RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

Science and Technology

1. Hardware
• Computer hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing
unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), motherboard, computer data storage, graphics
card, sound card, and computer case.
• It includes external devices such as a monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers.

1.1 CPU

• A CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the primary component of any computer or electronic
device.
• It is responsible for carrying out the instructions given to it by the user.
• The CPU acts as the “brain” of the computer. It reads and interprets commands from software
programs and uses them to control other components within the machine.

a. Elements of a CPU
➢ Control Unit (CU)
➢ Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
➢ Registers
➢ Cache
➢ Bus Interface Unit (BIU)
➢ Instruction Decoder
➢ Clock
➢ Pipeline
➢ Floating-Point Unit (FPU)

b. Functions of a CPU
➢ Fetching Instructions
➢ Decoding Instructions
➢ Executing Instructions
➢ Managing Registers
➢ Controlling Program Flow
➢ Handling Interrupts
➢ Managing Caches
➢ Coordinating with Other System Components
➢ Arithmetic and Logic Operations
➢ Virtual Memory Management
➢ I/O Operations

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

1.2 Computer Memory

• To save data and instructions, memory is required.

• Memory is divided into cells, and they are stored in the storage space present in
the computer.
• Every cell has its unique location/address.
• Memory is essential for a computer as this is the way it becomes somewhat more similar to
a human brain.
• Following are the type of memories.

1.2.1 RAM

• RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is a type of computer memory that stores
data temporarily for quick access by the CPU.
• RAM is essential for a computer to run applications and open files.
• It is a form of electronic computer memory that can be read and changed in any order,
typically used to store working data and machine code.
• A random-access memory device allows data items to be read or written in almost the same
amount of time irrespective of the physical location of data inside.

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Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

• RAM is further divided into two types, SRAM: Static Random Access
Memory and DRAM: Dynamic Random Access Memory.

SRAM (Static Random Access memory)

• The function of SRAM is that it provides a direct interface with the Central Processing Unit
at higher speeds.
• SRAM is used as the Cache memory inside the computer.
• SRAM is known to be the fastest among all memories.
• SRAM is costlier.
• SRAM has a lower density (number of memory cells per unit area).
• The power consumption of SRAM is less but when it is operated at higher frequencies, the
power consumption of SRAM is compatible with DRAM.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access memory)

• The function of DRAM is that it is used for programming code by a computer processor
in order to function.
• It is used in our PCs (Personal Computers).
• DRAM is used as the Main Memory inside the computer.
• DRAM is known to be a fast memory but not as fast as SRAM.
• DRAM is cheaper as compared to SRAM.
• DRAM has a higher density (number of memory cells per unit area).
• The power consumption by DRAM is more.

1.2.2 ROM

• ROM, which stands for read only memory, is a memory device or storage medium that stores
information permanently.
• It is also the primary memory unit of a computer along with the random access memory
(RAM).
• It is called read only memory as we can only read the programs and data stored on it but
cannot write on it.
• It is restricted to reading words that are permanently stored within the unit.
• The manufacturer of ROM fills the programs into the ROM at the time of manufacturing the
ROM. After this, the content of the ROM can't be altered.

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

1.2.3 Storage Devices: HDD/SSD

a. HDD

• A computer hard disk drive (HDD) is a non-volatile data storage device.

• Non-volatile refers to storage devices that maintain stored data when turned off.
• All computers need a storage device, and HDDs are just one example of a type of storage
device.
• HDDs are usually installed inside desktop computers, mobile devices, consumer electronics
and enterprise storage arrays in data centers.

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

• They can store operating systems, software programs and other files using magnetic disks.
• The disk is divided into tracks.
• Each track is further divided into sectors.
• The point to be noted here is that the outer tracks are bigger than the inner tracks but they
contain the same number of sectors and have equal storage capacity.
• The read-write (R-W) head moves over the rotating hard disk.
• It is this Read-Write head that performs all the read and write operations on the disk and
hence, the position of the R-W head is a major concern.
• To perform a read or write operation on a memory location, we need to place the R-W head
over that position.

b. SSD

• An SSD, or solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers.

• This non-volatile storage media stores persistent data on solid-state flash memory.
• Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, allowing them to
deliver faster data access speeds, reduced latency, increased resistance to physical shock,
lower power consumption, and silent operation.
• Solid state drives (SSDs) use a combination of NAND flash memory technology and
advanced controller algorithms.
• NAND flash memory is the primary storage component, divided into blocks and pages.
• An SSD contains a controller chip that manages data storage, retrieval, and optimization.

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

1.3 Input / Output Devices

a. Input Device

• An input device is a computer device or hardware that allows the user to provide data, input,
and instructions to the computer system.
• Examples of input devices include keyboards, computer mice, scanners, cameras, joysticks,
and microphones.

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Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

b. Output Device

• An output device is a hardware component of a computer system that displays information to

users.
• Some common examples of output devices are: Monitor/Display, Printer, Speakers,
Headphones/Earphones, Projectors, Plotters, Braille Display, Digital Signage Display, Touch-
screens, etc.

2. Software

2.1 Operating System

• An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer
by a boot program, manages all the other application programs in a computer.
• It is a program that acts as an interface between the system hardware and the user.
• Some of the types of Operating System are:

➢ Batch OS
➢ Multiprogramming OS
➢ Multitasking OS
➢ Time Sharing OS
➢ Real Time OS

• Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, etc.

