Computer Notes For MPPSC Exam 87
Computer Notes For MPPSC Exam 87
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MPPSC 2019
Computer
Dear readers,
In this Computer PDF, we will cover each and every important topic which can be asked in the upcoming
MPPSC 2020 Exam.
Hardware:
Software
Utility Software Application Software System Software (OS)
Utility Tools Text Single user Multi User
Customized Graphics DOS Unix
Software
Multimedia Mac-OS Windows Server
Language Windows xp,7,8.1
Accounting
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1. CPU (Central Processing Unit): CPU is considered as the brain of the computer. It performs all types of
data processing operations, stores data, intermediate results and instructions (program). It controls the
operation of all parts of computer.
➢ ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit): When the control unit encounters an instruction that involves mathematical
calculation or decision/logic, it passes the control to the second component, i.e., the arithmetic logic unit
(ALU). The ALU includes a group of registers - memory locations built directly into the CPU - that are used
to hold data that are being processed by the current instruction.
➢ Registers: The register is the smallest high-speed storage area in the CPU. All data must be represented
in a register before it can be processed.
➢ Control Unit: This unit controls the operations of all parts of computer but does not carry out any actual
data processing operations
➢ Random Access Memory (RAM): RAM is the ➢ Static Random Access Memory (SRAM): A
internal memory of the CPU for storing data, type of memory that is faster and less volatile
program and program result. It is read/write than DRAM, but requires more power and is
memory which stores data until the machine is more expensive. The term static is derived from
working. As soon as the machine is switched off, the fact that it does not need to be refreshed like
data is erased. DRAM.
➢ RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost ➢ Synchronous Dynamic Random Access
when we switch off the computer or if there is a Memory (SDRAM): A type of DRAM that can
power failure. Hence a backup uninterruptible run at much higher clock speeds.
power system (UPS) is often used with ➢ Read Only Memory (ROM): The memory from
computers. RAM is small, both in terms of its which we can only read but can-not write on it.
physical size and in the amount of data it can This type of memory is non-volatile. The
hold. information is stored permanently in such
There are mainly three types of RAM available: memories during manufacture. A ROM, stores
➢ Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM): such instructions that are required to start a
A type of physical memory used in most personal computer. This operation is referred to as
computers. The term dynamic indicates that the bootstrap.
memory must be constantly refreshed2
(reenergized) or it loses its contents. This type
of memory is more economical.
There are mainly three types of ROM available:
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❖ MROM (Masked ROM): The very first ROMs erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for
were hard-wired devices that contained a a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an
pre-programmed set of data or instructions. EPROM eraser achieves this function.
These kinds of ROMs are known as masked ❖ EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and
ROMs which are inexpensive. Programmable Read Only Memory): The
❖ PROM (Programmable Read only EEPROM is programmed and erased
Memory): PROM is read-only memory that electrically. It can be erased and
can be modified only once by a user. The user reprogrammed about ten thousand times.
buys a blank PROM and enters the desired Both erasing and programming take about 4
contents using a PROM program to 10 ms (milli second).
❖ EPROM (Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory): The EPROM can be
Memory
A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer memory is the storage
space in computer where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are stored. The
memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells. Each location or cell has a unique address which
varies from zero to memory size minus one.
Memory
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
➢ Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Cache Memory Main Memory ➢ Optical Disk (CD, DVD, BRD)
➢ Flash Memory (Memory card, Pen Drive)
Registers RAM ROM
SRAM DRAM PROM
EPROM
EEPROM
2. Secondary Storage (External Storage Devices) : Floppy diskettes, hard disk, tapes and optical disks
come under the category of external storage devices or ancillary storage devices. These devices are very
sensitive to environmental conditions (humidity and temperature) as well as to external magnetic fields
and need to be stored carefully.
✓ Floppy Disk : Floppy disks are primarily used on PCs. Information on a floppy disk is recorded in the
magnetized states of particles of iron oxides evenly placed upon concentric circles known as tracks.
✓ Hard Disk: It is a non-removable enclosed magnetic disk included in most PCs. It contains a stack of
metal platters, each coated with iron oxide, that spin on a spindle and the entire unit is encased in a
sealed chamber.
✓ Magnetic Tape: This is plastic tape, usually made of Mylar that is coated with iron oxide, thereby
enabling the introduction (writing); retention (memory) and reading of magnetically recorded
information. The best use of tape storage is for data that you do not use very often.
