NOTES

COMPUTER OVERVIEW & TERMINOLOGY

COMPUTER:- A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of

operations at a very high speed in accordance with a set of instructions called program.

DATA:- Raw facts and figures which do not convey any proper meaning is called data.
For example, ‘C++’, ’in’, ‘will’, 11, ‘class’, ‘we’, ‘learn’.

INFORMATION:- Processed data which gives a proper meaning is called information.

For example, ‘We will learn C++ in class 11’ conveys a proper meaning and hence is an
information.

PROCESS:- The steps taken to convert data into information is process.

A computer follows an Input – Process – Output cycle. It needs certain input, carries
out a process and produces the output.

BASIC STRUCTURE OF A COMPUTER

 -BUSES

STORAGE DEVICE

INPUT UNIT:- The input unit is formed by the input devices attached to the computer.
The input unit is responsible for taking input and converting it into computer
understandable form (the binary code).

Examples of input devices- keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, mic, barcode reader etc.
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT:- The CPU is responsible for controlling the
operations of a computer. It is the brain of the computer. The CPU has two components
which are responsible for different functions i.e Control Unit(CU) and Arithmetic Logic
Unit(ALU), and a limited fast memory (REGISTERS).

ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT:- The ALU is divided into parts Arithmetic Unit(AU)
and Logic Unit (LU).

ARITHMETIC UNIT:- AU performs all the four arithmetical (+,-,*,/) operators. When
two numbers are required to be added these numbers are sent from memory to AU where
addition takes place and the result is put back in the memory.

LOGIC UNIT:- When the numbers are to be compared, they are sent from memory to
LU where the comparison takes place and the result is returned to the memory. The Logic
Unit performs Logical Functions - >, <, <=, >=, !=, = = etc.

CONTROL UNIT:- The CU controls the working of the computer and ascertains
whether the computer is functioning as per the commands given to it by the user or not.
The CU also controls the flow of data from input devices to memory and from memory to
output devices. That is the CU monitors the flow of information to, from and inside the
CU. The CU performs the following processing cycle –

1. Fetching of next instruction.

2. Determination of type of instruction being fetched.
3. Specifying the memory locations.
4. Execution of Instructions.
5. Storing of Results at appropriate locations.

CACHE MEMORY:- Cache Memory is external from the CPU. It is a limited memory
that stores some information frequently required by the CPU. This data is usually on the
storage device, but since the storage device is mechanical device, requesting information
time and again from the storage device by the CPU, slows down the Processing speed, so
a Cache Memory is utilized. Cache Memory is of two types –
 • Level 1 Cache: This is closer to the CPU, infact it is present on the CPU Chip.
• Level 2 Cache: This is further away from the CPU.

REGISTERS:- Registers are extremely high speed but limited memory locations in the
CPU. The CPU uses these for temporary storage of data. There are various types of
Registers –

1. Data Register (DR) – This register holds the operand on which the operation is to
take place.
2. Memory Address Register (MAR) – Holds the memory address of variables,
during a computer program execution.
3. Accumulator (AC) – Is used to store intermediate answers, generated when an
expression is being calculated.
4. Instruction Register (IR) – The program statement currently being executed is
placed in the Instruction register.
5. Temporary Register (TR) – The temporary register is used to hold temporary
results generated during program execution.
6. Program Counter (PC) – The program counter hold the memory address of the
next instruction to be executed.
7. Input Register (INPR) – Stores the character that has been input through the input
device.
8. Output Register (OUTR) – Stores the character that is to be sent to the output
device.

BUSES:- Buses can be defined as electrical roadways or paths, in a computer system,

through which data and instructions travel. A bus can be serial or parallel. In a serial bus,
data travels in series, i.e. 1 bit (1 or 0) at a time (1->1->0->0->1->1). In a parallel bus
data travels in a group simultaneously across several wires.

Serial Bus
 Parallel Bus

The various types of Buses are-

1. Data Bus – A data bus carries information to and from the memory.
2. Address Bus – The address bus carries the memory addresses.
3. Control Bus – Carries the control signal between the various devices, such as
when the control unit needs to read from the hard disk, the control bus will inform
the control unit as to whether the hard disk is available or whether it is busy with
some other task.

OUTPUT UNIT:- The output unit is formed by the output devices attached to the
computer. The output comes from the CPU and is in the form of electronic binary signals
which needs conversion in some form which is understood by human beings i.e.
characters, graphical or audio visual. Output units perform this function of conversion.
Some popular output devices are Printers, Plotters, Speech synthesizer and bar code
printer etc. Output devices are divided into two categories-

Temporary Basis output Devices – These devices display the output on a temporary
basis, since the output is displayed (visible) only when the device is on, when the device
is switched off, such as a monitor can only display information while it is on, or a speaker
can only produce sound when on.

