Unit -I

Question:1 What is a Computer? How Does It Work?

or What is a Computer? Explain its Block Diagram.
or What is a Computer?Explain main parts of Computer.
Answer: A computer is an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary
form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. In other words, it takes in raw
information (or data) at one end called input, stores it until it's ready to work on it is called
memory. It processes the information using a processor and produces results from the other end
called output.A computer works by combining input, storage, processing, and output. All the main
parts of a computer system are involved in one of these four processes.
● Input: keyboard and mouse, for example, are just input units ways of getting information into
your computer that it can process. If you use a microphone and voice recognition software,
that's another form of input.
● Memory/storage: Your computer probably stores all your documents and files on a hard drive:
a huge magnetic memory. But smaller, computer-based devices like digital cameras and
cellphones use other kinds of storage such as flash memory cards.
● Processing: Your computer's processor (sometimes known as the central processing unit) is a
microchip. It works amazingly hard and gets incredibly hot in the process. That's why your
computer has a little fan blowing away to stop its brain from overheating!
● Output: computer probably has an LCD screen capable of displaying high-resolution graphics,
and probably also stereo loudspeakers. an inkjet printer too to make a more permanent form of
output.

Fig: Block Diagram of Computer System

To accomplish a task using a computer, you need a combination of hardware, software, and input.
● Hardware consists of devices, like the computer itself, the monitor, keyboard, printer, mouse
and speakers. Inside your computer there are more bits of hardware, including the
motherboard, where you would find the main processing chips that make up the central
processing unit (CPU). The hardware processes the commands it receives from the software,
and performs tasks or calculations.
● Software is the name given to the programs that you install on the computer to perform
certain types of activities. There is operating system software, such as the Apple OS for a
Macintosh, or Windows 8 or Windows 10 for a PC. There is also application software, like the
games we play or the tools we use to compose letters or do math problems.
● When you type a command or click on an icon, you are telling the computer what to do. That
is called input.
Question 2: Explain the classification computer.
or What are the Different types of computer? Explain.
or How to classify computers by size, type and purpose? Explain.
Answer: We can classify the computers according to the following 3 categories:
1. On the Basis of Size and Capacity: [Supercomputer, Mainframe, Mini, and Micro
Computer].
2. On the Basis of Purposes: [General and Special Purpose].
3. On the Basis of Hardware Design and Type: [Analog, Digital, and Hybrid
Computer].
Computers on the Basis of Size and Capacity
1. SuperComputer
A Supercomputer is the very fastest and powerful, and expensive type of computer for processing
data. Supercomputers’ size and storage capacity are also huge, designed to process vast amounts
of data in a short time with high productivity.These are specially made to perform multi-specific
tasks. Therefore, many CPUs work in parallel order on these supercomputers. This function of a
Supercomputer is called Multiprocessing or Parallel Processing.
Applications: The uses of supercomputers are dedicated to –
● In research and study of energy and nuclear weapons and designing the aircraft, airplanes, and
flight simulators.
● Climate research and Weather Forecasting and Prediction of Natural Disasters.
● Spaceship and Satellite Launching.
● Used in scientific research laboratories.
● Used in Chemical and Biological research and for highly calculation complex tasks.
Examples: IBM Roadburner, IBM Blue Gene, Intel ASI Red. PARAM-1000, and
CRAY-XMP-14.
2. Mainframe Computer
Mainframe computers are multi-programming, high-performance computers, and multi-user,
which means it can handle the workload of more than 100 users at a time on the computer.
The storage capacity of the mainframe is enormous, with a high-speed data process as well. As
well as handling hundreds of input and output devices at a time.
These computers have several microprocessors that have the ability to function the data at too high
performance and speed.
Applications: Uses of Mainframe Computer –
● Mainframe computers are mainly used by departmental and commercial organizations like
Banks, Companies, Scientific research centers, and governmental departments like
railways. These computers can work for 24 hours.
● Using the mainframe completes the tasks, Such as keeping details of payments, research
centers, advertising, sending bills and notices, paying employees, ticket booking,
maintaining details of purchases by users, keeping detailed tax details, etc.
Examples: IBM Es000 series, ICL39 Series, and CDC 6600.
3. Mini Computer
Minicomputer is a digital and multi-user computer system with the connection of more than one
CPU. Thus, many people can work on these computers simultaneously instead of a single person.
Also, it can process with other accessories like a printer, plotter, etc.
Minicomputers are the medium type of computers that have more functionality, power and are
more expensive than microcomputers. On the other hand, the size, storage, and speed of
minicomputers are large but less than the mainframe and supercomputers.
Applications: The uses of Minicomputers –
