Subject Code: CAM

Subject Name : COMPUTER AIDED MANAGEMENT

Notes:
a. Write answers in your own words as far as possible and refrain from copying from the text books/handouts.
b. Answers of Ist Set (Part-A), IInd Set (Part-B), IIIrd Set (Part – C) and Set-IV (Case Study) must be sent
together.
c. Mail the answer sheets alongwith the copy of assignments for evaluation & return.
d. Only hand written assignments shall be accepted.
A. First Set of Assignments: 5 Questions, each question carries 1 marks.
B. Second Set of Assignments: 5 Questions, each question carries 1 marks.
C. Third Set of Assignments: 5 Questions, each question carries 1 marks. Confine your answers to 150
to 200 Words.
D. Forth Set of Assignments: Two Case Studies : 5 Marks. Each case study carries 2.5 marks.

Contents

INTRODUCTION TO PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Understanding Computers
Computer: A definition; Characteristics of Computers, Evolution of Computers; Basic Anatomy of the
Computer ; The System Concept;
Data Representation
Data Representation with the Computer; Number Systems; Character Representation; Error-Detecting
Codes;
The Central Processing Unit
CPU; Components of Central Processing Unit; CISC vs RISC;
Memory Organisation
Memory Organization; Definition; Storage Evaluation Criteria; Main Memory; Secondary Storage
Devices; Mass Storage Devices;
Input Devices
What are Input Devices? Point and Draw Devices; Scanning Devices; Voice Recognition Devices;
Vision Input Devices
Output Devices
What are Output Devices?; Display Devices; Monitors; Multimedia Projectors; Terminals –Dumb,
Smart, Intelligent; X Terminals; Printers; Types of Printers; Plotters; Computer Output Microfilm (COM);
Voice Response Systems;
PART II : APPLICATION SOFTWARE FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Multimedia
Unit Objectives; What is Multimedia?; Importance of Multimedia; Multimedia Tools; Elements of
Multimedia; Applications of Multimedia;
Computer Software
What is Computer Software?; Relationship Between Hardware and Software; Computer Languages;
Interpreter vs. Complier; Some High Level Languages; Free Domain Software;
Introduction to Operating Systems
Types of Operating Systems; Operating System Components; Process Management Memory
Management; Secondary Storage Management; I/O Sybsystem; File Management; Protection System;
Networking; Command Interpreter System; Disk Operating System; DOS Commands; File System;
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 Linux: An Overview; What is Linux?; File Handling in Linux; Installation of Linux; Using ‘Loading’;
Microsoft Windows
Unit Objectives; Different Versions of Windows; An Overview; Basic Elements of Windows; Anatomy of
an Application Window; Customizing Windows; Working with Windows; Exploring Control Panel;
Managing Files and Folders; Windows Explorer: An Overview; Windows Accessories; Administrative
Tools; File System; Window Server 2003; Open Database Connectivity Drivers;
Word Processing
Word Basics; Starting Word; How to Type in Word; Menus and Command; Toolbars and their Icons;
Header and Footer; Applying Formatting; Autocorrect; AutoText; AutoFormat; Table of Contents; Table
of Figures; Index; Mail Merge; Working with Tables; Navigating Document;
Spreadsheet Package
Excel Basics; Elements of an Excel Window; Working with Workbook; Working with Workbooks and
Worksheets; Entering Text in Cells; Working with files; Data Sort; Data Filters; Functions; Creating
Charts and Graphs; Creating a Chart Using Chart Wizard; PivotTable Report; Analysing Your Data;
Exchanging Data between Exce and Other Programs; Excel and the Web;
Presentation Package
Introducing PowerPoint; Toolbar, their Icons and Commands; Navigating in PowerPoint; Different
Views of PowerPoint; Designing Presentation; Slide Show Controls; Creating Slide Shows;
Concepts of Database Operations
Data and Information; Database Concept; Starting MS Access 2000; The Access Window; Database
Window; Creating Database; Working with Tables; Creating Forms; Creating Reports; Creating
Queries; Data Retrieval using SQL SELECT Statement; CIMA; Data Independence; Database
Management System; Overall System Structure; The E-R Model
PART III : INTERNET APPLICATIONS
Internet – Connecting the World
Internet; Types of Networks; Features of a Good Browser; Key Usages of the Internet; Internet
Connectivity Options; Internet Protocols; Internet Addressing; Search Engines; E-mailing; Network: An
Overview; Network Components and their Functions; Network Topology; Communication Channel;
Gateways; Routers; Bandwidth; Client-Service Computing; Resources of Internet; Packet Switching;

ASSIGNMENTS
PART– A

1. What do you understand by the term 'Internet Protocol'? Describe the commonly used protocols that
help in high-performance network communication.
2. Describe the various networking components and discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the different
types of network topology.
3. What are the advantages of adopting Database Management Systems (DBMS) in the domain of
computer aided management? Define the term 'schema' in the context of DBMS.
4. What is the significance of the 'master slide' while creating a presentation in PowerPoint?
5. Explain the process of performing the following actions in an Excel spreadsheet: entering formulas,
formatting cells, text wrapping, data filtering and creating scenarios.

