BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS UNIT-I BBA I YEAR I SEM

Q. What is Computer? Explain the Characteristics and Applications of Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the
ability to store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a
computer to type documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can
also use it to edit or create spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
Characteristics of Computer:
Speed: Computers work at an incredible speed. A powerful computer is capable of
performing about 3-4 million simple instructions per second.
Accuracy: In addition to being fast, computers are also accurate. Errors that may occur
can almost always be attributed to human error (inaccurate data, poorly designed
system or faulty instructions/programs written by the programmer)
Diligence: Unlike human beings, computers are highly consistent. They do not suffer
from human traits of boredom and tiredness resulting in lack of concentration.
Computers, therefore, are better than human beings in performing voluminous and
repetitive jobs.
Versatility: Computers are versatile machines and are capable of performing any task as
long as it can be broken down into a series of logical steps. The presence of computers
can be seen in almost every sphere – Railway/Air reservation, Banks, Hotels, Weather
forecasting and many more.
Storage Capacity: Today’s computers can store large volumes of data. A piece of
information once recorded (or stored) in the computer, can never be forgotten and can
be retrieved almost instantaneously
Applications Of Computer:
You can use your computer system for different applications by changing the software
packages. Here is the list of uses or applications of computer:
Let's briefly describe about all the above 11 basic Applications of Computer one by one.
1) For Scientific Research
Scientific research was the first application of computer as computer was first used to
perform this job that is scientific research.

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2) For Business Application

•Computer can also be used for the purpose of business.
•Through computer, companies can grow their business as fast as possible through quick
analysis of their previous project on the computer screen .
•As from individual to multinational companies, all are using computer for business
purpose like keeping account information, stocks, prices, items etc.
3) For Education
•Now-a-days, there are thousands of websites available over Internet that are ready to
deliver education for free in almost every subjects.
4) For Entertainment
Most of the persons are using computer for entertainment purposes such as:
•watching movies
•listening songs
•photos
•animations etc.
5) In Banks
•In banks, all information such as account holders detail, deposits, withdrawal, interest,
etc. are managed by computers.
•Banks are also using computer network to interconnect all of its branches so that their
users feel always free to deposit his or her money in any branch of the same bank.
6) For Communication
•Now-a-days, peoples are using chat message, email, voice-mail etc. for communication
purpose.
•You can also use computer to communicate through direct video conference with your
contacts/friends present at any place without any cost except internet connectivity.

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7) For Engineering Purposes

•Computer are also using for the purpose of Engineering, that is, to design any machine
without actually making it through CAD (Computer aided design) softwares and once the
design is accepted, and then using CAM (Computer aided manufacturing) process
company can produce a large number of such products at very fast speed.
8) For Medicines Related
•Computer plays an important role in medical field also. For example in ICU (Intensive
Care Unit) chamber in hospital, computer keeps track of each and everything going
inside the patient's body such as blood pressure and Heartbeat etc.
•Keeping record of patients and medicines are also becomes easy through the use of
Computer. Computer also plays an important role to perform CT (Computed
tomography) scan and X-Ray of patients to give the scanned object of specified area of
patient's body in the form of graphics like images.
9) For Games
•For online games to play, you must have the internet connectivity whereas for offline
games, you can start without any internet connectivity.There are a variety of games
available in computer world.
10) For Personal Use
One can use computer system to keep all the day-to-day details that are essential to
keep anywhere.You can use it for personal things such as investment
incomes,expenditures, savings etc.
11) For Accounting Purposes
Computers are highly used for accounting purposes to handle company financial
accounts and inventory management using some accounting software like Tally.With the
use of computer the task of maintaining accounts become very easy. Later you can also
retrieve the data on the basis of various pattern or requirement very easily.

