INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

SHORT QUESTIONS

Q.1) what is a Computer?

“A computer is an electronic device that accepts input data and instructions with the
help of input devices, stores them until needed, processes it and then produces the
output as a result with the help of output devices.”

The computer is composed of several components used to perform different functions.

These are:

1. Input devices:
Input devices are used to input (enter) data into computer. For example mouse,
keyboard etc.

2. Output devices:
Output devices are used to output (provide) information to user. For example, monitor,
printer etc.

3. CPU:
Used for processing1 data to produce required result.

4. Primary Storage device:

It stores data temporarily (‫ )عارضی طور پر‬while processing of instructions i.e. RAM.

5. Secondary Storage devices:

It stores data permanently (‫ )مستقل طور پر‬in the memory of computer e.g. hard disk.

Q.2) what is processing operation?

It is the basic operation (‫ )عمل‬of computer. Processing operation is the transformation
(‫ )تبدیلی‬process (‫ )عمل‬to convert the input into output. The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
processes the input and generates (‫ )پیدا کرنا‬the required output. In order to process this
input, the CPU stores instructions in computer’s memory. From computer memory all
instructions (‫ )ہدایات‬and programs are directly accessible (‫ )قابل رسائ‬for processing.

1
Preparing something by special methods

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Q.3) Show basic operations of a computer with the help of a block

diagram.
The block diagram of basic operations is as follows:

Above figure shows the block diagram of basic operations. The block diagram includes:

 Input operation: It is the process of entering (‫ )داخل کرنا‬data or information in

computer through input devices.
 Storage operation: It is the process of storing data, information or instructions in
computer Secondary or Primary storage.
 Processing operation: It is the transformation (‫ )تبدیلی‬process (‫ )عمل‬to convert the
input into output.
 Output operation: It is the result of processing operation.
o Monitor display the output on screen
o Printer generate output on paper
o Speaker generate output in form (‫ )شکل میں‬of sound

Q.4) what is a notebook computer?

A notebook computer is one of the Microcomputer. It is designed2 to use for mobile
computing3. It has all features that mobile users required for work. This is easy to use. It

2
Create according to plan
3
Mobile computing is a term that refers to a variety of devices that allow people to access data and
information from wherever they are.

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

is smaller in size so it is transported (‫ )نقل و حمل‬easily. These are preferred ( ‫ترجیح دی جاتی‬
‫ )ہیں‬by students and businessman to perform (‫ )انجام د ینے‬their necessary tasks.

Q.5) State five differences between hardware and software.

The differences between hardware and software are as follows:

Headings Hardware Software

Definition Physical (‫)جسمانی‬ Non-physical components of

components(‫ )اجزاء‬of the computer. Collection (‫ )مجموعہ‬of
computer used to store and instructions that enable a user to
execute (‫ چالنا‬- ‫)پر عمل کرنا‬ interact (‫ )بات چیت‬with the computer
software
Types Input, storage, processing and System software and Application
output devices (‫)آالت‬. software.
Function The computer is hardware, The operations of the computer are
which operates under the controlled through software.
control (‫ )اختیار‬of software.
Viruses Hardware is not affected ( ‫اثر‬ The software is affected by
‫ )انداز ہونا‬by computer viruses. computer viruses.
Examples CD-ROM, monitor, printer, video Adobe Acrobat, Internet Explorer,
card, scanners, label makers, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel
routers and modems. etc.

Q.6) Differentiate between an Interpreter and a compiler.

The differences between interpreter and compiler are as follows:

Headings Compiler Interpreter

Convert The compiler convert (‫ )تبدیل‬the The interpreter convert high level
entire (‫ )پورا‬source program into program line by line.
machine language instructions.

Execute/Run It run program once it is It convert and run the program at

completely converted same time

Memory Memory requirement is more. Its memory requirement is less.

requirement

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

Errors display Errors are displayed (‫)دکھائ جاتی‬ Errors are displayed for every
after the entire program is instruction interpreted.
checked.

Examples C language has a compiler. Visual Basic has an interpreter.

Q.7) How Application software help Users?

Application software is a type of software that is used for performing number of
different tasks. It helps users to solve real world problems. Some of the softwares that
are used for helping users are as follows:

Enterprise (large organizations) software

Enterprise software is used to satisfy the needs of organization rather than individual
customers.

