COMPUTER NOTES 1ST YEAR

CHAPTER # 1
SHORT QUESTIONS (ACCORDING TO ALP)
Question # 1: Define hardware and software.
 Software :
A set of instructions given to computer to solve a problem is called software. software require operations to be performed
by computer. A computer works according to the instructions written in software. We can not touch software.
 Hardware :
The physical parts of a computer are called hardware. Hardware can be touched or seen by us. Keyboard , mouse,
cpu, printer, monitor, hard drive, ram and rom are examples of hardware components
Question # 2: Define data and information with example.
Data : A collection of raw facts and figures is called data. The word raw means that the facts have not yet been
processed to gel their exact meaning. Data is collected from different sources. It is collected for different purposes. Data
may consist of numbers, characters, symbols or pictures etc.
Information : The processed data is called information. Information is an organized and processed form of data. It is more
meaningful than data. It is used for making important decisions. Data can be processed in different ways to produce the required
information .
Question # 3: Define a computer.
A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data process it into useful information and store it in a
secondary storage device for later use.
Question # 4: List some component of computer.
The major components of computer are input devices, output devices, processor and storage devices.
Question # 5: Differentiate between hard copy and softcopy
Hardcopy: a printed form of electronic file is called hard copy. Printer is used in making hard copy.
Softcopy: the electronic file or a document that is saved in the computer system and could easily updated is called
softcopy.
Question # 6: Write the purpose of cpu?
The purpose of cpu is to perform the processing action of the computer. This includes arithmetic and logical operations. It
is also called the brain of the computer.
Question # 7: Differentiate between direct and indirect input?
Direct input: data goes directly to the computer from the source. For example, speech is directly entered into computer
through microphone. Indirect input: some intermediate handling is required. Data entered through
keyboard and mouse are indirect inputs.
Question # 8: Write down different components of an information system?
An information system is basically made up of five components hardware, software, database, network and people. These
five components integrate to perform input, process, output, feedback and control.
Question # 9: Define system software.
System software is used to control the usage and allocation of different hardware components and enables the other
application program to execute. For example:
 Operating systems
An operating system is a set of programs that manages all computer components and operations. A computer cannot
do anything without operating system. Operating system must be installed on every computer. Users interact with
the computer through operating system. Linux and windows are examples of operating system software
 Utility programs
Utility program is a type of system software that is used for effective management to computer system . The user
can use utility program to perform maintenance tasks related to different devices and programs. The utility program
keep the computer system running smoothly. Most operating systems include different built-in utility programs the
user can also buy stand-alone utility programs. Antivirus and file compressor are two examples of utility programs.
 Device drivers
A device driver is a program that is used to operate and control a device attached to computer. Device drivers arc
provided by manufactures of devices. The devices cannot function properly without device drivers.
Question # 10: What is application software?
Application software is the software that has been developed to solve a specific problem of user, is called application
software. It is also known as software package .examples :
i) Word processor such as MS Word
ii) Database software such as MS Access and Oracle
iii) Spreadsheet such as MS Excel and Lotus 123
iv) A software developed for a particular university
 Question # 11: Types of Application software are:
 Customized Software : Customized software is a type of application software that is designed for a particular
customer or organization. It is developed to meet the exact requirements of a particular customer or organization.
 Package software
Package software is a type of application software that is developed for sale to the general public. It is also known as off-
the-shelf software. It facilitates the people to perform daily activities. Examples of package software are word processors
and spreadsheets etc. Examples of Application Software?
Question # 12: What is information technology?
Information technology is the technology that merges computing with high speed communication links to spread
information from one place to another. The interconnection of computers enables people to send and receive information.
The world has become a global village due to information
technology.
 Define Digital Convergence
Digital convergence means that various industries have merged electronically to exchange information. This merge is very
important in modern world. The information can be transferred in any form like text, photos, audio and video.
 Global village
The world has become a global village due to information technology. its means that people living in the world know
one another as if they are living in a village. It has become possible due to fast communication links. Information can
be transferred from one place to another place easily and quickly. Some important applications of information
technology are as follows:
 Artificial intelligence: it is used to develop machines with human-like qualities such as learning, seeing and
hearing.
 Web based applications: it is a type of software application that is available on the web. The user can use it by
connecting to the internet.
 E-commerce: it is a process of performing business over the internet.
 Mobile commerce: it is a process of buying goods and services using mobile phone.
 Computer animation: it is a process to create moving images using computers.
 Distributed computing: it is a process of running single task on multiple computers
 Multimedia and hypermedia: multimedia is a collection of graphics, animation, audio and video presented by
computer. Hypermedia is a process of creating links to files that contain photographs, audio, video and text etc.