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Q. What are the Components Of Computer Systems/Discuss about hardware

Components
Components of computer are classified into three types
• Internal Unit Components.(In CPU)
• Peripherals.
• Backing Storage
Internal system unit components
Processors; Motherboard BIOS; Power supply; Fan and heat sink or cooling; Hard drive
configuration and controllers e.g. SATA, IDE, EIDE; Master, slave ports e.g. USB, parallel,
serial; Internal memory e.g. RAM, ROM, cache; Specialized cards e.g. network, graphic
cards.
Processors (Internal system) A Processor is a small chip which is kept in the on the
motherboard of the computer. It is the main part of the computer system as it controls
everything that goes on.
Motherboard. (Internal system) The motherboard of the computer is the most
important part.
Without this the computer would not be able to function. This is a printed circuit board
(PCB) and this many of the essential parts of the computer. It is where all of the different
components of the computer are connected, such as peripherals.
BIOS. (Internal system) The BIOS is usually on a ROM chip that comes with the
computer, called the ROM BIOS. It is a collection of software and it forms part of the
operation system. The Bios… -starts up the PC every time it is turned on. -is a very
important diagnosis tool as it, checks the hardware configuration with the configuration
data, and ensures the integrity of the computer
Power Supply . (Internal system) The PSU is usually a black or silver box and contain a
fan inside with wires coming out of it. The most important job of the PSU is to supply the
PC and components of the PC with power. Internal and external are both different types
of power used. The external power provides 110-220V of AC via the socket, and internal
power provides 5 or 12V of DC power to the other computer components.

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Fan and heat sink or cooling.(Internal system) The airflow and cooling system in the
computer may never seem as important as it actually is. It plays a major part in making
sure the computer system doesn’t crash or fail when being used
Hard drive configuration and controllers. (Internal system) The computers hard drive is
usually placed with the CDs and DVDs inside the processor box. Although, external hard
drives are often used and provide secondary storage and can be used for back up
USB, Parallel, Serial ports. (Internal system) USB – A high speed serial connection which
means low-speed and high-speed devices can be connected to the computer. This
includes, mice, keyboards, scanners, printers, and digital cameras
Internal Memory (RAM, ROM, CACHE). (Internal system)
RAM - Short for ‘Random access memory’. This is stored data that can be accessed in any
random order. It is the most common type of memory used in computers and devices
such as printers. It also means that any byte of memory can be accessed without
touching any other preceding bytes. This is volatile which means it is only remember
while it is being used. This doesn’t last forever and will be forgotten after a while.
ROM - Short for ‘Read Only Memory’. This is data that has been stored on the computer
previously. This means the data can not be deleted, or edited and can only be read by a
user. This is non-volatile which means this is always remembered and never forgotten or
deleted.
CACHE - Cache is where information is kept in the computer so that it can be accessed
very quickly and easily when it is needed. This is the easiest way for the user to access
the information they need. This is only stored temporarily on the computer
Peripherals
Output Devices- This is things like, monitor, printer or potter present the result of any
processing to the user.
Input Devices - These are devices such as keyboards, mice, camera’s or scanners.
They’re ways that the user can put data into the processor or give commands to the
computer.
Output Devices. (Peripherals)
Monitor – A computer monitor is an output device because it connects to the computer,
which means it can have an output which is the image that you get on you r screen.
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Printer – A printer is also an output device because it is given commands by the user and
then gives an output which has been converted by the computers processor.
Input devices. (Peripherals)
Camera –A camera usually used for an input device on a computer is commonly known
as a web camera. This is usually quite small and connected to the PC through the USB
port. This allows the user of the computer to take pictures while it is connected to the
PC, view them and then upload, save or print them as they want.
Scanner –A computer scanner is also an input device of a computer because it can be
connected to the computer and then used to scan images or documents on to the
computer to then again, save, print or upload them. These can be wirelessly connected
to a PC or connected through a USB port.
Q.Expain about CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT(CPU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) consists of the following features −
• CPU is considered as the brain of the computer.
• CPU performs all types of data processing operations.
• It stores data, intermediate results, and instructions (program).
• It controls the operation of all parts of the computer.
CPU itself has following three components.
• Memory or Storage Unit
• Control Unit
• ALU(Arithmetic Logic Unit)

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Memory or Storage Unit

This unit can store instructions, data, and intermediate results. This unit supplies
information to other units of the computer when needed. It is also known as internal
storage unit or the main memory or the primary storage or Random Access Memory
(RAM).
Its size affects speed, power, and capability. Primary memory and secondary memory are
two types of memories in the computer. Functions of the memory unit are –
•It stores all the data and the instructions required for processing.
•It stores intermediate results of processing.
•It stores the final results of processing before these results are released to an output
device.
•All inputs and outputs are transmitted through the main memory.
Control Unit
This unit controls the operations of all parts of the computer but does not carry out any
actual data processing operations.
Functions of this unit are –
•It is responsible for controlling the transfer of data and instructions among other units
of a computer.
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•It manages and coordinates all the units of the computer.

