Unit-1: Fundamentals of Computer

Q.3: Discuss the inventions of Electronic Era (Modern Age) or generation table.
Ans. The electronic era may be categorized in generations on the basis of core technology used to build
computers.
First Generation:
Duration 1940 to1956
Internal Components Vacuum tubes
Storage Devices Magnetic drum, Punched card
Purpose Scientific and research
Examples Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator (ENIAC)
Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC)

Second Generation:
Duration 1956 to 1963
Internal Components Transistors
Storage Devices Magnetic core, punched cards
Purpose commercial productions, scientific and engineering analysis and design.
Language Assembly Language, FORTRAN
Examples IBM 7094 and IBM 140

Third Generation:
Duration 1964 to 1971
Internal Components Integrated Circuits (ICs)
Purpose Database management and automatic industrial control
Language Pascal & COBOL
Examples IBM 360 and IBM 370

Fourth Generation:
Duration 1971 to Present
Internal Components Microprocessor
Storage Devices RAM and ROM and magnetic storage
Purpose General Purpose Computers
Language C, C++, Java
Examples Apple Macintosh, IBM PC

Fifth Generation:
Duration Present and Beyond
Internal Components Humanoid Robot/ Artificial Intelligence
All the current storage devices including online storage components like icloud
Storage Devices
etc.
Purpose All purpose computers
Language Natural Language Processing
Examples Robotics and Expert Systems

Q.4: Explain classification of computer according to technology.

Ans. According to technology or type of data handle, computers are classified into three types.
(a) Analog Computers:
Analog Computers are used to process analog data. Analog data are in the form of continuously varying
physical quantities like pressure, temperature, voltage, speed and weight. Examples of Analog computer are
speedometer of a car, voltmeter etc.
(b) Digital Computers:
Digital Computers are most commonly used type of computers. They are used to process information with
quantities using the binary number system (0's and 1's). Digital Computers are used in home, educational
institutes, offices, business, scientific fields, etc.
(c) Hybrid Computers:
Hybrid Computers are the combination of Analog and Digital Computer system. These computers combine
analog and digital features of computers in a single machine. A Hybrid Computer uses analog to digital and
digital to analog conversion. It may input or output either digital or analog data.
Q.5: Explain classification of computer according to size.
Ans. Computers are also divided into four groups according to their size.
(a) Super Computers:
Super Computers are the most powerful, fastest and largest computers. They are extremely expensive.
These computers are widely used in scientific applications such as aerodynamics, weather forecasting,
nuclear research etc.
(b) Mainframe Computers:
Mainframe Computers are powerful multi-user and multiprocessors computers. They can process huge
amount of calculations at very high speed. Mainframes are also very expensive and require a lot of technical
expertise to be installed and operated. They are used in banks and many large business organizations where
several users work simultaneously.
(c) Minicomputer:
These are smaller than mainframe computers, but they are more powerful than Microcomputers.
Minicomputers usually use multi-user operating system. Multiple users can use the Minicomputers through
terminals. Minicomputers may be used as network servers and Internet servers. DEC VAX and IBM AS/400
are good examples of minicomputers.
(d) Microcomputers:
Microcomputers are also called Personal Computers (PCs). The use of microprocessor has made computers
cheaper yet faster and more reliable. These are the smallest computers designed to be used by individuals.
PCs can be used for variety of tasks like documentation, calculations, illustration and entertainment. The
power of network and internet has also made it more useful. Now computers are also used for communication
and socialization.

Q.6: Explain classification of computer according to purpose.

Ans. According to purpose, computers are either general purpose or special purpose.
(a) General Purpose Computers:
Most computers in use today are General Purpose Computers. These computers can process variety of
tasks. These computers can store and execute different programs in their memory and perform various tasks
like word processing (typing & editing), payrolls, accounts, inventory etc.
(b) Special Purpose Computers:
As the name states, Special Purpose Computers are designed to perform specific tasks. Special Purpose
Computers repeatedly perform single job more efficiently. These computers are useful in traffic lights control
system, navigational system, aviation, weather forecasting, satellite tracking and ATMs.

Q.7: Discuss some emerging technologies of fifth generation.

Ans. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.):
The term A.I. may also be referred to any machine that displays qualities associated with a human brain such
as learning, reasoning and problem solving. Like google maps suggest the best ways for our daily commute.
A.I. is vastly used in scientific experiment, healthcare and space technologies.
Robots:
Robots are the machines that can be controlled by a computer and are capable of carrying out a complex
series of actions automatically. Robots are commonly used in manufacturing, industry, science, medicine and
education.
Wireless Communication:
Wireless communication technology transmits information using electromagnetic waves like IR (Infrared), RF
(Radio Frequency), satellite, etc. Global Positioning System (GPS) is now used to find real time location of
people and objects. Smart phones that include 3G, 4G and 5G networks have transformed the conventional
use of telephones.
Virtual Reality:
It is an artificial environment that is created with software and presented to the user in a way that the user
feels it as a real environment. It is also used for development of an imagined environment for a game or
interactive story.

Q.8: Discuss the various careers in IT sector.

Ans. (i) Software Engineer:
A Software Engineer is a person who uses different programming languages to develop software products
like games, Learning Management System (LMS), business applications, educational and entertainment
software.
 (ii) Network Administrator:
Network Administrator is responsible for installing, maintaining and upgrading any software or hardware
required to efficiently run a computer network.
(iii) Database Administrator:
A Database Administrator (DBA) is a skilled professional who maintains a secure database environment in
an office, business or organization.
(iv) Web Designer:
Web designers are people who build websites. They prepare a site's content with eye-catching designs,
attractive images and strong text.
(v) Graphic Designer:
Graphic is another word for image. Graphics Designers develop overall layouts of brochures, magazines etc.
They do this by using various computer graphics software.
(vi) Information Security Analyst:
These people protect networks. We can call them the police force of the internet. Computer technology has
expanded into online banking and businesses. Information Security Analysts ensure that no theft occurs by
computer hackers.
(vii) Computer Science or IT Teacher:
It is another very rewarding career for Computer Science graduates and post-graduates, teaching in schools,
colleges and universities.

Q.9: What is motherboard?

Ans. Motherboard:
The motherboard is the main board which connects different parts of computer. It includes microprocessor
(CPU), slots, ports, buses, RAM, ROM and other electronic components for example resistors, capacitors,
diodes, transistors, jumpers etc.

Q.10: What is microprocessor (CPU)? Also give a brief description about ALU and CU of microprocessor.
Ans. Microprocessor (CPU):
CPU or microprocessor is the brain of computer. The microprocessor is a chip containing millions of tiny
transistors. These transistors manipulate data. Microprocessor is made up of silicon. The speed of computer
mainly depends upon the speed of microprocessor. There are typically five components of a microprocessor.
a. Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
b. Control Unit (CU)
c. Clock
d. Register
e. Cache

(a) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):

ALU performs all the actual calculations like arithmetic operations and logical comparisons. Arithmetic
operations include addition, subtraction, multiplication and division while logical comparisons include
comparing, selecting and matching of data.
(b) Control Unit (CU):
CU is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units of a computer. CU
functions just like a traffic policeman. It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.