Contents

1. Fundamentals of Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15

2. Components of Computer System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-33

3. Memory Organisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-54

4. Computer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55-84

5. Computer Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85-93

6. Database Management System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94-107

7. Computer Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108-122

8. Basics of Internet Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123-146

9. Microsoft Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .147-166

10. Microsoft Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .167-204

11. Computer & Network Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .205-215

12. Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-222

13. Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .223-236

14. Technologies and Terms used in Internet Banking . . . . . . . .237-239

15. Current Information and Developments in IT field . . . . . . . .240-243

 Basics Of Computer

Evolution of computer

1. First counting device ( calculator) was abacus from Asia.

2. 1642 - Blaise pascal invented the first mechanical digital calculator called ‘ Pascaline’
3. Leibniz Calculator - Leibniz was successfully introduced as a calculator onto the
market in the year 1646. It was designed further in 1673 but it took until 1694 to
complete. The calculator could perform the basic mathematical operations such as
add, subtract, multiply, and divide. Wheels were placed at right angles which could
be displaced by a special stepping mechanism
4. 1812 Charles P. Babbage, the father of computer designed
a. The difference engine
b. Analytical engine
5. Augusta Ada the first programmer
a. Suggested the use of binary system inserted of decimal for storage.
6. 1906 - vacuum tube is invented by American physicist - Lee De Forest
7. 1941 - Konrad zuse
a. Invented the machine z3 first to work on binary system
8. 1944 - Howard aiken, in collaboration with IBM engineers created Mark I
a. Mark I could handle all 4 arithmetic operation at once
9. 1945 Dr John von Neumann presented a paper outlining on the stored program
concept.
a. ENIAC ( electronic numerical integrator and calculator ) - first computer
b. In 1949 maurice v wilkies built EDSAC ( electronic delay storage automatic
computer )
i. First stored program computer.
c. Edvac - electronic discrete variable automatic computer.It was designed by J.
Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania

C - Commonly; O - Oriented; M - Machine; P - Particularly; U - Used; T - for Trade; E -

Education; R - and Research.

DEFINITION OF COMPUTER
● A computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the
user and processes this data under the control of set of instructions (called program)
and gives the result (output) and saves output for the future reference and usage.

To know about the working of a computer, first need to understand various terms such as
Data, Processing and Information, First of all, lets start with three basic terms:-

1. Data: Data is a collection of basic facts and figure without any sequence. This data is also
called as raw data. When the data is collected as facts and figures, there is no meaning to it,
at that time, for example, name of people, names of employees etc.
2. Processing: Processing is the set of instructions given by the user to the related data that
was collected earlier to output meaningful information. The computer does the required
processing by making the necessary calculations, comparisons and decisions.

3. Information: Information is the end point or the final output of any processed work. This
meaningful output data is called information.

CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER

The major characteristics of computers are the following:

Speed: A powerful computer is capable of executing about 3 million calculations per second.

Accuracy: A computer's accuracy is consistently high; if there are errors, they are due to
errors in instructions given by the programmer.

Reliability: The output generated by the computer is very reliable as long as the data is
reliable.

Memory/Storage Capacity: The computer can store large volumes of data and makes the
retrieval of data an easy task.

Versatility: The computer can accomplish many different things. It can accept information
through various input-output devices, perform arithmetic and logic operations, generate a
variety of outputs in a variety of forms, etc.

Automation: Once the instructions are fed into computer it works automatically without any
human intervention.

Diligence: A computer will never fail to perform its task due to distraction or laziness.

Convenience: Computers are usually easy to access, and allow people to find information
easily that without a would be very difficult.

Flexibility: Computers can be used for entertainment, for business, by people who hold
different ideals or who have varied goals. Almost anyone can use a computer, and
computers can be used to assist with almost any goal.

GOALS OF COMPUTERS

1. Problem-solving techniques using the computer.

2. Analysis of complex problems and the synthesis of solutions.

3. Comprehension of modern software engineering principles.

4 A vast breadth and depth of knowledge in the discipline of computer science.

COMPUTER CAPABILITIES

Like all machines, a computer needs to be directed and controlled in order to perform a task
successfully. Until such time as a program is prepared and stored in the computer's memory,
the computer 'knows' absolutely nothing, not even how to accept or reject data. Even the
most sophisticated computer, no matter how capable it is, must be told what to do. Until the
capabilities and the limitations of a computer are recognized, its usefulness cannot be
thoroughly understood.

In the first place, it should be recognized that computers are capable of doing repetitive
operations. A computer can perform similar operations thousands of times, without
becoming bored, tired, or even careless.

Secondly, computers can process information at extremely rapid rates. For example,
modern computers can solve certain classes of arithmetic problems millions of times faster
than a skilled mathematician. Speeds for performing decision-making operations are
comparable to those for arithmetic operations but input-output operations, however, involve
mechanical motion and hence require more time. On a typical computer system, cards are
read at an average speed of 1000 cards per minute and as many as 1000 lines can be
printed at the same rate.

Thirdly, computers may be programmed to calculate answers to whatever level of accuracy

is specified by the programmer. In spite of newspaper headlines such as 'Computer Fails',
these machines are very accurate and reliable especially when the number of operations
they can perform every second is considered. Because they are man-made machines, they
sometimes malfunction or break down and have to be repaired. However, in most instances
when the computer fails, it is due to human error and is not the fault of the computer at all.

In the fourth place, general-purpose computers can be programmed to solve various types
of problems because of their flexibility. One of the most important reasons why comparers
are so widely use today is that almost every big problem can be solved by solving a number
of little problems-one after another.

Finally, a computer, unlike a human being, has no intuition. A person may suddenly find the
answer to a problem without working out too many of the details, but a computer can only
proceed as it has been programmed to.

FIVE GENERATIONS OF COMPUTERS

First Generation of Computers (1942-1955)

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory and
they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was based on punched cards, paper tape
and output was displayed on printouts.
Example of 1st generation computers:- UNIVAC, ENIAC, EDVAC, EDSAC.
 Advantages:

1. Vacuum tubes were the only electronic component available during those
days.
2. Vacuum tube technology made possible to make electronic digital computers.
3. These computers could calculate data in millisecond.

Disadvantages:

1. The computers were very large in size.

2. They consumed a large amount of energy.
3. Non-portable.
4. Limited commercial use.
5. Very slow speed.
6. Used machine language only.
7. Used magnetic drums which provide very less data storage.

Second Generation Computers (1955-1964)

The second generation computers used transistors. The size of the computers was
decreased by replacing vacuum tubes with transistors. The examples of second
generation computers are IBM 7094 series, IBM 1400 series and CDC 164 etc.

Advantages:

1. Smaller in size as compared to the first generation computers.

2. Used less energy and were not heated.
3. Better speed and could calculate data in microseconds
4. Used faster peripherals like tape drives, magnetic disks, printer etc.
5. Used Assembly language instead of Machine language.

Disadvantages:

1. Cooling system was required

2. Constant maintenance was required
3. Only used for specific purposes
4. Costly and not versatile

Third Generation Computers (1964-1975)

The Third generation computers used the integrated circuits (IC). The first IC was
invented and used in 1961. The size of an IC is about 4 square inch. A single IC chip
may contain thousands of transistors. The computer became smaller in size, faster,
more reliable and less expensive. The examples of third generation computers are
IBM 370, IBM System/360, UNIVAC 1108 and UNIVAC AC 9000 etc.
 An integrated circuit (IC), sometimes called a chip or microchip, is a
semiconductor wafer on which thousands or millions of tiny resistors, capacitors, and
transistors are fabricated.

Advantages:

a. Smaller in size as compared to previous generations.

b. More reliable.
c. Used less energy.
d. Better speed and could calculate data in nanoseconds.

Disadvantages:

a. Air conditioning was required.

b. Highly sophisticated technology required for the manufacturing of IC chips.

Fourth Generation Computers (1975-1980’s)

The fourth generation computers started with the invention of Microprocessor. The
Microprocessor contains thousands of ICs. The LSI (Large Scale Integration) circuit
and VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) circuit was designed. It greatly reduced the
size of computer. The size of modern Microprocessors is usually one square inch. It
can contain millions of electronic circuits. The examples of fourth generation
computers are Apple Macintosh & IBM PC.

Advantages:

1. More powerful and reliable than previous generations.

2. Small in size
3. Fast processing power with less power consumption
4. Fan for heat discharging and thus to keep cold.
5. Cheapest among all generations
6. All types of High level languages can be used in this type of computers

Disadvantages:

The latest technology is required for manufacturing of Microprocessors.

Fifth Generation Computers (Present & Beyond)

Scientists are working hard on the 5th generation computers with quite a few
breakthroughs. It is based on the technique of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Computers
can understand spoken words & imitate human reasoning. IBM Watson computer is
one example that outsmarts Harvard University Students.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS ::
Computers can be classified according to the following types:
Based on Work/operation

1. Analog
2. Digital
3. Hybrid

Analog vs. Digital Computers: Key Facts

1. Data Representation:
● Digital: Discrete. All information, including numbers, letters, images, and sounds, is
converted into binary code (combinations of 0s and 1s) for processing. These are
essentially on/off switches.
● Analog: Continuous. Physical quantities like voltage, pressure, or length represent
data. Changes in these physical properties correspond to changes in the data being
processed. Think of a dimmer switch where a small turn creates a big difference in
brightness.

2. Processing:
● Digital: Operates in discrete steps based on logical instructions. It can perform
complex calculations, make logical decisions, and manipulate various data types very
quickly. Think of following a recipe with exact measurements.
● Analog: Solves problems by manipulating the physical properties representing the
data. The accuracy of the results depends on the accuracy of the physical
measurements themselves. Imagine adjusting a recipe based on how things look or
feel rather than exact measurements.

3. Other Key Differences:

● Memory: Digital computers have large memory capacities to store data and
programs in binary form. Analog computers have limited memory capabilities, often
relying on physical properties of their components.
● Speed: Digital computers are generally faster and more versatile than analog
computers due to their discrete processing and ability to store complex instructions.
● Applications:
○ Digital: Widely used for general-purpose computing tasks like web browsing,
word processing, scientific calculations, video editing, etc.
■ .Examples of digital computers are desktop , personal computers,
workstations,tablet PC et
○ Analog: Used in specific applications where continuous processing is
advantageous, like flight simulators, some medical equipment (e.g.,
electrocardiograms), or specialized control systems.
■ Examples of analog computers include speedometer, Voltmeter and
Ammeter.

3. Hybrid
Hybrid computers as the name suggests are a good mix of analog as well as digital
computers, using an analog computer front-end, which is then fed into a digital computer’s
repetitive process. Hybrid computers are used for scientific calculations, in defence and
systems.
● Example STD/PCO

Based On Purpose ::
On the basis of purpose, computers are categorised as following

1. General Purpose
● These computers are designed to work on different types of applications. In these
types of computers the programs are not stored permanently rather programs are
input at the time of their execution. Personal computers, including desktops,
notebooks, smart phones and tablets, are all examples of general-purpose
computers. Various tasks can be accomplished by using general purpose computers
: For example writing and editing (word processing), manipulating different facts and
figures in various databases, tracking manufacturing inventory, making scientific
calculations, controlling organization’s security system, electricity consumption,
building temperature etc.

2. Special Purpose
● Special-Purpose computers are task specific computers and are designed to solve a
particular problem. They are also known as dedicated computers, because these
computers are dedicated to perform a single particular task repetitively. Examples of
such computer systems include the traffic control system ,they are also used in video
games ,navigational systems in an aircraft, weather forecasting, satellite launch
tracking, oil exploration, and in automotive industries, keeping time in a digital watch,
or Robot helicopter.

Based On Memory Size And Performance

Computers can be generally classified by size and power as follows -

1. Micro Computer

A microcomputer is a computer that uses a microprocessor as its central processing

unit. Microcomputers are physically smaller in size as compared to mainframe and
minicomputers. Many microcomputers when equipped with a keyboard and screen
for input and output respectively can be used as personal computers (in the generic
sense) Microcomputers are easier to use and also inexpensive as the memory used
by them i.e microprocessors and semi conductors have become cheaper in the last
few years.
E.g.: The various micro computers widely available are IBM pcs, APPLE mac etc. the
small types of pes like the palmtop and handheld are now becoming available.

2. Minicomputer
 It is a midsize computer. In the past few years the difference between large
minicomputers and small mainframes has decreased significantly just like the
distinction between small minicomputers and workstations.
● A minicomputer can support upto 200 users at the same time.
● E.g.: The various machines widely available are vax series 8200 and 8300,
honeywell(xps-100), icl's series 36 level 20,50,60 galaxy-21, hel-4, nelco-5000 and
others.

3. Mainframe
Mainframe computers known as the "Big Iron" are computers that are used primarily
by corporate and governmental organizations. Modern mainframe design is generally
defined by the following features:
● can support upto 1000 users at the same time.
● High reliability and security
● Extensive input-output facilities with the ability to offload to separate engines
● Strict backward compatibility with older version of software

4. Supercomputer

Supercomputer is a term used for one of the fastest computers that exist today. They are
deployed for specialized applications and figures at one task at a time that require
processing of highly critical data and immense amounts of mathematical calculations.
E.g. :- Weather forecasting, nuclear energy research and petroleum exploration requires a
supercomputer
● PARAM is a series of supercomputers designed and assembled by the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Pune, India.
○ Currently AIRAWAT is India's fastest ranked 75 in world.
● Frontier is the world's fastest supercomputer.

5. PERSONAL COMPUTERS

● Personal Computers are computers that are designed for an individual user. These
computers are small and a relatively cheaper. In price, personal computers can range
anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over five thousand pounds. Personal
Computers use the microprocessor technology as they enable manufacturers to put
an entire CPU onto one chip. They serve myriad purposes and can be put to use by
various businesses for word processing, accounting, desktop publishing, and for
running spreadsheet and database management applications. People across the
globe use internet for playing games, surfing net and other online applications at their
homes and personal use.

● Types of Personal Computers

 Personal computers can be classified on the basis of its size. There are two
basic types of the traditional designs i.e the desktop models and tower
models. There are several variations on these two basic types also.

1. Tower model
This model of personal computer refers to a computer in which the power
supply, motherboard, and other mass storage devices are stacked on top of
each other in a cabinet.

2. Desktop model
Desktop model means computer that are designed to fit comfortably on top of
a desk, with the monitor sitting on top of the computer. Desktop model
computers as compared to the tower model are broad and low, whereas
tower model computers are narrow and tall.

3. Notebook computer
Also called ultra book. These are extremely popular because they are
extremely lightweight and portable. Because of their small size typically less
than 6 pounds or lesser than that, they have become so popular. These
flat-panel technologies can produce a lightweight and non-bulky display
screen. The quality of notebook display screens also differs considerably.
Modern notebook computers are very similar to personal computers in terms
of computing power.

4. Laptop computer
Laptop are now a days also called notebook computers. These are small and
portable . You can make them sit on your lap and work on them.

5. Subnotebook computer
Subnotebook computers are portable computers that are even lighter and
smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. They are light weight because
they use a small keyboard and screen as compared to a notebook computer.

6. Hand-held computer
These computers are portable enough to be carried in one's hand. They are
extremely convenient for use but due to extremely small size of their
keyboards and screens they have still not succeeded in to replacing notebook
computers.

7. Palmtop
These computers as the name suggest fit in your palm. Due to extremely
small size their use is limited to phone books and calendars.

8. PDA ( handheld/ personal digital assistant )

PDA's have electronic pens rather than keyboards for inputs unlike laptop.
They also incorporate handwriting recognition features, and voice recognition
technologies i.e can also react to voice input. PDAs are also called palmtops,
hand-held computers and pocket computers.
 9. Smart phones
Smart phones are cellular phones that function both as a phone and a small
pc. They may use a pen or may have a small keyboard. They can be
connected to the internet wirelessly. Apple, Samsung, Sony are some
manufacturers of smart phones.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER

In the Field of Education

Computers have taken the education systems in the entire world to a different level
altogether. Following are the uses of computers in education-

1. Making classrooms effective: The traditional classes have become modern and
high-tech with the advent of computers. Students now see multimedia presentations,
clips, images, etc. with the help of computers. This gives them a better experience of
education as compared to the monotonous blackboard teaching. This way, the power
of students to remember or recollect the taught concepts increases as the classroom
learning becomes interesting.

2. Providing online education: Computers not only strengthen the traditional

education system but also provide a new mode of pursuing educational courses and
degrees. This mode is called as online training mode of education. Online education
system offers several benefits to the students which they can't avail in traditional
education system.

3. Helps in research work: Computers help students of schools, colleges and

universities in their research works. Gone are the days when students would go to
libraries, and other Knowledge processing units to complete their research work.
With the help of computers students now pursue their research work with ease and
get ample amount of information for the same with easy clicks.

In the Field of Office

1. Document Management system: Document Management system consists of

different applications like word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets etc.

1. Word Processing: is used to create documents electronically. It is used to

produce high-quality letters, proposals, reports and brochures etc.
2. Desktop Publishing: is used to make these documents attractive with photos
and graphics etc. it is used to publish the documents.
 3. Spreadsheet Application: is used to maintain records and calculate expenses,
profits and losses. It is also used to perform mathematical, statistical and
logical passing.

2. Office Support System: It is used to coordinate and manage the activities of a

workgroup. The members of a workgroup can share their work and coordinate with
one another. Groupware and desktop organizers are examples of this system.

In the Field of Medicine

1. Hospital Administration Hospital is an important organization, We can use

computer for the administration of a hospital. We can computerize the accounting,
payroll and stock system of the hospital. We can keep the record of different
medicines, their distribution and use in different wards etc.

2. Recording Medical History: Computer can be used to store medical history of

patients. We can store important facts about patients in computer we can keep
record if his past treatment, suggested medicines and their results. Such systems
can be very effective and helpful for doctors.

3. Monitoring systems: Some serious patients must be monitored continuously.

Monitoring is needed especially in operation theatres and intensive care units. Many
computerized device are used to monitor the blood pressure, heartbeat and brain of
the patients.

4. Life Support System: life support systems are used to help the disabled persons.
Many devices are used that help deaf person to hear, scientists are trying to create a
device to help blind person to see.

5. Diagnosis of Diseases: Different software are available to store data about

different diseases and their symptoms. Diagnosis of disease is possible by entering
the symptoms of a patient. Different computerized devices are used in laboratories
for different tests of blood.

In the Field of Defence

1. Computers are used to track incoming missiles and help slew weapons systems
onto the incoming target to destroy them.

2. Computers are used in helping the military find out where all their assets are
(Situational Awareness) and in Communications/Battle Management Systems.

3. Computers are used in the logistic and ordering functions of getting equipment to
and around the battlefield.

4. Computers are used in tanks and planes and ships to target enemy forces, help
run the platform and more recently to help diagnose any problems with the platforms.
5. Computers are used as gateways between different computer networks and to
host security functions (crypto systems).
 10 Fundamentals of Computer

PAST EXERCISE
1. Which of the following are computers that can (a) server (b) supercomputer
be carried around easily ? [SBI Clerk, 2009] (c) network (d) enterprise
(a) Minicomputers (b) Supercomputers (e) None of these
(c) PCs (d) Laptops 8. Portable computer, also known as laptop
(e) None of these computer, weighing between 4 and 10 pounds is
called [SBI PO, 2011]
2. The basic goal of computer process is to convert
(a) general-purpose application
data into [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(b) Internet
(a) files (b) tables
(c) scanner
(c) information (d) graphs
(d) printer
(e) None of these
(e) notebook computer
3. Which of the following refers to the fastest,
9. Which of the following is the fastest type of
biggest and most expensive computers ?
computer? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (a) Laptop (b) Notebook
(a) Personal Computers (c) Personal computer (d) Workstation
(b) Supercomputers (e) Supercomputer
(c) Laptops 10. A computer system [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(d) Notebooks (a) hardware (b) software
(e) None of these (c) peripheral devices (d) All of these
4. A central computer that holds collections of data (e) None of these
and programs for many PCs, workstations and 11. A ________ is a large and expensive computer
other computers is a(n) ——[SBI Clerk, 2009] capable of simultaneously processing data for
(a) supercomputer (b) minicomputer hundreds or thousands of users.
(c) laptop (d) server [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these (a) handheld computer
5. A ——— is an electronic device that process (b) mainframe computer
data, converting it into information. (c) personal computer
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (d) tablet computer
(a) computer (b) processor (e) None of these
(c) case (d) stylus 12. A personal computer is designed to meet the
computing needs of a(n) [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these
(a) individual (b) department
6. A central computer that holds collections
programs for many PCs, workstations computers (c) company (d) city
is a(n) [IBPS PO, 2011] (e) None of these
(a) supercomputer (b) minicomputer 13. Ctrl, shift and alt are called _________ keys.
(c) laptop (d) server [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these (a) adjustment (b) function
7. Personal computers can be connected together (c) modifier (d) alphanumeric
to form a [IBPS PO, 2011] (e) None of these
Fundamentals of Computer 11
14. Super computer developed by Indian scientists 16. Supercomputers _______ [SBI Clerk, 2012]
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (a) are smaller in size and processing capability
(a) Param (b) Super30l than mainframe computers
(c) Compaq Presario (d) Cray YMP (b) are common in majority of households
(e) Blue Gene (c) contain thousands of microprocessors
15. A computer used at supermarkets, departmental (d) are rarely used by researchers due to their
stores and restaurant etc is called ______ lack of computing capacity
terminal [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) are of the same size as laptops
(a) P-O-S (b) Dumb
(c) Intelligent (d) Smart
(e) calculating

ANSWER KEy

1. (d) 5. (b) 9. (e) 13. (b)

2. (c) 6. (d) 10. (d) 14. (a)
3. (b) 7. (c) 11. (b) 15 (a)
4. (b) 8. (e) 12. (a) 16. (c)
 12 Fundamentals of Computer

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Which of the following is NOT associated with 8. The basic goal of computer process is to convert
Computers? data into __________.
(a) Bit (b) Binary (a) information (b) tables
(c) Pencil (d) Mouse (c) files (d) graphs
(e) Screen (e) None of these
2. The first computer which provides storage is 9. Computers gather data, which means they allow
(a) EDSAC (b) EDBAC users to __________ data.
(c) MARK-I (d) ACE (a) present (b) store
(e) None of these (c) output (d) input
3. Microcomputer hardware consists of three basic (e) None of these
categories of physical equipment __________. 10. Which of the following is not the major function
(a) keyboard, monitor, hard drive of a computer?
(b) system unit, input/output, memory (a) Processing data into information
(c) system unit, input/output, secondary storage (b) Storing data or information
(d) system unit, primary storage, secondary storage (c) Gathering data
(e) None of these (d) Analysing data or information
4. A desktop computer is also known as a – (e) None of these
(a) Palm Pilot (b) PC 11. When your computer stops working suddenly, it
(c) laptop (d) mainframe is referred to as a __________.
(e) None of these (a) crash (b) die
5. The benefit of using computers is that ________. (c) death (d) penalty
(a) Computers are very fast and can store huge (e) None of these
amounts of data 12. First supercomputer developed in India is
(b) Computers provide accurate output even (a) PARAM
when input is incorrect (b) ARYA BHATT
(c) Computers are designed to be inflexible (c) BUDDHA
(d) All of these (d) SHIVA
(e) None of these (e) None of these
6. In latest generation computers, the instructions 13. The benefit of using computers is that
are executed (a) Computers are very fast and can store huge
(a) Parallel only amounts of correct.
(b) Sequentially only (b) Computers provide accurate output even
(c) Both sequentially and parallel when input is incorrect
(d) All of above (c) Computers are designed to be inflexible
(e) None of these (d) All of the above
7. Which of the following are computers that can (e) None of these
be carried around easily? 14. Personal computer is
(a) Laptops (b) Supercomputers (a) MC (b) SC
(c) PCs (d) Minicomputers (c) YC (d) PC
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Fundamentals of Computer 13
15. A desktop computer is also known as _________. (c) spaghetti code
(a) Palm Pilot (b) PC (d) source code
(c) laptop (d) mainframe (e) None of the above
(e) None of these 23. __________ are specially designed computer
16. A __________ is a small hand-held computer chips that reside inside other devices, such as
that helps you surf the Web and perform simple your car or your electronic thermostat.
tasks. (a) Server
(a) desktop computer (b) mobile phone (b) Embedded computers
(c) notebook computer (d) minicomputer (c) Robotic computers
(e) PDA (d) Main frames
17. A portable, personal computer, small enough to (e) None of these
fit on your lap, is called a __________.
24. Every computer has a(n) __________; many
(a) notebook computer
also have __________.
(b) handheld computer
(a) operating system; a client system
(c) mainframe computer
(b) operating system; instruction sets
(d) desktop computer
(c) application programs; an operating system
(e) super computer
(d) application programs; a client system
18. Computers manipulate data in many ways, and
this manipulation is called (e) operating system; application programs
(a) upgrading (b) processing 25. Computers that are portable and convenient for
(c) batching (d) utilising users who travel are known as
(e) downloading (a) supercomputers (b) planners
19. Microprocessor was introduced in which (c) minicomputers (d) file servers
generation of computer? (e) laptops
(a) Second Generation 26. The computer’s capability of distinguishing
(b) Fourth Generation spoken words is called
(c) Both (a) and (b) (a) voice analysis
(d) Fourth Generation (b) speech acknowledgment
(e) None of these (c) voice recognition
20. A __________ computer is a large and expensive (d) speech interpretation
computer capable of simultaneously processing (e) vocalisation
data for hundreds or thousands of users
27. What is an embedded system?
(a) server (b) mainframe
(a) A program that comes wrapped in a box.
(c) desktop (d) tablet
(b) A program that is permanent part of a
(e) None of these
computer
21. Compatibility in regard to computers refers to
(c) A computer that is part of a larger computer
(a) the software doing the right job for the user
(d) A computer and software system that
(b) it being versatile enough to handle the job
controls a machine or appliance
(c) the software being able to run on the
computer (e) None of these
(d) software running with other previously 28. All computers must have
installed software (a) a word processing software
(e) None of the above (b) an operating system
22. The first computers were programmed using (c) an attached printer
(a) assembly language (d) a virus checking program
(b) machine language (e) None of these
14 Fundamentals of Computer
29. Computers excel at 35. Analog computer works on the supply of
(a) performing the same action(s) over and (a) continuous electrical pulses
over the same way. (b) Electrical pulses but not continuous
(b) keeping track of large numbers of small (c) Magnetic strength
details.
(d) Physical strength
(c) providing creative solutions to problems.
(e) Natural strength
(d) working in fractions of seconds.
36. Laptops are
(e) All of these
(a) Computers used in chemical laboratories
30. Which of the following refers to the fastest,
(b) Portable, light weight and fit into briefcases
biggest and most, expensive computers?
(c) Hearing voice recognition system
(a) Notebooks
(d) Desktop
(b) Personal Computers
(e) All of the above
(c) Laptops
37. ________ is not a microcomputer
(d) Supercomputers
(a) Desktop computer
(e) PDAs
(b) Tablet PC
31. Which is not a basic function of a computer?
(c) Handled computer
(a) Accept and process data
(d) Mainframe computer
(b) Accept input
(e) Laptop
(c) Process data
38. General purpose computer are used for
(d) Store data
(a) Accounting
(e) Scan text (b) Creating a small database
32. Choose the odd one out. (c) Performs calculation
(a) Microcomputer (d) All of the above
(b) Minicomputer (e) None of these
(c) Supercomputer 39. Which is not the example of special purpose
(d) Notebook computer computer ?
(e) Digital computer (a) Automatic Aircraft Landing
33. A computer system that is old and perhaps not (b) Word Processor
satisfactory is referred to as a(n) (c) Multimedia computer
(a) Ancient system (b) Historical system (d) All of the above
(c) Age old system (d) Legacy system (e) None of these
(e) Legal system 40. Palmtop computer is also known as
34. The basic goal of a computer process is to (a) Personal computer
convert data into (b) Notebook computer
(a) graphs (b) tables (c) Tablet PC
(c) files (d) information (d) Handled computer
(e) diagram (e) None of these
Fundamentals of Computer 15
ANSWER KEy

1. (c) 8. (a) 15. (b) 22. (b) 29. (e) 36. (b)
2. (a) 9. (d) 16. (c) 23. (b) 30. (d) 37. (d)
3. (b) 10. (d) 17. (a) 24. (e) 31. (e) 38. (d)
4. (b) 11. (a) 18. (b) 25. (e) 32. (d) 39. (b)
5. (a) 12. (a) 19. (d) 26. (c) 33. (d) 40. (d)
6. (c) 13. (a) 20. (b) 27. (d) 34. (d)
7. (a) 14. (d) 21. (d) 28. (b) 35. (a)
 Chapter
Components of
2 Computer System
Any computer system consists of the four basic units; namely input unit, storage unit, central processing unit
and output unit. Central Processing unit consists of Arithmetic logic unit and Control unit.
A computer performs five major functions no matter what size they are of as follows:
• Data or Instructions are accepted as input,
• Data and Instruction are stored
• Processing of data as per the instructions,
• Control of all operations inside the computer
• Result in the form of output.

baSiC ComponentS of Computer SyStemS

Following are the various components of a computer system–

Input Unit
Data and instructions must enter the computer system before any computation can be performed on the supplied
data. The input unit that links the external environment with the computer system performs this task. An input
unit performs the following functions :
• It accepts (or reads) the list of instructions and data from the outside world.
• It converts these instructions and data in computer acceptable format.
• It supplies the converted instructions and data to the computer system for further processing.

Output Unit
The job of an output unit is just the reverse of that of an input unit. It supplied information and results of
computation to the outside world. Thus it links the computer with the external environment. As computers
Components of Computer System 17
work with binary code, the results produced are also in the binary form. Hence, before supplying the results
to the outside world, it must be converted to human acceptable (readable) form. This task is accomplished by
units called output interfaces.
Following functions are performed by an output unit.
• It accepts the results produced by the computer which are in coded form and hence cannot be easily
understood by us.
• It converts these coded results to human acceptable (readable) form.
• It supplied the converted results to the outside world.

Storage Unit
The data and instructions that are entered into the computer system through input units have to be stored
inside the computer before the actual processing starts. Similarly, the results produced by the computer after
processing must also be kept somewhere inside the computer system before being passed on to the output
units. The Storage Unit or the primary / main storage of a computer system is designed to do all these things. It
provides space for storing data and instructions, space for intermediate results and also space for the final results.
The specific functions of the storage unit are to store:
• All the data to be processed and the instruction required for processing (received from input devices).
• Final results of processing before these results are released to an output device.

Central proCeSSinG unit (Cpu)

Central Processing Unit

The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is responsible for all events inside the computer. It
controls all internal and external devices, performs “Arithmetic and Logical operations”. The operations a
Microprocessor performs are called “instruction set” of this processor. The instruction set is “hard wired” in
the CPU and determines the machine language for the CPU. The more complicated the instruction set is, the
slower the CPU works. Processors differed from one another by the instruction set. If the same program can
run on two different computer brands they are said to be compatible. Programs written for IBM compatible
computers will not run on Apple computers because these two architectures are not compatible.
The control Unit and the Arithmetic and Logic unit of a computer system are jointly known as the Central
Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU is the brain of any computer system. In a human body, all major decisions
are taken by the brain and the other parts of the body function as directed by the brain. Similarly, in a computer
system, all major calculations and comparisons are made inside the CPU and the CPU is also responsible for
activating and controlling the operations of other units of a computer system.

Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) of a computer system is the place where the actual execution of the
instructions take place during the processing operations. All calculations are performed and all comparisons
(decisions) are made in the ALU. The data and instructions, stored in the primary storage prior to processing
are transferred as and when needed to the ALU where processing takes place. No processing is done in the
primary storage unit. Intermediate results generated in the ALU are temporarily transferred back to the primary
storage until needed at a later time. Data may thus move from primary storage to ALU and back again as
storage many times before the processing is over. After the completion of processing, the final results which
are stored in the storage unit are released to an output device.
The arithmetic and logic unit (ALU) is the part where actual computations take place. It consists of circuits
that perform arithmetic operations (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division over data received from
memory and capable to compare numbers (less than, equal to, or greater than).
 18 Components of Computer System
Control Unit
The control unit directs and controls the activities of the internal and external devices. It interprets the instructions
fetched into the computer, determines what data, if any, are needed, where it is stored, where to store the results
of the operation, and sends the control signals to the devices involved in the execution of the instructions.
Register : In a computer, a register is one of a small set of data holding places that are part of a computer
processor. A register may hold a computer instruction, a storage address, or any kind of data (such as a bit
sequence or individual characters).

input DeviCeS
Input devices include those devices with the help of which we enter data into computer as they make a link
between user and computer. These devices translate the human readable information into the form understandable
by computer. The various devices are as follows –
1. Keyboard : Keyboard is among the most common and popular input device . It is used to input the data
to the computer. In traditional times the typewriter was used. The keyboard has the layout similar to that
of a typewriter but some additional keys are present that have additional functions.
The keys are following :

Sr. No. Keys Description

1 Typing Keys These keys include the letter keys (A-Z) and digits keys (0-9) .
2 Numeric Keypad It is used to enter numeric data or cursor movement. It has a set of 17 keys
that are in the same layout as that of calculators.
3 Function Keys There are twelve functions keys present on the keyboard. These are arranged
in a row along the top of the keyboard. Each function key has unique
meaning and is used for some specific purpose.
4 Control keys These keysare used to provide cursor and screen control. It includes four
directional arrow key. Control keys also include Home, End, Insert, Delete,
Page Up, Page Down, Control(Ctrl), Alternate(Alt), Escape(Esc).
5 Special Purpose Keyboard also contains some special purpose keys such as Enter, Shift,
Keys Caps Lock, Num Lock, Space bar, Tab, and Print Screen.

2. Mouse : Mouse is a cursor-control device . It is a pointing and drop device. It’s size is good enough to
fit the palm. It has a palm size box with a round ball at its base .It senses the movement of mouse and
sends corresponding signals to CPU on pressing of the buttons. There are two buttons that provide the
left click and the right click. A scroll bar is present in the mid .Mouse is only used to control the position
of cursor on screen.
3. Joystick : Just like the mouse , Joystick is also a pointing device, which is used to move cursor position
on a monitor screen. It has a stick that has a spherical ball at its both lower and upper ends. The lower
spherical ball moves in a socket. The joystick can be moved in four directions. It is mainly used in
Computer Aided Designing (CAD) and playing computer games.
4. Light Pen : Light pen is also a pointing device. Its structure is similar to that of a pen. It is based on
an optical system placed in a small tube. It is used to select a displayed menu item or draw pictures on
the monitor screen. When light pen’s tip is moved over the monitor screen and pen button is pressed, its
photocell sensing element, detects the screen location and sends the corresponding signal to the CPU.
Components of Computer System 19
5. Track Ball : Track ball are used mostly in notebook or laptop computer. This is a ball, which is half
inserted and by moving fingers on ball, pointer can be moved. A track ball requires less space than a
mouse as the whole device is not moved. A track ball can come in various shapes like a ball, a button
and a square.
6. Scanner : Scanner is an input device, which works on a similar principle of a photocopy machine. It
is used when some information is available on a paper and it is to be transferred to the hard disc of the
computer for further manipulation.
Scanner captures images from the source which are then converted into the digital form that can be stored
on the disc. These images can be edited before they are printed.
7. Touch Screen : A touchscreen is an electronic visual display that the user can control through simple or
multi-touch gestures by touching the screen with a special stylus/pen and-or one or more fingers. Some
touch screens use an ordinary or specially coated gloves to work while others use a special stylus/pen
only. The user can use the touchscreen to react to what is displayed and to control how it is displayed (for
example by zooming the text size).
8. Digitizer : Digitizer is an input device which converts analog signal from the television camera into a
strings of binary digits that can be stored in a computer. It converts the analog information into a digital
form. Digitizer is also known as Tablet or Graphics tablet. They can be used by the computer to create a
picture of whatever the camera had been pointed at.
9. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR) : We see in banks, libraries etc using MICR as an input device . As
large number of cheques are processed everyday MICR serves a very useful purpose. A special type of
ink that contains particles of magnetic material that is machine readable, is used to read the code number
and cheque number that are printed on the cheques in banks. This reading process is called Magnetic
Ink Character Recognition (MICR). The main advantage of MICR is that it is highly accurate and fast in
reading.
10. Optical Character Reader (OCR) : OCR is an input device that is used to read a printed text. The role
of OCR is to scan the text optically character by character by converting them into a machine readable
code and store the text on the system. The OCR is used for the preparation of electricity bills, insurance
premium, telephone bills.
11. OMR (Optical Mark Recognition): Optical mark recognition (also called optical mark reading and
OMR) is the process of capturing human-marked data from document forms such as surveys and test.
12. SCR (Smart Card Readers): A small electronic device about the size of a credit card that contains
electronic memory, and possibly an embedded integrated circuit (IC). Smart cards containing an IC are
sometimes called Integrated Circuit Cards (ICCs).
Smart cards are used for a variety of purposes, including:
– Storing a patient’s medical records
– Storing digital cash
– Generating network IDs (similar to a token)
To use a smart card, either to pull information from it or add data to it, you need a smart card reader, a
small device into which you insert the smart card.
13. Bar Code Readers : Bar Code Reader is a device used for reading bar coded data (data in form of light
and dark lines). Bar coded data is generally used in labelling goods, numbering the books, etc .Bar Code
Reader scans a bar code image by converting it into an alphanumeric values . This value is then fed to
the computer to which bar code reader is connected.
14. Microphone : A microphone,is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound in air
into an electrical signal. Microphones are used in many applications such as telephones, hearing aids,
public address systemsfor concert halls and public events, motion picture production, live and recorded
audio engineering, two-way radios, megaphones, radio and television broadcasting, and in computers for
recording voice, speech recognition, VoIP, and for non-acoustic purposes such as ultrasonic checking or
knock sensors.
20 Components of Computer System
15. Webcam : A webcam is a video camera that feeds or streams its image in real time to or through a computer
to computer network. When “captured” by the computer, the video stream may be saved, viewed or sent
on to other networks via systems such as the internet, and email as an attachment. When sent to a remote
location, the video stream may be saved, viewed or on sent there. Unlike an IP camera (which connects
using Ethernet or Wi-Fi), a webcam is generally connected by a USB cable, or similar cable, or built into
computer hardware, such as laptops.

output DeviCeS
An output device is that component of computer hardware that communicates the results of data that is processed
by the computer and converts the digital information into a form easily read and understood by humans.
Various Output devices are used in Computers.
1. Monitors : Monitor or the Visual Display Unit (VDU) is the main output device of a computer. It forms
images in the form of tiny dots, known as pixels. The sharpness of the image can be determined by the
number of the pixels.
Two kinds of viewing screens are used for monitors:
• Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
• Flat-Panel Display
(a) Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT) Monitor : In the CRT, display consists of small picture elements known
as pixels and determine the resolution of the image. Smaller are the pixels the better is the image
clarity or resolution. Finite number of characters can be displayed on a screen at once. The screen
can be divided into a series of character boxes that serve as a fixed location on the screen where a
standard character can be placed.
Most screens are capable of displaying 80 characters of data horizontally and 25 lines vertically.
However the CRT has some disadvantages as it is large in Size and has a high power consumption.
(b) Flat-Panel Display Monitor : These flat panel displays overcome the disadvantages of CRT as they
have reduced volume, weight and power requirement compared to the CRT. They come in different
shapes and size. You can hang them on walls or wear them on your wrists. They are used in all
modern day calculators, video games, monitors, laptop computer, graphics display etc as displays.
The flat-panel display are of two main types :
(i) Emissive Displays : The emissive displays convert electrical energy into light. Example are
plasma panel and LED (Light-Emitting Diodes).
(ii) Non-Emissive Displays : The Non-emissive displays use optical effects to convert sunlight or
light from some other source into graphics patterns. Example is LCD (Liquid-Crystal Device).
(c) 3-D Monitors : It is a television that conveys depth perception to the viewer. 3-D describes an image
that provides the perception of length. When 3-D images are made interactive then user feel involved
with the scene and this experience is called virtual reality.
2. Printers : Printer is among the most common output device, which is used to print information on paper.
There are two types of printers:
• Impact Printers
• Non-Impact Printers
(a) Impact Printers : The printers that print the characters by striking against a ribbon and then onto
the paper, are called impact printers.
Impact Printers are low of cost but they happen to be very noisy. Due to their low cost they are useful
for bulk printing. There is physical contact with the paper to produce an image.
Components of Computer System 21
Impact printers can be further divided into two types:
(i) Character printers : These printers print one character at a time. These further divided into
two such as the Dot Matrix Printer and the daisy wheel printer.
Dot matrix printer : They are the most popular printers because of their ease of printing
features. They come at a low cost.
Each character is printed in the form of pattern of Dot’s and head .These dots and heads consist
of a matrix of pins of size (5*7, 7*9, 9*7 or 9*9) that result in forming a character. Hence they
are called as Dot Matrix Printer.
Daisy Wheel : These are known as daisy wheel printers as the head lies on the wheel and Pins
correspond to characters like petals of Daisy flower. These printers are used for word-processing
in offices and offer very nice quality representation.
(ii) Line Printers : Line printers are printers, which print one line at a time. Speed of line printers
is limited by the speed of cartridge used.
These can be divided into two types: The drum printer and the Chain printer
Drum Printer : This printer looks like a drum in shape that’s why it is called a drum printer.
The Drum surface has a number of tracks. Total tracks are equal to size of paper, i.e., for a paper
width of 132 characters, Drum will have 132 tracks. A character set is embossed on track. The
different character sets available in market are 48 character set, 64 and 96 characters set. One
rotation of drum leads to printing of one line. These printers print between 300 to 2000 lines
per minute. Hence they have a very high speed.
Chain Printer : In this printer because chain of character sets are used hence they are called
as Chain Printers. A standard character set may have 48, 64, 96 characters.
(b) Non-impact Printers : These printers print the characters without the physical contact with the
paper i.e without striking against the ribbon and onto the paper. These printers print one complete
page at a time, and are also called as Page Printers.
These printers are of two types: Laser Printers and the Ink-jet Printers.
(i) Laser Printers : These are non-impact page printers. They use laser lights to produce the dots
needed to form the characters to be printed on a page.
(ii) Inkjet Printers : Ink-jet printers are new technology non-impact character printers. They print
characters via spraying small drops of ink onto paper. Ink-jet printers produce very high quality
output with presentable features.
They are noiseless printers and have many styles of printing modes available. These are also
called as the coloured printers. Models of Ink-jet printers can produce multiple copies of printing
also.
3. Headphones : Headphones are referred to as earphones, headphones are a hardware device that either
plugs into your computer (line out) or your speakers and allow you to privately listen to audio without
disturbing anyone else. The picture is an example of a USB headset from Logitech with a microphone
and a popular solution for computer gaming.
4. Speaker : A hardware device connected to a computer’s sound card that outputs sounds generated by the
computer. It needs a sound card connected to a CPU, that generates sound via a card. These are used for
listening music, for being audible in seminars etc.
5. Projector : A projector is an output device that can take images generated by a computer and reproduce
them on a large, flat (usually lightly colored) surface. For example, projectors are used in meetings to
help ensure that all participants can view the information being presented.
22 Components of Computer System

Some important points –

• External devices such as printers key boards and modems are known as peripherals.
• The higher the resolution of a monitor the closer together the pixels.
• The rate at which scanning is repeated in a CRT is called refresh rate best position for
• Tail towards the user is the best position for operating the mouse.

maintaininG Computer SyStemS

We must ensure that the computer is well looked after. It can only run smoothly if it is protected valuable from
malicious viruses which can wreak havoc on your PC or Mac.
Computers that become overloaded or vulnerable to viruses can freeze or crash. This can lead to loss of
information .Hackers who hack professionally can be a threat to the computers. There are some extremely
sophisticated and technologically advanced group or individuals who are hackers and can destabilise operating
systems and bring computer networks crashing down.
This can lead to a slow computer. Each time a web page is opened or an attachment is downloaded certain data
on the computer gets collected, much of it is not needed to be used again .This data gets clogged up on your
hard drive and can affect your computer’s performance if you don’t do a spring clean once .Your computer must
be given a general assessment every couple of months. A general assessment should be done more frequently
(around once a month) if your computer is used a lot.
Backing Up
It is a very important thing to get into the habit of backing up your files on a regular basis. This means having
a recent copy of important data held onto your computer. The important documents on your system include
the invoices, legal documents or personal files such as photo albums.
You can copy your files to a USB memory stick. USB memory stick do not have enough data to store. They
can be quite expensive to buy. They have been popular because of their portability as they’re easy to use.
Disk imaging is one of the most effective methods of backing up .This is a more expensive method as it is the
most fail-safe method of restoring everything on your computer if you lose everything on your hard drive.
With the advent of various online backup you can enlist to help with the storage of your computer’s data,
which are incredibly convenient as the backup is done automatically and your files are kept in a safe online
environment that you can access at any time.