•It obtains the instructions from the memory, interprets them, and directs the operation
of the computer.
•It communicates with Input/Output devices for transfer of data or results from storage.
•It does not process or store data.
ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
This unit consists of two subsections namely,
•Arithmetic Section
•Logic Section
Arithmetic Section
Function of arithmetic section is to perform arithmetic operations like addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division. All complex operations are done by making
repetitive use of the above operations.
Logic Section
Function of logic section is to perform logic operations such as comparing, selecting,
matching, and merging of data.

Q.Explain about COMPUTER MEMORY

A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data and instructions. Computer
memory is the storage space in the computer, where data is to be processed and
instructions required for processing are stored. The memory is divided into large number
of small parts called cells. Each location or cell has a unique address, which varies from
zero to memory size minus one. For example, if the computer has 64k words, then this
memory unit has 64 * 1024 = 65536 memory locations. The address of these locations
varies from 0 to 65535.
Memory is primarily of three types −
•Cache Memory
•Primary Memory/Main Memory
•Secondary Memory
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Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up the
CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main memory. It is used to hold those
parts of data and program which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data
and programs are transferred from the disk to cache memory by the operating system,
from where the CPU can access them.
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
•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. Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
•Cache memory has limited capacity.
•It is very expensive.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the computer is
currently working. It has a limited capacity and data is 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 instruction required to be processed resides in the main memory.
It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Main Memory
•These are semiconductor memories.
•It is known as the main memory.
•Usually volatile memory.
•Data is lost in case power is switched off.
•It is the working memory of the computer.
•Faster than secondary memories.
•A computer cannot run without the primary memory.

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Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is slower than
the 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. The contents of secondary memories are first transferred to the main memory,
and then the 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 the backup memory.
•It is a non-volatile memory.
•Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
•It is used for storage of data in a computer.
•Computer may run without the secondary memory.
•Slower than primary memories

Q. What are the Various Types of Computers

Computers differ based on their data processing abilities. They are classified according to

1. INPUT AND FUNCTIONALITY

2. USE AND PURPOSE

3. SIZE

According to data handling, computers are analog, digital or hybrid.

1. On the basis of functionality and input, computers are classified as:

a)Analog Computer

An analog computer (spelt analogue in British English) is a form of computer that uses
continuous physical phenomena such as electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic quantities to
model the problem being solved.

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Example of analog computer is like thermometer, analog clock, analog weight machine,
analog petro pump machine etc.

b) Digital Computer

A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities

represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

Example of analog computer is like thermometer, analog clock, analog weight machine,
analog petro pump machine etc.

c) Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

A combination of computers those are capable of inputting and outputting in both digital
and analog signals. A hybrid computer system setup offers a cost effective method of
performing complex simulations.

Hybrid computer’s example are like computerized cement plants, asphalt plants, medical
equipment etc

2. On the basis of purpose/Use,

Computers are either general purpose or specific purpose.

General purpose computers are designed to perform a range of tasks. They have the
ability to store numerous programs, but lack in speed and efficiency.

Specific purpose computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a

specific task. A set of instructions is built into the machine.

3. On the basis of Size

A) Super Computer

The fastest and most powerful type of computer Supercomputers are very expensive
and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of
mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer.
Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations,
nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

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The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a

supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible,
whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.

B) Mainframe Computer

A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even

thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simple
microprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves to supercomputers
at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are
more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous
programs. But supercomputers can execute a single program faster than a mainframe.

c) Mini Computer

A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes..

D) Micro Computer or Personal Computer

•Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
•Laptop Computer: a portable computer complete with an integrated screen and
keyboard. It is generally smaller in size than a desktop computer and larger than a
notebook computer.
•Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs: a hand-sized computer. Palmtops
have no keyboard but the screen serves both as an input and output device.