3. Peripherals: Peripheral devices are devices connected to the computer externally. If a peripheral device
is disconnected, the computer will still be able to work; only functions performed by this peripheral device
will not be available.
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1. Input Devices (How to tell it what to do): This unit makes link between user and computer. The input
devices translate the information into the form understandable by computer.
➢ Keyboard- The most common and very ➢ Digitizer- It converts analog information
popular input device which helps in inputting into digital form.
data to the computer ➢ Microphone-Microphone is an input device
➢ Mouse- Mouse is the most popular pointing to input sound that is then stored in digital
device and cursor-control device having a form.
small palm size box with a round ball at its ➢ Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)-MICR
base which senses the movement of mouse input device is generally used in banks
and sends corresponding signals to CPU because of a large number of check to be
when the mouse buttons are pressed. processed every day.
➢ Joy Stick- To move cursor position on a ➢ Optical Character Reader (OCR)- OCR
monitor screen. It is mainly used in scans text optically character by character,
Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and converts them into a machine readable code
playing computer games. and stores the text on the system memory.
➢ Light pen- It is used to select a displayed ➢ Bar Code Reader- A device used for reading
menu item or draw pictures on the monitor bar coded data (data in form of light and dark
screen. lines). Bar coded data is generally used in
➢ Track Ball- Mostly used in notebook or labeling goods, numbering the books.
laptop computer, instead of a mouse .This is ➢ Optical Mark Reader (OMR)- A special
a ball which is half inserted and by moving type of optical scanner used to recognize the
fingers on ball, pointer can be moved type of mark made by pen or pencil.
➢ Scanner- A scanner allows you to scan
printed material and convert it into a file
format that may be used within the PC.
2. Output Devices: (How it shows you what it is doing) Output devices translate the computer's output
into the form understandable by users.
Monitors: Monitors, commonly called as Visual Display Unit (VDU), are the main output device of a
computer. It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form. The
sharpness of the image depends upon the number of pixels.
There are two kinds of viewing screen used for monitors.
➢ Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): The CRT display is made up of small picture elements called pixels. The
smaller the pixels, the better the image clarity, or resolution
➢ Flat- Panel Display: The flat-panel display refers to a class of video devices that have reduced volume,
weight and power requirement in comparison to the CRT.
Printer: Printer is an output device, which is used to print information on paper.
➢ Impact Printers: The impact printers print the characters by striking them on the ribbon which is then
pressed on the paper.
➢ Non-Impact Printers: Non-impact printers print the characters without using ribbon. These printers
print a complete page at a time so they are also called as Page Printers. Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers.
Note:
❖ Data: Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts or instructions in a formalized manner
which should be suitable for communication, interpretation, or processing by human or electronic
machine.
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❖ Information:- Information is organized or classified data which has some meaningful values for the
receiver. Information is the processed data on which decisions and actions are based.
❖ Data Processing Cycle: Data processing is the re-structuring or re-ordering of data by people or
machine to increase their usefulness and add values for particular purpose. Data processing consists of
basic steps input, processing and output.
These three steps constitute the data processing cycle.
❖ Input -Input data is prepared in some convenient form for processing. The form will depend on the
processing machine. For example, when electronic computers are used, the input data could be recorded
on any one of several types of input medium, such as magnetic disks, tapes and so on.
❖ Processing - In this step input data is changed to produce data in a more useful form. For example,
paychecks may be calculated from the time cards, or a summary of sales for the month may be calculated
from the sales orders.
❖ Output - The result of the proceeding processing step are collected. The particular form of the output
data depends on the use of the data. For example, output data may be pay-checks for employees.
Language Processors:
✓ Assembler: This language processor converts the program written in assembly language into machine
language.
✓ Interpreter: This language processor converts a HLL(High Level Language) program into machine
language by converting and executing it line by line.
✓ Compiler:-It also converts the HLL program into machine language but the conversion manner is
different. It converts the entire HLL program in one go, and reports all the errors of the program along
with the line numbers.
Classification of Computers:
S. Unit Description
No.
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Software
Software: software represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a computer system and make
the hardware run. There are two types of software
➢ System Software: The system software is collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend
the processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software are generally prepared by computer
manufactures. System software serves as the interface between hardware and the end users. Examples:
Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, Assembler etc.
➢ Application Software: It is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified
application.