Accounting4 software
Accounting software is used to record (‫ )محفوظ کرنا‬accounting )‫ (حساب داری‬transactions
)‫(لین دین‬.

Office suites
Office suites (‫ )ایک قسم کی چیزیں‬are the set of business applications with the same style
)‫ (انداز‬of user interface5.

Graphics software
Graphic software is used to manipulate (‫ )جوڑ توڑ‬and edit (‫ )ترمیم – درست کرنا‬images6.

Media players
Media7 players are used to play audio and video or animation (moving pictures) files in
computer.

4
Accounting is the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions
5
The user interface (UI) is the point of human-computer interaction and communication in a device.
6
a picture produced on an electronic display (such as a television or computer screen)
7
Media is the means of communication, as radio and television, newspapers, magazines, and the
internet, that reach or influence people widely

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Q.8) Differentiate between shareware and freeware.

The differences between shareware and freeware are as follows:

HEADINGS SHAREWARE FREEWARE

DEFINITION The software that gives users a The software that anyone can
chance to try the software download from the internet and use
before buying is called for free is called freeware.
shareware.
It is free software.
It is also called trial-ware

LICENSE AND Copyright8 laws apply to Freeware has a proper license

COPYRIGHT shareware. (‫ )اجازت نامہ‬or end user agreement
(‫)احتتامی صارف کا معائدہ‬.

FEATURES Most of the time all features All features are used for free.
are not available in trial version
or have limited use. To use all
features, one has to purchase
the software.

DISTRIBUTION Shareware may or may not be Freeware programs can be

distributed (‫ )باٹنا‬freely. Most of distributed free of cost.
the time author’s permission is
needed to distribute the
shareware.

EXAMPLE Winzip etc. Adobe PDF, Google Talk etc.

8
Copyright is the legal right to reproduce, publish, sell, or distribute something (such as a software,
musical, or artistic work)

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Q.9) what is Licensed Software?

A software license is permission or agreement that provides the rights to use and
distribute the software.

Licensed software is therefore a type of software that gives users the right to use the
software.

It may restrict the users from software’s modification, further distribution and re-
building etc. We don’t have access to underlying source code.

Some examples of these software’s are:

 Microsoft Windows
 Adobe Flash Player
 Adobe Photoshop

License software commonly used different terms. These include:

Freeware:
It is licensed downloadable small utility9 program. We don’t have right to view the
source code10 and also we cannot copy or re-distribute the software.

Shareware:
This software is also known as Trial software that we can use free of charge for a limited
time. After that we are expected to pay to continue using it.

Q.10) what is firmware?

Firmware is a small program embedded (‫ لگانا‬- ‫ )جمانا‬in hardware that control various
electronic devices. These programs are written in machine languages and permanently
embedded in the hardware. Examples of the hardware devices included firmware are:

 ROM
 Mobile phones
 Digital cameras
 Toys etc.

9
A utility program performs a task related to the management of computer functions such as
password protection, memory management, virus protection, and file compression.
10
Source code is a program (statements) that is written by programmer in text editor or a visual
programming tool and then saved in a file.

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

LONG QUESTIONS

i) What are computing devices? Explain early and modern

computing devices.

Computing devices:
“The devices used to perform calculations are called computing devices.”

These calculations can be simple or they can be complex. The fastest computing device
is computer. It can perform or help to perform calculations.

Computing devices can be classified as:

1. Early computing devices

2. Modern computing devices.

1. Early computing devices:

Earlier computing devices that were developed for the purpose of calculation are as
follows:

1.1. Abacus:
It was introduced about 5000 years ago. It was considered
as first computer. Abacus uses a system of sliding beads
(‫ )موتی جس میں سوراخ ہو‬arranged on a rack11.

Leibniz calculator:
It was created by a German mathematician and
philosopher, Gottfried Von Leibniz in 1694. It was a
computing device used for addition, subtraction and
multiplication by using the system of gears and dials.

1.2. Difference engine:

It was created in 1822 by charles Babbage. It was designed for solving differential
equations. This machine was the beginning of real computers.

11
A rack is a frame or shelf, usually with bars or hooks, that is used for holding things or for
hanging things on.

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1.3. Tabulating machine:

The tabulating machine was an electromechanical machine
designed to assist in summarizing information stored on
punched cards12. Invented by Herman Hollerith, the machine
was developed to help process data for the 1890 U.S. Census.

