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Computer SSC-I Chapter no 1

1. What is computer?
Ans: Computer is an electronic programmable device, that can process and store data.
OR
A computer is a programmable machine. The two principal characteristics of a computer are: It responds to a
specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner and it can execute a pre-recorded list of instructions (a
program).
2. What are the basic functions of computer system?
Ans: There are four basic functions of computer. Input: the transfer of information into the system (e.g.,
through a keyboard). Output: the presentation of information to the user (e.g., on a screen). Processing: the
retrieval or manipulation of information into a new form (e.g., results from a search engine). Storage: the
storing or preservation of information for later use (e.g., files stored on a hard drive).
Fig. 1.1

3. What do you know about abacus?

Ans: Abacus was the earliest calculating device most probably invented in China. The abacus itself doesn't
calculate; it's simply a device for helping a human being to calculate by remembering what has been counted.
The modern Chinese abacus, which is still widely used in China and other countries, dates from about 1200 A.D.
There are Japanese and Russian versions of the abacus and several modern "improved" versions.

Fig. 1.2
4. What do you know about Napier’s bone?
Ans: John Napier, a Scottish mathematician invented a calculating device called Napier’s Bone in 1614. Napier's
bones, also called Napier's rods, are numbered rods which can be used to perform multiplication of any number
by a number 0-9. It could multiply, divide and find square roots of numbers by using simple addition and subtraction. His
biggest achievement was the invention of logarithm.
 Fig. 1.3
5. What do you know about pascaline?
Ans: Blaise pascal, a French mathematician invented a calculating device called Pascaline in 1642 when he was
only 19 years old. The first Pascaline could only handle 5-digit numbers, but later Pascal developed 6 digit and 8
digit versions of the Pascaline. The calculator had metal wheel dials that were turned to the appropriate
numbers using a stylus; the answers appeared in boxes in the top of the calculator. Blaise’s calculated was a
polished brass box, about 350mm by 125 mm by 75mm. On the top was a row of eight movable dials, with
numerals from 0 to 9. The machine could add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Multiplication and division were
somewhat difficult to do, by performing multiplication and division by repeated addition and subtraction.

Fig. 1.4
6. What is Difference Engine?
Ans: In 1822, the English mathematician Charles Babbage started working on a big calculating machine, about
the size of room. Babbage called this Difference engine. A difference engine, first created by Charles Babbage, is
an automatic mechanical calculator designed to tabulate polynomial functions. Its name is derived from the
method of divided differences, a way to interpolate or tabulate functions by using a small set
of polynomial coefficients.
7. What is analytical engine?
Ans: Babbage worked for many years on difference engine but he could not complete it. Later he came up with a
new idea of Analytical engine. The Analytical Engine was a proposed mechanical general-purpose
computer designed by English mathematician and computer pioneer Charles Babbage.
The Analytical Engine incorporated an arithmetic logic unit, control flow in the form of conditional
branching and loops, and integrated memory.

Fig. 1.5
8. Differentiate between difference engine and analytical engine?
Ans: Analytical Engine basically as a regular computer, which would have a program coded in punched cards,
that were attached to each other forming a chain (there would actually be three kinds of cards, each with its
 own reader, check this out). The machine also had a control unit whose job was to decode the instructions of
this program and perform them on the data that was stored in a memory capable of holding a thousand
numbers.
The Difference Engine, on the other hand, would have been exactly a calculator, and one that could perform just
one kind of operation, repeatedly, on a sequence of numbers.
9. Write a note on Hollerith disk?
Ans: In 1890, Herman Hollerith built a tabulating machine called Hollerith Desk. This machine was invented to
help with the census of 1890 in America.
Hollerith Desk consisted of a card reader which sensed the holes in the cards, a gear driven mechanism which
could count, and a large set of dial indicators to display results. After Building this device, Hollerith started a
company by the name of this tabulating machine. Later on this company changed name to International
Business Machine (IBM)

Fig. 1.6
10. What is Mark-1?
Ans: Mark I was designed in 1937 by a Harvard graduate student, Howard H. Aiken to solve advanced
mathematical physics problems encountered in his research. Aiken’s ambitious proposal envisioned the use of
modified, commercially-available technologies coordinated by a central control system.

