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UPPCS Science & Technology Gap Sheet: Computers, software and supercomputing.

UPPCS has asked 24 of these. 9 have not been asked yet. Lock the first list, then read the second: it holds what UPPCS has not used yet.

First, the concept

Hardware is the physical equipment; software is the set of instructions. The CPU processes instructions, memory holds working data, and storage keeps files.

Learn abbreviations through their function. Distinguish temporary memory from persistent storage and an operating system from an application. Match Indian supercomputer projects with their institutions, rather than changing speed rankings.

✅ Already asked (24)

Processing and memory

  • CPU · Central Processing Unit; executes instructions and controls processing.
  • ALU · Arithmetic Logic Unit; performs arithmetic and logical operations.
  • RAM · Random Access Memory; ordinary working RAM loses data when power is off.
  • ROM · Read Only Memory; non-volatile memory commonly used for firmware.
  • Cache memory · Small, fast memory near the processor; reduces access time for frequently used data.
  • Byte and bit · One byte contains eight bits; a bit is a binary digit.
  • KiB and kB · One KiB is 1024 bytes; SI kB is 1000 bytes. Older exams often use KB for 1024 bytes.

Input, output and interfaces

  • USB · Universal Serial Bus; connects peripherals such as keyboards and storage devices.
  • OCR · Optical Character Recognition; converts text in images into machine-readable text.
  • Daisy-wheel printer · Impact printer; strikes a ribbon against paper.
  • Laser printer · Non-impact printer using a laser, electrostatic imaging and toner.
  • Touchscreen · Both an input and an output device.

Software and computing history

  • Operating system · Manages hardware resources and provides services to applications.
  • Multitasking · Operating system handles multiple tasks during the same period.
  • BASIC · Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code; a programming language.
  • ENIAC · Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer; an early general-purpose electronic digital computer.
  • Pentium · Intel brand of microprocessors.
  • Y2K problem · Two-digit year storage could confuse 2000 with 1900.
  • Computer Literacy Day · Observed on 2 December.

Supercomputing institutions and projects

  • C-DAC · Centre for Development of Advanced Computing; developed the PARAM supercomputer family.
  • ANUPAM · Supercomputer programme developed by BARC.
  • Tianhe-2 · Chinese supercomputer; topped the TOP500 list in 2013, not a permanent fastest-machine title.

Uttar Pradesh technology

  • PARAM SANGANAK · National Supercomputing Mission system at IIT Kanpur, inaugurated in 2022.
  • IIT Kanpur · Hosts the C3iHub for cyber security of cyber-physical systems.

❌ Not asked yet (9)

Items marked 'asked in other exams' have come in UPSC or other state exams, not yet in UPPCS.

🔒 9 items not asked yet

Processing and memory: 2 · Input, output and interfaces: 2 · Software and computing history: 2 · Supercomputing institutions and projects: 3

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⚠️ CPU means Central Processing Unit, not Control Processing Unit. OCR reads characters; OMR reads marked positions.

'Asked' and 'not asked' are checked against every UPPCS question on this site. 'Not asked yet' does not mean it will surely come.

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