INPUT DEVICES:

Input means to enter anything. User depends upon input devices to enter data or
programs into the computer. If the CPU is the brain of the computer, and then the input
devices are its eyes and ears. An input device does exactly what its name suggests: it
may define as followings,

•"The devices that are used to enter data or information and to give instructions to a
computer are called input devices"

•"It enables the user to input information and commands into computer.”

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•They are also known as peripheral devices

Some of the input devices are as follows

1.THE KEYBOARD:

The keyboard was one of the first peripherals to be used with computers, and it is still
the primary input device for entering text and numbers. A standard keyboard included
101keys, each of which sends a different signal to CPU.

A keyboard has five types of keys, which are as follows:

1.Alphanumeric keys

2.The Modifier Keys

3.The Numeric Keypad

4.The function keys

5.Cursor Movement & Editing Keys

Alphanumeric Keys:
This area of keyboard contains alphabetic and numeric keys. In this area: characters A-Z,
a-z and number 0-9. This portion of keyboard looks like a typewriter.
The Modifier Keys:
These keys are so named because these are used to modify the input of other keys. We
press another key while holding down one of the modifier keys e.g.
•Shift
•Ctrl
•Alt(Alternate)
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The Numeric Keypad:

Numeric Keypad is located on the right side of the keyboard looks like a calculator, with
its ten digits and mathematical operators (+, -, *, /).

The Functions Keys:

The functions keys (Fl, F2, … , F12) are usually arranged in a row along the top of the
keyboard. The purpose of these keys is to input commands without going through a long
and lengthy process.

The Cursor Movement & Editing Key:

Keyboard contains cursor movement keys like Arrow Keys, Home/End, Page up/ Page
down keys. There are some other special purpose keys found on the keyboard. These
include insert, Delete, Esc, Print Screen and Scroll Lock, Pause, Start and shortcut keys.
These keys have their own respective functions.

2. Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR)

It allows the computer to recognize characters printed using magnetic ink. It is a direct
entering method used in banks. This technology is used to automatically read numbers
on the bottom of the check. A special purpose machine known as a reader reads
characters made of ink containing magnetized particles. A related technology is the
magnetic strip used on the back of credit cards & bank debit cards that allow readers
such as Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) to read account information.

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3. Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

It refers to the branch of computer science that involves reading text from paper and
translating the images into a form that a computer can manipulate. All OCR system
includes an optical scanner for reading text & sophisticated software for analyzing
images. The potential of the OCR system is enormous because they enable users to

hardness the power of computer to access printed document.

4. Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

It is also known as sense reader. It is used to read the document or answer sheet by
means of light. It can read up to 450 to 650 documents per minute. It is commonly used
for aptitude test.

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GRAPHIC INPUT DEVICES

1.Mouse,

A computer mouse (plural mice or mouses) is a hand-held pointing device that detects
two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. This motion is typically translated into the
motion of a pointer on a display, which allows a smooth control of the graphical user
interface of a computer.

Advantages of a mouse:
 It is possible to select options faster.
 multiple icons, files or folders can be selected at once.
 It takes very little space.
 It is very easy to use.
 It is very low cost
 It is readily available.
 It is of very small size.
Disadvantages of mouse.
 Some people who have restricted hand movement cannot use it easily.
 mouse gets damaged easily.
 They require a flat surface to be used.
 It cannot be carried with, outside the home.
 it needs to be cleaned regularly.
 It is easily clogged with dust.
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2. Graphics tablet

A graphics tablet (also known as a digitizer, drawing tablet, drawing pad, digital drawing
tablet, pen tablet, or digital art board) is a computer input device that enables a user to
hand- draw images, animations and graphics, with a special pen-like stylus, similar to the
way a person draws images with a pencil and paper. These tablets may also be used to
capture data or handwritten signatures. It can also be used to trace an image from a
piece of paper which is taped or otherwise secured to the tablet surface. Capturing data

in this way, by tracing or entering the corners of linear poly-lines or shapes, is called
digitizing

3.Joystick

deo game joystick elements: 1. stick, 2. base, 3. trigger, 4. extra buttons, 5.autofire
switch, 6. throttle, 7. hat switch (POV hat), 8. suction cup.

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A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on a base and reports its
angle or direction to the device it is controlling. A joystick, also known as the control
column, is the principal control device in the cockpit of many civilian and military
aircraft, either as a center stick or side-stick. It often has supplementary switches to
control various aspects of the aircraft's flight.