Boot: When computer starts, the operating system Motherboard: The motherboard serves as a single
is first loaded (as it is essential for running all other platform to connect all of the parts of a computer
programs), this process is known as booting. together. A motherboard connects CPU, memory,
hard drives, optical drives, video card, sound card,
Cold Boot: -When you turn the computer ON from and other ports and expansion cards directly or via
an OFF position. cables. It can be considered as the backbone of a
Warm Boot: - When you reset the computer that is computer.
already ON.
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Software categories
Freeware: Software which is completely costless. The producers of this software are either public institutions
such as universities or developers who do it for personal interest or advertisement or private company who do
it for dumping reasons.
Shareware: Software which is initially costless but after a certain period the user is asked to pay a fee or
delete it. Or software which has two versions a free one, but incomplete or with advertisement banners and a
complete advertisement free one for which the user must pay. The most common example is WinZip
compression program.
Commercial: Software for which the user has to pay a license to use it . Common examples are Microsoft
Windows operating system and Microsoft word.
Private: Software uniquely built, under payment for a specific customer to fit his need. Only the customer may
use it.
Open Source: Software may be modified by anyone, sometimes under certain restrictions. Open source
software is also freeware.
Proprietary: Software is distributed with the explicit with the explicit legal warning not to modify it and
technically locked to prevent other developers to see or modify its source.
Number System
When we type some letters or words, the computer translates them in numbers as computers can understand only numbers.
A computer can understand positional number system where there are only a few symbols called digits and these symbols
represent different values depending on the position they occupy in the number.
✓ The digit
✓ The position of the digit in the number
✓ The base of the number system (where base is defined as the total number of digits available in the number system).
1. Decimal Number System: The number system that we use in our day-to-day life is the decimal number system. Decimal
number system has base 10 as it uses 10 digits from 0 to 9. In decimal number system, the successive positions to the
left of the decimal point represent units, tens, hundreds, thousands and so on.
2. Binary Number System: Uses two digits, 0 and 1, also called base 2 number system . Each position in a binary number
represents a 0 power of the base (2). Last position in a binary number represents a x power of the base (2).
3. Octal Number System: Uses eight digits, 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7, also called base 8 number system, Each position in an octal
number represents a 0 power of the base (8).
4. Hexadecimal Number System: Uses 10 digits and 6 letters, 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,A,B,C,D,E,F. Letters represents numbers
starting from 10. A = 10. B = 11, C = 12, D = 13, E = 14, F = 15. Also called base 16 number system .Each position in a
hexadecimal number represents a 0 power of the base (16).
DBMS: DBMS is the acronym of Data Base Management System. DBMS is a collection of interrelated data and a set of programs
to access this data in a convenient and efficient way. It controls the organization, storage, retrieval, security and integrity of
data in a database.
1. External view or User view/View Level: It is the highest level of data abstraction. This includes only those portions of
database of concern to a user or Application program. Each user has a different external view and it is described by means
of a scheme called external schema.
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2. Conceptual view/Logical Level: All the database entities and the relationship among them are included. One conceptual
view represents the entire database called conceptual schema.
3. Internal view/Physical Level: It is the lowest level of abstraction, closest to the physical storage method. It describes
how the data is stored, what is the structure of data storage and the method of accessing these data. It is represented by
internal schema.
Keys in DBMS:
A DBMS key is an attribute or set of attributes which helps to identify a row in a table. They establish the relation between
two tables. Keys help uniquely identify a row in a table by a combination of one or more columns in that table.
Super key of an entity set is a set of one or more attributes whose values uniquely determine each entity.
Candidate key is a super key with no repeated attribute. It is an attribute or a set of attributes that can act as a primary key
for a table to uniquely identify each record in a table.
Primary key is a candidate key that is most appropriate to become main key of the table. It is a key that uniquely identifies
each record in the table. The Primary key should be selected from the candidate keys
Alternate key: All the keys which are not primary key are called an alternate key. It is a candidate key which is currently not
the primary key.
Foreign key is a column which is added to create a relationship with another table. It helps us to maintain data integrity.
Compound key has many fields which allow to uniquely recognize a specific record. A column when combined with the
other column or columns the combination of composite keys become unique.
Composite key is a key which has multiple attributes to uniquely identify rows in a table. The difference between
compound and the composite key is that any part of the compound key can be a foreign key, but the composite key may or
maybe not a part of the foreign key.
Surrogate key is an artificial key which aims to uniquely identify each record. They are created when you don't have any
natural primary key.