The minicomputers are used as real-time applications in Industries, bookings, and Research
Centres. Banks also use minicomputers for preparing payroll for employees’ salaries, records,
tracking of financial accounts, etc. As well as in the field of Higher Education and Engineering.
Examples: PDP 11 and IBM (8000 Series).
4. Microcomputer
These computers consist of many parts like Input and Output devices, Software, operating
systems, networks, and Servers all these need to connect to form a complete Personal Digital
Computer.The primary purpose of microcomputers is to keep and process everyday tasks and
needs of the people. Only one person can work on a single PC at a time, but its operating system is
multitasking. The PC can be connected to the Internet to take benefits and enhance the user
experience.
Applications: The uses of MicroComputer –
● PC is being widely used in many fields like home, office, data collection, business,
education, entertainment, publishing, etc.
● It keeps the details and prepares letters for correspondence in small businesses, creating
bills, accounting, word processing, and operation of the filing systems in a large company.
● Some of the major PC manufacturers are IBM, Lenovo, Apple, HCL, HP, etc.
Examples: Desktops, tablets, smartphones, and Laptops,Tablet, PDA, server, palmtop, and
workstation.
Computers on the Basis Purpose
1. General Purpose
General computers can do various everyday tasks such as writing a word processing letter,
Document preparation, recording, financial analysis, Printing documents, creating databases, and
calculations with accuracy and consistency.The size, storage capacity, and cost of such computers
are mainly less. It is useful for serving people’s basic needs at home or in the workplace.
Examples:
The desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are used on a daily basis for general purposes.
2. Special Purpose
These computers are designed to perform a particular or specialized task. The size, storage
capacity, and cost of such computers mainly depend on the nature and size of the work. The
function of these computers is consistent with any particular task.These computers are used for
special purposes in weather forecasting, space research, agriculture, engineering, meteorology,
satellite operation, traffic control, and research in chemical sciences.
Examples:
● Automatic teller machines (ATM),
● Washing machines,
● Surveillance equipment,
● Weather-forecasting simulators,
● Traffic-control computers,
● Defense-oriented applications,
● Oil-exploration systems,
● Military planes controlling computers.
Computers on the Basis of Hardware Design and Type.
1. Analog Computer
An analog computer performs tasks using continuous data (the physical amount that changes
continuously). Analog computers are used primarily to measure physical units like voltage,
pressure, electric current, temperature, and convert them into digits.
 It is also used to measure and perform arithmetic calculations of numbers, the length of an object,
or the amount of voltage that passes through a point in an electrical circuit. Analog computers
obtain all their data from some measurement method.
They are used in the fields of technology, science, research, engineering, etc. Because quantities
like voltage, pressure, electric current, temperature are used more in these areas, these types of
computers give only approximate estimates.
Examples:
An analog computer installed on a petrol pump measures the amount of petrol coming out of the
pump and appears in liters. And calculates its value. These quantities vary continuously while
measuring the amount, such as the temperature of a human body changes consistently.
A simple clock, the vehicle’s speedometer, Voltmeter, etc. are examples of analog computing.
2. Digital Computer
Digital computers use discrete electrical signals for operation rather than continuous electrical
signals as analog computers have, making the most common form of computers today because of
their versatility, speed, and power.
This computer is the computer that calculates the number for processing the data.
The binary numeral method Binary System 0 or 1 is used for calculation.
It can perform arithmetic operations such as addition, occurrence, subtraction, multiplication, or
division and all types of logical(mathematical) operations.
Examples of Digital Computers
● Personal Desktop Computers,
● Calculators,
● Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets,
● Digital watch,
● Accounting machines,
● Workstations,
● Digital clock, etc.
3. Hybrid Computer
A hybrid computer is a combined complex computer unit built using both analog and digital
properties and united by a single control system. The purpose of designing hybrid computers is to
provide functions and features that can be found on both analog and digital devices.
The aim behind creating a hybrid computer is to create a kind of work unit that offers the best of
both types of computers. Hybrid computers are extremely fast when driving equations, even when
those calculations are incredibly complex.
Applications of hybrid Computer:
● Hybrid computers are most commonly used in vast industries, research centers, organizations,
and manufacturing firms (where many equations need to be solved).
● Hybrid computers are used in scientific calculations, for nations’ defense and radar systems as
well.
Examples:
Auto Gasoline pump is the example of a hybrid computer, this device is installed on a petrol pump
not only to measure the amount of petrol but also to calculate its value, in this way It is capable of
both functions i.e hybrid function.

Question 3. Explain the History of Computer Systems.