Temporary Basis Output Devices –

Monitor, Speakers

CRT – Cathode Ray Tube – Monitor. Displays the output on a TV like screen. Monitors
come in various sizes from 15” upwards. Nowadays monitors are multifunctional, i.e.
they can perform the functions of a computer monitor as well as a normal Television. A
monitor displays colour images in a mixture of three standard colours Red, Green & Blue
(RGB). Now a days LCD monitors (LCD Panels) have also become popular.

VGA – Video Graphic Array

LCD – Liquid Crystal Display

TFT – Thin Film Transistor

SVGA – Super Video Graphic Array

RGB – Red Green Blue

Permanent Basis Output Devices – These output devices display the output on a
permanent basis, since the output is displayed on paper and can be stored for future
reference. The output on paper is also referred to as a Hardcopy. The various types of
Permanent Basis Output Devices are-

Printers, Plotters

Printers – Dot Matrix Printers, Laser Printers, Inkjet / Deskjet Printer, Thermal Printers,
Line Printers etc.

Plotters – Flat Bed Plotters, Drum Plotters.

Terminology

DMP – Dot Matrix Printer

LPS – Lines Per Second (Speed of Line Printers)

CPS – Characters Per Second (Speed of DMP)

PPM – Pages Per Minute

CMYK – Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

MEMORY:- Memory in a computer system is required for storage and subsequent

retrieval of the instructions and data. Memory receives instructions and data from input
devices and stores them till they are needed by various parts of the computer. Once the
instructions are executed, the results are transferred temporarily to memory. Under the
control of control unit, results are transferred to output units from memory.

Memory is divided into cells called locations. Each of these locations hold different
information at different instants. But they have a fixed identification called address.

A memory cell is a location that can store a symbol. Each of these cells store
information in the form of bits. A bit means a binary digit i.e., either 0 or 1. A number of
bits together are used to store data instructions by their combination.
A group of 4 bits is called a nibble, a group of 8 bits is called a byte and a group of 16
bits or more is called a word.

One byte is the smallest unit that can represent a data item or a character. Other units of
memory are KB, MB, GB and TB.

4 Bits = 1 Nibble

8 Bits = 1 Byte

1024 Bytes (210 Bytes) = 1 KB (Kilobyte)

1024 KB (210 KB) = 1 MB (Megabyte)

1024 MB (210 MB) = 1 GB (Gigabyte)

1024 GB (210 GB) = 1 TB (Terabyte)

1024 TB (210 TB) = 1 PB (Picabyte)

The storage system of a computer can be classified into three groups of memories. These
are:

• Internal Processor memory: These consist of small set of high speed registers,
which are internal to a processor and are used as temporary locations where actual
processing is done.
• Primary Memory or Main Memory: It is a large memory that is fast but not as
fast as internal processor memory. This memory is accessed directly by the
processor. It is based mainly on integrated circuits.
• Secondary Memory / Auxiliary Memory / Backing Store: Auxiliary memory,
larger in size than main memory, is slower than main memory. A processor does
not directly access secondary memories. First, the information of these memories
is transferred to the main memory and then the information can be accessed.

PRIMARY MEMORY :_ is also known as Main Storage, Internal Storage, Main

Memory or Volatile Memory. It is of the following three types:

• Read Only Memory

• Random Access Memory
• Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Memory (CMOS)
READ ONLY MEMORY:- It is permanently built – in the computer at the time of
production. It contains a number of programs permanently stored in it, known as
Firmware ex. BASIC INPUT OUTPUT SERVICES (BIOS). The information from
this memory can only be read and it is not possible to write fresh information into it. It
stores a set of instructions permanently, which instructs the computer how to work. After
we switch on the computer, it does a series of tasks automatically before we can actually
use the computer. These main tasks performed are POST (Power On Self Test ), RAM
test, etc.

Types of ROM

There are many types of ROM available for microcomputers like Mask ROM, PROM,
EPROM, EEPROM, EAPROM.