1.4. Z3:

The Z3 was a German electromechanical computer

designed by Konrad Zuse in 1935, and completed in 1941. It
was the world's first working programmable, fully automatic
digital computer. The Z3 was built with 2,600 relays13,
implementing a 22-bit word length.

1.5. Mark I:
It was all electronic computer developed by Howard H Aiken in
1944. It was electronic relay computer. It uses electromagnetic
signals to solve basic arithmetic as well as complex equations.

1.6. ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer):

It was first general purpose computer developed by John Eckert and John W. Mauchly.
It was 1000 times faster than MARK I.

1.7. EDVAC( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer):

It was first computer which holds both stored program and data in memory. It was
developed in 1945 by Von Neumann.

1.8. UNIVAC-I:
It was the first commercially computer built by Remington Rand in 1951.

2. Modern Computing Devices:

Early computing devices mostly use Vacuum tubes14, due to which the speed of
computer were slow and their size was also large. Then in 1948 they were replaced by

12
A punched card is a piece of stiff paper that holds digital data represented by the presence or
absence of holes in predefined positions.
13
Relays are switches that open and close circuits electromechanically or electronically.
14
Vacuum tube is an electronic device that controls the flow of electrons in a vacuum. It is used as a switch or as
amplifier.

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transistors15 which enhance the speed of computer systems and lessen their sizes as
well.

In 1951, Integrated Circuit chips(IC’s) were introduced. This was the real revolution in
computing industry. These small chips increases the performance of computers and
modern computing devices came into existance.

Some of devices that were created in the era of modern computing devices are as
follows:

2.1. IBM 1401:

It was first universally accepted throughout the industry.

2.2. Intel 4004:

It was the chip developed in 1971. It contained all components of computer system on
single chip. I.e. CPU, memory, input and output controls.

2.3. Personal Computer (PC):

In 1981 PC was introduced by IBM to use in home, office and schools.

Further, computing devices are getting faster speed and getting trend towards a smaller
size. Now, we have a number of modern computing devices like laptop, notebook
computer etc.

ii) Explain different classifications of computers.

Classification of computers:
Computers are classified on the base of physical size, performance and application
areas. Generally, computers are classified as:

1. Microcomputers
2. Mainframe
3. Super computers
4. Mobile Computers

15
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electrical signals and power.

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1. Microcomputers:
Microcomputers are also known as Personal Computers (PC’s). It is the smallest and
least expensive computer. These are originally designed for individual users but
nowadays they are also used in businesses and several other places.

Microcomputers have the following types:

1. Desktop computers
2. Notebook computers
3. Laptop computers
4. Handheld computers

All of these are explained as follows:

1.1. Desktop computers

It is the most common type of microcomputer. This
type of computer is used in home, office, educational
institutes etc. They vary in size and style. Their speed
depends on the CPU and other internal hardware
components they are using.

1.2.Notebook computers:
A notebook computer is one of the Microcomputer. It is
designed to use for mobile computing. It has all the
features that mobile users required for work. This is easy
to use. It is smaller in size so it is transported ( ‫ایک جگہ سے‬
‫ )دوسری جگہ لے جاۓ جا سکتے ہیں‬easily. These can be used
such as on airplane etc.

1.3.Laptop Computers:
Laptop computer is a portable (‫ )جسے اٹھایا جا سکے‬device.
We can take it anywhere we want. They are light weight and
easy to carry (‫)لے جانا‬. They do not need a continuous power
supply. Once they are charged, they can be used for couple
of hours on the power of battery.

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1.4.Handheld computers:
These computers are very light weight and even can be
taken on the top of palm (‫)ھتھیلی‬. So they are also called
Palmtop computers. They are portable computers. The
most common type of these computers used now a day is
smartphones, PDAs.

2. Mainframe computers:
Mainframe computers are expensive than
desktop computers. They are used by large
organizations for some critical (‫ اہم‬- ‫)ضروری‬
applications, such as for census)‫ (مردم شماری‬,
industry and customer statistics ( ‫صنعت‬
‫)اورصارفین کے اعداد و شمار‬, enterprise resource
planning (‫ )وسائل کی منصوبہ بندی‬and financial
transaction (‫ )کاروباری لین دین‬processing.

These computers are large in size and also powerful than desktop computers. They have
a large memory to store a large number of data. Their speed is in Billion per second
(BIPS). Mainframe systems are mostly used as super servers in large client-server
networks. These are also used for high volume websites. These are used in Airline
companies for ticketing and reservations (‫)بکنگ – محفوظ کرنا‬. Government departments,
banks, and insurance companies also use this.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is also an example of a mainframe system.

