Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi

(M.Ed., MCS.)
Basic Concepts of Information Technology
Class XI Chapter #1

Q.1. What is data?

Ans. Collection of raw facts and figure, which is collected for specific purpose. The data may be in the
form of text, numbers, sounds, images video clips.
Q.2. What is the role of microprocessor in IT revolution?
Ans. Information is based upon the microprocessor. A microprocessor is a single IC chip that performs
all the processing on data and controls the operation of the entire computer system. Modern digital
computer is very powerful electronic machine and has the capabilities to handle data in graphics and
speech form also. Today’s microprocessors are very small, very cheap, very reliable and very
powerful.
Since the first IC chips were made in early 1960’s their power has increased every year
while their cost has decreased and this has caused the information revolution.
Q.3. Distinguish between computer hardware and computer software
Ans. Hardware is physical components of a computer. You can touch , see and feel hardware. The
computer along with input/output devices is known as hardware.
Software (a computer program) is a set of instruction given to the computer to perform a
specific task. It tells the computer what to do and how to do.
Q.4. Write a short note on the following:
Ans.
a) The key Board
Keyboard is still primary device for inputting information to a computer. The typical computer
keyboard has the standard character keys found on a typewriter together with a number of special keys.
Among the popular keyboard layout are QWERTY and Dvorak. The layout reefers to the arrangement of
keys on the keyboard. Atypical keyboard can have 101 to 104 keys

The keys on keyboard on computer are often classified as follows:

Alphanumeric keys : Alphabets and numbers

Numeric keys: Number and mathematical operators
Function keys: Keys for special function (F1, F2, F3.....F12)
Cursor control keys Keys that move the cursor (UP, Down, Left, Right)
c) The microphone
A micro phone is an input device used to digitally record audio, data , such as the human
voice. It can be plugged into a computer or recorder. Much productivity application can
accept input via a microphone, enabling the user to dictate text or issue commands
orally. Software in the computer converts the sound impulses into digital form. It is
then stored in memory and processed when required.
d) The monitor
The monitor is the most commonly used output device on personal computers. It is also
called a display or screen. We look at our monitor whether we are typing issuing
commands, surfing on internet, or even listening music. The quality of the image on the
screen depends upon many factors. Resolution is one of the factors affecting the quality of
the monitor. The resolution of a monitor refers to the number of pixels on the screen,
expressed as a matrix.
All the monitors can be categorized by the way display colors. These are monochrome
monitors and color monitors

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)

e) Cathode ray tube (CRT)

The technology used in TV and computer screens. A CRT works by sweeping an electron
beam back and fourth across the inside of the screen. Each time the beam makes a pass
across the screen. It lights up phosphor dots on the inside of the glass tube, causing an
illumination of the active portion of the screen.

Q.5. Distinguish between the following:

Ans.
a) Random access memory and sequential access memory

Random Access Memory:

RAM refers to memory in which the actual physical location of a memory word has no effect
on how long it takes to read from or write into that location. In other words, the access time is
the same for any address in memory.
e.g. magnetic disk, semiconductor memories
Sequential Access memory
It is a type of memory in which the access time is not constant but varies depending on the
address on the address location. A particular stored word is found by sequencing through all address
location until the desired address is reached. This produce access time , which are much longer that
those of random access memories
e.g. Magnetic tapes
b) Static memory device and dynamic memory device

Static Memory device

These are those semiconductor memory devices in which the store data will remain
permanently stored as long as power is supplied, without the need for periodically rewriting the data
into memory
Dynamic memory device
These are those semiconductor memory devices in which the stored data will not remain
permanently stored, even with power applied, unless the data is periodically rewritten into memory.
This operation is called refresh operation.

Q.6. Define the following terms.

Ans. a) Memory word
This is the group of bits (cells) in a memory that represents information or data of some
type. Word size range from 4 to 64 bits in modern computers
b) Read /Write operations
When a binary word stored in a specific memory location is sensed and then transferred to
another location is called Read Operation. This read operation is also called fetch
operation, since a word is being fetched from memory.
When a new word is being placed into a particular memory location is called write
operation. It is also called a store operation. It replaces the word that is previously stored
there. The old word is then lost

c) Memory address

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)
This is a number that identifies the location in memory. Each word stored in memory
device or system has unique address. Address are always specified as binary number

Memory
Address
Word

000 Word 0

001 Word 1

010 Word 2

011 Word 3

100 Word 4

101 Word 5

110 Word 6

111 Word 7
Each of these eight words has a specific address represented as a 3-bit number ranging from 000 to
111.Whenever we refer a specific word location in memory, we use its address code
to identify it
d) Memory access time.
This is a measure of memory device’s operating speed. It is the amount of time required to
perform a read operation. More specifically, it is the time between the memory receiving a
read command signal and the data becoming available at the memory output.
e) Cycle time
It is the amount of time required for a the memory to perform a read or write operation
and then return to its original state ready for next operation. Cycle time is normally
longer than the access time

Q.7. Explain information system analyses, development, implementation and

maintenance.

