Unit 1: Computer System - Solved
MCQs, Short and Long Questions
Solved MCQs
1. A binary number uses only:
c) Two digits
2. The base of the hexadecimal number system is:
d) 16
3. The character 'A' is represented in ASCII by the number:
b) 65
4. The main function of an operating system is:
a) Manage computer resources
5. Which number system uses digits from 0 to 7?
b) Octal
6. Unicode supports characters from:
c) All languages
7. A group of 4 bits is called:
a) Nibble
8. Which of the following is not an operating system?
d) MS Word
9. The smallest unit of data in a computer is:
a) Bit
10. Linux is an example of:
c) Operating system
Short Answer Questions
1. What is the significance of the Most Significant Bit (MSB) in signed binary
numbers?
The MSB indicates whether a binary number is positive or negative. In signed binary
representation, if MSB is 0, the number is positive; if it is 1, the number is negative.
2. What is a binary digit, and why is it fundamental in computer systems?
A binary digit (bit) is the smallest data unit that holds either a 0 or 1. It is fundamental
because computers use binary logic based on two states: ON and OFF.
3. Why are binary numbers more efficient for computer calculations than decimal
numbers?
Binary numbers are easier to implement in circuits since they require only two states.
This enhances processing speed and system reliability.
4. How do ASCII and Unicode differ in character representation?
ASCII uses 7 or 8 bits to represent English characters. Unicode supports up to 32 bits,
allowing characters from all world languages.
5. What is the importance of positional value in number systems? Give two examples.
Positional value defines each digit’s weight based on its position. Example: Binary 1010
= 10, Decimal 345 = 300+40+5.
6. What is the process to convert a binary number to its hexadecimal equivalent?
Group binary digits in 4s from the right and convert each group into hex. E.g., 10111100
= BC.
7. What is the purpose of machine code in computer operations?
Machine code controls hardware directly. It is the binary form of a program executed by
the CPU.
8. Why is coding scheme used in computer? Give three reasons.
Coding schemes convert characters into binary for data exchange, text processing, and
supporting multiple languages.
9. State five differences between a process and a thread.
1) Separate vs shared memory. 2) Processes are heavier. 3) Threads are faster. 4)
Threads exist in processes. 5) Data sharing is default for threads.
10. What is memory management and how does it work in an operating system?
Memory management allocates and tracks RAM for programs, ensuring smooth
multitasking and preventing memory issues.
11. What is a real-time operating system and where is it commonly used?
RTOS immediately processes inputs and is used in embedded systems like medical
devices, robotics, and automation.
12. Differentiate between multiprogramming and multitasking operating systems.
Multiprogramming loads multiple programs for CPU usage. Multitasking allows
simultaneous execution by fast context switching.
13. List two pros and two cons of on-premises hosting.
Pros: Control, security. Cons: Expensive, needs IT staff.
14. What is an application patch? Give key functions of it.
A patch updates software to fix bugs, enhance security, or add features.
15. Differentiate between offline and online applications. Give one example of each.
Offline apps work without internet (e.g., MS Word). Online apps require internet (e.g.,
Google Docs).
Extended Response (Long Answer) Questions
1. Explain decimal, binary, octal and hexadecimal number systems with examples.
- Decimal (Base-10): Uses digits 0–9. Example: 345 = 3×100 + 4×10 + 5×1
- Binary (Base-2): Uses 0, 1. Example: 1011 = 8 + 2 + 1 = 11
- Octal (Base-8): Uses 0–7. Example: Binary 1111111 = Octal 177
- Hexadecimal (Base-16): Uses 0–9, A–F. Example: 3F = 3×16 + 15 = 63
2. What is 2's complement, and why is it used? Give examples.
2's complement represents negative binary numbers. To find it:
1. Invert bits (1’s complement)
2. Add 1.
Example: 5 = 00000101 → Invert = 11111010 → Add 1 = 11111011 = -5
3. Define the terms Overflow and Underflow. Explain Overflow with example.
Overflow: Result exceeds number range. E.g., 8-bit: 200+100=300 → overflow (max
255).
Underflow: Result is too small/negative to represent.
4. What is the significance of ASCII and Unicode character coding schemes?
ASCII represents characters using 7/8 bits for English.
Unicode supports global characters using up to 32 bits.
Unicode ensures compatibility across languages and platforms.
5. What is an operating system? Explain any five tasks/functions of OS.
OS is system software that manages hardware and programs.
Functions:
1. Process Management
2. Memory Management
3. Device Management
4. File System
5. User Interface
6. Explain any four types of operating systems.
1. Batch OS: Runs jobs in batch without user input.
2. Time-sharing OS: Shares CPU time among tasks.
3. Real-time OS: Instant processing (e.g., in medical devices).
4. Distributed OS: Manages multiple connected systems.
7. How operating system manages applications? Explain five states of a process.
OS allocates memory, CPU, and I/O to apps.
States:
1. New
2. Ready
3. Running
4. Waiting
5. Terminated
8. Explain the role of IDEs in software development.
IDE (Integrated Development Environment) provides tools like:
- Code editor
- Compiler
- Debugger
- Syntax highlighting
They boost productivity and reduce errors.
9. What is software hosting? Explain On-premises and Cloud hosting with pros and
cons.
Software hosting stores apps on servers.
- On-Premises: Controlled, secure, but costly.
- Cloud: Scalable, cheaper, but internet-dependent and less control.