3. Supercomputers:
Supercomputers are the most powerful, most
expensive and huge in size. These are specially
designed for scientific, engineering and business
applications. Their speed is in billions or trillions
instructions per second.

They are used for weather forecasting ( ‫موسم کی‬

‫)پیشن گوی‬, weapon research (‫)ہتھیاروں کی تحقیق‬,
stock (‫ )سامان کا ذخیرہ‬analysis, automobile designing
(‫ )گاڑیوں کا نمونہ تیار کرنا‬etc. They have a large memory space to store data. Their memory
speed is also higher than other types of computers.

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One of the examples of a supercomputer is Sequoia, which is IBM’s supercomputer

placed at NASA. It can perform 16 thousand trillion instructions per second.

4. Mobile Computers
Mobile computing is technology that allows processing and transmission of data, voice
and video through wireless media.

Mobile computers are devices which are used for mobile computing such as laptops,
smartphones, Tablets etc. These have hardware that can send and receive wireless
signals at same time.

Q iii) what is software? Explain its two main types with examples.
Software:
Software is the set of instructions which directs (‫ )کو ہدایات دیتا ہے‬the computer to do a
specific work.

We cannot touch and feel software as like hardware. It provides link (‫ )رابطہ‬between
computer hardware and user. These instructions are written in specific computer
language which computer hardware understands.

The computer software is divided in to two main types:

 System software
 Application software

1) System software:
System software is a collection of one or more programs used to control and coordinate
(‫ )ہم آہنگی پیدا کرتا ہے‬the hardware and other application software. Generally the system
software may perform the following functions:

 Communicates (‫ )بات جیت‬with hardware devices.

 Supports the execution (‫ )جالنا‬and development (‫ )بنانا‬of other application
software.

Some of the examples of system software are:

 Operating system
 Programming language translators
 Device drivers
 Antivirus etc.
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2) Application software:
Application software is a type of software that is used for performing number of
different tasks. It helps users to solve real world problems. Generally, it is used in
banking، industry, airline reservation and in many other fields.

Some of the examples of application software are:

 Word processing software

 Spreadsheet software
 Education software
 Entertainment software
 CAD software etc.

Q iv) Explain different types of General Purpose Application

Software
Application software:
Application software is a type of software that is used for performing number of
different tasks for user. It helps users to solve real world problems.

General purpose application software:

A general purpose software application is software which has been designed to solve
user's common or general tasks using a computer system. Examples include word
processors, spreadsheets and photo editing applications. These are called packages16 or
commercial (‫ )تجارتی‬software. These are divided into the following main categories:

 Productivity software
 Business software
 Entertainment software
 Education software

Types of general purpose application software:

i. Productivity (‫ )سود مند‬software:

It is the type of application software which makes people more efficient (‫ )موثر‬and
effective in their daily activities. These softwares are used to produce documents17

16
Package is a collection of things wrapped or boxed together.
17
Document is a written or printed paper that gives information about something

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

(‫)دستاویز‬, presentations18 (‫)پیشکش‬, charts19 and graphics20 etc. Some common types of
productivity software are:

 Database software:

A database is used to store and integrate (‫ )یکجا کرنا‬data in organized manner ( ‫منظم‬
‫ )طریقے سے‬so that data can be retrieved (‫ )بازیافت – دوبارہ حاصل کرنا‬and used.

Database software allows users to create and manage (‫ )سنبھالنا – انتطام کرنا‬database. This
also allows insert, delete and update data stored in database. MS Access, MySQL, Oracle
are examples of this software.

 Multimedia software:

This software is used to play audio and video media files. This type of software includes
Real player, Media player etc

 Word processor:

Word processing is widely used to create or edit a typed document. In this program we
can change the format (‫ )شکل‬of your work like color, text size etc. Some of the common
word processors include Notepad, WordPad and MS-Word.

 Spreadsheet software:

A spreadsheet is used to organize (‫ )ترتیب دینا‬data in rows and columns in a worksheet.

Data is stored in cells that are divided in columns and rows. More than 15 million cells
can hold data. MS-Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 are common example of spreadsheet software.