Ans. System is a set of components which works as a unit. Information processing system consists of
every thing required to carry out a particular processing task.
E.g. Computer system may consists of the following items

•Hardware
•Software
• People/User
• Data
• Communication set up
Information system analysis can be divided into five phases

i) System Analysis
In this phase current system is studied in detail. The data is collected about the system to
be developed. The collected data is analyzed and the analysis report is created. This
phase involve three major activities.
• Study how the current system works
• Determine the user’s requirements.
• Recommend a suitable solution
ii) System Design

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)
In this phase , specification are converted into detailed charts that define the data
required and express the processing to be carried out on data as instruction of a
computer program I.e. requirement collected are translated into logical
representation of system.
The design activity is divided into two steps

• Logical Design
• Physical Design
• Report
iii) System development
This phase is connected with the writing and testing of computer software and developing
data input and output forms.
iv) System Implementation
In this phase, the system is implemented. It means that the developed system is installed
for use to solve the problem. User is also trained to run the system. Implementation
may be achieved in five steps.
• Direct Implementation:
• Parallel Implementation:
• Phased Implementation:
• Pilot Implementation:
• User Training:

v) System Maintenance
It refers to the necessary changes to be made to the system that result from changing
requirements technologies and experience with system use. This phase
involves the following activities

• Adjustment of problems(if any) in the running system

• Improvement of the system
• Enhancement of the system

Q.8. What is printer? Briefly explain its type.

Ans. Printers
Printers are the most commonly used output devices. They are used to print the output on the
printer in the form of characters, symbols and graphics. The printers are divided
into two categories.

o Impact printer

An impact printer prints characters and graphics on the paper with the strikes of hammer or
wheel against an inked ribbon. The image of the characters or graphics is created on the
paper. The examples of impact printers are

• Dot matrix printer

• Daisy wheel Printer
• Line Printer

o Non-Impact printer

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)

The printers that produce output on paper without striking the paper are known as non-impact
printers. They use electrostatic, inkjet, and thermal technologies for printing. There are three
types of this category

i) Laser printer ii) Inkjet printer iii) Thermal printer

Q.9. Describe the following terms:
Data processing
Information system:

Ans.
i. Data processing:

It is the sequence of operation performed on data to convert it into useful form. Data is
processed to get the required result. Different operations may be performed on data.

ii. Information system:

A system that processes the raw data to convert it into useful information is referred
to as information system. An information system or computer based system
includes hardware, software, data, procedures and the users that interact with
computer. The procedure/program is building block of information system.

Q.10. What is information technology?

Ans. Information technology is technology that combines computing with high-speed communication
links for carrying data from one place to another, all over the world.
Computer users through Internet can share and exchange their information all over the world.
Due to the information technology people are linked together all over the world.

Q.11. What do you know about modern scenario of IT?

. The modern impact of IT has expanded the base of computing and communication through
satellite, fiber optic, mobile phone, fax machine etc. Computer is playing main role in IT. The main
application of computer is :
o Artificial Intelligence
o Computer animation
o E-Commerce
o Multimedia
o Distributed computing
o Web based application

Q.12. What is computer?

Ans. A computer is an electronic machine that can be programmed to data, process it into useful
information and store it in a secondary device for data reuse.

Q.13. What is software?

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)
Ans. A set of instruction given to the computer to perform a specific task, is called software or
computer program. It tells the computer what to do and how to do. The hardware operates under the
control of given set of instructions.
Software can be classified into two categories
System software:

A program or set of program that is specially designed to control the computer system is
called system software. The system software also enables other application
program to execute. E.g. operating system and device driver.

Application software:

A program or set of program that are specially designed to solve the specific problems of user,
are called application software packages. ?there are different kinds of application software such as
commercial software, scientific software. Financial software, games etc

Firmware:

It is an intermediate form of software and hardware, which consist of software embedded in

electric device during their manufacture, firmware is used when program are rarely or never
expect dot be change.