Question # 13: List four basic units of data storage?
Basic units of data storage are bit, byte, Kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and terabyte
Question # 14: What is the difference between bit and byte?
 Bit: The binary number 1or 0 is called a bit. (For binary digit), which is the basic unit for storing data in the computer
memory.
 Byte: A byte is a combination of 8 bits that can store a single character of data (a letter, numeral or special character).
The capacity of the memory or the storage is define in terms of number of bytes it can hold or store
Question # 15: Convert 220 MB of memory into bytes.
1MB consists of 1024KB
220 MB consist KBs= 220* 1024= 225280 KB
1KB = 1024 bits so 225280 * 1024=230686720 bits.
8 bits =1byte so 230686720/8= 28835840 bytes
Question # 16: Differentiate between hard copy and softcopy
 Hard copy: A printed form of electronic file is called hard copy. Printer is used in
making hard copy.
 Softcopy: The electronic file or a document that is saved in the computer System
and could easily updated is called Softcopy.
Question # 17: Define SDLC and Its Phases.
SDLC stands for System Development Life Cycle. A set of steps that are required to develop a system is called system
development life cycle. it is an organized way of developing successful systems. Different phases of SDLC are :
Preliminary Investigation, System Analysis, System Design, System Coding, System Testing
System Implementation System maintenance .
Question # 18: What is the purpose of preliminary investigation?
Preliminary investigation is used to conduct an initial analysis and findings of the system. It tnlucdes identification of the
system and determining its scope. It also provides alternative solution for developing the system.
Question # 19: Different activities performed in preliminary investigation of SDLC
Different activities performed in preliminary investigation of SDLC include :
i. system identification, ii. system scope, iii. alternative solutions, iv. feasibility study v. Preliminary plan.
Question # 20: Define feasibility study
A feasibility study is used to find whether the proposed system is feasible. The financial, political, social and time
constraints must be considered during this study.
Question # 21: What is preliminary plan?
Preliminary plan consists of all findings in written form for approval. It is also called feasibility report. It is normally
submitted to the top managers of the organization. They may accept, modify or reject the report.
Question # 22: What is the purpose of system analysis
In system analysis phase, the current business system is studied in detail to find out how it works and how to improve it. It
explains the problems of current system and provides recommendations for the new' system
Question # 23: Write down different activities performed in system analysis of SDLC.
Different activities performed in system analysis of SDLC include need analysis, data gathering, data analysis and analysis
report.
Question # 24: What are data gathering techniques
Data gathering techniques are used to collect detailed information about the system. These techniques include study of
written documents, interviewing, questionnaires, observation and sampling.
Question # 25: Write the purpose of interviewing.
Interviewing is used to get information from managers and users by discussing the problems. The analyst asks questions to
understand the problems in a system. The questions asked in interview must be simple and relevant
Question # 26: What is the use of questionnaires?
Questionnaires are used to collect information from a large number of people. It is very useful when interviews of many
users cannot be conducted. It is also very simple and quick method of collecting information.
Question # 27: What do you know about analysis report?
Analysis report is produced at the end of system analysis: It is submitted to the top management for review The report
should explain the problems in the current system. It should describe the requirements and recommendations for new system
Question # 28: Explain the system design phase
System design phase is used to design the logical and physical model of new system The system design states how the new
system will meet the requirement identified in system analysis phase.
Question # 29: Logical Design
Logical design describes live general functional capabilities of new' system. It reviews the system requirements and
considers major system components. CASE tools and project management software are used in this step. Different tools are
used to prepare logical design such as MS Project and Gantt chart etc.
Question # 30: Physical Design
Physical design describes how the proposed system will deliver the abilities specified in the logical design. It specifies the
following:
• Output requirements
• Storage requirements
• System control
• Input requirements
• Processing requirements
• Backup and Recovery procedures
Question # 31: Who is a programmer?
A person who develops application or system software. Programmer writes instructions to direct computer to process data
into information.
Question # 32: What is Word Define its use :
A computer word is the number of bytes in common unit of data defined by the computer system. It is normally the size of a
register. The length of a word is different in different computers. The larger word indicates more powerful computers.
The following tables indicates different word sizes:
.
No of bytes No. of bits Era of computer
One byte 8 Very early personal computer
Two byte 16 Traditional micro-computer
Single Word 32 Mainframe, mini-computers and microcomputers
Double Word 64 Super computers and some micro computers
 CHAPTER # 2
SHORT QUESTIONS (ACCORDING TO ALP)