Overview of Computer System | UNIT-1 | 1st Year

🖨 Print this content

Computer Fundamentals - Questions & Answers

Q2: Give Short Answers to the Following Questions

i. What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts input data, processes it according to a set of instructions, and produces output. Computers are widely used for various tasks such as data storage, calculations, communication, and entertainment. They come in different forms, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, all of which help solve complex problems efficiently.

ii. What is processing operation?

The processing operation refers to the core function of a computer where it manipulates and transforms input data into meaningful information. This is done through the CPU (Central Processing Unit), which executes instructions and performs calculations to deliver the desired output. For example, when you run a program on your computer, the CPU processes the data according to the program's instructions.

iii. Show the basic operation of a computer with the help of a block diagram?

The basic operation of a computer can be represented by the following block diagram:

Input → Processing (CPU) → Output → Storage

This cycle begins with input devices (like a keyboard or mouse) feeding data into the system, which the CPU processes, resulting in output that can be displayed on a monitor or stored on a device for later use. The storage component ensures that data is saved for future access.

iv. What is a notebook computer?

A notebook computer, commonly known as a laptop, is a portable and compact personal computer designed for mobile use. It integrates the screen, keyboard, and CPU in a single unit and is powered by a rechargeable battery, making it convenient for on-the-go computing. Notebook computers are ideal for users who require mobility without sacrificing functionality.

v. State five differences between Hardware & Software?

• Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer, like the monitor, keyboard, and CPU.
• Software: Refers to the programs and applications that run on the hardware, like Windows, Microsoft Office, or web browsers.
• Tangible vs Intangible: Hardware can be physically touched and seen; software consists of code and cannot be touched.
• Durability: Hardware can degrade over time due to wear and tear, while software can be updated or modified without physical degradation.
• Dependency: Hardware needs software to function, and software needs hardware to execute its instructions.

vi. Differentiate between an Interpreter and Compiler?

Interpreter: Translates high-level programming code into machine code line-by-line and executes it immediately. It stops when it encounters an error and is slower compared to a compiler.

Compiler: Translates the entire program at once into machine code before executing it. It produces an executable file and is generally faster than an interpreter because the translation happens only once.

vii. How does Application Software help users?

Application software is designed to assist users in performing specific tasks such as word processing, data management, and communication. For example, Microsoft Word helps users create documents, while Excel allows for data organization and analysis. This type of software increases productivity by automating tasks and simplifying complex operations.

viii. Differentiate between shareware and freeware?

Shareware: This type of software is available for free on a trial basis with limited features or time, after which the user is expected to purchase a full version.

Freeware: Software that is completely free to use without any cost, but usually comes with limited support or features compared to commercial software. Examples include web browsers like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

ix. What is Licensed Software?

Licensed software is software that requires a user to purchase a license to use it legally. The license usually comes with terms and conditions that govern how the software can be used, such as the number of installations or users allowed. Common examples include Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

x. What is firmware?

Firmware is specialized software stored on a hardware device’s memory, usually embedded directly into the device's components. It controls the low-level operations of the hardware, ensuring that the device functions correctly. Examples include the BIOS in a computer and the control systems in smartphones.

Q3: Give Detailed Answers to the Following Questions

i. What are computing devices? Explain early and modern computing devices.

Computing devices are machines capable of processing data and executing instructions. Over time, these devices have evolved from mechanical tools to modern electronic devices.

Early Computing Devices:

• Abacus: One of the earliest devices used for arithmetic operations, dating back to ancient civilizations.
• Pascaline: Invented by Blaise Pascal, this mechanical calculator could perform addition and subtraction.
• Analytical Engine: A mechanical computer designed by Charles Babbage, considered the first computer design.
• ENIAC: The first general-purpose electronic computer, designed to solve complex numerical problems.

Modern Computing Devices:

• Desktop Computers: Personal computers used for a wide range of applications, from gaming to office work.
• Laptops: Portable computers with similar functionality to desktops, but designed for mobility.
• Smartphones: Compact mobile devices with computing power, combining phone functionality with internet access.
• Tablets: Touchscreen devices designed for web browsing, reading, and multimedia consumption.
• Smartwatches: Wearable devices that offer computing capabilities like fitness tracking and notifications.

ii. Explain different classifications of computers.

