Unit – 1

FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPUTER
Q1. What is Computer?

COMPUTER
Computer is a machine or device that performs processes, calculations and operations based on
instructions provided by a computer program. It has the ability to accept data, process it, and then produce
outputs. Computers can also store data for later uses in appropriate storage devices, and retrieve whenever
it is necessary. Modern computers are electronic devices used for a variety of purposes ranging from
browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating applications, playing video games, etc.

Q.2 Discuss about Evolution of Computers

EVOLUTION OF COMPUTERS
The computers which we use today are modern shape of computers which have been evolved
since centuries. The evolution of computers is generally divided in following three eras.

i. Mechanical Era (Dark Age)

In mechanical era, human become successful to make simple calculating machines that could help
performing simple mathematical operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. These
machines were manually operated since the electricity was not invented. Some of the important machines
of this era are Abacus, Napier’s Bones, Slide Rule, Pascal’s Calculator, Leibniz’s Calculator, Difference
engine and Analytical engine etc
a) ABACUS(3000 B.C.)
The Abacus is thousands of years old and used worldwide is most ancient of digital computer.
The Abacus was the first instrument that was used for helping men making calculations
b) NAPIER’S BONES (1612 A.D.)
In 1612, a Scottish mathematician, John Napier, designed a device called Napier’s bones or
Napier’s Rods. It was the set of 11 rods with number of marked on them in such a way that by simply
placing rods side by side the products and quotients of large numbers could be obtained easily
c) SLIDE RULE (1622 A.D.)
William Oughtred developed the Slide Rule in the 1622. This device basically a pair of two
moveable rules placed side by side Slide Rule was used to multiply and divide numbers. The modern
Slide Rules are still used in some countries
d) PASCAL’S CALCULATOR (1642 A.D.)
A French mathematician, Blaise Pascal developed the first mechanical calculator called Pascaline
in 1642. It could only add and subtract and the result could be obtained up to eight digits.
e) LEIBNIZ’S CALCULATOR (1694 A.D.)
Leibniz invented a better calculating device as compared to Pascal’s device which only added
and subtracted but Leibnitz device could also multiply, divide and find square root.
 f) DIFFERENCE & ANALYTICAL ENGINE (1822 & 1837 A.D.)
Charles Babbage, a great mathematician, the most deserving name in the history and development
of computers. Now he is known as Father of the Computer because he gave the concept of a true
computer by designing the Difference Engine Only a part of this engine was ever constructed. It was
based on predefined formulas
Analytical Engine is a machine, first proposed by Charles Babbage in 1837, that is considered to
be the concept for the first general mechanical computer, The design featured an ALU (Arithmetic &
Logic Unit and permitted basic programmatic flow control.

ii. Electromechanical Era (Middle Age)

In this era, data processing equipment were all electromechanical devices Scientist become able
to develop faster and more accurate computing machines as they were powered by steam and electricity.
One of such machines was Tabulating Machine.

a) HOLLERITH’STABULATING MACHINE (1890 A.D.)

In 1890, the US Census bureau asked Dr. Herman Hollerith to find a way to speed up the
processing of CENCE Census data. Hollerith developed a mechanical tabulator based on punched cards in
order to rapidly tabulate statistics from millions of pieces of data. Hollerith’s tabulating machine took
only six months to compile census data, which was very fast as compared to the previous US census in
1880 which took seven years to be completed

iii. Electronic Era (Modern Age)

In this era the true computers were invented which worked on the principle of input, process and
output. Continuous advancement in electronic engineering increaseEfficiency and speed of computers
considerably. The electronic era may be categorize in generation on the basis of core technology used to
build computers.

Q.3 Describe the First Generation of Computers

First Generation of Computers (1940 to 1956)
The first-generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory
and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. These computers were the fastest calculating device of
their time. These computers relied on machine language (i.e. O’s and 1’s) to perform operations; they
could only solve one problem at a time. ENIAC and UNIVAC computers are the example of first-
generation computers.

Q.4 Describe the Second Generation of Computers.

Second Generation of Computers (1956 to 1963)
By the use of transistors computers became smaller, faster, cheaper, more efficient and reliable
than first generation computers. Punched cards were used for input the data In this
generationmultiprogramming operating system were used Assembly language and high-level language
FORTRAN were introduced. IBM 7094 and IBM 1401 computers were mainly used for commercial
productions, scientific and engineering analysis and design.