Or Explain the Generation of Computers.
Answer:The history of computer development is often referred to the different generations of
computer
First Generation - 1940-1956: Vacuum Tubes
● First generation computers used vacuum tubes as switching devices and magnetic drums for
memory. These computers were often huge, occupying an entire hall.
● These computers were very expensive , consumed a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of
heat, which was often the cause of malfunctions.
● These computers relied on machine language to perform operations, and could solve one
problem at a time.
● Input was based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.
● ENIAC(Electronic Numeric Integrator And Calculator) UNIVAC (Universal Automatic
Computer) are examples of first-generation computing devices.
Features of First Generation
● Vacuum tube technology
● Unreliable
● Supported Machine language only
● Very costly
● Generate lot of heat
● Slow Input/output device
● Huge size
● Need of A.C.
● Non-portable
Second Generation - 1956-1963: Transistors
● Transistors replaced vacuum tubes allowing computers to become smaller, faster, cheaper,
more energy-efficient and more reliable than their first-generation predecessors.
● Still relied on punched cards for input and printouts for output.
● Second-generation computers moved from cryptic binary machine language to symbolic, or
assembly, languages, which allowed programmers to specify instructions in words.
● High-level programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN were used.
Features of Second Generation
● Use of transistors
● Reliable as compared to First generation computers
● Smaller size as compared to First generation computers
● Generate less heat as compared to First generation computers
● Consumed less electricity as compared to First generation computers
● Faster than first generation computers
● Still very costly
● A.C. needed
● Support machine and assembly languages
Third Generation - 1964-1971: Integrated Circuits
● Integrated circuit was used.
● Transistors were made very small using modern technology and placed on silicon chips,
called semiconductors, which increased the speed and efficiency of computers.
● Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted through keyboards and monitors and
interfaced with an operating system, which allowed the device to run many different
applications at one time with a central program that monitored the memory.
● Computers for the first time became accessible to a mass audience because they were smaller
and cheaper.
Features of Third Generation
● IC used
● More reliable and Faster
● Smaller size
● Generate less heat
● Lesser maintenance
● Still costly
● A.C. needed
● Consumed lesser electricity
● Support high-level language
Fourth Generation - 1971-1990: Microprocessors
● Microprocessor were used
● What in the first generation filled an entire room could now fit in the palm of the hand
● In 1981 IBM introduced its first computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced
the Macintosh.
● As these small computers became more powerful, they could be linked together to form
networks, which eventually led to the development of the Internet.
● Fourth generation computers also saw the development of GUIs, the mouse and Hand held
devices.
Features of Fourth Generation
● VLSI technology used
● Very cheap
● Portable and reliable
● Use of PC's
● Very small size
● Pipeline processing
● No A.C. needed
● Concept of internet was introduced
● Great developments in the fields of networks
● Computers became easily available
Fifth Generation - 1991 to Present and Beyond: Artificial Intelligence
● Fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development,
though there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.
● The use of parallel processing and superconductors is helping to make artificial intelligence a
reality.
● The goal of fifth-generation computing is to develop devices that respond to natural language
input and are capable of learning and self-organization.
Features of Fifth Generation
● ULSI technology
● Development of true artificial intelligence
● Development of Natural language processing
● Advancement in Parallel Processing
● Advancement in Superconductor technology
● More user friendly interfaces with multimedia features
● Availability of very powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates

Question. 4 What is Hardware and Software? Write differences between both.

Answer: A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software.
Hardware refers to the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU,
keyboard and mouse.
Hardware is further divided into four main categories:
● Input Devices: Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone etc.
● Output Devices: Monitor, Stereo sound, Printer, Plotter etc.
● Secondary Storage Devices: Hard Disk, Magnetic Tape, Optical Disk etc.
● Internal Components: CPU, Register, RAM, ROM etc
Software refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of
tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function properly and similarly, the
hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are interdependent.
Software is further divided into two main categories:
● Application Software: Applications software Application software, or simply
applications, are often called productivity programs or end-user programs that are capable
of dealing with user inputs and help the user to complete the task. It is also called end-user
programs or only an app. It resides above system software. Example: MS Office, Browser
etc.
● System Software: System Software can be designed as the software in such a way so that
it can control and work with computer hardware. It acts as an interface between the device
and the end user.It also provides the platform for the running of other software.
Example: operating systems, antivirus software etc.

Differences between Hardware and Software

Hardware Software

Developed using electronic and other Developed writing using instructions using a
materials programming language

When damaged, it can be replaced with a new When damaged it can be installed once more
component using a backup copy

Hardware is physical in nature and hence one The software cannot be physically touched but
can touch and see hardware still can be used and seen

Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses

Hardware will physically wear out over time Software does not wear out but it can be
affected by bugs and glitches

An example of Hardware is hard drives, An example of software is Windows 10,

monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.