Fig. 1.7
11. What are the various tasks performed by mark –I?
Ans: Mark-1 can add three numbers having eight digits in one second. It could print out its results on punched
cards or on an electric typewriter. Mark-I was 50 feet long, 8 feet high and weighed about 5 tons. It uses 3,000
electric switches.
12. What is HPC?
Ans: High-performance computing (HPC) is the use of parallel processing for running advanced application
programs efficiently, reliably and quickly. HPC (High Performance Computing) is being used in today’s data
centers for fast data processing. HPC is the use of parallel processing for running advanced application programs
efficiently, reliably and fast.
13. What is Cloud Computing?
Ans: The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process
data, rather than a local server or a personal computer. The current advancements in computer technology are
likely to transform computer into intelligent machine having thinking power.
14. “Computer Evaluation is a Continuous process”. Justify the statement.
Ans:
15. Write a short on the first generation computers and the technology used in it?
Ans: The first computer systems used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory, and were
often enormous, taking up entire rooms. These computers were very expensive to operate and in addition to
using a great deal of electricity, the first computers generated a lot of heat, which was often the cause of
malfunctions.
The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing devices. The UNIVAC was the first
commercial computer delivered to a business client, the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.

Fig. 1.8
16. Write a note on invention of transistor and second generations of computer?
Ans: In second Generation of computer transistors replace vacuum tubes in the second generation of
computers. The transistor was invented at Bell Labs in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until
the late 1950s.
The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper,
more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors. Though the transistor still
generated a great deal of heat that subjected the computer to damage, it was a vast improvement over the
vacuum tube. Second-generation computers still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.

Fig. 1.9
17. Write a short note on third generations of computer and the technology used in it?
Ans: The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of computers.
Transistors were miniaturized and placed on silicon chips, called semiconductors, which drastically increased the
speed and efficiency of computers.
Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third generation computers
through keyboards and monitors and interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run
 many different applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory. Computers for the
first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller and cheaper than their
predecessors.

Fig. 1.10

Did You Know!!!

An integrated circuit (IC) is a small electronic device made out of a semiconductor material. The first
integrated circuit was developed in the 1950s by Jack Kilby of Texas Instruments and Robert Noyce of Fairchild
Semiconductor.
18. Write a note on invention of microprocessor and fourth generations of computer?
Ans: The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of integrated circuits were
built onto a single silicon chip. What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the
hand. The Intel 4004 chip, developed in 1971, located all the components of the computer—from the central
processing unitand memory to input/output controls—on a single chip.
In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many areas of life as more and
more everyday products began to use microprocessors.

Fig. 1.11
19. Write a note on artificial intelligence and fifth generations of computer?
Ans: Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, though there
are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today. The use of parallel processing and
superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a reality.
 Quantum computation and molecular and nanotechnology will radically change the face of computers in years
to come. The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language input
and are capable of learning and self-organization.

Fig. 1.12
20. List the types /classifications of computer?
Ans:
 Analog Computer
 Digital Computer
 Hybrid Computer
21. Briefly explain Digital computers.
Ans: A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities represented as digits, usually
in the binary number system of “0” and “1”, “Computer capable of solving problems by processing information
expressed in discrete form. from manipulation of the combinations of the binary digits, it can perform
mathematical calculations, organize and analyze data, control industrial and other processes, and simulate
dynamic systems such as global weather patterns.

Fig. 1.13
22. Briefly explain Analog computer.
Ans: An analog computer is a form of computer that uses the continuously-changeable aspects of physical fact
such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to model the problem being solved. Anything that is
variable with respect to time and continuous can be claimed as analog just like an analog clock measures time by
means of the distance traveled for the spokes of the clock around the circular dial.

Fig. 1.14
23. Differentiate between Analog and digital computer.
 Ans:
Analog Digital
Analog computer works with continuous values. Digital computers work with discrete values (0,1).
It can work only with two digits.
It has very limited memory. It can store large amount of data.
Analog computer is used in engineering and Digital computers are widely used in every field of
scientific works. life.
Its accuracy is high. Its accuracy is comparatively low.
Example: Thermometer, Analog watches, Car Example: Digital watches, microcomputers, mini
speedometer etc. computers etc.