PART– B

1. What are the benefits of the following facilities in MS Word: Mail Merge, Header and Footer,
AutoCorrect, AutoFormat, AutoText?
2. Describe the evolution of MS Windows right from the beginning to its present stage. In what ways do
you think the Windows operating system has improved over the years?
3. What do you understand by the term 'operating system'? List the key features of the LINUX operating
system.
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 4. What are the different classifications for computer languages? Write a few lines on the following high-
level computer languages: FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL, ADA, LISP, C and C++.
5. What are the different elements of 'Multimedia'? In what ways does it improve interactivity? Discuss.

PART – C

1. Define 'Dumb', 'Smart', 'Intelligent' and 'X' terminals and describe the differences between an LCD
display and a CRT display.
2. Explain the functions of the following devices: OMR, MICR, OBR, Digitizer, Electronic Card Readers,
and Smart Cards.
3. Elucidate on the following: Static and Dynamic RAM, ROM, and Cache Memory.
4. Is it true that by increasing the processor speed, (or clock speed) one can improve the performance of a
computer? Give reasons to support your answer.
5. What are the different characteristics of a computer that make it a 'must have' in today's environment?

CASE STUDY-1

Case 1: High-Speed Multiservice-Enabled Network

The New technology Network Architecture at the institute consists of laying down the foundations for a high-
speed multiservice network capable of providing the basic connectivity services and also facilitating the New
World technology drivers so as to empower the faculty and the students with the newest of learning tools and
infrastructure.
Also the multiservice network has innovative and state-of-the-art applications, supported on the network. Few
examples are:
• LAN IP telephony
• Videoconferencing
• Video on demand learning
• Content management
• Media server
• Secured and fast Internet access
• Converged voice, video, and data network
• High speed Gigabit backbone
This enables the users of the network to learn the latest technology which is very much required by them in their
future assignments and jobs. The network enables the flow of modern teaching methods, and also allows the
students to learn more from the network itself, as it deploys the latest and the proven Internet technologies, that
a management and computer technology learning Institute can benefit from.
With the new technology, it is possible to create a centre of excellence in association with CISCO for learning
network-related technology at the institute. This will not only facilitate value addition to the MBA and MCA
students but also train the other institutes in the region on this technology.
The Distance Learning Programme (DLP), which is the fastest growing education area, is going to derive the
maximum benefit out of the multiple and diverse service offerings such as video on demand, videoconferencing
and multicasting.

Questions:
1. Discuss the features of a high-speed multiservice network. What network topology is most suitable for
the above network? Give reasons to support your answer.

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 2. How can you protect the above network from unauthorized access from outsiders and prevent own
users from accessing undesired websites?
3. What great opportunities are offered by Internet-based technologies for the society in general and
specifically for teachers and the student community?
4. What are the various methods of connecting to the Internet? What connectivity do you recommend for
the above network that has integrated 700 nodes?

CASE STUDY-2

If his department's access to the online services technical and vendor forums were cut off tomorrow, it would
'severely hamper our network upgrades across the board said Fred Hegner, Director of Application
Development at Bergan Mercy Health System, Inc., in Dallas. At Bergan, as at many other companies,
information systems staffers are increasingly tapping into online networks like CompuServe and the Internet as
a place to fetch software patches from vendors or to monitor discussion forums on the latest technical
developments on myriad computing and networking subjects.
Using the 'Net' to search for employees is also a growing trend. For example, one IS manager hit upon a way to
resolve some of his technical issues and scout new talent at the same time. He posts especially thorny technical
problems in the relevant Usenet discussion groups and watches for the best replies, then sends them an e-mail
message. One of the key uses of Internet e-mail at Jacob's Engineering Group in Pasadena California, says Jim
LoSasso, Vice President of IS, is contact with suppliers and potential customers. 'We request pricing information
to get back replies very quickly', he said. The company also collects weekly work bids from the government,
'which we pass along-salespeople.'
Next to exchanging e-mail and monitoring technical chats, by far the most popular application of online networks
in IS groups involves downloading software patches from vendors. At Ore-Ida Foods Inc., all our upgrades for
Apple software products come via the Internet file transfer protocol', said an information technologist at Ore-Ida.

Questions:
1. How do IS groups use the Internet and other online networks?
2. How do you envision people in other business areas (marketing, finance etc.) using these networks?
3. What sort of Usenet discussion groups is being referred to in the above case?
4. What do you mean by 'downloading software patches?'

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