2.2 System Software

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

• System software refers to the low-level software that manages and controls a computer’s
hardware and provides basic services to higher-level software.
• There are two main types of software: systems software and application software.
• Systems software includes the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself,
such as the operating system, file management utilities, and disk operating system (or
DOS).

2.3 Application Software

• The term “application software” refers to software that performs specific functions for a
user.
• When a user interacts directly with a piece of software, it is called application software.
• The sole purpose of application software is to assist the user in doing specified tasks.
• Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as popular web browsers like Firefox and Google
Chrome, are examples of application software.

Here are the main differences between system software and application software.

System Software Application Software

System Software maintains the system Application software is built for specific tasks.
resources and gives the path for application
software to run.
Low-level languages are used to write the While high-level languages are used to write
system software. the application software.
It is general-purpose software. While it’s a specific purpose software.
Without system software, the system stops and While Without application software system
can’t run. always runs.
System software runs when the system is While application software runs as per the
turned on and stops when the system is turned user’s request.
off.
Example: System software is an operating Example: Application software is Photoshop,
system, etc. VLC player, etc.

3. Data Representation

3.1 Binary Number System

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

• Binary Number System uses two digits, 0 and 1, and is the foundation for all modern
computing.
• The word binary is derived from the word “bi” which means two.
• Binary Number System is the number system in which we use two digits “0” and “1” to
perform all the necessary operations.
• In the Binary Number System, we have a base of 2.
• The base of the Binary Number System is also called the radix of the number system.

Decimal Binary Number Decimal Binary

Number Number Number
1 001 11 1011
2 010 12 1100
3 011 13 1101
4 100 14 1110
5 101 15 1111
6 110 16 10000
7 111 17 10001
8 1000 18 10010
9 1001 19 10011
10 1010 20 10100
3.2 Bits and Bytes

• A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data that a computer can process and store.
• It's short for "binary digit" and is the fundamental building block of all digital computing
and communication systems.
• It is used for storing information and has a value of true/false or on/off.
• An individual bit has a value of either 0 or 1.
• A group of 8 bits is called a byte.
• A group of 4 bits is called a nibble.

4. Boolean logic
4.1 Logic Gates
• Logic Gates are the fundamental building blocks in digital electronics.
• By combining different logic gates complex operations are performed and
circuits like flip-flop, counters, and processors are designed.
• Logic Gates are designed by using electrical components
like diodes, transistors, resistors, and more.

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

a. AND Gate

b. OR Gate

c. NOT Gate

d. NAND Gate

e. NOR Gate

4.2 Truth Tables

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

4.3 Applications of Logic Gates

• Logic gates are used in digital computers to perform arithmetic, logical, and control functions.
• In memory devices, logic gates are used to implement memory cells to store digital data in the
form of bits.
• Logic gates are used in manufacturing microprocessors and microcontrollers.
• In systems used in the digital signal processing, the logic gates play an important role to
perform various operations such as modulation, filtering, algorithm execution, etc.
• Logic gates are also used in digital communication systems to perform functions like
encoding, decoding, signal processing, etc.
• In control systems, logic gates are used to manage and control the operations of machinery.
• Logic gates are also used to implement automated operation of security systems.

Questions

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

1. The brain of any computer system is

a) ALU
b) CPU
c) None of above
d) Memory

Answer: b) CPU

2. Which device is used as the standard pointing device in a Graphical User Environment?

a) Keyboard
b) Mouse
c) Joystick
d) Trackball

Answer: b) Mouse

3. The section of the CPU that is responsible for performing mathematical operations is

a) Memory
b) Register Unit
c) Control Unit
d) ALU

Answer: d) ALU

4. The list of coded instructions is called

a) Computer Program
b) Algorithm
c) Flowchart
d) Utility Program

Answer: a) Computer Program

5. The 0 and 1 in the Binary Number System are called

a) Bytes
b) Kilobytes
c) Nibble
d) Bits

Answer: d) Bits

6. Which is not an application software?

a) Windows NT
b) Page Maker
c) WinWord XP

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

d) Photoshop

Answer: a) Windows NT

7. Which of the following is an example of a real time operating system?

a) Lynx
b) MS DOS
c) Windows XP
d) Process Control

Answer: d) Process Control

8. A light sensitive device that converts drawing, printed text or other images into digital
form is
a) Keyboard
b) Plotter
c) Scanner
d) OMR

Answer: b) Plotter

9. The basic architecture of computer was developed by

a) John Von Neumann
b) Charles Babbage
c) Blaise Pascal
d) Garden Moore

Answer: a) John Von Neumann

10. Fifth generation computers are based on

a) Artificial Intelligence
b) Programming Intelligence
c) System Knowledge
d) VLSI

Answer: a) Artificial Intelligence

11. Microprocessor was introduced in which generation of computer?

a) Second Generation
b) Fourth Generation
c) Third Generation
d) Fifth Generation

Answer: b) Fourth Generation

12. Which of the following memory in non-volatile?

a) SRAM
b) DRAM
c) ROM
d) None of these

Answer: c) ROM

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 RPSC Assistant Engineer Combined Competitive Examination, 2024

Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

13. GUI stands for
a) Graph Use Interface
b) Graphical User Interface
c) Graphical Unique Interface
d) Graphical Universal Interface

Answer: b) Graphical User Interface

14. An error is also called as

a) Bug
b) Debug
c) Cursor
d) Icon

Answer: a) Bug

15. Microsoft Word is an example of

a) An operating system
b) Processing device
c) Application software
d) System software

Answer: c) Application software

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Chapter-1 | Computer Fundamentals

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