24. Describe some of the features of hybrid computer/vital sign monitoring unit?
Ans: A computer that processes both analog and digital data, Hybrid computer is a digital computer that accepts
analog signals, converts them to digital and processes them in digital form.
 Hybrid computers have tremendous computing speed enabled by the all-parallel configuration provided
by the analog subsystem.
 The results provided by hybrid computers are precise, accurate, more detailed and much more useful
when compared to their earlier counterparts.
25. Write a short note on mainframe computer?
Ans: These are commonly called as big iron, they are usually used by big organizations for bulk data processing
such as statics, census data processing, transaction processing and are widely used as the severs as these
systems has a higher processing capability as compared to the other classes of computers, most of these
mainframe architectures were established in 1960s. These computers can execute Billion instructions per
second (BIPS).
Eg: IBM z Series, System z9 and System z10 servers.

Fig. 1.15
26. What do you know about minicomputer?
Ans: These computers came into the market in mid 1960s and were sold at a much cheaper price than the main
frames, they were actually designed for control, instrumentation, human interaction, and communication
switching as distinct from calculation and record keeping, later they became very popular for personal uses with
evolution. These computers can execute Millions instructions per second (MIPS).
E.g: Inspiron 1012 (Dell), HP mini 110
 Fig. 1.16
27. What do you know about microcomputer?
Ans: A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its CPU. It includes a
microprocessor, memory, and minimal I/O circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board. The previous to
these computers, mainframes and minicomputers, were comparatively much larger, hard to maintain and more
expensive. They actually formed the foundation for present day microcomputers and smart gadgets that we use
in day to day life.
Eg: Tablets, Smart watches, laptops.

Fig. 1.16
28. Write the use /role of computer in education?
Ans: Computers In Teaching and Learning Process (Computer Aided Learning - CAL )
Computers are being used actively in educational institutes to improve the learning process. Teachers can use
audio video aids through computer to prepare lesson plans. They can use Microsoft Power Point to prepare
electronic presentations about their lectures. These electronic presentations will be displayed on multimedia
projectors in class rooms. This will be interesting and easy to learn for students. Multimedia presentations are
easy to deliver for teachers too, These presentations save a lot of effort and time. Moreover multimedia
presentations are interesting to view and hear sound and visual effects. Computers will be helpful for:
1. Instructing the students using PowerPoint slides, Word documents or Web pages and using hyperlinks for better
concept clarity.
2. Helps in improving pronunciation of students by using microphones, headphones, speakers, specially
prepared software and special dedicated websites.
3. Encouraging the students to use internet, surf web pages and gather relevant detailed information through search
engines. Students will gain a lot of information and knowledge by positive use of internet.
 Fig. 1.17
29. Write the use/role of computer in business?
Ans: Computer speed up the business processes and systems with top quality. Today’s world computer is
important to use to start an online and offline business. A computer is important to use in business to automate
the manufacturing, marketing and, distribution process.
Computers help in research, production, distribution, marketing, banking, team management, business
automation, data storage, employees management and very helpful to increase the productivity in lower cost,
less time with high quality. That’s why the use of the computer is important in business. And the computer is the
1st and main tool in business that generates and manages profits.

Fig. 1.17
30. Write the use/role of computer in defense?
Ans: Computer performs very important role in Defense. Computers are used to track incoming missiles target
to destroy them. Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help diagnose any
problems with the platforms. Computers are used to hold documents, maintenance records and records of
events. They are also used on Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) that use GPS and Computers to help the
missile get to the target. Applications of Computer in Defense
a. Computer Simulation- Computer simulations allow the military to train soldiers without actually having
to put them in harm's way. It is a way to develop military’s tactical, strategically and doctrinal solutions
in battle.
b. Communication - When it comes to military training, being able to communicate with the team in far
places is essential in learning to work together. Allow those who are specializing in military
communication to get hands-on training in real world setting.
c. Military Secrecy- It also helps them organize their files for safekeeping and easy access. There are
programs and hardware of military computers that are confidential for security purpose.
 Fig. 1.18
31. Write the use/ role of computer in media?
Ans:Today in this age of information technology the use of computer is the part media industry (Print,
Broadcast, Electronic and Advertising Agency, News Agency and Films). ... In recent years, the explosion of new
media --- particularly the Internet --- has caused new anxieties. Computer play a vital role in advertising,
whether they are paper notices on boards or electronic billboards and online advertisements, every advert via
any media can be done by the computer.