• Mask ROM: It is the basic ROM chip. In this type of ROM, the information is
stored at the time of manufacturing. So, it cannot be altered or erased later on.
• PROM: It stands for Programmable Read Only Memory. In this type of ROM,
the information is stored after its manufacturing. It also cannot be altered or
erased later on.
• EPROM: It stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. It is similar
to PROM, but its information can be erased later on by ultra-violet light and it can
be reprogrammed.
• EEPROM: It stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory.
It is similar to EPROM, but using a high voltage current can erase its information.
• EAPROM: It stands for Electrically Alterable Read Only Memory. As compared
to EPROM and EEPROM, The information stored in EAPROM can be altered
later.

RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY:- RAM is used to store data and instructions

during the execution of programs. Contrary to ROM, RAM is temporary and is
erased when the computer is switched off. RAM is a read/write type of memory, and
thus can be read or written by the user or programmer. The memory capacity of
RAM varies from 64 MB to several megabytes with different models of PC.

Types of RAM

There are two types of RAM used in PC’s – Dynamic and Static RAM
 • DYNAMIC RAM(DRAM): The information stored in Dynamic RAM has to be
refreshed after every few milliseconds, otherwise it is erased. DRAM has higher
storage capacity and is cheaper than Static RAM.
• STATIC RAM(STAM): The information stored in Static RAM need not be
refreshed, but it remains stable as long as the power supply is provided. SRAM is
costlier but has higher speed than DRAM.

Types of RAM –

SD RAM - Synchronous Dynamic RAM

RD RAM - Rambus RAM

EDO RAM - Extended Data Output

DDR RAM - Double Data Rate RAM

COMPLEMENTARY METAL OXIDE SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORY: CMOS

memory is used to store the system configuration, date, time and other important data.
When the computer is switched on, BIOS matches the information of CMOS with the
peripheral devices and displays errors in case of mismatching.

SECONDARY MEMORY: Since computer’s main memory is temporary, secondary

memory space is needed to store data and information permanently for later use. Some
most common secondary storage media are floppy diskette, the hard disk and CD-RW
etc. The secondary memory devices are also known as storage devices. These are also
referred to as I/O Devices, since they perform two functions- acting as output devices
when data is stored on them and acting as input devices when the stored data is read from
them.

Types of Storage Devices (all these devices have random access) –

FD – Floppy Disk – Size – 5¼” and 3½” – Capacity 1.2MB and 1.44MB respectively

HD – Hard Disk – Standard Storage capacities from 40GB upwards to 160GB.

Types of HDs - IDE – Integrated Drive Electronics

EIDE – Enhanced IDE

 SATA – Serial ATA (ATA – Advanced Technology Attachment)

RAID – Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks

SCSI – Small Computer System Interface

CDROM – Compact Disk Read Only Memory

CD-R – Compact Disk Recordable – 700 MB Capacity

CDRW – Compact Disk Re-Writable – 650 MB Capacity

DVD – Digital Video Disk or Digital Versatile Disk – Capacity – 4 GB

DVD Double Layer – Capacity – 8GB

Older Storage Devices (all these devices have sequential access)

Punch Card (No longer Used)

Punch Tape (No longer Used)

Magnetic Tape (Used only in large installations)

Random Access – data can be read randomly, i.e. in any order.

Sequential Access – data is read in the same order as it is written in.

TYPES OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Computer Systems are categorized into various types on the basis of working, storage and
data addressing and applications –

WORKING –
Analog Systems – These systems work on the basis of comparing values rather than on
counting. They provide graphical and comparative outputs, since they only compare they
are considered to be faster. They answer the question how much.

Digital Systems – These systems work on the basis of counting quantities and are
therefore more accurate as compared to Analog Systems. The answer the question how
much.

Hybrid Systems – These systems use quality of both analog and digital computer
systems, they compare quantities to work faster but provide a counted output which is
more accurate.

STORAGE & Data Addressing –

Micro Computer 8 Bit – 1 word = 8/16 Bit

Mini Computer 16 Bit – 1 word = 16/32 Bit

Mainframe Computer 32 Bit – 1 word = 64/128 Bit

Super Computer 64 Bit – 1 word = 128 Bit and above

APPLICATIONS –

General Purpose – These types of computers can be used for a variety of tasks. The
desktop PC that we use at home, is a general purpose computer.