LOGIC GATES
Logic gate: is an elementary building block of a digital circuit. Most logic gates have two inputs and one output. At any given
moment, every terminal is in one of the two binary conditions low (0) or high (1)
There are seven basic logic gates: AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XNOR
Networking
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Network: Computer Networks means interconnected set of autonomous system that permit distributed
processing to information
Types of Network
1. Point to Point Network: When a packet is sent from one router to another intermediate routers, the entire
packet is stored at each intermediate router, stored there till the output line is free and then forwarded. A
subnet using this principle is called point to point or packet switched network.
2. Broadcast Networks: Broadcast networks have a single communication channel that is shared by all the
machines on the network.
Transmission Media
➢ Network Cables: Network cables are used area network that uses the same protocol
to connect computers. The most commonly (for example, Ethernet or token ring).
used cable is Category 5 cable RJ-45. ➢ Routers: A router is a device that forwards
➢ Distributors: A computer can be connected data packets along networks. A router is
to another one via a serial port but if we need connected to at least two networks,
to connect many computers to produce a commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and
network, this serial connection will not work. its ISP's network. Router sare located at
The solution is to use a central body to which gateways, the places where two or more
other computers, printers, scanners etc. can networks connect.
be connected and then this body will manage ➢ Internal Network Cards: Network card is a
or distribute network traffic necessary component of a computer without
➢ Repeaters: A repeater is an electronic which a computer cannot be connected over
device that receives a signal and retransmits a network. It is also known as network
it at a higher level or higher power, or onto adapter or Network Interface Card (NIC).
the other side of an obstruction, so that the Most branded computers have network card
signal can cover longer distances. pre-installed. Network cards are of two
➢ Bridge: A bridge is a product that connects types: Internal and External Network Cards.
a local area network (LAN) to another local ➢ External Network Cards: External network
cards come in two types: Wireless and USB
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based. Wireless network card need to be and can install the drivers required to support
inserted into the motherboard but no the USB network card automatically.
network cable is required to connect to ➢ Modem (Modulator –DE Modulator):
network. Modem is a device attached to computers
➢ Universal Serial Bus (USB): USB card are that can convert digital signals to analog
easy to use and connect via USB port. signals to analog signals and vice versa.
Computers automatically detect USB card
Operating System:
An Operating system is a program, which acts as an interface between a user and the hardware
MS - Window
MS-Windows is a GUI based operating system. In Windows Operating system multiple applications can be
simultaneously run in different windows.
➢ In MS-Windows, the screen upon which ➢ Toolbar: A set of button you click to perform
icons, windows, too are displayed is known common tasks.
as desktop. ➢ A folder is a location in which you can store
➢ An icon is a graphic symbol that represents files and other folders.
a window element like, file, folder, or ➢ To create a new folder, File—New—Folder
shortcut. commands are clicked in My Computer
➢ Loading up of operating system files into the windows.
computer’s memory in called booting up. ➢ To find files or folders, Start---Find---Files
➢ The taskbar is a bar, which is usually located or Folder commands are clicked.
at the bottom of the screen. ➢ To create a shortcut to a file, firstly select
➢ My computer is helpful for viewing the the file or folder, whose shortcut is to be
contents of a single folder or drive. created. Then drag the file icon through right
➢ Windows Explorer is another way of seeing mouse button to desired location where
what is on your computer. Windows Explorer shortcut to be placed, and then select create
shows the computer’s contents as a shortcut(s).
hierarchy. ➢ To shut down the computer, Start—Shut
➢ File: A program or document stored on a Down commands are clicked.
disk.
MS-Word
✓ A word processor is a package that ✓ The distance between text boundaries and
processes textual matter and creates page margins is called indent. The indent can
organized and flawless documents. be positive, negative or hanging indent.
✓ The world processor offers very useful ✓ The text layout
features like speed, powerful editing and ✓ In Word, paragraphs can be formatted
formatting features, permanent storage, through Paragraph option of Format menu
Graphics, object linking and embedding, and the borders can be applied through
spell check and mail merge etc. Borders and shading option of Format menu.