Deleting files
Storing huge data and big files on your computer can bring performance speeds immediately down. In order
to make sure your computer is running efficiently it’s important to delete unnecessary files from time to time.
Windows operating systems has a disk cleanup function that is extremely quick and easy to use. Disk cleanup
doesn’t take too long to run .This utility on your computer cleans up all the unwanted files that are stored in
your computer’s cache.

Scanning your hard drive

It is really important to Scan your hard drive as an another routine task which you should get into the habit of
doing regularly. This utility examines the hard drive for some errors that could have a direct affecte on your
computer’s efficiency. This needs to be done around once a week to use your computer every day or once in
a month incase if you use it less frequently.
Components of Computer System 23
Defragmenting your hard drive
The computer’s hard drive can become clogged up with numerous files that are broken up across various
locations around the drive. The drive becomes really chaotic. Due to the drive getting chaotic your computer
gradually slow’s down in its speed as it tries to access information from files scattered all over the drive. Hence
it’s really important to carry out a process that rationalises the various files from time to time.
Defragmentation collects all the different parts of one file back together in one place in the hard drive. Then
it in turns reorganizes information and places the files that are used most frequently. Defragmention process
leads to a much faster running computer.

Clearing your cache (cookies and Internet files)

This folder cache is of temporary Internet files folder that is a record of files which have been viewed or
downloaded from the web, including web pages, images, music and cookies (small files that websites can
create on your computer to help them deliver personalised content when you next visit.

Automatic updating
Computer hackers are determined to destabilise computer software through their malicious programs. A number
of big companies like Microsoft , ‘patch’ their products in order to ensure their safety. If you run on windows
then make sure your computer is set to update automatically. These updates can be automated by clicking on
the start then programs. Windows updates ensure that you’re set to install updates automatically.

Checking for viruses

Installing some form of anti-virus software is a must. The computer is vulnerable to a range of viruses. These
viruses are transmitted to your computer via infected email attachments. These viruses are called as worms
and can spread over the Internet. The viruses are used by criminals in order to gather personal information.
These worms can have serious consequences. Viruses have the capability of gathering financial information
and secret data such as passwords and user names.
Hence making adequate arrangements of prevention is always better than cure. Installing enough anti virus
protection programs for virus protection on your computers is the best way to protect your computer.
Anti-virus software can be bought as stand-alone or as a comprehensive security suite. Example of various
software manufacturers include Mc Afee and AVG.

Installing anti malware, spyware and adware

Malware, spyware and adware all pose a significant threat to your online privacy and the smooth-running of your
computer .It is extremely essential to install alongwith anti-virus software , the anti spyware software also. The
spyware can spy on your online activities, as it installs unwanted program on your computer. Adware is used by
commercial companies to find out more about consumers and track the effectiveness of their advertising, but it
can have more dire consequences. Malicious adware or spyware is very hard to remove from your computer.
It can cause to block access to certain websites, stop you running anti virus software, scan your hard disk and
locate sensitive personal information, such as credit card numbers and other personal information which can
then be used for criminal activities.
In order to ensure that you don’t fall victim you can install an anti-spyware software. They work in the same
way as anti-virus software. These free Downloadable products include AdAware and Microsoft Defender. As
with anti-virus software, the free versions may not be quite as comprehensive as their paid for counterparts
but they should provide a decent level of protection.
24 Components of Computer System
Set up a Firewall
Firewalls are a significant way of protecting your computer from some of the threats that have crept up in the
cyberspace world. Firewalls are an effective way to safeguard you from hackers, viruses and worms . These
viruses can endanger the personal information that is kept on your computer. Firewalls are a barrier between
your computer and the world outside . But firewalls are not enough to be relied on only. They alone cannot
protect your computer from online threats. Your firewall should be used in conjunction with other forms of
computer security, such as your anti-virus software.
Windows packages contain a ‘desktop firewall’, for which you don’t need to pay for and provide a basic level
of security. The broadband internet router that is used for an internet connection also a firewall built into it,
which can be controlled via your computer and which is password protected.

Cleaning your computer

Ensuring that your computer is clean of dust and dirt can make sure that your computer is kept under hygienic
conditions. Make sure your computer is turned off and unplugged before you clean it. You can buy specialist
computer cleaning products or use a damp, lint-free soft cloth to gently dislodge dirt from the keyboard or the
exterior of the computer. A computer mouse is particularly susceptible to dirt, making it difficult to control.
To clean your mouse turn the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse anti-clockwise to remove the mouse
ball. You can then use a clean soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt from inside the mouse.
It’s important to deal with any spillages on your keyboard quickly. Turn off your computer and then turn the
keyboard on its side to drain off the excess. Use a soft cloth to mop up any remaining liquid and then let your
keyboard dry off before using it again.
Components of Computer System 25

PAST EXERCISE
1. A printer is this kind of device 8. Arithmetic operations [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (a) involve matching one data item to another
(a) input (b) word processing to determine if the first item is greater than,
(c) processing (d) output equal to, or less than the other item
(e) None of these (b) sort data items according to standard,
2. The name of the computer’s brain is predefined criteria in ascending order or
descending order
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(a) monitor (b) hardware (c) use conditions with operators such as
AND, OR and NOT
(c) CPU (d) byte
(d) include addition, subtraction,
(e) None of these
multiplication, and division
3. The output devices make it possible to
(e) None of these
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
9. A series of instructions that tells a computer
(a) view or print data (b) store data
what to do and how to do it is called a
(c) scan data (d) input data
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(e) None of these
(a) program (b) command
4. The most common method of entering text
(c) user response (d) processor
and numerical data into a computer system is
through the use of a [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) keyboard (b) scanner 10. Which part of the computer displays the work
done ? [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(c) printer (d) plotter
(a) RAM (b) Printer
(e) None of these
5. Which of the following groups consist of only (c) Monitor (d) ROM
input devices? [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor 11. Any data or instruction entered into the memory
(b) Mouse, Keyboard, Printer of a computer is considered as
(c) Mouse, Keyboard, Plotter [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(d) Mouse, Keyboard, Scanner (a) storage (b) output
(e) None of these (c) input (d) information
6. Which of the following groups consist of only (e) None of these
output devices? [SBI Clerk, 2009] 12. For seeing the output, you use––––––
(a) Scanner, Printer, Monitor [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(b) Keyboard, Printer, Monitor (a) Monitor (b) Keyboard
(c) Mouse, Printer, Monitor (c) Mouse (d) Scanner
(d) Plotter, Printer, Monitor (e) None of these
(e) None of these 13. A scanner scans–––––– [SBI Clerk, 2009]
7. A keyboard is this kind of device (a) Pictures
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (b) Text
(a) black (b) input (c) Both Pictures and Text
(c) output (d) word processing (d) Neither Pictures nor Text
(e) None of these (e) None of the above
26 Components of Computer System
14. Which of the following is not an input device? (a) CPU and VGA
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (b) CPU and memory
(a) Keyboard (b) Monitor (c) VGA and memory
(c) Joystick (d) Microphone (d) VGI and DVI
(e) None of these (e) None of these
15. Back up of the data files will help to prevent 23. The system unit [SBI PO, 2011]
——— [SBI Clerk, 2009] (a) coordinates input and output devices
(a) loss of confidentiality (b) is the container that houses electronic
(b) duplication of data components
(c) virus infection (c) is a combination of hardware and software
(d) loss of data (d) controls and manipulates data
(e) None of the above (e) does the arithmetic operations
16. Which is the part of the computer system that
24. The main circuit-board of the system unit is the
one can physically touch ? [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[SBI PO, 2011]
(a) data (b) operating system
(c) hardware (d) software (a) computer program (b) control unit
(e) None of these (c) motherboard (d) RAM
17. ——— is processed by the computer into (e) None of these
information. [SBI Clerk, 2009] 25. Which keys enable the input of numbers
(a) Data (b) Numbers quickly? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(c) Alphabets (d) Pictures (a) ctrl, shift and alt
(e) None of these (b) function keys
18. To access properties of an object, the mouse (c) the numeric keypad
technique to use is––. [SBI Clerk, 2009] (d) arrow keys
(a) right-clicking (b) shift-clicking (e) None of these
(c) dragging (d) dropping 26. The main system board of a computer is called
(e) None of these the [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
19. A ––– can make it easier to play games. (a) integrated circuit (b) motherboard
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (c) processor (d) microchip
(a) mouse (b) joystick
(e) None of these
(c) keyboard (d) pen
27. Which of the following can input graphical
(e) None of these
images and pictures for a computer?
20. Codes consisting of lines of varying widths or
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
lengths that are computer-readable are known
as [IBPS PO, 2011] (a) Plotter (b) Scanner
(a) an ASCII code (b) a magnetic tape (c) Mouse (d) Printer
(c) a bar code (d) an OCR scanner (e) Keyboard
(e) None of these 28. Why is the Caps Lock key referred to as a toggle
21. To access properties of an object, the mouse key? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
technique to use is [IBPS PO, 2011] (a) Because its function goes back and forth
(a) dragging (b) dropping every time it is pressed
(c) right-clicking (d) shift-clicking (b) Because it cannot be used for entering
(e) None of these numbers
22. Video processors consist of_____and_____ (c) Because it cannot be used to delete
which store and process images. (d) Because it cannot be used to insert
[IBPS PO, 2011] (e) None of these
Components of Computer System 27
29. Using output devices one can (d) What the processor gives to the user
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] (e) None of these
(a) input data (b) store data 37. Computer_________ is whatever is typed,
(c) scan data (d) view or print data submitted, or transmitted to a computer system.
(e) None of these [SBI Clerk, 2011]
30. Which of the following categories would (a) input (b) output
include a keyboard? [IBPS Clerk, 2011] (c) data (d) circuitry
(a) Printing Device (b) Output Device (e) None of these
(c) Pointing Device (d) Storage Device 38. Which process checks to ensure the components
(e) Input Device of the computer are operating and connected
31. What type of keys are ‘ctrl’ and ‘shift’? properly? [SBI Clerk, 2011]
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] (a) Booting (b) Processing
(a) adjustment (b) function
(c) Saving (d) Editing
(c) modifier (d) alphanumeric
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
39. _________ is processed by the computer into
32. The term _________ refers to data storage
information. [SBI Clerk, 2011]
systems that make it possible for a computer or
electronic device to store and retrieve data. (a) numbers (b) processor
[SBI Clerk, 2011] (c) input (d) data
(a) retrieval technology (e) None of these
(b) input technology 40. Ctrl, shift and alt are called _________ keys.
(c) output technology [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(d) storage technology (a) adjustment (b) function
(e) None of these (c) modifier (d) alphanumeric
33. The term _________ refers to any computer (e) None of these
component that is required to perform work. 41. What is the function of the Central Processing
[SBI Clerk, 2011] Unit of a Computer ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(a) bootstrap (b) kernel (a) Creates invoices
(c) resource (d) source code (b) Performs calculations and processing
(e) None of these (c) Deletes Data
34. The ________ is responsible for performing (d) Corrupts the data
calculations and contains decision-making (e) None of these
mechanisms. [SBI Clerk, 2011]
42. All the characters that a device can use is called
(a) Central Processing Unit
its ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(b) Memory Unit
(a) Skill Set
(c) Arithmetic and Logic Unit
(b) Character Alphabet
(d) Output Unit
(e) None of these (c) Character Codes
35. You use a (n) ________, such as a keyboard or (d) Keyboard Characters
mouse, to input information. [SBI Clerk, 2011] (e) Character Set
(a) storage device (b) processing device 43. Which unit controls the movement of signals
(c) input device (d) output device between CPU and I/O ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) ALU
36. What is output? [SBI Clerk, 2011] (b) Control Unit
(a) What the processor takes from the user (c) Memory Unit
(b) What the user gives to the processor (d) Secondary Storage
(c) What the processor gets from the user (e) None of these
28 Components of Computer System
44. The three main parts of the processor are (e) Is responsible for the refresh rate of the
_______ [SBI Clerk, 2012] screen / monitor
(a) ALU, Control Unit and Registers 49. Which of these is a point-and-draw device ?
(b) ALU, Control Unit and RAM [IBPS PO, 2012]
(c) Cache, Control Unit and Registers (a) mouse (b) scanner
(d) Control Unit, Registers and RAM
(c) printer (d) CD-ROM
(e) RAM, ROM and CD-ROM
(e) Keyboard
45. Which of the following does not relate to Input
50. When a key is pressed on the keyboard, which
Unit ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
standard is used for converting the keystroke
(a) If accepts data from the outside world.
into the corresponding bits? [IBPS PO, 2013]
(b) It converts data into binary code that is
(a) ANSI
understandable by the computer
(c) It converts binary data into the human (b) ASCII
readable form that is understandable to the (c) EBCDIC
users. (d) ISO
(d) It sends data in binary form to the computer (e) None of the above
for further processing 51. _______ devices convert human-understandable
(e) None of these data and programs into a form that the computer
46. Which printer cannot print more than one can process. [SBI PO, 2013]
character at a time ? [SSC, CHSL, 2012] (a) Printing (b) Output
(a) Line (b) Daisy-wheel (c) Solid State (d) Monitor
(c) Laser (d) Dot-matrix (e) Input
47. ________key is the example of Toggle key 52. The CPU comprises of Control, Memory, and
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] ________ units. [SBI PO, 2013]
(a) Alt (b) Shift (a) Microprocessor (b) Arithmetic/Logic
(c) Control (d) Escape (c) Output (d) ROM
(e) Caps Lock (e) Input
48. Video controller [IBPS Clerk, 2012] 53. A joystick is primarily used to/for ___________.
(a) Controls the resolution of images on screen
[SBI PO, 2013]
(b) Controls the signals to be sent and received
(a) Control sound on the screen
from processor for display
(b) Computer gaming
(c) Handles the entire electronic work behind
the formation of images on the screen (c) Enter text
(d) Is responsible for allocating pixels for (d) Draw pictures
formation of images (e) Print text

ANSWER KEy

1. (d) 10. (c) 19. (b) 28. (a) 37. (a) 46. (b)
2. (c) 11. (c) 20. (c) 29. (d) 38. (a) 47. (e)
3. (a) 12. (a) 21. (c) 30. (e) 39. (d) 48. (c)
4. (a) 13. (c) 22. (d) 31. (c) 40. (b) 49. (a)
5. (d) 14. (b) 23. (c) 32. (d) 41. (b) 50. (a)
6. (d) 15. (d) 24. (c) 33. (c) 42. (d) 51. (e)
7. (b) 16. (c) 25. (c) 34. (c) 43. (c) 52. (b)
8. (d) 17. (a) 26. (b) 35. (c) 44. (a) 53. (b)
9. (a) 18. (a) 27. (b) 36. (d) 45. (c)
Components of Computer System 29

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Most of the commonly used personal computers/ 8. The computer is made of which of the following
laptops do not have a command key known as hardware equipments?
_________. (a) Monitor, CPU (Central Processing Unit),
(a) Turnover (b) Shift Keyboard, Mouse, Software and Network
(c) Alter (d) Delete (b) Monitor, CPU (Central Processing Unit),
(e) Insert Keyboard, Mouse, Programme and
2. Most of the commonly available personal Network
computers/laptops have a keyboard popularly (c) Monitor, CPU (Central Processing Unit),
known as __________. Keyboard, Mouse, Printer and Modem
(a) QWERTY (b) QOLTY (d) Monitor, CPU (Central Processing Unit),
(c) ALTER (d) UCLIF Keyboard, Mouse, Applications and Network
(e) None of these (e) None of these
3. Whenever we have to give space between the 9. For selecting or highlighting, which of the
two words while typing on PC we have to press following is generally used?
a key known as __________. (a) Icon (b) Keyboard
(a) Backspace (b) Shift (c) Mouse (d) Floppy Disk
(c) Control (d) Escape (e) None of these
(e) Space Bar 10. Scanner scans
4. Every component of your computer is either (a) Picture
(a) software or CPU/RAM (b) Text
(b) hardware or software (c) Both Picture and Text
(c) application software or system software (d) Neither Picture Nor Text
(d) input devices or output devices (e) None of these
(e) None of these 11. Which of the following is not a function of the
5. What is equipment used to capture information control unit?
and commands? (a) Read instructions
(a) Output device (b) Execute instructions
(b) Input device
(c) Interpret instructions
(c) Storage device
(d) Direct operations
(d) Telecommunication device
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
12. The most common input devices include –
6. This type of hardware consists of devices that
translate data into a form the computer can (a) Monitor and keyboard
process (b) Monitor and mouse
(a) application (b) input (c) Monitor and keyboard
(c) system (d) All of these (d) Printer and mouse
(e) None of these (e) None of these
7. Which of the following will translate images of 13. Holding the mouse button down while moving
text, drawings, and photos into digital form? an object of text is known as –
(a) digitizer (b) modem (a) moving (b) dragging
(c) scanner (d) keyboard (c) dropping (d) highlighting
(e) None of these (e) None of these
30 Components of Computer System

14. __________ helps in capturing row data and 23. Which of the following is not an output device?
entering into computer system. (a) Plotter (b) Printer
(a) CPU (b) Integrated circuit (c) Scanner (d) Monitor
(c) Input device (d) Motherboard (e) None of these
(e) None of these 24. Devices that let the computer communicate with
15. The most widely used input device is the you.
_________. (a) input (b) output
(a) mouse (b) keyboard (c) type (d) print
(c) modem (d) monitor (e) None of these
(e) None of these 25. Devices that allow you to put information into
16. A CPU contains __________ the
(a) a card reader and a printing device (a) input (b) output
(c) type (d) print
(b) an analytical engine and a control unit
(e) None of these
(c) a control unit and an arithmetic logic unit
26. The primary device that a computer uses to store
(d) an arithmetic logic unit and a card reader
information.
(e) None of these (a) TV (b) storehouse
17. Computations and logical operations are (c) desk (d) hard drive
performed by the __________. (e) None of these
(a) RAM (b) ALU 27. Pick the odd one –
(c) Register (d) Control unit (a) Mouse (b) Scanner
(e) None of these (c) Printer (d) Keyboard
18. The term used to define all input and output (e) None of these
devices in a computer system is __________. 28. An output device that lets you see what the
(a) Monitor (b) Software computer is doing –
(c) Shared resources (d) Hardware (a) a disk drive (b) monitor-screen
(e) None of these (c) shift key (d) printer
19. What type of resource is most likely to be (e) None of these
a shared common resource in a computer 29. A __________ is an example of an input device.
network? (a) keyboard
(a) Printers (b) Speakers (b) monitor
(c) Floppy disk drives (d) Keyboards (c) Mouse
(e) None of these (d) central processing unit
20. Which of the following is part of the System (e) None of these
Unit? 30. The function of CPU is –
(a) Monitor (b) CPU (a) to provide external storage of text
(c) CD-ROM (d) Floppy Disk (b) to communicate with the operator
(e) None of these (c) to read, interpret and process the
21. What is output? information and instruction
(a) Processor takes from user (d) to provide a hard copy
(b) User gives to processor (e) None of these
(c) Processor gets from user 31. Printed information, called __________, exists
(d) None of these physically and is a more permanent form of
22. Dumb terminals have terminals and __________. output than that presented on a display device.
(a) Mouse (b) Speaker (a) soft copy (b) carbon copy
(c) Harddish (d) Mouse or Speaker (c) hard copy (d) desk copy
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Components of Computer System 31
32. Which of the following is considered an input 41. The output which is made up of pictures, sounds,
device? and video is called
(a) Keyboard (b) Monitor (a) COM (b) hard copy
(c) Floppy disk (d) Printer (c) graphics (d) multimedia
(e) CD (e) None of the above
33. Decreasing the amount of space required to 42. __________ provides the means to move the
store data and programs is accomplished by pointer on the screen and give information to
__________. the computer by clicking its buttons.
(a) pressing (b) disk caching
(a) Scanner (b) Mouse
(c) RAID (d) crashing
(c) Keyboard (d) Program
(d) file compression
(e) None of the above
34. A device that copies or reproduces text and
images is also called a(n) __________. 43. Which of the following could be digital input
(a) optical scanner (b) bar code reader devices for computers?
(c) character device (d) digital camera (a) Digital camcorder (b) Microphone
(e) printer (c) Scanner (d) All of the above
35. Which of the following is the equipment which (e) None of these
holds the screen of a computer? 44. When speaking of computer input and output,
(a) Video (b) Desktop input refers to
(c) Modem (d) Monitor (a) any data processing that occurs from new
(e) Scanner data input into computer.
36. What is usually used for displaying information (b) retrieval of data or information that has
at public places? been entered into the computer.
(a) Monitor (c) data or information that has been entered
(b) Overhead Projections into the computer.
(c) Monitors and Overhead Projections (d) the transmission of data that has been
(d) Touch Screen Kiosks entered into the computer.
(e) None of these (e) Both (c) and (d)
37. Which of the following is not an output device? 45. A means of capturing an image (drawing or
(a) Plotter (b) Printer photo) so that it can be stored on a computer is
(c) Monitor (d) Touch Screen (a) Modem (b) Software
(e) None of these
(c) Scanner (d) Keyboard
38. Every component of your computer is either
(e) Mouse
(a) software or CPU/RAM
46. Access control based on a person’s fingerprints
(b) input devices or output devices
is an example of
(c) application software or system software
(a) biometric identification
(d) hardware or software
(e) None of these (b) characteristic identification
39. The computer monitor is which type of device? (c) fingerprint security
(a) Input (b) Output (d) logistics
(c) Processing (d) Software (e) None of these
(e) None of the above 47. The patterns of printed lines on most products
40. The primary output device for computers is a are called
(a) video monitor (b) printer (a) prices (b) striping
(c) keyboard (d) mouse (c) scanners (d) OCR
(e) None of the above (e) barcodes
32 Components of Computer System
48. Which of the following is needed for sound 57. ALU works on the instructions and data held in
recording? the
(a) Speaker (b) Microphone (a) Notebook (b) Registers
(c) Talker (d) Mouse (c) Copy Pad (d) I/O devices
(e) Telephone (e) None of these
49. Codes consisting of bars or lines of varying 58. What is a device that can change images into
widths or lengths that are computer-readable are codes for the computer?
known as __________. (a) Mouse (b) Printer
(a) an ASCII code (b) a magnetic tape (c) Joystick (d) Keyboard
(c) an OCR scanner (d) a bar code (e) Scanner
(e) None of these
59. Which of the following functions is not
50. In a computer most processing takes place in performed by the CPU?
_________.
(a) Graphical display of data
(a) Memory (b) RAM
(b) Arithmetic calculations
(c) Motherboard (d) CPU
(c) Managing memory
(e) None of these
(d) Managing input and output
51. Keyboards, scanners, and microphones are
examples of __________. (e) None of these
(a) software programs (b) input devices 60. Which part of the computer can display the
(c) output devices (d) utilities user’s work?
(e) None of these (a) Mouse (b) Keyboard
52. Which of the following is part of the System (c) Disk Drive (d) Monitor
Unit? (e) None of these
(a) Monitor (b) CPU 61. Which of the following is a secondary device?
(c) CD-ROM (d) Floppy Disk (a) Keyboard (b) CD
(e) Printer (c) ALU (d) Mouse
53. A __________ is an example of an input device. (d) Printer
(a) printer 62. When the mouse is moved, it causes a picture to
(b) monitor move on the screen which is referred to as in a
(c) scanner (a) menu (b) icon
(d) central processing unit (c) pointer (d) tab
(e) None of these (e) None of these
54. A hard copy of a document is __________. 63. The mouse __________ usually appears in the
(a) printed on the printer shape of an arrow.
(b) stored on a floppy (a) indicator (b) marker
(c) stored on a CD (c) meter (d) pointer
(d) stored in the hard disk (e) None of these
(e) scanned 64. Which of the following is part of the system
55. The ALU performs _________ operations. unit?
(a) logic (b) ASCII (a) Keyboard (b) Floppy disks
(c) algorithm-based (d) logarithm-based (c) Monitor (d) Memory
(e) final (e) CD
56. _________ is the part of the computer that does 65. In a computer, most of the processing takes
arithmetical calculations. place in
(a) OS (b) ALU (a) Memory (b) RAM
(c) CPU (d) Memory (c) CPU (d) Motherboard
(e) printer (e) ALU
Components of Computer System 33
66. The central processing unit contains which of (b) store data/information for future use
the following as a component? (c) process data and information
(a) Memory Regulation Unit (d) Both (a) and (c)
(b) Flow Control Unit (e) None of these
(c) Arithmetic Logic Unit 69. All of the logic and mathematical calculations
(d) Instruction Manipulation Unit done by the computer happen in/on the
(e) None of these (a) system board
67. The part of the CPU that accesses and decodes
(b) central control unit
program instructions, and coordinates the flow
of data among various system components is (c) central processing unit
the (d) mother board
(a) ALU (b) control unit (e) memory
(c) megahertz (d) motherboard 70. The physical components of a computer system.
(e) None of these (a) Software (b) Hardware
68. The main job of a CPU is to __________. (c) ALU (d) Control Unit
(a) carry out program instructions (e) None of the above

ANSWER KEy

1. (a) 13. (b) 25. (a) 37. (e) 49. (d) 61. (e)
2. (a) 14. (c) 26. (d) 38. (d) 50. (d) 62. (c)
3. (e) 15. (b) 27. (c) 39. (b) 51. (b) 63. (d)
4. (b) 16. (c) 28. (b) 40. (a) 52. (b) 64. (d)
5. (b) 17. (b) 29. (a) 41. (d) 53. (c) 65. (c)
6. (b) 18. (d) 30. (c) 42. (b) 54. (a) 66. (c)
7. (c) 19. (a) 31. (c) 43. (d) 55. (a) 67. (b)
8. (a) 20. (b) 32. (a) 44. (c) 56. (b) 68. (d)
9. (c) 21. (d) 33. (e) 45. (c) 57. (b) 69. (c)
10. (c) 22. (c) 34. (a) 46. (a) 58. (e) 70. (b)
11. (d) 23. (c) 35. (d) 47. (e) 59. (e)
12. (c) 24. (b) 36. (c) 48. (b) 60. (d)
 Chapter
Memory
3 Organisation
Computer organisation is the way in which the components are built in computers whereas Computer
architecture is the science of integrating those components to achieve a level of functionality and performance
this chapter we shall study a high level view of computer architecture that may be concerned with how the
central processing unit (CPU) acts and how it uses computer memory.
Computer Architecture is the field of study of selecting and interconnecting hardware components to create
computers that satisfy functional performance and cost goals. It refers to those attributes of the computer
system that are visible to a programmer and have a direct effect on the execution of a program.
Computer Architecture concerns with machine Organization, interfaces, application, technology, measurement
& simulation that Includes:
• Instruction set
• Data formats
• Principle of Operation
• Features (organization of programmable storage, registers used, interrupts mechanism, etc.)
In short, it is the combination of Instruction Set Architecture, Machine Organization and the related hardware.

interConneCtion of unitS
CPU sends data, instructions and information to the components inside the computer as well as to the peripherals
and devices attached to it. Bus is a set of electronic signal pathways that allows information and signals to
travel between components inside or outside of a computer.
The features and functionality of a bus are as follows
• A bus is a set of wires used for interconnection, where each wire can carry one bit of data.
• A computer bus can be divided into two types; internal bus and external bus.
• The internal bus connects components inside the motherboard like, CPU and system memory. It is also
called the system bus.
• The external bus connects the different external devices; peripherals, expansion slots, I/O ports and drive
connections to the rest of computer. It is also referred to as the expansion bus.
• The command to access the memory or the I/O device is carried by the control bus.
• The address of I/O device or memory is carried by the address bus. The data to be transferred is carried
by the data bus.
Memory Organisation 35
inStruCtion CyCle
The instruction cycle represents the sequence of events that takes place as an instruction is read from memory
and executed.

A simple instruction cycle consists of the following steps

• Fetching the instruction from the memory.
• Decoding the instruction for operation.
• Executing the instruction.
• Storing in memory.

inStruCtionS format
Computer understand instructions only in terms of 0s and 1s, which is called the machine language. A computer
program is a set of instruction that describe the steps to be performed for carrying out a computational task.
The processor must have two inputs; instructions and data.
The instruction tell the processor what actions are needed to be performed on the data. An instruction is divided
into two parts; operation (op-code) and operand.
The op-code represents action that the processor must execute and the operand defines the parameters of the
action and depends on the operation.

memory hierarChy
The hierarchical arrangement of storage in current computer architectures is called the memory hierarchy. It is
designed to take advantage of memory locality in computer programs. Each level of the hierarchy is of higher
speed and lower latency, and is of smaller size, than lower levels.
Following diagram shows memory hierarchy in a modern computer system

Registers
in the CPU
Cache
Main memory
Disk cache
Magnetic disk

Optical disk Magnetic tape

Faster Bigger
Speed Capacity
36 Memory Organisation

memory orGaniSation
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. Each part is called cell.
Each location or cell has a unique address, which varies from zero to memory size minus one.

SOME IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS –

ACCUMULATOR AND GENERAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSE REGISTERS:
A CPU contains a number of register to store data temporarily during the execution of a program. The number
differ from processor to processor. Registers are classified as follows :
GENERAL PURPOSE REGISTERS : These registers store data and intermediate results during the
execution of a program.
ACCUMULATORS : It is most efficient in data movement, arithmetic and logical operation. It has some
special features that the other general purpose registers do not have. After the execution of arithmetic and
logical instructions, the result is placed in the accumulator. All data transfer between the CPU and device/
port are performed through the accumulator.
Special Purpose Registers : A CPU contains a number of special purpose registers for different purpose.
These are
(i) PROGRAM COUNTER (PC) : The program counter keeps track of the address of the instruction
which is to be executed next. So it holds the address of the memory location, which contains the next
instruction to be fetched from the memory. Its contents is automatically incremented after an instruction
has been fetched.
(ii) STACk POINTER (SP) : The stack is a sequence of memory location defined by the user. It is used
to save the contents of a register if it is required during the execution of a program. the stack pointer
holds the address of the last occupied memory location of the stack.
(iii) INSTRUCTION REGISTER : It holds an instruction until it is decoded. Some computers have two
types of instruction registers, and so they can fetch and save the next instruction while the execution
of the previous instruction is going on.
(iv) MEMORy ADDRESS REGISTER : The memory address register holds the address of the next
memory location where the next instruction is to be executed. While the first instruction is being
executed, the address of the next memory location is held by it. The computer’s CPU uses the address
bus to communicate which memory address it wants to access, and the memory controller reads the
address and then puts the data stored in that memory address back onto the address bus for the CPU to
use.
Memory- Memory is made up of large number of cells.
(v) MEMORy DATA ADDRESS : The memory data register (MDR) is the register of a computer’s control
unit that contains the data to be stored in the computer storage (e.g. RAM), or the data after a fetch from
the computer storage. It acts like a buffer and holds anything that is copied from the memory ready for
the processor to use it.
Memory is primarily of three types:
1. Cache Memory
2. Primary Memory/Main Memory
3. Secondary Memory
Memory Organisation 37
1. Cache Memory
CPU is much faster than memory. The problem comes when the CPU issues a memory request, it will not get
the data it need for many CPU cycles. The slower the memory the more cycles the CPU will have to wait.
This problem can be overcome by introducing a small and very fast memory near the CPU. The small, fast
memory is called. Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory, which can speed up CPU. It
acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory.
It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system, from where CPU can access them.
Advantage :
• Cache memory is faster than main memory.
• It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
• It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
• It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantage :
• Cache memory has limited capacity.
• It is very expensive
Buffer : It is a temporary physical storage used to hold data during execution of process from one place to
another.

2. Primary Memory (Main Memory)

Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which computer is currently working. It has limited
capacity and data gets lost when power is switched off.
It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and
instructions required to be processed earlier reside in main memory.
It is divided into two subcategories: RAM and ROM.
Characteristic of Primary Main Memory
• These are semiconductor memories.
• It is known as main memory.
• Usually volatile memory.
• Data is lost in case power is switched off.
• It is working memory of the computer.
• Faster than secondary memories.
• A computer cannot run without primary memory.
COMPARISON BETWEEN RAM & ROM
Description RAM ROM
Definition Random Access Memory or RAM is a Read-only memory or ROM is also a form
form of data storage that can be accessed of data storage that can not be easily altered
randomly at any time, in any order and or reprogrammed. Stores instructions that are
from any physical location, allowing quick not necessary for rebooting up to make the
access and manipulation. computer operate when it is switched off.
They are hard wired.
Stands for Random Access Memory Read-only memory.
 38 Memory Organisation

Use RAM allows the computer to read data ROM stores the program required to initially
quickly to run applications. It allows boot the computer. It only allows reading.
reading and writing.
Volatility RAM is volatile i.e. its contents are lost It is non-volatile i.e. its contents are retained
when the device is powered off. even when the device is powered off.
Types The two main types of RAM are The types of ROM include PROM, EPROM
static RAM and dynamic RAM. and EEPROM.

(i) RAM (RANDOM ACCESS MEMORy)

There are two types of Random Access Memory or RAM, each has its own advantages and disadvantages
compared to the other.
A. SRAM (Static RAM)
B. DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
COMPARISON BETWEEN SRAM (STATIC RANDOM ACCESS MEMORy) AND DRAM (DyNAMIC
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORy):
SRAM DRAM
Definition It is a type of RAM. SRAM essentially uses It is also a type of RAM. DRAM makes use of
latches to store charge. capacitors to store bits in the form of charge.
Speed Faster Slower
Size Bigger Smaller
Cost More expensive per bit Less expensive per bit
Capacity Less using transistors 5 to 10 times more than SRAM
(same
technology)
Applications Generally in smaller applications like CPU Commonly used as the main memory in
cache memory and hard drive buffers personal computers
Types Asynchronous SRAM Fast Page Mode DRAM
Synchronous SRAM Extended Data Out DRAM
Pipeline Burst SRAM Burst EDO DRSSM
Synchronous DRAM
Power Less More
Consumption

(ii) ROM (READ ONLy MEMORy)

ROM has further classified into three types.
Each type has unique characteristics, but all types of ROM memory have two things in common they are:-
• Data stored in these chips is non-volatile i.e it is not lost when power is removed.
• Data stored in these chips is either unchangeable or requires a special operation to change.
A. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) : This form of ROM is initially blank. The user or
manufacturer can write data/program on it by using special devices. However, once the program or data is
written in PROM chip, it cannot be changed. If there is an error in writing instructions or data in PROM,
the error cannot be erased. PROM chip becomes unusable.
Memory Organisation 39
B. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) : This type of ROM can have its contents
erased by ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed by user/manufacturer. This procedure can be carried
out many times; however, the constant erasing and rewriting will eventually render the chip useless.
C. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) : This type of ROM works in
a similar way to Flash memory in that it can its contents can be ‘flashed’ for erasure ad then written to
without having to remove the chip from its environment. EEPROMs are used to store a computer system’s
BIOS, and can be updated without returning the unit to the factory. In many cases, BIOS updates can be
carried out by computer users wishing a BIOS update.
FLASH MEMORy
Flash memory is an example of quite a recent type of storage technology known as solid state devices.
This type of portable storage has become very popular because of its low price and high storage capacity
compared to its rivals, e.g. floppy disk.
Solid state devices are regarded as being robust and reliable because they have no moving parts with the data
stored in semiconductor chips. This technology already exists in the form of flash memory used to store the
Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) of a motherboard.
Unlike ROM, flash memory can be read form and written to and unlike RAM does not require power to retain
its data. Although these devices typically cannot hold as much data as hard disks, CD-ROMs and DVDs, the
storage capacity is continually increasing.
VIRTUAL MEMORy uses a segment of physical memory
Virtual memory is a technique that allows the execution of processes which are not completely available in
memory. The main visible advantage of this scheme is that programs can be larger than physical memory.
Virtual memory is the separation of user logical memory from physical memory.
This separation allows an extremely large virtual memory to be provided for programmers when only a
smaller physical memory is available. Following are the situations, when entire program is not required to
be loaded fully in main memory. User written error handling routines are used only when an error occured
in the data or computation. Certain options and features of a program may be used rarely. Many tables are
assigned a fixed amount of address space even though only a small amount of the table is actually used.

