Computer System
Class 11 · Computer Science
4 ideas in Class 11 Computer Science, explained in plain words, with games and quizzes to practise.
IPO Organisation
Part of: Organisation and CPU
Input feeds data, CPU processes, output shows results; memory stores; IPO cycle repeats.
Why it matters. Flow mapped. Units placed.
Key words
- Input
- : Raw facts fed in for the computer to work upon.
- Process unit
- : The processor that transforms input into results.
- Output
- : Finished information shown after processing.
- Storage
- : Chips and disks holding data for future use.
- IPO cycle
- : The repeating input-process-output working loop.
Try it in two minutes
- Spot input.
- Spot process.
- Spot output.
Try at home. Trace a print job.
Memory Units
Part of: Organisation and CPU
Bit smallest; nibble 4 bits; byte 8 bits; KB 1024 bytes; MB, GB, TB scale by 1024.
Why it matters. Sizes compared. Capacity judged.
Formulas
- 1 nibble = 4 bits and 1 byte = 8 bits.
- 1 KB = 1024 bytes.
- 1 MB = 1024 KB.
- 1 GB = 1024 MB.
- 1 TB = 1024 GB.
Key words
- Bit
- : The smallest unit, a single 0 or 1.
- Nibble
- : A 4-bit word like 1001 used in small groupings.
- Byte
- : An 8-bit word, the basic addressable chunk of memory.
- Kilobyte
- : 1024 bytes, the first scaled unit of storage.
- Memory ladder
- : Units scaling by 1024 from KB up to MB, GB and TB.
Try it in two minutes
- Count bits.
- Group bytes.
- Scale by 1024.
Try at home. Size your files.
Input Output Devices
Part of: Devices and Software
Mouse, scanner, mic input; printer, speaker, projector output; touchscreen both; choice fits task.
Why it matters. Device fits task. Both ways known.
Key words
- Input devices
- : Tools like keyboard, mouse and scanner feeding data inward.
- Output devices
- : Tools like printer, speaker and monitor showing results.
- Touchscreen
- : A screen handling both touch input and display output.
- Device selection
- : Matching device choice to the task at hand.
Try it in two minutes
- Need in or out?
- Pick the device.
- Check both ways.
Try at home. List home devices.
Software and OS
Part of: Devices and Software
System software runs hardware; OS manages resources; application serves users; utilities maintain.
Why it matters. Layer known. OS manages.
Key words
- System software
- : Programs running hardware, including the operating system.
- Operating system
- : The master program managing memory, devices and jobs.
- Application software
- : Programs serving end users like editors and browsers.
- Utility software
- : Helper programs that maintain and protect the system.
Try it in two minutes
- Hardware or user?
- OS manages?
- App serves?
Try at home. List installed apps.
What your child will practise
- Input Output Devices: Space Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
- Input Output Devices: Space Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- IPO Organisation: Ocean Puzzle (Clue Puzzle)
- Memory Units: Space Quest (Flip and Match)
- Software and OS: Candy Quick Fire (Quick Fire)
- Quiz: IPO Organisation (8 questions)
- Quiz: Input Output Devices (8 questions)
- Quiz: Memory Units (8 questions)
- Quiz: Software and OS (8 questions)