✓ The word processor automatically fits the ✓ The page formatting in Word can be
typed text within the specified left and right controlled through Page Setup … option of
margins. This feature is called word File menu. The header and footer can be
wrapping. created and formatted using Header and
✓ Margins can be four type viz. left, right, top Footer option of the view menu.
and bottom. ✓ In word, the document can either be printed
through print button of standard toolbar or
through the Print.. option of File menu. The
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help is available in Word through the Help ✓ Tables can be inserted in a Word document
menu. through Table button of Standard toolbar and
✓ In word, spelling and grammar can be can be manipulated through the table drop
checked either through the spelling and menu.
Grammar option of Tools menu. ✓ In MS-Word, the mail merge involves two
✓ The Autocorrect feature of Word converts files – Main document and data source file to
shorthand into longer strings. You can create produce the merged document. The main
your own Autocorrect entries by clicking to document and data source can handled
Autocorrect command to Tools menu. through Mail Merge option of Tools menu.
Shortcuts
Shortcut Description
Ctrl+W Close the active window / document
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo the last action or repeat an action
Ctrl+S Save a document
Ctrl+P Print a document
Ctrl+K Insert a hyperlink.
Alt+Right. Arrow Go forward one page.
Ctrl+C Copy selected text or graphics to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+V Paste the most recent addition to the Office Clipboard.
Ctrl+Shift+A Format all letters as capitals.
Ctrl+B Applies or removes bold formatting.
Ctrl+I Applies or removes italic formatting.
Ctrl+= Apply subscript formatting (automatic spacing).
F1 Open Help
F4 Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+)
F5 Open the Find, Replace, and Go To window in Microsoft Word
F7 Spellcheck and grammar check selected text or document
F12 Save As
MS-EXCEL
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Fill selected cell with the content in the cell above selected cell Ctrl + d
Fill selected cell with the content in the cell to the left of selected cell Ctrl + r
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Powerpoint
❖ The application software that can create ❖ To apply new design to slides, click either at
professional looking visual aids is called Apply Design Template option of Common
Presentation Graphics Software. Tasks options of Formatting toolbar, or at
❖ MS-PowerPoint can be started by clicking Format menu’s Apply Design Template
at Start—Program---Microsoft PowerPoint. option or ever from the shortcut menu.
❖ A slide can contain one or more of these ❖ A color scheme is a combination of various
components: Titles, Graphs, Drawing colors used for text and other presentation
objects, ClipArt and Pictures. elements.
❖ The slide components that are used for ❖ A color scheme can be changed by clicking at
reference are: Handouts, Notes ,Outlines. Slide Color Scheme option of Format
❖ A new presentation can be created through menu.
one of these methods:(i) Auto content ❖ Background color can be changed by clicking
Wizard (ii) Design Templates (iii) Sample at Format----Background command or
Presentation and (iv) Blank Presentation even through slide’s shortcut menu.
❖ A new side can be added by either clicking at ❖ You can change text font and style by using
Common Tasks options of Formatting Format---Font command.
toolbar and then selecting New Slide option, ❖ Header and Footer information can be viewed
by clicking at Insert menu’s New Slide and changed by clicking at View---Header
option. and Footer option.
❖ A presentation in PowerPoint can viewed in ❖ The slide ---shorter view in useful for viewing
any of these views: Normal, Outline, Slide, the slides in miniature forms and for
Slide Sorter, Slide Show and Notes Page rearranging them.
View. ❖ Movies (Vedio) & Sound can be inserted by
using Insert—Movies & Sounds command.
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❖ While creating slide shows you can add ❖ To add animation, you can use Slide Show-
transitions to slides by using Slide Show --- ----Custom Animation commands.
Slide Transition command.
Internet
➢ The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet
protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link several billion devices worldwide. It also known as “network of
networks” that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks.
➢ The World Wide Web commonly known as the Web or www developed founded by Tim Berners –
Lee in 1989, is a system of interlinked hypertext documents that are accessed via the Internet. These
multimedia pages are ever-changing.
➢ A web browser (commonly referred to as a browser) is a software application for retrieving, presenting
and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web.
Command Function
Home Opens or returns to starting page
Back Takes you to the previous page
Forward Takes you to the next page
Print Prints current page
Stop Stops loading a page
Reload Refresh/redisplays current page
Search Accesses search engine
❖ Location bar: The location bar, below the tool bar, is a box labelled "Location," "GoTo," or "Address." You
can type in a site's address, and press the Return or Enter key to open the site.
❖ Status bar: The status bar is located at the very bottom of the browser window. You can watch the progress
of a web page download to determine if the host computer has been contacted and text and images are
being downloaded.
