1.1.

The five main components of an information system are hardware, software, data, people
and procedures
 Hardware:
1.2. Classes of computers
 Microcomputer: an electronic device with a microprocessor as its central
processing unit (CPU). Microcomputer was formerly a commonly used term
for personal computers, particularly any of a class of small digital computers whose
CPU is contained on a single integrated semiconductor chip. Thus, a microcomputer
uses a single microprocessor for its CPU, which performs all logic and arithmetic
operations. The system also contains a number of associated semiconductor chips
that serve as the main memory for storing program instructions and data and as
interfaces for exchanging data of this sort with peripheral equipment—namely,
input/output devices (e.g., keyboard, video display, and printer)
 Minicomputer A minicomputer is a type of computer that possesses most of the
features and capabilities of a large computer but is smaller in physical size.
A minicomputer fills the space between the mainframe and microcomputer, and is
smaller than the former but larger than the latter. Minicomputers are mainly used
as small or mid-range servers operating business and scientific applications.
However, the use of the term minicomputer has diminished and has merged with
servers. A minicomputer may also be called a mid-range computer.
 Mainframe: Mainframes are a type of computer that generally are known for their
large size, amount of storage, processing power and high level of reliability. They
are primarily used by large organizations for mission-critical applications requiring
high volumes of data processing. In general, there are a few characteristics of
mainframes that are common among all mainframe vendors: Nearly all mainframes
have the ability to run (or host) multiple operating systems. Mainframes can add or
hot swap system capacity without disruption. Mainframes are designed to handle
very high volume input and output (I/O) and emphasize throughput computing. A
single mainframe can replace dozens or even hundreds of smaller servers.
 Supercomputer: The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive
and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a
supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid
dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.
The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a
supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as
possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs
concurrently.
1.3. Defining Terms

a) A boundary across which two independent systems meet and act on or

communicate with each other. In computer technology, there are several types of
 interfaces. User interface - the keyboard, mouse, menus of a computer system. The
user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating system. Also see
GUI. Software interface - the languages and codes that the applications use to
communicate with each other and with the hardware. Hardware interface - the
wires, plugs and sockets that hardware devices use to communicate with each
other. To connect with or interact with by means of an interface.
b) System Environment
c) Cybernetics
d) System
e) Adaptive system
1.4. Types of computer software
System Software: System software or operating system is the software used by the
computer to translate inputs from various sources into a language which a machine can
understand. Basically, the OS coordinates the different hardware components of a
computer. There are many OS in the market. The most popular operating system are from
the stable of Microsoft. We have all heard, used and wondered at the Windows software,
which is an OS. Starting with Windows, Microsoft has migrated to Vista, its latest offering in
the market. It may come as a surprise to some that there are other operating systems used
by others. Among these UNIX is used for large office setups with extensive networking.
XENIX is software which has now become redundant. HP -UX and AIX are some operating
systems used by HP computers. Apache OS is quite popular with web servers. IBM still uses
proprietary operating systems for its main frames. Proprietary systems are generally built
with the help of a variant of UNIX operating system.

Application software: A normal user rarely gets to see the operating system or to work with
it. But all of us are familiar with application software which we must use to interact with a
computer. Popular examples of application software are the Microsoft office suite which
includes Word, Excel and PowerPoint. We have used these applications extensively. Internet
explorer, Mozilla Firefox is two applications used to access the internet. E-mail software like
Outlook express is used to manage Emails. It is obvious that all software utilized for working
on a computer is classified as application software. In fact all user interfaces are an
application. The anti-virus is an application and so is the Media player.

Programming languages: Now this is a kind of computer software which is used exclusively
by computer programmers. Unless we are also programmers, we are unlikely to come across
programming languages. A simple way to understand programming languages is to think of
them as bricks which can be used to create applications and operating system. C++, Java and
Simlab are some popular programming languages. Generally Java is used for internet
 applications. C++ is a language of professional developers and used extensively in developing
operating systems. PHP is another language used for internet applications. There is a new
class of languages which are being utilized for the mobiles. These are light weight, modular
languages which are used to design mobile applications.

Question2
2.1. Moore’s Law
2.2. 5 fundamental database structures
Question 3
3.1.
 Twisted Pair: is composed of multiple pairs of wires twisted around each other at
specific intervals. The twists reduce interference, called cross talk: the more twists,
the less crosstalk. Networks use two types of twisted – pair cabling: shielded twisted
pair and unshielded twisted pair
Advantages
Disadvantages
 Coaxial cable: contain a central conductor wire (usually copper) surrounded by an
insulating material, which, in turn is surrounded by a braided metal shield. Coaxial
cable shields data transmission from electromagnetic interference (EMI). Many
devices in the typical office environment generate magnetic fields, including lights,
fans, refrigerators etc.
Advantages
Disadvantages
 Fibre Optic Cable: They transmit light rather than electricity, making it attractive for
both high –EMI areas and long distance transmissions. A fibre optic cable has four
main components: the glass fibre itself, the cladding g, which makes the light reflect
down the buffer, buffer material to give strength and the insulating jacket
Advantages
Disadvantages

Question 4
4.1. Topologies
a) Star Topology: it uses a central connection box for all the computers on the
networks. Star topologies have a huge benefit over ring and bus topologies by
offering fault tolerance – if one cable breaks, all the other computers can still
communicate. Bus and ring topology networks were popular and inexpensive to
implement, however, so the old style star topology networks weren’t very
 successful. Network hardware designers couldn’t easily redesign their existing
networks to use star topology
b) Ring Topology: A ring topology connects all computers in a network with a ring
cable. Data traffic moves in a circle from one computer to another in the same
direction. The problem is the entire network stops working if the cable breaks at any
point. A break in a ring topology network simply breaks the circuit and stops circuit
c) Bus topology