Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

“A computer is a group of electronic devices that performs various tasks based on human
instructions”.
Computer is human-made electronic device, completely controlled by the human
instructions. It takes INPUT (data), PROCESS (manipulate) it & present OUTPUT
(information).

Characteristics/features of a computer
Advantages
Speed: computer can process data very fast; a powerful computer is capable
of performing about millions of operations/second.
Accuracy: computer is known to have a high level of accuracy. Errors can occur,
but these are mainly due to human error rather technological
weakness. This term of error is known as “GIGO” (Garbage in Garbage
Out).
Storage: Every piece of information can be retained as long as desired & can
be recalled when required. A computer has this ability due to its
backup storage device.
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Programmability: It’s a versatile device & functions with the software which had been
already installed in it.
No intelligence: Computer posses no intelligence of its own. It has to be told what to
do & in what sequence.
Interactivity: A computer is an interactive device. It always responds to what we
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do.

Disadvantages
Power failure: Computers can’t function, if there are power failures/system
breakdowns.
Training: The new/old staff has to be trained on its use when the system is
transited from manual to the computerized.
Unemployment: Since computers are faster & more accurate than humans, the
current trend is to replace manpower with computers, e.g. in car
manufacturing companies.
Dependency: Now we totally rely on computers as technology advances
organizations. Due to any failure it would be difficult to survive.
Misuse of data: If information falls into the wrong hands it may be
altered/misused/destroyed. Therefore some hardware/software
security measurements must be taken for the protection of data.

Firmware is often fixed & usually small, programs that internally control various electronic
devices. Typical devices containing firmware range from end-user products such as remote
controls or calculators, scientific instrumentation & industrial robotics. Also more complex
consumer devices, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, synthesizers, etc.

Voice Synthesis is software to produce the energetic type of voice used in voice
therapy/treatment studies of vocal behavior. This method is usually very useful for
handicapped people.

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Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Manual: need human supply to control; Keyboard, Mouse, etc.

1. Input devices
Automatic: Touch screen, Barcode reader, Sensors, MICR, OMR,
Microphone, Scanner, Smart board etc.

2. Processing devices microprocessor including processing unit on motherboard,

interface cards etc.

ROM, PROM, EPROM: Bootable records (BIOS) resides in it to

test (POST) whether the attached components are working
properly.
i. Primary/main
RAM/DIMM (loads in-progress/current programs)
Cache memory provides fastest accessing to support most
frequently processing.
3. Storage devices

ii. Secondary/Auxiliary
Magnetic Disk (H.D.D, Solid State Memory)
Magnetic Tape (Cassette)
Optical Disk (CD, DVD, BD)

Soft-copy (VDU, Projector, Speaker)

4. Output devices
Hard-copy (Impact & non-impact Printers, Plotter)

5. Peripheral devices Additional &/or needless devices connected to the CPU.

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

The System Unit is the most

important part of computer
which consists of main-board,
microprocessor, storage units &
interface cards.
The functions of CPU:
1. Controlling all the
processing of data that has
been entered into computer
system via input devices.
2. Controlling the relevant
output of the information.

Main/Mother board is the main

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circuit of the system unit. The

processor, main & primary,
interface cards, ports, busses/data
cables are attached to it. It’s the
platform for the entire hardware
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devices to be connected together.

Microprocessor is (VLSI) developed on a single semiconductor chip that performs the

functions of a CPU. The chip consists of millions of tiny electronic components etched on a
piece of silicon. A microcomputer consists of a microprocessor, together with other chips
such as memory chips etc. It is more reliable, small & reduces labour costs.

Arithmetic & Logic Unit is the place where actual execution of the instructions takes
places during the processing operations. All calculations & comparisons are made in the
ALU. The data & instructions stored in the primary storage are transferred as where
required.

Control Unit is able to maintain order & direct the operations of the entire system. ALU
does not know what should be done with the data likewise, CU doesn’t perform any actual
processing on data. It manages & co-ordinates the entire system.