❖ Scroll bar: The scroll bar is the vertical bar located on the right of the browser window. You can scroll up
and down a web page by placing the cursor on the slider control and holding down the mouse button.
❖ A website is a set of related web pages served from a single web domain.
❖ The Uniform Resource Locator, abbreviated as URL is the Address for web sites. Most of them begin with
http (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol), followed by a colon and two slashes.. In most web browsers, the URL
of a web page is displayed on top inside an address bar. An example of a typical URL would be
"http://www.gradestack.com".
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❖ A Home page, index page, or main page is a page on a website. A home page usually refers to:
❖ A Hyperlink is a reference to data that the reader can directly follow either by clicking or by hovering or
that is followed automatically.
❖ Downloading means to receive data to a local system from a remote system, or to initiate such a data
transfer.
❖ Uploading refers to the sending of data from a local system to a remote system such as a server or another
client with the intent that the remote system should store a copy of the data being transferred.
❖ An email attachment is a computer file sent along with an email message. One or more files can be
attached to any email message, and be sent along with it to the recipient. The first email was sent by Ray
Tomlinson to himself in 1971.
❖ CC (Carbon Copy) in e – mail indicates those who are to receive a copy of a message addressed primarily
to another. The list of CCed recipients is visible to all other recipients of the message.
❖ An additional BCC (blind carbon copy) field is available for hidden notification; recipients listed in the BCC
field receive a copy of the message, but are not shown on any other recipient's copy (including other BCC
recipients).
❖ The Drafts folder retains copies of messages that you have started but are not yet ready to send.
❖ Hotmail, a free e-mail service provided by Microsoft which was established in 1995 was co - founded by an
Indian American entrepreneur Sabeer Bhatia along with Jack Smith in July of 1996.
❖ An Internet Protocol address (also known as an IP address) is a numerical label assigned to each device
(e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network. It acts as an identifier for a computer. It is a
unique address for every computer.
❖ Top-level domain: Each part of a domain name contains certain information. The first field is the host
name, identifying a single computer or organization. The last field is the top-level domain, describing the
type of organization and occasionally country of origin associated with the address. For e.g. - .com –
Commercial, .edu – Educational.
Important Key in a Keyboard
Toggle keys- toggle the input from a group of keys on a keyboard between two different input modes.
✓ Caps Lock ✓ Scroll Lock
✓ Num Lock ✓ Insert
Modifier Keys - In computing, a modifier key is a special key (or combination) on a computer keyboard that
temporarily modifies the normal action of another key when pressed together. For e.g.-
✓ Shift ✓ Ctrl
✓ Alt ✓ Fn
Function keys – A function key is a key on a computer or terminal keyboard which can be programmed so as
to cause an operating system command interpreter or application program to perform certain actions, a form
of soft key. For e.g. - F1 through F12 keys are known as function keys. Each keys perform different functions.
Computer Viruses:
A virus is a parasitic program that infects another legitimate program, which is sometimes called the host. To
infect the host program, the virus modifies the host so that it contains a copy of the virus.
Boot sector viruses: A boot sector virus infects the boot record of a hard disk. The virus allows the actual
boot sector data to be read as through a normal start-up were occurring.
Cluster viruses: If any program is run from the infected disk, the program causes the virus also to run . This
technique creates the illusion that the virus has infected every program on the disk.
Worms: A worm is a program whose purpose is to duplicate itself.
Bombs: This type of virus hides on the user’s disk and waits for a specific event to occur before running.
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Trojan Horses: A Trojan Horses is a malicious program that appears to be friendly. Because Trojan Horses do
not make duplicates of themselves on the victim’s disk. They are not technically viruses.
Stealth Viruses: These viruses take up residence in the computer’s memory, making them hard to detect.
Micro Viruses: A macro virus is designed to infect a specific type of document file, such as Microsoft Word or
Microsoft Excel files. These types of documents can include macros, which are small programs that execute
commands.
Commonly Used Computer Terms
❖ Abort: To stop a program or function before it ❖ CGA: Color Graphics Adapter. Low-resolution
has finished. screen (640x200 pixels) with color capability.
❖ Algorithm: A set of instructions that provides a ❖ Character: A number, letter, symbol, or
solution to a given problem. punctuation mark.
❖ Chip: A small piece of silicon containing
❖ Animation: A simulation of movement created
thousands or millions of electrical elements. Also
by displaying a series of pictures, or frames. For
called an Integrated Circuit (IC).
example, cartoons on television.
