Bcs 011 Solved Free Assignment 2024-25 Sem 1

Course Code : BCS-011  

Course Title : Computer Basics and PC Software  

Assignment Number : BCA (I)/011/Assignment/2024-25  

Maximum Marks : 100 

 Last Date of Submission : 31stOctober,2024(For July Session)  

                                           : 30thApril,2025(For January Session)  

This assignment has three questions of 80 marks (each section of a question carries same marks). Answer all the questions. Rest 20 marks are for viva voce. You may use illustrations and diagrams to enhance explanations. Please go through the guidelines regarding assignments given in the Programme Guide for the format of presentation. Please give precise answers. The word limit for each part is 200 words. 

Question 1:                                                                                        (7×4=28 Marks)

(A) What are the functions of various operational units of a computer system? What is von Neumann Architecture? How can you relate von Neumann architecture to an actual computer? Explain with the help of an example configuration. 

Ans: Functions of Various Operational Units of a Computer System: 

1. 1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): 

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• Control Unit (CU): Manages and controls all the operations of the computer. It interprets program instructions and initiates the required actions, including data transfer, input/output processing, and controlling peripherals. 

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• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Handles all arithmetic and logical operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and comparison operations (AND, OR, NOT, etc.). 

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• Registers: Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU used for storing intermediate results and instructions during processing.

2. 2. Memory Unit: 

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• Primary Memory (RAM): Temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs to execute programs. It is volatile, meaning data is lost when the power is turned off. 

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• Cache Memory: A smaller, faster type of memory located close to the CPU, used to store frequently accessed data and instructions for quicker access. 

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• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Stores permanent system data, such as firmware. It is non-volatile, meaning the data persists even when the computer is turned off. 

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3. 3. Input/Output Units (I/O Units): 

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• Input Devices: Hardware used to enter data into the computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, or scanner. 

• Output Devices: Hardware used to output information, such as a monitor, printer, or speakers. 

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4. 4. Storage Unit: 

• Secondary Storage: Permanent storage for data, like hard drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), or optical discs (CDs/DVDs). It retains data even when the computer is turned off. 

von Neumann Architecture: 

The von Neumann architecture, proposed by mathematician and physicist John von Neumann in 1945, is a computer architecture model that describes a system where the CPU, memory, and input/output devices are interconnected. 

Key features of von Neumann architecture include: 

5. Stored Program Concept: Both data and instructions are stored in the same memory space, and the CPU fetches instructions from memory one at a time.

6.  

6. Sequential Execution: Instructions are executed sequentially, one after another, unless a jump or branch instruction modifies the order.

7. Single Path for Data and Instructions: There is a single bus or channel for the transmission of both data and instructions between the CPU and memory. 

Relation to an Actual Computer: 

Modern computers are fundamentally based on von Neumann architecture, though with many improvements. In modern systems, the CPU fetches instructions and data from the RAM, processes them, and interacts with various I/O devices. The basic structure of a modern computer—using a CPU, memory (RAM), storage, and input/output devices—follows the principles of the von Neumann model. 

 

Example Configuration: 

Consider a typical desktop computer configuration: 

• CPU: Intel Core i7 Processor (functions as the control unit, ALU, and contains registers). 

• RAM: 16GB DDR4 (for temporarily storing data and instructions). 

• Storage: 1TB SSD (for long-term storage of programs and files). 

• I/O Devices: Keyboard, mouse (input), and monitor (output). 

• Cache Memory: 8MB L3 Cache in the CPU (for fast access to frequently used data). 

In this system: 

• The CPU fetches instructions from the RAM. The instructions are loaded from the SSD into RAM when the program is executed. 

• The Control Unit interprets these instructions and sends signals to execute operations. 

• The ALU performs necessary calculations and logical comparisons as dictated by the program. 

• Results may be displayed on the monitor or stored back on the SSD for later use. 

This setup follows von Neumann's concept where both instructions and data are stored in the same memory (RAM) and processed sequentially. The CPU accesses the memory via a common bus for both data and instructions, maintaining the essence of the von Neumann architecture. 

 

(B) Compare and contrast the characteristics and/or organization of the following:

(i) DRAM Vs. SRAM 

(ii) Access time on Magnetic disks Vs. access time on Magnetic tapes 

(iii) Pen Drive Vs. CD-RW  

(iv) ROM Vs. PROM 

ANS: (i) DRAM (Dynamic RAM) vs. SRAM (Static RAM) 

Characteristic	DRAM (Dynamic RAM)	SRAM (Static RAM)
Storage Mechanism	Stores data using capacitors; requires periodic refreshing.	Stores data using flip-flops; no need for refreshing.
Speed	Slower than SRAM due to refreshing.	Faster than DRAM, does not need refreshing.
Power Consumption	Consumes more power due to constant refreshing.	Consumes less power, as no refreshing is needed.
Density (Capacity)	Higher density; more storage per unit area.	Lower density; stores less data per unit area.
Cost	Cheaper to manufacture.	More expensive to manufacture.
Usage	Typically used as main memory (RAM) in computers.	Typically used for cache memory in processors.

(ii) Access Time on Magnetic Disks vs. Access Time on Magnetic Tapes 

Characteristic	Magnetic Disks	Magnetic Tapes
Access Method	Random access; data can be retrieved directly.	Sequential access; data must be accessed in order.
Access Time	Much faster (milliseconds).	Slower (seconds to minutes), as the tape must be wound to the correct position.
Usage	Used in hard drives and similar storage for fast access to data.	Used for backup and archival purposes where speed is less important.
Cost per GB	More expensive.	Cheaper for large amounts of data storage.

(iii) Pen Drive vs. CD-RW (Compact Disc Re-Writable) 

Characteristic	Pen Drive	CD-RW
Storage Capacity	Typically 2GB to 1TB or more.	Typically 650MB to 700MB.
Durability	More durable; no moving parts and less prone to damage.	Less durable; sensitive to scratches and environmental factors.
Reusability	Can be rewritten multiple times (thousands of cycles).	Can be rewritten, but has limited cycles (~1000 rewrites).
Portability	Very portable, compact, and lightweight.	Less portable; bulkier and requires a CD drive.
Speed	Faster read/write speeds (USB 2.0/3.0).	Slower read/write speeds.
Usage	General-purpose storage for files, software, etc.	Often used for media storage and data backups.

(iv) ROM (Read-Only Memory) vs. PROM (Programmable ROM) 

Characteristic	ROM (Read-Only Memory)	PROM (Programmable ROM)
Programming	Pre-programmed during manufacture and cannot be changed.	Programmable by the user once; can only be written once.
Reusability	Non-programmable, static content.	User can write data once; cannot be reprogrammed after that.
Usage	Typically used for storing firmware and system boot information.	Used when customization is required by the user post-manufacturing.
Cost	Generally cheaper due to mass production.	Slightly more expensive since customization is allowed.
Volatility	Non-volatile; data is retained even when power is off.	Non-volatile; retains data after being programmed.