 Presentation Software:

Presentation software enables users to create slides and make presentations‫۔‬. In slides
we can merge (‫ )ضم کرنا‬text, graphics, audio and video files etc. MS-PowerPoint is the
common example of presentation software.

ii. Business software:

This software helps business to increase its productivity (‫)پیداور‬. Business uses it to
perform various business functions. Some business software includes:

 Marketing (‫ کاروبار‬- ‫ )مندی میں تجارت‬software

18
A presentation involves talking in front of a group of people to explain an idea, system, process, recent
performance, forecast, or other topic
19
A chart is a graphical representation of data.
20
Graph is an image that is generated by a computer.

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 Payroll (‫ )فہرست تنخواہ دران‬software

 Inventory (‫ )تجارتی سامان کی فہرست‬control system
 Communication (‫ رابطہ‬- ‫ )مواصالتی‬software
 Accounting software

iii. Entertainment software:

Entertainment (‫ )تفریح‬software is an entertainment tool for users. Users can play any
kind of media files i.e. audio, video etc. by using media player. Game software is also
available. Some examples of entertainment software are:

 Media player
 Video games

iv. Educational software:

Application software is also helpful for education purpose. They allows computer to be
used as teaching as well as learning tool for students. The softwares that are helpful for
educational purpose are:

 Computer Based Training (CBT):

CBT is used for training purpose. This training software are of many types and
used in many fields. For example, Flight simulation21 CBT is used for the training
of pilots. It guides them how to fly and aircraft. Some CBT are also designed for
the training of doctors, engineers etc.
 Encyclopedia:
Encyclopedia software is like a dictionary but it gives a complete guidance (‫)رہنمائ‬
to speak and use a word correctly and also provide complete information and
knowledge of the particular word.
 Computer Aided Learning (CAL):
CAL software provides variety of computer software which provides education in
an interactive (‫ )آمنے سامنے – دو طرفہ‬way. These are designed for variety of
subjects. CALs are not only useful for students but teachers can also take help
from this type of software to develop a better understanding of their lectures.

21
Simulation is the act of imitating (‫ )نقل کرنا‬the behavior (‫ )عمل‬of some situation or some process for the purpose
of study or personnel training. Or simulation is representation of the real world objects (‫ )اشیاء‬by a computer
program

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Q v) Write short note on any five input devices.

Input devices:
Input devices are hardware components of computer system. These are used to enter
data or instructions into computer system.

There are many types of input devices. Some of them are:

 Keyboard
 Mouse
 Joystick
 Light pen
 Scanner

1. Keyboard:
It is an input device through which input is given to a computer by pressing its keys. It
looks like keypad of a typewriter but it has some additional keys. The keys a normal
keyboard includes are Numeric, Alphabetic, Function keys.

The standard keyboard contains 101 keys. This is also called a QWERTY keyboard
because of the top row of alphabetic keys.

It has four segments:

 Main keyboard
 Numeric keys
 Cursor control keys (Arrow keys)
 Function keys

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1.1. Main Keyboard:

The main keyboard includes almost similar keys as of the typewriter keypad but it has
some special command key. The working of command keys depends on the software
being used. Some of the most common keys are:

Alphabetic keys, The Escape key (Esc), Caps Lock, Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Backspace, Enter key

1.2. Numeric keys:

Numeric keys serve one of the two purposes, depending upon the status of Num lock
(NumLk) mode. When the computer is in NumLk mode, numbers can be entered by
pressing these keys and mathematical symbols. When NumLk is off then keys of 2,4,6,8
can be used to control cursor movement.

1.3. Cursor Control Keys:

Cursor control keys are located on the left of the numeric keys. These are also called
Arrow keys, and used to move the cursor position. It is the set of four arrow keys, which
moves the cursor to up, down, left and right.

1.4. Function keys:

Function keys are the special purpose keys located on the top row of keyboard. These
are 12 in number, labeled as F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, and F12. These
keys are easy way to give commands to computer. They have different functions in
different programs, particularly in application programs.

2. Mouse:
Pointing devices are used to enter data in computer by pointing
(‫ )اشارہ کرتے ہوۓ‬the data or command through Graphical User
Interface (GUI). Mouse is a pointing input device that control
cursor22 movement on the screen. It has a ball on its underside
that is rolled on a flat surface or mouse-pad. When we move
mouse, the corresponding cursor also move in the same direction
on the screen. It has two buttons Left and Right click and one
scroll (‫ )لپیٹنا‬wheel between those buttons. Optical mouse uses
LED to detect changes in movement

22
Cursor is a small image on the screen which indicate (‫ )نشان دہی کرنا‬the position where text can be entered or file
can be selected. It can have different shapes e.g Arrow, I-Beam, Hand, Hour Glass shape etc

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3. Joystick:
A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick situated on a base
and reports its direction to the device it is controlling. It has one or
more push buttons whose state can also be read by computer.
Joysticks are often used to play video games.

