MANIPAL UNIVERSITY JAIPUR

internal assignment

PROGRAM BCA
SEMESTER 1
COURSE CODE &NAME DCA1104 &Understanding PC & Troubleshooting
CREDITS 4
NAME ANISH GUPTA
NUMBER OF ASSIGNNENT & 02 & 30 Marks each
MARKS
SET 1
1 Explain various type of BUSES and processor modes in CPU.
ANS. A bus is a communication system that transfer data between components inside a computer.

Buses:
In a computer system, buses are communication channels that connect various components together
and allow them to exchange data. Here are some types of buses commonly found in a computer
system:

System Bus: Also known as the Front Side Bus (FSB), it connects the CPU to the main memory (RAM)
and other major components like the graphics card.

Memory Bus: It is responsible for communication between the CPU and the RAM. It allows the CPU to
read from and write to the memory.

Address Bus: It carries the memory addresses generated by the CPU. The size of the address bus
determines the maximum amount of memory that can be addressed by the CPU.

Data Bus: It transfers data between the CPU and other components, such as the memory or
input/output devices. The width of the data bus determines the amount of data that can be
transferred in a single bus cycle.

Control Bus: It carries control signals that coordinate and synchronize the activities of various
components in the computer system. These signals include read and write signals, interrupt requests,
and clock signals.

Processor Modes:
Processor modes, also known as CPU modes or CPU states, define the operational state of the
processor. Here are some common processor modes:

User Mode: This mode is used for executing regular application programs. In user mode, the CPU has
restricted access to system resources and can only execute certain instructions.

Kernel Mode (Supervisor Mode): This mode is used by the operating system to execute privileged
instructions and access system resources. In kernel mode, the CPU has full access to all system
resources.

System Management Mode (SMM): This mode is a special mode used by the computer's firmware
(BIOS or UEFI) to perform system management tasks, such as power management or hardware
configuration.

Virtual 8086 Mode: This mode allows the execution of real mode DOS programs within a protected
mode operating system.

Long Mode: This mode is used by modern CPU to support 64-bit operating systems and applications.

Each of these modes has different privileges and limitations, allowing the CPU to perform specific
tasks according to the software being executed.
2. Explain S RAM, SD RAM, DDR SD RAM, and ED RAM.

ANS. S RAM (Static Random Access Memory):

S RAM is a type of memory that stores data using flip-flops, which are bistable circuits. S RAM is faster
and more expensive compared to other memory types. It is typically used for cache memory because
of its fast access times and ability to retain data as long as power is supplied. However, S RAM has a
lower storage density compared to other types of RAM.

SD RAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory):

SD RAM is a type of memory that stores data in capacitors. It is synchronized with the system clock,
allowing for faster data access compared to asynchronous memory types. SDRAM operates at higher
frequencies and has higher storage density than S RAM. It is widely used as the main memory in
computers and other devices.

DDR SD RAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory):
DDR SD RAM is an improved version of SDRAM that allows for higher data transfer rates. It uses both
the rising and falling edges of the clock signal to transfer data, effectively doubling the data transfer
rate compared to traditional SD RAM. DDR SD RAM has multiple versions including DDR2, DDR3, and
DDR4, each providing increased bandwidth and improved performance.

ED RAM (Embedded Dynamic Random Access Memory):

ED RAM is a type of memory that combines the advantages of both S RAM and D RAM. It is commonly
used as a cache memory in gaming consoles and graphics cards. EDRAM provides high-speed access
similar to S RAM but with a higher storage density like DRAM. It offers faster access times and lower
power consumption compared to traditional S RAM.

S RAM is fast but expensive and used for cache memory, SD RAM is used as the main memory in
computers, DDR SD RAM provides higher data transfer rates, and ED RAM combines the benefits s
ram and d ram are specialized applications.
3. Explain password trouble shooting in CMOS. Discuss briefly features of BIOS.
ANS.Password troubleshooting in CMOS typically involves resting or clearing the BIOS password on a
computer’s motherboard. Here are a few troubleshooting steps:

Resetting CMOS:
The most common way to overcome a forgotten BIOS password is to reset the CMOS
(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) settings. This can be done by locating the CMOS
jumper on the motherboard and changing its position for a brief period. This action clears the CMOS
settings, including the password.
Alternatively, some motherboards have a CMOS reset button or a specific key combination that can
be pressed during system startup to reset the CMOS.
Removing the CMOS Battery:
Another method involves removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard. This battery powers the
CMOS chip and keeps the BIOS settings intact, including the password. By removing the battery and
leaving it out for a few minutes, the CMOS settings will be cleared, including the password.

It's worth noting that both methods mentioned above will also reset any custom BIOS settings you
may have configured, so you might need to reconfigure those settings after performing a reset.