3. Secondary Memory (Auxillary Memory)

The size of the main memory is very small if large data need to be stored in it. Further, the main memory is
volatile in nature i.e. the contents are lost when power supply is stopped. To overcome these another memory
is used in a computer system called secondary memory or the auxiliary memory. This is large as well as non-
volatile in nature. This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower than
main memory. These are used for storing Data/Information permanently.
CPU directly does not access these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output routines. Contents
of secondary memories are first transferred to main memory and then CPU can access it. For example, disk,
CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
• These are magnetic and optical memories.
• It is known as backup memory.
• It is non-volatile memory.
• Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
• It is used for storage of the data in the computer.
• Computer may run without secondary memory.
• Slower than primary memories.
40 Memory Organisation
Storage Devices
Storage devices are also called storage media. It is a hardware device that can hold information. Two main
storage devices are used in computers. The primary storage device also known as RAM and the secondary
storage device such as a computer hard drive. Secondary storage can be either internal or external storage.
Storage device is required by the computer to save any settings or additional information.
Following are the different types of computer Storage Devices/Secondary memories –
Secondary Memory devices includes:
A. Magnetic Disks : Magnetic disks play two roles in computer systems:
• Long-term, nonvolatile storage for files, even when no programs are running
• A level of the memory hierarchy below main memory used as a backing store for virtual memory
during program execution
A magnetic disk consists of a collection of platters (generally 1 to 12), rotating on a spindle at 3,600 to
15,000 revolutions per minute (RPM). These platters are metal or glass disks covered with magnetic
recording material on both sides, so 10 platters have 20 recording surfaces. The disk surface is divided
into concentric circles, called tracks. Each track in turn is divided into sectors. A sector is the smallest
unit that can be read or written.
B. Optical Disks : Optical disks are another type of secondary memory. Many types of optical disks are
available in the market like CD(Compact disks), DVD (Digital versatile disks) etc. CD-R are write once
CDs i.e. data can be written to them only once. CD-RW on the other hand are rewritable CDs i.e. data
can be written and erased many times. Similar variations DVD-R and DVD-RW are also available in the
market.
C. Magnetic Tape : Magnetic tape is a long and narrow strip of plastic that thin magnetic material is coated
on. Nearly all recording tape is of this type, whether used for recording audio or video or computer data
storage.
Magnetic tape recording uses magnetic tape which moves on a recording head. Electrical signals are fed
to the recording head, inducing a pattern of magnetization similar to the signal. A playback head can then
pick up the changes in magnetic field from the tape and convert it into an electrical signal.
D. Floppy diskette : A Floppy Disk Drive is a computer disk drive that helps a user to save data to removable
diskettes. 8 inch disk drives were first made available in 1971, which were later replaced with 3 ½ inch
floppy disk drives. Due to the limited capacity and reliability of floppy diskettes in many computers they
are no longer used with floppy disk drives . They are being replaced with CD-R, other writable discs, and
flash drives.
E. CD-ROM disc : Compact Disc-Read Only Memory, CD-ROM drives or optical drives are CD players
inside computers that can have speeds in the range from 1x and beyond, and have the capability of playing
audio CDs and computer data CDs.
F. CD-R and CD-RW disc : It is also called as a CD writer, CD-WO (Write once), WORM (Write Once
Read Many) drive. CD-R is used for CD-Recordable and is a writable disc and drive that is capable of
having information written to the disc once and then having that disc read many times after that. If the
data is not written to the disc properly, has errors, or has the incorrect information that disc or portions
of that disc cannot be erased and is often jokingly referred to as a coaster.
G. Recordable DVD (Digital video Disk) drives : These DVD drives are alternatively referred to as a DVD
writer, recordable DVD drives. The recordable DVD drives are capable of creating DVD discs. They
are different from recordable CD drives as they have many different competing standards for creating
DVD discs. For example, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD + R DL (DVD + R9), and
DVD-RAM are all different competing standards.
Memory Organisation 41
(i) DVD-R DVD-R is called as Digital Versatile Disc-Recordable. DVD-R has features similar to CD-
R, where the drive is capable or recording once to a disc and then read many times after it has been
created. DVD-R is an approved standard by DVD Forum and the drives are capable of recording to
DVD-R discs. These discs are also known as DVD-5 and DVD -10. DVD-R discs are compatible
with most stand alone DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives.
(ii) DVD-RW (DVD-R/W) These are called as Digital Versatile Disc-Read/Write. DVD-RW is an
approved standard by DVD Forum.It is based on a technology that enables a user to read and write
to a DVD-RW or DVD-R disc several times. DVD-RW discs are compatible with most stand-alone
DVD players and computer DVD-ROM drives.
H. Jump drive and USB flash drive : USB flash drive is a portable drive that is as small as the size of your
thumb. Other such portable drives include data stick, pen drive, keychain drive ,thumb drive .It connects
to the computer USB port. Flash drives are available in different sizes such as 256MB, 512MB, 1GB,
5GB, and 16GB . They can easily store and transfer information.
A flash drive is used by inserting it onto the front or back of USB port or hub. After inserting the flash
drive , open the My Computer , you can see as “Removeable Disk”, “Flash drive”, or as the manufacturer’s
name. When the drive has been identified , data can be copied onto the flash drive by a simple copy paste
or just dragging and dropping onto the flash drive icon.
I. Hard Drive : It is called as the hard disk drive. It is represented sometimes by its short name as HD
or HDD. It is the computer’s main storage area that permanently stores the data on to the computer. It
consists of one or more hard drive platters inside of air sealed casing. The hard drives are contained in
an internal drive bay at the front of the computer . They connect to the mother board using ATA, SCSI
or a SATA cable .
J. Memory card : These are referred to as a flash memory card or a memory card . The memory card type
of storage media is used in digital cameras, digital camcorders, handheld computers,printers , MP3 players
and cell phones. They can store a huge number of pictures, videos, music, and other data. MicroSD flash
memory card is one such example of a memory card . There are a number of different types of memory
cards in the market that vary in size, compatibility, and storage capacity.
K. Memory stick : Sony Memory Stick was first invented by Sony in October 1998 . It is a flash memory
card used with Sony digital cameras . This flash memory card is used with other Sony products also. The
capacity of the Memory Sticks range from sizes of 4MB to 256GB . They can have maximum capacity
of 2TB, although till now the sticks of this capacity have not been produced .
Tape cassette
A tape cassette is magnetically thin coated piece that is wrapped with plastic around wheels. These are
capable of storing data. Tape is far cheaper than other storage mediums but is much slower than the jump
drives , memory sticks etc . Tapes are not much in use these days for faster and more reliable solutions like
disc drives, hard drives, and flash drives.
L. Zip Diskette : Zip Diskette are made out of a much harder plastic and are much bigger than the standard
floppy diskette. Zip drive is a medium capacity removable floppy disk storage system. Zip drives are not
much in use because of need of mass portable storage .
M. Blue ray disk : Blu-ray (not Blue-ray) also known as Blu-ray Disc (BD), is the name of a new optical
disc format jointly developed by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA), a group of the world’s leading
consumer electronics, personal computer and media manufacturers (including Apple, Dell, Hitachi, HP,
JVC, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TDK and Thomson). The
format was developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video (HD), as well
as storing large amounts of data. The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional
DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc. This extra capacity
combined with the use of advanced video and audio codecs will offer consumers an unprecedented HD
experience.
 42 Memory Organisation
Secondary Memory Device and their storage Method and capacity.
Secondary memory Device Storage Method Capacity
Floppy disk (5.25 inch) Magnetic 1.2 MB
Hard Disk Magnetic upto 1 T B
CD-ROM optical 640 MB to 680 MB
DVD-ROM optical 4.7 GB to 17 GB
Pen-Drive solid state 1 GB to 512 GB
Magnetic Tape Magnetic upto 1 TB

MEMORy MANAGEMENT TABLE

Approximate/Actual Values
Unit Abbreviation Approximate Actual
Bit b (common 'b') 0 or 1
Byte B (Capital 'B') 8 bites
Kilobytes KB 1000 bytes 1024 bytes
Megabte MB All 1 million bytes 1024 KB
upper
Gigabyte GB 1 billion bytes 1024 MB
cases
Terabyte TB 1 trillion bytes 1024 GB
Petabyte PB 1015 Bytes 1024 TB
Exa Byte EB 1018 Bytes 1024 PB
Zetta Byte ZB 1021 Bytes 1024 EB
Yotta Byte YB – 1024 ZB
Bronta Byte BB – 1024 YB

IMPORTANT MEASUREMENT :
1 Bit = Binary digit
The term ‘Bit’ is short for Binary digit.
1 Nibble = 4 Bits
8 bits = 1 Byte = 2 Nibble

peta meri ex ne muje uska current bf h zetta & uske sath aye the 2 or gunde yotta and
brontta
Memory Organisation 43

PAST EXERCISE
1. A collection of related information sorted and 9. Computers use the ________ number system to
dealt with as a unit is a [SBI Clerk, 2009] store data and perform calculations.
(a) disk (b) data [IBPS PO, 2011]
(c) file (d) floppy (a) binary (b) octal
(e) None of these (c) decimal (d) hexadecimal
2. CDs are of which shape? [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) Square (b) Rectangular 10. A disk’s content that is recorded at the time
(c) Round (d) Hexagonal of manufacture and that cannot be changed or
(e) None of these erased by the user is [IBPS PO, 2011]
3. A disk’s content that is recorded at the time (a) memory-only (b) write-only
of manufacture and that cannot be changed or (c) once-only (d) run-only
erased by the user is—— [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) read-only
(a) memory-only (b) write-only 11. What is the permanent memory built into your
(c) read-only (d) run-only computer called? [IBPS PO, 2011]
(e) None of these (a) RAM (b) Floppy
4. Reusable optical storage will typically have the (c) CD-ROM (d) ROM
acronym——— [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) CD (b) DVD 12. When you save to this, your data will remain
(c) ROM (d) RW when the computer is turned off.
(e) None of these [IBPS PO, 2011]
5. The most common type of storage devices are— (a) RAM
—— [SBI Clerk, 2009] (b) motherboard
(a) persistent (b) optical (c) secondary storage device
(c) magnetic (d) flash (d) primary storage
(e) None of these (e) None of these
6. During the –– portion of the Information 13. The contents of ____ are lost when the computer
Processing Cycle, the computer acquires data turns off. [IBPS PO, 2011]
from some source. [SBI Clerk, 2009] (a) storage (b) input
(a) storage and output (b) storage (c) output (d) memory
(c) input (d) output (e) None of these
(e) None of these 14. A DVD is an example of a(n) [IBPS PO, 2011]
7. Reusable optical storage will typically have the (a) hard disk
acronym [IBPS PO, 2011] (b) optical disc
(a) CD (b) DVD (c) output device
(c) ROM (d) RW (d) solid-state storage device
(e) ROS (e) None of these
8. The most common type of storage devices are 15. The computer abbreviation KB usually means
[IBPS PO, 2011] [IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) persistent (b) optical (a) Key Block (b) Kernel Boot
(c) magnetic (d) flash (c) Key Byte (d) Kit Bit
(e) steel (e) Kilo Byte
44 Memory Organisation
16. Which of the following are advantages of CD- (a) Primary (b) Secondary
ROM as a storage media? [IBPS PO, 2011] (c) Hard Disk (d) All of these
(a) CD-ROM is an inexpensive way to store (e) None of these
large amount of data and information. 23. On a CD-RW you can [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(b) CD-ROM disks retrieve data and (a) read and write information
information more quickly than magnetic (b) only read information
disks do.
(c) only write information
(c) CD-ROMs make less errors than magnetic
(d) read, write and rewrite information
media.
(e) None of these
(d) All the above
24. Which contents are lost when the computer turn
(e) None of these
off ? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
17. Which of the following is a storage device that
(a) storage (b) input
uses rigid, permanently installed magnetic disks
to store data/information? [IBPS PO, 2011] (c) output (d) memory
(a) floppy diskette (b) hard disk (e) None of these
(c) permanent disk (d) optical disk 25. Which of the following is not an example of
hardware? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these
(a) Scanner (b) Printer
18. Which of the following is billionth of a second?
(c) Monitor (d) Mouse
[SBI PO, 2011]
(e) Interpreter
(a) Gigabyte (b) Terabyte
26. ________is the maximum amount of data that
(c) Nanosecond (d) Microsecond
can be stored on a storage medium.
(e) Terasecond
[SBI Clerk, 2011]
19. How many megabytes make a gigabyte?
(a) Magnetic storage (b) Optical storage
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(c) Solid-state storage (d) Storage capacity
(a) 1024 (b) 128
(e) None of these
(c) 256 (d) 512
27. Secondary storage [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(e) 64
(a) does not require constant power
20. The time for the actual data transfer after
(b) does not use magnetic media
receiving the request for data from secondary
storage is referred to as the disk’s (c) consists of four main types of devices
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] (d) does not store information for later retrieval
(a) transfer time (b) movement time (e) None of these
(c) access time (d) data input time 28. ______ acts as temporary high-speed holding
area between the memory and the CPU thereby
(e) None of these
improving processing capabilities
21. What happens when we try to delete the files on
[IBPS Clerk, 2012]
the floppy? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) ROM
(a) The files get moved to the Recycle Bin
(b) RAM
(b) Files on a floppy cannot be deleted
(c) Temporary memory
(c) The files get deleted and can be restored
again from Recycle Bin . (d) Cache memory
(d) The files get deleted and cannot be restored (e) Flash memory
again 29. What type of device is a 3½ inch floppy drive ?
(e) The file gets copied on the Hard disk [SBI Clerk, 2012]
22. The following computer’s memory is characterised (a) Input (b) Output
by low cost per bit stored (c) Software (d) Storage
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] (e) None of these
 Memory Organisation 45
30. Which of the following memory chip is faster ? 35. Which computer memory is used for storing
[SBI Clerk, 2012] programs and data currently being processed by
(a) There is no certainty the CPU ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
(b) DRAM (a) Mass memory
(c) SRAM (b) Internal memory
(d) DRAM is faster for larger chips (c) Non-volatile memory
(e) None of these (d) PROM
31. Which of the following is the second largest (e) None of these
measurement of RAM ? [SBI Clerk, 2012] 36. Which part of the computer is used for
(a) Terabyte (b) Megabyte calculating and comparing ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
(c) Byte (d) Gigabyte (a) ALU (b) Control unit
(e) Mega Hertz (c) Disk unit (d) Modem
32. Of the following, which is the fastest? (e) None of these
[SSC, CGL, 2012] 37. Which computer was the first to use the magnetic
(a) CD-ROM (b) RAM drum for memory ? [SSC, CGL, 2013]
(c) Registers (d) Cache (a) IBM - 650 (b) IBM - 7090
33. A nibble is equal to _____________ bits. (c) IBM - 701 (d) IBM - 360
[SSC, CHSL, 2012] 38. EPROM can be used for [IBPS PO, 2013]
(a) 16 (b) 32 (a) erasing the contents of ROM
(c) 4 (d) 8 (b) reconstructing the contents of ROM
34. ___________ a document means the file is (c) erasing and reconstructing the contents of
transferred from another computer to your ROM
computer. [IBPS PO, 2012] (d) duplicating the ROM
(a) Uploading (e) None of the above
(b) Really Simple Syndication (RSS) 39. Which is not a storage device? [SBI PO, 2013]
(c) Accessing (a) A CD (b) A DVD
(d) Downloading (c) A floppy disk (d) A printer
(e) Upgrading (e) A Hard disk

ANSWER KEy

1. (b) 9. (a) 17. (b) 25. (e) 33. (c)

2. (c) 10. (e) 18. (c) 26. (d) 34. (d)
3. (c) 11. (e) 19. (a) 27. (a) 35. (e)
4. (c) 12. (c) 20. (c) 28. (d) 36. (a)
5. (b) 13. (d) 21. (d) 29. (d) 37. (a)
6. (c) 14. (b) 22. (b) 30. (c) 38. (c)
7. (d) 15. (e) 23. (d) 31. (d) 39. (d)
8. (c) 16. (a) 24. (d) 32. (c)

1. Registers – Located inside the CPU, they provide the fastest access.

2. Cache – Slightly slower than registers but still very fast as it's closer to the CPU.

3. RAM (Random Access Memory) – Slower than cache, used as the main memory for
active processes.

4. CD-ROM – The slowest among these, as it is an external storage medium with

significantly lower access speed.
 46 Memory Organisation

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. A CD-RW disk __________. 9. Which type of memory is closely related to
(a) has a faster access than an internal disk processor?
(b) is a form of optical disk, so it can only be (a) Main Memory
written once (b) Secondary Memory
(c) holds less data than a floppy disk (c) Disk Memory
(d) can be erased and rewritten (d) Tape Memory
(e) None of these (e) None of these
2. Information on a computer is stored as _______. 10. Which of the following is not true about RAM?
(a) analog data (b) digital data (a) RAM is a temporary storage area
(c) modem data (d) watts data (b) RAM is the same as hard disk storage
(e) None of these (c) RAM is volatile
3. A directory within a directory is called. (d) Information stored in RAM is gone when
(a) Mini Directory (b) Junior Directory you turn the computer off
(c) Part Directory (d) Sub Directory (e) None of these
(e) None of these 11. By CD you can
4. DVDs are of which shape? (a) Read
(a) Square (b) Rectangular (b) Write
(c) Round (d) Hexagonal (c) Read and Write
(e) None of these (d) Either Read or Write
5. Which part is the “brain” of the Computer? (e) None of these
(a) CPU (b) Monitor 12. Which of the following storage media provides
(c) RAM (d) ROM sequential access only?
(e) None of these (a) Floppy disk (b) Magnetic disk
6. Information on a computer is stored as (c) Magnetic tape (d) Optical disk
(a) analog data (b) digital data (e) None of these
(c) modem data (d) watts data 13. The main directory of a disk is called the
(e) None of these __________ Directory.
7. Where are programs and data kept while the (a) root (b) sub
processor is using them? (c) folder (d) network
(a) Main memory (e) None of these
(b) Secondary memory 14. What is the difference between a CD-ROM and
(c) Disk memory a CD-RW?
(d) Program memory (a) They are the same – just two different
terms used by different manufacturers
(e) None of these
(b) A CD-ROM can be written to and a CD-
8. What does storage unit provide?
RW cannot
(a) Place for typing data
(c) A CD-RW can be written to, but a CD-
(b) Storage for information and instruction
ROM can only be read from
(c) Place for printing information (d) A CD-ROM holds more information than a
(d) All of the above CD-RW
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Memory Organisation 47
15. A group of 8 bits is known as a – 23. __________ is the process of dividing the disk
(a) byte (b) kilobyte into tracks and sectors.
(c) binary digit (d) megabit (a) Tracking (b) Formatting
(e) None of these (c) Crashing (d) Allotting
(e) None of these
16. If a user needs information instantly available to
the CPU, it should be stored – 24. The portion of the CPU that coordinates the
activities of all the other computer components
(a) on a CD
is the __________.
(b) in secondary storage (a) motherboard
(c) in the CPU (b) coordination board
(d) in RAM (c) control unit
(e) None of these (d) arithmetic logic unit
17. To what temporary area can you store text 25. Memory, also called random access memory, or
and other data, and later paste them to another RAM, __________.
location? (a) contains the electronic circuits that cause
(a) The clipboard (b) ROM processing to occur.
(c) CD-ROM (d) The hard disk (b) makes the information resulting from
(e) None of these processing available for use
(c) allots data, programs, commands, and user
18. All of the following are included in removable
responses to be entered into a computer
media Except –
(d) consists of electronic components that
(a) CD-ROMs (b) Diskette
store data
(c) DVDs (d) Hard Disk Drive (e) None of these
(e) None of these 26. A device that reads the information contained
19. When you make graph and picture in on a disk and transfers it to the computer’s
document, then your computer holds the data in memory.
__________. (a) monitor (b) screen
(a) Restore file (b) Backup drive (c) keyboard (d) disk drive
(c) Clipboard (d) Memory (e) None of these
(e) None of these 27. A disk on which you store information.
20. The storage element for a Static RAM is the (a) plate (b) data disk
_____. (c) paper disk (d) TV disk
(a) diode (b) resistor (e) None of these
(c) capacitor (d) flip-flop 28. The smallest item of useful information a
computer can handle.
(e) None of these
(a) bite (b) byte
21. With a CD you can _________.
(c) bit (d) bait
(a) Read (e) None of these
(b) Write 29. Eight bits of data.
(c) Neither Read nor Write (a) octabit (b) word
(d) Both Read and Write (c) sentence (d) byte
(e) None of these (e) None of these
22. Which of the following is the largest unit of 30. A place in the computer system where data and
storage? programs are temporarily stored.
(a) GB (b) KB (a) paste (b) open
(c) MB (d) TB (c) memory (d) pocket
(e) None of these (e) None of these
48 Memory Organisation
31. A removable magnetic disc that holds 39. Which of the following storage media provides
information. sequential access only?
(a) floppy disk (b) hard drive (a) Floppy disk (b) Magnetic disk
(c) monitor (d) portable (c) Magnetic tape (d) Optical disk
(e) None of these (e) None of these
32. Which type of memory holds only the program 40. A group of 8 bits is known as a __________.
and data that the CPU is presently processing?
(a) byte (b) kilobyte
(a) CMOS (b) ROM
(c) binary digit (d) megabit
(c) RAM (d) ASCII
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
41. To what temporary area can you store text and
33. Bit in short for –
other data, later paste them to another location?
(a) binary system (b) digital byte
(a) The clipboard (b) ROM
(c) binary digit (d) binary unit
(e) None of these (c) CD-ROM (d) The hard disk
34. The part of a computer that coordinates all its (e) None of these
functions is called its – 42. The amount of time required by a storage
(a) ROM program (b) system board device to retrieve data and programs is its
(c) arithmetic logic unit (d) control unit __________.
(e) None of these (a) retrieval speed (b) capacity
35. What characteristic of read-only memory (c) memory (d) storage
(ROM) makes is useful? (e) access speed
(a) ROM information can be easily updated 43. A 32-bit-word computer can access __________
(b) Data in ROM is nonvolatile, that is, it byte at a time.
remains there even without electrical (a) 4 (b) 8
power (c) 16 (d) 32
(c) ROM provides very large amounts of (e) 30
inexpensive data storage 44. A megabyte is actually equal to _________
(d) ROM chips are easily swapped between kilobytes.
different brands of computers
(a) 100 (b) 1000
(e) None of these
(c) 1024 (d) 1024 × 1024
36. To put information in a file on a magnetic disk,
(e) None of these
or in a computer’s memory, so it can be used
later __________. 45. The main memory of a computer must be
(a) store (b) ship large enough to contain the active parts of
__________.
(c) shift (d) centre
(a) the operating system
(e) None of these
37. A group of 8 bits is known as a __________. (b) the applications
(a) byte (b) kilobyte (c) input/output storage & working storage
(c) binary digit (d) megabit (d) All of these
(e) None of these (e) None of these
38. Which of the following is not true about RAM? 46. Which of the following types of memory
(a) RAM is a temporary storage area improves processing by acting as a temporary
(b) RAM is the same as hard disk storage high-speed holding area between the memory
and the CPU?
(c) RAM is volatile
(a) RAM (b) ROM
(d) Information stored in RAM is gone when
you turn the computer off (c) Cache memory (d) Flash memory
(e) None of these (e) EPROM
Memory Organisation 49
47. The smallest unit in a digit system is 55. Data on a floppy disk is recorded in rings called
(a) Byte (b) Kilobyte __________.
(c) Word (d) Character (a) sectors (b) ringers
(e) Bit (c) rounders (d) tracks
48. The computer’s processor consists of which of (e) segments
the following parts? 56. Which type of memory holds only that program
and data the CPU is presently processing?
(a) CPU and Main Memory
(a) CMOS (b) ROM
(b) Hard Disk and Floppy Drive
(c) RAM (d) ASCII
(c) Main Memory and Storage
(e) CD
(d) Operating system and Applications
57. Storage that retains its data after the power is
(e) Control Unit and ALU turned off is referred to as _________.
49. The most common storage device for the (a) volatile storage
personal computer is (b) sequential storage
(a) Floppy disk (b) USB thumb drive (c) direct storage
(c) Zip disk (d) Hard disk (d) non-volatile storage
(e) Pen drive (e) mobile storage
50. Thick, rigid metal platters that are capable of 58. Which of the following is a secondary storage
storing and retrieving information at a high rate device?
of speed are known as (a) Optical disks (b) RAM
(a) hard disks (b) soft disks (b) Microprocessor (d) All of these
(c) flash memory (d) SAN (e) None of these
(e) None of these 59. Which of the following is equal to 1,048,576
51. A DVD is an example of a(n) __________. byte (approx one million byte)?
(a) hard disk (a) Byte (b) Gigabyte
(b) optical disk (c) Memory (d) Megabyte
(e) Kilobyte
(c) output device
60. A hard disk drive is considered as a __________
(d) solid-state storage device
storage.
(e) None of these (a) flash (b) non volatile
52. How many bits are there in a byte? (c) temporary (d) non-permanent
(a) 20 (b) 4 (e) None of these
(c) 6 (d) 24 61. A permanent memory is called
(e) 8 (a) RAM (b) ROM
53. Which of the following is another name for a (c) CPU (d) LCD
chip? (e) ALU
(a) Silicon chip (b) Integrated circuit 62. Name of round shining portable disk which can
(c) Semiconductor (d) All of these store large amount of information and softwares.
(e) None of these (a) CD-ROM (b) Floppy disk
54. Decreasing the amount of space required to (c) Scanner (d) Monitor
store data and programs is accomplished by (e) Laptop
__________. 63. A tape drive offers __________ access to data.
(a) pressing (b) disk caching (a) timely (b) sporadic
(c) RAID (d) crashing (c) random (d) sequential
(e) file compression (e) disastrous
50 Memory Organisation
64. How many values can be represented by a single 72. What disk is used to cold-boot a PC?
byte? (a) Setup disk (b) System disk
(a) 4 (b) 16 (c) Diagnostic disk (d) Program disk
(c) 64 (d) 256 (e) None of these
(e) 512 73. Data (information) is stored in computer as
65. All the components of a computer are either (a) files (b) directories
__________ or ___________. (c) floppies (d) matter
(a) software, CPU/RAM (e) None of these
(b) application software, system software 74. Memory unit is one part of __________.
(c) input device, output device (a) Control unit
(d) hardware, software (b) Central Processing Unit
(e) input, output (c) Input device
66. The result of computer processing of your input
(d) Output device
is called
(e) None of these
(a) output (b) data
75. A character of information is represented by
(c) multi tasking (d) tracking
a(n) __________.
(e) intake
(a) byte (b) bit
67. A disk’s content that is recorded at the time
(c) field (d) attribute
of manufacture and that cannot be changed or
erased by the user is (e) None of these
(a) read-only (b) memory-only 76. Which of the following devices has a limitation
that we can only read it but cannot erase or
(c) run-only (d) write-only
modify it?
(e) None of these
(a) Tape Drive (b) Hard Disk
68. When you save to _________, your data will
remain intact even when the computer is turned (c) Compact Disk (d) Floppy Disk
off. (e) None of these
(a) RAM 77. Which of the following is the storage area
(b) motherboard within the computer itself which holds data
only temporarily as the computer processes
(c) secondary storage device
instructions?
(d) primary storage device
(a) the hard disk
(e) None of these
(b) main memory
69. Approximately how many bytes make one
Megabyte? (c) the control unit
(a) One Thousand (b) Ten Thousand (d) read-only memory
(c) One Hundred (d) One Million (e) None of these
(e) None of these 78. If a memory chip is volatile, it will __________.
70. A directory within a directory is called a (a) explode if exposed to high temperatures
__________. (b) lose its contents if current is turned off
(a) Mini Directory (b) Junior Directory (c) be used for data storage only
(c) Part Directory (d) Sub Directory (d) to used to both read and write data
(e) None of these (e) None of these
71. What is the major disadvantage of RAM ? 79. A CD-ROM disk
(a) Its access speed is too slow. (a) cannot be erased and rewritten
(b) Its matrix size is too big. (b) has more storage capacity than a CD-R
(c) It is volatile. (c) holds less data than a floppy disk
(d) High power consumption (d) can be written to only once
(e) None of these (e) None of the above
Memory Organisation 51
80. Storage device found inside the computer. 87. A disk’s content that is recorded at the time
(a) CD-ROM (b) Zip Disk of manufacture and that cannot be changed or
erased by the user is __________.
(c) Super Disk (d) Hard Disk
(a) memory-only (b) write-only
(e) None of the above
(c) read-only (d) run-only
81. The smallest unit of information a computer can
understand and process is known as a (e) None of these
(a) digit (b) kilobyte 88. Which of the following are advantages of CD-
ROM as a storage media?
(c) bit (d) byte
(a) CD-ROM is an inexpensive way to store
(e) None of the above large amount of data and information.
82. RAM is __________ and __________. (b) CD-ROM disks retrieve data and
(a) volatile, temporary information more quickly than magnetic
(b) nonvolatile, permanent disks do.
(c) nonvolatile, temporary (c) CD-ROMs make less errors than magnetic
media.
(d) volatile, permanent
(d) All of these
(e) None of the above
(e) None of these
83. The __________ indicates how much data a
particular storage medium can hold. 89. Even if a disk drive fails, the computer
application running and using it can continue
(a) access (b) capacity processing. This application is said to have been
(c) memory (d) storage designed with this feature called
(e) None of the above (a) 100 percent up-time (b) Fault tolerance
84. How is it possible that both programs and data (c) High reliability (d) All of these
can be stored on the same floppy disk? (e) None of these
(a) A floppy disk has two sides, one for data 90. Which media has the ability to have data/
and one for programs. information stored (written) on them by users
(b) Programs and data are both software, and more than once?
both can be stored on any memory device. (a) CD-R disks
(c) A floppy disk has to be formatted for one (b) CD-RW disks
for the other. (c) Zip disks
(d) Floppy disk can only store data, not (d) Opti-Disks
programs.
(e) Both CD-RW disks and Zip disks
(e) None of the above 91. Storage media such as a CD read and write
85. Secondary storage information using __________.
(a) does not require constant power (a) a laser beam of red light
(b) does not use magnetic media (b) magnetic dots
(c) consists of four main types of devices (c) magnetic strips
(d) does not store information for later retrieval (d) All of these
(e) None of the above (e) None of these
86. The process of preparing a floppy diskette for 92. Cache and main memory will lose their contents
use is called __________. when the power is off. They are __________.
(a) assembling (b) translating (a) dynamic (b) static
(c) parsing (d) formatting (c) volatile (d) non-volatile
(e) None of the above (e) faulty
52 Memory Organisation
93. Main memory works in conjunction with 100. How is it possible that both programs and data
__________. can be stored in the same floppy disk?
(a) special function cards (a) A floppy disk has two sides, one for data
(b) RAM and one for programs.
(c) CPU (b) A floppy disk has to be formatted for one or
(d) Intel for the other
(e) All of these (c) Programs and data are both software and
both can be stored in any memory device.
94. Which of the following is a storage device that
uses rigid, permanently installed magnetic disks (d) Floppy disks can only store data, not
to store data/information? programs.
(a) floppy diskette (b) hard disk (e) Floppy disks are better than CDs.
(c) permanent disk (d) optical disk 101. The signal which shows that a computer is
(e) None of these waiting for a command from the user is
95. Which of the following is an example of storage (a) prompt (b) event
devices? (c) time slice (d) interrupt
(a) Magnetic disk (b) Tapes (e) None of these
(c) DVDs (d) All of these 102. ROM tells the computer to
(e) None of these (a) disconnect the computer
96. Which of the following is an example of an (b) start up the operating system
optical disk? (c) connect to the hardware
(a) Digital versatile disks (d) turn on
(b) Magnetic disks (e) pass on data to the RAM
(c) Memory disks 103. Which of the following has the most capacity?
(d) Data bus disks (a) CD-R (b) CD-RW
(e) None of these (c) DVD (d) VCD
97. The main memory of a computer can also be (e) Floppy Disk
called
104. __________ increase the accuracy of a search
(a) Primary storage (b) Internal memory by fine-tuning the keywords in the search.
(c) Primary memory (d) All of these (a) Indexes (b) Italics
(e) None of these
(c) Compounds (d) Links
98. The life span of a CD-ROM is
(e) Operators
(a) approximately one year
105. The fastest component for accessing stored
(b) approximately two years data/information is/are
(c) approximately five years (a) cache (b) DVDs
(d) approximately twenty-five years
(c) hard disks (d) main memory
(e) almost unlimited
(e) tape
99. Magnetic tape is not practical for applications
106. A standard CD player accesses data/information
where data must be quickly recalled because
using which method?
tape is
(a) a random access medium (a) Sequential access
(b) expensive (b) Random access
(c) a read-only medium (c) Multivariate access
(d) fragile and easily damaged (d) All of these
(e) a sequential access medium (e) None of these
Memory Organisation 53
107. In a computer most processing takes place in (c) Action Register
_________. (d) Program Counter
(a) Memory (b) RAM (e) Accumulator
(c) Motherboard (d) CPU 115. The microprocessor of a computer
(e) None of these (a) does not understand machine language.
108. Which of the following is not a storage medium? (b) understands machine language and high-
(a) hard disk (b) flash drive level languages.
(c) DVD (d) CD (c) understands only machine language.
(e) keyboard (d) understands only high-level languages.
109. _________ consists of volatile chips that (e) Program Read-Only Memory
temporarily store data or instructions. 116. What is the full form of PROM?
(a) CPU (b) ROM (a) Programmable Read Only Memory
(c) RMA (d) RAM (b) Progressive Read Only Memory
(e) None of these (c) Periodic Read Only Memory
110. A computer’s ROM is _________. (d) Perfect Read Only Memory
(a) ALU (e) Program Read-Only Memory
(b) computer software 117. Which of the following does not store data
(c) operating system permanently?
(d) computer hardware (a) ROM (b) RAM
(e) CPU (c) Floppy Disk (d) Hard Disk
111. Which of the following is not a storage medium? (e) None of these
(a) Hard disk (b) Flash drive
118. Which of the following is the smallest storage?
(c) DVD (d) CD
(a) Megabyte (b) Gigabyte
(e) Monitor
(c) Kilobyte (d) Terabyte
112. In a sequence of events that take place in an
instruction cycle, the first cycle is called (e) Nanobyte
(a) store cycle (b) execute cycle 119. Which of the following helps to protect floppy
disks from data getting accidently erased?
(c) fetch cycle (d) decode cycle
(a) Access notch
(e) code cycle
113. ROM is an example of which of the following? (b) Write-protect notch
(a) Volatile memory (c) Entry notch
(b) Cache memory (d) Input notch
(c) Nonvolatile memory (e) None of these
(d) Virtual memory 120. CD and DVD drives are the examples of
(e) None of these (a) coding media
114. A register that keeps track of the next instruction (b) solid stage storage
to be executed is called a/an (c) Zip drives
(a) Data Register (d) printers
(b) Instruction Register (e) storage devices
54 Memory Organisation

ANSWER KEy

1. (d) 21. (d) 41. (a) 61. (b) 81. (c) 101. (d)
2. (b) 22. (d) 42. (a) 62. (a) 82. (a) 102. (b)
3. (d) 23. (b) 43. (d) 63. (d) 83. (b) 103. (c)
4. (c) 24. (c) 44. (c) 64. (b) 84. (b) 104. (a)
5. (a) 25. (d) 45. (b) 65. (d) 85. (a) 105. (d)
6. (b) 26. (d) 46. (c) 66. (a) 86. (d) 106. (d)
7. (a) 27. (b) 47. (e) 67. (a) 87. (c) 107. (d)
8. (a) 28. (c) 48. (e) 68. (c) 88. (a) 108. (e)
9. (a) 29. (d) 49. (d) 69. (d) 89. (b) 109. (d)
10. (b) 30. (c) 50. (a) 70. (d) 90. (b) 110. (d)
11. (a) 31. (d) 51. (b) 71. (c) 91. (a) 111. (e)
12. (c) 32. (c) 52. (e) 72. (b) 92. (c) 112. (c)
13. (a) 33. (c) 53. (b) 73. (a) 93. (c) 113. (c)
14. (c) 34. (d) 54. (e) 74. (b) 94. (b) 114. (b)
15. (a) 35. (b) 55. (d) 75. (b) 95. (d) 115. (c)
16. (b) 36. (a) 56. (c) 76. (a) 96. (a) 116. (a)
17. (a) 37. (a) 57. (d) 77. (b) 97. (c) 117. (b)
18. (d) 38. (b) 58. (a) 78. (b) 98. (c) 118. (e)
19. (d) 39. (b) 59. (d) 79. (a) 99. (e) 119. (b)
20. (d) 40. (a) 60. (b) 80. (d) 100. (c) 120. (e)
 Chapter
Computer
4 Software
Computer Programs are called as Computer software, or just software. A computer Software is set of programs
that guides the hardware through its job. The computer program is the non-tangible component of a computer
system. A Computer software is different from computer hardware, that is the physical component of a computer
system. Computer hardware and software work hand in hand cannot function without the other.

typeS of SoftWare
Computer softwares are mainly divided into two parts:
(a) System Software (b) Application Software

(a) SyStem SoftWare

System software is the software which manages and controls the hardware components and allows interaction
between the hardware and the other different types of software. The computer’s operating system is a type of
system software. Device drivers are also a part of this category.
System software can be separated into two different categories: Operating systems and Utility software.

OPERATING SySTEM
A program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware is called
an operating system. The operating system is an essential component of the system software in a computer
system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function.
Operating systems can be found on almost any device that contains a computer—from cellular phones and video
game consoles to supercomputers and web servers. For example: UNIX, MS-DOS,WINDOWS, 98/2000/xp/7.
Functions of an operating system –
The basic functions of an operating system are:
I. Booting the computer
II. Performs basic computer tasks eg managing the various peripheral devices eg mouse, keyboard
56 Computer Software
III. Provides a user interface, e.g. command line, graphical user interface (GUI)
IV. Handles system resources such as computer’s memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU)
time by various applications or peripheral devices
V. Provides file management which refers to the way that the operating system manipulates, stores, retrieves
and saves data.
I. Booting the computer : The process of starting or restarting the computer is known as booting. A cold
boot is when you turn on a computer that has been turned off completely. A warm boot is the process of
using the operating system to restart the computer.
II. Performs basic computer tasks : The operating system performs basic computer tasks, such as managing
the various peripheral devices such as the mouse, keyboard and printers. For example, most operating
systems now are plug and play which means a device such as a printer will automatically be detected and
configured without any user intervention.
III. Provides a user interface : A user interacts with software through the user interface. The two main types
of user interfaces are: command line and a graphical user interface (GUI). With a command line interface,
the user interacts with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific tasks. An example
of a command line interface is DOS (disk operating system). With a graphical user interface, the user
interacts with the operating system by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example
of a graphical user interface is Windows Vista or Windows 7.
IV. Handles system resources : The operating system also handles system resources such as the computer’s
memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU) time by various applications or peripheral
devices. Programs and input methods are constantly competing for the attention of the CPU and demand
memory, storage and input/output bandwidth. The operating system ensures that each application gets
the necessary resources it needs in order to maximise the functionality of the overall system.
V. Provides file management : The operating system also handles the organisation and tracking of files
and directories (folders) saved or retrieved from a computer disk. The file management system allows
the user to perform such tasks as creating files and directories, renaming files, coping and moving files,
and deleting files. The operating system keeps track of where files are located on the hard drive through
the type of file system. The type two main types of file system are File Allocation table (FAT) or New
Technology File system (NTFS).
File Allocation table (FAT) : It uses the file allocation table which records, which clusters are used and unused
and where files are located within the clusters.
NTFS : It is a file system introduced by Microsoft and it has a number of advantages over the previous file
system, named FAT32 (File Allocation Table).NTFS also allows permissions (such as read, write, and execute)
to be set for individual directories and files.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux.

TyPES OF OPERATING SySTEM

There are different types of operating system to support the computer system. Each type of operating system
offers distinct facilities that are appropriate to the computer system in which it is used.
Computer Software 57
The operating systems are of mainly following types:
• Single-user, single task Operating System - This operating system is designed to manage the computer
so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a
good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system.
• Single-user, multi-tasking Operating System- This operating system mostly used by people which are
using desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s MacOS platforms are both
examples of operating systems that will let a single user have several programs in operation at the same
time. For example, it’s entirely possible for a Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while
downloading a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail message.
• Multi-userOperating System : A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take
advantage of the computer’s resources simultaneously. The operating system must make sure that the
requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of the programs they are using has sufficient
and separate resources so that a problem with one user doesn’t affect the entire community of users. Unix,
VMS and mainframe operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of multi-user operating systems.
• Real Time operating System : Real time operating system controls the environment as they have a data
processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is very small. The
time taken by the system to respond to an input and display the result of the required inputted information
is termed as response time.A key characteristic of an RTOS is the level of its consistency concerning
the amount of time it takes to accept and complete an application’s task; the variability is jitter.A hard
real-time operating system has less jitter than a soft real-time operating system. The chief design goal
is not high throughput, but rather a guarantee of a soft or hard performance category. An RTOS that can
usually or generally meet a deadline is a soft real-time OS, but if it can meet a deadline deterministically
it is a hard real-time OS.
• Time-sharing operating system : Time sharing is a type of operating system that enables many people,
located at various terminals, to use a particular computer system at the same time. Because of the above
feature timesharing operating system is called multitasking operating system. In other words it is a logical
extension of multiprogramming. Processor’s time which is shared among multiple users simultaneously is
termed as time-sharing.The main purpose of Multiprogrammed batch systems, is to maximize processor
use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems the primary objective is to minimize response time.
• Distributed operating System : Distributed systems use a number of central processors to serve multiple
real time application and different users. Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors
accordingly to which one can perform each job most efficiently.
• Network operating System : This operating system runs on a server.This server is responsible for
managing data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The network operating
system allows shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network. This can also be
referred as a local area network (LAN), or a private network. Examples of network operating systems
include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X,
Novell NetWare, and BSD.
• STAND-ALONE OPERATING SySTEM : A stand-alone operating system is a complete operating
system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device. Some stand-
alone operating systems are called client operating systems because they also work in conjunction with
a server operating system. Client operating systems can operate with or without a network. Examples of
currently used stand-alone operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
(i) Microsoft Windows : Microsoft developed Windows operating system that has a graphical user
interface. Some of the popular Windows Operating System are Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
 58 Computer Software
Windows 8 is the latest Windows operating systems from Microsoft. It is a graphical user interface
(GUI) operating system which is very easy to learn and operate. Windows 7 provides many ways
to manage the files stored on your computer. You can open, rename, print, delete, move and search
for files.
(ii) Mac OS : It is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple
Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with
popularizing the graphical user interface.
(iii) Linux : It is a UNIX-based operating system that is available for free on the World Wide Web. Many
companies, such as Red Hat, Corel and Mandrake, create easy-to-use versions of Linux that you can
purchase. Red Hat Linux is a popular version that comes with the GNOME desktop environment.
GNOME displays pictures on the screen to help you perform tasks.
Linux is an open source code operating system. It can be copied, modified and redistributed with
few restrictions. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Linux is so popular among users.
• EMBEDDED OPERATING SySTEM : An embedded system is a computer that is part of a different
kind of machine. Examples include computers in cars, traffic lights, digital televisions, ATMs, airplane
controls, point of sale (POS) terminals, digital cameras, GPS navigation systems, elevators, digital media
receivers and smart meters, among many other possibilities.
In contrast to an operating system for a general-purpose computer, an embedded operating system is
typically quite limited in terms of function – depending on the device in question, the system may only run
a single application. However, that single application is crucial to the device’s operation, so an embedded
OS must be reliable and able to run with constraints on memory, size and processing power.
Thousands of connected embedded devices have been built on Windows Embedded platforms, from
portable ultrasound machines to GPS devices and from ATMs to devices that power large construction
machinery. With comprehensive features, easy-to-use and familiar Microsoft development tools, free
evaluation kits and access to a large network of community support, working with Windows Embedded
Products helps yield faster time to market for your devices and decreased development costs.
• MOBILE OPERATING SySTEM : A mobile operating system, also called a mobile OS, is an operating
system that is specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs,
tablet computers and other handheld devices. The mobile operating system is the software platform on
top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile device.
Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS, Windows Phone, and Google Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren’t as fully featured as those made for desktop or
laptop computers, and they aren’t able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of
things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.

• The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages
the data flow between the operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.
• An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the
computer’s processor can use to perform its basic operations.
• A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer, such as a keyboard
or a mouse. The driver program converts the more general input/output instructions of the operating
system to messages that the device type can understand.
Computer Software 59
• Buffering is the pre-loading of data into a reserved area of memory (the buffer). In streaming audio
or video from the Internet, buffering refers to downloading a certain amount of data before starting to
play the music or movie. Having an advance supply of audio samples or video frames in memory at
all times prevents disruption if there are momentary delays in transmission while the material is being
played. Even a live broadcast would have a few seconds of delay built in.
• Spooling is the overlapping of low-speed operations with normal processing. Spooling originated with
mainframes in order to optimise slow operations such as reading cards and printing. Card input was
read onto disk and printer output was stored on disk. In that way, the business data processing was
performed at high speed, receiving input from disk and sending output to disk. Subsequently, spooling
is used to buffer data for the printer as well as remote batch terminals.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

GUI is a program interface that takes advantage of the computer’s graphics capabilities to make the program
easier to use.
Basic Components of a GUI
Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft Windows and the one used by the Apple Macintosh, feature the
following basic components:
• Pointer : A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and commands.
Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow. Text -processing applications, however, use an
I-beam pointer that is shaped like a capital I.
• Pointing device : A device, such as a mouse or trackball, that enables you to select objects on the display
screen.
• Iicons : Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer to the icon
and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the icon into a window. You can also
move the icons around the display screen as if they were real objects on your desk.
• Desktop : The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop
because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.
• Windows : You can divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a different
program or display a different file. You can move windows around the display screen, and change their
shape and size at will.
• Menus : Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.

MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

Short for Microsoft Disk operating system, MS-DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system
derived from 86-DOS that was created for IBM compatible computers. MS-DOS originally written by Tim
Paterson and introduced by Microsoft in August 1981 and was last updated in 1994 when MS-DOS 6.22 was
released. MS-DOS allows the user to navigate, open, and otherwise manipulate files on their computer from
a command line instead of a GUI like Window.
DOS has a character user interface (CUI) i.e : Communication between a computer and the user can be
done by using characters. In Dos, one has to key in the commands on the prompt. Prompt is a place where
commands are issued. It may look like C:\> or C:\windows\>
62 Computer Software
Functions of System Utility:
I. Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a function that comes with all versions of Windows Operating Systems. Disk Cleanup
allows for you to scan your entire hard drive to search for extra room by deleting any unneccessary files
such as temporary files from the Internet and cookies that are downloaded when you visit webpages. You
can find Disk Cleanup in Windows XP by going to the Start menu → All Programs → Accessories →
System Tools → Disk Cleanup.
II. Disk Defragmentation
Defragmentation is the process of locating the noncontiguous fragments of data into which a computer
file may be divided as it is stored on a hard disk, and rearranging the fragments and restoring them into
fewer fragments or into the whole file.
III. System Restore
System Restore is a Windows utility that allows a user to restore their computer data to a specific former
state (known as a restore point), undoing changes made since that time. System Restore can be found by
going to Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → System Restore
IV. Disk Compression
Disk compression is a type of function that allows for a program to search your hard drive and compress
files, particularly old or unused files. It also serves to free up space, which is the main function of disk
compression software.
V. Antivirus
It is used to scan computer for viruses and prevent the computer system files from being corrupt.

(b) appliCation SoftWare

(Also known as ‘apps’) are designed to achieve a complete task or a set of tasks. Application software
consists of the programs for performing varied tasks particular to the machine’s utilization. There are various
examples of application software that include MS Word, MS Excel, a console game, database systems,
desktop publishing systems, program development software, a library management system etc.
Table shows difference between System software and Application software :
System Software Application Software
Enable the computer to function Usage E n a b l e u s e r t o w o r k e ff i e n t l y w i t h
documentation
Compulsory Need Optical depends on usage and needs
Each computer need one system system Number Software Each computer cna have more than one
software application
Independent–can use without application Dependency Depende – application software cannot work
software without Applicaiton software
Provide environment in which the Function Provides the environment to enable user to
applicaiton run accomplish specific task

Following is a brief definition of different examples of softwares available in the market and the
differences between them.
• Retail software: This type is sold off the shelves of retail stores. It involves expensive packaging that
are designed to appeal customers .These are high on cost .
• OEM software: OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and refers to that sold in bulk to
resellers, designed to be bundled with hardware.
Computer Software 63
• Shareware : It is a software that can be downloaded from the Internet. There is a license period in
which the user is allowed to try the program for free .After the stipulated period (in the license usually
thirty days), it must be purchased or uninstalled.
• Adware: This software has advertisements built into the program itself.It is a free software.These
softwares use a live Internet feed and constant bandwidth to upload new advertisements..
• Spyware: Spyware is normally free. These can be shareware. For example, a multimedia player might
Spyware is a type of malware that can gather and send personal information about
profile what music and video the user wants to play.In such a case the software files the program whenever
a user
it iswithout
called upontheir consent
to play
• Freeware: Freeware is also downloadable off the Internet and is free of charge.Freeware is only free
for personal use. A paid license is required for commercial use. Freeware does not contain spyware or
adware. If it is found to contain either of these, it is reclassified as such.
There are various types of application software :
I. Word Processing : The most important computer application is that they are most commonly used to create,
edit, and print documents. Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents
that contain text and graphics. With word processing software, you can insert clip art into a document;
change margins; find and replace text; use a spelling checker to check spelling; place a header and footer at
the top and the bottom of a page; and vary font (character design), font size (character scale), and font
style (character appearance).
E.g. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, AppleWorks, Openoffice.org etc.
II. Spreadsheet : A spreadsheet is a type of document that stores the entire data in a grid form consisting of
horizontal rows and vertical columns. This row/column structure allows the analysis of data using formulas
and calculations. With spreadsheet software, data is organized in rows and columns, which collectively
are called a worksheet. The intersection of a row and column, called a cell, can contain a label (name of
cells), a value (number), or aformula or function that performs calculations on the data and displays the
result.
E.g. Microsoft Excel, Correl Quattro Pro etc
III. Presentation Graphics : Presentation Graphics also called as the presentation software is a type of
application program that helps you to create different timing and organized sequence of information
and pictures that present a story or help in giving a public presentation of information through a slide
show.
E.g.Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, OpenOffice Impress, Corel Presentations, Adobe Persuasion etc.
IV. Multimedia authoring : Multimedia authoring software helps you to create a a presentation that has a
variety of feature such as the audio and video sequences. Business presentation software usually enables
you to include images and sometimes audio and video developed with other tools.
V. Database software : Database software allows you to create and manage a database. A database is a
collection of data organized to allow access, retrieval, and use of that data. A query is used to retrieve
data according to specifiedcriteria, which are restrictions the data must meet.
E.g.Microsoft Access, Corel Paradox, Lotus Approach etc.
VI. Desktop publishing(DTP) : Desktop publishing(DTP) software is used to design and produce sophisticated
documents. DTP is developed specifically to support page layout, which is the process of arranging text
and graphics in a document. Complete DTP involves combination of type setting, graphic design, page
layout and printing the document.
E.g.Adobe InDesign,Adobe PageMaker,Corel Ventura,Coreldraw,Microsoft Office Publisher etc.
A videoconference is a meeting between two or more geographically separated people who use a network
or the Internet to transmit audio and video data.
64 Computer Software

proGramminG lanGuaGeS
A programming language is a set of commands, instructions, and other syntax use to create a software program.
Languages that programmers use to write code are called “high-level languages.” This code can be compiled
into a “low-level language,” which is recognized directly by the computer hardware.
(a) Low Level Languages : Low level computer languages are machine codes or close to it. Computer cannot
understand instructions given in high level languages or in English. It can only understand and execute
instructions given in the form of machine language i.e. language of 0 and 1. There are two types of low
level languages:
I. Machine Language : The set of instructions executed directly by a computer’s central processing
unit (CPU) is called Machine code .In machine language each and every instruction performs specific
operation. The machine code is in the form a numerical code (i.e. not assembly code) and is the
lowest-level representation of a compiled and/or assembled computer program .Machine language
is also called as a primitive and hardware-dependent programming language. Writing programs
directly in numerical machine code is tedious task.
II. Assembly Language : A personal computer has a microprocessor of its own that manages the
computer’s arithmetical, logical and control activities. All these operations are managed through
a set of instructions by each family of processors. These operations are handled by getting input
from keyboard and displaying information on screen and performing various other jobs. These set
of instructions are called machine language instructions.
Machine language instructions are in the form of strings of 1’s and 0’s. Machine language is quite
obscure and complex for using in software development. For this very reason low-level assembly
language is designed for representation of all the instructions in a symbolic code yet in a more
understandable form for a specific family of processors.
(b) High-Level Language : Writing programs was made easier with time. Earlier languages that were
developed ,during the development of computers required knowledge of the internal workings of the
computer,hence attempts were made to ease the programming where the knowledge on the the internal
workings of the computer was not required . High-level programming languages allowed the specification
of writing a program closer to those used by human beings. With the advent of high level languages
,programming became far easier, less error-prone and also removed the programmer from having to know
the details of the internal structure of a particular computer. Fortran II was one of the first high level
language introduced in about 1958.
• Assembler : It is used to convert the assembly language into machine language (i.e. 0 or 1). This language
consists of mnemonic codes which are difficult to lean and is machine dependent.
• Compiler - Compiler is a special program which reads a program in source language and translates into
an equivalent other language. Also it reports the errors in the source program to its user, if there are any.
Types of Error. Errors are either syntactic or semantic:
Syntax errors are errors in the program text.
Semantic errors are mistakes concerning the meaning of a program construct.
• Interpreter : A high-level programming language translator that translates and runs the program at the
same time. It converts one program statement into machine language, executes it, and then proceeds to
the next statement. This differs from regular executable programs that are presented to the computer as
binary-coded instructions. Interpreted programs remain in the source language the programmer wrote
in, which is human readable text.
 Computer Software 65
• Loader
A loader is a:software
In loading, component in an operating
a routine of a program is not loadedsystem that loads
until it is called executable
by the program. All routines
are kept
programs oron disk in a re-locatable
software modulesload intoformat.
memoryThe main
for program
execution is loaded intoCPU.
by the memory and is executed.
Other routines methods or modules are loaded on request. Dynamic loading makes better memory space
utilization and unused routines are never loaded.
• Linker : Linking as the name suggests is the process of combining various pieces of code and data
together to form a single executable that can be loaded in memory. Linking can be done at compile time,
load time (by loaders) and at run time (by application programs) too.
• Debugging : In computers, debugging is the process of locating and fixing or bypassing bugs (errors)
in computer program code or the engineering of a hardware device.
Many high level languages were developed since Fortran II (and many have also disappeared!), among the
most widely used have been:
Language Application Area Developer
COBOL(Common Business
Oriented Business Oriented Business applications Grace Hopper in 1959
Language)
FORTRAN Engineering & Scientific
IBM in 1957
(Formala Translation) Applications
PASCAL General use and as a teaching tool Niklaus wirth in 1972
General Purpose - currently most C/C++ Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983.
C & C++
popular Dennis Ritchie in 1972
LISP (List Processing) Artificial Intelligence John Mc carthy in 1958
General Purpose - Internet
JAVA James gosling in 1995
Oriented Programming

4GL and 5 GL
4GL and 5GL represent the leaps or the “generations” in the evolution of programming languages.
• 1GL or first-generation language was (and still is) the machine language generation.It refers to the level
of instructions and data that is fed to the processor of a computer. (which in conventional computers is a
string of 0s and 1s).
• 2GL or second-generation language is the assembly language generation. An assembler converts the
assembler language statements into machine language.
• 3GL or third-generation language is a “high-level” programming language, such as C /C ++or Java.
• A 4GL or fourth generation (programming) language is a grouping of programming languages that attempt
to get closer than 3GLs to human language, form of thinking and conceptualisation. 4th generation language,
is known as the domain specific language, or a high productivity language.
4GLs are the programmer-friendly generation of programming. They are easier to write and hence improve
the programming efficiency by using words and phrases close to the English language, with appropriate,
use of icons, graphical interfaces and symbolical representations. 4GLs have also increased the number of
professionals to be able to develop skills set in software development.
• 5GL or fifth-generation language is a programming language that has a visual or graphical development
interface to develop the source code but compiled with a 3GL or 4GL language compiler. There are several
business corporations that make these languages such as the Microsoft, Borland, IBM, etc.
Computer Software 69
SOME IMPORTANT TERMS IN COMPUTER SOFTWARE –
Kernel: The nucleus of an operating system. It is the closest part to the machine level and may activate the
hardware directly or interface to another software layer that drives the hardware. The kernel orchestrates
the entire operation of the computer by slicing time for each system function and each application as well
as managing all the computer’s resources. It typically resides in memory at all times.
Shell: The outer layer of a program that provides the user interface, or way of commanding the computer.
The term originally referred to the software that processed the commands typed into the Unix operating
system . For example, the Bourne shell was the original command line processor, and C shell and Korn shell
were developed later. In DOS, the default shell was COMMAND.COM
Fork: fork() creates a new process by duplicating the calling process. The new process, referred to as the child,
is an exact duplicate of the calling process, referred to as the parent, except for the following points.The
child has its own unique process ID, and this PID does not match the ID of any existing process group .The
child’s parent process ID is the same as the parent’s process ID.
Thread: thread of execution is the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed
independently by a scheduler (typically as part of an operating system). The implementation of threads
and processes differs from one operating system to another, but in most cases, a thread is a component of
a process. Multiple threads can exist within the same process and share resources such as memory, while
different processes do not share these resources.
Deadlock: A condition that occurs when two processes are each waiting for the other to complete before
proceeding. The result is that both processes hang. Deadlocks occur most commonly in multitasking and client/
server environments. Ideally, the programs that are deadlocked, or the operating system, should resolve the
deadlock, but this doesn’t always happen.
Multiprocessing: Multiprocessing is the use of two or more central processing units (CPUs) within a single
computer system. The term also refers to the ability of a system to support more than one processor and/or
the ability to allocate tasks between them.

Interpreter

used in assembly
language

used in python used in c, c++

 70 Computer Software

PAST EXERCISE
1. _______ is a set of keywords, symbols, and (a) Fetching (b) Storing
a system of rules for constructing statements (c) Executing (d) Decoding
by which humans can communicate the
(e) None of these
instructions to be executed by a computer.
8. Processing involves [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(a) inputting data into a computer system
(a) A computer program
(b) A programming language (b) transforming input into output
(c) An assemble (c) displaying relevant answers
(d) Syntax (d) providing relevant answers
(e) None of these (e) None of these
2. This can be another word for program 9. Which of the following controls the manner of
[SBI Clerk, 2009] interaction between the user and the operating
system? [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(a) software (b) disk
(a) user interface
(c) floppy (d) hardware
(b) language translator
(e) None of these
(c) platform
3. A(n) _______ is device that electronically
processes data, converting it to information. (d) screensaver
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) algorithm (b) computer 10. Computer language used on the Internet is
(c) software (d) program —— [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(e) None of these (a) BASIC (b) COBOL
4. The secret code that restricts entry to some (c) Java (d) Pascal
programs is [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) password (b) passport 11. A compiler translates a program written in a
(c) entry-code (d) access-code high-level language into — [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(e) None of these (a) Machine language (b) an algorithm
5. The person who writes and tests computer (c) a debugged program (d) Java
programs is called a [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of the above
(a) programmer
12. What is correcting error in a program called?
(b) computer scientist
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(c) software engineer
(a) Compiling (b) Debugging
(d) project developer
(c) Grinding (d) Interpreting
(e) None of these
6. An error is also known as [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) bug (b) debug 13. The ————— of a system includes the
programs or instructions. [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(c) cursor (d) icon
(a) hardware (b) icon
(e) None of these
7. _____ is the process of carrying out commands. (c) information (d) software
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
Computer Software 71
14. The primary purpose of software is to turn data 21. _________is the process of carrying out
into——— [SBI Clerk, 2009] commands. [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) Websites (b) information (a) Fetching (b) Storing
(c) programs (d) objects (c) Decoding (d) Executing
(e) None of these (e) None of these
15. A ————— contains specific rules and 22. The operating system, that is self-contained in
words that express the logical steps of an a device and resident in the ROM .is
algorithm. [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) programming language
(a) Batch Operating System
(b) syntax
(b) Real-time Operating System
(c) programming structure
(c) Embedded Operating System
(d) logic chart
(d) Mutli-Processor Operating System
(e) None of the above
(e) None of these
16. A (n) –– is a program that makes the computer
easier to use. [SBI Clerk, 2009] 23. Information that comes from an external source
and fed into computer software is called
(a) utility (b) application
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(c) operating system (d) network
(e) None of these (a) Output (b) Input
17. The ––– tells the computer how to use its (c) Throughput (d) Reports
components [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) utility (b) network 24. To be able to “boot”, the computer must have
(c) application program a(n) [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(d) operating system (a) Compiler (b) Loader
(e) None of these (c) Operating System (d) Assembler
18. Which of the following is a programming (e) None of these
language for creating special programs like 25. The binary system is a number system to the
applets? [SBI PO, 2011] base [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) Java (b) cable (a) 2 (b) 4
(c) domain name (d) Net (c) 8 (d) 10
(e) COBOL (e) 16
19. System software [SBI PO, 2011] 26. Assembly language is [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) allows the user to diagnose and troubleshoot (a) Machine Language
the device
(b) High-level programming language
(b) is a programming language
(c) A low-level programming language
(c) is part of a productivity suite
(d) Language for assembling computers
(d) is an optional form of software
(e) helps the computer manage internal (e) None of these
resources 27. The simultaneous processing of two or more
20. Linux is a type of ________ software. programs by multiple processors is
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] [IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) Shareware (b) Commercial (a) multiprogramming (b) multitasking
(c) Proprietary (d) Open Source (c) time-sharing (d) multiprocessing
(e) Hidden type (e) None of these
72 Computer Software
28. _________are words that a programming (a) application suite (b) compiler
language has set aside for its own use. (c) input/output system (d) interface
[IBPS PO, 2011] (e) operating system (OS)
(a) Control words (b) Control structures 35. In the absence of parentheses, the order of
(c) Reserved words (d) Reserved keys operation is __________. [IBPS PO, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) Exponentiation, addition or subtraction,
multiplication or division
29. What is the process of copying software
programs from secondary storage media to the (b) Addition or subtraction, multiplication or
hard disk called? [IBPS PO, 2011] division, exponentiation
(a) configuration (b) download (c) Multiplication or division, exponentiation,
addition or subtraction
(c) storage (d) upload
(d) Exponentiation, multiplication or division,
(e) installation addition or subtraction
30. Which of the following can only have sequential (e) Addition or subtraction, exponentiation,
access? [SBI Clerk, 2011] Multiplication or division
(a) Disk (b) Tape 36. An _____ program is one that is ready to run
(c) CD-ROM (d) DVD-ROM and does not need to be altered in any way.
(e) None of these [IBPS PO, 2012]
31. An error is also known as [SBI Clerk, 2011] (a) interpreter (b) high-level
(a) bug (b) debug (c) compiler (d) COBOL
(c) cursor (d) icon (e) executable
(e) None of these 37. A(n) __________ language reflects the way
32. A set of rules for telling the computer what people think mathematically. [IBPS PO, 2012]
operations to perform is called a __________. (a) cross-platform programming
[IBPS PO, 2012] (b) 3GL business programming
(a) procedural language (c) event-driven programming
(b) structures (d) functional
(c) natural language (e) None of these
(d) command language 38. Which of the following software could assist
someone who cannot use their hands for
(e) programming language
computer input ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
33. A detailed written description of the
(a) Video conferencing
programming cycle and the program, along with
the test results and a printout of the program is (b) Speech recognition
called __________. [IBPS PO, 2012] (c) Audio digitizer
(a) documentation (b) output (d) Synthesizer
(c) reporting (d) spec sheets (e) None of these
(e) Directory 39. ___________ software creates a mirror image
of the entire hard disk, including the operating
34. A(n)_________is a set of programs designed to
system, applications, files, and data.
manage the resources of a computer, including
starting the computer, managing programs, [IBPS PO, 2012]
managing memory, and coordinating tasks (a) Operating system (b) Backup software
between input and output devices. (c) Utility programs (d) Driver imaging
[IBPS PO, 2012] (e) None of these
Computer Software 73
40. Which of the following information systems 47. The errors that can be find out by a compiler are
focuses on making manufacturing processes [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
more efficient and of higher quality ? (a) Logical errors (b) Internal errors
[IBPS PO, 2012] (c) Semantic errors (d) Syntax errors
(a) Computer-aided manufacturing (e) Execution errors
(b) Computer-integrated manufacturing 48. The process that deals with the technical and
(c) Computer-aided software engineering management issues of software development is
(d) Computer-aided system engineering ______ [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) Delivery process
41. A mistake in an algorithm that causes incorrect (b) Control process
results is called a __________. (c) Software process
[IBPS PO, 2012] (d) Testing process
(a) logical error (b) syntax error
(e) Monitoring process
(c) procedural error (d) compiler error
49. Android is ______ [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) machine error
(a) Operating system
42. ______ is a feature for scheduling and
(b) Application
multiprogramming to provide an economical
interactive system of two or more users (c) Interface (d) Software
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (e) A collection of all these
(a) Time sharing (b) Multitasking 50. Devices that enter information and let you
(c) Time tracing communicate with the computer are called
_______. [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(d) Multiprocessing
(a) Software (b) Output devices
(e) None of these
43. A programming language having a ______ is (c) Hardware (d) Input devices
slow in execution [IBPS Clerk, 2012] (e) Input/Output devices
(a) Interpreter (b) Compiler 51. In electronic device, operating under the control
(c) Assembler (d) Linker of information, that can accept data, process the
data, produce output and store the results for
(e) none of these
future use _______ [SBI Clerk, 2012]
44. The word processor used by DOS to write the
(a) Input (b) Computer
programs or instructions [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(a) WordStar (b) WordPad (c) Software (d) Hardware
(c) Notepad (d) MS-Word (e) None of these
(e) EDIT 52. By firmware we understand _______
45. Decimal equivalent of (1111)2 [SBI Clerk, 2012]
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (a) physical equipment used in a computer
(a) 11 (b) 10 system
(c) 1 (d) 15 (b) a set of instructions that causes a computer
to perform one or more tasks.
(e) 13
(c) the people involved in the computing
46. System proposal is prepared in ______ phase
process.
of SDLC [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(d) a set of programs that is pre-installed into
(a) Conception (b) Initiation
the read only memory of a computer during
(c) Analysis (d) Design the time of manufacturing
(e) construction (e) None of these
74 Computer Software
53. The basic computer processing cycle consists of 55. A pixel is [IBPS PO, 2013]
_______ [SBI Clerk, 2012] (a) a computer program that draws picture
(a) input, processing and output (b) a picture stored in the secondary memory
(b) systems and application (c) the smallest resolvable part of a picture
(c) data, information and applications (d) a virus
(d) hardware, software and storage (e) None of the above
(e) None of these 56. Which switch should be used in the DIR
54. One of the following statements is not true for command to view files in a directories ?
BUFFERS command [IBPS PO, 2013] [IBPS PO, 2013]
(a) increasing numbers of BUFFERS can (a) /P (b) /W
speed program execution, but only to a (c) /S (d) /L
certain extent
(e) None of these
(b) the more buffers that exist the more sectors
57. Which of the following uses a handheld
can be stored In memory; hence fewer
operating system? [SBI PO, 2013]
accesses of disk are necessary
(a) A supercomputer
(c) The BUFFERS command is used to
establish the number ol disk buffers set up (b) A personal computer
by MS-DOS during booting (c) A laptop
(d) All of the above (d) A mainframe
(e) None of the above (e) A PDA

ANSWER KEy

1. (a) 13. (d) 25 (a) 37. (d) 49 (e)

2. (a) 14. (c) 26 (c) 38. (b) 50 (e)
3. (b) 15. (c) 27. (d) 39. (b) 51. (d)
4. (d) 16. (a) 28. (d) 40. (a) 52 (d)
5. (a) 17. (d) 29. (e) 41. (b) 53 (a)
6. (a) 18. (a) 30. (b) 42. (a) 54. (d)
7 (c) 19. (e) 31. (a) 43. (a) 55. (c)
8. (b) 20 (a) 32. (e) 44. (e) 56 (c)
9. (b) 21 (d) 33. (a) 45. (d) 57. (e)
10. (c) 22 (c) 34 (c) 46. (b)
11 (e) 23 (b) 35. (d) 47. (d)
12. (b) 24. (c) 36. (e) 48. (c)
Computer Software 75

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Modern Computers represent characters and 8. The two major categories of software include
numbers internally using one of the following (a) operating system and utility
number systems __________.
(b) Personal productivity and system
(a) Penta (b) Octal
(c) system and application
(c) Hexa (d) Septa
(d) system and utility
(e) Binary
2. Which of the following is NOT a computer (e) None of these
programing language? 9. A program that works like a calculator for
(a) C (b) C++ keeping track of money and making budgets
(c) Java (d) COBOL _________.
(e) Microsoft (a) calculator (b) scholastic
3. To prepare a presentation/slide show which (c) keyboard (d) spreadsheet
application is commonly used? (e) None of these
(a) Photoshop (b) Power Point 10. To take information from one source and
(c) Outlook Express (d) Internet Explorer bring it to your computer is referred to as
(e) All of these __________.
4. Which of the following is NOT a famous (a) upload (b) download
operating system?
(c) transfer (d) de-link
(a) Windows Vista (b) Mac OS X
(e) None of these
(c) Linux (d) Sun OS
(e) Virtual Box 11. Which is the best definition of a software
package?
5. What kind of software would you most likely
use to keep track of a billing account? (a) An add-on for your computer such as
(a) Word processing additional memory
(b) Electronic publishing (b) A set of computer programs used for a
(c) Spreadsheet certain function such as word processing
(d) Web authoring (c) A protection you can buy for a computer
(e) None of these (d) The box, manual and license agreement
6. Special effect used to introduce slides in a that accompany commercial software
presentation are called __________. (e) None of these
(a) Effects 12. __________ is the process of finding errors in
(b) Custom animation software code.
(c) Transition (a) Debugging (b) Compiling
(d) Animation (c) Interpreting (d) Testing
(e) Preset animation
(e) None of these
7. A compiler translates higher-level programs
into a machine language program, which is 13. Which of the following is not a common feature
called- of software applications?
(a) source code (b) object code (a) Menus (b) Windows
(c) compiled code (d) beta code (c) Help (d) Search
(e) None of these (e) None of these
76 Computer Software
14. A __________ contains specific rules and 22. __________ processing is used when a large
words that express the logical steps of an mail-order company accumulates orders and
algorithm. processes them together in one large set.
(a) programming language (a) Batch (b) Online
(b) programming structure (c) Real-time (d) Group
(c) syntax (e) None of these
(d) logic chart 23. The __________ primarily take(s) of the
(e) None of these behind-the-scenes details and manage(s) the
15. For seeing the output, you use hardware.
(a) Monitor (b) Keyboard (a) operating system
(c) Mouse (d) Scanner (b) application software
(e) None of these (c) peripheral devices
16. The software tools that enable a user to interact (d) hard disk
with a computer for specific purposes are
(e) None of these
known as -
24. Documents converted to __________ can be
(a) Hardware
published to the Web.
(b) Networked Software
(a) a doc file (b) http
(c) Shareware
(d) Applications (c) machine language (d) HTML
(e) None of these (e) None of these
17. A __________ shares hardware, software, 25. Only __________ program(s) become(s)
and data among authorized users. active even though we can open many programs
(a) network (b) protocol at a time.
(c) hyperlink (d) transmitter (a) four (b) three
(e) None of these (c) two (d) one
18. Computer programs are written in a high-level (e) None of these
programming language; however, the human- 26. All of the followings are included in typical
readable version of a program is called - computer programming language which are in
(a) cache (b) instruction set use currently Except
(c) source code (d) word size (a) C++
(e) None of these (b) Java
19. Software for organizing storage and retrieval of (c) Visual Basic NET
information is a(an) - (d) Machine language
(a) operating system (b) database (e) None of these
(c) database program (d) data warehouse
27. The ability of an OS to run more than one
(e) None of these application at a time is called _________.
20. While running DOS on a PC, which command
(a) multitasking
would be used to duplicate the entire diskette?
(b) object-oriented programming
(a) COPY (b) DISKCOPY
(c) CHKDSK (d) TYPE (c) multi-user computing
(e) None of these (d) time-sharing
21. Data representation is based on the _________ (e) None of these
number system, which uses two numbers to 28. __________ is the process of carrying out
represent all data. commands.
(a) binary (b) biometric (a) Fetching (b) Storing
(c) bicentennial (d) byte (c) Decoding (d) Executing
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Computer Software 77
29. __________ is a set of computer program that (a) debugging (b) bugging
runs or controls computer hardware and acts (c) rectifying (d) modifying
as an interface with application programs and (e) None of these
users. 37. An assembler is used to translate a program
(a) Object code written in __________.
(b) A compiler (a) a low level language
(c) An operating system (b) machine language
(d) The CPU (c) a high level language
(e) None of these (d) assembly language
30. Errors in a computer program are referred to as (e) None of these
__________. 38. The capability of the operating system to enable
(a) bugs (b) mistakes two or more than two programs to execute
(c) item overlooked (d) blunders simultaneously in a single computer system by
(e) None of these using a single processor is _________.
31. A compiler is used to translate a program (a) Multiprocessing (b) Multitasking
written in __________. (c) Multiprogramming (d) Multiexecution
(a) a low level language (e) None of these
(b) a high level language 39. Instructions that tell the computer what to do.
(c) assembly language Another name for software.
(d) machine language (a) programs (b) CPU
(e) None of these (c) options (d) folder
32. Computer programs are also known as (e) None of these
__________. 40. A program that works like a calculator for
(a) operating systems (b) documents keeping track of money and making budgets.
(c) peripherals (d) applications (a) calculator (b) spreadsheet
(e) None of these (c) budgeter (d) financier
33. Information that comes from an external source (e) None of these
and is fed into computer software is called 41. Programs designed specifically to address
__________. general purpose applications special purpose
(a) Input (b) Output applications are called –
(c) Throughput (d) Reports (a) operating system
(e) None of these (b) system software
34. A repair for a known software bug, usually (c) application software
available at no charge on the internet, is called (d) management information systems
a(n) __________. (e) None of these
(a) version (b) patch 42. A series of instructions that tells a computer
(c) tutorial (d) FAQ what to do and how to do it is called a ________.
(e) None of these (a) program (b) command
35. The operating system is the most common type (c) user response (d) processor
of __________ software. (e) None of these
(a) Communication (b) Application 43. Programs or a set of electronic instructions that
(c) System (d) Word-processing tell a computer what to do _________.
(e) None of these (a) Menu (b) Monitor
36. Correcting errors in a program is referred to as (c) Hardware (d) Software
__________. (e) None of these
78 Computer Software
44. The ability of an OS to run more than one 51. A set of step-by-step procedures for accomplishing
application at a time is called – a task is known as a(n) __________.
(a) multitasking (a) algorithm
(b) object-oriented programming (b) hardware program
(c) multi user computing (c) software bug
(d) time-sharing (d) firmware program
(e) None of these (e) None of these
45. Coded entries which are used to gain access to 52. Compilers and translators are one form of
a computer system are called its – __________.
(a) Entry codes (b) Passwords (a) ROM (b) RAM
(c) security commands (d) code words (c) hard disk (d) software
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
53. Data representation is based on the ________
46. What is the name for the process that is
number system, which uses two numbers to
used to convert a series of instructions, or
represent all data
program, written in a high-level language into
instructions (or a program) that can be run on a (a) binary (b) biometric
computer? (c) bicentennial (d) byte
(a) Assembling (b) Compiling (e) None of these
(c) Translating (d) Uploading 54. The __________ primary take(s) care of the
behind-the-scenes details and manage(s) the
(e) None of these
hardware.
47. __________ is the process of carrying out (a) operating system
commands.
(b) application software
(a) Fetching (b) Storing (c) peripheral devices
(c) Decoding (d) Executing (d) hard disk
(e) None of these (e) None of these
48. The software tools that enable a user to interact 55. When a file contains instructions that can be
with a computer for specific purposes are carried out by the computer, it is often called
known as __________. a(n) __________ pile.
(a) Hardware (a) data (b) information
(b) Networked Software (c) executable (d) application
(c) Shareware (e) None of these
(d) Applications 56. A software which you can use to create a budget
(e) None of these is called
(a) Word processing software
49. Computer programs are written in a high-level
programming language; however, the human- (b) Graphics software
readable version of a program is called ______. (c) Utility software
(a) cache (b) instruction set (d) Spreadsheet software
(e) None of these
(c) source code (d) word size
57. Which device uses a hand-held operating
(e) None of these
system?
50. Software for organizing storage and retrieval of (a) PDA
information is a(n) __________.
(b) A personal computer
(a) operating system (b) database (c) A laptop
(c) database program (d) data warehouse (d) A mainframe
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Computer Software 79
58. What is Software? (a) hardware (b) software
(a) A type of computer code (c) data input (d) people
(b) A computer language (e) mobiles
(c) A set of instructions for your computer 66. Specialised programs that allow particular input
(d) A cover for the computer or output devices to communicate with the rest
(e) None of these of the computer system are called _________.
59. Computers process binary numbers, which are (a) operating systems
composed of __________. (b) utilities
(a) 1s and 2s (b) 2s and 4s (c) device drivers
(c) 1s and 10s (d) 2s and 3s (d) language translators
(e) 0s and 1s (e) connectors
60. A __________ contains specific rules and 67. The primary purpose of a software is to turn
words that express the logical steps of an data into __________.
algorithm. (a) Web sites (b) graphs
(a) programming language (c) programs (d) objects
(b) syntax (e) information
(c) programming structure 68. You must instruct the __________ to start the
(d) logic chart application software.
(e) graph (a) utility program (b) memory
61. __________ is the process of finding errors in (c) operating system (d) processor
software code. (e) user
(a) Hacking (b) Compiling 69. Professional designers can create sophisticated
(c) Testing (d) Running documents that contain text, graphics, and
(e) Debugging many colours, using __________ software.
62. Most application softwares today come with an (a) computer aided design (CAD)
interface called a(n) _________. (b) illustration
(a) graphical user interface (c) image editing
(b) character user interface (d) desktop publishing (DTP)
(c) icon user interface (e) PowerPoint
(d) button user interface 70. Oracle is an example of __________
(e) voice instruction system application software.
63. _________ are bundles of related software (a) database
packages that are sold together. (b) word processing
(a) Personal productivity tools (c) project management
(b) Word and PowerPoint (d) presentation graphics
(c) Screen savers (e) desktop
(d) Excel and WordPerfect 71. A collection of programmes which determines
(e) Software suites and controls how your computer system works
64. The __________ manual tells you how to use and process information is called
a software program. (a) Interpretor (b) Computer
(a) documentation (b) programming (c) Office (d) Compiler
(c) technical (d) user (e) Operating system
(e) dictionary 72. An error in a computer program is called
65. The __________ is an information system (a) Crash (b) Power failure
that must be reliable and capable of handling (c) Bug (d) Virus
the expected workload. (e) Bugger
80 Computer Software
73. The real business and competitive value of 78. The __________ mainual tells you how to use
information technology lies in a software program.
(a) The software applications that are used by (a) documentation (b) programming
many companies (c) technical (d) user
(b) The capabilities of the software and value (e) None of these
of the information a business acquires and 79. The __________ tells the computer how to
uses use its components.
(c) The infrastructure of hardware, networks, (a) utility
and other IT facilities that are commonly (b) network
used by many companies (c) operating system
(d) The capabilities of the hardware and the (d) application program
speed at which it processes information (e) None of these
(e) None of these 80. The process of writing out computer instructions
74. Companies use which of the following vendors is known as
to provide access to software and services (a) assembling (b) compiling
rather than purchasing the applications and (c) executing (d) coding
maintaining the applications themselves? (e) None of these
(a) Open source vendors 81. Multiprogramming systems:
(b) Alliances (a) are easier to develop than single programming
(c) Application service providers systems.
(d) All of the above (b) execute each job faster.
(e) None of these (c) execute more jobs in the same time period.
75. In the information systems concept, the output (d) use only one large mainframe computer.
function involves (e) None of these
(a) Capturing and assembling elements that 82. A __________ contains specific rules and
enter the system to be processed words that express the logical steps of an
(b) Transformation processes that convert algorithm.
input into output (a) programming language
(c) Transferring elements that have been (b) programming structure
produced by a transformation process to (c) syntax
their ultimate destination (d) logic chart
(d) Monitoring and evaluating feedback to (e) None of these
determine whether a system is moving 83. _________ is a set of keywords, symbols, and
toward the achievement of its goal a system of rules for constructing statements
(e) None of these by which humans can communicate the
76. Which of the following is a popular programming instructions to be executed by a computer.
language for developing multimedia web pages, (a) A computer program
websites, and web-based applications? (b) A programming language
(a) COBOL (b) Java (c) An assembler
(c) BASIC (d) Assembler (d) Syntax
(e) None of these (e) None of these
77. Compiling creates a(n) __________ 84. A program that converts a high-level language
(a) program specification source file into a machine-language file is
(b) algorithm called as
(c) executable program (a) translator (b) assembler
(d) subroutine (c) compiler (d) linker
(e) None of these (e) None of the above
Computer Software 81
85. Housing all hardware, software, storage, and 91. Which of the following is not a type of computer
processing in one site location is called ______. software which can be bought?
(a) time-sharing (a) Off-the-shelf
(b) a distributed system (b) Tailor-made
(c) centralized processing (c) Custom-developed
(d) a host computer (d) Off-the-shelf with alterations
(e) None of the above (e) All of these can be purchased
86. Computer programs are written in a high- 92. Computer software can be defined as
level programming language; however, the __________.
human-readable version of a program is called (a) the computer and its associated equipment.
__________.
(b) the instructions that tell the computer what
(a) cache (b) instruction set to do.
(c) source code (d) word size (c) computer components that act to accomplish
(e) None of these a goal.
87. The operating system determines the manner in (d) an interface between the computer and the
which all of the following occur except network
(a) user creating of a document (e) the interaction between the computer and
(b) user interaction with the processor its database.
(c) printer output 93. The operating system called UNIX is typically
(d) data displayed on the monitor used for
(e) None of these (a) Desktop computers (b) Laptop computers
88. What are the two examples of freeware? (c) Super computers (d) Web servers
(a) WinZip and Linux (e) All of these
(b) Shareware and file sharing 94. An error in a computer program is called a
(c) Microsoft Word and the Google toolbar __________.
(d) Instant messaging and the Google toolbar (a) crash (b) power failure
(e) Microsoft Power Point and Microsoft (c) bug (d) virus
Excel (e) fatal error
89. Vendor-created program modifications are 95. Executing more than one program concurrently
called by one user on one computer is known as
(a) patches (b) antiviruses (a) multi-programming (b) multi-processing
(c) holes (d) fixes (c) time sharing (d) multi-tasking
(e) overlaps (e) multi-action
90. A sales clerk at a checkout counter scanning 96. Which of the following controls the manner of
a tag on an item rather than keying it into the interaction between the user and the operating
system, is using __________. system?
(a) input automation (a) Language translator
(b) item data automation (b) Platform
(c) scanning automation (c) User interface
(d) source data automation (d) Icon
(e) None of these (e) None of these
82 Computer Software
97. Collecting personal information and effectively 104. Which of the following is not true about
posing as another individual is known as computer files?
(a) spooling (b) spoofing (a) They are collections of data saved to a
(c) hacking (d) identity theft storage medium.
(e) None of these (b) Every file has a filename.
98. A(n) __________ contains text as well as (c) A file extension is established by the user
information about the text. to indicate the date it was created
(a) annotated language (b) browser language (d) Usually files contains data.
(c) markup language (d) protocol language (e) None of these
105. How many kilobytes make a megabyte?
(e) machine language
(a) 128 (b) 1024
99. An operating system that can do multitasking
means that (c) 256 (d) 512
(e) 64
(a) the operating system can divide up work
between several CPUs. 106. In a computer, how many bits does a nibble
signify?
(b) multiple people can use the computer
concurrently. (a) 4 (b) 8
(c) 16 (d) 32
(c) several programs can be operated concurrently.
(e) 64
(d) All of these
107. Which of the following is not true about a
(e) None of these
compiler?
100. Compilers and translators are one form of –
(a) Translate instruction of a high level language
(a) ROM (b) RAM into machine language
(c) hard disk (d) software (b) Translates entire source program into
(e) None of these machine language program
101. The capability of the operating system to enable (c) It is involved in program’s execution
two or more than two programs to execute (d) Is a translating program
simultaneously in a single computer system by (e) Is useful to run program
using a single processor is _________. 108. When machine instructions are being executed
(a) Multiprocessing (b) Multitasking by a computer, the instruction phase followed
(c) Multiprogramming (d) Multiexecution by the execution phase is referred to as
(e) None of these __________.
102. The simultaneous execution of two or more (a) program cycle
instructions is called (b) machine instruction
(a) sequential access (c) execution cycle
(b) reduced instruction set computing (d) task cycle
(c) multiprocessing (e) machine cycle
(d) disk mirroring 109. Which language is directly understood by the
(e) None of these computer without translation program?
103. Which of the following is an example of a (a) BASIC language
binary number? (b) Assembly language
(a) 6AH1 (b) 100101 (c) High level language
(c) 005 (d) ABCD (d) C language
(e) 23456 (e) Machine language
Computer Software 83
110. The translator program used in assembly (c) The secondary storage
language is called _________. (d) The printer
(a) Compiler (b) Assembler (e) The processor
(c) Intepreter (d) Translator 116. Which of the following is not a binary number?
(e) Operating System (a) 001 (b) 101
111. A set of instructions telling the computer what (c) 202 (d) 110
to do is called __________.
(e) 011
(a) mentor (b) instructor
117. Large transaction processing systems in
(c) compiler (d) program
automated organisations use
(e) None of these
(a) Online processing
112. Which of the following is not true about
(b) Batch Processing
computer files?
(c) Once-a-day Processing
(a) They are a collection of data saved in a
storage medium. (d) End-of-day processing
(b) Every file has a filename. (e) Once-a-week processing
(c) A file extension is established by the user 118. Which of the following is true for the octal
to indicate the computer on which it was system?
created. (a) It needs less digits to represent a number
(d) All files contain data. than in the binary system.
(e) None of these (b) It needs more digits to represent a number
113. Which of the following is not a software? than in the binary system.
(a) Excel (b) Printer-Driver (c) It needs the same number of digits to
(c) Operating System (d) Powerpoint represent a number as in the binary system
(e) Mouse (d) It needs the same number of digits to
114. ASCII is a coding system that provides represent a number as in the decimal
system.
(a) 256 different characters
(e) None of these
(b) 512 different characters
119. The language used in a computer that is similar
(c) 1024 different characters
to the language of humans and is easy to
(d) 128 different characters
understand is referred to as
(e) 1000 different characters
(a) Source Code
115. Which part of the computer is directly invoked
(b) Machine Language
in executing the instructions of the computer
program? (c) High Level Language
(a) The scanner (d) Object Code
(b) The main storage (e) Assembly language
84 Computer Software