❖ Compatible: The ability of one device or
❖ ANSI: American National Standards Institute, a program to work with another device or
powerful industry association of USA, promoting program. For example, a printer and a computer
Programming language standards. are said to be compatible if they can be
❖ Antivirus: Program A utility that searches a connected to each other.
hard disk for viruses and removes any, that is ❖ Conventional Memory: The first 640K of
found. electronic Memory (RAM) in a computer used to
❖ Architecture: A design. It can refer to either run OS and applications.
hardware or software or to a combination of ❖ Debug: In computer related systems, fixing
hardware and software. The architecture of a software related problem is known as
system defines its broad outlines. debugging.
❖ ASCII: American Standard Code for Information ❖ Digitize To scan a piece of artwork in very fine
Inter change. This is a seven/eight bit code detail and store it in a form that computer
widely used in computers for the transfer of understands.
data. ❖ DOS: It stands for Disk Operating System. It is
❖ Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be a single user operating system.
transmitted in a fixed amount of time. It is ❖ DVD: Digital Versatile Disc or Digital Video Disc
usually expressed in bits per second (bps) or ❖ Dynamic: Refers to actions that take place at
bytes per second. the moment they are needed rather than in
advance.
❖ Bit: The smallest unit of information in computer
❖ EDP: Electronic Data Processing.
system. Bit is short for binary digit; either a "1”
❖ E-Mail: Electronic Mail. A facility to send
or a "0".
electronic messages to another person on a
❖ Boot: The process of getting the computer computer network.
started. ❖ End-User: The end user is the individual who
❖ Byte: A byte is made up of 8 bits. The amount uses the product after it has been fully
of memory it takes to store a single character. developed and marketed.
❖ Cache: A separate area of Primary Memory ❖ EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read Only
(RAM) where the computer stores a copy of Memory. A type of ROM that can be programmed
frequently used information for quick access. or reprogrammed usually by exposing a normally
This is meant to speed up the operation of the covered sector to UV-Light.
hard disk. ❖ Extended Memory: Memory in addition to
❖ CD-ROM: Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. conventional memory used to run and manage
This is a permanent storage device used to store applications; together with expanded memory, it
large quantities of information that need not be helps PCs to address increased amounts of data
changed. in memory.
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❖ Fax/Facsimile: A way of transmitting copies of based software and TCP/IP protocol standards.
documents over telephone lines. Fax is short for Many companies use intranets for tasks as
Facsimile. simple as distributing a company letter and for
❖ Gigabyte: Abbreviated as GB, is equal to 1024 tasks as complex as posting and updating
MB. GUI Graphical User Interface. A user technical support bulletins to service personnel
interface that works visually and is based on the worldwide. An intranet does not always include
selection of actions using a mouse or a similar permanent connection to Internet.
pointing device to click on icons or to pick ❖ Kilobyte (K, KB) Approximately one thousand
options from menus; see also icon. characters; actually 1024bytes.
❖ Hertz: A unit of frequency that means Cycles ❖ LAN An acronym for local area network. A
per Second. system of PCs that are located relatively near to
❖ High Density: The amount of information a disk each other and connected by wire so that
individual users can cooperatively process
can hold. High Density disks hold more
information and share resources; see also WAN.
information than Double Density disks.
❖ Laptop Computer: A portable computer, small
❖ Hypertext: A method of presenting information
enough to be held on a lap,but slightly larger
so the user can view it in a non-sequential way,
than a notebook computer.
regardless of how the topics were originally
arranged. It has now evolved as a flexible ❖ LED: Light Emitting Diode. An electronic device
software technology to create electronic books that lights up when electricity is passed through
provides fast and flexible access to search it.
criteria and provides quick access to information ❖ Light Pen: An input device that allows a user to
in large documents. write on or point to a special pad or the screen
of a pen-based computer, such as a PDA.
❖ HTML: Hyper Text Markup Language. A markup
or structuring language used to describe Web ❖ Macintosh: A PC based on a Motorola
and Intranet documents. It is used to define microprocessor employing GUI. Apple Macintosh
structure, appearance and placement of HTML has been in use since late eighties.
elements including, fonts, graphics, text, ❖ Macro: A symbol, name, or key that represents
hypertext links to other sites and many more a list of commands, actions or keystrokes.
details. ❖ Math co-processor: Part of the
❖ IBM: International Business Machines, a USA microprocessor; a companion chip designed to
based multinational Company. perform complex calculations.
