Q1. Explain the principle of the bathtub curve with a diagram.
The bathtub curve is a graphical representation of the failure rate of a product over its
lifecycle. It has three distinct phases:
1. Infant Mortality Phase: High failure rate at the start due to manufacturing defects or
initial issues.
2. Normal Life Phase: Low and constant failure rate during the product's useful life.
3. Wear-Out Phase: Increasing failure rate due to aging and wear of components.
Q2. Write the step-by-step process to install a Network Interface Card in a desktop
computer in Windows and Linux environments.
Windows Environment:
1. Power off the computer and disconnect all cables.
2. Open the computer case using a screwdriver.
3. Locate an empty PCI/PCIe slot on the motherboard.
4. Insert the Network Interface Card (NIC) firmly into the slot and secure it with screws.
5. Close the computer case and reconnect all cables.
6. Power on the computer.
7. Install the NIC drivers using the provided CD or download them from the
manufacturer’s website.
8. Verify the installation in "Device Manager" under "Network Adapters."
Linux Environment:
1. Follow steps 1–5 from the Windows environment.
2. Boot the system and open a terminal.
3. Run lspci to confirm the NIC is detected.
4. Install the necessary drivers using commands like sudo apt install
[driver-package] (for Ubuntu/Debian).
5. Configure the network settings in /etc/network/interfaces or use
nmcli/nmtui.
6. Restart the network service using sudo systemctl restart networking.
Q3. Explain the construction and working of HDD with a diagram.
Construction:
● Platters: Circular disks coated with magnetic material to store data.
● Spindle: Rotates the platters at high speed.
● Read/Write Head: Reads and writes data on the platters.
● Actuator Arm: Moves the read/write head across the platter.
● Controller Board: Controls the operations of the HDD and interfaces with the
computer.
Working:
1. Data is stored as magnetic patterns on the platters.
2. The spindle rotates the platters.
3. The actuator arm positions the read/write head over the correct track.
4. The read/write head reads or writes data using magnetic signals.
Diagram:
(Include a labeled diagram showing platters, spindle, actuator arm, and read/write head.)
Q4. Explain different types of display devices. How to diagnose display problems in a
computer system?
Types of Display Devices:
1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube): Uses electron beams to create images on a
phosphorescent screen.
2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): Uses liquid crystals and backlighting for image
display.
3. LED (Light Emitting Diode): An advanced version of LCD with LED backlighting.
4. OLED (Organic LED): Uses organic compounds for emitting light, providing better
contrast.
5. Plasma Displays: Use ionized gas to produce images.
Diagnosing Display Problems:
1. Check cable connections and power supply.
2. Test the display on another computer to rule out hardware issues.
3. Update or reinstall the graphics driver.
4. Use built-in diagnostics tools (e.g., BIOS/UEFI diagnostics).
5. Replace the monitor or graphics card if hardware failure is confirmed.
Q5. What are diagnostic software utilities? Which features should be present in a
diagnostic software?
Diagnostic Software Utilities:
These are tools used to identify and troubleshoot hardware or software issues in a computer
system. Examples include Windows Memory Diagnostic, CPU-Z, and HWMonitor.
Features of a Good Diagnostic Software:
1. User-friendly interface.
2. Ability to test multiple components (CPU, RAM, GPU, etc.).
3. Detailed error reporting and logs.
4. Compatibility with various operating systems.
5. Regular updates for new hardware support.
6. Stress testing and benchmarking capabilities.
Q6. Which environmental factors affect the performance of a computer system? How
to control these factors to improve performance?
Environmental Factors:
1. Temperature: Excessive heat can damage components.
2. Humidity: High humidity can cause condensation and corrosion.
3. Dust: Accumulation of dust can block airflow and overheat components.
4. Power Supply: Fluctuations can damage components.
Control Measures:
1. Use proper ventilation and cooling systems (e.g., fans, liquid cooling).
2. Maintain the room temperature between 18°C and 24°C.
3. Use air filters to prevent dust from entering the system.
4. Use surge protectors or UPS to ensure a stable power supply.
5. Regularly clean the computer to remove dust and debris.