ANSWER KEy

1. (e) 21. (a) 41. (c) 61. (e) 81. (c) 101. (c)
2. (e) 22. (a) 42. (a) 62. (a) 82. (c) 102. (c)
3. (b) 23. (a) 43. (d) 63. (e) 83. (d) 103. (b)
4. (e) 24. (d) 44. (a) 64. (a) 84. (a) 104. (c)
5. (c) 25. (b) 45. (b) 65. (b) 85. (d) 105. (b)
6. (c) 26. (d) 46. (b) 66. (a) 86. (c) 106. (a)
7. (a) 27. (a) 47. (d) 67. (e) 87. (b) 107. (e)
8. (a) 28. (d) 48. (d) 68. (c) 88. (a) 108. (e)
9. (d) 29. (c) 49. (c) 69. (a) 89. (a) 109. (e)
10. (b) 30. (a) 50. (c) 70. (a) 90. (a) 110. (b)
11. (a) 31. (b) 51. (a) 71. (e) 91. (b) 111. (d)
12. (d) 32. (d) 52. (d) 72. (c) 92. (b) 112. (c)
13. (b) 33. (a) 53. (a) 73. (b) 93. (e) 113. (e)
14. (a) 34. (b) 54. (a) 74. (c) 94. (c) 114. (d)
15. (a) 35. (b) 55. (c) 75. (a) 95. (d) 115. (e)
16. (d) 36. (a) 56. (a) 76. (b) 96. (c) 116. (c)
17. (a) 37. (d) 57. (a) 77. (c) 97. (b) 117. (b)
18. (c) 38. (c) 58. (e) 78. (d) 98. (c) 118. (b)
19. (d) 39. (a) 59. (e) 79. (c) 99. (c) 119. (c)
20. (b) 40. (b) 60. (b) 80. (d) 100. (d)
 Chapter
Computer
5 Hardware
Computer hardware is the collection of physical parts of a computer system. This includes the computer case,
monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It also includes all the parts inside the computer case, such as the hard disk
drive, motherboard, video card, and many others. Computer hardware is what you can physically touch.
All computers have a common structure. These components can be very different in terms of expense, speed
and quality, but every computer has them to one degree or another.
The main components are as follows :
• Form Factor - This is the physical configuration of the computer: desktop, laptop, tablet or netbook
• The Processor - This is the ‘brain’ of the computer
• Data Storage - This is where your data are stored, as well as all the programmes and other files that your
computer needs to run.
• The Operating System - The OS is the software that runs the computer on the lowest level - Windows,
Macintosh or Linux are the most popular.
• Monitor - This is the viewing screen that you use to operate the computer. It is a very important part of
the digital photography computer.

harDWare ComponentS of Computer

1. The Processor : The Processor (CPU) is the “brain” of your computer, the thing that carries out the tasks
you give it.
The speed that the computer can run an operation is largely determined by how fast the processor can make
calculations. The CPU (Central Processing Unit), a complete computation engine that is fabricated on a
single chip, is the computer’s brain. It is sometimes referred to as the central processor, microprocessor,
or just processor.
Two typical components of a CPU are: 1) The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), which performs arithmetic
and logical operations, and 2) The Control Unit, which extracts instructions from memory and decodes
and executes them, calling on the ALU when necessary.
There are three parts to determining how fast a processor can do its work: clock speed, number of cores,
and chip generation.
• Clock Speed : Every processor has a speed rating, currently measured in Gigahertz or GHz. The higher
the number, the faster it runs. In theory, a processor that is 2GHz will be twice as fast as a 1 GHz .
• Number of Cores : A core refers to part of the processor that actually does the calculations. One way
that computer chip makers have increased the speed is by adding additional cores. A dual core processor
can run operations twice as fast as a single core processor of the same design and clock speed. Multiple
cores can make some computing tasks go quickly, and for others, there is no speed increase at all. In many
cases, both clock speed and number of cores is less important than the chip generation.
 86 Computer Hardware
• Chip Generation : Every few years, the companies that make processor chips will redesign the entire
chip architecture to make them faster. Sometimes the clock speed of the newer chips will be slower, even
as the real-world speed of the chip increases.
Intel’s Core 2 Duo chips that run at 3 GHz, for instance, will run Photoshop slower than an i7 chip running
at 2 GHz, because the i7 is a newer generation.
There are 2 main chip manufacturers, Intel and AMD.
As of 2013,the current lineup of Core processors includes the latest Intel Core i7, Intel Core i5, and Intel
Core i3, and the older Intel Core 2 Solo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Core 2 Quad, and Intel Core 2 Extreme lines.
2. The Motherboard : The motherboard connects all the other components to one another, and is the physical
base upon which everything build. It contains a lot of machine’s core features, like the number of USB
ports, the number of expansion cards can put in (such as video, sound, and Wi-Fi), and also partially
determines how big a computer will be. Which motherboard can be pick will depend on whether want to
build a low, medium, or high performance machine and how advanced of a user you are.
3. The Case :The case holds all of your computer’s parts together. For the most part, a case is less about
features that affect how computer runs and more about features that affect you and your home—that is,
how quiet it is, how large it is, and of course, how it looks in office/home.
4. The RAM : RAM, or Random Access Memory (or “Memory” for short), is like your computer’s short-
term memory. It stores data what a computer needs quick access to to help your programs run faster, and
help to run more programs at one time.
In general, you want to have as much RAM in your computer as you can afford. If you are running a 32 bit
operating system, then each program can make use 2GB to 3 GB of RAM. If you have a 64bit OS, then each
program can use as much RAM as you have available.
5. The Graphics Card : The Graphics card, or GPU, is a processor specifically designed to handle graphics.
It’s what you hook your monitor up to, and it’s what draws your desktop and your windows on the screen.
Some motherboards come with a GPU already integrated, which is enough to manage your desktop, but
not enough for watching high definition video or playing 3D games. For those, you’ll need a dedicated
graphics card, since it can do the legwork needed to draw those complex images.
6. The Hard Drive(s) : Hard drive store all of data, ranging from operating system to documents, music,
and movies. If the RAM is considered as computer’s short-term memory, then hard drive is the long-term
memory. It stores all the things want to keep around for a while. The kind of hard drive choose will be
determined mainly by how much data need to store.
7. The Optical Drive : An optical drive, more commonly known as a CD or DVD drive, is what required
to read CDs, DVDs, and even Blu-Ray discs.
8. The Power Supply : The power supply directs electricity to the other components in machine. Generally,
if you have a high performance computer with a fast processor, a graphics card, and a few hard drives,
you’ll need a higher wattage power supply than you would if you were building a low-end PC.
9. Sound Card : A sound card is an electronic circuit board that is mounted inside the computer to control
sound output to speakers or headphones, to record sound input from a microphone connected to the
computer, and to manipulate sound stored on a disk. Sound cards are essential for multimedia applications
and have become common on modern personal computers.
10. Ports : A port is an interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers
have various types of ports. Internally, there are several ports for connecting disk drives, monitors, and
keyboards. Externally, personal computers have ports for connecting modems, printers, mice, and other
peripheral devices.
Computer Hardware 87
There are three common types of external ports that usually come with a computer:
(i) Parallel ports (for most printers) : A parallel part is an interface for connecting eight or more data
wires. The data flows through the eight wires simultaneously. They can transmit eight bits of data
in parallel. As a result, parallel ports provide high speed data transmission. Parallel port is used to
connect printer to computer.
(ii) Serial ports (for most modems and some mouse) : A serial port transmits one bit of data through
a single wire. Since, data is transmitted serially as single bits. Serial ports provide slow speed data
transmission. Serial port is used to connect external modems, plotters, barcode, reader etc.
(iii) USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports (for about every peripheral made in a USB version) : The
USB (Universal Serial Bus) provides a single, standardized, easy-to-use way to connect up to 127
devices to a computer. The USB connectors let you attach everything from mice to printers to your
computer more quickly and easily than the other two. The operating system supports USB as well,
so the installation of the device drives is quick and easy, too.

A “bus” is a set of conductors that carry signals between different parts of a computer.
Firewire – It is used to connect audio and video multimedia devices like video camera it has data transfer
rate of upto 400 Mb/s.
11. Input Output Peripherals : A computer peripheral is any external device that provides input and output
for the computer. For example, a keyboard and mouse are input peripherals, while a monitor and printer
are output peripherals. Computer peripherals, or peripheral devices, are sometimes called “I/O devices”
because they provide input and output for the computer. Some peripherals, such as external hard drives,
provide both input and output for the computer.
12. Expansion card : An expansion card is an electronic card/board that is used to add extra functionality
to a computer. It is inserted into an expansion slot on the motherboard of a computer. Expansion cards
contain edge connectors that are used to create an electronic link between motherboard and card, thus
enabling these two to communicate.
 88 Computer Hardware

PAST EXERCISE
1. Restarting a computer that is already on is 7. Which ports connect special types of music
referred to as [SBI Clerk, 2009] instruments to sound cards? [IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) shut down (b) cold booting (a) BUS (b) CPU
(c) warm booting (d) logging off (c) USB (d) MIDI
(e) None of these (e) MINI
2. Hardware includes [SBI Clerk, 2009] 8. Which of the following is contained on chips
(a) all devices used to input data into a connected to the system board and is a holding
computer area for data instructions and information?
(b) sets of instructions that a computer runs or (processed data waiting to be output to secondary
executes storage) [SBI PO, 2011]
(c) the computer and all the devices connected (a) program (b) mouse
to it that are used to input and output data (c) Internet (d) memory
(d) all devices involved processing information (e) modem
including the central processing unit, 9. Which of the following is hardware and not
memory, and storage software ? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these (a) Excel (b) Printer driver
3. Which part of the computer helps to store (c) Operating System (d) Power Point
information ? [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) CPU
(a) Disk drive (b) keyboard 10. Where is the disk put in a computer?
(c) Monitor (d) Printer [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(e) None of these (a) in the modem (b) in the hard drive
4. Which is the part of a computer that one can (c) into the CPU (d) in the disk drive
touch and feel? [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) Hardware (b) Software 11. Different components on the motherboard of a
(c) Programs (d) Output PC unit are linked together by sets of parallel
(e) None of these electrical conducting lines. What are these lines
5. A complete electronic circuit with transistors called ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
and other electronic components on a small (a) Conductors (b) Buses
silicon chip is called a (n)– [SBI Clerk, 2009] (c) Connectors (d) Consecutives
(a) workstation (e) None of these
(b) CPU 12. A USB communication device that supports data
(c) magnetic disk encryption for secure wireless communication
(d) integrated circuit for notebook users is called a __________.
(e) None of these [IBPS PO, 2012]
6. _______ is the process of dividing the disk (a) USB wireless network adapter
into tracks and sectors. [IBPS PO, 2011] (b) wireless switch
(a) Tracking (b) Formatting (c) wireless hub
(c) Crashing (d) Allotting (d) router
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Computer Hardware 89
13. A device for changing the connection on a (a) Input Unit (b) System Bus
connector to a different configuration is- (c) ALU (d) Primary Memory
[IBPS PO, 2012] (e) None of these
(a) a converter (b) a component 17. The cost of a given amount of computing power
(c) an attachment (d) an adapter has _______ dramatically with the progress of
(e) Voltmeter computer technology. [SBI Clerk, 2012]
14. The disks stores information in (a) stayed the same
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (b) changed proportionally with the economy
(a) Tables (c) increased
(b) Rows and columns (d) fluctuated
(c) Blocks (e) decreased
(d) Tracks and sectors 18. The indentations on CDs and DVDs are called:
(e) All of these [SSC, CHSL, 2012]
15. Tangible, physical computer equipment that can (a) pits (b) clusters
be seen and touched is called _______
(c) tracks (d) lands
[SBI Clerk, 2012]
19. Which of the following refers to too much
(a) hardware (b) software
electricity and may cause a voltage surge?
(c) storage (d) input/output
[SBI PO, 2013]
(e) None of these
(a) Anomaly (b) Shock
16. What resides on the motherboard and
connects the CPU to other components on the (c) Spike (d) Virus
motherboard ? [SBI Clerk, 2012] (e) Splash

ANSWER KEy

1. (d) 6. (b) 11. (b) 16. (b)

2. (c) 7. (d) 12. (a) 17. (c)
3. (a) 8. (d) 13. (d) 18. (c)
4. (a) 9. (e) 14. (d) 19. (c)
5. (d) 10. (d) 15. (a)
 90 Computer Hardware

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. The _________ directory is mandatory for 9. When you save the following the data would
every disk. remain intact even after turning off computer?
(a) Root (b) Base (a) RAM
(c) Sub (d) Case (b) Motherboard
(e) None of these (c) Secondary and Storage Device
2. Which of the following is NOT a hardware of a (d) Primary Storage Device
computer?
(e) None of these
(a) Monitor
10. A computer’s hard disk is __________.
(b) Key Board
(c) Windows (a) an arithmetic and logical unit
(d) Central Processing Unit (b) computer software
(e) None of these (c) operating system
3. Permanent instructions that the computer (d) computer hardware
uses when it is turned on and that cannot be (e) None of these
changed by other instructions are contained in 11. Devices that make up a computer system that
__________. you can see or touch –
(a) ROM (b) RAM (a) menu (b) print
(c) ALU (d) REM
(c) software (d) hardware
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
4. Which is not an item of hardware?
12. The term used to define all input and output
(a) An MP3 file (b) A keyboard
devices in a computer system is –
(c) A disk drive (d) A monitor
(e) None of these (a) Monitor (b) Software
5. Another word for the CPU is __________ (c) Shared resources (d) Hardware
(a) microprocessor (b) execute (e) None of these
(c) microchip (d) decode 13. Which of the following peripheral devices
(e) None of these displays information to a user?
6. Hardware devices that are not part of the main (a) Monitor
computer system and are often added later to (b) Keyboard
the system are (c) Secondary storage devices
(a) clip art (b) highlight (d) Secondary storage media
(c) execute (d) peripheral (e) None of these
(e) None of these
14. The hardware device commonly referred to as
7. Where is the disk put to enable the computer to
the “brain” of the computer is the __________.
read it?
(a) RAM chip (b) data input
(a) Disk drive (b) Memory
(c) CPU (d) ALU (c) CPU (d) secondary storage
(e) None of these (e) None of these
8. Which of the following is not an example of 15. What provide expansion capability for a
hardware? computer system?
(a) Mouse (b) Printer (a) Sockets (b) Slots
(c) Monitor (d) EXCEL (c) Bytes (d) Bays
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Computer Hardware 91
16. The clock rate of a processor is measured in 24. Peripheral devices such as printers and monitors
(a) milliseconds are considered to be
(b) microhertz (a) hardware (b) software
(c) megabytes or gigabytes (c) data (d) information
(d) nanoseconds (e) source code
(e) megahertz or gigahertz 25. Which of the following is usually connected to
17. Which of the following devices translate data a computer with the help of a cable?
and programs that humans can understand into (a) Icon (b) Virus
a form that the computer can process? (c) Database (d) Pixel
(a) Display (b) Input (e) Peripheral devices
(c) Output (d) Hardware 26. Fax machines and imaging systems are
(e) None of these examples of
18. __________ ports connect special types of (a) bar-code readers
music instruments to sound cards.
(b) imaging systems
(a) BUS (b) CPU
(c) scanning devices
(c) USB (d) MIDI
(d) pen-based systems
(e) MINI
(e) None of these
19. If a processor has a word size of 32 bits,
compared to a processor with a word size of 16 27. A __________ is a device that not only
bits, it can process __________ at a time. provides surge protection, but also furnishes
(a) thrice as much (b) half as much your computer with battery backup power
during a power outage.
(c) a fourth as much (d) the same amount
(a) surge strip (b) USB
(e) twice as much
20. Which of the following is an example of (c) UPS (d) battery strip
connectivity? (e) None of these
(a) CD (b) Floppy disk 28. The motherboard is the
(c) Power cord (d) Data (a) circuit board that houses peripheral devices
(e) Internet (b) same as the CPU chip
21. Any hardware component that allows you to (c) the first chip that is accessed when the
enter data or instructions into a computer is computer is turned on
called a(n) _________. (d) circuit board that contains a CPU and other
(a) printer (b) storage device chips
(c) output device (d) system unit (e) None of these
(e) input device 29. A directory within a directory is called a
22. The new __________ integrates the function __________.
of a processor, memory and video on a single (a) Mini Directory (b) Junior Directory
chip (c) Part Directory (d) Sub Directory
(a) micro processor (e) None of these
(b) power processor 30. When installing __________, the user must
(c) system on a chip copy and usually decompress program files
(d) multimedia processor from a CD-ROM or other medium to the hard
(e) chip processor disk.
23. The main system board of a computer is called (a) programming software
the (b) system hardware
(a) integrated circuit (b) motherboard (c) application hardware
(c) processor (d) microchip (d) applications software
(e) drive board (e) None of these
92 Computer Hardware
31. If a new device is attached to a computer, such 38. A computer’s type, processor, and operating
as a printer or scanner, its __________ must system define its
be installed before the device can be used. (a) brand (b) size
(a) buffer (b) driver (c) platform (d) speed
(c) pager (d) server (e) none of these
(e) None of these 39. A microprocessor is the brain of the computer
32. The general term “peripheral equipment” is and is also called a(n)
used for _________. (a) microchip (b) macrochip
(a) any device that is attached to a computer (c) macroprocessor (d) calculator
system
(e) software
(b) large-scale computer systems
40. Storage and memory differ with respect to
(c) a program collection
which of the following characteristics?
(d) other office equipment not associated with
(a) Price (b) Reliability
a desktop computer
(e) None of these (c) Speed (e) All of these
33. Which is not an item of hardware? (e) None of these
(a) An MP3 file (b) A keyboard 41. What is the process of copying software
programs from secondary storage media to the
(c) A monitor (d) A mouse
hard disk called?
(e) None of the above
(a) Configuration (b) Download
34. The box that contains the central electronic
components of the computer is the (c) Storage (d) Upload
(a) motherboard (b) system unit (e) Installation
(c) peripheral (d) input device 42. What is the most popular hardware for
(e) None of the above multimedia creations?
35. A device that provides emergency power to your (a) PCs
computer, conditions the voltage, and protects (b) Minicomputers
against power surges is called a __________. (c) Mainframe Computers
(a) PSU = Power Supply Unit (d) WANs
(b) USP = Universal Surge Protector (e) Super Computers
(c) UPPS = Universal Power Protection and 43. Which of the following will you require to hear
Supply music on your computer?
(d) UPS = Uninterruptible Power Supply (a) Video Card (b) Tape Recorder
(e) None of the above (c) Mouse (d) Joy Stick
36. A device that is connected to the motherboard (e) Sound Card
is ________.
44. For viewing video CDs, you would use
(a) called an external device
(a) CD Player
(b) called an adjunct device
(b) Windows Media Player
(c) called a peripheral device
(c) Windows Video Player
(d) must connect using ribbon cable
(d) Windows Movie Player
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
37. The CPU, also called the __________ when
talking about PCs, does the vast majority of the 45. A CPU-chip developed by Intel for wireless
processing for a computer laptops is called the
(a) macroprocessor (b) RAM (a) Celeron (b) Pentium-M
(c) memory system (d) microprocessor (c) Xen (d) Itanium
(e) None of these (e) None of these
Computer Hardware 93
46. What is a backup? 51. The processor is a __________ chip plugged
(a) Restoring the information backup onto the motherboard in a computer system.
(b) An exact copy of a system’s information (a) LSI (b) VLSI
(c) The ability to get a system up and running (c) ULSI (d) XLSI
in the event of a system crash or failure (e) WLSI
(d) All of these 52. The other name of a motherboard is
(e) None of these (a) Mouse (b) Computer Board
47. Which of the following is hardware and not
(c) System Device (d) Central Board
software
(e) System Board
(a) Excel (b) Printer driver
53. Which type of storage is a hard disc?
(c) Operating System (d) Power Point
(e) Control Unit (a) Non-permanent (b) Volatile
48. Peripheral devices such as printers and monitors (c) Temporary (d) Non-volatile
are considered to be __________. (e) None of these
(a) data (b) software 54. When a computer is switched on, the booting
(c) hardware (d) information process performs
(e) None of these (a) Integrity Test
49. Which of the following is not an example of a (b) Power-On-Self-Test
hardware? (c) Correct Functioning Test
(a) Word (b) Printer (d) Reliability Test
(c) Monitor (d) Mouse (e) Shut-down
(e) Scanner 55. Which of the following is a hardware and not a
50. Which of the following is a secondary memory software?
device?
(a) PowerPoint (b) Printer driver
(a) Keyboard (b) Disk
(c) Operating System (d) ALU
(c) ALU (d) Mouse
(e) Excel
(e) Printer

ANSWER KEy

1. (c) 11. (d) 21. (e) 31. (b) 41. (e) 51. (b)
2. (c) 12. (d) 22. (a) 32. (a) 42. (a) 52. (e)
3. (a) 13. (a) 23. (b) 33. (a) 43. (e) 53. (d)
4. (a) 14. (c) 24. (a) 34. (b) 44. (b) 54. (b)
5. (a) 15. (a) 25. (e) 35. (d) 45. (d) 55. (d)
6. (d) 16. (e) 26. (b) 36. (c) 46. (d)
7. (a) 17. (e) 27. (c) 37. (d) 47. (e)
8. (d) 18. (d) 28. (d) 38. (d) 48. (c)
9. (c) 19. (b) 29. (d) 39. (a) 49. (a)
10. (d) 20. (e) 30. (d) 40. (d) 50. (b)
 Chapter
Computer
7 Networks
A computer Network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware devices that are linked
together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide
range of users.
Generally, networks are distinguished based on their geographical span. A network can be as small as distance
between your mobile phone and its Bluetooth headphone and as large as the Internet itself, covering the whole
geographical world, i.e. the Earth.

typeS of Computer netWorkS

There are many types of Networks including :
1. Personal Area Network (PAN) : A Personal Area Network or simply PAN, is smallest network which is
very personal to a user. This may include Bluetooth enabled devices or infra-red enabled devices. PAN has
connectivity range up to 10 meters. PAN may include wireless computer keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth
enabled headphones, wireless printers and TV remotes for examples.
2. Local Area Network (LAN) : A computer network spanned inside a building and operated under single
administrative system is generally termed as Local Area Network. Usually, Local Area Network covers
an organization such as offices, schools, college/universities etc. Number of systems may vary from as
least as two to as much as 16 million LAN provides a useful way of sharing resources between end users.
Resources like Printers, File Servers, Scanners and internet is easy sharable among computers. Local Area
Networks are composed of inexpensive networking and routing equipment. It may contains local servers
serving file storage and other locally shared applications. It mostly operates on private IP addresses and
generally do not involve heavy routing. LAN uses either Ethernet or Token-ring technology. Ethernet is
most widely employed LAN technology and uses Star topology while Token-ring is rarely seen.
Data transfer rate in LAN is of the order 10 to 100 mega bits per second( Mbps).
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) : MAN, generally expands throughout a city such as cable TV
network. It can be in form of Ethernet, Token-ring, ATM or FDDI. Metro Ethernet is a service which is
provided by ISPs. This service enables its users to expand their Local Area Networks. For example, MAN
can help an organization to connect all of its offices in a City. Backbone of MAN is high-capacity and
high-speed fiber optics. MAN is works in between Local Area Network and Wide Area Network. MAN
provides uplink for LANs to WANs or Internet.
4. Wide Area Network (WAN) : As name suggests, this network covers a wide area which may span across
provinces and even a whole country. Generally, telecommunication networks are Wide Area Network. These
networks provides connectivity to MANs and LANs. Equipped with very high speed backbone, WAN uses
very expensive network equipment. WAN may use advanced technologies like Asynchronous Transfer
Mode (ATM), Frame Relay and SONET. WAN may be managed under by more than one administration.
5. Virtual Private Network (VPN) : VPN is a network that is constructed by using public wires usually the
Internet to connect to a private network, such as a company›s internal network. There are a number of
systems that enable you to create networks using the Internet as the medium for transporting data. These
Computer Networks 109
systems use encryption and other security mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access
the network and that the data cannot be intercepted.
6. Internetwork : A network of networks is called internetwork, or simply Internet. It is the largest network in
existence on this planet. Internet hugely connects all WANs and it can have connection to LANs and Home
networks. Internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite and uses IP as its addressing protocol. Present day, Internet
is widely implemented using IPv4. Because of shortage of address spaces, it is gradually migrating from
IPv4 to IPv6. Internet enables its users to share and access enormous amount of information worldwide.
It uses www, ftp, email services, audio and video streaming etc. At huge level, internet works on Client-
Server model. Internet uses very high speed backbone of fiber optics. To inter-connect various continents,
fibers are laid under sea known to us as submarine communication cable. Internet is widely deployed on
World Wide Web services using HTML linked pages and is accessible by some client software known
as Web Browsers. When a user requests a page using some web browser located on some Web Server
anywhere in the world, the Web Server responds with the proper HTML page. The communication delay
is very low.
Internet is serving many proposes and is involved in many aspects of life. Some of them are:
• Web sites PROXY SERVER
• E-mail
A server that sits between a client application, such as a Web
• Instant Messaging
browser and a real server. It intercepts all requests to the real
• Blogging
server to see if it can fulfill the requests itself. If not, it forwards
• Social Media the request to the real server
• Marketing • it can lead to improved performance
• Networking
• Resource Sharing Filter Requests: Proxy servers can also be used to filter requests.
For example, a company might use a proxy server to prevent its
• Audio and Video Streaming
employees from accessing a specific set of Web sites

CompariSon of oSi referenCe moDel anD tCp/ip referenCe moDel

Following are some major difference between OSI Reference Model and TCP/IP Reference Model, with
diagrammatic comparison below :
OSI (Open System Interconnection) TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol)
1. OSI provides layer functioning and also defines 1. TCP/IP model is more based on protocols and
functions of all the layers. protocols are not flexible with other layers.
2. In OSI model the transport layer guarantees the 2. In TCP/IP model the transport layer does not
delivery of packets. guarantees delivery of packets.
3. Follows horizontal approach. 3. Follows vertical approach.
4.OSI model has a separate presentation layer. 4. TCP/IP does not have a separate presentation layer.
5. OSI is a general model. 5. TCP/IP model cannot be used in any other application.
6. Network layer of OSI model provide both 6. The Network layer in TCP/IP model provides
connection oriented and connectioniess service. connectioniness service.
7. OSI model has problem of fitting the protocols in the
7. TCP/IP model does not fit any protocol.
8. Protocols are hidden OSI model and are easily 8. In TCP/IP replacing protocol is not easy.
replaced as the technology changes.
9. OSI model defines services, interfaces and 9. In TCP/IP it is not clearly separated its services,
protocols very clearly and makes clear distinction interfaces and protocols.
between them.
10. It has 7 layers. 10. It has 4 layers.
110 Computer Networks

ethernet
Ethernet is a Local Area Network implementation technology which is widely deployed.
Ethernet is network technology which shares media. Network which uses shared media has high probability of
data collision. Ethernet uses CSMA/CD technology to detect collisions. CSMA/CD stands for Carrier Sense
Multi Access/Collision Detection. When a collision happens in Ethernet, all its host rolls back and waits for
some random amount of time and then re-transmit data. Ethernet connector, i.e. Network Interface cards are
equipped with 48-bits MAC address. This help other Ethernet devices to identify and communicate with remote
devices in Ethernet. Traditional Ethernet uses 10BASE-T specifications.
Where 10 is for 10mpbs speed, BASE stands for using baseband and T stands for Thick net or Thick Ethernet.
10BASE-T Ethernet provides transmission speed up to 10mbps and uses Coaxial cable or Cat-5 Twisted Pair
cable with RJ-5 connector. Ethernet follows Star Topology with segment length up to 100 meters. All devices
are connected to a Hub/Switch in a Star Fashion.

Fast-Ethernet
To encompass need of fast emerging software and hardware technologies, Ethernet extends itself as Fast-
Ethernet. It can run on UTP, Optical Fiber and can be wireless too. It can provide speed up to 100 mbps. This
standard is named as 100BASE-T in IEEE 803.2 using Cat-5 Twisted pair cable. It uses CSMA/CD technique
for wired media sharing among Ethernet hosts and CSMA/CA (Collision Avoidance) technique for wireless
Ethernet LAN. Fast Ethernet on fiber is defined under 100BASE-FX standard which provides speed up to
100mbps on fiber. Ethernet over Fiber can be extended up to 100 meters in half-duplex mode and can reach
maximum of 2000 meters in full-duplex over multimode fibers.

Giga-Ethernet
After being introduced in 1995, Fast-Ethernet could enjoy its high speed status only for 3 years till Giga-Ethernet
introduced. Giga-Ethernet provides speed up to 1000 mbits/seconds. IEEE802.3ab standardize Giga-Ethernet
over UTP using Cat-5, Cat-5e and Cat-6 cables. IEEE802.3ah defines Giga-Ethernet over Fiber.

Virtual LAN
LAN uses Ethernet which in turn works on shared media. Shared media in Ethernet create one single
Broadcast domain and one single Collision domain. Introduction of switches to Ethernet has removed single
collision domain issue and each device connected to switch works in its separate collision domain. But even
Switches cannot divide a network into separate Broadcast domain. Virtual LAN is a method to divide a
single Broadcast domain into more than one Broadcast domains. Host in one VLAN cannot speak to a host
in another. By default, all hosts are placed into same VLAN.

Computer netWork topoloGieS

Network Topology is the way computer systems or network equipment connected to each other. Topologies
may define both physical and logical aspect of the network. Both logical and physical topologies could be
same or different in a same network. Topology can be referred as the physical arrangement of a computer
system. Each computer system in a topology is known as node. In a fully connected network with n nodes,
there are n(n-1)/2 direct links.
1. Point-to-point Technology : These networks contains exactly two hosts (computer or switches or routers
or servers) connected back to back using a single piece of cable. Often, the receiving end of one host is
connected to sending end of the other end and vice-versa. If the hosts are connected point-to-point logically,
then may have multiple intermediate devices. But the end hosts are unaware of underlying network and
see each other as if they are connected directly.
Computer Networks 111
2. Bus Topology : In contrast to point-to-point, in bus topology all device share single communication line
or cable. All devices are connected to this shared line. Ethernet is commonly well protocol in networks
connected in bus topology.
Node

Terminator Terminator

3. Ring Topology : In ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating
a circular network structure. This topology use the token ring protocol for controlling access. Each
workstation is connected to two other components on either side, and it communicates with these two
adjacent neighbours. Data travels around the network, in one direction. Sending and receiving of data
takes place by the help of TOKEN.

4. Star Topology : In Star topology, all the components of network are connected to the central device
called “hub” which may be a hub, a router or a switch. All the data on the star topology passes through the
central device before reaching the intended destination. Hub acts as a junction to connect different nodes
present in Star Network, and at the same time it manages and controls whole of the network. Depending
on which central device is used, “hub” can act as repeater or signal booster.

Node

Hub/
Switch
112 Computer Networks
5. Mesh Topology : In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or two or more than two hosts. This
topology may have hosts having point-to-point connection to every other hosts or may also have hosts
which are having point to point connection to few hosts only.

Hosts in Mesh topology also work as relay for other hosts which do not have direct point-to-point links.
Mesh technology comes into two flavors:
Full Mesh: All hosts have a point-to-point connection to every other host in the network. Thus for every
new host n(n-1)/2 cables (connection) are required. It provides the most reliable network structure among
all network topologies.
Partially Mesh: Not all hosts have point-to-point connection to every other host. Hosts connect to each
other in some arbitrarily fashion. This topology exists where we need to provide reliability to some host
whereas others are not as such necessary.
6. Tree Topology : Also known as Hierarchical Topology is the most common form of network topology in
use present day. This topology imitates as extended Star Topology and inherits properties of Bus topology.
This topology divides the network in to multiple levels/layers of network. Mainly in LANs, a network is
bifurcated into three types of network devices. The lowest most is access-layer where user฀s computer
are attached. The middle layer is known as distribution layer, which works as mediator between upper
layer and lower layer. The highest most layer is known as Core layer, and is central point of the network,
i.e. root of the tree from which all nodes fork.
Computer Networks 113
7. Daisy Chain : This topology connects all its hosts in a linear fashion. Similar to Ring topology, all hosts
in this topology are connected to two hosts only, except the end hosts. That is if the end hosts in Daisy
Chain are connected then it represents Ring topology. Each link in Daisy chain topology represents single
point of failure. Every link failure splits the network into two segment. Every intermediate host works as
relay for its immediate hosts.
8. Hybrid Topology : A network structure whose design contains more than one topology is said to be Hybrid
Topology. Hybrid topology inherits merits and demerits of all the incorporating topologies. The above
picture represents an arbitrarily Hybrid topology. The combining topologies may contain attributes of
Star, Ring, Bus and Daisy-chain topologies. Most WANs are connected by means of dual Ring topology
and networks connected to them are mostly Star topology networks. Internet is the best example of largest
Hybrid topology.

netWork DeviCeS
1. Network Repeater : Network repeaters regenerate incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals. With physical
media like Ethernet or Wi-Fi, data transmissions can only span a limited distance before the quality of the signal
degrades. Repeaters attempt to preserve signal integrity and extend the distance over which data can safely travel.
Actual network devices that serve as repeaters usually have some other name. Active hubs, for example,
are repeaters. Active hubs are sometimes also called Multiport Repeaters but more commonly they are
just “hubs.” Other types of passive hubs are not repeaters. In Wi-Fi, access points function as repeaters
only when operating in so-called Repeater mode .
2. Network Hub : A hub is a small Network Device. A hub joins multiple computers (or other network
devices) together to form a single network segment. On this network segment, all computers can
communicate directly with each other. Ethernet hubs are by far the most common type, but hubs for other
types of networks such as USB also exist.
A hub includes a series of ports that each accept a network cable, one port is reserved for “uplink”
connections to another hub or similar device.
3. Network Bridge : It reads the outermost section of data on the data packet, to tell where the message is
going only the outermost hardware address of the packet. It reduces the traffic on other network segments,
since it does not send all packets. Bridges can be programmed to reject packets from particular networks
Bridging occurs at the data link layer of the OSI model. Bridge cannot read IP addresses. Bridge can
read the ethernet data which gives the hardware address of the destination address. Bridges forward all
broadcast messages.
4. Network Router : It is a network device with interfaces in multiple networks whose task is to copy
packets from one network to another. Router gives path to data packet to destination. Routers provide
connectivity inside enterprises, between enterprises and the Internet, and within an Internet Service
Provider (ISP). It operates at Layer 3 (Network Layer) of the OSI Model. Router works with Static
Routing manually configure by Network Administrator. Router works with Dynamic Routing which
routers calculate automatically by different methods. Router stores calculate path in his Routing Table.
The network router will then use its routing table to make intelligent decisions about which packets to
copy to which of its interfaces. The router will use this information to create a routing table. This process
is known as routing.
5. Network Switch : Network Switch is a small hardware device that joins multiple computers together
within one local area network (LAN).
114 Computer Networks
Network Switches operate at layer two (Data Link Layer) of the OSI model . Network switches appear
nearly identical to network hubs, but a switch generally contains more intelligence (and a slightly higher
price tag) than a hub. Unlike hubs, Switches are capable of inspecting data packets as they are received,
determining the source and destination device of each packet, and forwarding them appropriately. By
delivering messages only to the connected device intended. Switch conserves network bandwidth and
offers generally better performance than a hub. Switch supports different bandwidth either 10/100 Mbps
Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) standards.
6. Gateway : A gateway is an interconnecting device which joins two different network together they are
also known as protocol converters. It accepts packet formed for one protocol and converts the formated
packet into another protocol.
7. CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit) : CSU/DSU is a hardware device about the size
of an external modem that converts a digital data frame from the communications technology used on
a local area network (LAN) into a frame appropriate to a wide-area network (WAN) and vice versa.
The Channel Service Unit (CSU) receives and transmits signals from and to the WAN line and provides
a barrier for electrical interference from either side of the unit. The CSU can also echo loopback signals
from the phone company for testing purposes. The Data Service Unit (DSU) manages line control,
and converts input and output between RS-232C, RS-449, or V.xx frames from the LAN and the time-
division multiplexed (TDM) DSX frames on the T-1 line. The DSU manages timing errors and signal
regeneration. The DSU provides a modem-like interface between the computer as Data Terminal Equipment
(DTE) and the CSU.
8. Modem : Modem is a device that converts digital signal to analog signal (modulator) at the sender’s end
and converts back analog signal to digital signal (demodulator) at the receiver’s end. A modem is always
placed between a telephone line and a computer. A modem links home network to the Internet through
Internet Service Provider (ISP). The high speed types of data outside your home aren’t suitable for
your direct use, so modems convert the data into digital Ethernet, which all the network equipment in
your home can use.
The internet services that are outside your home (or business) which are supplied by your ISP are either
DSL, cable, dial-up, or satellite. Modems are often combined with a router into a single unit, which then
also gives you a firewall protecting of your network from attack. If your modem is not also a router, then
you will probably want a router in addition to your modem.
9. Ethernet Card : An Ethernet card is one kind of network adapter. These adapters support the
Ethernet standard for high-speed network connections via cables. Ethernet cards are sometimes known
as network interface cards (NICs).

Data SiGnalS
When data is sent over physical medium it needs to be first converted into electromagnetic signals. Data itself
can be analog such as human voice, or digital such as file on the disk. Data (both analog and digital) can be
represented in digital or analog signals.

Digital Signals
Digital signals are discrete in nature and represents sequence of voltage pulses. Digital signals are used within
the circuitry of a computer system.

Analog Signals
Analog signals are in continuous wave form in nature and represented by continuous electromagnetic waves.
Computer Networks 115
baSiC CommuniCation moDeS of operation
There are three basic modes of operation that can exist for any network connection, communications channel,
or interface.
1. Simplex Operation : In simplex operation, a network cable or communications channel can only send
information in one direction; it’s a “one-way street”.
2. Half-Duplex Operation : Technologies that employ half-duplex operation are capable of sending
information in both directions between two nodes, but only one direction or the other can be utilized at
a time. This is a fairly common mode of operation when there is only a single network medium (cable,
radio frequency and so forth) between devices.
3. Full-Duplex Operation : In full-duplex operation, a connection between two devices is capable of
sending data in both directions simultaneously. Full-duplex channels can be constructed either as a pair
of simplex links (as described above) or using one channel designed to permit bidirectional simultaneous
transmissions. A full-duplex link can only connect two devices, so many such links are required if multiple
devices are to be connected together.

CommuniCation meDium
The Communication Medium plays an important role in Networks. If the medium works well and properly,
then the speed of transferring data is good but if the medium is not working properly, then your data would
be delayed or would not be sent or even can be lost during transmission. In Computer Networks, we call this
speed of transmitting data, as date rate. The medium over which the information between two computer
systems is sent, called Transmission Media.
Transmission media comes in two forms:
• Guided Media - All communication wires/cables comes into this type of media, such as UTP, Coaxial
and Fiber Optics. In this media the sender and receiver are directly connected and the information is send
(guided) through it.
• Unguided Media -Wireless or open air space is said to be unguided media, because there is no connectivity
between the sender and receiver. Information is spread over the air, and anyone including the actual
recipient may collect the information.

CHANNEL CAPACITy :The speed of transmission of information is said to be the channel capacity. We
count it as data rate in digital world. It depends on numerous factors
BANDWIDTH: The physical limitation of underlying media.
ERROR-RATE: Incorrect reception of information because of noise.
ENCODING: Number of levels used for signaling.
MULTIPLEXING : Multiplexing is a technique to mix and send multiple data stream over a single media.
This technique requires system hardware called Multiplexer for multiplexing streams and sending them on a
media and De-Multiplexer which takes information from the media and distributes to different destinations.
SWITCHING : Switching is a mechanism by which data/information sent from source towards destination
which are not directly connected. Networks have interconnecting devices, which receives data from directly
connected sources, stores data, analyze it and then forwards to the next interconnecting device closest to
the destination.
THROUGHPUT : Throughput is the amount of work that a computer can do in a given time period.
116 Computer Networks

variouS typeS of GuiDeD or WireD teChnoloGieS

1. Ethernet Cable or Twisted Pair Cable : A twisted pair cable is made of two plastic insulated copper
wires twisted together to form a single media, which are surrounded by an insulating material and outer
layer called jacket.
Out of these two wires only one carries actual signal and another is used for ground reference. The twists
between wires is helpful in reducing noise (electromagnetic interference) and crosstalk. It is used as a
short distance communication. E.g. Local Area networks used twisted pair cable.
There are two types of twisted pair cables available:
(a) Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable -STP cables comes with twisted wire pair covered in metal foil.
This makes it more indifferent to noise and crosstalk.
(b) Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable -UTP has seven categories, each suitable for specific use. In
computer networks, Cat-5, Cat-5e and Cat-6 cables are mostly used. UTP cables are connected by
RJ45 connectors.
2. Coaxial Cable : Coaxial cables has two wires of copper. The core wire lies in center and is made of solid
conductor. Core is enclosed in an insulating sheath. Over the sheath the second wire is wrapped around and
that too in turn encased by insulator sheath. This all is covered by plastic cover. Because of its structure
coax cables are capable of carrying high frequency signals than that of twisted pair cables. The wrapped
structure provides it a good shield against noise and cross talk. Coaxial cables provide high bandwidth
rates of up to 450 mbps. There are three categories of Coax cables namely, RG-59 (Cable TV), RG-58
(Thin Ethernet) and RG-11 (Thick Ethernet. RG stands for Radio Government. Cables are connected
using BNC connector and BNC-T. BNC terminator is used to terminate the wire at the far ends.
3. Power Lines : Power Line communication is Layer-1 (Physical Layer) technology which uses power
cables to transmit data signals. Send in PLC modulates data and sent over the cables. The receiver on the
other end de-modulates the data and interprets. Because power lines are widely deployed, PLC can make
all powered devices controlled and monitored. PLC works in half-duplex. Two types of PLC exists:
Narrow band PLC - Narrow band PLC provides lower data rates up to 100s of kbps, as they work at lower
frequencies (3-5000 kHz). But can be spread over several kilometers.
Broad band PLC - Broadband PLC provides higher data rates up to 100s of Mbps and works at higher
frequencies (1.8 – 250 MHz). But cannot be much extended as Narrowband PLC.
4. Fiber Optics : Fiber Optic works on the properties of light. When light ray hits at critical angle it tends to
refracts at 90 degree. This property has been used in fiber optic. The core of fiber optic cable is made of
high quality glass or plastic. From one end of it light is emitted, it travels through it and at the other end
light detector detects light stream and converts it to electric data form. Fiber Optic provides the highest
mode of speed. It comes in two modes:
(a) Single mode fiber - Single mode fiber can carries single ray of light.
(b) Multimode fiber- Multimode is capable of carrying multiple beams of light.
Fiber Optic also comes in unidirectional and bidirectional capabilities. To connect and access Fiber Optic
special type of connectors are used.
Optical fibers allow transmission over longer distance at higher bandwidth which is not affected by
electromagnetic field. The speed of optical fiber is hundred of times faster than coaxial cable. E.g.
Wavelength Division Multiplexing and SONET network.

variouS typeS of unGuiDeD teChnoloGieS

1. Wireless Transmission : Wireless transmission is a form of unguided media. Wireless communication
involves no physical link established between two or more devices, communicating wirelessly. Wireless
Computer Networks 117
signals are spread over in the air and are received and interpret by appropriate antennas. When an antenna
is attached to electrical circuit of a computer or wireless device, it converts the digital data into wireless
signals and spread all over within its frequency range. The receptor on the other end receives these signals
and converts them back to digital data. A little part of electromagnetic spectrum can be used for wireless
transmission.
2. Radio Transmission : Radio frequency is easier to generate and because of its large wavelength it can
penetrate through walls and alike structures. Radio waves can have wavelength from 1 mm – 100,000
km and have frequency ranging from 3 Hz (Extremely Low Frequency) to 300 GHz (Extremely High
Frequency). Radio frequencies are sub-divided into six bands. Radio waves at lower frequencies can travel
through walls whereas higher RF travel in straight line and bounces back. The power of low frequency
waves decreases sharply as it covers longer distance. High frequency radio waves have more power.
Lower frequencies like (VLF, LF, MF bands) can travel on the ground up to 1000 kilometers, over the
earth’s surface.
3. Microwave Transmission : Electromagnetic waves above 100 MHz tend to travel in a straight line and
signals over them can be sent by beaming those waves towards one particular station. Because Microwaves
travels in straight lines, both sender and receiver must be aligned to be strictly in line-of-sight. Microwaves
can have wavelength ranging from 1 mm – 1 meter and frequency ranging from 300 MHz to 300 GHz.
Microwave antennas concentrate the waves making a beam of it. Microwaves are higher frequencies and
do not penetrate wall like obstacles. Microwaves transmission depends highly upon the weather conditions
and the frequency it is using.
4. Infrared Transmission : Infrared waves lies in between visible light spectrum and microwaves. It has
wavelength of 700 nm to 1 mm and frequency ranges from 300 GHz to 430 THz. Infrared waves are
used for very short range communication purposes such as television and it’s remote. Infrared travels in
a straight line so they are directional by nature. Because of high frequency range, Infrared do not cross
wall like obstacles.
5. Light Transmission : Highest most electromagnetic spectrum which can be used for data transmission
is light or optical signaling. This is achieved by means of LASER. Because of frequency light uses, it
tends to travel strictly in straight line. So the sender and receiver must be in the line-of-sight. Because
laser transmission is unidirectional, at both ends of communication laser and photo-detectors needs to be
installed. Laser beam is generally 1mm wide so it is a work of precision to align two far receptors each
pointing to lasers source.