Q5 Describe the Third Generation of Computers.

Third Generation of Computers (1964 to 1971)
The development of IC was the hallmark of the third generation of computers Users interacted
with third generation through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with Time-sharing and Real-time
Operating System. The use of computers was extended to database management and automatic industrial
control. In this generation 1BM 360 and IBM370 computers were used
Q.6 Describe the Fourth Generation of Computers.
Fourth Generation of Computers (1971 to Present)
Fourth generation computers became more powerful use of Microprocessors They could be
linked together to form networks they used semiconductor memories like RAM and ROM and Magnetic
storage. C, C++ used in this generation. These computers are used in almost every field of life, like
business, artwork and space applications Time sharing and real time and distributed operating systems are
used Fourth generation computers also saw the development of Gus, the mouse and handheld devices.
Examples of computers are IBM PC and Apple Macintosh

Q.7 Describe the Fifth Generation of Computers.

Fifth Generation of Computers (Present and Beyond)
Fifth generation computing devices, based on Artificial Intelligence are still being developed in
this generation computers will be capable of self-learning and generalization. Al Include, Machine
learning, Deep learning, Expert and Robotics systems. These machines like robots will also be able to
process human languages

Q.8 Writes some advantages and disadvantages of First Generation of

Computers.
Advantages
1) Electronic digital computers were developed
2) Fastest computers of their time
3) Computations were performed in millisecond
4) Punch cards were used for input and output

Disadvantages
1) Too large in size
2) Vacuum tubes produce large amounts of heat
3) Non-portable computers
4) Large amount of heat was produced
5) Air Conditions were required
6) Power consumption was very high

Q.9 Write some advantages and disadvantages of Second Generation of

Computers.
Advantages
1) Smaller in size as compared to first generation computers
2) Reliability increased.
3) Heat produces less than previous generation computer
4) Hardware failure was rare.
5) Less electricity consumption as compared to ist generation computer
6) Commercially used.

Disadvantages
1) Commercial production was so expensive
2) Frequently maintenance required
3) Air conditioning required for computer
Q.10 Writes some advantages and disadvantages of Third Generation of
Computers.
Advantages
1) Smaller in size compared to previous generation computers.
2) Less expensive computers were introduced.
3) Less electricity consumption required.
4) These computers were general purpose.
5) Commercially production was cheaper and easier

Disadvantages
1) IC making was a difficult task.
2) Air-conditioning required in some cases.

Q.11 Writes some advantages and disadvantages of Fourth Generation

computers.
Advantages
1) Smaller in size due to use of VLSI
2) Computations speed was much faster than previous
3) Heat generation was negligible
4) Totallygeneral-purpose computers
5) They were very easy moveable computers
6) Cheapest in prices

Disadvantages
1) Very advanced technology required to make a microprocessor
2) Air-conditioning required in rare cases

Q 12 Writes some advantages and disadvantages of Fifth Generation

Computers,
Advantages
1) All previous advantages with amazing improvement
2) Very huge storage capacity available in this generation
3) Long bit processors were built.
4) Laptop and Palmtop (smart phone) computers introduced
5) Artificial intelligence languages developed in this generation.
Disadvantages
1) They may replace the human force and cause grievous unemployment problems
2) They may make the human brains dull andDoomed

Q.13 Draw the Computer Generation Table

COMPUTER GENERATION TABLE
Generation Period Technology Example of
Machine
First 1940-1956 Vacuum Tube ENIAC,UNIVAC
Second 1956-1963 Transistor IBM 7094,IBM1401
Third 1964-1971 ICs IBM360,IBM370
Fourth 1971-Present Microprocessor Apple Mac,IBM PC
Fifth Present-Beyond Artificial Intelligence Robots
Computer can be classified into different ways as show below

Q.14 Define computer according to technology or type of data handled.

