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CPU & Hardware

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude · Computer Fundamentals

Useful for: SSC CGL, IBPS Banking, KVS, NVS, OTET, OSSTET, BPSC TRE, UGC NET

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Overview

Computer basics cover hardware parts, the CPU, memory hierarchy, input/output devices and number systems.

Key points

The CPU has the ALU (calculations), the Control Unit (directs operations) and registers.
Memory speed order: registers > cache > RAM > SSD/hard disk.
RAM is volatile; ROM is non-volatile.
1 byte = 8 bits; 1 KB = 1,024 bytes.
Binary (base 2), octal (8), decimal (10), hexadecimal (16).

Explanation

Input devices: keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone; output: monitor, printer, speakers.
Firmware is software stored in ROM (e.g. BIOS).
Generations: vacuum tubes → transistors → ICs → microprocessors.
Decimal 10 = binary 1010 = hexadecimal A.

Step by step

Recall the exact term or function asked.
Eliminate options from a different category (hardware vs software, input vs output).
Check the shortcut or acronym expansion.

Examples

The part of the CPU that performs calculations → ALU.
Decimal 25 in binary → 11001 (16 + 8 + 1).
Non-volatile memory among RAM, cache and ROM → ROM.

Traps and advanced points

Trap: Calling RAM permanent storage.
Trap: Mixing ALU and CU roles.
Trap: Using 1 KB = 1,000 bytes in binary units.

Quick revision

Registers fastest.
RAM volatile, ROM not.
Binary place values 1, 2, 4, 8, 16.

Practice MCQs

What does ALU stand for?
1. Automatic Link Utility
2. Application Loading Unit
3. Analog Logic User
4. Arithmetic Logic Unit
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Answer: (d) Arithmetic Logic Unit. Correct: Arithmetic Logic Unit.
One byte contains how many bits?
1. 32
2. 8
3. 16
4. 4
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Answer: (b) 8. Correct answer: 8. Apply the core rule for CPU executes instructions; memory/storage hold data at different speeds and persistence.
CPU is best described as what?
1. Only an output device
2. The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing
3. A network cable
4. A permanent paper archive
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Answer: (b) The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing. Correct: The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing.
Applied recall: A backup is primarily created to do what?
1. Replace authentication
2. Recover data after loss or corruption
3. Increase CPU clock speed
4. Change file names automatically
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Answer: (b) Recover data after loss or corruption. Correct: Recover data after loss or corruption.
Applied recall: Which storage is generally non-volatile?
1. Cache only
2. CPU register
3. RAM
4. SSD
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Answer: (d) SSD. Correct: SSD.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, What is the main purpose of cache memory?
1. Store paper documents
2. Keep frequently needed data/instructions close to the CPU
3. Provide internet addresses
4. Replace every form of long-term storage
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Answer: (b) Keep frequently needed data/instructions close to the CPU. Correct: Keep frequently needed data/instructions close to the CPU.
In a Ranchi office practice scenario, Applied recall: Which device is primarily an output device?
1. Mouse
2. Monitor
3. Keyboard
4. Scanner
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Answer: (b) Monitor. Correct: Monitor.
In a Pune office practice scenario, Concept check: What does USB commonly stand for?
1. Universal Serial Bus
2. Unified System Buffer
3. Universal Storage Block
4. User Serial Base
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Answer: (a) Universal Serial Bus. Correct: Universal Serial Bus.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, What does ALU stand for?
1. Analog Logic User
2. Application Loading Unit
3. Automatic Link Utility
4. Arithmetic Logic Unit
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Answer: (d) Arithmetic Logic Unit. Correct: Arithmetic Logic Unit.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, Which is normally the fastest among these memory locations?
1. SSD
2. Hard disk
3. CPU register
4. RAM
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Answer: (c) CPU register. Correct: CPU register.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, CPU is best described as what?
1. The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing
2. A network cable
3. A permanent paper archive
4. Only an output device
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Answer: (a) The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing. Correct: The unit that executes instructions and coordinates processing.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, Which memory is normally volatile?
1. Optical disc
2. RAM
3. ROM
4. SSD
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Answer: (b) RAM. Correct: RAM.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, Which storage is generally non-volatile?
1. CPU register
2. SSD
3. Cache only
4. RAM
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Answer: (b) SSD. Correct: SSD.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, Which device is primarily an input device?
1. Monitor
2. Keyboard
3. Printer
4. Speaker
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Answer: (b) Keyboard. Correct: Keyboard.
In a Delhi office practice scenario, Which device is primarily an output device?
1. Scanner
2. Monitor
3. Mouse
4. Keyboard
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Answer: (b) Monitor. Correct: Monitor.