Special Purpose – These computers are designed and manufactured for a single purpose.
They cannot perform any other task other than which they are designed for.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS

ANALOG DIGITAL HYBRID

 STORAGE WORKING

MICRO MINI MAINFRAME SUPER GENERAL

SPECIAL PURPOSE
PURPOSE

VON NEUMANN CONCEPT

Von Neumann proposed the following concepts –

1. Data and Instructions to be stored in a single read-write memory.

2. The memory contents are addressable by location.

3. Execution takes place in a sequential manner, unless specified otherwise.

COMPUTER GENERATIONS

1st Generation – Large sized computers, used vaccum tubes as primary components,
generated a lot of heat. Years 1949 - 1955. Output not very accurate.

e.g.
ENIAC – Electronic Numeric Integrator & Calculator

EDVAC – Electronic Discreet Variable Automatic Computer

EDSAC – Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Computer

2nd Generation – Size reduced substantially, Primary Components – Transistors. Years

1956 - 1965.

e.g. IBM 1620, 1070, UNIVAC – Universal Automatic Computer

3rd Generation – Further reduction in size, primary components Integrated Chips (ICs).
Computers became more powerful with increase in usage and the development of HLLs.
E.g. LILLIAC IV. Years 1966 – 1975.

4th Generation – Further reduction in sizes. Introduction of Desktop PCs. Primary

component Silicon Chips. And VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration). Years 1976 - 1995.

Computer CPU

containing Silicon Chip

 VLSI

5th Generation: The concept of 5th generation computers has already started and is
being implemented slowly and steadily. These concepts involve – nanotechnology,
artificial intelligence, speech processing, etc. Years 1995 onwards.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

HARDWARE:- Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of the

computer i.e., the components that can be seen and touched. Computer data
processing involves equipment that can perform the following functions: data
preparation; into to the computer; computation; control and primary storage;
secondary storage and output from the computer. Equipment, which is connected
directly to the computer, is termed as on-line whereas the equipment, which is used
separately and is not connected, is called off-line.

PERIPHERALS:-The peripherals are the devices that surround the system unit e.g., the
keyboard, mouse, speakers, printers, monitors etc.

SOFTWARE:- Software is a set of instructions (programs) that governs the operation of

a computer system and makes the hardware run.

Software can be classified broadly into the following categories:

 1. Operating system
2. Language Processors System Software
1. Languages
2. Utility Programs
3. Application Software
4. Computer Languages

SYSTEM SOFTWARE:- Software that are required to control the working of hardware
and aid in effective execution of a general user’s applications are called System Software.

System Software, can be divided into 3 categories-

1. Operating Systems: An operating system acts as an interface between the user

and the computer system. It also manages and coordinates all hardware devices and
makes them available as and when required.

2. Language Processors: The computer system understands only 1 language, the

Binary language, the language of 1s and 0s, where 1 represents ‘ON’ and 0 represents
‘OFF’. All commands typed by the user in English are converted to 1s and 0s and this is
the job of a Language Processor. A Language Processor can further be subdivided into –

a) Assemblers: An assembler is a machine specific translator that translates

Low Level language programs to binary (machine understood language). By machine
specific we mean that an assembler for 80286 Processor cannot be used on an 80386
processor.

MASM – Microsoft Assembler, TASM – Turbo Assembler etc.

b) Compilers: A compiler is used to convert a High Level Language program

to binary. The user written program is called the Source Code. The compiler works in
two steps – first the source code is compiled and checked for errors, and an object code is
generated. If any errors are present these are reported at the end of this step. In case of
any errors the errors in the source code are corrected and the first step is repeated. The
second step is then performed and the object code is executed.

Sometimes a third step is also performed, in this step the object code is Linked
and converted to an Executable file.

E.g. COBOL Compiler, C++ Compiler, Java Compiler etc.

c) Interpreters: An Interpreter also converts a High Level Language program
to binary, but it translates each line of code and then executes the instruction, i.e.
translating and execution go side by side. When an error occurs, the execution of the
program stops. After correcting the error the program execution starts from the
beginning.

E.g. BASIC Interpreter.

2a. Computer Languages: A Computer Language can be defined as a medium through

which a user communicates with a computer and programs a computer for performing a
task The various types of computer languages are–

1. Machine Language – This language is directly understood by the computer

system. It is the language of Binary i.e. 1s and 0s, all characters and numbers and
symbols are converted to their respective binary codes of 1s and 0s. 1 represent
‘ON’ and 0 represents ‘OFF’.
2. Low Level Language – A low level language, is called so because fewer people
know these languages and because the difference between Machine Language and
LLL program is small. These languages are also said to be close to the hardware.
LLL are machine specific, i.e. a LLL program written for one type of computer
usually does not work on another type of computer. These languages can directly
address the hardware. These languages use mnemonic commands, e.g. STOR, for
storing a value to a variable. E.g. Assembly Language.
3. High Level Language – A HLL language is called so because, they have a very
high percentage of users and also the difference between Machine Language and
HLL program is very high. These languages are simple to learn and use standard
English words as commands. HLL Programs are machine independent, i.e. a
program written for 1 type of computer will usually work on another type of
computer, with little or no changes. E.g.