HPC is the use of parallel processing for running advanced application programs
efficiently, reliably & fast.

Cloud Computing means storing & accessing data & programs over the Internet instead
of computer’s storage devices.

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Embedded processor is designed for specific control

functions within a larger system, often with real-
time computing. It is embedded as part of a
complete device often including software, hardware
& electronic/mechanical parts. The program
instructions written for embedded systems are
referred to as firmware, & are stored in read-only
memory or Flash memory chips.

Modulation means converting signals from

digital to analog whereas demodulation

means to convert signals from analog into

digital signals.

(a) Five statements about interpreters & compilers are shown in the table below. Study each
statement.
Tick (✓) to show whether the statement refers to an interpreter or to a compiler.
Statement Interpreter Compiler
creates an executable file that runs directly on the computer
more likely to crash the computer since the machine code produced runs
directly on the processor
easier to debug since each line of code is analysed & checked before being
executed
slow speed of execution of program loops
it is more difficult to modify the executable code, since it is in machine
code format
stops the translation process as soon as the first error is encountered
generates an error report at the end of translation of the whole
program
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(b) State why a compiler or an interpreter is needed when running a high-level program
on a computer.
........................................................................................................................................................................................

Discuss the benefits of writing code in a low-level language.

 Can address memory addresses directly
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 No need for compilers/interpreters

 Shorter code/code requires less storage/ram
 Can (be written to) run faster.

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Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

High-level languages can be compiled or interpreted. Discuss the differences between a

compiler & an interpreter.
 Compiler produces object code / interpreter doesn’t produce object code
 Compiler translates whole program in one go / interpreter translates & executes line at
a time
 Compiler produces list of all errors / interpreter produces error message each time an
error encountered
 Compiler produces “stand alone code” / interpreter doesn’t
 Compilation process is slow but resultant code runs very quickly / interpreted code runs
slowly.

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Exercise – 1 (short questions)

Q. 1. Describe Napier’s bone & slide rule?
Napier’s bone Slide rule
Napier’s Bone is also called Napier’s Rod. The slide rule was based on Napier's ideas about
logarithms.
It was invented by John Napier in 1614. It was invented by William Oughtred in 1920s.
It consists of a wooden box containing It consists of 2 scales; the Rule & Slide & a
rotating cylinders having 0 – 9 digits. transparent moving piece called Cursor.
It can perform multiplication, division & It can perform addition, subtraction,
find square roots with the help of rods. multiplication & division.
Pascaline Hollerith Desk
Blaise Pascal invented in 1642. Herman Hollerith built tabulating machine in
1890.
Each wheel of Pascline had 10 parts having It consisted of a card reader which sensed the
digits 0 to 9. When one wheel completes a holes in cards, a gear driven mechanism which
rotation, the next wheel moves by one digit. could count & a large set of dial indicators to
It had a number of small slots for displaying display the results.
the results.
It could perform addition & subtraction on It was invented to help with the census of
whole numbers. 1890 in America.

Q. 2. Compare 1st & 3rd , 2nd & 4th generations of computers?

1st generation 3rd generation

Vacuum tubes were used. Integrated Circuits were used also known
semiconductor chips.
Developed in 1940s. Developed in 1960s.
Speed was slow & memory was very small. It improved the speed & memory of
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computer.
They were huge in size, expensive & Computer consumed less electricity, became
unreliable; consumed a lot of power & smaller, cheaper & more reliable.
generated a lot of heat.
Input was based on punched card. Keyboard & monitor were introduced.
Binary/machine language was used. Different application programs could be run
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at the same time.

2nd Generation 4th Generation
Transistors replaced vacuum tubes in 1950s. Microprocessor developed 1970s.
It reduced the size of computer. They are very fast, reliable, consume less
power & affordable.
It increased the speed & memory capacity. Variety of hardware & software are
available.
Computer became more reliable & cheaper. GUI operating system are introduced.
Assembly, FORTRAN & COBOL languages These computer supports modern
were used. programming & portable wireless devices.

