ITI COPA (Computer Operator & Programming Assistant) – Basic Notes

Topic -

Introduction to Booting Process, Memory Types, Hardware & Software Issues, Application Software and Antivirus

1. Introduction to the Booting Process

The booting process is the sequence of steps that a computer system follows to start and become ready for use. When a computer is switched ON, it does not immediately start the operating system. Instead, a systematic process begins to load essential system files into memory and make the computer operational.

Definition of Booting

Booting is the process of loading the operating system into the main memory (RAM) when the computer is powered on or restarted.

Types of Booting

Cold Booting
- Occurs when the computer is started from a completely powered-off state.
- Example: Switching ON the computer using the power button.
Warm Booting
- Occurs when the computer is restarted without turning off the power.
- Example: Restart option or pressing Ctrl + Alt + Delete.

Steps in the Booting Process

Power On
- Power supply provides electricity to all components.
POST (Power On Self Test)
- BIOS/UEFI checks hardware components like RAM, keyboard, hard disk, etc.
- If any error occurs, beep sounds or error messages are displayed.
BIOS/UEFI Execution
- BIOS (Basic Input Output System) or UEFI loads system configuration settings.
Boot Loader
- Finds and loads the operating system from storage device (HDD/SSD).
Loading Operating System
- OS kernel loads into RAM.
- System files and drivers are initialized.
Login Screen
- User can log in and start using the computer.

Importance of Booting Process

Ensures hardware is working properly.
Loads the operating system correctly.
Makes the system ready for user interaction.

2. Introduction to Various Types of Memories and Their Features

Memory is an essential component of a computer that stores data, instructions, and information either temporarily or permanently.

Classification of Memory

A. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Primary memory is directly accessible by the CPU.

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile memory (data lost when power is off).
Stores currently running programs and data.
Faster than secondary memory.
Types: DRAM, SRAM.

Features of RAM:

High speed
Temporary storage
Expensive compared to secondary memory

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)

Non-volatile memory.
Stores permanent instructions like BIOS.
Data is not lost when power is off.

Types of ROM:

PROM
EPROM
EEPROM

Features of ROM:

Permanent storage
Cannot be easily modified
Reliable

B. Secondary Memory (Auxiliary Memory)

Used for long-term data storage.

Examples:

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Solid State Drive (SSD)
Pen Drive
CD/DVD
External Hard Disk

Features:

Non-volatile
Large storage capacity
Slower than RAM
Cost-effective

C. Cache Memory

High-speed memory located close to CPU.
Stores frequently used data and instructions.
Improves system performance.

Features:

Very fast
Small size
Expensive

3. Basic Hardware and Software Issues and Their Solutions

A. Hardware Issues and Solutions

Computer Not Powering ON
- Cause: Faulty power supply, loose cable.
- Solution: Check power cable, UPS, SMPS.
No Display on Monitor
- Cause: Loose VGA/HDMI cable, faulty monitor.
- Solution: Reconnect cable, test with another monitor.
Keyboard/Mouse Not Working
- Cause: Driver issue or loose connection.
- Solution: Reconnect, update drivers, try another port.
Overheating
- Cause: Dust in CPU fan, poor ventilation.
- Solution: Clean system, ensure proper airflow.
Hard Disk Not Detected
- Cause: Loose SATA cable or disk failure.
- Solution: Check cables, replace disk if needed.

B. Software Issues and Solutions

Operating System Not Loading
- Cause: Corrupt system files.
- Solution: Repair OS or reinstall.
Slow System Performance
- Cause: Too many startup programs, low RAM.
- Solution: Disable startup apps, upgrade RAM.
Application Not Responding
- Cause: Software bug or insufficient memory.
- Solution: Restart application, reinstall software.
Virus Infection
- Cause: Unsafe downloads, infected USB.
- Solution: Scan system using antivirus.
Driver Issues
- Cause: Missing or outdated drivers.
- Solution: Install correct drivers.

4. Usage of Application Software and Antivirus

A. Application Software

Application software is designed to perform specific user tasks.