Client-Server moDel
In client-server model, any process can act as Server or Client. This not the machine or size of the machine or
its computing power which makes it server but it is the feature of serving request that makes it server.
Client-server architecture (client/server) is a network architecture in which each computer or process on the
network is either a client or a server. Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing disk
drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers ). Clients are PCs or
workstations on which users run applications. Clients rely on servers for resources, such as files, devices, and
even processing power.

peer to peer moDel

Another type of network architecture is known as a peer-to-peer architecture because each node has equivalent
responsibilities. This computer network selies on computing power at the edges of a connection rather
than in the network itself.
 118 Computer Networks

PAST EXERCISE
1. Computer and communication technology, (a) data traffic pattern (b) data highway
such as communication links to the Internet, (c) infinite loop (d) feedback loop
that provide help and understanding to the end (e) slot
user is known as [SBI PO, 2011] 8. The method of Internet access that requires a
(a) presentation file phone line, but offers faster access speeds than
(b) information technology dial-up is the _____ connection.
(c) program [IBPS PO, 2012]
(d) worksheet file (a) cable access
(e) FTP (b) satellite access
2. A device that connects to a network without the (c) fiber-optic service
use of cables is said to be [IBPS PO, 2011] (d) Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
(a) distributed (b) free (e) modem
(c) centralized (d) open source 9. ________ is a technique that is used to send
(e) None of these more than one call over a single line.
3. What is a modem connected to ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
[SBI Clerk, 2011] (a) Digital transmission
(a) processor (b) motherboard (b) Infrared transmission
(c) Digitizing
(c) printer (d) phone line
(d) Streaming
(e) None of these
(e) Multiplexing
4. Computers connected to a LAN can
10. Codec refers to [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
[SBI Clerk, 2011]
(a) Coder-decoder
(a) run faster
(b) Co-declaration
(b) go on line (c) Command declaration
(c) share information and/or share peripheral (d) Command decoding
equipment
(e) None of these
(d) E-mail 11. To connect networks of similar protocols
(e) None of these ______ are used [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
5. A device that connects to a network without the (a) Routers (b) Bridges
use of cables is said to be [SBI Clerk, 2011] (c) Gateways (d) Dial-up routers
(a) distributed (b) centralised (e) None of these
(c) open source (d) wireless 12. Telnet is a ______ based computer protocol
(e) None of these [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
6. If you want to connect to your own computer (a) Sound (b) Text
through the Internet from another location, you (c) Image (d) Animation
can use [IBPS PO, 2011] (e) Digits
(a) e-mail (b) FTP 13. P2P is a ______ application architecture
(c) instant message (d) Telnet [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) Client/ server (b) Distributed
7. Computers that control processes accept data in (c) Centralized (d) 1- tier
a continuous __________. [IBPS PO, 2012] (e) None of these

Telnet is a network protocol that

allows users to remotely access
and communicate with a computer
over a network
Computer Networks 119
14. Which of the following terms is just the (a) Mesh (b) Star
collection of networks that can be joined (c) Tree (d) Ring
together ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
16. __________ is the most important/powerful
(a) virtual private network computer in a typical network. [SBI PO, 2013]
(b) LAN (a) Desktop
(c) intranet (b) Network client
(d) extranet (c) Network server
(e) internet (d) Network station
15. An alternate name for the completely (e) Network switch
interconnected network topology is
[SSC, CGL, 2012]

ANSWER KEy

1. (e) 5. (d) 9. (e) 13. (b)

2 (e) 6. (d) 10. (a) 14. (c)
3. (d) 7. (c) 11. (b) 15. (a)
4. (c) 8. (e) 12. (b) 16. (c)
 120 Computer Networks

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. A MODEM is connected in between a telephone 9. Several computers linked to a server to share
line and a __________. programs and storage space.
(a) Network (a) Network
(b) Computer (b) grouping
(c) Communication Adapter (c) library
(d) Serial Port (d) integrated system
2. A device that connects to a network without the (e) None of the above
use of cables is said to be __________.
10. A _________ typically connects personal
(a) distributed (b) wireless computers within a very limited geographical
(c) centralized (d) open source area, usually within a single building.
(e) None of these
(a) LAN (b) BAN
3. Computers send and receive data in the form of
(c) TAN (d) NAN
_________ signals.
(a) Analog (b) Digital (e) None of these
(c) Modulated (d) Demodulated 11. Networks are monitored by security personnel
(e) All of these and supervised by __________ who set(s) up
4. Computers connected to a LAN (Local Area accounts and passwords for authorized network
Network) can __________. users.
(a) run faster (a) IT managers
(b) go on line (b) the government
(c) share information and/or share peripheral (c) network administrators
equipment (d) password administrators
(d) E-mail 12. Computers connected to a LAN (local area
(e) None of these network) can __________.
5. An example of a telecommunications device is (a) run faster
a ________. (b) go on time
(a) keyboard (b) mouse (c) share information and/or share peripheral
(c) printer (d) modem equipment
(e) None of these (d) E-mail
6. Which device is used to access your computer (e) None of these
by other computer or for talk over phone? 13. A collection of computers and devices connected
(a) RAM (b) CD ROM Drive together via communication devices and
(c) Modem (d) Hard Disk transmission media is called a __________.
(e) None of these (a) workgroup (b) server
7. The vast network of computers that connects (c) mainframe (d) network
millions of people all over the world is called (e) computer lab
__________.
14. A device which can be connected to a network
(a) LAN (b) Web
without using cable is called
(c) Hypertext (d) Internet
(a) Distributed device
(e) None of these
(b) Centralised device
8. An example of a telecommunications device is a
(c) Open-source device
(a) keyboard (b) mouse
(c) printer (d) modem (d) Wireless device
(e) None of these (e) Without code device
Computer Networks 121
15. A modem 22. The Internet is
(a) translates analog signals from a computer (a) a large network of networks
into digital signals that can travel along (b) an internal communication system for a
conventional telephone lines. business
(b) translates digital signals from a computer (c) a communication system for the indian
into analog signals that, can travel along government
conventional telephone lines. (d) a communication system for some states of
(c) demodulates digital signals from a computer. India
(e) a communication system for some cities of
(d) modulates signals from an analog telephone
India
lines.
23. A term related to sending data to a satellite is
(e) None of these (a) downlink (b) modulate
16. The collection of links throughout the Internet (c) demodulate (d) uplink
creats an interconnected network called the (e) inter-relate
__________. 24. What is a benefit of networking your computer
(a) WWW (b) Web with other computers?
(c) World Wide Web (d) All of the above (a) Increase in the computer’s speed
(e) Wide Area Web (b) Sharing of cables to cut down on expenses
17. A(n) __________ is composed of several and clutter
computers connected together to share (c) You have another computer if yours has a
resources and data. breakdown
(a) Internet (b) network (d) Increase in the speed of the network
(c) backbone (d) hyperlink (e) Sharing of resources to cut down on the
amount of equipment needed
(e) protocol
25. Officer LANs that are spread geographically
18. A popular way to learn about computers apart on a large scale can be connected using a
without ever going to a classroom is called corporate
__________. (a) CAN (b) LAN
(a) i-learning (b) isolated learning (c) DAN (d) WAN
(c) e-learning (d) close learning (e) TAN
(e) distance learning 26. The common name for a modulator-demodulator
19. A __________ is a set of rules. is __________.
(a) resource locator (b) domain (a) modem (b) joiner
(c) hypertext (d) URL (c) networker (d) connector
(e) demod
(e) protocol
27. A modem is connected to
20. The connection between your computer at home (a) a telephone line (b) a keyboard
and your local ISP is called __________. (d) a printer (d) a monitor
(a) the last mile (e) a scanner
(b) the home stretch 28. Bluetooth is an example of __________.
(c) the home page (a) Personal area network
(d) the backbone (b) Local area network
(e) the vital mile (c) Virtual private network
21. If you wish to extend the length of the network (d) Wide area network
without having the signal degrade, you would (e) None of these
use a 29. Frames from one LAN can be transmitted to
another LAN via the device
(a) resonance (b) router
(a) Router (b) Bridge
(c) gateway (d) switch
(c) Repeater (d) Modem
(e) repeater (e) None of these
 122 Computer Networks
30. Which of the following is not a disadvantage of (a) a coaxial cable (b) a dedicated line
wireless LAN? (c) a ground station (d) All of the above
(a) Slower data transmission (e) None of these
(b) higher error rate 36. Which of the following types of channels moves
(c) interference of transmissions from data relatively slowly?
different computers (a) wideband channel
(d) All of the above (b) voiceband channel
(e) None of these (c) narrowband channel
31. Which of the following device is used to connect (d) broadband channel
two systems, especially if the systems use (e) None of these
different protocols? 37. Which of the following is required to communicate
(a) hub (b) bridge between two computers?
(c) gateway (d) repeater (a) communications software
(e) None of these (b) protocol
32. The synchronous modems are more costly than (c) communications hardware
the asynchronous modems because (d) access to transmission medium
(a) they produce large volume of data (e) All of the above
(b) they contain clock recovery circuits 38. What device separates a single network into
two segments but lets the two segments appear
(c) they transmit the data with stop and start
as one to higher protocols?
bits.
(a) Switch (b) Bridge
(d) they operate with a larger bandwidth
(c) Gateway (d) Router
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
33. A distributed network configuration in which
39. In a synchronous modem, the digital-to-analog
all data/information pass through a central
converter transmits signal to the
computer is
(a) equalizer (b) modulator
(a) bus network
(c) demodulator (d) terminal
(b) star network
(e) None of these
(c) ring network 40. Which of the following communications modes
(d) Point-to-point network support two-way traffic but in only one direction
(e) None of these of a time?
34. The slowest transmission speeds are those of (a) simplex
(a) twisted-pair wire (b) coaxial cable (b) half-duplex
(c) fiber-optic cable (d) microwaves (c) three-quarters duplex
35. To connect a computer with a device in the (d) All of the above
same room, you might be likely to use (e) None of these

ANSWER KEy

1. (b) 8. (d) 15. (c) 22. (a) 29. (b) 36. (c)
2. (e) 9. (a) 16. (d) 23. (d) 30. (d) 37. (e)
3. (b) 10. (a) 17. (b) 24. (e) 31. (c) 38. (b)
4. (c) 11. (c) 18. (c) 25. (d) 32. (b) 39. (a)
5. (d) 12. (c) 19. (e) 26. (a) 33. (b) 40. (b)
6. (c) 13. (d) 20. (c) 27. (a) 34. (a)
7. (d) 14. (d) 21. (e) 28. (a) 35. (a)
 Chapter
Basics of Internet
8 Technology
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol
suite(TCP/IP) to link various billion devices worldwide. It is an international network of networks that consists
of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government packet switched networks, linked by a
broad array of electronic, wireless, and optical networking technologies. The Internet carries a wide range of
information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents and applications of the World
Wide Web (WWW), theinfrastructure to support email, and peer-to-peer networks for file sharing and telephony.

uSeS anD WorkinG of internet

Internet is today one of the most important part of our daily life. There are large numbers of things that can
be done using the internet and so it is very important. You can say that with the progress in the internet we are
progressing in every sphere of life as it not only makes our tasks easier but also saves a lot of time.
1. Communication : Earlier the communication used to be a daunting task but all that chanced once
internet came into the life of the common people. Now people can not only chat but can also do the video
conferencing. It has become extremely easy to contact the loved ones who are in some other part of the
world. Communication is the most important gift that the internet has given to the common man. Email,
social networking sites are some of the prime example of it.
2. Research : In order to do research you need to go through hundreds of books as well as the references
and that was one of the most difficult jobs to do earlier. Since the internet came into life, everything is
available just a click away. You just have to search for the concerned topic and you will get hundreds
of references that may be beneficial for your research. And since internet is here to make your research
public, you can then benefit a large amount of people from the research work that you have done.
3. Education : There are a number of books, reference books, online help centres, expert’s views and
other study oriented material on the internet that can make the learning process very easier as well as a
fun learning experience. There are lots and lots of websites which are related to different topic. You can
visit them and can gain endless amount of knowledge that you wish to have. With the use of internet for
education, you are non-longer dependent on some other person to come and teach you. There are various
number of tutorials available over the internet using which you can learn so many thing very easily.
4. Financial Transaction : Now you don’t need to stand in the queue at the branch of your particular bank
rather you can just log in on to the bank website with the credential that has been provided to you by the
bank and then can do any transaction related to finance at your will. With the ability to do the financial
transaction easily over the internet you can purchase or sell items so easily.
5. Real time Updates : There are various websites on the internet which provides you with the real time
updates in every field be it in business, sports, finance, politics, entertainment and others. Many a time
the decisions are taken on the real time updates that are happening in various parts of the world and this
is where internet is very essential and helpful.
124 Basics of Internet Technology

internet ConneCtionS
While determining which type of Internet connection is right for you or your family, it’s important to make sure
the difference between each connection. In today’s age, there are numerous ways to connect laptops, desktops,
mobile phones, gaming consoles, e-readers and tablets to the Internet. Some of the most widely used Internet
connections are described below.
1. Dial-Up : Dial-up connections require users to link their phone line to a computer in order to access the
Internet. This particular type of connection also referred to as analog does not permit users to make or
receive phone calls through their home phone service while using the Internet.
2. Broadband : This high-speed Internet connection is provided through either cable or telephone companies.
One of the fastest options available, broadband Internet uses multiple data channels to send large quantities
of information. The term broadband is shorthand for broad bandwidth. Broadband Internet connections
such as DSL and cable are considered high-bandwidth connections. Although many DSL connections
can be considered broadband, not all broadband connections are DSL.
• DSL : DSL which stands for Digital Subscriber Line, uses existing 2-wire copper telephone line
connected to one’s home so service is delivered at the same time as landline telephone service.
Customers can still place calls while surfing the Internet.
• Cable : Cable Internet connection is a form of broadband access. Through use of a cable modem,
users can access the Internet over cable TV lines. Cable modems can provide extremely fast access
to the Internet.
3. Wireless Connection : Wireless Internet enables wireless connectivity to the Internet via radio waves
rather than wires on a person’s home computer, laptop, smart phone or similar mobile device.
Some ways to connect the internet wirelessly are:
• Wireless (WiFi) : wireless fidelity (wifi) allows high speed internet connections without use the
use of cable or wires radio frequency bands are used in place of telephone or cable networks. One
of the greatest advantages of wireless Internet connections is the “always-on” connection that can
be accessed from any location that falls within network coverage. Wireless connections are made
possible through the use of a modem, which picks up Internet signals and sends them to other devices.
• Mobile : Many cell phone and smart phone providers offer voice plans with Internet access. Mobile
Internet connections provide good speeds and allow you to access the Internet on the go.
• Hotspots : Hot-spots are sites that offer Internet access over a wireless local area network (WLAN) by
way of a router that then connects to an Internet service provider. Hot-spots utilize Wi-Fi technology,
which allows electronic devices to connect to the Internet or exchange data wirelessly through radio
waves. Hotspots can be phone-based or free-standing, commercial or free to the public.
• Satellite : In certain areas where broadband connection is not yet offered, a satellite Internet option
may be available. Similar to wireless access, satellite connection utilizes a modem.
• ISDN : ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) allows users to send data, voice and video
content over digital telephone lines or standard telephone wires. The installation of an ISDN adapter
is required at both ends of the transmission—on the part of the user as well as the Internet access
provider.
There are quite a few other Internet connection options available, including T-1 lines, T-3 lines, OC
(Optical Carrier) and other DSL technologies.
Basics of Internet Technology 125
internet ConneCtinG protoColS
A protocol is set of rules that define how computers will act when talking to each other. A protocol is the special
set of rules that end points in a telecommunication connection use when they communicate. Protocols specify
interactions between the communicating entities.

TCP (TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROTOCOL)

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) is a standard that defines how to establish and maintain a network
conversation via which application programs can exchange data. TCP works with the Internet Protocol (IP),
which defines how computers send packets of data to each other. Together, TCP and IP are the basic rules
defining the Internet.
TCP is a connection-oriented protocol, which means a connection is established and maintained until
the application programs at each end have finished exchanging messages. It determines how to break application
data into packets that networks can deliver, sends packets to and accepts packets from the network layer,
manages flow control, and—because it is meant to provide error-free data transmission—handles retransmission
of dropped or garbled packets as well as acknowledgement of all packets that arrive.

ISO/OSI NETWORk MODEL

The standard model for networking protocols and distributed applications is the International Standard
Organization’s Open System Interconnect (ISO/OSI) model. It defines seven network layers.
Name of unit
Layer exchanged
Application protocol APDU
7 Application Application

Interface
Presentation protocol
6 Presentation Presentation PPDU

Session protocol
5 Session Session SPDU

Transport Transport protocol Transport

4 TPDU
Communication subnet boundary
Internal subnet protocol
3 Network Network Network Network Packet

2 Data link Data link Data link Data link Frame

1 Physical Physical Physical Physical Bit

Host A Router Router Host B
Network layer host-router protocol
Data link layer host-router protocol
Physical layer host-router protocol
126 Basics of Internet Technology
Layer 1 – Physical - Physical layer defines the cable or physical medium itself, e.g., thinnet, thicknet, unshielded
twisted pairs (UTP). All media are functionally equivalent. The main difference is in convenience and cost of
installation and maintenance. Converters from one media to another operate at this level.
Layer 2 – Data Link - Data Link layer defines the format of data on the network. A network data frame, aka
packet, includes checksum, source and destination address, and data. The largest packet that can be sent through
a data link layer defines the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU). The data link layer handles the physical
and logical connections to the packet’s destination, using a network interface. A host connected to an Ethernet
would have an Ethernet interface to handle connections to the outside world, and a loopback interface to send
packets to itself. Ethernet addresses a host using a unique, 48-bit address called its Ethernet address or Media
Access Control (MAC) address. MAC addresses are usually represented as six colon-separated pairs of hex
digits, e.g., 8:0:20:11:ac:85. This number is unique and is associated with a particular Ethernet device. Hosts
with multiple network interfaces should use the same MAC address on each. The data link layer’s protocol-
specific header specifies the MAC address of the packet’s source and destination. When a packet is sent to all
hosts (broadcast), a special MAC address (ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff) is used.
Layer 3 – Network- NFS uses Internetwork Protocol (IP) as its network layer interface. IP is responsible for
routing, directing datagrams from one network to another. The network layer may have to break large datagrams,
larger than MTU, into smaller packets and host receiving the packet will have to reassemble the fragmented
datagram. The Internetwork Protocol identifies each host with a 32-bit IP address. IP addresses are written as
four dot-separated decimal numbers between 0 and 255, e.g., 129.79.16.40. The leading 1-3 bytes of the IP
identify the network and the remaining bytes identify the host on that network.
Even though IP packets are addressed using IP addresses, hardware addresses must be used to actually transport
data from one host to another. The Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is used to map the IP address to it
hardware address.
Layer 4 - Transport - Transport layer subdivides user-buffer into network-buffer sized datagrams and enforces
desired transmission control. Two transport protocols, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram
Protocol (UDP), sits at the transport layer. Reliability and speed are the primary difference between these
two protocols. TCP establishes connections between two hosts on the network through ‘sockets’ which are
determined by the IP address and port number. TCP keeps track of the packet delivery order and the packets
that must be resent. Maintaining this information for each connection makes TCP a stateful protocol. UDP on
the other hand provides a low overhead transmission service, but with less error checking. NFS is built on top
of UDP because of its speed and statelessness. Statelessness simplifies the crash recovery.
Layer 5 - Session - The session protocol defines the format of the data sent over the connections. The NFS
uses the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) for its session protocol. RPC may be built on either TCP or UDP. Login
sessions uses TCP whereas NFS and broadcast use UDP.
Layer 6 - Presentation - External Data Representation (XDR) sits at the presentation level. It converts local
representation of data to its canonical form and vice versa. The canonical uses a standard byte ordering and
structure packing convention, independent of the host.
Layer 7 - Application - Provides network services to the end-users. Mail, ftp, telnet, DNS, NIS, NFS are
examples of network applications.

TCP/IP NETWORk MODEL

TCP/IP is designed around a simple four-layer scheme. It does omit some features found under the OSI model.
Also it combines the features of some adjacent OSI layers and splits other layers apart. The four network layers
defined by TCP/IP model are as follows.
Layer 1 – Link - This layer defines the network hardware and device drivers.
Basics of Internet Technology 127
Layer 2 – Network- This layer is used for basic communication, addressing and routing. TCP/IP uses IP and
ICMP protocols at the network layer.
Layer 3 – Transport - Handles communication among programs on a network. TCP and UDP falls within
this layer.
Layer 4 – Application - End-user applications reside at this layer. Commonly used applications include NFS,
DNS, arp, rlogin, talk, ftp, ntp and traceroute.

INTERNET PROTOCOL
The Internet protocols are the world’s most popular open-system (nonproprietary) protocol suite because they
can be used to communicate across any set of interconnected networks and are equally well suited for LAN
and WAN communications. The Internet protocols consist of a suite of communication protocols, of which
the two best known are the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and the Internet Protocol (IP). The Internet
protocol suite not only includes lower-layer protocols (such as TCP and IP), but it also specifies common
applications such as electronic mail, terminal emulation, and file transfer.
IP Addresses (Internet Protocol)
The IP, which stands for Internet protocol, is an identifier which sends and receives information across the
Internet. It is made of 4 octets consisting of 32 numbers between 0 and 255, separated by periods. Whenever
you are browsing the web or sending an email, an IP address (assigned to your computer) is required.
Characteristics of IP address:
• Unique
• No two machines have same IP address

FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL

The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files from one host to
another host over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet.
FTP is built on a client-server architecture and uses separate control and data connections between the client
and the server. FTP users may authenticate themselves using a clear-text sign-in protocol, normally in the form
of a username and password, but can connect anonymously if the server is configured to allow it. For secure
transmission that protects the user name and password, and encrypts the content, FTP is often secured with SSL/
TLS (FTPS). SSH File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) is sometimes also used instead, but is technologically different.

Hypertext : Generally, any text that contains “links” to other documents - words or phrases in the document
that can be chosen by a reader which cause another document to be retrieved and displayed.
Hyperlinks : An element in an electronic document that links to another place in the same document or to
an entirely different document.

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is the underlying protocol used by the World Wide Web. HTTP defines
how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions Web servers and browsers should take in
response to various commands. For example, when you enter a URL in your browser, this actually sends an
HTTP command to the Web server directing it to fetch and transmit the requested Web page.The protocol
for moving hypertext files across the Internet. Requires HTTP client program on one end, and HTTP server
program on the other end. HTTP is most important protocol used in World Wide Web (WWW).
128 Basics of Internet Technology
HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) is the set of markup symbols or codes inserted in a file intended for
display on a World Wide Web browser page. The <html> tag tells the browser that this is an HTML document.
The <html> tag represents the root of an HTML document.

Web broWSer
A web browser is an interface that helps a computer user gain access to all the content that is on the Internet
and the hard disk of the computer. It can view images, text documents, audio and video files, games, etc. More
than one web browser can also be installed on a single computer. The user can navigate through files, folders
and websites with the help of a browser. When the browser is used for browsing web pages, the pages may
contain certain links which can be opened in a new browser. Multiple tabs and windows of the same browser
can also be opened.
Some popular Web Browsers:
Internet Explorer : Internet Explorer (IE) is a product from software giant Microsoft. This is the most
commonly used browser in the universe
Safari : Safari is a web browser developed by Apple Inc. and included in Mac OS X. It was first released
as a public beta in January 2003. Safari has very good support for latest technologies like XHTML, CSS2 etc.
Firefox : Firefox is a browser derived from Mozilla. It was released in 2004 and has grown to be the
second most popular browser on the Internet.
Opera : Opera is smaller and faster than most other browsers, yet it is full- featured. Fast, user-friendly,
with keyboard interface, multiple windows, zoom functions, and more. Ideal for newcomers to the Internet,
school children, handicap and as a front-end for CD-Rom and kiosks.
Google Chrome : This web browser was developed by Google. Its beta and commercial versions were
released in September 2008 for Microsoft Windows. It has soon become the fourth-most widely used

Domain name
It is the unique name that identifies an Internet site. Domain Names always have two or more parts, separated
by dots. The part on the left is the most specific, the part on the right is the most general. A given machine
can have more than one Domain name but a given Domain Name points to only one machine. For example:
google.com etc

Domain abbreviation
Domain are organised by the type of organisations and by country. A three letter abbreviation indicating the
organisation and usually two letter abbreviation indicating the country name. Most common abbreviations
for organisation are –
.org Organisation
.net Network
.com Commercial
.edu Education
.gov Government
.mil Military
Some domain abbreviations for country are :
.in India
.an Australia
.fr France
.nz New Zealand
.uk United kingdom
Basics of Internet Technology 129
Domain Name System (DNS)
The DNS stores and associates many types of information with domain names, but most importantly, it
translates domain names (computer host name) to IP address. It also lists mail exchange series accepting
E-mail for each domain.

WWW (WorlD WiDe Web)

The World Wide Web (abbreviated as WWW or W3 commonly known as the Web) is a system of interlinked
hypertext documents that are accessed via the Internet. With a web browser, one can view web pages that may
contain text, images, videos, and other multimedia and navigate between them via hyperlinks.

WebSite
A website is a collection of webpages that are under 1 domain (such as google.com). For example if there
is a company that owns abccompany.com then this website will have several Webpages like Home, About
Us, Contact Us, Testimonials, Products, Services, FAQ’s, and others. All of these pages together make up a
Website.

Web paGeS
A webpage is an independent page of a Website. For example a webpage would be the testimonials page.
A web page can be accessed by typically one URL in a browser and that page can be copied and or send to
a friend for review whereas websites are collections of multiple page that must be navigated to view other
content.
A web browser displays a web page on a monitor or mobile device. The web page is what displays, but the
term also refers to a computer file, usually written in HTML or comparable markup language. Web browsers
coordinate the various web resource elements for the written web page, such as style sheets, scripts and
images, to present the web page.
A static web page is delivered exactly as stored, as web content in the web server’s file system, while a
dynamic web page is generated by a web application that is driven by server-side software or client-side
scripting.

home paGe
The home page is the first page that a visitor discovers when he wants to visit your site. There is usually just one.

Web aDDreSS/urlS (uniform reSourCe loCator)

A URL (Uniform Resource Locator; also known as a web address) is a distinct web address on the Internet
for a web page, a PDF file or any other file format available. It is easy for humans to remember URLs but the
computer cannot “understand” this format. For example, the URL of a web page may be www.xyz.com, and
its IP address 123.456.789.011.
Syntax:
Every HTTP URL consists of the following, in the given order:
• the scheme name (commonly called protocol)
• a colon, two slashes
• a host, normally given as a domain name but sometimes as a literal IP address
• optionally a colon followed by a port number
• the full path of the resource
130 Basics of Internet Technology

Web Server
A web server is a computer system that processes requests via HTTP, the basic network protocol used to
distribute information on the World Wide Web. The term can refer either to the entire system, or specifically
to the software that accepts and supervises the HTTP requests. The most common use of web servers is to
host websites, but there are other uses such as gaming, data storage, running enterprise applications, handling
email, FTP, or other web uses.
Three of the most popular web servers on the web are:

• Apache HTTP Server

Apache HTTP Server (also referred to as simply “Apache”) has, at the time of writing, been the most
popular web server on the web since 1996. Apache is developed and maintained by the Apache Software
Foundation, which consists of a decentralized team of developers. The software is produced under the
Apache licence, which makes it free and open source.
Apache is available for a range of operating systems, including Unix, Linux, Novell Netware, Windows,
Mac OS X, Solaris, and FreeBSD.

• Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)

IIS is, at the time of writing, the second most popular web server on the web. It is however, gaining market
share, and if the current trend continues, it won’t be long before it overtakes Apache.
IIS comes as an optional component of most Windows operating systems. You can install IIS by using Add/
Remove Windows Components fromAdd or Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

• Sun Java System Web Server

Based on the Sun One Web Server, the Sun Java System Web Server is designed for medium to large
business applications. Sun Java System Web Server is available for most operating systems.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WEB SERVER AND APPLICATION SERVER

A Web server can be either a computer program or a computer running a program that is responsible for
accepting HTTP requests from clients, serving back HTTP responses along with optional data contents,
which usually are web pages such as HTML documents and linked objects on it.
An application server is the kind of software engine that will deliver various applications to another device.
It is the kind of computer found in an office or university network that allows everyone in the network to
run software off of the same machine.

ServiCeS of internet
1. E-MAIL (ELECTRONIC MAIL) : E-MAIL is the electronic equivalent of sending a letter.
Email consists of two parts, 1) the header, which contains information about where the message will be
sent, and 2) the body, or message.
First, the person goes to the head of the email message and types in:
• the email addresses of the person(s) to receive it, i.e. the To:
• the sender’s email addresses, i.e. the From:
• the sender may want the email reply sent elsewhere, i.e. Reply to:
• the email addresses of the person(s) to receive the Cc: and Bcc: copies (normally this is used to
create file and information copies),
Basics of Internet Technology 131
• the Subject: which tells the receiver of the email what the message is about.The user uses the Compose
function of the particular email system included in the account and types in a text message, as one
would use a word processor to create a document.
Email Address : An email address is made up of two parts: the user ID, i.e. your account name, and the
domain name, i.e. the Internet name of the computer where your mail is sent. The two parts are separated
by a @. For example, the instructor’s email address is: [email protected].
2. WIRELESS APPLICATION PROTOCOL(WAP) : Short for the Wireless Application Protocol, a
secure specification that allows users to access information instantly via handheld wireless devices such
as mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios, smartphones and communicators.
WAP supports most wireless networks. These include CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX,
ReFLEX, iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, and Mobitex.
3. VOIP : A Voice over IP call, or VoIP call, utilizes packet-switched Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) or Internet telephony as opposed to the circuit-switched telephony used by the traditional Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The advantage to VoIP phone calls is that unlike regular long-
distance calls, calls made through a VoIP phone service are free – there are no fees beyond the cost of
your Internet access.
Also referred to as online phones or Internet phones, a VoIP phone can be a physical telephone with
built-in IP technology and an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the RJ-11 phone connector found in
standard phones, or it can be a voice-capable computer that uses VoIP hardware such as MagicJack or
VoIP software like Skype
4. ONLINE BANkING : Online banking is an electronic payment system that enables customers of a
financial institution to conduct financial transactions on a website operated by the institution, such as
a retail bank, virtual bank, credit union or building society. Online banking is also referred as Internet
banking, e-banking, virtual banking and by other terms.
5. E-COMMERCE : E-commerce (electronic commerce or EC) is the buying and selling of goods and
services, or the transmitting of funds or data, over an electronic network, primarily the Internet.
6. M-COMMERCE : M-commerce stands for Mobile Commerce wherein commercial transactions are
done using cellular or mobile phones that have access to the Internet.
Difference between M- Commerce and E- Commerce
1. M-commerce and E-commerce are business transactions done online.
2. M-commerce stands for Mobile Commerce while E-commerce stands for Electronic Commerce.
3. M-commerce uses mobile devices for commercial transactions while E-commerce uses computers.
4. M-commerce is available anyplace you go, even if there is no Internet. For E-commerce, you still need
to go to a place where there is Internet to access your online transactions.
5. M-commerce is very handy and easy to carry while E-commerce you cannot always bring with you
your computer or laptop anywhere.
6. M-commerce is charged through the caller’s rate, deduction of user’s credit, and mobile banking.
E-commerce is charged through the use of credit cards that are swiped in credit card machines.
7. In conclusion, M-commerce uses mobile devices for business transactions while E-commerce uses
computers or laptops for business transactions.
7. E.Shopping (Electronic shopping) : It is the process of buying goods and services from merchants who
seel an the Internet. some E-shopping websites are flipkart, amazon, jabong etc.
8. E-Reservation (Electronic Reservation) : Electronic Reservation means making a reservation for a
services via Internet. Example of E-Reservation are - www.irctc.com, www.makingtrip.com etc.
132 Basics of Internet Technology
9. Social Networking : Social Networking services is an online service, platform or site that focuses on
facilitating the building of social networks or social relations among people. The most popular sites are
facebook, Myspace etc.

variouS internet relateD termS

ADDRESS (NETWORk ADDRESS)

Internet site addresses come in two forms: as a set of numbers such as 202.54.1.18 and as alpha numerical
such as giasbm01.vsnl.net.in (these can represent the same address, and either can be used, e.g., Telnet). (2)
An individual’s email address, e.g., at this site, Internet for You may look like [email protected].

ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange) – This is a de facto world-wide standard for the code
numbers used by the computers to represent all the upper and lower-case Latin letters, numbers, punctuation,
etc. There are 128 ASCII codes by a seven digit binary number 0000000 through 1111111.

EBCDIC
EBCDIC is an IBM code for representing characters as numbers. Although it is widely used on large IBM
computers, most other computers, including PCs and Macintoshes, use ASCIIcodes.

BAUD
When transmitting data, the number of times the medium’s state changes per second. For example a 14,400
baud modem changes the signal it sends on the phone line 14,400 times per second. Since each change in state
can correspond to multiple bits of data, the actual bit rate of data transfer may exceed the baud rate.

BIT
(Binary Digit) A single digit number in base-2, in other words, either a 1 or zero. The smallest unit of
computerized data. Bandwidth is usually measured in bits-per-second. See also: Bandwidth, Bps, Byte,
Kilobyte, Megabyte.

BITS PER SECOND (BPS)

The speed at which bits are transmitted over a communication medium.

ByTE
A set of bits that represent a single character, usually there are 8 bits in a byte, sometimes more, depending on
how the measurement is being made.

BANDWIDTH
How much “stuff “ you can send through a connection. Usually measured in bit-per-second. A full page of
English text is about 16,000 bits. A fast modem can move about 15,000 bits in one second. Full-motion full
screen video will require roughly 10,000,000 bits-per-second, depending on compression.

CyBERSPACE
The term originated by author William Gibson in his novel “Neuromancer”, the word cyberspace is currently
used to describe the whole range of information resources available through computer networks.
Basics of Internet Technology 133
COOkIE
A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, Internet cookie, or browser cookie, is a small piece
of data sent from a website and stored in a user’s web browser while the user is browsing that website. Every
time the user loads the website, the browser sends the cookie back to the server to notify the website of the
user’s previous activity.

CHAT
Real-time communication between two users via computer. Once a chat has been initiated, either user can enter
text by typing on the keyboard and the entered text will appear on the other user’s monitor. Most networks
and online services offer a chat feature.

FREENET
A organization to provide free Internet access to people in a certain area, usually through public libraries.
Host
Any computer on a network that is a repository for services available to other computers on the network. It is
quite common to have one host machine provide several services, such as WWW and USENET.

IP NUMBER
Sometimes called a “dotted quad”. A unique number consisting of four parts separated by dots, e.g. 202.54.1.1
is a IP number of one of the servers. Every machine that is on the Internet has an unique IP number - if a
machine does not have an IP number, it is not really on the Internet. Most machines also have one or more
Domain Names that are easier for people to remember.

ISDN
(Integrated Services Digital Network) – Basically a way to move more data over existing regular phone lines.
ISDN is only slowly becoming available in Mumbai. It allows a very large bandwidth for transmission of data.

ISO
The International Organization for Standardization; An organization that has defined a different set of network
protocols, called the ISO/OSI protocols. In theory, the ISO/OSI protocols will eventually replace the Internet
protocols. When and if this will actually happen is a hotly debated topic.

INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

An organization that provides connections to a part of Internet. If you want to connect you company’s network,
or even your personal computer, to the Internet, you have to talk to a “service provider”. Also commonly known
as ISP (Internet Service Provider).E.g. Airtel, MTNL etc.

kILOByTE
A thousand bytes. Actually, usually, 1024 bytes.

LEASED LINE
A permanently-connected private telephone line between two locations. Leased lines are typically used to
connect a moderate-sized local network to an Internet service provider.
134 Basics of Internet Technology
MODEM
(Modulator, DEModulator) – a piece of equipment that connects a computer to a data transmission line (typically
a telephone line of some sort). Presently the modems transfer data at speeds ranging from 1200 to 33,600 bits
per second. There are also modems providing higher speeds and supporting other media. These are used for
special purposes – for example, to connect a large local network to its network provider over a leased line.

NIC
(Network Information Center) – Generally, any office that handles information for a network a network. The
most famous of these on the Internet is the InterNIC, which is where new domain names are registered.

NFS
(Network File System) – A set of protocols that allows you to use files on other network machines as if they
were local. So rather than using FTP to transfer a file to your local computer, you can read it, write it or edit
it on the remote computer – using the same commands that you’d use locally. NFS was originally developed
by SUN Microsystem, Inc. and is currently in widespread use.

NETWORk
Anytime you connected two or more computers together so that they can share resources you have a computer
network. Connect two or more network together you have internet.

OCTET
Internet standard-monger’s lingo for a set of 8 bits, i.e., a byte.

PACKET
A bundle of data. On the Internet, data is broken up into small chunks, called “packet”; each packet traverses
the network independently. Packet sizes can vary from roughly 40 to 32,000 bytes, depending on network
hardware media, but the packets are normally less than 1500 bytes long.

PASSWORD
A code used to gain access to a locked system. Good passwords contain letters and non-letters and are not
simple combinations such as “shanti8”. A good password might be: Albert12@45$

PPP
(Point to Point Protocol) – most well known as a protocol that allows a computer to use a regular phone line
and a modem to make a TCP/IP connection and thus be really and truly on the Internet. PPP is gradually
replacing SLIP for this purpose.

SEARCH ENGINE
An automatized way to index and find documents on the internet. Search engines will “crawl,” or explore, the
internet and index every file they find. Examples of search engines are www.google.com and www.bing.com.

TELNET
The command and program used to login from one Internet site to another. The Telnet command/program gets
you to the “login” prompt of another host.
Basics of Internet Technology 135
UDP
(The User Datagram Protocol) – Another of the protocols on which the Internet is based. For the techies, UDP
is a connectionless unreliable protocol. If you’re not techie don’t let the word “unreliable” worry you.