Fig. 1.19
32. Write the use/role of computer in manufacturing industry?
Ans: The Industrial Computer Industry and Its Importance to Modern Times. ... Industrial computers are often
used on the factory floor, where they control processes and production. The automotive industry was an early
adopter of industrial computers and robotics, and still makes heavy use of this technology. Computer
systems used to design and manufacture products. The term CAD(Computer Aided Design)/CAM(Computer
Aided Manufacturing) implies that an engineer can use the system both for designing a product and for
controlling manufacturing processes. For example, once a design has been produced with the cad component,
the design itself can control the machines that construct the part.

Fig. 1.20 & Fig 1.21

33. Elaborate the scope of careers in the field of information technology?
Ans:Information Technology (IT) offers a promising career to the students. The undisputed king of engineering
field, IT is growing tremendously with every passing year. However, there is no denial of the fact that this stream
 is not devoid of challenges. One of the most commonly used acronyms in the world of education is IT; still very
few actually know what this field is all about.
Following are some careers in the field of IT:

Software Engineer
Software engineer is a highly skilled person in the field of IT whose responsibilities involve the analysis, design,
implementation and maintenance of computer software. Software engineer can be further classified into
programmer and system analyst.
Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers design and manufacture computer hardware. Their work also involves repair and
maintenance of computer hardware. They have in-depth knowledge of internal working of computers,
processors, circuit boards and other electronic equipment.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for installation, configuration and maintenance of computer networks in
organizations. They are in charge of maintenance of computer hardware and software that make up a computer
network. They assign passwords to network users so that unauthorized people do not have access to network.
Database Administrator
Database administrator is a person who is responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of a
database in an organization. He is also responsible for maintaining security and monitoring the performance of
database.
Web Designer
Web designer is a person whose job is to plan and create websites. He designs web pages that include text,
images, sound, video clips and make the website interactive. HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the most
commonly used language for creating websites.
Multimedia Designer
Multimedia designers are people who organize and present information in an easy to understand and attractive
manner. They combine text, graphics, animation, audio and video. Multimedia designers create digital images
and arrange them in sequence for animation using computer software. They have the skills to edit and
manipulate audio/video files. They usually work in film/TV industry, computer software companies and
advertising companies.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analyst is a person whose job is to protect information and information systems from
unauthorized access, use, modification, recording or destruction. He implements procedures and policies to
ensure information security within the organization.
Computer Teacher
Computer teacher teaches the subject of computer science to students to make them computer literate. He
conducts lessons on how to operate computers and the working principles and concepts of computer hardware.
He also teaches how to develop computer programs using various programming languages.
34. Briefly discuss about the two categories of in software engineer.
Ans: Software engineer can be further classified into programmer and system analyst.
Programmer
Computer programmers are IT professionals who have extensive knowledge and expertise in programming
languages. They program the computer by writing step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what to do.
Computer programmers write programs to solve problems related with business, education, engineering,
government offices, hospitals, entertainment, etc.
System Analyst
System analysts analyze the data processing requirements of organizations and develop information systems to
implement them. They investigate problems, plan solutions, and recommend the type of hardware and software
required for implementing the solution. They also coordinate with the programmers and database
administrators in developing information systems.
35. What is the computer system?
 Ans:A computer is a machine that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations
automatically via computer programming. Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of
operations, called programs. These programs enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks.
36. What is the computer hardware?
Ans:Computer hardware includes the physical, tangible parts or components of a computer, such as the cabinet,
central processing unit, monitor, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound card, speakers and
motherboard. By contrast, software is instructions that can be stored and run by hardware.

Fig. 1.22
37. Differentiate b/w hardware and software of computer?
Ans:Computer hardware is any physical device used in or with your machine, whereas software is a collection of
code installed onto your computer's hard drive. For example, the computer monitor you are using to read this
text and the mouse you are using to navigate this web page are computer hardware. The Internet browser that
allowed you to visit this page and the operating system that the browser is running on is considered software.
OR
HARDWARE SOFTWARE
Hardware is a physical device that is capable of Software is a set of instruction that is given to
operating tasks and executions based on the software the computer to perform operations
Hardware may be Input device, output device, Software is two types System software and
memory storage device. Application software
Monitor, mouse, Keyboard, Hard drives, routers, Chrome browser, antivirus, windows, Adobe
printers, scanners, video cards Photoshop, Microsoft Office, Adobe reader,
VLC media player
Hardware is made-up of electronic components. Software is developed by writing instructions
in a programming language.
If Hardware is damaged, it can be replaced with new If Software is damaged, it can be replaced with
one. its backup copy.
Hardware is not affected by a virus. Software is affected by a virus.
Hardware cannot perform any operation or task Software cannot execute without hardware.
without software.
Hardware wears out over time. Software does not wear out over time.
However; bugs can affect it.
Hardware is a physical device, you can touch Software is a logical you cannot touch the
hardware. software.