Computer According to Technology or Type of Data Handled
a) Analog computers

Analog computers are used to process analog data, AnalogData are continuously measurable
quantities such as temperatureChanges or voltage, speed and weight. Examples of AnalogComputers are
thermometer speedometer, voltmeter etc.

b) Digital computers
Digital computers are specialized in counting. They are used to process information with digital
quantities using binary numbers. Digital computers are used in business, scientific fields, educational
institutes, home etc. Most common type of Computers, Calculators, Tablets and Smartphones are the
examples of digital computers.

c) Hybrid computers
Hybrid computers are a combination of analog and digital computer systems. These are the
machines that incorporate in a single computer both analog and digital features. A hybrid computer uses
analog to digital and digital to analog conversion and may input or output either analog or digital data.
Examples are Digital Fuel Pump and Digital Wheel Balancer.
Q.15 Compare and contrast: Analog and Digital computers .
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANALOG AND DIGITAL COMPUTERS
ANALOG COMPUTER DIGITAL COMPUTER
Analog computers can process Digital computers cannot
data continuously process data continuously
Analog computers measure Digital computers process data
quantities in continuous form in discrete form
Collection of data at very high Speed is less than analog
speeds computers
They have low accuracy in They are characterized by high
general accuracy
Examples are Thermometer, Examples are Smartphones,
Voltmeter, and Speedometer. Calculators and commonly used
Digital computers

Q.16 Define computer according to size or capacity

COMPUTER ACCORDING TO SIZE
a) Supercomputers
The most powerful and the largest computers designed to perform coming calculations at fastest
speed. They are extremely expensive and are used in scientific applications such as aerodynamics,
processing of geological data, weather forecasting and nuclear research
b) Mainframe or Macro computers
Mainframe, the biggest and the most productive systems. Mainframe are multiuser and multi
processors computers. They can process huge amount of data at very high speed and accuracy. They are
used in big organizations that serves hundreds o terminals all at the same time. A terminal consists of a
monitor, keyboard and a mouse
c) Minicomputers
Minicomputers are increasingly powerful and do almost anything that are computers do These
computers are smaller than mainframes and larger than microcomputers A minicomputer is a
multiprocessing system having terminalsattached to it and is capable of supporting up to 200 users at a
time DEC VAX & IBM AS-400 commonly used mini computers.
d) Microcomputer or PCs
Microcomputers are computers that e powered by microprocessor Microcomputers are smallest,
cheaper, faster and more reliable computers, designed to be used by Individual for writing, illustrating,
budgeting playing games, communicating with other computers

Q.17 Define computer according to purpose

COMPUTER ACCORDING TO PURPOSE
a) General Purpose Computers
These computers are designed to handle a variety of different problems and to meet different
needs. A general purpose computer can be used tor such varied applications as payroll, accounts,
inventory control budgeting scientific calculation and sales analysis Desktops Laptops, tablets,
smartphones are examples al General Purpose Computers
 b) Special purpose
These computers are designed to handle a specific task. They are also known as Dedicated
Computers; repeatedly perform a single job efficiently. These computers are very useful in traffic lights
controlling system, weather forecasting and satellite tracking

Q.18 Write Role of Computer in different fields of life.

ROLE OF COMPUTER
Computers are used in so many fields in our daily life. From Engineers to doctors Students,
Teachers, Government Organization they all use computers to perform specific tasks, for entertainment or
just to finish office work. Computers have made our le easier.
 Education
Computers are used in teaching and research. Students can solve so many problems with the help
of computer and get different information related to their subject.
 Bank
Computers are used in banks for storing information about different account holders. Computers
help in keeping a record of the cash. Computers help in giving all kinds of information regarding any
account in the bank
 Entertainment
Computers are used for playing games, listening to music and watching movies Computers are
used for making cartoon movies and animation films. Computers are used for making drawings
 Railway stations and Airports
Computers help in giving information about ticket reservations and bookingComputers help in
giving information about the arrival and departure timings of tri and aeroplanes Computers help in
keeping records of all the passengers.
 Offices
Computers are used to type and print documents, letters, etc. Computers help keeping records of
office employees. Computers help in sending emails
 Hospitals
Computers help in keeping records of all’ the patients In a hospital Compute help doctors in
controlling operation theatre machines, Computers help in doing number of medical tests.
 Designing
Computers help in designing magazines, newspapers, books, advertisement, etc Computers help
in designing buildings, houses, etc.
 Health and Medicine
Computer technology is radically changing the tools of medicine. All medica Information can
now be digitized. Software is how able to computer the risk of a disease.
 Movies
Computer generated graphics give freedom to designers so that special effect and even imaginary
characters can play a part in making movies, videos, and commercials.
 Sports
Computers compile statistics, sell tickets, create training programs and diets for athletes, and
suggest game plan strategies based on the competitor’s past performance.
  Restaurants
Almost everyone has eaten food where the clerk enters an order by indicating choices on a rather
unusual looking cash register the device directly enters the actual data into a computer, and calculates the
cost and then prints a receipt
 Defence
 Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems
Onto the incoming target to destroy them
 Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are
 (Situational Awareness) and in Communications/ Battle Management Systems
 Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipment to and around the
battlefield.
 Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help run the platform
and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms
 Computers help design and test new systems.
 Recording information
Official statistics keepers and some scouts use computers to record statistics, take notes and chat
online while attending and working at a sports event.
 Analyzing movements
The best athletes pay close attention to detail. Computers can slow recordedVideo and allow
people to study their specific movements to try to improve their tendencies and repair poor habits Many
sportswriters attend several sporting events a week and they take their
 Writers
Computers with them to write during the game or shortly after white their thoughts are fresh in
their mind.
 Scoreboard
While some scoreboards are manually updated, most professional sports venues have very
modern scoreboards that are programmed to update statistics and information immediately after the
information is entered into the computer.
 Safety
Computers have aided in the design of safety equipment in sports such as foot helmets to shoes to
mouth guards.