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Q. 3. Differentiate between analog & digital computers?

Analog computer Digital computer
represents & processes data by measuring represents & processes data by counting
quantities, such as special purpose computers. binary digits (0s & 1s), such as general
purpose computers.
accepts data in continuous form & use analog accepts data in discrete form using various
signals. arithmetic & logic operations.
is capable to store less amount of data, fast in is capable to store large amount of data &
processing but may not be accurate. computes at a very high speed & accuracy.

HYBRID COMPUTERS
A hybrid computer combines best features of analog & digital computers.
They are special purpose computers.
These computers are fast & accurate.
Hybrid computers help the user to handle both the analog & digital data.
APPLICATIONS
Hybrid computers are used in scientific applications, monitoring industrial processes &
hospitals etc.

Q. 4. Ahmed, a class 9 student is asking his father to replace his home computer CRT
monitor with LCD monitor. How will you justify his demand?
Older cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors are being replaced by liquid crystal display (LCD)
monitors in many homes & offices etc.
LCD monitor is much thinner than CRT monitor.
LCD can fit into smaller spaces.
LCD monitor has lighter weight.
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LCD monitor consumes less power.

LCD monitor outputs a much brighter image than CRT monitor due to the high peak
intensity that it generates.

Q. 5. What will happen if storage devices are removed from a computer?

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The computer is no longer able to save the information temporarily & permanently.
The user will not be able to use its info. later.
All the efforts will be useless because the data will not be available for later use.

Q. 6. Differentiate between system & application software.

System software Application software
Controls/operates the performance of a Allows computer to be used for a specific
computer system to make the best use of application.
the hardware.
provides the common functions such as It’s also referred as productivity s/w such a
program language translations, copying & DTP that produces text & graphics.
disk cleanup etc.
O.S, Programming Language Translators, Productivity, Entertainment,
Utility, Service & Device Drivers programs Monitoring & Control software

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Q. 7. How a student can use a computer to improve academic performance.

Computer technology eases the process of learning. Many channels are available for
students to learn the different subjects. Internet has enormous info on a wide
variety of subjects. The students can wide their exposure in any topic.

Q. 8. Give any 3 uses of computers in a school library.

The computers are used at reference desk for assistance in the terms of:
 To find e-books in library digital collection.
 To keep the record of books & borrowers.
 Use for research purpose using internet.

Q. 9. Name few household appliances in which microprocessor are used.

Air Conditioner, Microwave, Washing machine, Remote controlled T.V.
where embedded processors are used.

Q. 10. What are the tasks performed by Operating System.

Jobs/Functions of an OS depends on the size & the complexity of the computer that it
supports. This can differ from single-user microcomputer to complex multi-user systems.

Provides a platform to the user to communicate with the

User interface
computer.
Job control Loads programs into the main memory; provides continuous
process of program; provides the job queuing facility with a
priority system, e.g. in printing; supports different file
organization methods.
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Memory/file Stores, retrieves, erase & copies data files & programs.
management
Keeping track of the Keeps address & records of files; notify space available; detects
resources the hardware.
Notify an illegal operation is performed & insufficient memory
Error messages
space & error message etc.
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Controls I/O devices Transfers data to & from the various peripherals.
efficiently
Handles multi- Allows the CPU to process any programs at the same time.
programming
Maintain Security Maintaining user IDs & passwords.
checks

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Q. 3. Write long answers of the following questions.

ii. Write a note on micro, mini, mainframe & super computers.

Digital computers may be classified into following sub-groups, based on their
processing, power/speed, physical & memory size & other capabilities/features of
the computers.
Micro/personal computer (Desktop/Laptop/Tablet/Smartphone)
The invention of microprocessor gave birth to microcomputers. It has limited memory,
cheap in cost, small in size etc. & suitable for single user only. It may be in shape of
Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, i-Pad.

Mini computer
It’s many times faster than microcomputer having a high CPU speed, physical & memory
size & other features. This is used by small organizations e.g. universities etc. & almost 50
users can be connected to one CPU.

