REDEEMER’S COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

AND MANAGEMENT

NAME:

OMOFOYE TEMITOPE ISAAC

LEVEL:

ND1

DEPARTMENT:

COMPUTER SCIENCE

FACULTY

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

COURSE CODE:

COM 111

DATE:

15TH MARCH, 2023.

 QUESTION

1. (a) Itemize five (5) advantages of Computer system over Typewriter

(b) i. Define Operating system and state five examples of operating system
ii. Highlights five (5) functions of operating systems
(c) Classify computer based on the following criteria:
(i) Size (ii) Type (iii) Purpose
2. What is the difference between:
i. Analog and Digital computer?
ii. Random Access Memory and Read only Memory?

(b) Write short notes on the following terms and state four examples on each

i. Input devices

ii. Output devices

iii. Storage devices

(c) State five characteristics of a computer system.

3. (a) In a tabular form state the five generation of computer. Stating:

(i) Four characteristics of each generation
(ii) One example of each generation

(b) Briefly discuss the contribution of following people in the historical development
of computer

(i) Charles Babbage

(ii) John Napier

(iii] Augusta Ada Lovelace

[iv] Blaise Pascal

(c) State five (5) advantages and five (5) disadvantages of using computer
 ANSWER

1a) Advantages of Computer over typewriter

1. It can store vast amount of information and reduce waste

2. Storage: In computers, the internal memory of the central processing unit CPU is
only large enough to retain a certain amount of information
3. Accuracy: The accuracy of computers is consistently high. Most of errors in
computing are human rather than those of the machines.
4. Versatility: Computers are capable of performing almost any task provided that the
task an e reduced to a series of logical steps
5. Diligence: Being a machine, a computer does not suffer from tiredness and lack of
concentration. Computer will perform the millionth calculation with exactly the same
accuracy and speed as the first. This leads to consistency and reliability.

1bi) What is Operating System?

Operating system (OS) manages all other applications and programs in a computer,
and it is loaded into the computer by a boot program.

It can also be define as a software that acts as an interface between computer

hardware components and the user.

Examples of Operating system are: Window, Linux, Mac, OS, IOS.

Bii) Functions of Operating System

1. Security: - This is to safeguard user data, the operating system employs password
protection and other related measures. It also protects programs and user data from
illegal access.
2. Control over system performance:- The operating system monitors the overall
health of the system in order to optimize performance. To get a through picture of the
system’s health, keep track of the time between system responses and service
requests. This can aid performances by providing critical information for
troubleshooting issues.
3. Coordination between users and other software:- Operating system also organize
and assign interpreters, compilers, assemblers, as well as other software to computer
users
 4. Memory Management: The operating system is in charge of managing the primary
memory, often known as the main memory. The main memory consists of a vast array
of bytes or words, each of which is allocated an address. Main memory is rapid
storage that the CPU can access directly. A program must first be loaded into the main
memory before it can be executed. For examples; it keeps track of the primary
memory, it determines the order in which processes would be permitted memory
access and for how long in multiprogramming etc.
5. Device Management: - The device file management tasks performed by an operating
system are: it keep track of where data is kept, user access settings, and the state of
each file, among other things. The file system is the name given to all of these
features.

1c. Classification of Computer base on Size

On the basis of size there are four types of computer they are:

i. Mini computer
ii. Micro computer,
iii. Mainframe computer
iv. Super computer.

Mini Computer

Mini computers, also called mid-range servers, are more powerful computers than
microcomputers in terms of processing power and capabilities.
Minicomputers are mainly multi-user systems where many users simultaneously work on the
systems.
Minicomputers possess greater storage capacity and larger memories as compared to
microcomputers. These are even capable of handling more input/output devices. E.g. IBM's
AS/400e, Honeywell200, TI-990.
Micro Computer
Microcomputers are widely used and the fastest-growing computers. These computers are the
cheapest among the other three types of computers. E.g. Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, Toshiba
etc.
Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are designed to handle huge volumes of data and information. These
can support more than 100 users at the same time. These very large and expensive computers
have great processing speed and very large storage capacities and memories as compared to
minicomputers. These computers even possess and work with more than one processor at the
same time. Thus one can say that these are multi-user, multiprocessor systems. E.g. ICL39,
IBM 3090/600, IBM 4381 etc.
Super Computer
Super computers are the most powerful computers among digital computers. These consist of
several processors running together, thereby making them immensely faster and more
powerful. These computer are capable of performing massive amounts of calculations that are
beyond the capabilities of humans. Super computers are mainly used for Weather forecasting,
Nuclear science research, Aerodynamic modelling, Metrology. E.g. CDC-205, ETA GF-10,
PACE, PARAM, FUJITSU VP-400
ii. Classification of Computer base on Type