❖ Icon: A graphical screen element that executes ❖ Megabyte (M, MB): Approximately one million
one or more commands when selected with a characters; actually 1,048,576 bytes. A
mouse or other pointing device measure of memory or storage.
❖ IDE: Integrated Device Electronics, a standard ❖ Megahertz (MHz): A measure of processing
used for connecting hard drive to a computer. speed. The higher the value, the faster a
IDE hard drives are very common and relatively computer can work.
inexpensive. ❖ Microprocessor: A single chip containing all the
elements of a computer's CPU.
❖ Intel: The manufacturer of the most popular
microprocessors or CPUs. ❖ MIPS: Million Instructions Per Seconds, a unit
for measuring the speed of a computer.
❖ Intelligent: Printer combining laser, computer
and photocopying technology. ❖ Mother Board: The main circuit board of a
computer, which carries electrical signals to and
❖ Internet: The world's largest computer network
from various parts of the computer.
that links many of the scientific, research and
❖ Multimedia: A computer system that combines
educational computers as well as commercial
text, graphics, animation, music, voice and video
networks. The internet uses TCP/IP protocols,
and computers on Internet can run on any media; may include stereo speakers as an
operating system, like, several variations of output device.
UNIX, Windows NT, and VMS etc. ❖ Multiprocessing: It refers to a computer
system’s ability to support more than one
❖ Intranet: In the most general sense, a private
corporate network that uses Internet technology
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process at the same time. It is also called ❖ Runtime: Error An error that occurs during the
multitasking. execution of a program.
❖ Nibble: Half a byte i.e. 4bits. ❖ Scanner: An input device used to copy a printed
❖ Non-Volatile Memory: This is data storage document into a computer’s memory in digital
that does not lose its contents on power off; for form, without requiring manual keying.
example, ROM. ❖ SCSI: Small Computer System Interface. A
❖ Notebook Computer: A portable computer, standard for connecting a hard drive to a
approximately 8½ by 11 inches, that fits inside computer.
a briefcase. ❖ Serial Port: An outlet on a computer used to
❖ Numeric keypad: The part of a keyboard that attach a device, such as a modem. A serial port
looks like an adding machine, with 10 digits and sends data (bits) down the wire one at a time (in
mathematical operators; usually located on the a series).
right side of the keyboard. ❖ Service Pack: It is an update to a software
❖ Office-Automation: The use of computer version that fixes an existing problem, such as a
systems to execute a variety of office operations, bug or
such as word processing, accounting and Email. ❖ provides enhancements to the product that will
❖ Parallel Port: An outlet on a computer used to appear in the next version of the product.
attach a device, such as a printer. A parallel port ❖ TCP/IP: Transmission Control Protocol /
sends data (bits) down the wire side by side Internet Protocol is a set of communication
(parallel to each other). protocols that encompass media access, packet
❖ Pentium: The fifth generation of transport, session communications, file transfer,
microprocessors. The Pentium is 2 to 3 times e-mail, and terminal emulation. TCP/IP is
faster than the 80486, the fourth generation of supported by a large number of H/W and S/W
microprocessors. vendors and is available on many computer
❖ Peripheral: Any piece of hardware attached to systems, from PCs to mainframes.
the outside of a computer. Examples are printers ❖ Troubleshoot: To isolate the source of a
and modems. problem and fix it. In case of computer systems,
❖ Pixel: Short for "Picture Element". A Pixel is the troubleshoot is usually used when the problem is
smallest dot the computer can control on the hardware related.
screen. ❖ UNIX: A multi user operating system.
❖ Portable computer: A small computer that ❖ Upgrade: A new version of a software or
usually runs on batteries. In the categories of hardware product designed to replace an older
portable computers are laptop, notebook, sub- version of the same product.
notebook and palmtop. ❖ UPS: Uninterruptible Power Supply. It is a power
❖ Protocol: In networking and communications, supply that includes a battery to maintain power
the formal specification that defines the in the event of a power cut for several minutes
procedures to follow when transmitting and to some hours.
receiving data. Protocol defines the format, ❖ Utility: A program that performs a very specific
timing, sequence and error checking used on the task, usually related to managing system
network. resources.
❖ Resolution: The size and quantity of dots that
make up a printed page, screen or scanned
image.
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