Q.19 Discuss about Computer Today & Tomorrow.

COMPUTER TODAY & TOMORROW
Computers are playing an important role in our daily life. News, weather updates,
travelling information and booking, money transfer and even taxi booking are done with the help
of mobile apps. Online shopping is becoming a trend in our society too. Many managerial tasks
are also done by computer, school, library and hospital management are some examples.
Tomorrow
The emerging technologies are getting better day by day and we can imagine that how computer
will be used in future. Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Wireless Communication and Virtual
Realities are some areas which are shaping the modern world.
Q.20 Write notes on i) Artificial Intelligence, ii) Robots. iii) Wireless
Communication, iv) Virtual Reality.
 Artificial Intelligence
The term A.I referred to any machine that displays qualities associated with human brain such as
learning reasoning and problem solvingA.I is also used for Machine Learning It learn from our daily
routines and suggest the best ways for our commute A.I is vastly used in scientific experiment,healthcare
and space technologies
 Robots
Robot a machine that can be controlled by a computer program capable of carrying out a complex
series of actions automatically The branch of technology that deals with the design construction
operation, and application of robots, as well as computer system for their control, sensory feedback, and
information processing called robotics Robots are commonlyused in manufacturing industry, science,
medicine and education.
 Wireless Communication
Wireless Communication is the fastest growing and most vibrant technological area in the
communication field. We can transfer Information from one point to another using electromagnetic waves
like IR(Infrared) ,RF (Radio Frequency) and Satellite etc. Without using any connection like wires cables
or any physical medium. Global Positioning System GPS is now used to find real time location of people
and objects, smartphones that can include 36, 4G and 55 networks have transformed the conventional use
of telephones, Wireless Communication is giving new meaning to socialization and human interaction.
 Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is an artificial environment that is used for the simulation of a real environment
for training and education. Unlike traditional user interfaces, virtual reality places the user inside an
experience it is also used for development of an imagined environment for a game or interactive story.

Q.21 What is Information Technology? Write about different fields of

Information Technology
CAREER IN IT FIELD
The field of information Technology (IT) cover the support, administration, and g of
telecommunications and computer systems some positions in this field include system analyst software
engineer. Software programmers network and database administrator, web and graphic designer,
information security analyst science or IT teacher examples
 Software Engineer
Software engineers create maintain and manage software. Like Learning Management System
LMS, Business applications games etc. They are responsible for a functional application that meets the
requirements set out by a clientor company