There are three major classification of computers by type, namely: Analog, Digital
and Hybrid computers.

a. Analog Computer
An analog computer is a kind of computer that represents data as a variable across a
continuous range of values. Analog computers are used for measuring parameters that
vary continuously in real-time, such as temperature, pressure, and voltage. The slide
rule is an example of an analog computer.
b. Digital Computer
A digital computer uses distinct values to represent the data internally. All
information is represented using the digits 0s and 1s. The computers we use in our
homes and offices are digital computers. E.g. Calculator, Digital clock, Weighing
machine, Automobiles, Smartphones, Laptop, ATM etc.
c. Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computers are computers that exhibit features of analog computers and digital
computers. The digital component normally serves as the controller and provides
logical operations, while the analog component normally serves as a solver of
differential equations.
iii. Classification of Computer base on Purpose

The classification of computer base on purpose is by degree of usage, versatility are:

a. General – Purpose Computer

b. Special – Purpose Computer

a. General – Purpose Computer

This computer are designed to solve a large variety of problems. They can process
business data as readily as they process complex mathematical formulas. It can store a
large amount of data and the programs necessary to process them. E.g. Desktops,
Notebooks, Smartphones and Tablets etc.
b. Special - Purpose Computer
Special purpose computers are designed to solve specific problems; the computer
program for solving the problem is built right into the computer. Special purpose
computers have many features of general – purpose computers but are designed to
handle specific problems and are not applied to other computerized activities. For
example, special purpose computers may be designed to process only numeric data or
to completely control automated manufacturing processes. E.g. Television, Washing
Machine, IPod etc.
2. Difference between Analog and Digital Computer

S/N ANALOG COMPUTER DIGITAL COMPUTER

1. Analog computers work with continuous values Digital computers work
or these types of system process continuous with discrete values or
data. these types of systems
process discrete data.
2. Speed of analog computers is less than the Speed of digital
digital computers computers is more than
the analog computers.
3. It has a very low or limited memory and it can It has a very big memory
store less amount of data it can store large amount
of data
4. Analog computers are less reliable than digital Digital computers are
computers more reliable than analog
computers
5. Analog computers depends upon physical Digital computer does not
variations depend upon physical
variations.
6. They are usually special purpose devices It can be general purpose
devices
7. Examples includes analog clock and Examples includes Digital
thermometer etc. laptop, Digital camera,
Digital watches etc.
ii. Difference between RAM and ROM

S/N RAM ROM

1. Ram is a volatile memory which could Rom is a non – volatile memory which
store data as long as the power is could retain the data even when power is
supplied turned off
2. Data stored in RAM can be retrieved Data stored in ROM can only be read
and supplied
3 It is a high speed memory It is much slower than the RAM
4. The data stored is easily accessible The data stored is not as easily accessible
as in RAM
5 Used to store the data that has to be It stores the instructions required during
currently processed by CPU bootstrap of the computer
temporarily

2b. Short notes on the following

i. Input device
ii. Output device
iii. Storage device

i. Input device
Input device is a device that feeds data into a computer. It is also referred to as the
act of entering data into a computer. Examples of input devices are: i) Keyboard
(ii) Light pen (iii) Scanner (iv) Microphone
ii. Output device
Output device is any piece of computer hardware that converts information into a
human-perceptible form or into a physical machine-readable form for use with
other non-computerized equipment. Examples of output devices are: (i) Monitor
(b) Speaker (c) Printer (d) Projector
iii. Storage Device
 A storage device is a hardware device which can be used to store digital data and
applications which may be in the form of images, video, audio etc. It is also an
integral part of the computer hardware which stores information/data to process
the result of any computational work. Examples are: USB flash drive, Compact
Disc (CDs), Hard Drive Disks, Solid State Drives (SSDs)
Types of Storage devices
a. Primary storage device: This is also known as internal memory and main
memory. This is a section in the CPU that holds program instructions, input
data, and intermediate results. It is generally smaller in size E.g. RAM
(Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory) are example of
primary storage.
b. Secondary Storage Device: This a memory that is stored external to the
computer. It is mainly used for the permanent and long-term storage of
programs and data. E.g. Hard Disk, CD, DVD, Pen/Flash drive, SSD etc. are
example of secondary storage.

2c. Characteristics of Computer System

1. Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while
performing mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of
instructions per second. The time taken by computers for their operations is
microseconds and nanoseconds.
2. Accuracy
Computer perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data
inconsistency or inaccuracy
3. Diligence
A computer can perform millions of tasks or calculation with the same consistency
and accuracy. It doesn’t feel any fatigue or lack of concentration.
4. Versatility
This refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of works with
same accuracy and efficiency
5. Reliability
A computer is reliable as it give consistent result for similar set of data i.e. if we give
same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
 6. Automation
Computer performs all the tasks automatically i.e. it performs task without manual
intervention
7. Memory
A computer has built – in memory called primary memory where it stores data.
Secondary storage are removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc., which are also
used to store data.