Q.14. What is computer hardware?

Ans. Hard ware is physical components of a computer. You can touch, see and feel hardware. The
computer along with input/devices is known as hardware

Input Device: It accepts input in a form that the computer can use and sends to the
processing unit.
Processor: The processor or central processing unit (CPU) is the main part of computer, which
processes input data according to given instruction and converts it into
information
Output Device: It displays processed data or results in a form the user wants.
Secondary Storage device: It stores data and program permanently for later use.

Examples of Hardware Devices:

Input devices : Keyboard, Mouse, Microphone etc.

Output device : Monitor, Printer, Speaker etc.
Main Memory : RRAM and ROM
Secondary Memory: Hard Disk, Floppy disk, compact disk, tape etc
Network Devices: Modem, bridge, Router etc.

Q.15. What are the uses of Input Devices? List few of them

Ans. The inputs devices are used to enter data and instruction into the computer are input devices.
The input devices accept input (data & programs) in a form that the computer can use, and then
send the processing unit.

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
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List of input devices : Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Digital camera

Q.16. Describe the enhanced keyboard and its segments.

Ans. The keyboard is the most commonly used input device. It looks like a type write but a computer
keyboard has some special keys used to perform special functions. The standard keyboard is
referred to as QWERTY keyboard.

Division of Keyboard

i) Function keys ii) Main keyboard

ii) Numeric keys iv) Additional keys

Function Keys, These are up to 12 numbers, positioned above character keys, which can be
programmed by the user.
Ctrl and Alt keys are used in conjunction (combination) with other keys to apply command as
specified by user.

The backspace key, which deletes the character to the immediate left of the cursor screen

The four arrow keys, which moves the cursor one character positions in the direction of the arrow

The PgUp and PgDn keys which are normally programmed to move the cursor one page up or
down

The home key, which may by programmed to move the cursor to the left of the screen or the
beginning of the documents

The end key, which may be programmed to move the cursor to the right of the screen or the end
of the document

The Esc key, which is often programmed to enable you to escape from your currently selected
option or risk

Numeric keys, a set of numeric keys and arithmetic operators keys on the right of keyboard
known as Numeric keypad/that. It also has as extra Enter Key and Num lock key. The Num Lock key is
used to activate or deactivate the numeric keypad. The numeric keypad is mostly used for
numeric data entry.

Main keyboard

Additional keys

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)

Q.17. Describe the function of mouse

Ans. A mouse is a pointing input device and looks like a mouse. It is commonly used in windows
environment n the personal computers.
A mouse has a ball in its underside that is rolled on a flat surface or mouse-pad when mouse is
moved. The rolling movement causes a corresponding cursor movement on the screen. It is
used to control the cursor or pointer on the screen. The mouse also has buttons on its top that are
used to select and enter certain commands to the compute by clicking one pf the button. Usually,
mouse is used to select any icon or option by pointing the mouse on it and then clicking one of the
mouse buttons to perform an action

Q.18. Define the trackball

Ans. A track ball is pointing input device. It performs functions like a mouse but it is a stationary device
with moveable ball on its top. The ball is rotated or rolled with finger or palm of the hand. Like mouse,
a trackball also has buttons used to send the command to computer. It is usually available with
laptop computer and fixed on its keyboard

Q.19. What are character-recognition devices?

Ans. Character recognition devices enable devices the user to input text and numerical data.

Special Pen:

With a special pen data can be written in capital letter on the pressure-sensitive surface. An
invisible grid of fine wires below the surface detects the shape o the letter, converting them into
electrical signal using special software.

Optical Character Readers (OCR)

OCR device reads (scan) preprinted characters in a particular font and converts them to
digital code. The OCR device also uses light source to read the characters printed on paper.
The OCR device is commonly used to process utility bills and price code printed on the products
in departmental store.

Magnetic –Ink character recognition (MICR)

MICR input device is used to read characters, which are printed with magnetic ink. MICR reads
the characters printed with magnetic ink and produces digitized signals that enter into the
computer as data for further processing. MICR devices normally used in banks to process
customer’s cheques

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)

Q.20. Describe the function of following scanning devices.

Ans. Bar-Code Reader

Data coded in the form of light and dark vertical lines or bas on most of manufactured
products in the markets are known as bar-codes. This bar-code system is also called the
Universal produces Code (UPC). Actually, the name of products, its prices and other description are
coded as bar codes. The bar codes are read by a special scanning device called the bar-code
reader. A bar-code reader is a photoelectric scanner that translates the bar code symbol into
digital code, which is then fed to the computer for further processing.