 Network Administrator
An IT expert who an organization’s network. Network Administrator is responsible for Installing,
maintaining ad upgrading any software or hardware required to efficiently run a computer network
 Database Administrator
A Database Administrator (DBA) is the professional who maintains a secure database
environment in an office business or organization
  Web Designer
Web designers are people who prepare Websites with eye-catching designs. This roles related to
the styling and layout of pages with content, including text and images Web designers use many
technologies but commonly rely on hypertext and hypermedia resources including HTML, CSS and
additional Web design tools
 Graphic Designer
Graphic designers develop overall layouts of brochures, magazines; document and other types of
published advertisement graphic designers do this work by usingvarious computer graphics software. This
task is usually accomplished by combining a technology, conveying ideas through images. Layout of
websites and printed matter.
 Information Security Analyst
The information security analyst is responsible for protecting all sensitive information within a
company. We can call them the police force of the Internet Computer hackers are always on the lookout
for customer account details that they can se to steal money. These attacks may come from inside or
outside the company Information Security Analysts ensure that no such theft occurs
 Computer Science or IT Teacher
A computer science teacher is someone who teaches the basics of computer science to students.
Though many assume that these teachers only work at the college level, a growing number of public and
private schools now hire these teachers to offer students a broad overview of the subject to students

Q.22 Define Computer Hardware.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
The physical or tangible components forming a computer are called Hardware Computer hardware
is a collection of all the physical parts or components of a computer system, it includes casing. CPU,
power supply, memory, VGA card, sound card and motherboard

Q.23 Define a System Unit.

SYSTEM UNIT
The system unit is the main part of a computer. It includes the motherboard, CR RAM, and other
components. The system unit also includes the case that houses the internal components of the computer.
The term “system unit” is often used to differentiate between the computer and peripheral devices, such
as the monitor, keyboard, mouse and printer

Q.24 What is a Motherboard? What are its components?

MOTHERBOARD
Motherboard is a rectangular card containing the circuitry that connects different components like
Microprocessor, Ports, and Buses etc. Motherboards are made of layers of fiberglass. These layers contain
copper lines that form the circuitry, by which electrical signals are provided to all parts of computers,

Q.25 List any five components present on motherboard

General components on motherboard are Microprocessor. Suits Party Buses RAM ROM and
other electronic components are resistors, capacitors, diode, transistors, jumpers etc.
Q.26 Define CPU or Microprocessor and its parts.
CPU or MICROPROCESSOR
A CPU or Microprocessor is the brain of any computing system. The Microprocessor CPU chip
containing millions of tiny transistors that manipulate data A Microprocessor is made up of silicon chips
it performsall the calculations at very high speed and accuracy. Speed of a system depends upon the
microprocessor or CPU There are typically five continents of a CPU (Microprocessor)
1) Arithmetic & Logic Un (ALU)
2) Control Unit (CU)
3) Clock
4) Registers
5) Cache
1. Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU)
ALU performs mathematical, logical, and decision-making operations in computer which
includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and perform certain logical operations such as
comparing two numbers to see one is greater than other or they are equal
2. Control Unit (CU)
Directs the entire computer system like a traffic policeman, directing the flow of data between the
components of CPU and other devices. It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer system.

3. Clock
The clock refers to a microchip that regulates the timing and speed of allComputer functions. The
clock speed measures the number of cycles your CPU executes per second, measured in GHz (gigahertz).
4. Registers
Registers are special storage areas built into a microprocessor used to quickly accept, store, and
transfer data and instructions. Registers are normally measured by the number of bits and they can hold
8,16, 32 or 64 bits.
5. Cache
A cache intermediate storage area that stores data so that future requests for that data can be
served faster, the data stored in a cache might be the result of earlier computation of data stored
elsewhere.

Q.27 Define BUS and its types

BUSES
BUS is a set of wires on which data is sent and received by different components They are just
like roads. As roads connect different places, buses connect all the parts the computer to each other. They
also connect all internal components on the motherboard. There are three types of buses; control bus, data
bus and address bus,
Control Bus carries command between different components to control alActivities in a computer.
Data Bus carries data between the processor, memory unit and othercomponents.
Address Bus carries the address of the data (but not the data). The address bus is used to specify memory
location to be used by microprocessor for specific operation
Q.28 Define Input Devices. Describe its types.
 INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are used to feed data into computer. These devices categorized as Text input
Devices Painting Input Devices and Scanning Devices.

 Text Input Devices

Keyboard is the most common text input device. Laptop computers have an integrated keyboard,
and desktop computers are primarily using a keyboardSmartphones and Tablets are becoming more
popular as virtual keyboard.

 Pointing Input Devices

Pointing input devices are used to move the pointer on screen and to select item in Graphical User
Interface. It includes Mouse, Trackball, Joystick, etc.