3a. Generations of Computers

GENERATIONS OF COMPTUER
CHARACTERISTICS EXAMPLES
1ST E.g. ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC
GENERATION (1) These early computers used
vacuum tubes as circuitry and
magnetic drums for memory

(2). They occupies a very large

space, has a slow processor, and is
highly unreliable due to its low
accuracy

(3) The first generation of

computers relied on ‘Machine
Language’ (which is the most
basic programming language that
can be understood by computers).

(4) These computer were limited

to solving one problem at a time
which input is based on punched
cards and paper tapes while the
 outputs came out on print-outs.

2ND (1) Its operating speed is in terms E.g. IBM 1620, UNIVAC 1108
GENERATION of microsecond

(2) It make use of transistor

(3) Magnetic drum and tape were

used as secondary memory

(4) The second generation

computer operated in high level
languages such as COBOL
(Common business oriented
language) and FORTRAN
(Formula translation)

3RD (1) They use integrated circuits E.g. Honeywell-6000, UNIVAC

GENERATION instead of the transistor and 1108, IBM System/360.
vacuum tubes.

(2) High level programming

languages such as FORTRAN,
COBOL, and BASIC were used

(3) Main memory was built in,

which was used to save and hold
data temporarily for faster
 execution

(4) They produce less heat and

energy compared to other
generations of computers

4TH (1) The fourth generation of E.g. MICRAL, IBM 5100,

GENERATION computers have microprocessors- ALTAIR 8800.
based systems

(2) They consume less electricity

(3) They initiate number of High

level language like COBOL,
BASIC, PASCAL & C language

(4) The main memory increased in

form of EPROM & SRAM

(3bi) Contribution of Charles Babbage to the historical development of Computer

Charles Babbage Is an English polymath, philosopher, inventor, mathematician and

mechanical engineer who is best remembered for originating the concept of programmable
computer and so he is referred to as father of computer. He was credited with the inventing of
first mechanical computer that eventually lead to more complex designs.

He invented the difference engine which is a machine capable of calculating

polynomial by using a numerical method or the difference method. The second was the
analytical machine the analytical engine used “PUNCHED CARDS” adapted from jacquard
loom to specify input and the calculation to be formed.
3bii) Contribution of John Napier to the historical development of computer

John Napier in 1614 a Scottish mathematician and a founder of logarithm which

would ease the manner of doing long mathematical calculations. This technology that allow
multiplication to be done. The magic ingredient is the logic operand which was originally
obtained from a printed table.

His other significant contribution was the Napier’s Bones, a set of ‘bones’ made from
ivory which would help in calculations and a device to abolish enemy ships called the
‘burning mirror’, Napier invention lead directly to the invention of the slide rule.

3biii) Contribution of Augusta Ada Lovelace to the historical development of computer

Augusta Ada Lovelace is considered the first computer programmer. Even though she
wrote about a computer, the Analytical Engine, that was never built, she realized that the
computer could follow a series of simple instructions, a program, to perform a complex
calculation.

Furthermore, she was the first to recognize that the machine had applications beyond
pure calculation, and to have published the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such
a machine. She realized that the analytical engine could carry out an extensive sequence of
mathematical operations. The example she wrote of one such sequence – how to calculate
Bernoulli numbers – is regarded by computer historians as the first computer program.

Moreover, she was also the first to create a theorized method for a process known as
looping which computer program use today and included a method for calculating a sequence
of numbers using the engine.

3biv) Contribution of Blaise Pascal to the historical development of computer

He was a French mathematician and philosopher, he made his invention in the year
1642 he was called to it while working with or participating burden of arithmetical labour
involved in his father official work as supervisor tax collector at Roven. His contribution
include the construction of mechanical calculators, consideration on probability theory,
studies of fluids and clarification of concepts such as pressure and vacuum.

The invention was first called Arithmetic machine, Pascal calculator and then
Pascaline, initially it was meant to perform adding machine which could be extended to a
mechanical calculator in that it is able to multiply and divide by repetition.
3c. ADVANTAGE OF USING A COMPUTER

1. It can store vast amount of information on the computer system

2. It make work fast and easy
3. It is capable of performing almost any task provided that the task can be reduced to a
series of logical steps
4. It gives fast access to information
5. It supplied infinite resources for learning and made education more flexible and easy
to access

DISADVANTAGES OF USING A COMPUTER

1. It can make user to be anti-social or depressed

2. It causes health problem e.g. Eye strain, waist pain, body ache.
3. It can limit learning and create a dependency
4. It causes potential loss of privacy
5. It causes heavy reliance in the workforce