38. What are input and output devices?

Ans:An input device sends information to a computer system for processing, and an output device reproduces or
displays the results of that processing. Input devices only allow for input of data to a computer and output
devices only receive the output of data that is being processed by the CPU.
39. Write a short note on system unit?
 Ans:The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a desktop computer. It includes
the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components. ... The term "system unit" is often used to differentiate
between the computer and peripheral devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Fig. 1.23
40. What is microprocessor?
Ans: A microprocessor is the main chip on the motherboard that controls all the activities of the computer. It is
also known as Central Processing Unit (CPU) or simply processor. It contains Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU) and registers.

Fig. 1.24
41. What is control unit?
Ans: Control unit controls the operations of all the components of the computer. It controls the working of all
the input/output devices, storage devices and ALU. CU loads programs into memory and executes them. It
consists of very complicated circuits.
42. What are registers?
Ans: Registers are small memory units inside the microprocessor used to temporarily store some information
during the execution of a program. Some commonly used registers are Instruction Register, Accumulator
Register, Data Register and Memory Address Register.
43. Write the function of ALU?
Ans:An arithmetic logic unit (ALU) represents the fundamental building block of the central processing unit of a
computer. An ALU is a digital circuit used to perform arithmetic and logic operations. These operation include
addition, subtract, multiplication, division, AND, OR, NOT operations.
 Fig. 1.25
44. What is a storage device and also write name the storage device?
Ans:A storage device is any computing hardware that is used for storing, porting and extracting data files and
objects. It can hold and store information both temporarily and permanently, and can be internal or external to
a computer, server or any similar computing device. For example hard disk, floppy, USB, CD etc

Fig. 1.24
45. Define RAM & ROM.
 Ans: ROM(Read Only Memory) will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered
off). ROM is a type of non- volatile memory. RAM(Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory. Data in
RAM is not permanently written. When you power off your computer the data stored in RAM is deleted.

Fig. 1.25
46. Difference b/w ROM and RAM?
Ans:ROM will retain data without the flow of electricity (e.g. when computer is powered off). RAM is a type of
volatile memory. Data in RAM is not permanently written. When you power off your computer the data stored
in RAM is deleted. ROM is a type of non- volatile memory.

RAM ROM
The data is not permanent and it can be The data is permanent. It can be altered but only
altered any number of times. a limited number of times that too at slow speed.
It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.
The CPU cannot access the data stored on it. In
The CPU can access the data stored on it. order to do so, the data is first copied to the
RAM.
Large size with higher capacity. Small size with less capacity.
Firmware like BIOS or UEFI. RFID tags,
Primary memory (DRAM DIMM modules), microcontrollers, medical devices, and at places
CPU Cache (SRAM). where a small and permanent memory solution is
required.
It doesn’t come cheap. Way cheaper than RAM.

47. What is cache memory and also describe their types?

Ans: Cache is a very small amount of extremely fast memory inside the microprocessor or on the motherboard. It is
faster and more expensive than RAM. It stores information that is most frequently used by the computer. The
purpose of using cache is to improve the processing speed of computer.
There are three types of cache memories which are Level 1 (L1), Level 2 (L2) and Level 3 (L3) as shown in Fig.1-41. L1
cache is built inside the microprocessor whereas L2 and L3 are on the motherboard. L1 cache is faster than L2 and L3
cache.
 Fig. 1.26

Why the keys on keyboard are not arranged in alphabetical order?

Ans: The reason dates back to the time of manual typewriters. When first invented, they had keys arranged in an
alphabetical order, but people typed so fast that the mechanical character arms got tangled up. So the keys were
randomly positioned to actually slow down typing and prevent key jams. The QWERTY keyboards were made so one
could type using keys from the top row of the keyboard. This random arrangement became standard.
48. What are the basic operations of computer?
Ans:Basic Operations of a Computer System
Inputting
Processing
Outputting
Storing
Controlling
49. What are input devices?
Ans:In computing, an input device is a piece of computer hardware equipment used to provide data and control
signals to an information processing system such as a computer or information appliance. Examples of input
devices include keyboards, mouse, scanners, digital cameras and joysticks.
50. Describe the function of mouse and microphone?
Ans:
Mouse:
Mouse is an input device. It has two or three buttons on the head. These buttons are used to scroll down the
long documents, open a file etc.
Microphone :
This is also an input device that is used to input voice and produce output in the form of electric waves.