 Scanner
A scanner is an Input device that converts tangible documents, photographs into digital format
that can be viewed, edited, emailed to others on a computer. As the world of technology has progressed
many new types of scanners are being used in out daily lives including fingerprint scanner, retina scanner,
3D scanner, barcode scanner, OMR and OCR

 Microphone
Microphone is an input device that as the sound for the computer and electronic devices which
can be used to be mixing in songs, adding voice overs in presentation, in videos, to send recorded me
typing on. Apps, and For voice-to-text typing

 Other Input Devices

Other input devices include webcam, touch screen, MICR and MSR

Q.29 Define Output Devices. Describe its types

OUTPUT DEVICES
An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer and converts into human
readable form. Monitors and Printers are the notable output device. Output devices has two categories:
Softcopy Devices and Hardcopy Output Devices
1) Soft Copy Output Devices
These present results through screens, or voice projection

 Monitor
A computer monitor is a TV like output device that presents information as visual display. There
are two types of monitors. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)andFPD (FLAT Panel Display) like LCD or LED.

 Data Projectors
A projector is an output device that projects images, videos and sides onto large, clean surface,
such as a white screen or wall

 Speakers
Speakers are output devices that receive information from the computers sound card and produce
audio output in the form of sound waves
2) Hard Copy Output Devices
. These devices produce tangible results
  Printer
A printer is an output device that prints text and graphics on a super. There areTwo types of
printers: Impact Printers and Non-impact Printers

 Plotters
A plotter is much like a printer but are used to print on very large sheets of paper.It can print large
blue prints, banners, CAD, and maps.

Q.30. Which monitor will you prefer in your school: CRT or FPD?
I Will be using Flat Panel Display (FPD) as these monitors produce sharp, flickr free images.
FPD are light, compact and thin in size meanwhile CRT are weighted, bulky and large in size. FPD also
consume less power than CRT.

Q.31. Discuss Impact and Non-Impact printers with examples

IMPACT PRINTERS
They print by striking the ribbon against the paper. The biggest advantage o impact printer is to
produce carbon copies. These printers are called noisy printersBecause they produce much noise when
printing. The three most common types of impact printers are:
a) Dot-matrix
b) Daisy-wheel
c) Line printers
NON-IMPACT PRINTERS
These printers use magnetic, electrostatic, thermal, chemical, ink-jet or laser principles to produce
hard copy of information. These printers are called quite printers because they do not produce noise when
printing. Some non-impact printers are
a) Ink-Jet printers
b) Laser printers
c) LED printers
d) Thermal printers

Q.32. What is the difference between Impact and Non-impact printers?

DIFFERENCE B/W IMPACT AND NON-IMPACT PRINTERS

IMPACT PRINTER NON-IMPACT PRINTER

•Impact printers print by striking •Non-impact printers form a
the ribbon against paper character or image by using
photo copier technique.
•Impact printers produce carbon • They do not produce carbon
copies copies.
• They produce much noise •They can’t produce noise when
when printing and are called printing and are called quite
noisy printers. printer
• Dot-matrix, Daisy-wheel and •Thermal, Ink-jet and Laser
Line Printers are the examples printers are the examples of
of impact printers. Non-impact printers.
Q.33 Define Storage devices also describe its types
STORAGE DEVICES
These devices are used to retain digital data Storage Devices of two types
i. Primary Storage Device
ii. Secondary Storage Device

i. Primary Storage Device:

Primary Storage, is the main storage or memory in a computer. It is the main area in a computer
in which data is stored for quick access by the computer’s processor, It has two types:

 Random Access Memory (RAM): is the memory that holds the loaded operating system, plus
all running applications (working data) and file while the computer has power supply
 Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory used in computers and other
electronic devices. This memory is permanent
ii. Secondary Storage Device:
Secondary storage. Sometimes referred to as external memory and auxiliary forage is where
programs and data are kept on a long-term basis it holds data until it is deleted or overwritten. Hard Disk,
USB, SD Card, BVD are some of the examples.

Q.34 Write the use of these storage devices: Hard Disk, USB FIs Disk,
SDCard.
Hard Disk
Hard Disk is an electromechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage to store and
retrieve digital data using one more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.
USB Flash Disk
A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB
interface. It is typically removable, rewritable and much smaller than an optical disc.
SD Card
Stands for “Secure Digital.” SD is a type of memory card used to store data in portable electronic
devices. Examples include digital cameras, video recorders, smartphones, and portable music players.