Computers are classified based on their size, processing power, and purpose. The main types include:

• Supercomputers: The fastest and most powerful computers, used for complex calculations like weather forecasting and scientific simulations. Example: Summit by IBM.
• Mainframes: Large computers used for data processing in industries like banking and insurance. Example: IBM zSeries.
• Minicomputers: Mid-range computers used by medium-sized organizations for process control and data management.
• Microcomputers: Also known as personal computers (PCs), these are the most commonly used computers for tasks like word processing, gaming, and browsing.
• Embedded Systems: Special-purpose computers built into devices to perform specific tasks, such as controlling an engine or a washing machine.

iii. What is software? Explain its main types with examples.

Software is a collection of programs and instructions that direct a computer on how to perform tasks. It can be broadly divided into two main categories:

1. System Software:

• Operating Systems: Manages hardware and provides a platform for other software to run. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
• Utility Programs: Perform maintenance tasks like virus scanning and data backup. Example: Norton Antivirus.
• Device Drivers: Facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices.

2. Application Software:

• Microsoft Word: A word processing software used to create and edit documents.
• Excel: A spreadsheet software for organizing and analyzing data.
• Web Browsers: Programs like Google Chrome and Firefox used to access websites.

iv. Explain different types of general-purpose application software.

General-purpose application software is designed to meet the needs of a wide range of users. Some common types include:

• Word Processors: Used for creating and formatting text documents. Example: Microsoft Word.
• Spreadsheet Software: Used to organize and analyze numerical data. Example: Microsoft Excel.
• Presentation Software: Helps users create visual presentations. Example: Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Database Management Software: Used to store, retrieve, and manage data. Example: MySQL, Oracle.
• Web Browsers: Software for accessing the internet. Example: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.

v. Write a short note on any five input devices.

Input devices allow users to enter data and instructions into a computer. Some common input devices are:

• Keyboard: A primary input device used to type text and commands into a computer.
• Mouse: A pointing device used to interact with graphical elements on the screen.
• Scanner: Captures images or documents and converts them into a digital format.
• Microphone: Records audio and allows voice input into the computer.
• Webcam: Captures live video and images, commonly used for video calls.

vi. What is output? Briefly write about softcopy output devices.

Output is the result of processed data presented to the user. Softcopy output refers to intangible outputs, such as those displayed on a screen.

Softcopy Output Devices:

• Monitor: Displays images, text, and videos as softcopy output.
• Projector: Projects visual content from a computer onto a large screen for presentations.

vii. What is the importance of magnetic cards/devices based system? Explain different types of Magnetic Cards.

Magnetic cards store data on a magnetic strip and are widely used for security, financial transactions, and identification. They are important because they provide a reliable and secure method for data storage and retrieval.

Types of Magnetic Cards:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Used for financial transactions, storing account information on a magnetic stripe.
• Access Control Cards: Used in secure buildings to restrict entry to authorized personnel.
• Identification Cards: Carry personal information and are often used by companies and schools for identification purposes.

viii. What are impact and non-impact printers? Explain any two types of printers in each category.

Impact Printers: Print by physically striking an inked ribbon onto paper. Examples include:

• Dot Matrix Printer: Uses a print head to press ink from a ribbon onto the paper. It's used for multi-part forms.
• Line Printer: Capable of printing entire lines of text at once, used in large data centers for printing reports.

Non-Impact Printers: Use non-mechanical methods like laser or inkjet technology to print. Examples include:

• Laser Printer: Uses a laser beam to produce high-quality text and graphics on paper. It's popular for office work.
• Inkjet Printer: Sprays tiny droplets of ink onto paper to create images. It's commonly used for home and small office printing.

ix. How is a plotter different from a printer? Explain different types of plotters.

A plotter is a specialized output device used to produce large drawings, maps, and architectural designs. Unlike a printer, which prints using ink, a plotter draws lines using pens, providing high precision and scale for technical drawings.

Types of Plotters:

• Drum Plotter: Uses a rotating drum to move the paper while the pens move across the paper to draw.
• Flatbed Plotter: Holds the paper still while the pen moves along both axes to create the drawing.

Written By: Muhammad Shoaib Khan Marwat (MSKM)
https://codebacha.blogspot.com/