Computers Basic MCQs Set-21

The primary function of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is to set up the hardware and load and start an operating system. The BIOS is firmware embedded in a computer's motherboard, and it provides the essential low-level functionality required for the hardware components to communicate with each other and with the operating system.

During the boot process, the BIOS performs several tasks, including:

1. Power-on self-test (POST): The BIOS conducts a series of diagnostic tests to ensure that the hardware components are functioning correctly. It checks the processor, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals for any potential issues.

2. Hardware initialization: The BIOS configures and initializes the system hardware, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, graphics card, and input/output interfaces. It sets up parameters and default settings for the hardware components.

3. Boot device selection: The BIOS determines the boot device from which the operating system will be loaded. It searches for a bootable device, such as the hard drive, solid-state drive, or optical drive, based on the configured boot order.

4. Loading the operating system: Once the boot device is identified, the BIOS reads the boot sector from that device. The boot sector contains the initial instructions for loading the operating system. The BIOS transfers control to the loaded operating system, allowing it to take over the system's operation.

5. Providing basic system services: While the operating system takes control, the BIOS continues to provide basic services to the system, such as interrupt handling, timekeeping, and low-level input/output operations.

It's worth noting that in modern systems, the BIOS has largely been replaced by the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), which performs similar functions but offers more advanced features and capabilities. However, the general purpose of initializing hardware, loading the operating system, and facilitating the boot process remains the same.

The type of memory that is both static and non-volatile is called "Non-Volatile RAM" (NVRAM). NVRAM is a category of memory that combines the characteristics of both static random-access memory (SRAM) and non-volatile memory (NVM).

Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of memory that uses flip-flops to store data. It is faster and more reliable than dynamic RAM (DRAM) but requires continuous power to retain its data. SRAM is typically used as cache memory in computer systems.

Non-volatile memory (NVM) refers to memory that retains its data even when power is removed. Examples of NVM include Flash memory and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory).

NVRAM, as the name suggests, is a type of memory that combines the non-volatility of NVM with the speed and reliability of SRAM. It retains its data even when power is removed but does not require constant power to maintain the stored information.

NVRAM can be used in applications where data persistence is crucial, such as storing BIOS settings, configuration data, or critical system parameters. It allows the system to retain important information even during power cycles or unexpected power outages.

The computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and provide a platform for running application software is called an "operating system" (OS). An operating system acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the software applications.

The primary functions of an operating system include:

1. Hardware abstraction: The operating system abstracts the underlying hardware, providing a uniform interface for software applications to interact with the hardware components. It manages resources such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices.

2. Process management: The operating system oversees the execution of processes (programs in execution). It schedules processes, allocates system resources, and provides mechanisms for inter-process communication and synchronization.

3. Memory management: The operating system manages the system's memory resources. It allocates and deallocates memory to processes, handles memory swapping to disk when necessary, and ensures efficient memory utilization.

4. File system management: The operating system provides a file system that organizes and manages files on storage devices. It handles file creation, deletion, and access, and provides file security and permissions.

5. Device management: The operating system controls and coordinates the operation of input/output devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and network interfaces. It provides device drivers and manages their interaction with software applications.

6. User interface: The operating system offers a user interface through which users interact with the computer system. This can be a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to run applications, manage files, and configure system settings.

7. Security and protection: The operating system enforces security measures to protect the system from unauthorized access and malicious software. It manages user authentication, access control, and implements various security mechanisms.

Examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Each operating system provides a platform for software developers to create applications that can run on top of it, utilizing its resources and services.

The term you're referring to is "data transfer rate" or "data transfer speed." It represents the amount of data that a storage device can move from the storage medium to the computer (or vice versa) within a given time frame, typically measured in seconds.

Data transfer rate is commonly expressed in units such as bits per second (bps) or bytes per second (Bps). Some commonly used prefixes for data transfer rate include:

- Kilobit per second (Kbps): 1,000 bits per second.
- Megabit per second (Mbps): 1,000,000 bits per second.
- Gigabit per second (Gbps): 1,000,000,000 bits per second.
- Terabit per second (Tbps): 1,000,000,000,000 bits per second.

For bytes:

- Kilobyte per second (KBps): 1,000 bytes per second.
- Megabyte per second (MBps): 1,000,000 bytes per second.
- Gigabyte per second (GBps): 1,000,000,000 bytes per second.
- Terabyte per second (TBps): 1,000,000,000,000 bytes per second.

It's important to note that the actual data transfer rate achieved in practice may be lower than the theoretical maximum due to various factors, including the performance of the storage device, the interface used to connect the device to the computer, and other system limitations.

A device that is not connected to the CPU is commonly referred to as a "peripheral device" or simply a "peripheral." A peripheral device is an external device that connects to a computer system but is not an integral part of the central processing unit (CPU).

Peripheral devices serve various purposes and provide additional functionality to the computer system. They can be classified into several categories, including:

1. Input devices: These devices allow users to input data into the computer system. Examples include keyboards, mice, scanners, and cameras.

2. Output devices: These devices present data or information generated by the computer system to the user. Examples include monitors, printers, speakers, and projectors.