4. Light Pen:
A light pen is a light sensitive pointing device commonly used
to select or modify text or data on a screen. It is a light-
sensitive wand (stick) used in conjunction (‫ )مل کر‬with a
computer CRT display. It allows the user to point to the
displayed objects or draw on the screen.

5. Scanner:
It is a source data entry device i.e. it directly enter data into
computer from source document. It reads a preprinted material and converts It In a
digital form. Scanner use different image sensors for this purpose. Some of the common
types of scanners are as follows:

5.1.Flatbed Scanner:
A flatbed scanner is made up of a glass pane and a moving
optical (‫ )بصری‬image sensor23 array (‫ قطار‬- ‫)صف‬. The pane is
illuminated (‫ )روشن کیا جاتا ہے‬with the help of bright light
planted (‫ )نصب‬underneath it. The image which we want to scan
(‫ )معائنہ‬is placed on the glass pane. The sensor array and light
source (‫ )زریعہ‬move across (‫ )آر پار‬the glass pane to read the
document and produce its digital copy.

5.2.Hand held Scanner:

A hand-held scanner is a small manual (‫ )دستی‬scanning device
which is moved over the object (‫ )چیز‬which is to be scanned.
The hand held scanner is dragged (‫ )گھسیٹنا‬over the document
or image to be scanned and require steady (‫ )مستحکم‬hand. One
of the hand held scanner is the barcode scanner, typically used
in departmental stores (‫)محتلف اشیا کی دکان‬.

23
A sensor is a device that detects (‫ )پتہ لکانا‬and responds (‫ )رد عمل دینا‬to changes in physical environment (‫)ماحول‬.
E.g. change in light, heat, motion, moisture, pressure

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5.3.Optical Scanner:
It is the type of scanner that uses optical light to read text or pictures that are printed on
paper and translate them in digital form. The resulting image is called bitmap. It can be
stored in a file or can also be displayed on a screen.

Q.vi) What is output? Briefly explain softcopy output devices.

Output:
Output is the result given by the computer hardware to the user which is generated
after processing the input of user. The device use to display the output is called output
device. Output can be of two types:

 Softcopy output
 Hard copy output

Softcopy output:
It is the output that is shown on the display screen or is in audio or voice form. This
output cannot be touched. The devices that generate soft copy output are Monitors and
Speakers etc.

Hardcopy output:
It is the output that is printed on the paper. This output can be touched. Some of the
output devices which generate hard copy output are Printer and Plotters etc.

Soft copy Output devices:

Following are the softcopy output devices.

1. Monitor:
A monitor is also called a visual display unit. It has a display screen for viewing images. It
has different sizes and types.

Features of monitor:

 Size:
Size of monitor is measured diagonally (‫)ترچھا‬. Standard size of monitor is 15 to 19
inch
 Color:
It can be either monochrome (one color) or color monitor (RGB colors).
 Resolution:

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The number of pixels24 or dots per square inch is called resolution. The image on
the computer screen is built up from thousands or millions of pixels. The image
on the screen is created by changing the colors of these tiny pixels. The screen
resolution tells us that how many pixels the screen display horizontally and
vertically. It is written as 1024 x 768. 1024 are the number of horizontal pixels
and 768 are number of vertical pixels.
 Refresh Rate:
Refresh rate is the speed in with which the monitor restores (‫ )بحال‬the screen per
unit time.
 Dot pitch:
Distance between the dots used to display the image on the screen is called dot
pitch. It is expressed in millimeters (mm). Lower the dot pitch, sharper the image.

Types of Monitor

1.1.CRT monitors:
CRT monitor is like a television set. It uses the same CRT technology. The CRT monitor
has two major parts;

 The screen:
It is on the front of the monitor
 CRT:
It is fitted inside the monitor.

1.2.LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitors:

It is another and modern type of monitors. LCD monitors do not use CRT technology.
They have flat lightweight surface filled with millions of tiny glass bubbles, each having a
phosphorous covering. These phosphorous coverings glow to create an image. They are
easily portable.