BASIC: Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.

COBOL: Common Business Oriented Language

PL/1: Programming Language 1

ALGOL: Algorithmic Language

FORTRAN: Formula Translation

LISP: List Processing

COMAL: Common Algorithmic Language

DCL: Digital Command Language

LIFE: Logic, Inheritance, Function, Equation

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language

ADA, C, C++, Java, PERL, LOGO.. etc.

For a more comprehensive list visit: http://home.nvg.org/~sk/lang/lang.html

1. Middle Level Language – Some people also categorize a third type called the
MLL, these language have the power of LLL and the simplicity in use of the
HLL. The C and C++ languages fall under this category.
2. 4GLs – 4th Generation Languages – Primarily 4th Generation Languages are
mainly packages and technologies (specifically Database) that are application
packages which provide the facility of programming. E.g. dBASE, Foxpro etc.

3. Utility Programs: These programs are used for maintenance of the computer system
and performing routine tasks, such as backup, de-fragmentation, file deleting and un-
deleting services, anti-virus program, formatting etc. Utility programs may be inbuilt
within the operating systems or as separate proprietary or third-party software.

ADDITIONAL HARDWARE NOTES

CVT: Constant Voltage Transformer. The function of the CVT is to provide a constant
and smooth voltage and electric current to a computer system.

CVR: Constant Voltage Regulator. Same function as the CVT.

SERVO STABILIZER: A servo stabilizer has the same function as that of a CVT/CVR,
but it uses a motor to step up or step down the voltage.

SMPS: Switched Mode Power Supply. An SMPS is used to switch (breakup) volts of
voltage input to a computer to acceptable computer voltage of 5volts and 10volts.

HEAT SINK: Computer Chips get heated very quickly because of high speed electric
current that flows through them. They need to be cooled down and the heat needs to be
dissipated into the atmosphere so that the chips don’t get burnt out. A heat sink is device
which is used to dissipate the heat. It is made of a highly conducive alloys such as
aluminium or copper or a combination of both. A heat sink has fins through which the
heat is dissipated (lost to the atmosphere). The heat sink is placed directly over the chip.
Heat Sinks are of two types Passive and Active.

1. Passive Heat Sinks, do not use any external device or current to dissipate the
heat, they use their fins and the natural heat conductive property of the alloy
which they are made from. These are used for chips that do not get very highly
heated.
2. Active Heat Sinks, use external devices, such as cooling fans, which use an
external power source to keep the heat sink cooled and allow greater heat
dissipation. These are used for chips that get heated to very high temperatures.

UPS: - Uninterrupted Power Supply. The function of a UPS is to provide continuous

electricity supply to a computer system during power failure. It works in the same way as
an inverter. But the switch over time (from current to battery) is in milliseconds, and in
between the AC cycle so that the computer system stays on and does not restart when the
UPS takes over. There are two kinds UPS –

1. Offline UPS: In this type of UPS, the electric current is filtered and passed to the
computer system directly when the electric supply is present. At the time of power
failure the batteries take over and supply the current for the computer system.
These are relatively cheaper than online ups systems.
2. 2. Online UPS: In this type of UPS the electric current (AC) is converted to
(DC – Direct Current) and passed onto the batteries which provide the current to
the computer system. The AC current is also used to continuously recharge the
batteries. During power failure the batteries which are already supplying the
current continue to do so. These are more expensive as compared to Offline UPS.

HARDWARE RELATED TERMINOLOGY

PC – Personal Computer

PC/XT – Personal Computer Extended Technology

PC/AT – Personal Computer Advanced Technology

MIPS – Millions of Instruction Per Second

MTBF – Mean Time Before Failure

CISC – Complex Instruction Set Computer

RISC – Reduced Instruction Set Computer

DMP – Dot Matrix Printer

USB – Universal Serial Bus

MHz – Mega Hertz

GHz – Giga Hertz

MMX – Multimedia Extensions

OPERATING SYSTEMS

An operating system acts as an interface between the user and the computer system. It
also manages and coordinates all hardware devices and makes them available as and
when required. The primary functions of an operating systems are –

1. File Management – To control how data is saved.

2. Hardware Management – To make available hardware devices as and when
required.
3. Memory Management – To manage memory allocation and to regulate how the
programs will distributed, in the memory.
4. Input Output Management – To control and manage reading and writing of data
from various input & output and storage devices.
5. Account Management* - To maintain user accounts.