Question.5 What is a CPU? Explain its Component.

Answer: The full form of CPU is the Central Processing Unit. Alternatively, it is also known by
the name of processor, microprocessor or a computer processor. A CPU is an electronics circuit
used in a computer that fetches the input instructions or commands from the memory unit,
performs arithmetic and logic operations and stores this processed data back to memory. A CPU or
Central Processing Unit is the heart of a computer and is installed in a socket specified on a
motherboard.
It comprises of three major components of the computer as follow:
● Memory Unit
● Control Unit
● Arithmetic and Logical Unit
 ● Memory Unit
Memory is used to store data and instructions before and after processing.It is used to store data
temporarily or permanently. When we enter the data into the computer using an input device, the
entered information immediately gets saved in the memory unit of the Central Processing Unit
(CPU). Because of the presence of some existing programming, the Memory Unit transmits the
data further to the other parts of the CPU.Similarly, when the output of our command is processed
by the computer, it is saved in the memory unit before giving the output to the user.
● Control Unit
The Control Unit is an internal part of a CPU that coordinates the instructions and data flow
between CPU and other components of the computer. It is the CU that directs the operations of a
central processing unit by sending timing and control signals.
The Control Unit collects the data entered using the input unit, leads it on for processing and once
that is done, receives the output and presents it to the user. It can be said to the centre of all
processing actions taking place inside a computer device.
Basically, the instructions taken, interpretation of entered data, issuing signals to execute the data
and then finally retrieving the data is all done in the Control Unit.
● Arithmetic & Logical Unit
The ALU is an internal electronic circuitry of a CPU that performs all the arithmetic and logical
operations in a computer. The ALU receives three types of inputs.
● Control signal from CU ( Control Unit )
● Data(operands) to be operated
● Status information from operations done previously.
When all the instructions have been operated, the output that consists of data is stored in memory
and status information is stored in internal registers of a CPU.
Function of CPU-
1. It controls all the parts and software and data flow of the computer.
2. It performs all operations.
3. It accepts data from input devices.
4. It sends information to the output device.
5. Executing programs stored in memory
6. It stores data either temporarily or permanently.
7. It performs arithmetical and logical operations.
Question.6 Explain the Input and Output Device.
Answer:
Input Devices
A device that can be used to insert data into a computer system is called an input device.
Examples of input devices:
1. Keyboard
● A simple device comprising keys and each key denotes either an alphabet, number or number
commands which can be given to a computer for various actions to be performed
● It has a modified version of typewriter keys
● The keyboard is an essential input device and computer and laptops both use keyboards to
give commands to the computer
2. Mouse
● It is also known as a pointing device
● Using mouse we can directly click on the various icons present on the system and open up
various files and programs
● A mouse comprises 3 buttons on the top and one trackball at the bottom which helps in
selecting and moving the mouse around, respectively
● In case of laptops, the touchpad is given as a replacement of the mouse which helps in the
movement of the mouse pointer
3. Joystick
● It is a device which comprises a stick which is attached at an angle to the base so that it can be
moved and controlled
● Mostly used to control the movement in video games
● Apart from a computer system, a joystick is also used in the cockpit of an aeroplane,
wheelchairs, cranes, trucks, etc. to operate them well
4. Light Pen
● It is a wand-like looking device which can directly be moved over the device’s screen
● It is light-sensitive
● Used in conjunction with computer’s cathode ray tube
5. Microphone
● Using a microphone, sound can be stored in a device in its digital form
● It converts sound into an electrical signal
● To record or reproduce a sound created using a microphone, it needs to be connected with an
amplifier
6. Scanner
● This device can scan images or text and convert it into a digital signal
● When we place any piece of a document on a scanner, it converts it into a digital signal and
displays it on the computer screen
7. Barcode Reader
● It is a kind of an optical scanner
● It can read bar codes
● A source of light is passed through a bar code, and its aspects and details are displayed on the
screen
8. Magnetic Ink Card Reader (MICR)
● The MICR input device is generally used in banks because of a large number of cheques to be
processed every day.
 ● The bank’s code number and cheque number are printed on the cheques with a special type of
ink that contains particles of magnetic material that are machine readable.This reading process
is called Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR).
● The main advantage of MICR is that it is fast and less error prone.
9. Optical Character Reader (OCR)
● OCR is an input device used to read a printed text. OCR scans text optically character by
character, converts them into a machine readable code and stores the text on the system
memory.
10. Optical Mark Reader (OMR)
● OMR is a special type of optical scanner used to recognize the type of mark made by pen or
pencil.
● It is used where one out of a few alternatives is to be selected and marked. It is specially used
for checking the answer sheets of examinations having multiple choice questions.