2. Speakers:
It is a hardware device which is connected to the computer’s sound card that generates
sound. Headphones are also used as an alternative of speakers. PC’s have separate
speakers attached with them from outside but laptops come with integrated speakers.

24
A pixel is the smallest unit of a digital image or graphic that can be displayed. A pixel is represented by a dot or
square on a computer monitor display screen

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vii) What is the importance of magnetic cards/devices based

systems? Explain different types of magnetic cards

Magnetic cards/ devices based systems:

Magnetic cards / devices are used in many fields (‫ )شعبوں‬by many organizations. These
are used by hotels, banks, and credit card companies for payments etc. They are very
important in many aspects (‫)پہلو‬.

 Hotels use them for room access.

 Credit card companies use them for purchasing.
 Colleges may use them for building access and electronic payments.

Some of the common types of magnetics cards that are used on daily basis are as
follows:

1. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).

2. Magnetic Stripe Card
3. Smart card

1. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR):

Characters written in special magnetic ink are read by MICR systems. These are mostly
used in banks. Banks use this to read information from cheques and save information in
their computer. Magnetic characters that are written on cheques to be read by MICR
system are shown in figure below:

2. Magnetic Stripe (‫ )پٹی‬Card:

Magnetic stripes are built into many plastic cards
such as credit cards. The strip can contains up to
60 characters of information (digits) which is
stored magnetically. Information is put on the card
when card is made and is never changed. These
cards are also called swipe cards. Card is swiped

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

(‫ )جلتی ہوی صرب لگانا‬through magnetic card reader to read information contained in the
card. Credit cards are the best example of magnetic stripe cards. The information on a
stripe can be destroyed by scratching (‫ )کھرچنا‬or by coming in contact with some liquid.

iii. Smart Card

A smart card contains a small RAM chip. When the card is put
into a smart card reader, the data can be read from the card or
written onto it. A smart card can store much more data than a
magnetic stripe. It is more secure than magnetic stripes. A new
generation of smart cards is now appearing which contain a
small microprocessor as well as memory

viii) What are impact and non-impact printers? Explain any two
types of printers in each category.
Printer is the output device which is used to produce hardcopy output on paper.
Printers are divided into two categories:
 Impact printers
 Non-impact printers
1. Impact printers:
It is the type of printer that works by striking (‫ ٹکرانا‬- ‫ )مارنا‬a head or needle against an
ink ribbon to make a mark on the paper. Some of the characteristics of impact printers
are as follows:

 Impact printer generates more noise while printing.

 Their speed is comparatively slow.

Types of impact printers:

 Dot matrix
 Drum printer

1.1.Dot matrix printer:

It strikes pins against ink ribbon to produce closely space
dots on papers giving the impression (‫ )تاثرر‬of text or
graphic. Different characters are printed by using different
pins combinations (‫)مالپ‬. Numbers of pins varies from 9 to
24 in different dot matrix printers and the quality of output
from a printer depends largely on the number of pins.

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 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SYSTEM

1.2.Drum printer:
In these printers a fixed (‫ )طے شدہ‬font (‫)ایک ہی قسم کے‬
character set is engraved (‫ نقش‬- ‫ )کندہ‬onto a number of
print wheels. The wheels are joined to form a drum. The
drum spins at high speed. When the desired character
arrives (‫ )پہنچتا ہے‬at print position, the hammer strikes
the paper from rear which presses (‫ )دباتا ہے‬the paper
against ribbon and the drum, causing (‫ )وجہ بنتا ہے‬the
character to be printed on the paper. A full set of
hammers delivers (‫( )فراہم کرتے ہے‬600 lines per minute) and a half set of hammers
delivers (300 Lines Per Minute).

2. Non-impact printers
It is the type of printer that does not operate by striking a head against inked ribbon.
Some of the characteristics of non-impact printers are as follows:

 They are quieter than impact printers i.e. they generate less noise.
 Their speed is comparatively greater.

Types of non-impact printers are as follows:

 Ink-jet printers
 LASER printers

2.1. Ink-jet printer:

Ink-jet printer sprays (‫ )چھڑکائوں‬small dots of electrically
charged (‫ )برقی طور پر چارج کیا گیا‬ink onto a paper to form
images. A typical ink-jet printer has a resolution of 300 to 600
dots per inches. An inkjet printer consists of a print head, ink
cartridges (‫)سیاہی کارتوس‬, paper feed assembly ( ‫پرنٹر کو کاغز‬
‫)دینے کی جگہ‬, belt and stabilizer (‫ )توازن برقرار رکھنے والی‬bar.
Inkjet printers are capable (‫ )اھل‬of creating high-quality
images and high-resolution photos. These are fast but slower than laser printer.