The last option is for multi-user operating systems, where the operation systems needs to
control accounts (users), with respect to their permissions, the time they’re allowed,
manage and maintain their ids and passwords.

Character User Interface (CUI) – The CUI operating system, uses commands and
procedures for performing operations. These are single user and single tasking, which
means that only one user can work on a computer system at one time and only one
program can be executed at a time. If a user wishes to execute another program he/she
must quit the program that is running and then execute the other program. E.g. Microsoft
Disk Operating System (MS-DOS).
Graphic User Interface (GUI) – In a GUI OS, the user uses symbols and pictures to
perform a task or a procedure, each symbol or picture represents a particular process,
these symbols are called icons. E.g. Microsoft Windows.

Types of Operating Systems –

Multiuser – A multiuser OS allows more than user to work simultaneously using one
processor at the same time.

Multitasking – A task is a process or a job or a program. A multitasking OS allows more

than one program to be executed at a given moment.

Distributed – A distributed OS is one which distributes a task over several computer

system all connected to one another.

Multiprocessing – A multiprocessing OS is one, which allows the presence of more than

1 processors (CPUs), in 1 computer system and distributes the tasks between all present
processors.

Time Sharing – In this type of OS several users use a single computer but from their
terminals, all the processes are handled by 1 computer system (server), which assigns
time limits for each user. These time slots are so small (in micro/milli seconds) that each
users feels as if he/she is the only one using the computer.

Batch Processing – A batch means a group. In this type of OS all data is collected in a
group and processed together as a batch.
CISC & RISC ARCHITECTURE

CISC – Complex Instruction Set Computer

1. A large and varied instruction set that includes simple, fast instructions that may
be single or multi-cycle, performing complex operations.
2. Support for HLL is done in Hardware.
3. Memory to Memory addressing modes.
4. Microcode Control Unit.
5. Single register.
6. e.g. Intel, AMD, Cyrix

RISC – Reduced Instruction Set Computer

1. Simple, single cycle instructions, performing basic operations.

2. Support for HLL in software.
3. Simple addressing modes LOAD & STORE. Register to Register addressing.
4. Direct Execution Control Unit
5. Multiple registers.
6. e.g. Apple MAC G3, PowerPC, Silicon Graphics INDY
COMPUTER PORTS

Components of Graphic User Interface Operating System

Button and Label

Text components:

TextArea and TextField

List

Menu and Choice

PopupMenu

Checkbox and checkbox grouping

Scrollbar and ScrollPane

Dialog and FileDialog

Icons

Desktop

Taskbar

System Tray
Questions –

Q1. Define a Computer.

Q2. Define the following –

i) Information ii) Data iii) IPO Cycle

iv) Input Unit v) Output Unit vi) Central Processing Unit

vii) Cache Memory viii) Registers & also its types.

Q3. Write a short note on Control Unit. What are its functions?

Q4. What is a BUS? Name and define the various types of Buses.

Q5. Name the various types of Temporary and Permanent Basis Output Devices.

Q6. Differentiate between ROM and RAM. Also name their various types.

Q7. (a) What are secondary memory storage devices? Name any 5 types of secondary
storage devices.

(b) What do you understand by sequential and random access? Which storage
devices have sequential access and which have random access?
Q8. Write short notes on Analog, Digital & Hybrid Computers.

Q9. Draw a chart showing the various types of computers on the basis of working,
storage and applications.

Q10. State the postulates of Von Neumann.

Q11. Briefly describe the features of the various computer generations (year,
components, introduced languages).

Q12. Define Hardware.

Q13. Define Software and also give its classification.

Q14. Write short notes on –

i) Assemblers ii) Interpreters iii) Compilers

iv) High Level Languages v) Low Level Languages vi) Middle Level

Languages

Q15. What is a Heat Sink? What are its various types?

Q16. What is a UPS? Differentiate between Online and Offline UPS.

Q17. Differentiate between CUI and GUI Operating Systems.

Q18. Draw the diagram of the OS Shell.

Q19. Give the full forms of –

MAR CPU OUTR IPO VGA DVD

LPS CMYK RGB BASIC COBOL 4GL

CVR FORTRAN SMPS VLSI ENIAC EDSAC

EDVAC UNIVAC SATA RAID USB BIOS

DDR SRAM EEPROM CMOS CISC RISC

MTBF TB LCD CRT ALU TFT