Output Devices
A device which is used to display results from a computer is called an output device.

1. Plotters
● A plotter is a printer that interprets commands from a computer to make line drawings on
paper with one or more automated pens.
● the plotter can draw continuous point-to-point lines directly from vector graphics files or
commands.
● Plotters were the first type of printer that could print with color and render graphics and
full-size engineering drawings.
● plotters are much more expensive than printers. They are most frequently used for CAE
(computer-aided engineering) applications, such as CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM
(computer-aided manufacturing).
2. Monitors
● Monitor commonly called a Visual Display Unit (VDU) is the main output device of a
computer.
● It forms images from tiny dots, called pixels that are arranged in a rectangular form. The
sharpness of the image depends upon the no. of the pixels.
There are two kinds of viewing screens used for monitors.
● Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT)
● Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
● Plasma Display
3. Printers
Printer is the most important output device, which is used to print information on paper.
There are two types of printers
● Impact Printers
● Non-Impact Printers
Impact Printers
The printers that print the characters by striking against the ribbon and onto the paper are called
impact printers.
These printers are of two types
● Character printers
● Line printers
Character Printers:Character Printers are printers which print one character at a time.
Example of Character Printer
● Dot Matrix Printer(DMP)
● Daisy Wheel
Line Printers: Line printers are printers which print one line at a time.
Example of Character Printer
Drum Printer
Chain Printer
Non-impact Printers
The printers that print the characters without striking against the ribbon and onto the paper, are
called Non-impact Printers. These printers print a complete page at a time, also called Page
Printers.
These printers are of two types
● Laser Printers
● Inkjet Printers
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.
Inkjet Printers: Inkjet printers are non-impact character printers based on a relatively new
technology. They print characters by spraying small drops of ink onto paper. Inkjet printers
produce high quality output with presentable features.
4. Speakers
● A device through which we can listen to a sound as an outcome of what we command a
computer to do is called a speaker
● Speakers are attached with a computer system and also are a hardware device which can be
attached separately
● With the advancement in technology, speakers are now available which are wireless and can
be connected using BlueTooth or other applications
5. Projector
● An optical device which presents an image or moving images onto a projection screen is
called a projector
● Most commonly these projectors are used in auditoriums and movie theatres for the display of
the videos or lighting
● If a projector is connected to a computer, then the image/video displayed on the screen is the
same as the one displayed on the computer screen
6. Headphones
● They perform the same function as a speaker, the only difference is the frequency of sound
● Using speakers, the sound can be heard over a larger area and using headphones, the sound is
only audible to the person using them
● Also known as earphones or headset

Question.7 What is Primary Memory? Explain.

Answer: Primary memory is the main memory of the computer which can be directly accessed by
the central processing unit.
There are two type of Primary Memory
RAM (Random access memory): Random access memory (RAM) is a type of data storage used
in computers that is generally located on the motherboard. This type of memory is volatile and all
information that was stored in RAM is lost when the computer is turned off.
There are two main types of RAM:
Static RAM (SRAM): SRAM uses transistors and latches in construction. It uses flip flops to
store data. It is faster than DRAM.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM): DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is also a type of RAM
which is constructed using capacitors and few transistors. The capacitor is used for storing the data
where bit value 1 signifies that the capacitor is charged and a bit value 0 means that the capacitor
is discharged.
Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR SRAM DRAM

COMPARISON

Speed Faster Slower

Size Small Large

Cost Expensive Cheap

Used in Cache memory Main memory

Density Less dense Highly dense

Construction Complex and uses Simple and uses

transistors and latches. capacitors and very few
transistors.

Single block of memory 6 transistors Only one transistor.

requires

Charge leakage property Not present Present hence require

power refresh circuitry

Power consumption Low High

ROM (Read Only Memory): Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that
permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices. It contains the
programming needed to start a PC, which is essential for boot-up; it performs major input/output
tasks and holds programs or software instructions. It is permanent and non-volatile, meaning it
also holds its memory Data even when power is removed.
Types of ROM memory
● Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)
● Electrically Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)
● Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)
1. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): It is one type of ROM (read-only memory).
The data in them is permanent and cannot be changed. It has not come pre-recorded by the
manufacturer. Programs are recorded by user or programmer by using a special tool.
2. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): a read-only memory whose
contents can be erased by ultraviolet light or other means and reprogrammed using a pulsed
voltage.
3. Electrical Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM): EEPROM is a special
type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge. That can be erased and
reprogrammed (written to) repeatedly through the application of higher than normal electrical
voltage.