Examples:

MS Word – Document creation
MS Excel – Spreadsheet and calculations
MS PowerPoint – Presentations
Browser (Chrome, Edge) – Internet access
Media Player – Audio/video playback

Uses of Application Software:

Data processing
Communication
Office work
Education
Entertainment

B. Antivirus Software

Antivirus software protects the system from malware, viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware.

Functions of Antivirus:

Scans files and programs
Detects and removes viruses
Provides real-time protection
Updates virus definitions

Examples of Antivirus:

Windows Defender
Quick Heal
Norton
McAfee
Avast

Safe Computing Practices:

Install updated antivirus
Avoid unknown websites
Scan USB drives
Keep OS updated

MCQ Questions (30 Questions for CBT Exam)

1. Booting means:

A) Installing software
B) Loading OS into memory
C) Formatting disk
D) Shutting down computer
Ans: B

2. Cold booting occurs when:

A) Restarting computer
B) Power off then on
C) Sleep mode
D) Hibernate mode
Ans: B

3. POST is performed by:

A) OS
B) CPU
C) BIOS
D) RAM
Ans: C

4. BIOS is stored in:

A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Hard disk
D) Cache
Ans: B

5. Which memory is volatile?

A) ROM
B) HDD
C) RAM
D) SSD
Ans: C

6. Which memory stores BIOS?

A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache
D) Register
Ans: B

7. Which memory is fastest?

A) RAM
B) HDD
C) Cache
D) Pen Drive
Ans: C

8. Secondary memory example is:

A) ROM
B) Cache
C) Register
D) Hard Disk
Ans: D

9. Which memory is non-volatile?

A) RAM
B) Cache
C) ROM
D) Register
Ans: C

10. Which device stores data permanently?

A) RAM
B) Cache
C) HDD
D) Register
Ans: C

11. Which problem causes system overheating?

A) Virus
B) Dust in fan
C) Software bug
D) Low RAM
Ans: B

12. No display problem may be due to:

A) OS error
B) Loose cable
C) Antivirus
D) Application crash
Ans: B

13. OS not loading is a:

A) Hardware issue
B) Software issue
C) Network issue
D) Power issue
Ans: B

14. Which software protects from viruses?

A) MS Word
B) Browser
C) Antivirus
D) OS
Ans: C

15. Virus enters system through:

A) Safe websites
B) Antivirus updates
C) Infected USB
D) BIOS
Ans: C

16. Which application is used for calculations?

A) Word
B) Excel
C) Paint
D) Notepad
Ans: B

17. Which software is system software?

A) Excel
B) Windows
C) Chrome
D) Paint
Ans: B

18. Antivirus provides:

A) Formatting
B) Real-time protection
C) Backup
D) Printing
Ans: B

19. Which memory is expensive?

A) HDD
B) ROM
C) RAM
D) Cache
Ans: D

20. Boot loader loads:

A) BIOS
B) OS
C) Application
D) Antivirus
Ans: B

21. Warm booting is done using:

A) Power button
B) Restart
C) Shutdown
D) Hibernate
Ans: B

22. Which software is used to create documents?

A) Excel
B) Word
C) Paint
D) Media Player
Ans: B

23. Which memory is closest to CPU?

A) RAM
B) HDD
C) Cache
D) ROM
Ans: C

24. Which device is an input device?

A) Monitor
B) Printer
C) Keyboard
D) Speaker
Ans: C

25. Malware is a:

A) Hardware
B) Virus
C) Software
D) Input device
Ans: B

26. Driver software is used for:

A) Internet
B) Hardware communication
C) Gaming
D) Antivirus
Ans: B

27. Which OS feature manages memory?

A) BIOS
B) OS
C) Antivirus
D) Application
Ans: B

28. Which memory has large capacity?

A) Cache
B) RAM
C) ROM
D) Secondary memory
Ans: D

29. Which antivirus is built into Windows?

A) Avast
B) Norton
C) Windows Defender
D) McAfee
Ans: C

30. Application software is used for:

A) Hardware control
B) User tasks
C) Booting
D) POST
Ans: B

ITI (Trade - COPA) Day-7