Translators: Assembler, Compiler, Interpreter.
MCQs – 25 Questions
1) Which part of the computer executes arithmetic and logic operations?
- Control Unit
- ALU
- Memory Unit
- Cache
Answer: B. The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations.
2) Which of the following is volatile memory?
- ROM
- RAM
- Hard Disk
- CD-ROM
Answer: B.
3) Which device is used to convert digital signals to analog?
- ADC
- DAC
- MODEM
- Amplifier
Answer: C. MODEM converts digital to analog and vice versa.
4) 1 Byte = ?
- 4 bits
- 8 bits
- 16 bits
- 32 bits
Answer: B.
5) Which is NOT an operating system?
- Linux
- Windows
- Python
- macOS
Answer: C.
6) Which language uses mnemonics?
- Machine
- Assembly
- High-level
- Natural
Answer: B.
7) Binary of decimal 13 is:
- 1100
- 1101
- 1010
- 1001
Answer: B.
8) Which logic gate outputs 1 only if both inputs are 1?
- OR
- AND
- NOR
- XOR
Answer: B.
9) Which software controls hardware operations?
- Utility
- System Software
- Application
- Compiler
Answer: B.
10) The process of correcting program errors is called:
- Debugging
- Compiling
- Interpreting
- Testing
Answer: A.
11) ASCII code represents:
- Numbers only
- Characters
- Instructions
- Signals
Answer: B.
12) Which data structure uses FIFO?
- Stack
- Queue
- Tree
- Graph
Answer: B.
13) A flowchart symbol for decision is:
- Rectangle
- Diamond
- Parallelogram
- Circle
Answer: B.
14) The brain of the computer is:
- CPU
- ALU
- CU
- Memory
Answer: A.
15) The smallest addressable unit of memory is:
- Byte
- Bit
- Word
- Nibble
Answer: A.
16) The full form of CPU is:
- Central Process Unit
- Central Processing Unit
- Control Processing Unit
- Central Program Unit
Answer: B.
17) Which memory is fastest?
- RAM
- Cache
- Hard Disk
- ROM
Answer: B.
18) The binary number 1111 is equal to decimal:
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 13
Answer: B.
19) C language was developed by:
- James Gosling
- Charles Babbage
- Dennis Ritchie
- Alan Turing
Answer: C.
20) The ‘if’ statement in programming is used for:
- Iteration
- Decision making
- Input
- Output
Answer: B.