Notes on Basics of Computer

 

 

 

Q. Amjad has recently joined an organisation as a civil engineer. He needs a number of input and output devices to perform various tasks at the office. Suggest ONE appropriate device to perform each task.

i. He needs a device with built-in CAD programs for designers. The device would

move pens of different colours in vertical and horizontal directions to draw on paper

while the paper retains stationary.

Flatbed Plotter

ii. He needs a device that prints coloured printouts of documents containing photos with vivid colours and high contrast.

Inkjet Printer

iii. He requires a device which converts handwritten documents into digital form which

can be stored and viewed on the computer.

Scanner

 

Complete each statement using an appropriate term from the box. Each term should be used

only ONCE.

i. ____Digital Computer____ performs arithmetic and logic operations with discrete values.

ii. ______Compiler_____________ translates the source code into the object code (machine code).

iii. _______Assembler_____________ uses flow of electricity or mechanical motion to model

problems and generate answers quickly.

iv. ________Interpreter_____ checks each line of a program for possible errors and then

executes that line.

v. ________Hybrid Computer_________________ is the combination of analog and digital computers.

 

Define

1.      Hardware

Computer Hardware is a term to define the physical components that make up a computer system, for example keyboard, mouse, microprocessor etc.

2.      Software

Computer Software is a term used to define the programs that control the computer system.

For example, Operating system, MS Excel etc.

Define Purpose of

1.      Voice Synthesizer:

A voice synthesizer is a software or hardware device that is used to create artificial human-like speech. The purpose of a voice synthesizer is to generate spoken language from text input or other forms of digital data.

2.      Mouse

It is a pointing device used to select icons by clicking on them in GUI screen

3.      Keyboard

It is a device used for typing in textual information on a computer.

Question & Answers:

1.      Differentiate among

 

	supercomputers	Mainframe computers	minicomputers	microcomputers
Size	Larger than Mini and Micro , housed in a large room	Larger than Mini and Micro , housed in a large room	Smaller than Super and main frame computer, yet too big to carry around	Smallest size computers
computation speed	Highest processing speed compared to main, mini, and micro computers	Higher processing speed compared to mini and micro computers	Higher processing speed compared to micro computers	Lowest compared to main, mini and super computers
cost	Most expensive compared to main, mini and microcomputer, afforded by government or research organizations	Expensive as compared to mini and microcomputer, afforded by large organizations	Expensive than microcomputers only, afforded by medium or small organizations	Cheapest computer amongst the rest
use	Used for weather forecasting or solve complex scientific research questions	Used by large organizations to connect multiple branches and support huge amount of data processing	Used as network host in a small or medium sized organization	Used in homes and offices for general day-to-day use.

 

2.      Write any THREE advantages of using integrated circuits (ICs) over transistors in third generation of computers.

ICs were used in third generation computers and improved their performance because.

·       ICs are smaller in size than transistors.

·       ICs consume less energy than transistors.

·       ICs produce lesser heat than transistors.

·       ICs had more processing power than transistors.

 

3.      Describe the role of RAM and ROM in computer.

RAM is a non-volatile memory that helps in storing the data while it is being processed.

ROM is a volatile memory that stores the booting applications that help with the startup of the computer.

4.      Identify any TWO application software that can help a teacher to improve his/ her routine tasks such as preparation of lecture, report cards, attendance registers and timetable. ii. Describe THREE uses of each software identified in part

The application software that can be used to increase productivity

        I.            Presentation Software

      II.            Spreadsheet software

Presentation software like PowerPoint can be used to create lectures to displayed to entire class for visual aid. These lectures can be shared on GCR or via notes to help students refer to later. They can incorporate material and references from several online sources and can be easily modified later unlike paper-based materials.

 

Spreadsheet software like Excel can be used to create report card take attendance and create timetable. This software assists with multiple functions like sum, max, count which can help avoid manual mistakes. The software also allows the teacher to update details at any point of time and take printouts.

Output Device: Monitor/Screen , used to display contact and calling details

Output Device: Speaker, allows us to hear voice of the other person

Input Device: Keypad/Keyboard to dial number

Input Device: Microphone to send voice signals to other people

 

5.       Differentiate between the first-generation computers and fourth generation computers on the basis of the given factors

Factor	First Generation Computers	Fourth Generation
Computers Programming Language Used	Low-level Language	High Level Language
Cost	High- They were very expensive	Low- They are affordable byall
Technology Used	Vacuum Tubes	VLSI microprocessor
Speed	Slow as compared to 4th generation computer	Have much more faster processing than first generation