UNIT 1: Introduction to Systems (Syllabus 2025-2026)
Computer Science 9th Class Exercise Solution – UNIT 1: Introduction to Systems Short Questions:
Short Questions:
- Define a system. What are its basic components?
Answer:
A system is a group of parts that work together to achieve a common goal or purpose. These parts are connected and interact with each other to make the system function.
Basic Components of a System:
- Objective: The main goal or purpose of the system (e.g., a computer system processes data to provide information).
- Components: The parts that make up the system and work together to achieve its goal (e.g., hardware, software).
- Communication: The way the components share information to work properly.
- Environment: The outside factors that can affect how the system works.
- Differentiate between natural and artificial systems.
Answer:
- Natural Systems: These systems exist in nature and work on their own, without human help. They follow natural laws, like physics, chemistry, and biology. Examples include:
- Physical Systems: Things like atoms and planets.
- Chemical Systems: Processes like how water is formed or chemical reactions.
- Biological Systems: Examples are ecosystems or the human body.
- Psychological Systems: Things like thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
- Artificial Systems: These are man-made systems created by people to do certain jobs or solve problems. They help make life easier or more efficient. Examples include:
- Knowledge Systems: Things like databases that organize and store information.
- Engineering Systems: Machines and tools used for building or making things.
- Social Systems: Systems like governments or businesses that manage society.
- Describe the main components of a computer system.
Answer:
A computer system is made up of three main parts:
- Interface Components:
- Input Devices: These allow the user to give instructions to the computer, such as a keyboard or mouse.
- Output Devices: These show the results from the computer, like a monitor or printer.
- Processing Components:
- CPU (Central Processing Unit): It does all the calculations and processes commands.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data that is currently being used.
- Storage: Hard drives or SSDs are used to store data permanently.
- Operating System: Manages the computer’s resources and helps the user interact with the computer.
- Application Software: Programs that do specific tasks, like games or word processors.
- Communication Components:
- Motherboard: The main board that connects all the computer parts.
- System Bus: Transfers data and instructions between the computer’s components.
- List and describe the types of computing systems.
Answer:
Here are the types of computing systems:
- Computer Systems: These include personal computers, workstations, and servers that are used for specific tasks like gaming or office work.
- Software Systems: These are programs that run on computers to help the hardware do its job, like operating systems or apps.
- Computer Networks: These connect multiple computers and devices so they can share resources and communicate with each other.
- The Internet: A huge network that connects millions of other networks around the world, allowing people to communicate and share information.
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- What are the main components of the Von Neumann architecture?
Answer:
The main components of the Von Neumann architecture are:
- Memory: Stores both data and program instructions.
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): Carries out instructions and performs calculations. It consists of:
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Does the math and logic operations.
- Control Unit (CU): Controls and coordinates the CPU’s actions.
- Input Devices: Allow the user to enter data into the computer, like a keyboard or mouse.
- Output Devices: Display or print the results after processing, like a monitor or printer.
- What is the Von Neumann computer architecture? List its key components.
Answer:
The Von Neumann architecture is a basic computer design model. The key components of this architecture are:
- Memory: Stores the data and instructions.
- CPU: Executes the instructions and does calculations, made up of the ALU and CU.
- Input Devices: Devices that let the user enter data (like a keyboard or mouse).
- Output Devices: Devices that show or print the results (like a monitor or printer).
- What are the four main steps in the Von Neumann architecture’s instruction cycle?
Answer:
The four main steps in the Von Neumann architecture’s instruction cycle are:
- Fetching: The CPU gets an instruction from memory.
- Decoding: The Control Unit figures out what the instruction means and what to do.
- Execution: The CPU carries out the instruction, often with the help of the ALU for calculations.
- Storing: The result of the action is saved in memory or shown on an output device.
- What is the Von Neumann bottleneck?
Answer:
The Von Neumann bottleneck happens when the CPU is slowed down because both program instructions and data are stored in the same memory. This limits how quickly the CPU can get the data and instructions, which affects the system’s performance, especially when processing a lot of information.
- What is a key advantage of the Von Neumann architecture?
Answer:
A key advantage of the Von Neumann architecture is its simplicity and flexibility. It uses the same memory space for both program instructions (the code) and data, making the computer design easier and more adaptable. The CPU fetches, processes, and stores results one step at a time, which makes programming and modifying the system more efficient. This architecture has influenced many modern computers, making it the foundation for general-purpose computing.
- What are the three main requirements for a computing system to function?
Answer:
The three main requirements for a computing system to work are:
- Hardware: The physical parts of the computer, like the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and input/output devices.
- Software: The programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do, like the operating system (OS) and applications (like word processors).
- Electric Power: A steady power supply to keep the hardware working and allow the software to run.