Question.8 What is Secondary Memory? Explain

Answer: Secondary memory refers to the external storage device which can be used to store data
or information permanently. Secondary memory is where programs and data are kept on a
long-term basis. Common secondary storage devices are the hard disk and optical disks.
There are basically two types of secondary storage.
Magnetic Storage:
The most common type of storage device is magnetic storage device. In magnetic storage devices,
data is stored on a magnetized medium. Magnetic storage uses different patterns of magnetization
in a magnetizable medium to store data.
There are primarily 3 types of Magnetic Storage Devices as follows,
1. Disk Drives:
Magnetic storage devices primarily made of disks are Disk Drives. Hard Disk Drive is a Disk
Drive. HDD contains one or more disks that runs at a very high speed and coated with a
magnetizable medium. Each disk in a HDD comes with a READ/WRITE head that
reads and writes data from and onto the disk.
2. Diskette Drive:
Diskette drives or floppy disks are removable disk drives. The discs in Hard Disk Drives are not
meant to be removed, but in case of Floppy disks, the disks are removable from the drive which is
called Floppy Disk Drive or FDD. Floppy disks come with very little storage capacity and are
meant to be used as portable storage to transfer data from one machine to another. The FDD reads
and writes data from and to the floppy disk. The floppy disk itself is covered with plastic and
fabric to remove dust. Floppy disk does not contain any read and write head, the FDD contains the
head.
3. Magnetic Tape:
Magnetic tapes are those reels of tapes which are coated with magnetizable elements to hold and
server written on it in one of the many magnetizing data storage patterns. Tape drives come with
very high capacity of storage and are still in use though personal computers, servers etc. uses hard
disk drives or other modern type of storage mechanism, tape drives are still in use for archiving
hundreds of terabytes of data.
Optical Storage:
Optical storage devices are flat, round disks that spin around its center. The difference with
magnetic storage devices is that in optical storage devices LASER light is used to read and write
data in disks. Examples are CD, DVD etc.
There are two types of optical disks. one that can be written for one time only and another which
can be used to write data more than one time, these are called rewritable disks. Some optical disks
can store data on both sides of the disk.
Type of optical Disk.
1. CD (Compact Disk): CDs are small plastic discs on which sound, especially music, can be
recorded. CDs can also be used to store
information which can be read by a computer. CD is an abbreviation for 'compact disc'.
CDs can store up to 700 megabytes (MB) of data
2. DVD: Stands for "Digital Versatile Disc." A DVD is a type of optical media used for storing
digital data. It is the same size as a CD,
but has a larger storage capacity. DVDs can store up to 8.4 GB of data.
3. Blu-ray: is an optical disc format designed to display high definition video and store large
amounts of data. Blu-ray is the
successor to DVD. Blu-ray discs, which are the newest type of optical media, can store up to 50
GB of data.

Question.9 Differentiate Ram & Rom.

Answer:

Sr. Key RAM ROM

No.

1 Definition RAM stands for Random Access ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
Memory.

2 Data RAM data is volatile. Data is ROM data is permanent. Data

Retention present till power supply is present. remains even after power supply is
not present.

3 Data RAM data can be read, erased or ROM data is read only.
Access modified.

4 Usage RAM is used to store data that the ROM is used to store data that is
CPU needs for current instruction needed to bootstrap the computer.
processing.

5 Speed RAM speed is quite high. ROM speed is slower than RAM.

6 CPU The CPU can access data stored on Data to be copied from ROM to
Access RAM. RAM so that the CPU can access its
data.

7 Capacity RAM memory is large and high ROM is generally small and of low
capacity. capacity.

8 Usage RAM is used as CPU Cache, ROM is used as firmware by

Primary Memory. microcontrollers.

9 Cost RAM is costly. ROM is cheap.

Question 10. What is the Number System? Explain.

