Computer Fundamentals
Computer Fundamentals is the first domain of the BSEB Intermediate Computer Science paper. It tests the meaning and characteristics of a computer, its functional units, generations, classification, input/output devices and memory units.
Core ideas
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it under a stored program and produces information. Its basic functional units are input, memory, arithmetic logic unit (ALU), control unit (CU) and output; ALU and CU together form the CPU. Characteristics include speed, accuracy, diligence, versatility and storage. Generations are usually classified by switching technology: vacuum tubes, transistors, integrated circuits, microprocessors and AI-oriented systems. Computers are classified by size and purpose, e.g. micro, mini, mainframe, supercomputer, analog, digital and hybrid. Memory units ascend bit → nibble (4 bits) → byte (8 bits) → kilobyte → megabyte → gigabyte → terabyte, with 1 KB = 1024 bytes in binary convention.
Worked example
A machine has 8 GB RAM. Express it in bytes. 1 GB = 1024 MB = 1024 × 1024 KB = 1024^3 bytes. Therefore 8 GB = 8 × 1,073,741,824 = 8,589,934,592 bytes. The reasoning is to convert step by step using powers of 1024, not 1000, unless the question explicitly uses decimal storage units.
Traps
Do not confuse bit and byte: a byte has 8 bits. RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile. The CPU does not store programs permanently. Data are raw facts; information is processed data. Generation questions often test the switching device, not the operating system.