4.The Track Pad:

The Track pad (also called a touch pad) is stationary pointing device that many people
find less tiring to use than a mouse or a trackball. The movement of a finger on a small
touch surface is translated into pointer movement on the computer screen. Its size also
makes it suitable for a notebook computer.

5. Light Pens:

Hand held computers used a "Pen" for data input. We hold the pen in the hand and
write on a special pad or directly on the screen. We can also use pen as a pointing
device, like a mouse to select commands

6. Touch Screen:

Touch Screen accept input by allowing the user to place the fingertips directly on the
computer screen usually to make selection for a menu of choices. Most touch screen
computers use sensors in or near the computer's screen to direct the touch of a finger
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SCANNERS AND ITS TYPES

A scanner is an electronic device that scans printed or handwritten text documents,

images, or certain objects, and converts them into a digital file format.

Most of the scanners available in the market use CCD (charge-coupled device) or CIS
(Contact Image Sensor) as image sensors. The common types of scanners we see today
are flatbed scanners, handheld scanners, and sheetfed scanners.

a)Flatbed Scanner

A flatbed scanner is made up of a glass pane and a moving optical CIS or CCD array.. The
image―the one that is to be scanned―is then placed on the glass pane. The sensor and
source of light move across the glass pane to scan the document and produce its digital
copy.

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b) Sheet fed Scanner

As its name suggests, in this type of scanner, the document is fed into the horizontal or
vertical slot provided in it. The prominent components of a sheetfed scanner include the
sheet-feeder, scanning module, and calibration sheet.Ideal for scanning single page
documents, these scanners cannot scan thick objects, like books, and that, perhaps, is
their major drawback.

C) Handheld Scanner

A handheld scanner is a small manual scanning device which is moved over the object
that needs to be scanned. In flatback and sheetfed scanners, you put the document that
is to be scanned inside the device. In contrast, in the case of held held scanner, you have
to drag it over the document that is to be scanned. One of the most-utilized handheld
scanners is the barcode scanner, typically used in shopping stores to valuate goods.

D) Drum Scanner

A drum scanner is the one which uses a photomultiplier tube (PMT) to scan images
instead of the charge-coupled device that is typically used in a flatbed scanner.

Photomultiplier tubes are vacuum tubes which are extremely sensitive to light. In drum
scanners, the image is mounted on the glass tube. When the beam of light moves across

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the image, its reflection is picked up by the PMT and processed. They are not as popular
as flatbed scanners; it is because of their cost and large size.

E.Film Scanner

A film scanner is utilized to scan photographic films directly into a computer. The
photographer has direct control over certain aspects, such as cropping, ratio of original
image on the film, etc. Some film scanners available today have specialized software
through which it is possible to minimize scratches and improve color quality. Low-end
film scanners most often accept 35 mm film strips, while high-end scanners―armed
with interchangeable film loaders―can accept 35 mm or 120 mm strips and even
individual slides.

f. Portable Scanners

Being small in size, portable scanners can be easily carried around. Some of these are as
small as your PDAs, hence, can be carried in the pockets. They are of great help when it
comes to text document scanning. Their drawback though, is their limitation in terms of

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resolution. They cannot be used for scanning photographs or for applications which

require high-resolution scanning.

OUTPUT DEVICES:

The CPU is the brain of computer, its basic function is to make decisions and perform
calculations. But is useless of we are unable to get results of the computer. A computer
system, in fact directly interacts with the output devices, so that a user should be able to
see results on these output devices. It may be defined as followings,

·"It enables the computer to communicate and produce (Output) results o f processed
data tothe user".

·"The devices, which are used to present, processed data, are called output devices".

1.Monitor:

As keyboard is used input device the monitor is most commonly output device used on
personal computers. Whether we are typing, issuing commands, using the internet, or
even listening to music on the computer system, hardly we would be any moment goes
by when we are not looking at our monitor. There are different types of monitors we can
compare them by these factors like their size, resolution and refresh rate.

CRT Monitors:

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This is most common monitor used in microcomputers. This type of monitor uses a large
vacuum tube, called a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT).

Color Monitor:

Three color electrons guns at the back side of monitor. These three color are R(red)
G(green) and B(blue)

Gray Scale Monitor:

These monitors are used to display text or images in the shades of a single color like
black and white.