2.2. LASER printer:

LASER printer is similar to a photocopying machine. It uses a
laser beam to produce an image on a drum. The drum has an
electrical charge (typically positive), that is reversed in areas
where the laser beam hits it. The area of drum which is hit by

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laser attracts (‫ )کھینچتا ہے‬the powdered ink contained in (‫ )میں شامل‬the toner. The drum
is then rolled through toner and pick up the ink. Finally the ink is transferred from drum
to the paper through a combination of heat and pressure.

The laser printer produces high-quality images of both text and graphics ranging from
300 dpi to 12000 dpi. Its speed ranges from 4- 32 pages per minute for microcomputers
and up to 200 pages per minute for mainframes.

ix) How a plotter is different from a printer? Explain different types

of plotters.

A plotter is an output device. It is used to produce hardcopies of high-quality

architectural drawings, maps, graphs and charts of large sizes on papers.

Plotters are of two basic kinds:

 Flatbed plotter
 Drum plotter

1. Flatbed plotter:
Flatbed (a long flat ( ‫ )ہموار – برا بر‬area) plotter draw a
design (‫ نقشہ‬- ‫ )خاکہ‬on a sheet (‫ )چادر‬. The sheet is spread
(‫ )پھیالئ جاتی ہے‬and fixed over a rectangular flatbed table.
In this type of plotters the pen holding mechanism ( ‫مشین‬
‫ ) کا آلہ‬moves horizontally and vertically under the control
of computer to draw a design or graph. Most of the
flatbed plotters have one or more pens of different colors and width.

2. Drum plotter:
In drum plotter the sheet on which a plotter has to plot a
design, is placed over the drum, which can rotate in both
clockwise and anticlockwise direction. In drum plotter the
pens are fixed on the drum. Pens move left and right to
create the desired image on paper while drum rotates. The
advantage of using drum plotter is that the length of the plot
depends on the width of drum. It is almost unlimited.

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MCQ's-Chapter 1

i) Which of the following device is considered to be the first computer?

(A) Difference Engine (B) ABACUS (C) Tabulating Machine (D) Mark 1

ii) Which of the following is the process of storing the data, information and
instructions?

(A) Input operation (B) Processing operation

(C) Output operation (D) Storage operation

iii) ____ Computers are the second powerful and expensive computers than
supercomputers.

(A) Microcomputers (B) Mini computers

(C) Mainframe computers (D) Laptops

iv) Which of the following software are set of programs that operate and control the
computer system?

(A) Freeware (B) Shareware

(C) System Software (D) Application Software

v) ____ is not a portable computer

(A) Laptop (B) PDA (C) Notebook (D) Mainframe

vi) ____ is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to the
computer.

(A) Operating System (B) Device Driver

(C) Utility Software (D) Language Processor

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vii) Which software is used to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the
computer?

(A) Operating System (B) Device Driver

(C) Utility Software (D) Language Processor

viii) ____ translates a high level language program line -by -line.

(A) Interpreter (B) Compiler (C) Assembler (D) Processor

ix) Which of the following is not an input device?

(A)Mouse (B) Scanner (C) Digital Camera (D) Speaker

x) Which software is delivered to the user without payment for trial uses with limited
functionality and for a specific period of time?

(A) Open source (B) Firmware (C) Shareware (D) Freeware

xi) ____ is a term often used for the fixed, small programs that control various
electronic devices.

(A) Open source (B) Firmware (C) Shareware (D) Freeware

xii) The number of pixels (or dots) per square inch area of a monitor is called.

(A) Size (B) Resolution (C) Dot Pitch (D) Refresh Rate

xiii) The distance between the pixels on the monitor is called.

(A) Size (B) Resolution (C) Dot Pitch (D) Refresh Rate

xiv) The output produced by printers is called.

(A) Hardcopy output (B) Softcopy output

(C) Plain output (D) Rough output

xv) ____ printer creates an image by pressing an inked ribbon against the paper.

(A) ink jet Printer (B) Plotter

(C) Laser Printer (D) Dot-Matrix Printer

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