Mainframe computer
Comparing with the mini-computer, it is big in size & has vast memory, costly & process
data at hundreds of million instructions/sec. It is used by large organizations e.g. banks &
airlines etc. & 1000s of users can be connected to a mainframe.

Super computer are hybrid & used for scientific & engineering applications to perform
great amount of computation. Their speed is measured in TIPs. These computers are used
in nuclear research & forecasting weather reports worldwide.

iii. Explain the basic operations of a computer.

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By :

A computer as displayed in diagram above carry out mainly five main operations or
functions irrespective of their size & make. These are
1) It accepts data or instructions through way of input,
2) It stores data,
3) It can process data as needed by the user, &
4) It performs & manages all operations inside a computer
5) It provides results in the form of output.

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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

iv. Write short note on the following:

Hardware Engineer is an IT professional who designs & manufactures computer
hardware.
Network Administrator is a person who is responsible for installation, configuration
& maintenance of the computer networks in an organization.
Database Administrator is a person who is responsible for the design,
implementation & maintenance of a database in an organization.
Web Designer creates & maintains the websites on the internet.
Multimedia Designer design computer-based movies/presentation using multimedia
software by combining text, graphic & audio.

v. Describe the following types of application software:

Productivity software is an application dedicated to producing information, such as
documents, presentations, worksheets, databases, charts, graphs, digital paintings,
electronic music & digital video etc.
Business software application is a set of computer programs used by business users
to perform various business functions. These business applications are used to
increase productivity, to measure productivity & to perform other business functions
accurately.
Entertainment software supports a hobby or provides a form of amusement. It
includes video games, videos using specific software i.e. VLC & Windows Media
Player etc.
Education software can be used by teachers & students to support teaching &
learning. It is essential in any learning environment to allow teachers & students
maximize the power of the computer.

Q. Differentiate between impact & non-impact printers.

Impact non-impact
Physically strike on ribbon to put impact on the paper Uses light & heat or ink to print on paper
Inexpensive, slow & noisy Costly, fast & silent
Produce low quality outputs Produce high quality outputs
Used in dusty environment e.g. factories Used in friendly environment e.g. offices
Dot matrix, daisy wheel are examples. Laser, thermal & ink-jet are examples.

Plotter is an output device & produces large scale printings e.g. Pana-flexes, maps etc.
Ink & pen plotters are two types. It is much expensive than printer.

Joystick is a pointing input device with a vertical lever mounted on a base.

It usually includes buttons called triggers which activate certain events when pressed.
Joystick is mainly used for games & plane simulations etc.

Touchpad is an input device found on laptops to move a cursor with finger.

As the finger is moved on the surface the mouse cursor moves in same direction.

Computer Aided Design involves the use of computer hardware & graphic software to
create prototype of a product e.g. the design of an object.
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 Computer Science – IX (2017 Syllabi) Chapter: 01

Computer Aided Manufacturing involves the use of computing devices producing the
final making operation e.g. automobile & textile etc.

Mark-1 was a first digital computer invented by Howard Aiken in 1944.

It could add 3 numbers having 8 digits in a second & print out its results on punched
cards or an electronic typewriter.
It used 3000 electric switches & was 50 feet long, 8 feet high & weighted about 5 tons.

Point to ponder
Keyboard arrangement QWERTY placed keys in such a manner that the most used/common
letters are queued in middle row, then in top row & fewer common keys are lined up in lower
row.

Q. Why does computer have different types of memories at the same time?
Because the data needs to be stored at every stage throughout the processing &
different types of memories have different capabilities & characteristics.

Open Source Shareware

Free available in the form of source code. Free trial version available for a limited period.
Allows users to improve, change & distribute Allows user to decide whether to buy full version.
the codes.
Linux & Java programming are examples. Anti-virus & games etc. are examples.
Freeware
Full version is available free of cost for unlimited period.
Has some restrictions such as allowed for personal or academic user only.
Google Chrome & VLC media player are examples.

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