Mono Chrome Monitor:

These monitors were the first generation of monitors, capable of only displaying text in
single color

Flat Panel Monitors:

LCD (liquid crystal display) monitors: This Special type of liquid is transparent and
become opaque when charged with electricity. These monitors are very sensitive. A
sharp cut may damage the monitor.

LED (light-emitting diodes) monitors: LED monitors are the latest types of monitors on
the market today. LED monitors are said to use much lesser power than CRT and LCD and
are considered far more environmentally friendly. These are flat panel, or slightly curved
displays which make use of light-emitting diodes for back- lighting, instead of cold
cathode fluorescent (CCFL)

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Printers:

•A printer is an electromechanical device which converts the text and graphical

documents from electronic form to the physical form. Generally they are the external
peripheral devices which are connected with the computers or laptops through a cable
or wirelessly to receive input data and print them on the papers.

•A wide range of printers are available with a variety of features ranging from printing
black and white text documents to high quality colored graphic images.

Fig. 1: A Figure Showing Printer as an Electromechanical Device Converting Text into

Graphical

Content

Types of Printers

Broadly printers are categorized as impact and non impact printers.

•Impact printers are the type of printers in which a key strikes the paper to make a
letter. The examples of Impact printers are Daisy wheel and Dot matrix printers.

•Non-impact printers do not operate by striking a head against a ribbon. Inkjet printers
and laser printers are the non-impact printers. The most popular printers are described.

Impact printers

1.Daisy Wheel Printers

Daisy wheel printers print only characters and symbols and cannot print graphics. They
are generally slow with a printing speed of about 10 to 75 characters per second. By
1980 daisy wheel printers were the dominant printers for quality printing but since the
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prices of laser and inkjet printers have declined and quality of dot matrix printers has
been improved, the daisy wheel printers are now obsolete

Working of daisy wheel printers is very similar to typewriters. A circular printing element
(known as daisy wheel, shown in the below image) is the heart of these printers that
contains all text, numeric characters and symbols mould on each petal on the
circumference of the circle. The printing element rotates rapidly with the help of a servo
motor and pauses to allow the printing hammer to strike the character against the
paper.

2.Dot Matrix Printers

It is a popular computer printer that prints text and graphics on the paper by using tiny
dots to form the desired shapes. It uses an array of metal pins known as printhead to
strike an inked printer ribbon and produce dots on the paper. These combinations of
dots form the desired shape on the paper. Generally they print with a speed of 50 to 500
characters per second as per the quality of the printing is desired. The quality of print is
determined by the number of pins used (varying from 9 to 24).

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Non-Impact Printers

1.Inkjet printers

Inkjet printers are most popular printers for home and small scale offices as they have a
reasonable cost and a good quality

of printing as well. A typical inkjet printer can print with a resolution of more than 300
dpi and some good quality inkjet printers are able to produce full colored hard copies at
600 dpi.

An inkjet printer is made of the following parts:

•Printhead •Ink cartridge •Stepper motor

•Stabilizer bar •Belt •Paper Tray

•Rollers •Paper tray stepper motor. •Control Circuitry

4. Laser Printers
Laser printers are the most popular printers that are mainly used for large scale
qualitative printing. They are among the most popularly used fastest printers available in
the market. A laser printer uses a slight different approach for printing. It does not use
ink like inkjet printers, instead it uses a very fine powder known as ‘Toner’. Componetns
of a laser printer is shown in the following image:

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HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

Hardware:
Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of a computer, i.e. the
components that can be seen and touched.
Examples of Hardware are the following −
•Input devices − keyboard, mouse, etc.
•Output devices − printer, monitor, etc.
•Secondary storage devices − Hard disk, CD, DVD, etc.
•Internal components − CPU, motherboard, RAM, etc.
Q) WHAT IS A SOFTWARE?
A) A software can be defined as a complete set of written instructions written by the
programmer which enables the computer to obtain the solution of problem. Software is
a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific
tasks.
Q) WHAT ARE THE NEEDS FOR SOFTWARE?
A) software is a collection of instruction that enable the user to interact with a computer,
its hardware, or perform tasks. Without software, most computers would be useless.
The role of computer software has undergone significant change over a time span.
1.Secure and Reliable: In todays time, as we all know data plays a major role in any
organization. And keeping the data secured is even more important. By choosing
softwares , you automatically enter into a fully secured
2.Time efficient: Softwares keeps its promise to the customer for developing the project
in the said and the pre-mentioned time. if you choose software ,you will not have to wait
for ages to get your own product deployed to you.
3. customer Friendly: Softwares provides you with the best customer service. To provide
you with the best customer relationship the you will ever have. this increases the scope
of continuous improvisation.
4.Cost Efficient: At softwares , we develop a project within your chosen budget. It has
the convenience of flexible payment.

