Computing questions and answers
Great! I see your assignment for “Introduction to
Computing – FENG 121 – July 2024” from Fourah
Bay College. Here’s a clear and organized answer
guide to help you complete it.
1. a) Main Components of a Computer System
(With Illustrations)
A typical computer system has the following
components:
1. Input Devices
Devices used to input data into the computer.
• Examples: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner.
2. Output Devices
Used to display or produce the result of data
processing.
• Examples: Monitor, Printer, Speaker.
3. Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The brain of the computer. It includes:
• Control Unit (CU): Directs the operation of
the processor.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs
arithmetic and logical operations.
4. Memory/Storage
• Primary Memory: RAM and ROM.
• Secondary Storage: Hard Disk, SSD, USB,
CD.
5. Software
Includes the operating system and application
software.
Illustration Example:
+-------------------------+
| Input Devices |
+-----------+-------------+
↓
+-------------------------+
| CPU |
| CU + ALU + Registers |
+-------------------------+
↓
+-------------------------+
| Memory Units |
| RAM / ROM / Storage |
+-------------------------+
↓
+-------------------------+
| Output Devices |
+-------------------------+
1. b) What is the Operating System Kernel and its
Functions?
The Kernel is the core part of an operating system
that directly interacts with the hardware.
Functions of the Kernel:
• Memory Management: Allocates memory to
processes.
• Process Management: Handles process
scheduling and execution.
• Device Management: Controls
communication with input/output devices.
• File Management: Organizes files on
storage.
• System Calls Interface: Allows programs to
request services from the OS.
1. c) Block Diagram: OS & Computer System
Components
+-------------------+
| Application Layer |
+-------------------+
↓
+-------------------+
| Operating System |
| (Kernel) |
+---------+---------+
↓
+---------------------------+
| Hardware Components |
| CPU | Memory | Devices |
+---------------------------+
Briefs:
• Application Layer: User programs like
Word, Excel, etc.
• OS: Manages hardware and software.
• Hardware: Actual physical components.
2. a) Difficulties Without an Operating System
• Users cannot interact with hardware
directly.
• No interface for executing programs.
• No file management.
• No security, memory, or resource
management.
• Manual operation of hardware is required.
2. b) Differences Between DOS and Windows
Interfaces
feature dos Windows
Interface type Command-line Graphical user
interface [gui]
usability Complex, User – friendly,
requires uses icons
commands
multitasking Not supported Supported
Mouse support No Yes
2. c) Mobile Operating Systems Examples
1. Android
2. iOS
3. HarmonyOS (by Huawei)
3. a) Jobs/Functions of CPU and Memory Units
CPU Functions:
• Fetch, decode, and execute instructions.
• Perform calculations and logic operations.
Memory Functions:
• Store instructions and data temporarily
(RAM).
• Store permanent instructions (ROM).
3. b) RAM vs. ROM
feature ram rom
Type volatile Non - volatile
Purpose Temporary Permanent
working system memory
memory
Can be written Yes Usually no [or
limited]
3. c) Input, Output & Storage Devices (with
Examples)
device type example function
Input device Keyboard, Enter data into the
mouse computer
Output device Monitor, printer Display results to
the user
Storage device Hard disk, USB Store data
permanently or
temporary
4. a) Difference Between Intranet and Extranet [5
marks]
Intranet Extranet
Private network within Private network shared
an orga nization externally
Access limited to Access given to external
internal staff partners
More secure Less secure [relatively]
4. b) PAN, LAN, WAN, MAN
Network Full coverage
form[meaning]
PAN Personal area Around a single
network person
LAN Local area Small area
network [ office ]
WAN Wide area Large
network geographic area
MAN Metropolitan City or campus -
area wide
4. c) Client-Server vs Peer-to-Peer Networks
Feature Client - Server Peer –To - Peer
Server Role Centralized No central
server server
Data storage Stored on Stored on
servers individual
devices
Cost Expensive Cheap and
setup simple
Examples Email servers File sharing
[ like
BitTorrent]