Answer: Number System is a way to represent the numbers in the computer architecture. There
are four different types of the number system.
1. Decimal number system (Base- 10)
2. Binary number system (Base- 2)
3. Octal number system (Base-8)
4. Hexadecimal number system (Base- 16)
Binary number system : - This number system has a base or radix of 2. The symbols or digits
used in this system are 0 & 1.
Octal Number system : - This number system has a base or radix of 8. The symbols or digits
used in this system are 0 through 7 i.e.( 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 )
Decimal Number System :- This number system has a base or radix of 10. The symbols or digits
used in this system are 0 through 9 i.e. ( 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 )
Hexadecimal number system :- This number system has a base or radix of 16. The symbols or
digits used in this system are 0 through F i.e. ( 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, B, C, D, E,F )
 Unit -2
Question 1 Explain the Classification of programming Language..
Answer:
A programming language is a vocabulary and a set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer
system to perform any specific task’. Hence we can say that a programming language plays a very
important role in controlling and operating a computer system.
Programming languages are basically classified into two main categories – Low level language
and High level language. However, there also exists another category known as Middle level
language. Every programming language belongs to one of these categories and sub-category.
Low level language
These languages are close to the machine level instruction set. A low-level programming language
interacts directly with the registers and memory. Since, instructions written in low level languages
are machine dependent. Programs developed using low level languages are machine dependent
and are not portable.
Low level language does not require any compiler or interpreter to translate the source to machine
code. An assembler may translate the source code written in low level language to machine code.
Low level languages are further classified in two more categories – Machine language and
assembly language.
Machine level languages (First Generation of programming language):
It’s the lowest level and is named as the first generation of programming languages. Machine level
language consists of only two conditions i.e. either true (1) or false (0); this type of language is
known as binary language. A computer system could understand only binary language i.e. all the
instructions fed into the computer system must be in the form of 0 or 1. Machine level languages
are very tough to understand by humans.
Advantages of machine level language:
There have many advantage of machine level language; some of them are listed below;
● Machine level languages are directly interacting with computer systems.
● There is no requirement for conversion software like compilers or interpreters.
● It takes very less time to execute a program, because there is no conversion taking place.
Disadvantages of machine language:
Some of the disadvantages of machine level language are listed below;
● Its machine dependent language i.e. individual program required for each machine.
● To develop a program in machine language, it’s too hard to understand and program.
● It's time consuming to develop new programs.
● Debugging process is very hard because finding errors is typical.
● Machine language is not a portable language.
Assembly level languages (Second Generation programming language):
It’s a middle level and named as a second generation programming language. It contains the same
instruction as machine level language, but the instructions and the variables have specific names
or called commands instead of being just binary numbers. It also uses symbols to describe the
field of instructions. Every aspect of machine variables in program assembly language uses one
statement per machine instruction. It managed explicitly all instructions like register allocation,
call, stack, timer, jump, loop etc.
To understand the assembly language, a computer must require an assembler which takes a part in
between assembly language and computer system to convert the assembly instructions into the
machine language. This assembler is software or a set of programs which translates assembly
language programming instruction into the machine language.
For example;
LOAD BASE PAY
ADD OVERPAY
STORE GROSS PAY
Advantages of Assembly language:
There have many advantage of assembly level language; some of them are listed below;
● It is easily understood by humans because it uses statements instead of binary digits.
 ● To develop a program it takes less time.
● Debugging and troubleshooting is easy due to easily finding errors.
● It’s a portable language.
Disadvantages of Assembly language:
Some of the disadvantages of assembly level language are listed below;
● It’s a machine dependent language due to that program design for one machine and no use
of other machines.
● Sometimes it’s hard to understand the statement or command use.
High-level language (Third Generation):
High level language is the upper level language and also known as third generation programming
language. It is considered as high level because, which language comes under this category are
closer to human languages. Hence this is a highly understood programming language by humans.
There are many examples of high level languages such as, FORTRAN, Pascal, C, C++, JAVA,
ADA, COBOL, LISP, Prolog etc.
The first high level programming language was written in the 1950s. Those programs written in
high level language must require software or a set of programs to translate that program into
machine understandable. This software is called a compiler and/or interpreter. The main job of
compiler and translator is to take the source code of the program and convert that code into the
machine understood code.
Advantages of high level language:
There have many advantage of high level language; some of them are listed below;
These instructions and commands are much easier to remember by a programmer.
● Its logic and structure are much easier to understand.
● Debugging is easier compared to other languages.
● Less time consuming to write new programs.
● HLL is described as being a portable language.
Disadvantages of high level language:
● Some of the disadvantages of high level language are listed below.
● HLL programming language takes more space compared to other MLL (machine level
language) and/or ALL (Assembly level language).
● This programming language executes slowly.

Question 2 Write differences between low level and high level programming languages.
Answer: Differences between low level and high level programming languages.
Low level language High level language

They are faster than high level languages. They are comparatively slower.

Low level languages are memory High level languages are not memory
efficient. efficient.

Low level languages are difficult to learn. High level languages are easy to learn.

Programming at a low level requires Programming at a high level does not require
additional knowledge of computer any additional knowledge of computer
architecture. architecture.

They are machine dependent and are not They are machine independent and portable.
portable.

They provide less or no abstraction from They provide high abstraction from the
the hardware. hardware.

They are more error prone. They are less error prone.
 Debugging and maintenance is difficult. Debugging and maintenance is
comparatively easier.

They are generally used for developing They are used to develop a variety of
system software’s (Operating systems) applications such as – desktop applications,
and embedded applications. websites, mobile software etc.

Question 3 Explain the Language Processor and its Type.