Fig 1.27 & Fig 1.28

51. What is the function of bar code reader?
Ans:A barcode reader, also called a price scanner or point-of-sale ( POS ) scanner, is a hand-held or stationary
input device used to capture and read information contained in a bar code . Because a barcode reader merely
captures and translates the barcode into numbers and/or letters, the data must be sent to a computer so that a
 software application can make sense of the data. Barcode scanners can be connected to a computer through a
serial port , keyboard port , or an interface device called a wedge .

Fig 1.29
52. What is UPC?
Ans: UPC stands for universal product code which include the product description such as price, expiry date,
manufacturer etc.

Fig 1.30
53. What is system software and describe its types?
Ans: System software is software designed to provide a platform for other software. Examples of system
software include operating systems like macOS, Ubuntu and Microsoft Windows, computational science
software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as service applications.
Following are the types of system software.
 Operating system
 Device drivers
 Utility programs
 Language processors
Operating System
An operating system is system software that is responsible for the management and coordination of all the
activities performed by the computer. It provides the environment in which the user can interact with the
computer hardware to operate the computer. The most popular operating system used in microcomputers
is the Windows.
The following tasks are performed by the operating system.
i. It loads programs into memory and executes them.
ii. It controls the operation of input/output and storage devices.
iii. It manages files and folders.
iv. It allows creating password to protect computers from unauthorized use.
v. It detects hardware failures and displays messages to fix them.
Device Drivers
A device driver is system software that controls the operation of a computer device. When users attach a
device such as printer or scanner to their computer, they should install its driver also to make it operational.
Device drivers are provided by device manufacturers.
Utility Programs
Utility programs perform specific tasks that are related to the management of the computer.
The following are some commonly used utility programs that perform specific tasks.
  Windows Explorer: It is used to manage files and folders.
 Backup utility: It is used to make backup of data.
 WinZip utility: It is used to compress files.
 Diagnostic utility: It is used to detect hardware and software problems.
 Antivirus software: It is used to detect and remove viruses.
Language Processors
A language processor is a system program used to translate computer programs into machine language.
Machine language is directly understood by the computer. Therefore, all the programs must be translated
into machine language before execution by the computer. Compiler and interpreter are language processors
used to translate high level language programs into machine language. A program called assembler is used
to translate assembly language programs into machine language.
54. What is impact printer? How does it work?
Ans: An impact printer is a type of printer that operates by striking a metal or plastic head against an ink ribbon.
... Common examples of impact printers include dot matrix, daisy-wheel printers, and ball printers. Dot matrix
printers work by striking a grid of pins against a ribbon.

Fig 1.31
55. What is non-impact printer? How does it work?
Ans:A type of printer that does not operate by striking a head against a ribbon. Examples of nonimpact printers
include laser and ink-jet printers. The term nonimpactis important primarily in that it distinguishes quiet printers
from noisy (impact) printers.

Fig 1.32
56. What is a plotter? How does it work? Describe the different types of plotter?
Ans:A plotter is a printer designed for printing vector graphics. Instead of printing individual dots on the paper,
plotters draw continuous lines. This makes plotters ideal for printing architectural blueprints, engineering
designs, and other CAD drawings. There are two main types of plotters – drum and flatbed plotters.
 Fig 1.33
“LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display.
CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube.
LED Stands for Light Emitting Diode.”
57. Describe the functions of expansions slots and expansion cards in a computer?
Ans:An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard that is used to insert an expansion card (or circuit board),
which provides additional features to a computer such as video, sound, advanced graphics, Ethernet or memory.
An expansion slot refers to any of the slots on a motherboard that can hold an expansion card to expand the
computer's functionality, like a video card, network card, or sound card. The expansion card is plugged directly
into the expansion port so that the motherboard has direct access to the hardware.