USENET
A world wide system of discussion groups, with comments passed among hundreds of thousands of machines.
Not all Usenet machines are on the Internet, may be half. Usenet is completely decentralized, with over 15,000
discussion areas, called news groups.
 136 Basics of Internet Technology

PAST EXERCISE
1. E-mail (electronic mail) is [SBI Clerk, 2009] 6. A Web site’s main page is called its——
(a) an internet standard that allows users to [SBI Clerk, 2009]
upload and download files (a) Home Page (b) Browser page
(b) a real-time typed conversation that takes (c) Search Page (d) Bookmark
place on a computer (e) None of these
(c) an online area in which users conduct 7. While sending an e-mail, the–– line describes
written discussions about a particular the contents of the message. [SBI Clerk, 2009]
subject
(a) subject (b) to
(d) the transmission of messages and files via a
(c) contents (d) cc
computer network
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
8. A Web site’s main page is called its
2. A chat is [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) an internet standard that allows users to
upload and download files (a) Homepage (b) Browser page
(b) a typed conversation that takes place on a (c) Search Page (d) Bookmark
computer (e) None of these
(c) an online area in which users conduct 9. The____folder retains copies of messages have
written discussions about a particular started but are not yet ready to send.
subject [IBPS PO, 2011]
(d) the transmission of messages and files via a (a) Drafts (b) Outbox
computer network (c) Address B (d) Sent Items
(e) None of these (e) Inbox
3. Sending an e-mail is similar to 10. You can _____a search by providing more info
[SBI Clerk, 2009] the search engine can use to select a smaller,
(a) picturing an event more useful set of results. [IBPS PO, 2011]
(b) narrating a story (a) refine (b) expand
(c) writing a letter (c) load (d) query
(d) creating a drawing (e) slowdown
(e) None of these 11. The _____enables you to simultaneously
4. The process of a computer receiving information keep multiple Web pages open in one browser
from a server on the internet is known as window. [IBPS PO, 2011]
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (a) tab box (b) pop-up helper
(a) pulling (b) pushing (c) tab row (d) address bar
(c) downloading (d) transferring (e) Esc key
(e) None of these 12. The process of transferring files from a computer
5. Digital Banking can be resorted through on the Internet to your computer is called
[SBI Clerk, 2009] [IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) Mobile phones (b) Internet (a) downloading (b) uploading
(c) Telephones (d) All of these (c) FTP (d) JPEG
(e) None of these (e) downsizing
Basics of Internet Technology 137
13. To reload a Web page, press the ________ 19. Microsoft's Messenger allows users to
button. [IBPS PO, 2011] [SBI PO, 2011]
(a) Redo (b) Reload (a) bypass a browser to surf the Web
(c) Restore (d) Ctrl (b) create a blog
(e) Refresh (c) communicate via direct live communication
14. Mobile Commerce is best described as
(d) identify and eliminate spam
[IBPS PO, 2011]
(e) make graphic presentations
(a) The use of kiosks in marketing
20. In a web site, the ‘home’ page refers to-
(b) Transporting products
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(c) Buying and selling goods/services through
wireless handheld devices (a) the best page
(d) Using notebook PCs in marketing (b) the last page
(e) None of the above (c) the first page
15. This first step in the transaction processing (d) the most recent page
cycle captures business data through various (e) the oldest page
modes such as optical scanning or at an 21. Which of the following is used by the browser
electronic commerce website. to connect to the location of the Internet
[IBPS PO, 2011] resources? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) Document and report generation (a) Linkers (b) Protocol
(b) Database maintenance
(c) Cable (d) URL
(c) Transaction processing start-up
(e) None of these
(d) Data Entry
22. Which of the following is not a term pertaining
(e) None of these
to the Internet? [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
16. The piece of hardware that converts you
computer’s digital signal to an analog signal (a) Keyboard (b) Link
that can travel over telephone lines is called a (c) Browser (d) Search Engine
[IBPS PO, 2011] (e) Hyperlink
(a) red wire (b) blue cord 23. An educational institution would generally
(c) tower (d) modem have the following in its domain name
(e) None of these [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
17. A ________ is the term used when a search (a) .org (b) .edu
engine returns a Web page that matches the (c) .inst (d) .com
search criteria. [IBPS PO, 2011]
(e) .sch
(a) blog (b) hit
24. The process of trading goods over the Internet
(c) link (d) view
is known as [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(e) success
(a) e-selling-n-buying (b) e-trading
18. Connection or link to other documents or Web
Pages that contain related information is called (c) e-finance (d) e-salesmanship
[SBI PO, 2011] (e) e-commerce
(a) dial-up 25. A ________ is a software program used to
(b) electronic commerce view Web pages. [SBI Clerk, 2011]
(c) hyperlink (a) site (b) host
(d) e-cash (c) link (d) browser
(e) domain name (e) None of these
138 Basics of Internet Technology
26. ________ allows voice conversations to travel (a) From : and Body :
over the Internet. [SBI Clerk, 2011] (b) From : and Date :
(a) Internet telephony (b) Instant messaging (c) From : and To :
(c) E-mail (d) E-commerce (d) From : and Subject :
(e) None of these (e) None of these
27. Which of the following is not true concering 33. An e-mail address typically consists of a user
user IDs and passwords? [SBI Clerk, 2011] ID followed by the_________ sign and the
(a) When you enter your user ID and password name of the e-mail server that manages the
the computer knows it is you user's electronic post office box.
(b) If your computer asks for a user ID and [SBI Clerk, 2011]
password, you can create your own (a) @ (b) #
(c) Sometimes you are assigned a user ID and (c) & (d) «
password, for security reasons (e) None of these
(d) You should share your user ID and password 34. Which of these is not a means of personal
with at least one other person communication on the Internet ?
(e) None of these [IBPS PO, 2012]
28. Sending an E-mail is similar to (a) chat (b) instant messaging
[SBI Clerk, 2011] (c) instanotes (d) electronic mail
(a) writing a letter (e) None of these
(b) drawing a picture
35. Fourth-generation mobile technology provides
(c) talking on the phone enhanced capabilities allowing the transfer
(d) sending a package of both __________ data, including full-
(e) None of these motion video, high-speed Internet access, and
29. Unsolicited commercial email is commonly videoconferencing. [IBPS PO, 2012]
known as [SBI Clerk, 2011] (a) video data and information
(a) spam (b) junk (b) voice and nonvoice
(c) hoaxes (d) hypertext (c) music and video
(e) None of these (d) video and audio
30. A web site address is a unique name that (e) None of these
identifies a specific _________ on the web. 36. Usually downloaded into folders that hold
[SBI Clerk, 2011] temporary Internet files, _____ are written to
(a) web browser (b) web site your computer's hard disk by some of the Web
(c) PDA (d) link sites you visit. [IBPS PO, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) anonymous files (b) behaviour files
31. The Internet allows you to [SBI Clerk, 2011] (c) banner ads (d) large files
(a) send electronic mail (e) cookies
(b) view web pages 37. A program, either talk or music, that is made
(c) connect to servers all around the world available in digital format tor automatic
(d) All of these download over the Internet is called a
__________. [IBPS PO, 2012]
(e) None of these
(a) wiki (b) broadcast
32. Most mail programs automatically complete
the following two parts in an e-mail (c) vodcast (d) blog
[SBI Clerk, 2011] (e) podcast
Basics of Internet Technology 139
38. When a real-time telephone call between people (a) ARPA net
is made over the Internet using computers, it is (b) Radio networks
called __________. [IBPS PO, 2012] (c) Satellite networks
(a) a chat session (b) an e-mail (d) Indian army networks
(c) an instant message (d) Internet telephony (e) Air Force networks
(e) None of these. 45. ______ search engine sends request for
39. Your business has contracted with another information to several search engines
company to have them host and run an simultaneously and compiles the results
application for your company over the Internet. [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
The company providing this service to your (a) Meta (b) Individual
business is called an __________. (c) Directory (d) Subject directory
[IBPS PO, 2012] (e) None of these
(a) Internet service provider 46. To access a website or web content from a web
(b) Internet access provider server, the client sends a(n) ______
(c) Application service provider [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(d) Application access provider (a) Information (b) Message
(e) Outsource agency (c) Request (d) Response
40. A(n) ________ allows you to access your (e) Interrupt
e-mail from anywhere. [IBPS PO, 2012] 47. An http request contains______ parts
(a) Forum [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(a) 2 (b) 5
(b) Webmail interface
(c) 3 (d) 4
(c) Message Board
(e) 1
(d) Weblog
48. Through ______ an administrator or another
(e) None of these
user can access someone else’s computer
41. Which of the following would you find on remotely [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
Linkedln ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
(a) Administrator (b) Web server
(a) Games (b) Connections (c) Web application (d) HTTP
(c) Chat (d) Applications (e) Telnet
(e) None of these 49. What utility to you use to transfer files and
42. Which of the following cannot be part of an exchange messages ? [SBI Clerk, 2012]
email address ? [IBPS PO, 2012] (a) Web browsers (b) WWW
(a) Period (.) (b) At sign (@) (c) Email (d) Hpertext
(c) Space () (d) Underscore (_) (e) search engines
(e) None of these 50. In HTML, tags consists of keywords enclosed
43. Which of the following must be contained in a within [SSC, CHSL, 2012]
URL ? [IBPS PO, 2012] (a) flower brackets { }
(a) a protocol identifier (b) angular brackets < >
(b) the letters, www. (c) parentheses ( )
(c) the unique registered domain name (d) square brackets [ ]
(d) www. and the unique registered domain 51. A (n) ________ appearing on a web page
name opens another document when clicked.
(e) a protocol identifier, www. and the unique [SBI PO, 2013]
registered domain name (a) anchor (b) URL
44. Origin of internet can be tracked from (c) hyperlink (d) reference
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (e) heading
140 Basics of Internet Technology

ANSWER KEy

1. (d) 10. (a) 19. (c) 28 (a) 37. (d) 46 (c)

2 (b) 11. (c) 20 (c) 29. (a) 38 (d) 47. (c)
3. (c) 12. (a) 21 (d) 30 (b) 39. (e) 48. (e)
4. (c) 13. (e) 22 (a) 31. (d) 40 (b) 49. (c)
5. (d) 14. (c) 23 (b) 32. (b) 41. (b) 50. (b)
6. (b) 15. (c) 24. (e) 33. (a) 42 (c) 51. (c)
7. (a) 16. (d) 25 (d) 34. (c) 43. (d)
8. (a) 17. (b) 26. (a) 35. (b) 44. (a)
9. (a) 18. (c) 27 (d) 36. (e) 45. (a)
Basics of Internet Technology 141

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Which of the following is Web browser? (a) entry-code (b) passport
(a) Paint (b) Power Point (c) password (d) access-code
(c) Fire fox (d) Word (e) None of these
(e) All are Web browsers 8. What is the storage area for email messages
2. The Internet allows you to __________. called?
(a) send electronic mail (a) A folder (b) A directory
(b) view Web pages (c) A mailbox (d) The hard disk
(c) connect to servers all around the world (e) None of these
(d) All of the above 9. The secret code that gives you access to some
programs.
(e) None of these
(a) clue (b) cue
3. Most World Wide Web pages contain commands
in the language __________. (c) password (d) help
(a) NIH (b) URL (e) None of these
(c) HTML (d) IRC 10. The Internet is a system of __________.
(a) Software bundles
(e) FTP
(b) Web page
4. Which is the slowest internet connection
service? (c) Website
(a) Digital Subscriber Line (d) Interconnected Networks
(b) TI (e) None of these
(c) Cable modem 11. A __________ shares hardware, software and
data among authorized users.
(d) Leased Line
(a) network (b) protocol
(e) Dial-up Service
(c) hyperlink (d) transmitter
5. Sending an e-mail is same as
(e) None of these
(a) writing a letter (b) drawing a picture
12. A(n) ______ allows sharing of a broadband
(c) talking on phone (d) sending a package Internet connection.
(e) None of these (a) hub (b) adapter
6. Which of the following is not true about (c) router (d) switch
passwords?
(e) plug
(a) A password should be a combination of 13. What is Windows Explorer?
mixed case alphanumeric characters
(a) A drive
(b) Password should be maximum 6 characters
(b) A personal computer
in length
(c) A Web browser
(c) A password that can be memorized easily
should be used, so that it need not be noted (d) A network
down (e) A file manager
(d) A password that can be typed quickly 14. __________ is the most popular Internet
without much effort should be used activity.
(e) None of these (a) Art (b) Shopping
7. The secret code that restricts entry to some (c) Searching (d) Entertainment
programs is _________. (e) Communication
142 Basics of Internet Technology
15. A web site address is a unique name that 23. _________ services are available free at
identifies a specific __________ on the Web. portals on the Web.
(a) Web browser (b) PDA (a) E-mail
(c) Website (d) link (b) FTP
(e) user (c) Video-conferencing
16. Documents on the Web are called __________. (d) Telephone
(a) Web pages (b) Web sites (e) All of these
(c) Web communities (d) Web tags 24. An e-mail address typically consists of a user
(e) Home pages ID followed by the _________ sign and the
17. A Web site containing stories and articles name of the e-mail server that manages the
relating to current events, life, money, sports user’s electronic post office box.
and the weather is considered a(n) __________ (a) @ (b) #
Web site. (c) & (d) *
(a) business/marketing (b) portal (e) None of these
(c) informational (d) news 25. A Web _________ consists of one or more
(e) retailing Web pages located on a Web server.
18. You can have a live conversation with another (a) hub (b) site
connected user via __________. (c) story (d) template
(a) e-mail (b) instant messaging (e) None of these
(c) e-commerce (d) distance learning 26. __________ makes it possible for shoppers to
(e) Word package make purchases using their computers.
19. Video-conferencing requires a microphone, (a) E-world (b) E-commerce
speakers, and a _________ attached to your (c) E-spend (d) E-business
computer.
(e) None of these
(a) mouse (b) keyboard
27. A Web site’s main page is called its
(c) video camera (d) scanner
__________.
(e) mobile phone
(a) home page (b) browser page
20. The process of a computer receiving
(c) search place (d) bookmark
information from a server on the Internet is
known as __________. (e) None of these
(a) acquisition (b) pulling 28. Programs such as Internet Explorer that serve
as navigable windows into the Web are called
(c) transferring (d) pushing
(a) Hypertext (b) Networks
(e) downloading
(c) Internet (d) Web browsers
21. The communications device that allows the
computer to access a network is called a (e) None of these
__________ card. 29. __________ is the act of copying or
(a) modem (b) video downloading a program from a network and
(c) sound (d) network making multiple copies of it.
(e) dialog (a) Network piracy
22. With _________, the computer’s modem uses (b) Plagiarism
a standard telephone line to connect to the (c) Software piracy
Internet. (d) Site-license piracy
(a) DSL (e) None of these
(b) dial-up access 30. The first page of a Web site is called the
(c) ISDN (a) Home page (b) Index
(d) cable television Internet services (c) Java Script (d) Book mark
(e) satellite (e) None of these
Basics of Internet Technology 143
31. A word in a web page that, when clicked, opens 39. What is e-commerce?
another document. (a) Buying and selling of international goods
(a) anchor (b) URL (b) Buying and selling of products and services
(c) hyperlink (d) reference over the Internet
(e) None of these (c) Buying and selling of products and services
not found in stores
32. A Web site address is a unique name that
identifies a specific __________ on the Web. (d) Buying and selling of products having to
do with computers
(a) Web browser (b) PDA
(e) Buying and selling of electronic goods
(c) Web Site (d) link
40. What are the four things required to connect to
(e) None of these the Internet?
33. __________ is a procedure that requires users (a) Telephone line, Modem, Computer and an
to enter an identification code and a matching ISP
password. (b) Modem, Computer, PDA and ISP
(a) Paging (b) Logging on (c) Telephone line, PDA, Modem and Computer
(c) Time-sharing (d) Multitasking (d) Computer, ISP, Modem and Communication
(e) None of these software
34. If you are going to a site you use often, instead (e) Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse and Modem
of having to type in the address every time, you 41. Which of the following functions is not
should performed by servers?
(a) save it as a file (b) make a copy of it (a) Email processing
(c) bookmark it (d) delete it (b) Database sharing
(c) Processing Websites
(e) None of the above
(d) Storage
35. To navigate to a new Web page for which you
(e) Word processing
know the URL, type that URL in the browser’s
__________ and press Enter 42. The process of transferring files from a
computer on the Internet to your computer is
(a) Address bar (b) Domain bar
called __________.
(c) Address button (d) Name button (a) downloading (b) uploading
(e) None of the above (c) FTP (d) JPEG
36. When sending an e-mail, the __________ line (e) downsizing
describes the contents of the message. 43. The __________ controls a client’s computer
(a) subject (b) to resources.
(c) contents (d) cc (a) application program (b) instruction set
(e) None of these (c) operating system (d) server application
37. A Web site address is a unique name that (e) compiler
identifies a specific ___________ on the Web. 44. To reload a Web page, press the __________
(a) Web browser (b) Web site button.
(c) PDA (d) link (a) Redo (b) Reload
(c) Restore (d) Ctrl
(e) None of these
(e) Refresh
38. A __________ is the term used when a search
45. The __________ enables you to simultaneously
engine returns a Web page that matches the
keep multiple Web pages open in one browser
search criteria.
window.
(a) blog (b) hit
(a) tab box (b) pop-up helper
(c) link (d) view (c) address bar (d) Esc key
(e) success
144 Basics of Internet Technology
46. A popular way to learn about computers without (a) .com (b) www
ever going to a classroom is called _________. (c) xyz (d) http
(a) i-learning (b) isolated learning (e) None of these
(c) e-learning (d) close learning 54. The software that allows users to surf the
(e) distance learning Internet is called a/an
47. The __________ folder retains copies of (a) Search engine
messages that you have started but are not yet (b) Internet Service Provider (ISP)
ready to send. (c) Multimedia application
(a) Inbox (b) Outbox (d) Browser
(c) Drafts (d) Sent Items (e) Internet Surfing Provider
(e) Address Book 55. Online documents containing underlined
48. What is the storage area for e-mail messages phrases or icons that a user can click in order
called? to move immediately to related parts of the
(a) A folder (b) A mail box current document or to other documents with
(c) A directory (d) The hard disk relative information are called
(e) None of these (a) hypermedia (b) hypertext
49. One advantage of dial-up Internet access is that (c) HTML (d) URL
(e) FTP
(a) it utilises broadband technology
56. What are the two parts of an e-mail address?
(b) it is Indian
(a) User name and street address
(c) it uses a router for security
(b) Legal name and phone number
(d) modem speeds are very fast
(c) User name and domain name
(e) it utilises existing telephone service
(d) Initial and password
50. You can use the ________ bar to type a URL,
(e) User name and recipient name
and display a Web page, or type a keyword to
display a list of related Web pages. 57. Why should you delete unknown e-mail
attachments?
(a) Menu (b) Title
(a) It can make you land in jail.
(c) Search (d) Web
(b) The person could track you down and hurt
(e) Address
you.
51. Most mail programs automatically complete
(c) It is a bad manners.
the following two parts in an email:
(d) It might contain a virus that could hurt your
(a) From: and Body:
computer.
(b) From: and Date:
(e) None of these
(c) From: and To 58. Which of the following softwares allows the
(d) From: and Subject: user to move from page to page on the Web
(e) None of these by clicking on or selecting a hyperlink or by
52. Which of the following is an advantage of typing in the address of the destination page?
mounting an application on the Web? (a) Web browser (b) Web home page
(a) The possibility of 24-hour access for users (c) Web home page (d) Web service
(b) Creating a system that can extend globally (e) None of these
(c) Standardising the design of the interface 59. A good Web site
(d) All of these (a) is relevant, reliable, recent and verifiable
(e) None of these (b) always stays the same
53. Which of the following is called as protocol in (c) is well-designed but not necessarily accurate
the URL ? (d) contains Terms of Use information
http://www.xyz.com (e) is attractive in appearance
Basics of Internet Technology 145
60. A(n) __________ Web site offers a variety 67. E-commerce allows companies to _________.
of Internet services from a single, convenient (a) issue important business reports
location. (b) conduct business over the Internet
(a) protocol (b) informational (c) support decision making processes
(c) portal (d) news (d) keep track of paper-based transactions
(e) chat (e) None of these
61. The secret code that gives you access to some 68. Which of the following is required to create an
programs. HTML document?
(a) clue (b) cue (a) browser (b) internet
(c) password (d) help (c) text editor (d) search engine
(e) None of these (e) None of these
62. Which of the following functions is not 69. The file that is linked with an e-mail and sent
performed by servers? to the receiver of the e-mail is referred to as
(a) Email processing _________.
(b) Database sharing (a) annexure (b) appendage
(c) Processing Websites (c) add-on (d) attachment
(d) Storage (e) article
(e) Word processing 70. Which of the following refers to the process of
63. The __________ folder retains copies of a computer receiving information from a server
messages that you have started but are not yet on the Internet?
ready to send. (a) gathering (b) uploading
(a) Inbox (b) Outbox (c) inputting (d) outputting
(c) Drafts (d) Sent Items (e) downloading
(e) Address Book 71. The term “host” with respect to the internet,
64. Which of the following is not a term pertaining means __________.
to Email? (a) A computer that is a stand along computer
(a) power Point (b) inbox (b) A computer that is connected to the Internet
(c) sender (d) receiver (c) A computer reserved for use by the host
(e) None of these (d) A large collection of computers
65. What is an E-mail attachment? (e) Hyperlink
(a) A receipt sent by the recipient 72. What is the advantage of using basic HTML to
(b) A separate document from another program create a document?
sent along with an E-mail message (a) HTML is very easy to use.
(c) A malicious parasite that feeds off of your (b) The document can be displayed by all word
messages and destroys the contents processors.
(d) A list of CC: or BCC: recipients (c) The document can be displayed by all
(e) None of these programs.
66. Which of the following are all considered (d) The document can be displayed by all
advantages of e-mail? browsers.
(a) Convenience, speed of delivery, generality (e) None of these
and reliability 73. Which of the following will be used if the
(b) Printable, global and expensive sender of an e-mail wants to bold, itlalicise etc
(c) Global, convenience and Microsoft owned the text message?
(d) Slow delivery, reliable, global and (a) Reach Signature (b) Reach Text
inexpensive (c) Reach Format (d) Plain Format
(e) None of these (e) Plain text
146 Basics of Internet Technology
74. Which of the following terms is not related to 77. When browsing the World Wide Web, the
Internet? browser is a
(a) Link (b) Function key (a) feeder
(c) Browser (d) Search engine (b) server program
(e) Hyperlink (c) application program
75. What is included in an e-mail address? (d) system program
(a) Domain name followed by user’s name (e) client program
(b) User’s name followed by domain name 78. Where is the newly received email stored?
(c) User’s name followed by postal address (a) In your website
(d) User’s name followed by street address (b) In Address-box
(e) None of these
(c) In Inbox
76. Which of the following operations is safe if an
(d) In your personal laptop
e-mail from an unknown sender is received?
(e) None of these
(a) Open it to know about the sender and
answer it. 79. Small programs that act on data received by the
user’s computer as part of a Web page are called
(b) Delete it after opening it.
(c) Delete it without opening it. (a) search engine (b) servlets
(d) Open it and try to find who the sender is. (c) browsers (d) applets
(e) None of these (e) feedback

ANSWER KEy

1. (c) 15. (d) 29. (c) 43. (c) 57. (d) 71. (b)
2. (d) 16. (a) 30. (a) 44. (a) 58. (a) 72. (d)
3. (c) 17. (c) 31. (c) 45. (c) 59. (a) 73. (c)
4. (e) 18. (b) 32. (d) 46. (c) 60. (c) 74. (b)
5. (a) 19. (c) 33. (b) 47. (c) 61. (c) 75. (b)
6. (b) 20. (e) 34. (c) 48. (b) 62. (e) 76. (c)
7. (c) 21. (a) 35. (a) 49. (e) 63. (c) 77. (c)
8. (c) 22. (b) 36. (a) 50. (e) 64. (a) 78. (c)
9. (c) 23. (a) 37. (d) 51. (b) 65. (b) 79. (b)
10. (d) 24. (a) 38. (b) 52. (d) 66. (a)
11. (a) 25. (d) 39. (b) 53. (d) 67. (b)
12. (c) 26. (d) 40. (d) 54. (d) 68. (c)
13. (c) 27. (a) 41. (e) 55. (b) 69. (d)
14. (c) 28. (a) 42. (b) 56. (c) 70. (c)
 Chapter
Computer &
11 Network Security
Computer security (also known as cyber security or IT security) is information security as applied to computing
devices such as computers and smart phones, as well as computer networks such as private and public networks,
including the whole Internet.
Traditionally, computer facilities have been physically protected for three reasons:
• To prevent theft of or damage to the hardware
• To prevent theft of or damage to the information
• To prevent disruption of service

the baSiC ComponentS of SeCurity

1. Confidentiality : Confidentiality is the concealment of information or resources. The need for keeping
information secret arises from the use of computers in sensitive fields such as government and industry.
For example, military and civilian institutions in the government often restrict access to information
to those who need that information. The first formal work in computer security was motivated by the
military’s attempt to implement controls to enforce a “need to know” principle. This principle also applies
to industrial firms, which keep their proprietary designs secure lest their competitors try to steal the designs.
As a further example, all types of institutions keep personnel records secret.
2. Integrity : Integrity refers to the trustworthiness of data or resources, and it is usually phrased in terms
of preventing improper or unauthorized change. Integrity includes data integrity (the content of the
information) and origin integrity (the source of the data, often called authentication). The source of the
information may bear on its accuracy and credibility and on the trust that people place in the information.
This dichotomy illustrates the principle that the aspect of integrity known as credibility is central to the
proper functioning of a system.
3. Availability : Availability refers to the ability to use the information or resource desired. Availability is an
important aspect of reliability as well as of system design because an unavailable system is at least as bad
as no system at all. The aspect of availability that is relevant to security is that someone may deliberately
arrange to deny access to data or to a service by making it unavailable.
4. Access Control System : Any system designed to prevent and restrict access to users. For example, a
primary form of access control is only allowing users who have accounts to login to a system or only
allowing the user access to files he or she should be able to see.
Transport Layer Security
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a protocol that ensures privacy between communicating applications and
their users on the Internet.
206 Computer & Network Security

top Some SourCeS of Computer viruS attaCk

The most potent and vulnerable threat of computer users is virus attacks. Virus attacks hampers important work
involved with data and documents. It is imperative for every computer user to be aware about the software
and programs that can help to protect the personal computers from attacks. One must take every possible
measure in order to keep the computer systems free from virus attacks. The top sources of virus attacks are
highlighted below:
1. Downloadable Programs : Downloadable files are one of the best possible sources of virus. Any type
of executable program including games, freeware, screen savers as well as executable files are one of
the major sources of computer virus attacks. Executable files having an extension of “.com”, “.exe” and
“coolgame.exe” contain virus sources too. If in the case a user want to download programs from the
internet then it is necessary to scan every program before downloading them.
2. Illegal Software : Most people who download cracked and illegal versions of software online are unaware
about the reality that they may contain virus sources as well. Such illegal files contain viruses and bugs that
are difficult to detect as well as to remove. Hence, it is always a preferable option to download software
from the appropriate source.
3. Email Attachments : Email attachments are one of the other popular sources of computer virus attacks.
Hence, a user must handle email attachments with extreme care, especially if the email comes from an
unknown sender. Installation of a good antivirus assumes prime necessity if one desires to eliminate the
possibility of virus attacks.
4. Using Internet : Using internet is one of the common sources of virus infection. Majority of all computer
users are unaware as when viruses attack computer systems. Almost every computer user click/download
everything that comes their way and hence unknowingly invites the possibility of virus attacks.
5. Booting from Unknown CD : Most computer users believe that one of the most common ways of virus
infection is through Data CD. It is a good practice to remove the CD when the computer system is not
working. If you do not remove the CD after switching off the computer system then it is every possibility
that the computer system may start to boot automatically from the disc.
6. Using Pendrive/USB Flash drive : Using pen drive/USB flash drive is another source of virus attacks.
It is a good practice to scan the pendrive when it is connected to computer.
7. Not running the latest updates : Many of the updates, especially those associated with Microsoft Windows
and other operating systems and programs, are security updates. Running a program or operating system
that is not up-to-date with the latest updates can be a big security risk and can be a way your computer
becomes infected.

typeS of attaCkS in netWork SeCurity

A security policy defines what people can and can’t do with network components and resources.
Top attacks in Network Security:
1. Passive Attack : A passive attack monitors unencrypted traffic and looks for clear-text passwords and
sensitive information that can be used in other types of attacks. Passive attacks include traffic analysis,
monitoring of unprotected communications, decrypting weakly encrypted traffic, and capturing
authentication information such as passwords. Passive attacks result in the disclosure of information or
data files to an attacker without the consent or knowledge of the user.
2. Active Attack : In an active attack, the attacker tries to bypass or break into secured systems. This can be
done through stealth, viruses, worms, or Trojan horses. Active attacks include attempts to circumvent or
break protection features, to introduce malicious code, and to steal or modify information. These attacks
are mounted against a network backbone, exploit information in transit, electronically penetrate an enclave,
or attack an authorized remote user during an attempt to connect to an enclave. Active attacks result in
the disclosure or dissemination of data files, DoS, or modification of data.
Computer & Network Security 207
3. Distributed Attack : A distributed attack requires that the adversary introduce code, such as a Trojan horse
or back-door program, to a “trusted” component or software that will later be distributed to many other
companies and users Distribution attacks focus on the malicious modification of hardware or software at
the factory or during distribution. These attacks introduce malicious code such as a back door to a product
to gain unauthorized access to information or to a system function at a later date.
4. Phishing Attack : In phishing attack the hacker creates a fake web site that looks exactly like a popular
site such as the SBI bank or paypal. The phishing part of the attack is that the hacker then sends an e-mail
message trying to trick the user into clicking a link that leads to the fake site. When the user attempts to
log on with their account information, the hacker records the username and password and then tries that
information on the real site.
5. Hijack attack : In a hijack attack, a hacker takes over a session between you and another individual and
disconnects the other individual from the communication. You still believe that you are talking to the
original party and may send private information to the hacker by accident.
6. Spoof attack : Spoof attack In a spoof attack, the hacker modifies the source address of the packets he
or she is sending so that they appear to be coming from someone else. This may be an attempt to bypass
your firewall rules.
7. Password attack : An attacker tries to crack the passwords stored in a network account database or a
password-protected file. There are three major types of password attacks: a dictionary attack, a brute-force
attack, and a hybrid attack. A dictionary attack uses a word list file, which is a list of potential passwords.
A brute-force attack is when the attacker tries every possible combination of characters.

malWare
Malware, also known as malicious software, is a software that is used to disrupt computer operation, gather
sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems.It can appear in the form of executable
code, scripts, active content, and other software. ‘Malware’ is a general term used to refer to a variety of forms
of hostile or intrusive software.The term badware is sometimes used, and applied to both true (malicious)
malware and unintentionally harmful software. Some malwares are:

• Computer Viruses
A computer virus or worm is program that replicates itself on its own by by inserting copies of itself
into other programs or documents. It can spread by email also. These viruses or worms are malicious
programs that aredesigned to infect and gain control over a computer without the owner’s knowledge.

• Viruses and spam

Virus-makers and spammers create viruses that infect most of the computers across the globe. These
computers become spam-generating machines and cooperate in various manners to send as much spam
as possible as efficiently as possible. The infected computers then send massive amounts of spam,
unbeknownst to the computer owner.

TyPES OF VIRUS
There are various types of computer viruses, classified in terms of techniques, origin, the types of files affected,
damage, OS or Platform attacked, as well as the places they hide. Some of the common types include the
following:
• Resident viruses : These are permanent viruses dwelling in RAM memory. In this case, they would be in
a position to overcome, as well as interrupt, all operations that the system executes. Their effects include
corrupting programs and files that are closed, opened, renamed or copied.
 208 Computer & Network Security
• Overwrite viruses : These viruses delete information that is in the infected files. In this case, the infected
files would be rendered totally or partially useless. Unfortunately, you would only clean the infected file
by deleting it completely, therefore losing original content.
• Direct action viruses : This virus replicates itself, then acts when executed. Subject to satisfaction of
particular conditions, the virus infects files located in the folders or computer directory. It is also in
directories specified in the AUTOEXEC.BAT PATH. In most cases, it is located in hard drive’s root
directory and takes particular action when the computer boots.
• File infectors : This virus infects executable files or programs. On running the programs, the virus would
be activated, then be able to carry out its damaging effects. Most of the existing viruses are in this category.
• Boot viruses : This virus infects the hard disk’s or floppy drive’s boot sector. This would make the computer
unable to boot. These viruses can, however, be avoided by ensuring that the floppy disks and hard drive
is well protected. Never start the computer using an unknown disk drive or floppy disk.
• Directory viruses : This virus alters the paths indicating a file’s location. In this case, when the infected
program is executed, you will be running the program unknowingly, since the virus has moved the original
program and file to another location. This therefore makes it impossible to locate the moved files.
• Macro virus : This virus affects files created using particular programs or applications containing macros.
The mini-programs increase their ability to automate some operations, in which case they would be
performed as single actions. The user would therefore be saved the trouble of executing them singularly.

ACTION OF A VIRUS
Different computer viruses create different problems in different ways. The most common problems are:
• A virus may destroy all data stored in the hard disk by either formatting it without warning or by destroying
some of its sectors.
• A virus may change the boot sector of the hard disk. If the boot sector of a disk is affected, it cannot boot
the computer.
• The computer viruses are automatically loaded into the main memory of the computer and remain in the
memory. This slows down the data accessing speed of the computer.
• A virus can destroy BIOS of the computer.

COMPUTER WORMS
A computer worm is a standalone malware computer program that replicates itself in order to spread to
other computers. Often, it uses a computer network to spread itself, relying on security failures on the target
computer to access it. Unlike a computer virus, it does not need to attach itself to an existing program.

TROJAN
Trojans are malicious programs that perform actions that have not been authorized by the user. These actions
can include:
• Deleting data
• Blocking data
• Modifying data
• Copying data
• Disrupting the performance of computers or computer networks
Unlike computer viruses and worms , Trojans are not able to self-replicate.
Computer & Network Security 209
SPyWARE –
Spyware is software that aids in gathering information about a person or organization without their knowledge
and that may send such information to another entity without the consumer’s consent, or that asserts control
over a computer without the consumer’s knowledge.
SOME IMPORTANT TERMS RELATED TO SECURITy –
Spoofing : It is a situation in which a program successfully masquerades as another by falsifying data and
thereby gaining an illegitimate advantage. IP address spoofing or IP spoofing is the creation of Internet
Protocol (IP) packets with a source IP address, with the purpose of concealing the identity of the sender or
impersonating another computing system.
Hacking : Hacking is the practice of modifying the features of a system, in order to accomplish a goal
outside of the creator’s original purpose. The person who is consistently engaging in hacking activities, and
has accepted hacking as a lifestyle and philosophy of their choice, is called a hacker. Computer hacking is
the most popular form of hacking nowadays, especially in the field of computer security, but hacking exists
in many other forms, such as phone hacking, etc. and it’s not limited to either of them.
Cracking : The original difference between cracking and hacking is that hackers were those who attacked/
penetrated security systems of networks while crackers were those that attacked/penetrated security systems
of software. Crackers, cracked software (not networks systems) such that they could be pirated. Crackers are
are the profit side of the coin. Their motivation is financial gain and/or to cause damage. Crackers tend to
be working for organized crime, services for hire, US, Chinese, Russian goverment employees, competitors
commiting corporate espionage etc
Phishing : It is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, and credit
card details (and sometimes, indirectly, money) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic
communication.
Spam : Spam is most often considered to be electronic junk mail or junk newsgroup postings. Some people
define spam even more generally as any unsolicited email. However, if a long-lost brother finds your email
address and sends you a message, this could hardly be called spam, even though it is unsolicited
Adware : Adware is the common name used to describe software that is given to the user with advertisements
embedded in the application. Adware is considered a legitimate alternative offered to consumers who do
not wish to pay for software. There are many ad-supported programs, games or utilities that are distributed
as adware (or freeware). Today we have a growing number of software developers who offer their goods
as “sponsored” freeware (adware) until you pay to register. If you’re using legitimate adware, when you
stop running the software, the ads should disappear, and you always have the option of disabling the ads by
purchasing a registration key.
Rootkits : A rootkit is a type of malicious software that is activated each time your system boots up. Rootkits
are difficult to detect because they are activated before your system’s Operating System has completely
booted up. A rootkit often allows the installation of hidden files, processes, hidden user accounts, and more
in the systems OS. Rootkits are able to intercept data from terminals, network connections, and the keyboard.

SolutionS to Computer SeCurity threatS

Some safeguards or solutions to protect a computer system from accidental access are described below:

1. Install Anti-Virus Software –

Ensure that reputable anti-virus software is installed on all computers. This should include all servers,
PCs and laptops. If employees use computers at home for business use or to remotely access the network,
these PCs should also have anti-virus software installed.Everyday new computer viruses are being released
and it is essential that businesses are protected from these viruses by keeping the anti-virus software up
210 Computer & Network Security
to date. If possible, companies should look at policies whereby computers that do not have the most up
to date anti-virus software installed are not allowed to connect to the network.

2. Employ a firewall to protect networks –

As computer viruses can spread by means other than email, it is important that unwanted traffic is blocked
from entering the network by using a firewall. For users that use computers for business away from the
protection of the company’s network, such as home PCs or laptops, a personal firewall should be installed
to ensure the computer is protected.
Firewall
A method for keeping a network secure. It can be implemented in a single router that filters out unwanted
packets, or it may use a combination of technologies in routers and hosts. Firewalls are widely used to give
users access to the Internet in a secure fashion as well as to separate a company’s public Web server from
its internal network. They are also used to keep internal network segments secure. For example, a research
or accounting subnet might be vulnerable to snooping from within. Following are the types of techniques
used individually or in combination to provide firewall protection.

3. Filter all email traffic –

All incoming and outgoing email should be filtered for computer viruses. This filter should ideally be at
the perimeter of the network to prevent computer viruses. E-mails with certain file attachments commonly
used by computer viruses to spread themselves, such as .EXE, .COM and .SCR files, should also be
prevented from entering the network.

4. Scan Internet Downloads –

Ensure that all files downloaded from the Internet are scanned for computer viruses before being used.
Ideally this scanning should be done from one central point on the network to ensure that all files are
properly scanned.

5. Implement a vulnerability management program –

Most computer viruses and worms try to exploit bugs and vulnerabilities within the operating system
and applications that companies use. New vulnerabilities are introduced into networks every day, be that
from installing new software and services, making changes to existing systems or simply from previously
undiscovered vulnerabilities coming to light. It is important to regularly review your network and the
applications running on it for new vulnerabilities. Any discovered vulnerabilities should be rated and
prioritised regarding their criticality and the potential business impact they could have. Once this has
been done, a plan on how to manage those vulnerabilities, either by patching, upgrading, or managing
the vulnerability using tools such as firewalls or Intrusion Detection Systems should be put into place.

6. Develop an Information Security Policy –

The creation and publication of an Information Security Policy is key to ensuring that information security
receives the profile it requires in the organisation and is the first critical step in securing the company’s
systems and data. It is important that senior management support the Information Security Policy and
that all users are made aware of their roles and responsibilities under this policy.

7. Password –
A password is an unspaced sequence of characters used to determine that a computer user requesting
access to a computer system is really that particular user.
Computer & Network Security 211
Strong password : Term used to describe a password that is an effective password that would be difficult
to break. Often a strong password has between six and ten characters (the more the better), numbers,
other characters, and both upper and lowercase characters. Below is an example of a strong password.
Weak password : A password that is not an effective password because it’s easy to remember. Names,
birth dates, phone numbers, and easily guessable words are considered weak passwords. Below is an
example of a weak password.

8. Certificate –
Many websites use certificates or digital certificates to define their security and identity, so that computers
visiting the sites know the sites are legitimate and feature proper security. These certificates must be
obtained and from the proper organizations, as well as registered with them. They also expire and must
be renewed to remain valid. A web browser may deny access to a website or at least warn the user when
a website’s certificate has expired and the identity or security of the site cannot be verified.