Answer:
A language processor is a software program designed or used to perform tasks such as processing
program code to machine code. Language processors are found in languages such as Fortran and
COBOL.
Types of language processors
There are two main types of language processors:
Interpreter - allows a computer to interpret, or understand, what a software program needs the
computer to do, what tasks to perform.
Translator - takes a program's code and translates it into machine code, allowing the computer to
read and understand what tasks the program needs to be done in its native code.
An assembler and a compiler are examples of translators.

Compiler –
The language processor that reads the complete source program written in high level language as a
whole in one go and translates it into an equivalent program in machine language is called a
Compiler.
Example: C, C++, C#, Java
In a compiler, the source code is translated to object code successfully if it is free of errors. The
compiler specifies the errors at the end of compilation with line numbers when there are any errors
in the source code. The errors must be removed before the compiler can successfully recompile
the source code again.
Assembler –
The Assembler is used to translate the program written in Assembly language into machine code.
The source program is an input of assembler that contains assembly language instructions. The
output generated by assembler is the object code or machine code understandable by the computer.

Question 4. Write difference between Compiler and Interpreter.

Answer:
Compiler Interpreter

A compiler is a program which converts the entire interpreter takes a source program
source code of a programming language into and runs it line by line, translating
executable machine code for a CPU. each line as it comes to it.

Compiler takes a large amount of time to analyze Interpreter takes less time to
the entire source code but the overall execution analyze the source code but the
time of the program is comparatively faster. overall execution time of the
program is slower.

Compiler generates the error message only after Its Debugging is easier as it
scanning the whole program, so debugging is continues translating the program
comparatively hard as the error can be present until the error is met
anywhere in the program.

Generates intermediate object code. No intermediate object code is

generated.
 Examples: C, C++, Java Examples: Python, Perl

Question 5. Explain the Generation of Programming Language.

Answer:
The development of the programming languages can be referred to as a generation. The
programming language in terms of their performance reliability and robustness can be grouped
into five different generations,
● First generation languages (1GL)
● Second generation languages (2GL)
● Third generation languages (3GL)
● Fourth generation languages (4GL)
● Fifth generation languages (5GL)

1. First Generation Language (Machine language)

The first generation programming language is also called low-level programming language
because it was used to program the computer system at a very low level of abstraction. i.e. at the
machine level. The machine language also referred to as the native language of the computer
system is the first generation programming language. In the machine language, a programmer only
deals with a binary number.
Advantages of first generation language
● They are translation free and can be directly executed by the computers.
● The programs written in these languages are executed very speedily and efficiently by the
CPU of the computer system.
● The programs written in these languages utilize the memory in an efficient manner because
it is possible to keep track of each bit of data.
2. Second Generation language (Assembly Language)
The second generation programming language also belongs to the category of low-level-
programming language. The second generation language comprises assembly languages that use
the concept of mnemonics for the writing program. In the assembly language, symbolic names are
used to represent the opcode and the operand part of the instruction.
Advantages of second generation language
● It is easy to develop, understand and modify the programs developed in these languages
compared to those developed in the first generation programming language.
● The programs written in these languages are less prone to errors and therefore can be
maintained with a great case.
3. Third Generation languages (High-Level Languages)
The third generation programming languages were designed to overcome the various limitations
of the first and second generation programming languages. The languages of the third and later
generation are considered as high-level languages because they enable the programmer to
concentrate only on the logic of the programs without considering the internal architecture of the
computer system.
Advantages of third generation programming language
● It is easy to develop, learn and understand the program.
● As the programs written in these languages are less prone to errors they are easy to
maintain.
● The program written in these languages can be developed in very less time as compared to
the first and second generation language.
Examples: FORTRAN, ALGOL, COBOL, C++, C
4. Fourth generation language (Very High-level Languages)
The languages of this generation were considered as very high-level programming languages that
required a lot of time and effort that affected the productivity of a programmer. The fourth
generation programming languages were designed and developed to reduce the time, cost and
effort needed to develop different types of software applications.
Advantages of fourth generation languages
● These programming languages allow the efficient use of data by implementing the various
databases.
● They require less time, cost and effort to develop different types of software applications.
● The programs developed in these languages are highly portable as compared to the
programs developed in the languages of other generations.
Examples: SQL, CSS, coldfusion
5. Fifth generation language (Artificial Intelligence Language)
The programming languages of this generation mainly focus on constraint programming. The
major fields in which the fifth generation programming language are employed are Artificial
Intelligence and Artificial Neural Networks
Advantages of fifth generation languages
● These languages can be used to query the database in a fast and efficient manner.
● In this generation of language, the user can communicate with the computer system in a
simple and easy manner.

Examples: mercury, prolog, OPS5