Fig 1.34 & Fig 1.35

58. Describe the functions of ports in a computer?
Ans: A port is a connector at the back or front side of a computer where you plug in an external device such as a
printer, keyboard, scanner, mouse, or modem. This connection allows instructions and data to flow between the
computer and the device.
59. What is application software? Also describe its types?
Ans: Application software is developed for computer users to solve their problems such as preparing a letter,
creating a presentation or managing a database. Commonly used application software includes productivity
software, business software, entertainment software and education software.
Productivity Software
Productivity software includes word-processing, spreadsheet and database management software packages.
These software packages are used by individuals to speed up their daily routine tasks by doing their work in an
organized and efficient way.
Business Software
Any software that helps in running business in a more efficient way to improve productivity is known as business
software. Some examples of commonly used business software are accounting, sales and marketing, inventory
control, project management and payroll software.
Entertainment Software
Software developed to entertain people is known as entertainment software. Video games are one of the most
popular forms of entertainment software. Many games are lot of fun to play but sometimes they can also help
to improve skills such as typing or reading. The term edutainment merges games and education software into
single software. Edutainment software is used mainly for entertainment but it educates as well.
Education Software
Software developed for educational purpose is known as education software. A large variety of education
software has been developed. Education software includes typing tutor, spelling tutor, language learning,
medical and healthcare, driving test and flight simulation software, etc.
60. What is shareware and freeware? Give example?
Ans:
Shareware
 Shareware is distributed free of cost for a limited period, usually one or two months. It is trial version of
software given to people to decide whether they would like to buy the full version of the software. Some
shareware is installed on new computers when they are sold. Examples of shareware are antivirus software and
computer games, etc.
Freeware
Freeware is given free of cost and it is full version of software for an unlimited period of time. It may have some
restrictions such as allowed for personal or academic use only. Examples of freeware are Google Chrome,
Mozilla Firefox, VLC media player, etc.
61. What is open source software?
Ans: It is computer software that is available in the form of source code that allows users to study, change and
improve it. Open source software is free for use, modification and distribution. Some examples of open source
software are Linux operating system, OpenOffice (office productivity software), Flight Gear (flight simulator) and
Java programming language, etc.
Exercise

Q1. Select the best answer for the following MCQs.

1. Who invented logarithm?
A. Blaise Pascal C. Charles Babbage
B. John Napeir D. Herman Hollerith
2. Which generation of computer used transistor?
A. 1st Generation of Computers C. 3rd Generation of Computers
B. 2nd Generation of Computers D. 4th Generation of Computers
3. In which generation of computer microprocessor was introduced?
A. 1st Generation of Computers C. 3rd Generation of Computers
B. 2nd Generation of Computers D. 4th Generation of Computers
4. Which of the following computer supports thousands of users at the same time?
A. Microcomputer C. Mainframe computer
B. Minicomputer D. Laptop computer
5. Who is responsible for protecting information and information systems from unauthorized people in
an organization?
A. System Analyst C. Network Administrator
B. Information Security Analyst D. Hardware Engineer
6. Which of the following is the fastest memory?
A. USB flash drive C. ROM
B. RAM D. Cache
7. What type of software a device driver is?
A. Application software C. System software
B. Business software D. Productivity software
8. Which of the following is volatile memory?
A. RAM C. USB flash drive
B. ROM D. Hard disk
9. Which software is distributed free of cost for a limited period as a trial version?
A. Open source software C. Freeware
B. Shareware D. Productivity software
10. When were IC chips developed?
A. Early 1960s
B. Early 1970s
C. 1980s
D. 1990s

Answers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
 Short Questions

1. Describe Napier’s Bone and Slide Rule.

2. Compare 1st and 3rd generation computers.
3. Differentiate between analog and digital computers.
4. Ahmed, a class IX student is asking his father to replace his home computer CRT monitor with
LCD monitor. How will you justify his demand?
5. What will happen if storage devices are removed from a computer?
6. Differentiate between systems software and application software.
7. How a student can use computer to improve academic performance?
8. Give any three uses of computers in a school library.
9. Name few house hold appliances in which microprocessor is used.
10. What are the tasks performed by operating system?

Long Questions

1. Describe the five generations of computers.

2. Write a note on mainframe, minicomputer and microcomputer.
3. Explains the basic operations of a computer.
4. Write short note on the following.
a. Hardware Engineer
b. Network Administrator
c. Database Administrator
d. Web Designer
e. Multimedia Designer
5. Describe the following types of application software.
a. Productivity software
b. Business software
c. Entertainment software
d. Education software