Now, let's briefly discuss the structure of BIOS:

ROM (Read-Only Memory):

The BIOS is stored in a ROM chip on the computer's motherboard. Traditionally, it was a physically
separate chip, but in modern systems, the BIOS is often stored in a flash memory chip that can be
updated.
POST (Power-On Self-Test):
When the computer is turned on, the BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), where it checks the
hardware components and ensures they are functioning correctly. It also identifies and initializes
connected devices like the hard drive, CD/DVD drive, etc.
BIOS Setup Utility:
The BIOS Setup Utility, also known as the CMOS setup, allows users to configure various BIOS settings.
These settings include boot device priority, CPU and memory settings, security settings, and more. It
can be accessed by pressing a specific key (often Del, F2, or Esc) during the system startup.
Boot Process:
After the POST is completed and the BIOS settings are configured, the BIOS passes control to the
operating system bootloader, which then loads the operating system into memory for execution.

The BIOS plays a critical role in initializing the computer hardware and preparing the system for the
operating system to take over. It provides a foundation for the computer's functionality and allows
users to customize and control various system settings.
 SET --2

4. Describe construction of a hard drive with diagram.

ANS Hard Drive Components:
A hard drive, also known as a hard disk drive (HDD), consists of several key components:

Platters: Hard drives have multiple circular disks called platters. These platters are made of a rigid
material (typically glass or aluminum) coated with a magnetic material that allows data to be stored.

Read/Write Heads: Each platter has read/write heads positioned above and below it. The heads are
mounted on an actuator arm, which allows them to move across the platters. The heads read and
write data magnetically to and from the platters.

Spindle and Motor: The platters are mounted on a spindle, which is rotated at high speeds (typically
5400 to 7200 revolutions per minute) by a spindle motor. The rotation of the platters allows the
read/write heads to access different areas of the platters.

Actuator Assembly: The actuator assembly consists of an actuator arm, voice coil motor, and pivot
bearing. It controls the movement of the read/write heads across the platters.

Controller Board: The hard drive has a controller board that serves as the interface between the drive
and the computer. It manages the communication between the computer and the read/write heads,
as well as other functions like error correction and data transfer rates.

Data Storage and Access:

When data is written to a hard drive, it is magnetically encoded onto the platters in the form of
microscopic magnetic regions. These regions represent binary data in the form of 0s and 1s. The
read/write heads can then access and interpret these magnetic regions to retrieve data.

The read/write heads are positioned very close to the platters without actually touching them. This
separation is maintained by a cushion of air, created by the rotation of the platters, within a structure
known as the head flying height.

The actuator assembly moves the read/write heads across the platters to the desired location,
allowing for data reading or writing. The controller board manages the data transfer process between
the hard drive and the computer.

Overall, the construction of a hard drive involves precise mechanical and electrical components
working together to store and retrieve data magnetically from the spinning platters.
When it comes to password troubleshooting in CMOS, it typically refers to the process of dealing with
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) passwords. BIOS passwords are security measures set up on a
computer's motherboard to restrict access to the system's BIOS settings. If you encounter password-
related issues in CMOS, here are a few troubleshooting steps:

Resetting CMOS:
The most common way to overcome a forgotten BIOS password is to reset the CMOS
(Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) settings. This can be done by locating the CMOS
jumper on the motherboard and changing its position for a brief period. This action clears the CMOS
settings, including the password.
Alternatively, some motherboards have a CMOS reset button or a specific key combination that can
be pressed during system startup to reset the CMOS.
Removing the CMOS Battery:
Another method involves removing the CMOS battery from the motherboard. This battery powers the
CMOS chip and keeps the BIOS settings intact, including the password. By removing the battery and
leaving it out for a few minutes, the CMOS settings will be cleared, including the password.

It's worth noting that both methods mentioned above will also reset any custom BIOS settings you
may have configured, so you might need to reconfigure those settings after performing a reset.

Now, let's briefly discuss the structure of BIOS:

ROM (Read-Only Memory):

The BIOS is stored in a ROM chip on the computer's motherboard. Traditionally, it was a physically
separate chip, but in modern systems, the BIOS is often stored in a flash memory chip that can be
updated.
POST (Power-On Self-Test):
When the computer is turned on, the BIOS performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST), where it checks the
hardware components and ensures they are functioning correctly. It also identifies and initializes
connected devices like the hard drive, CD/DVD drive, etc.
BIOS Setup Utility:
The BIOS Setup Utility, also known as the CMOS setup, allows users to configure various BIOS settings.
These settings include boot device priority, CPU and memory settings, security settings, and more. It
can be accessed by pressing a specific key (often Del, F2, or Esc) during the system startup.
Boot Process:
After the POST is completed and the BIOS settings are configured, the BIOS passes control to the
operating system bootloader, which then loads the operating system into memory for execution.

The BIOS plays a critical role in initializing the computer hardware and preparing the system for the
operating system to take over. It provides a foundation for the computer's functionality and allows
users to customize and control various system settings.