Optical Marks Recognition (OMR)

OMR devices are used to read special marks or symbol printed on the paper. These devices are
mostly to check and process the test marks of SAT and GRE. The optical recognition system uses a
light beam to scan the mark on paper, converts it into electrical/digital signals, which is then sent
to the computer as input data for processing.

Q.21. Describe the audio input device (The microphone)

Ans. Audio input is the process of entering any sound into computer such as speech music etc. the
sound is in the form of analog signals. An audio-input device records analog signals of sounds and
translate it into digital form to store into computer for further processing. The main purpose of
audio-input device is to provide digital input for multimedia computers

Q.22. Describe the most commonly used types of impact printers

Ans. Dot Matrix Printers

A dot matrix printer contains a print-head with a matrix of small pins arranged in rows and
columns. On receiving instruction from computer, the dot matrix printers can push any of the pins out
in any combination. When combination of pins on a print head strike on inked ribbon, it creates dots
that form character or graphics or graphics on the paper. Print heads are available with 9,18, 24
pins.

Daisy Wheel Printer

Daisy wheel printer is also an impact character printer. It has a print wheel with series of petals.
This wheel is known as daisy wheel. Each petal of the daisy wheel contains a character at its end. A
motor rotates the wheel. When the desired character reaches the position on the paper, hammer strikes
a petal against the ribbon and the character is printed on the paper. This printer is slower than
dot0matrix printer but better in quality

Line Printer

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)
This type of impact printer is normally used by mainframe and minicomputer. It prints a complete
line of character at once rather that a single character at a time. The printing speed of these printers is
up to 3000 lines per minute. Line printers are divided into two types:

a) Chain printer b) Band printer

Q.23. Describe the functioning of Laser printer.

Ans. A laser printer is the fastest and high quality non-impact. The laser printer uses a special beam of
light called “Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation LASER” to transfer images of
characters, graphics on the paper. The laser printer has a special drum inside it. The laser printer
produces an image of the output on a drum with a laser beam inside it. The laser printers produces an
image of the output on a drum with laser beam and magnetically charged powered ink, called toner,
and then transfer the image from drum on the paper. The image of the output is formed by means of
microscopic dots. The laser printer can produce high quality of both text and graphics from 300 dpi to
1200 dpi. The printing speed of laser printer is about 4 to 32 pages per minute

Q.24. Describe the function of Ink-Jet printer.

Ans. The ink-jet printer is a non-impact printer that is used to print characters and graphics by
spraying small electrically charged droplets of ink onto the paper.
The print head of ink-jet printer contains print cartridge filled with ink and have small nozzles in
the form of matrix. Like dot-matrix printer, the combination of nozzles are activated to form the
shape of character or image on the paper by spraying the ink through holes of nozzles
The ink-jet printer have low price than laser printer. They also have low print quality and have
resolution 300 to 720 dpi. The printing speed of ink-jet printer is form 1 to 6 pages minute.

Q.25. What is the thermal printer?

Ans. Thermal printer is non-impact printer. It can print output on a special heat sensitive waxy paper.
The image of the output on special burning dots on it. The output created on paper with this printer is
affected to sunlight. It produced a high quality printout but it is quit expensive compared to other
non- impact printers.

Q.26. What is the usage of a plotter? Also describe the basic kinds of plotters.
A plotter is a special output device used to produce high-quality graphics in many colors. It is
used for specialized such as for printing architectural drawing maps, graphs, and charts. There are
two basic kinds of plotters.

a) Flatbed Plotter

A flatbed plotter plots on paper and paper is lying flat on a table-like surface. Typically, the plot
size is equal to the area of abed. The bed size varies according to the need. The flatbed plotter uses
two robotic drawing arms, each of which holds a set of colored ink pens or pencils. One to four colored
ink pens move across the paper through drawing arms and draw the graph on the paper.

b) Drum Plotters

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Basic Concept of Information Technology #1 Class XI Compiled by Wasim Anjum Farooqi
(M.Ed., MCS.)
Drum plotters works like a flatbed plotter. It consists of a drum or roller on which a paper is
placed and the drum rotates back and forth to print the graph on the paper. Drum plotter is used
to produce continuous output such as to track earthquake readings.

********* Wish You Best of Luck *******

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