Q.35 What are the Basic Operations of a Computer System?

BASIC OPERATIONS OF A COMPUTER
Computer performs four basic operations as Input, Process, Storage and Output

 Input Computer can receive input via many channels. I can receive from the input Devices eg.
Mouse, Keyboard or from another computer on a network.
 Process By the help of arithmetic and logical operations CPU turns input into Output. This is
called processing
 Storage Storage is when data is kept or saved. RAM, ROM, and Hard Disk are used forStorage.
 Output When a computer presents results in the form of images/document/action on the screen or
on the paper, audio from the speakers, against the input given to it is called output.
Q.36 What is Computer Software? Describe its types.
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software are programs, which are developed to perform various functions on a computer. There
are two categories, System Software and Applications Software
a) System Software
System Software is a software which is used to manage the behavior of the Computer hardware in
order to offer basic functionalities. It helps the user and the hardware to function and interact with each
other. It includes operating systems, device drivers, utility programs and language translators.

 Operating System:
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware software
resources, and creates an interface between computer and user. Examples OS are Windows, MacOS,
Linux, Android etc.

 Device Drivers
Device driver or hardware driver are software that enable hardware devices to communicate with
the computer’s operating system. Devices that need driver installation are Printers, Scanners, Modem etc

 Utility Program:
Utility programs are those that help to manage, maintain and control computer resources.
Examples are disk cleaners, backup software etc.

 Language Translators:
Language translator is a program which is used to translate instructions that are written in source
code to object code i.e. from high-level language or assembly language into machine language. There are
three kinds of translators.Namely, compiler, Interpreter and assembler.
Assembler: The assembler translates the program written in assembly language into machine language
instructions for execution
Compiler: It translates the entire high-level language program at once into machine language before it is
executed.
Interpreter: It translates the high-level language program line by line into machine language

b) Application Software:
Application Software, also known as end-user programs or productivity programs. These are used
for tasks such as doing online research, Jotting down notes, setting an alarm, designing graphics, keeping
an account log. Doing calculations or even playing games. Their requirement is highly subjective and
their absence does not affect the functioning of the system. Types of Application software are
Productivity, Business, Entertainment and Educational

 Productivity Software
Productivity software makes people more efficient and effective in their daily activities that is
why are used mostly at offices. Primarily they include word processing spreadsheet, and database
software. Google Docs and MS Word are word processing software, MS Excel and Google Sheets are
spreadsheet software and MS Access and dBase are database software.

 Business software
Business software is any software or set of computer programs used by businesses to perform
various business functions. These software are used to increase productivity, to measure productivity,
manage accounts, customer list, inventory and to perform other business functions accurately. Large
businesses are mostly likely to develop their own software or customize software to suit their needs.
  Entertainment Software
Entertainment Software are used as a source of fun for the user in their leisure time such as
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Windows Media Player, Video Games etc.

 Educational Software
Educational software is used for teaching and learning. Educational SoftwareExamples are MS
PowerPoint, Google Classroom, Zoom etc.

Q.37 What is the difference between Compiler and Assembler?

Difference between Compiler and Assembler
Compiler Assembler
•Itconverts high level •It translates the assembly level
programming Language code language to machine level code.
into machine level code
• Source code in high level • Assembly level code as input.
programming language.
•Compiler checks and converts • Assembler generally does not
the complete code at one time. convert complete code at one
time.
•C , C++, Java compilers • GAS, GNU assemblers

Q.38 What is the difference between Application and System

Difference between Application and System Software

System Software Application Software

•Operating system is used to •Application software performs
manageand control the computer specific tasks depending on how
hardware and application it has been designed. It cannot
software. perform any other task that is
beyond its scope.
• System software consists of a •Application software consists
variety of programs that support of variety of programs that
the operation of computer. support the operation of
computer.
•System software can run •Application software cannot
independently.It provides run independently. They cannot
platform for running application run without the presence of
software system software.
.Examples of system software •Examples of application
include: compiler, debugger, software include: word
assembler, Text Editor, DBMS, processors, web browsers,
diver, linker, BIOS, firmware, media players, Microsoft office,
Macro Processor ete. Photoshop, etc.

Subject: Computer, Class: 9th, Book - I (Comprehensive Notes) Prepared By Mr. ZEESHAN