3. Storage devices: These devices are used for data storage and retrieval. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and optical discs (such as CDs or DVDs).

4. Communication devices: These devices enable communication between the computer system and other devices or networks. Examples include network interface cards (NICs), modems, routers, and wireless adapters.

5. Peripherals for specialized purposes: These are devices designed for specific tasks or industries. Examples include barcode scanners, MIDI controllers, graphics tablets, and medical imaging devices.

Peripheral devices typically connect to the computer system via various interfaces, such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface), Ethernet, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. They expand the capabilities of the computer and allow users to interact with the system, store data, communicate with other devices, and accomplish specific tasks beyond the processing capabilities of the CPU alone.

LSIC stands for "Large-Scale Integrated Circuit." It refers to an integrated circuit (IC) that contains a large number of electronic components and circuits on a single chip. LSICs are designed to provide complex functionality by integrating multiple electronic components, such as transistors, resistors, capacitors, and interconnecting paths, onto a single semiconductor substrate.

LSICs are also commonly referred to as "large-scale integration" or "large-scale integrated circuits." The term "large-scale" indicates that the IC incorporates a significant number of components, enabling more advanced and complex electronic systems to be implemented on a smaller physical footprint.

The development of LSIC technology has played a crucial role in the advancement of modern electronics and has led to significant improvements in computing power, miniaturization of devices, and increased functionality. LSICs are used in a wide range of applications, including microprocessors, memory chips, graphics processing units (GPUs), communication devices, and various other electronic systems.

Online real-time systems became popular in the fourth generation of computer systems. The fourth generation of computers emerged in the late 1970s and continued into the 1980s. During this period, there were significant advancements in integrated circuit technology, leading to the development of microprocessors and the miniaturization of computer systems.

The fourth generation computers introduced more powerful and cost-effective hardware, making it feasible to implement online real-time systems on a broader scale. Online real-time systems are characterized by their ability to process and respond to data in real-time or near-real-time, providing immediate feedback or control based on incoming data.

These systems found widespread use in various industries and applications, including process control, industrial automation, telecommunications, financial services, and scientific research. Online real-time systems allowed for efficient monitoring, control, and decision-making based on real-time data, enabling faster and more accurate responses to changing conditions.

Furthermore, the development of networking technologies during this era, such as local area networks (LANs), further facilitated the integration of online real-time systems. This enabled multiple computer systems to communicate and share data in real-time, supporting collaborative work environments and distributed processing.

Overall, the fourth generation of computer systems played a significant role in popularizing online real-time systems, leveraging advancements in hardware, microprocessors, and networking technologies to enable real-time data processing and interaction.

You use an "input device" such as a keyboard or mouse to input information into a computer system. Input devices are peripherals that allow users to enter data, commands, or instructions into the computer for processing.

Here are some common examples of input devices:

1. Keyboard: Used for typing text, entering commands, and alphanumeric input.

2. Mouse: Used for pointing, clicking, and selecting objects on the screen, providing a graphical interface for interaction.

3. Touchpad: Found on laptops, it allows users to move the cursor and perform various gestures using finger movements.

4. Trackball: Similar to a mouse, it allows users to move the cursor by rolling a ball with their fingers or thumb.

5. Touchscreen: A display screen that senses touch, allowing users to interact directly with the screen by tapping, swiping, or pinching.

6. Scanner: Used to convert physical documents or images into digital format by scanning them.

7. Microphone: Captures audio input, allowing users to record voice, participate in voice communication, or give voice commands.

8. Webcam: Captures video input, commonly used for video conferencing, live streaming, or video recording.

9. Joystick or Gamepad: Used for gaming, providing control and input for gaming actions.

10. Digital Pen or Stylus: Enables precise input on touchscreens or graphics tablets, commonly used for drawing or handwriting recognition.

These input devices serve as the means for users to interact with the computer system, conveying information and instructions to be processed by the software and hardware components.

The ability of a device to "jump" directly to the requested data is known as "random access." Random access refers to the capability of a storage device or memory system to access data or information in a non-sequential or non-linear manner.

In a random access device, data can be retrieved or written to any specific location or address without the need to sequentially access all preceding data. It allows for quick and direct access to the desired data, regardless of its physical location in the storage medium.

Random access is particularly advantageous when dealing with large amounts of data or when there is a need for frequent and rapid access to specific pieces of information. It is a key feature of various storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), magnetic tapes, and random access memory (RAM).

For example, in a hard disk drive, random access is achieved through the use of read/write heads that can move quickly to different tracks on the spinning disk to access the requested data. Similarly, in RAM, data can be accessed in any order, allowing for rapid retrieval and manipulation by the computer's processor.

The opposite of random access is "sequential access," where data is accessed in a predetermined order from the beginning to the desired location. Sequential access is typically slower and less flexible compared to random access, as it requires traversing through all preceding data until reaching the desired point.

Random access is essential for efficient data storage, retrieval, and processing in various computing systems, enabling quick and direct access to specific information without the need for sequential scanning.

Multitasking: The operating system allows multiple tasks or processes to run concurrently on a single CPU. It employs scheduling algorithms to determine the order and duration of execution for each task, providing the illusion of simultaneous execution.