Computer System Overview and Organization

Computer Science

This document provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, covering their fundamental components, organization, and types of software. It details the roles of hardware and software, the basic components of a computer (input, output, CPU, memory, storage), and the logical structure of computer organization. It also delves into various types of memory (RAM, ROM, cache), secondary storage devices, and the organization of mobile systems. Finally, it explains the classifications of software, including system software (operating systems, language processors) and application software.

Hardware Software Organization

30 Questions Easy Ages 12+ Mar 8, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Computer Science through 30 practice questions. This document provides a comprehensive overview of computer systems, covering their fundamental components, organization, and types of software. It details the roles of hardware and software, the basic components of a computer (input, output, CPU, memory, storage), and the logical structure of computer organization. It also delves into various types of memory (RAM, ROM, cache), secondary storage devices, and the organization of mobile systems. Finally, it explains the classifications of software, including system software (operating systems, language processors) and application software. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 30 questions from the Computer System Overview and Organization study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What are the two main components that enable a computer to deliver its functions?

A Hardware and Storage
B Software and Input
C Hardware and Software
D CPU and Output

2 Which of the following is an example of computer hardware?

A Keyboard
B Program
C Instructions
D Data

3 What are recorded instructions and programs that govern the working of a computer called?

A Hardware
B Software
C Firmware
D Malware

4 Which basic component of a computer system is responsible for taking input?

A Output Unit
B CPU
C Input Unit
D Primary Memory

5 Which part of the CPU is responsible for carrying out arithmetic instructions and making logic decisions?

A Control Unit
B Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
C Registers
D Primary Memory

6 What is the logical structure of a computer describing how its components are connected and affect each other's functioning called?

A Computer Hardware
B Computer Organization
C System Bus
D Mobile System Organization

7 The IPO principle that computers follow stands for:

A Input, Process, Output
B Information, Program, Operation
C Internal, Processing, Output
D Instructions, Processing, Output

8 Which input device is a typewriter-like device used to type letters, digits, and commands?

A Mouse
B Microphone
C Keyboard
D Joystick

9 What is the primary function of an output unit?

A To take input and convert it to binary form
B To process data and instructions
C To produce information as output in human-readable form
D To store data permanently

10 Which component of the CPU is often called the 'brain' of the computer?

A ALU
B Control Unit
C Registers
D CPU (Central Processing Unit)

11 What type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is switched off?

A ROM
B Cache Memory
C Primary Memory (RAM)
D Secondary Storage

12 A group of 8 bits is called a:

A Nibble
B Byte
C Kilobyte
D Megabyte

13 Which type of ROM can be programmed by the user using special equipment, but only once?

A EPROM
B EEPROM
C Mask ROM
D PROM

14 What is the main purpose of Cache Memory?

A To store programs permanently
B To speed up access to data and instructions stored in RAM
C To perform arithmetic operations
D To convert input to binary form

15 Which secondary storage device uses optical media to store data?

A Hard Disk
B Pen Drive
C Compact Disk (CD)
D Flash Memory

16 What is the electronic pathway that connects the major components of a computer system called?

A Data Bus
B Address Bus
C I/O Bus
D System Bus

17 In mobile systems, what is a single chip that integrates major components called?

A CPU
B RAM
C ROM
D System on a Chip (SoC)

18 Which subsystem of a mobile system is responsible for making and receiving phone calls?

A Applications Processing Unit (APU)
B Communications Processing Unit
C Display Subsystem
D Camera Subsystem

19 What is the primary goal of an operating system?

A To translate source code to object code
B To manage computer hardware and provide a user interface
C To run application software
D To store data permanently

20 What is a language processor that translates source code into object code?

A Operating System
B Assembler
C Compiler
D Interpreter

21 Which of the following is a type of system software?

A Word Processor
B Spreadsheet
C Operating System
D Database

22 What does 'source code' refer to?

A Code that a computer can understand directly
B Code written by a programmer in a high-level language
C Code that is permanently stored in ROM
D Code generated by the CPU

23 What is the function of an interpreter?

A Translates and executes instructions line-by-line
B Translates assembly language to machine language
C Translates entire programs at once
D Manages computer resources

24 What is the primary role of the CPU in a computer system?

A To store data permanently
B To display information to the user
C To process data and execute instructions
D To provide input to the computer

25 What are the two main types of software?

A System Software and Utility Software
B Application Software and System Software
C Operating System and Application Software
D Language Processors and System Software

26 Which component is responsible for controlling and supervising the processing of data and instructions?

A ALU
B Registers
C Primary Memory
D Control Unit

27 What is the main advantage of secondary storage over primary memory?

A It is faster
B It is volatile
C It provides permanent storage
D It is smaller in size

28 What is a 'cache hit'?

A When data is not found in the cache
B When data is found in the cache
C When the CPU accesses RAM
D When the system crashes

29 What is the main characteristic of a Blu-ray disc compared to a DVD?

A It uses a red laser
B It has a smaller storage capacity
C It uses a blue-violet laser and has higher storage capacity
D It is an optical media with less storage

30 What is the main function of the Power Management Subsystem in a mobile device?

A To display information
B To process applications
C To provide power to the system
D To capture images

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