9. Digital Signature –
Alternatively referred to as digitally signed, a digital signature is a mathematical scheme used to verify the
authenticity of a digital document or message. They are used when determining authenticity and avoiding
tampering are important, such as in financial transactions.
Digital signatures are often used as a means to implement electronic signatures that are encrypted which
allows for both authentication and non-repudiation (the signer cannot deny signing a document while
claiming his/her private key has not been compromised).

file anD folDer permiSSionS

Most current file systems have methods of assigning permission or access rights to specific users and group
of users.
Permission Meaning for Folders Meaning for Files
Read Permits viewing and listing of files and Permits viewing or accessing of the file’s
subfolders contents
Write Permits adding of files and subfolders Permits writing to a file
Read & Permits viewing and listing of files and Permits viewing and accessing of the file’s
Execute subfolders as well as executing of files; contents as well as executing of the file
inherited by files and folders
Modify Permits reading and writing of files and Permits reading and writing of the file; allows
subfolders; allows deletion of the folder deletion of the file
Full Control Permits reading, writing, changing, and Permits reading, writing, changing and deleting
deleting of files and subfolders of the file

SeCure SoCket layer

The Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) is a computer networking protocol that manages server authentication, client
authentication and encrypted communication between server and client.

ip SeCurity protoCol
IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) is a framework for a set of protocols for security at the network or packet
processing layer of network communication.
 212 Computer & Network Security

PAST EXERCISE
1. Passwords enable users to– [SBI Clerk, 2009] (b) It is unethical because the files are being
(a) get into the system quickly given for free.
(b) make efficient use of time (c) Sharing copyrighted files without
permission breaks copyright laws.
(c) retain confidentiality of files
(d) It is not unethical because the files are
(d) simplify file structures
being given for free.
(e) None of these
(e) It is not unethical - anyone can access a
2. A person who uses his or her expertise to computer
gain access to other people’s computers to get
5. You can protect sensitive data from prying eyes
information illegally or do damage is a
using ______ [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
[IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) Encryption
(a) hacker (b) analyst
(b) Passwords
(c) instant messenger (d) programmer
(c) File locks
(e) spammer
(d) File permissions
3. ________ ‘are attempts by individuals to
(e) None of these
obtain confidential information from you by
falsifying their identity. [IBPS PO, 2011] 6. If your computer keeps rebooting itself, then it
is likely that _______ [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(a) Phishing trips (b) Computer viruses
(a) It has a virus
(c) Spyware scams (d) Viruses
(b) It does not have enough memory
(e) Phishing scams
(c) There is no printer
4. Why is it unethical to share copyrighted files
with your friends? [IBPS PO, 2011] (d) There has been a power surge
(a) It is not unethical, because it is legal. (e) It needs a CD-ROM

ANSWER KEy
1. (c) 2. (a) 3 (a) 4. (c) 5. (d) 6. (a)
Computer & Network Security 213

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. Firewalls are used to protect against _________ 7. There are several primary categories of
(a) Unauthorised Attacks (b) Virus Attacks procedures. Which of the following is not a
(c) Data Driven Attacks (d) Fire Attacks primary category of procedures?
(e) None of these (a) Testing
2. A program designed to destroy data on your (b) Backup and recovery
computer which can travel to “infect” other (c) Firewall development
computers is called a __________. (d) Design
(a) disease (b) torpedo (e) None of these
(c) hurricane (d) virus
8. Physical security is concerned with protecting
(e) mouse computer hardware from human tampering and
3. What is the most common way to get a virus in natural disasters and __________ security
your computer’s hard disk? is concerned with protecting software from
(a) By installing games from their CDROMS unauthorised tampering or damage.
(b) By uploading pictures from mobile phones (a) data (b) cyber
to the computer (c) Internet (d) metaphysical
(c) By opening emails (e) publicity
(d) By sending emails
9. Unauthorised copying of software to be used
(e) None of these for personal gain instead of personal backups is
4. Hackers called
(a) all have the same motive (a) program thievery
(b) is another name for users (b) data snatching
(c) may legally break into computers as long
(c) software piracy
as they do not do any damage
(d) program looting
(d) are people who are allergic to computers
(e) data looting
(e) break into other people’s computers
5. A person who uses his or her expertise to 10. What is the most common way to get a virus in
gain access to other people’s computers to get your computer’s hard disk?
information illegally or do damage is a _______. (a) By installing games from their CDROMS
(a) spammer (b) hacker (b) By uploading pictures from mobile phones
(c) instant messenger (d) All of these to the computer
(e) None of these (c) By opening emails
6. __________ are attempts by individuals to (d) By sending emails
obtain confidential information from you by (e) None of these
falsifying their identity. 11. __________ are often delivered to a PC
(a) Phishing trips through an email attachment and are often
(b) Computer viruses designed to do harm.
(c) Special function cards (a) Viruses (b) Spam
(d) Scanners (c) Portals (d) Email messages
(e) Keyboards (e) None of these
214 Computer & Network Security
12. Which one of the following would be considered (b) Transport Layer Security (TLS)
as a way that a computer virus can enter a (c) Explicit Congestion Notification (FCN)
computer system? (d) Resource Reservation Protocol (RRP)
(a) Opening an application previously installed (e) None of the above
on the computer 20. ____ is a form of virus explicitly designed
(b) Borrowed copies of software to hide itself from detection by anti-virus
(c) Viewing a website without causing any software.
additional transactions (a) Stealth
(d) Running antivirus programs (b) Polymorphic virus
(e) None of these (c) Parasitic virus
13. A _____ is anything that can cause harm. (d) Macro virus
(a) vulnerability (b) phishing (e) None of these
(c) threat (d) spoof
21. The first PC virus was developed in
(e) None of these
(a) 1980 (b) 1984
14. A ____ is a small program embeded inside of a
(c) 1986 (d) 1988
GIF image.
(e) 1987
(a) web bug
22. Abuse messaging systems to send unsolicited is
(b) cookie
(c) spyware applications (a) phishing (b) spam
(d) spam (c) malware (d) firewall
(e) None of these above (e) adware
15. A hacker contacts your phone or E-mails and 23. ____ are often delivered to PC through an
attempts to acquire your password is called E-mail attachment and are often designed to do
(a) spoofing (b) phishing harm.
(c) spamming (d) buging (a) Viruses (b) Spam
(e) Noen of these (c) Portals (d) Email messages
16. The phrase ____ describes viruses, worms, (e) None of these
trojan horse attack applets and attack scripts. 24. Which one of the following is a key function of
(a) malware (b) spam firewall?
(c) phishing (d) virus (a) Monitoring (b) Deleting
(e) None of these (c) Copying (d) Moving
17. Hackers often gain entry to a network be (e) None of these
pretending to be at a legitimate computer 25. The first computer virus is
(a) spoofing (b) forging (a) creeper (b) PARAM
(c) IP spoofing (d) None of these (c) the famous (d) HARLIE
18. The main reason to encrypt a file is to (e) None of these
(a) reduce its size
26. A time bomb occurs during a particular
(b) secure it for transmission
(a) data or time (b) logic and data
(c) prepare it for backup
(c) only time (c) All of the above
(d) include it in the start-up sequence
(e) None of these
(e) None of the above
19. Which one of the following is a cryptographic 27. First boot sector virus is
protocol used to secure http connection ? (a) computed (b) mind
(a) Stream Control Transmission Protocol (b) brian (d) Elk Cloner
(SCTP) (e) None of these
Computer & Network Security 215
28. Which virus spreads in application software? (a) Keylogger
(a) Macro virus (b) Boot virus (b) Worm
(c) File virus (d) Anti- virus (c) Virus
(e) None of the above (d) Cracker
29. Some viruses have delayed payload, which is (e) None of the above
sometimes called a 33. Like a virus, it is a self-replicating program. It
(a) time (b) anti-virus also propagates through computer network.
(c) bomb (d) All of these (a) Spyware
(e) None of these (b) Worm Cracker
30. An anti-virus is a (c) Cracker
(a) program code (d) phishing scam
(b) computer (e) None of these
(c) company name 34. Passwords enables user to
(d) application software (a) get into the system quickly
(e) None of these (b) make efficient use of time
31. ‘Trend Micro’ is a (c) retain confidentiality of files
(a) virus program (d) simplify file structure
(b) anti-virus software (e) None of thee above
(c) just a program 35. A program designed to destroy data on your
(d) All of these compute which can travel to infect other
(e) None of the above computers, is called is
32. It is a self-replicating program that infects (a) disease (b) tarpedo
computer and spreads by inserting copies of (c) hurricane (d) virus
itself into other executable code or documents. (e) None of these

ANSWER KEy

1. (a) 7. (c) 13. (a) 19. (b) 25. (a) 31. (b)
2. (d) 8. (b) 14. (c) 20. (c) 26. (c) 32. (b)
3. (c) 9. (c) 15. (b) 21. (c) 27. (c) 33. (d)
4. (e) 10. (c) 16. (a) 22. (b) 28. (a) 34. (c)
5. (b) 11. (a) 17. (c) 23. (b) 29. (c) 35. (d)
6. (a) 12. (c) 18. (b) 24. (a) 30. (d)
 Chapter

13 Glossary
A
Access Time : Access time is the time from the start of one access of the storage device to the time when the
next access can be started.
Accessory : An Accessory is a device attached to a host computer, but not part of it, and is more or less dependent
on the host. It expands the host’s capabilities, but does not form part of the core computer architecture.
Examples are computer printers, image scanners, tape drives, microphones, loudspeakers, webcams, and
digital cameras.
Active Cell : The cell that continues the value being used or modified in a spreadsheet program, and that is
highlighted by the cell pointer. Also known as current cell.
Active Window : The window in Microsoft Windows with which the user may interact.
Accumulator : The computer register in which the result of an arithmetic or logic operation is formed (related
to arithmetic and logic unit).
Analog Computer : A computer in which numerical data are represented by measurable physical variables,
such as electrical.
Antivirus : Computer antivirus refers to a software program that can protect your computer from unwanted
viruses and remove any that penetrate your computer’s defenses.
Artificial Intelligence : Artificial intelligence (AI) is the intelligence of machines and the branch of computer
science that aims to create it. AI textbooks define the field as “the study and design of intelligent agents” where
an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chances of
success.
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) : ASCII, a code for information exchange
between computers made by different companies; a string of 7 binary digits represents each character; used
in most microcomputers
Abstraction : The separation of the logical properties of data or function from its implementation in a computer
program.
Address : (1) A number, character, or group of characters which identifies a given device or a storage location
which may contain a piece of data or a program step. (2) To refer to a device or storage location by an identifying
number, character, or group of characters.
Algorithm : A finite set of well-defined rules for the solution of a problem in a finite number of steps. (2) Any
sequence of operations for performing a specific task.
224 Glossary
Alphanumeric : Pertaining to a character set that contains letters, digits, and usually other characters such
as punctuation marks.
Analog : Pertaining to data [signals] in the form of continuously variable [wave form] physical quantities;
e.g., pressure, resistance, rotation, temperature, voltage. Contrast with digital.
Analog device : A device that operates with variables represented by continuously measured quantities such
as pressures, resistances, rotations, temperatures, and voltages.
Analog-to-digital converter : Input related devices which translate an input device’s [sensor] analog signals
to the corresponding digital signals needed by the computer
Android : It is linux based operating system designed primarily for touch screen mobile devices such as
smartphones and tablets computers.
Application software : Software designed to fill specific needs of a user; for example, software for navigation,
payroll, or process control. Contrast with support software; system software.
Architecture : The organizational structure of a system or component.
Asynchronous : Occurring without a regular time relationship, i.e., timing independent.
Attribute : The characterstics of an entity is called attributes.
Auxiliary storage : Storage device other than main memory [RAM]; e.g., disks and tapes.

B
Backup : A backup or the process of backing up means making copies of data which may be used to restore
the original data after a data loss event.
Bar Code : A bar code (often seen as a single word, barcode) is the small image of lines (bars) and spaces
that is affixed to retail store items, identification cards, and postal mail to identify a particular product number,
person, or location.
Biometric Device : Biometrics (or biometric authentication) consists of methods for uniquely recognizing
humans based upon one or more intrinsic physical or behavioral traits.
Bitmap : In computer graphics, a bitmap or pixmap is a type of memory organization or image file format
used to store digital images.
Bluetooth : Bluetooth is a proprietary open wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short
distances (using short wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz) between fixed
and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs) with high levels of security.
Booting : To boot (as a verb; also “to boot up”) a computer is to load an operating system into the computer’s
main memory or random access memory (RAM).
Browse : In database systems, browse means to view data. Many database systems support a special browse
mode , in which you can flip through fields and records quickly. Usually, you cannot modify data while you
are in browse mode.
Band : Range of frequencies used for transmitting a signal. A band can be identified by the difference between
its lower and upper limits, i.e. bandwidth, as well as by its actual lower and upper limits; e.g., a 10 MHz band
in the 100 to 110 MHz range.
Bandwidth : The transmission capacity of a computer channel, communications line or bus. It is expressed
in cycles per second [Hz], and also is often stated in bits or bytes per second.
Baud : The signalling rate of a line. It’s the switching speed, or number of transitions [voltage or frequency
change] made per second.
Glossary 225
Bias. A measure of how closely the mean value in a series of replicate measurements approaches the true value.
Binary : The base two number system. Permissible digits are “0” and “1”.
Bit. A contraction of the term binary digit. The bit is the basic unit of digital data. It may be in one of two
states, logic 1 or logic 0. It may be thought of as a switch which is either on or off. Bits are usually combined
into computer words of various sizes, such as the byte.
Bits per second : A measure of the speed of data transfer in a communications system.
Boolean : Boolean algebra is the study of operations carried out on variables that can have only one of two
possible values; i.e., 1 (true) and 0 (false).
Bootstrap. A short computer program that is permanently resident or easily loaded into a computer and whose
execution brings a larger program, such an operating system or its loader, into memory.
Branch . An instruction which causes program execution to jump to a new point in the program sequence,
rather than execute the next instruction.
Buffer : A device or storage area [memory] used to store data temporarily to compensate for differences
in rates of data flow, time of occurrence of events, or amounts of data that can be handled by the devices or
processes involved in the transfer or use of the data.
Bug : A fault in a program which causes the program to perform in an unintended or unanticipated manner.
Bus : A common pathway along which data and control signals travel between different hardware devices
within a computer system.
Byte : A sequence of adjacent bits, usually eight, operated on as a unit.
Blog : It is a discussion or informational site published on the world wide web.

C
Compressed File : Computer files that have been reduced in size by a compression program. Such programs
are available for all computer systems.
Code division Multiple Access (CDMA) : It is a channel access Method used by various radio communication
technologies CDMA employs spread spectrum technology and a special coding scheme, where each transmitter
is assigned a code to allow multiple users to be multiplied over the same physical channel.
Clock : A device that generates periodic, accurately spaced signals used for such purposes as timing, regulation
of the operations of a processor, or generation of interrupts.
Coding : In software engineering, the process of expressing a computer program in a programming language..
Compatibility : The capability of a functional unit to meet the requirements of a specified interface.
Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor : A type of integrated circuit widely used for processors and
memories. It is a combination of transistors on a single chip connected to complementary digital circuits.
Complexity : The degree to which a system or component has a design or implementation that is difficult to
understand and verify.
Constant : A value that does not change during processing. Contrast with variable.
Cookie. A packet of information that travels between a browser and web server.
Control bus : A bus carrying the signals that regulate system operations.
226 Glossary
Crash : The sudden and complete failure of a computer system or component.
Criticality : The degree of impact that a requirement, module, error, fault, failure, or other item has on the
development or operation of a system.
Cursor : A movable, visible mark used to indicate a position of interest on a display surface.

D
Data : Representations of facts. The raw material of information. (Plural of datu m.)
Database : The integrated data resource for a computer-based information system.
DDR : This is a new type of RAM called Double Data Rate RAM. It is used in some of video cards such as
the Nvidia GeForce cards.
Digital : Term used to describe any information that has been translated into a corresponding series of 1s and
0s; any information text, sound, image, color etc. may be digitized.
Digital Computer : A reference to any system based on discrete data, such as the binary nature of computers.
Digital Video/ Versatile Disk (DVD) : The successor technology to the CD-ROM, that can store up to 10
gigabytes or more.
Data bus : A bus used to communicate data internally and externally to and from a processing unit or a
storage device.
Default : Pertaining to an attribute, value, or option that is assumed when none is explicitly specified.
Default value : A standard setting or state to be taken by the program if no alternate setting or state is initiated
by the system or the user. A value assigned automatically if one is not given by the user.
Demodulation : Converting signals from a wave form [analog] to pulse form [digital]. Contrast with modulation.
Design : The process of defining the architecture, components, interfaces, and other characteristics of a system
or component.
Developer : A person, or group, that designs and/or builds and/or documents and/or configures the hardware
and/or software of computerized systems.
Digital-to-analog converter : Output related devices which translate a computer’s digital outputs to the
corresponding analog signals needed by an output device such as an actuator.
Direct memory access : Specialized circuitry or a dedicated microprocessor that transfers data from memory
to memory without using the CPU.
Disk : Circular rotating magnetic storage hardware. Disks can be hard [fixed] or flexible [removable] and
different sizes.
Disk drive : Hardware used to read from or write to a disk or diskette.
Documentation : The aids provided for the understanding of the structure and intended uses of an information
system or its components, such as flowcharts, textual material, and user manuals.
Driver : A program that links a peripheral device or internal function to the operating system, and providing
for activation of all device functions.
Downloading : Retrieving a file or group of files from the Internet so that they can be stored on a local hard
drive. By accessing a page, you have, in fact, downloaded all the information on the page so that it can be
viewed and interpreted by your web browser.
Glossary 227

E
Ethernet :A transport method (protocol) used to connect computers to a LAN (Local Area Network) and
exchange data.
Embedded computer : A device which has its own computing power dedicated to specific functions, usually
consisting of a microprocessor and firmware.
Error : A discrepancy between a computed, observed, or measured value or condition and the true, specified,
or theoretically correct value or condition.
Exception : An event that causes suspension of normal program operation.
End user. Any individual who uses the information generated by a computer based system.

F
File : (1) A collection of related records. (2) A named area on a disk-storage device that contains a program or
digitized information (text, image, sound, and so on). (3) A component of an overall program or application.
Font : In a simplistic sense, a font can be thought of as the physical description of a character set. While the
character set will define what sets of bits map to what letters, numbers, and other symbols, the font will define
what each letter, number, and other symbol looks like.
Format : (1) Noun : The logical or physical arrangement of the tracks and sectors on a floppy diskette or a hard
disk. To be usable, a disk must be formatted so that the tracks and sectors are laid out in a manner compatible
with the operating system in use.
(2) Verb : To prepare a disk or diskette, dividing it into sectors so that it is ready to receive data.
Fax. It stands for faccismile machine. It is used to transmit a copy of a document electronically.
Failure : The inability of a system or component to perform its required functions within specified performance
requirements.
Fault : An incorrect step, process, or data definition in a computer program which causes the program to
perform in an unintended or unanticipated manner.
Fiber optics : Communications systems that use optical fibers for transmission.
Firmware : The combination of a hardware device; e.g., an IC; and computer instructions and data that reside
as read only software on that device. Such software cannot be modified by the computer during processing.
Flag : A variable that is set to a prescribed state, often «true» or «false», based on the results of a process or
the occurrence of a specified condition.

G
Gopher : A program that searches for file names and resources on the Internet and presents hierarchical menus
to the user. As users select options, they are moved to different Gopher servers on the Internet. Where links
have been established, Usenet news and other information can be read directly from Gopher. There are more
than 7,000 Gopher servers on the Internet.
Gigahertz : One gigahertz is equivalent to 1000 megahertz, or 1,000,000,000 hertz.
228 Glossary

H
Hacker : An individual with vast experience with security protocols who attempts to illegally access secure
servers in an attempt to download private information, damage systems, or act in some other way to “free
information”.
Hard Copy : A readable printed copy of computer output.
Hard Disk : Hard disk (internal) is a permanent file and data storage device housed in a computer case.
Home Page : The Web page which is the starting point for accessing information at a site or in a particular area.
Host : A computer, attached to a network which provides services to another computer beyond simply storing
and forwarding information.
Handshake : An interlocked sequence of signals between connected components in which each component
waits for the acknowledgement of its previous signal before proceeding with its action, such as data transfer.
Hazard : A condition that is prerequisite to a mishap.
Hertz : A unit of frequency equal to one cycle per second.
Hexadecimal : The base 16 number system. Digits are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E, & F. This is
a convenient form in which to examine binary data because it collects 4 binary digits per hexadecimal digit;
e.g., decimal 15 is 1111 in binary and F in hexadecimal.

I
Information Technology (IT) : including ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is the application
of appropriate (enabling) technologes to information processing.
Input/output (I/O) : A generic reference to input and/or output to a computer.
IP : Acronym for “Internet Protocol”. The standard protocol used by systems communicating across the Internet.
Inkjet Printer : A non-impact printer in which the print head contains independently controlled injection
chambers that squirt ink droplets on the paper to form letters and images.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) : A digital telecommunications standard for data delivery over
twisted-pair lines with transmission speeds up to 128 Kbps (two 64 Kbps line pairs).
InterFace : (1) A specific hardware or software connection. (2) Making two devices capable of communication.
Used most often to refer to the design of hardware and software that allows connection of network components
and transfer of information.
Internet : Internet is the largest wide area network in the world which links millions of computers. Through
internet information can be shared, business can be conducted and research can be done.
IP Address (Internet Protocol Address) : A unique numerical Internet address identifying any piece of
equipment hooked up to the Internet.
Intranet : An Internet-like network whose scope is restricted to the networks within a particular organization.
Glossary 229
Installation. The phase in the system life cycle that includes assembly and testing of the hardware and software
of a computerized system. Installation includes installing a new computer system, new software or hardware,
or otherwise modifying the current system.
Instruction : A program statement that causes a computer to perform a particular operation or set of operations.
Instruction set : The complete set of instructions recognized by a given computer or provided by a given
programming language.
Instruction cycle
Interrupt : The suspension of a process to handle an event external to the process.

J
Java : Java is a programming language and has a “sandboxed” code interpreter which permits programs to be
downloaded to PC’s from the Web, but isolates these applications from access to other applications running
on the PC.
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) : A bit-mapped file format that compresses image size.
Jukebox : A storage device for multiple sets of CD-ROMs, tape cartridges, or disk modules enabling ready
access to vast amounts of online data.
Job. A user-defined unit of work that is to be accomplished by a computer. For example, the compilation,
loading, and execution of a computer program.
Kernel : It is a fundamental part pf program, such as an operating system, that resides in a memory at all times.
Keyboard : is one of computer components which used to input data to a computer. It is called an input device.

L
Laptop : Laptop is a small and lightweight computer in which all the main parts are fitted into single unit. It is
designed to be carried around. Particularly, it is ideal for travellers, journalists, commentators and professionals
who want to work both at the office and home.
LCD : Acronym for “Liquid Crystal Display”. It is the technology used for displays in notebooks and monitors
for computers.
Linux : An open source spinoff of the UNIX operating system that runs on a number of hardware platforms
and is made available for free over the Internet.
Log on & Log off : Each server that is accessed must have some way to ensure security of their sensitive
information. Thus, servers restrict access by forcing users to “log on” with either personal access codes or
anonymously. Anonymous access usually requires the individual’s e-mail address, and the user’s IP address
is also logged. Once the desired information has been obtained, the user can “log off”, disconnecting access
to the server.
Large scale integration : A classification of ICs [chips] based on their size as expressed by the number of
circuits or logic gates they contain. An LSI IC contains 3,000 to 100,000 transistors.
Latency : The time interval between the instant at which a CPU’s instruction control unit initiates a call for
data and the instant at which the actual transfer of the data starts.
230 Glossary

M
Monitor : The high-resolution TV-like device that displays your computer’s output. Today’s monitors have
much better quality displays than any TV is capable of producing.
Motherboard : is the core of a computer system. It is the circuit board where all other parts connect. It
communicates and controls the overall system. No motherboard means no computer system.
MP3 : this stands for “MPEG I Audio Layer- 3” and is a digital. compressed music file (their file names always
end with an mp3 extension). MP3 files are often downloaded or exchanged between people online.
MPEG : Acronym for “Motion Picture Experts Group” A video file compression system which is used on
the web.
Multimedia application : Computer applications that involve the integration of text, sound, graphics, motion
video, and animation.
Multitasking : The concurrent execution of more than one program at a time.
Macro : In software engineering, a predefined sequence of computer instructions that is inserted into a program,
usually during assembly or compilation, at each place that its corresponding macroinstruction appears in the
program.
Mainframe : Term used to describe a large computer.
Mean time between failures[MTBF] : A measure of the reliability of a computer system, equal to average
operating time of equipment between failures, as calculated on a statistical basis from the known failure rates
of various components of the system.
Medium scale integration : A classification of ICs [chips] based on their size as expressed by the number of
circuits or logic gates they contain. An MSI IC contains 100 to 3,000 transistors.
Megabit : Approximately one million bits. Precisely 1024 K bits, 220 bits, or 1,048,576 bits.
Megabyte : Approximately one million bytes. Precisely 1024 K Bytes, 220 bytes, or 1,048,576 bytes.
Megahertz : A unit of frequency equal to one million cycles per second.
Memory : Any device or recording medium into which binary data can be stored and held, and from which
the entire original data can be retrieved. The two types of memory are main; e.g., ROM, RAM, and auxiliary;
e.g., tape, disk. See: storage device.
Metal-oxide semiconductor : One of two major categories of chip design [the other is bipolar]. It derives its
name from its use of metal, oxide and semiconductor layers. There are several varieties of MOS technologies
including PMOS, NMOS, CMOS.
Microcomputer : A term used to describe a small computer.
Minicomputer : A term used to describe a medium sized computer.
Mnemonic : A symbol chosen to assist human memory and understanding.
Modem : A functional unit that modulates and demodulates signals. One of the functions of a modem is to
enable digital data to be transmitted over analog transmission facilities. The term is a contraction of modulator-
demodulator.
Modulation : Converting signals from a binary-digit pattern [pulse form] to a continuous wave form [analog].
Contrast with demodulation.
Glossary 231
Multiplexer : A device which takes information from any of several sources and places it on a single line or
sends it to a single destination.

N
Network Interface Card (NIC) : It is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer
Network. It provides a physical access to a networking medium.
Network : A system [transmission channels and supporting hardware and software] that connects several
remotely located computers via telecommunications.
Nibble : Half a byte, or four bits.
Node : A junction or connection point in a network, e.g. a terminal or a computer.
Null : A value whose definition is to be supplied within the context of a specific operating system. This value
is a representation of the set of no numbers or no value for the operating system in use.

O
Offline : Pertaining to data that is not accessible by, or hardware devices that are not connected to, a networked
computer system.
Online (a) Noun : Pertaining to data and/or hardware devices accessible to and under the control of a networked
computer system.
(b) Adverb : Connected. You are online if you are working on your computer while it is connected to another
computer. Your printer is online if it is connected to your computer and ready to accept data.
1. Source Code: The human-readable instructions written by a programmer in a high-level programming language.
Object code. A code expressed in machine language [«1»s and «0»s] which is normally an output of a given
translation
2. process
Object Code: The that is ready to be executed
machine-readable by generated
binary code a computer.by compiling the source code.
Object program. A computer program that is the output of an assembler or compiler.
3. Object Program: The complete executable program produced after linking object code with necessary libraries.
Octal. The base 8 number system. Digits are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7.
Optimization. Modifying a program to improve performance; e.g., to make it run faster or to make it use
fewer resources.

P
Password : Password is a series of characters used to protect resources in a computer from unauthorized
access. It is one of the ways to secure computer information from unauthorized users.
Peripheral : A physical device (such as a printer, scanner, or disk subsystem) that is externally attached to a
workstation or to the network.
Plugin : A helper application that works within a browser. It adds more functionality to a browser; commonly
associated with the Netscape Navigator browser software.
Personal Computer : A small computer designed for use by an individual, a microcomputer.
Processor : The logical component of a computer system that interprets and executes program instructions.
Program:(1) Noun : Computer instructions structured and ordered in a manner that, when executed, causes
a computer to perform a particular function.
 232 Glossary
(2) Verb : The act of producing computer software to perform some application.
Programming : The act of writing a computer program.
Programming language : A language programmers use to communicate instructions to a computer.
Parallel : Pertaining to the simultaneity of two or more processes.
Parity : An error detection method in data transmissions that consists of selectively adding a 1-bit to bit patterns
[word, byte, character, message] to cause the bit patterns to have either an odd number of 1-bits [odd parity]
or an even number of 1-bits [even parity].
Parity bit : A binary digit appended to a group of binary digits to make the sum of all the digits, including
the appended binary digit, either odd or even, as predetermined.
Pixel : In computer graphics, the smallest element of a display surface that can be assigned independent
characteristics.
Packet switching is a way of sending data over a network by breaking it into small pieces called packets. Each
Packet Switching : It refers to method of digital networking communication that combined all transmitted data
packet travels independently through the network and can take different routes to reach its destination. Once
regardless
all of content,
the packets typeare
arrive, they or reassembled
structure intotosuitable sized
form the blocks,
original known Each
message. as packets.
packetEach packet information
has header has header
information about the scurce, destination, packet
about the scurce, destination, packet numbering etc. numbering etc.
Printed circuit board : A flat board that holds chips and other electronic components. The board is “printed”
with electrically conductive pathways between the components.
Prototyping : Using software tools to accelerate the software development process by facilitating the
identification of required functionality during analysis and design phases.
Pseudocode : A combination of programming language and natural language used to express a software design.

Q
Qwerty : It one of the standard computer keyboard, with the character Q,W,E,R,T and Y on the top row of letters.
Quality assurance : The planned systematic activities necessary to ensure that a component, module, or system
conforms to established technical requirements.
Quality control : The operational techniques and procedures used to achieve quality requirements.
Query : A request for information from a database.

R
Recursion is when a function in a program calls itself to solve a problem. The function keeps calling itself until it
Recursion : The process of defining or generating a process or data structure in terms of itself.
reaches a simple case, called the base case, that stops the function from calling itself further.
Register : A small, high speed memory circuit within a microprocessor that holds addresses and values of
internal operations; e.g., registers keep track of the address of the instruction being executed and the data being
processed. Each microprocessor has a specific number of registers depending upon its design.
Reliability. The ability of a system or component to perform its required functions under stated conditions
for a specified period of time.
Risk. A measure of the probability and severity of undesired effects. Often taken as the simple product of
probability and consequence.
Robustness. The degree to which a software system or component can function correctly in the presence of
invalid inputs or stressful environmental conditions.
Glossary 233
Routine. A subprogram that is called by other programs and subprograms. Note: This term is defined differently
in various programming languages.
Routing. The process of choosing the best path throughout the LAN.
RS-232-C. An Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard for connecting electronic equipment. Data is
transmitted and received in serial format.

S
Scanner : A scanner is a piece of hardware that will examine a picture and produce a computer file that
represents what it sees. A digital camera is a related device. Each has its own limitations.
Search Engine : A tool used which matches key words you enter with titles and description on the Internet. It
then displays the matches allowing you to easily locate a subject. Similar to a card catalog, but not as efficient.
Common search engines are Webcrawler, Yahoo, Alta Vista, Infoseek, Google and Lycos.
Server : (1) A computer or its software that “serves” other computers by administering network files and
network operations. Three types of Internet servers are Web servers, e-mail servers, and Gopher servers. (2)
A high speed computer in a network that is shared by multiple users. It holds the programs and data that are
shared by all users.
Surfing : The random, aimless exploration of web pages achieved through following links that look interesting
within a document
Software : Software is the set of instructions developed by programming language which tells a computer
what to do.
System software : controls the overall operation of a computer. Some of the activities include managing
system memory, controlling system resources, executing computer hardware functions and interfacing a user
with computer hardware and applications.
Sensor : A peripheral input device which senses some variable in the system environment, such as temperature,
and converts it to an electrical signal which can be further converted to a digital signal for processing by the
computer.
Serial : (1) Pertaining to the sequential processing of the individual parts of a whole, such as the bits of a
character or the characters of a word, using the same facilities for successive parts. (2) Term describing the
transmission of data one bit at a time.
Small scale integration : A classification of ICs [chips] based on their size as expressed by the number of
circuits or logic gates they contain. An SSI IC contains up to 100 transistors.
Software engineering : The application of a systematic, disciplined, quantifiable approach to the development,
operation, and maintenance of software; i.e., the application of engineering to software.
Source code : Computer instructions and data definitions expressed in a form suitable for input to an assembler,
compiler or other translator.
Source program : A computer program that must be compiled, assembled, or otherwise translated in order
to be executed by a computer. Contrast with object program. See: source code.
Specification : A document that specifies, in a complete, precise, verifiable manner, the requirements, design,
behavior,or other characteristics of a system or component, and often, the procedures for determining whether
these provisions have been satisfied.
234 Glossary
Storage device : A unit into which data or programs can be placed, retained and retrieved.
SSL/Secure Socket Layer : The leading security protocol on the Internet. When an SSL session is started,
the browser sends its public key to the server so that the server can securely send a secret key to the browser.
Structured programming : Any software development technique that includes structured design and results
in the development of structured programs.
Subroutine : A routine that returns control to the program or subprogram that called it. Note: This term is
defined differently in various programming languages.
Synchronous : Occurring at regular, timed intervals, i.e. timing dependent.
Syntax : The structural or grammatical rules that define how symbols in a language are to be combined to
form words, phrases, expressions, and other allowable constructs.
Swapping : Storing program on a disk and then transferring these programs into main storage as and when
they are needed.
Synchronisation : This method ensures that the receiving end can recognise characters in order, in which the
transmitting end sends them in a serial data transmission.

T
Terabyte : Approximately one trillion bytes; precisely 240 or 1,099,511,627,776 bytes. See: kilobyte, megabyte,
gigabyte.
Terminal : A device, usually equipped with a CRT display and keyboard, used to send and receive information
to and from a computer via a communication channel.
Test : An activity in which a system or component is executed under specified conditions, the results are
observed or recorded and an evaluation is made of some aspect of the system or component.
Test case : Documentation specifying inputs, predicted results, and a set of execution conditions for a test item.
Testing : The process of operating a system or component under specified conditions, observing or recording
the results, and making an evaluation of some aspect of the system or component.
Touch screen : A touch sensitive display screen that uses a clear panel over or on the screen surface. The panel
is a matrix of cells, an input device, that transmits pressure information to the software.
Traceability : The degree to which a relationship can be established between two or more products of the
development process, especially products having a predecessor-successor or master-subordinate relationship
to one another; e.g., the degree to which the requirements and design of a given software component match.
Trojan horse : A method of attacking a computer system, typically by providing a useful program which
contains code intended to compromise a computer system by secretly providing for unauthorized access, the
unauthorized collection of privileged system or user data, the unauthorized reading or altering of files, the
performance of unintended and unexpected functions, or the malicious destruction of software and hardware.
Truth table : (1) (ISO) An operation table for a logic operation. (2) A table that describes a logic function
by listing all possible combinations of input values, and indicating, for each combination, the output value.
Twisted pair : A pair of thin-diameter insulated wires commonly used in telephone wiring. The wires are
twisted around each other to minimize interference from other twisted pairs in the cable. Twisted pairs have
less bandwidth than coaxial cable or optical fiber. Abbreviated UTP for Unshielded Twisted Pair.
Glossary 235

U
Unix : UNIX is a family of OSes, each being made by a different company or organization but all offering a
very similar look and feel.
Upload : The process of transferring information from one computer to another, generally from a client to a
server. For example, you upload a file from your computer to a server or the internet.
USB : Acronym for “Universal Serial Bus”. This is a style of port connection that is used by many peripheral
devices such as Palm Pilots, phones, scanners, printers etc. This type of connection is much faster than more
traditional kinds of connections such as serial and parallel ports.
URL: Acronym for “Universal Resource Locator” The specific path to a World Wide Web file, including
filename and extension.
UPS : “Uninterruptible Power Supply”. An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows your
computer to keep running for at least a short time when the primary power source is lost.
Unit : (1) A separately testable element specified in the design of a computer software element. (2) A logically
separable part of a computer program. Syn: component, module.
Usability : The ease with which a user can learn to operate, prepare inputs for, and interpret outputs of a
system or component.
User : Any person, organization, or functional unit that uses the services of an information processing system.

V
Virus : A virus is a program that will seek to duplicate itself in memory and on disks, but in a subtle way
that will not immediately be noticed. A computer on the same network as an infected computer or that uses
an infected disk (even a floppy) or that downloads and runs an infected program can itself become infected.
Version : An initial release or a complete re-release of a software item or software element.
Version number : A unique identifier used to identify software items and the related software documentation
which are subject to configuration control.
Very large scale integration : A classification of ICs [chips] based on their size as expressed by the number
of circuits or logic gates they contain. A VLSI IC contains 100,000 to 1,000,000 transistors.
Virus : A program which secretly alters other programs to include a copy of itself, and executes when the
host program is executed. The execution of a virus program compromises a computer system by performing
unwanted or unintended functions which may be destructive.
Volume : (ANSI) A portion of data, together with its data carrier, that can be handled conveniently as a unit;
e.g., a reel of magnetic tape, a disk pack, a floppy disk.

W
Web Page : A single screen (document) on a Web site.
Webcasting : “Webcasting” is a term that describes the ability to use the Web to deliver delayed versions of
sound or video broadcasts.
236 Glossary
World Wide Web or WWW : This is the part of the Internet that you acces. The World Wide Web is so named
because each page in the WWW has links to other pages, which have links to other pages, and so on, creating
what could visually be seen as a web-like network of links.
Workstation : Any terminal or personal computer.
Worm : An independent program which can travel from computer to computer across network connections
replicating itself in each computer. They do not change other programs, but compromise a computer system
through their impact on system performance.

Z
Zoom : The enlarging and reducing the image displayed on a computer process of proportionately monitor.
Zombie : A computer that has been hijacked by a cracker without the owner’s knowledge and used to perform
malicious tasks on the internet.
FULL FORMS:

ACID Atomicity Consistency Isolation Durability

ADC Analog -to- Digital Converter
ALGOL Algorithmic Language
ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit
API Application Programming Interface
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
ATA Advanced Technology Attachment
ATM Asynchronous Transfer Mode
BASIC Beginner's All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
BCD Binary Coded Decimal
BIOS Basic Input/Output System
bit Binary Digit
BIog Web Log
Bps Bits Per Second
CAD Computer Aided Design
CAM Computer Aided Manufacturing
CD Compact Disc
CD-R CD-Recordable
CD-ROM CD Read Only Memory
CD-RW CD Rewritable
CG Computer Graphics
CGA Colour Graphics Array
CGI Common Gateway Interface
CLI Command Line Interface
CNC Computer Numerical Control
COBOL Common Business Oriented Language
CPU Central Processing Unit
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
DAC Digital-To-Analog Converter
DB Database
DBA Database Administrator
DBMS Database Management System
DDR Double Data Rate
DES Data Encryption Standard
DFD Data Flow Diagram
DHTML Dynamic HTML
DLL Dynamic Link Library
DLP Digital Light Processing
DMA Direct Memory Access
DOS Disk Operating System
DPI Dots Per Inch
DSL Digital Subscriber Line
DVD Digital Versatile Disc
DVD Digital Video Disc
DVD-R DVD-Recordable
DVD-ROM DVD-Read Only Memory
DVD-RW DVD-Rewritable
DVI Digital Visual Interface
DVR Digital Video Recorder
EBCDIC Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
EDO Extended Data Out
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
EGA Enhanced Graphics Array
EMAIL Electronic Mail
ENIAC Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer
EPROM Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
FDD Floppy Disk Drive
FIFO First In First Out
FS File System
GB Gigabyte
GIGO Garbage In Garbage Out
GPU Graphics Processing Unit
GUI Graphical User Interface
HDD Hard Disk Drive
HTML Hypertext Markup Language
IBM International Business Machines
IE Internet Explorer
IM Instant Messaging
I/O Input/Output
IPC Inter-Process Communication
IRQ Interrupt Request
ISO International Organisation for Standardization
ISOC Internet Society
ISP Internet Service Provider
IT Information Technology
ITU International Telecommunication Union
JSP Java Server Pages
KB Kilobyte
KHz Kilohertz
LAN Local Area Network
LSB Least Significant Bit
MAN Metropolitan Area Network
MANET Mobile Ad-Hoc Network
MB Megabyte
MBR Master Boot Record
MBR Memory Buffer Register
MICR Magnetic Ink Character Recognition
MIPS Millions of Instructions Per Second
MSB Most Significant Bit
MS-DOS Microsoft DOS
NT (Windows) New Technology
OCR Optical Character Reader
OMR Optical Mark Reader
OOP Object-Oriented Programming
OS Operating System
OSS Open-Source Software
P2P Peer-To-Peer
PAN Personal Area Network
PATA Parallel ATA
PC Personal Computer
PC Program Counter
PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect
PCL Printer Command Language
PINE Program for Internet News & Email
PnP Plug-and-play
RAID Redundant Array of Independent/Inexpensive Disk
RAM Random Access Memory
RDBMS Relational Database Management System
ROM Read Only Memory
RTOS Real Time Operating System
SaaS Software as a Service
SAN Storage Area Network
SATA Serial ATA
SCSI Small Computer System Interface
SDRAM Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory
SMPS Switched Mode Power Supply
SQL Structured Query Language
UI User Interface
UPS Uninterrupted Power Supply
URI Uniform Resource Identifier
URL Uniform Resource Locator
USB Universal Serial Bus
VDU Visual Display Unit
VGA Video Graphics Array/Adaptor
VIRUS Vital Information Resource Under Seize
VLAN Virtual Local Area Network
VM Virtual Memory
VPN Virtual Private Network
WAN Wide Area Network
XML Extensible Markup Language
WWW World Wide Web
WWWW World Wide Web Worm
W3C World Wide Web Consortium
Abbreviations 221

PRACTICE EXERCISE
1. ‘WWW’ stands for _________. 8. CD-ROM stands for _________.
(a) World Word Web (b) World Wide Web (a) central processing unit
(c) World White Web (d) World Work Web (b) CD-remote open mouse
(e) None of these (c) CD-resize or minimize
2. What is the full form of USB as used in (d) CD-read only memory
computer related activities? (e) None of these
(a) Universal Security Block 9. __________ are often delivered to a PC through
(b) Ultra Serial Block an email attachment and are often designed to
do harm.
(c) United Service Block
(a) Viruses (b) Spam
(d) Universal Serial Bus (c) Portals (d) Email messages
(e) None of these (e) None of these
3. What does ‘C’ represent in MICR? 10. BIT stands for
(a) Code (b) Column (a) Megabyte
(c) Computer (d) Character (b) Binary language
(e) None of these (c) Binary Information Unit
4. ALGOL means – (d) Binary Number
(a) Advance logarithmic language (e) Binary Digit
(b) Algorithmic language 11. ISP –
(a) Internet Servant Provider
(c) Algorithmic output language
(b) Internet Service Provider
(d) Algorithmic operation language
(c) Internet Service Protection
(e) None of these
(d) Internal Server Provider
5. PDA– (e) None of these
(a) People’s Data Assistant 12. WIMP –
(b) Personal Data Assistant (a) Window Icon Menu Pointer
(c) People’s Digital Assistant (b) Window Icon Mouse Pointer
(d) Personal Digital Assistant (c) Window Icon Menu Pull down menu
(e) None of these (d) Window Icon Menu Pen
6. What is the full form of KS related to computer? 13. OCR stands for __________
(a) Optical Character Recognition
(a) Key Block (b) Kernel Boot
(b) Optical CPU Recognition
(c) Kilo Byte (d) Kit Bit
(c) Optimal Character Rendering
(e) None of these (d) Other Character Restoration
7. CPU stands for __________. (e) None of these
(a) CD-run on memory 14. What does VGA stand for?
(b) central processing unit (a) Video Graphics Adapter
(c) call powers up (b) Video Graphics Array
(d) create programs user (c) Video Game Awards
(e) None of these (d) Video Graphics Accelerator
(e) Video Girl Ai
222 Abbreviations

15. ERP is an acronym for 18. RAM stands for __________.

(a) Enterprise Retirement Planning (a) Random Access Memory
(b) Enterprise Relationship Planning (b) Ready Application Module
(c) Enterprise Resource Planning (c) Read Access Memory
(d) Enterprise Recorder Planning (d) Remote Access Machine
(e) Enterprise Retention Planning (e) None of these
16. What is the full form of CRT ? 19. What is the full form of LSI?
(a) Crystal Ray Tube (a) Low Scale Internet
(b) Cathode Ray Tube (b) Large Scale Internet
(c) Cabin Ray Tube (c) Low Scale Integration
(d) Carbon Ray Tube (d) Large Scale integration
(e) None of these (e) Local Scale Integration
17. LAN stands for __________. 20. EPROM stands for
(a) Local Access Network (a) Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
(b) Local Area Network (b) Electronic Programmable Read-Only Memory
(c) Logical Access Network (c) Enterprise Programmable Read-Only Memory
(d) Logical Area Network (d) Extended Programmable Read-Only Memory
(e) None of the above (e) Electrical Programmable Read-Only Memory

ANSWER KEy

1. (b) 5. (d) 9. (a) 13. (e) 17. (b)

2. (d) 6. (c) 10. (e) 14. (b) 18. (a)
3. (d) 7. (b) 11. (b) 15. (c) 19. (d)
4. (b) 8. (d) 12. (a) 16. (b) 20. (a)