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5.Skilled and experienced labor:Teams will work dedicatedly towards your project and
will devote full time and effort towards it. The team is highly experienced and proficient
and will develop software suiting your business needs in the most technologically
advanced manner.
Q WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF SOFTWARE ? EXPLAIN IN DETAIL?
A) Software is a language of computer like human language, Computer software can be
divided into two groups based on their use and application. These are –
1.System software
2.Application software

1.SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is the low-level software required to manage computer resources and
support the production or execution of application programs. system software –a set of
programs that organize, utilize and control hardware in a computer system. It helps run
the computer hardware and system. System software includes
A. Operating system
B. Utility programs
C. Programming languages
D. Language translators
A.OPERATING SYSTEMS
The operating system is a software program that acts an interface between the user and
the computer. This system is used as a base for creating and processing application

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software and to control and manage hardware components such as keyboard, monitor,
printer etc. Thus, it is a system which is used to control all activities of the computer.
windows, mac OS,UNIX,LYNUX and DOS are all examples of operating system.
B.UTILITY PROGRAMS
Utility programs help to manage, maintain and control the computer resources. these
programs help the computer run better. These programs are available to help user with
the day-by-day chore associated with personnel computing and to keep your system
running at peak performance.
There are many different types of utility softwares and this list is hardly complete, here
are some of the main categories
•virus detection and protection programs
•Un-installer
•File compression
•Backup utility
•Network utility
•Disk scanner
C.PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES:
Programming language is a machine readable artificial language designed to express
computations that can be used performed by machine, particularly computer.
Q.WRITE ABOUT APPLICATION SOFTWARE AND EXPLAIN ITS TYPES ?
Application software is a type of computer program that performs a specific personal,
educational and business function. each program is designed to assist the user with a
particular process.
FEATURES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE:
These are created to facilitate a variety of functions ,including
•Managing information
•Manipulating data
•Constructing visuals

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•Coordinating resources
•Calculating figures
EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE:
The most common application software programs are used by millions every day and
include:
• Microsoft suit of products(office , excel, word, powerpoint )
• Internet browsers like firefox , safari and chrome
• Mobile pieces of software such as Pandora(music appreciation) , skype (real-time
online communication)
TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Types of application software are:
1. Word processor software
2. Spread sheet software
3. Presentation software
4. Graphics software
5. DBMS software
1. WORD PROCESSOR SOFTWARE
It is a software package that helps you to create and edit documents. A word
processor is a program that enables you to perform word processing function, it use
a computer to create, edit and print document of all computer applications.

2. SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE
A spreadsheet or worksheet is a file made of rows and columns that help sort,
organize, and arrange data efficiently, and calculate numerical data.

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What makes a spreadsheet software program unique is its ability to calculate values
using mathematical formulas and the data in cells. MS Excel is a commonly used
Microsoft Office application. It is a spreadsheet program which is used to save and
analyze numerical data. A spreadsheet is in the form of a table comprising rows and
columns.
CELL: The rectangular box at the intersection point between rows and columns forms
a cell.
CELL ADDRESS: is the name by which is cell can be addressed. For Example, if row 7 is
interested in column G, then the cell address is G7.
WORKSHEET: A single spreadsheet that contains rows and columns of data is called
worksheet
3. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
PowerPoint is a component of MS Office that is used to create professional- quality
presentations. It is the best selling presentation graphics software package in the world.
4.GRAPHIC SOFTWARE:
It allows to edit and make changes in visual data or images . it comprises illustration and
picture editor software, adobe photoshop and paint shop pro are a few examples of
graphics software
5.DATABASE SOFTWARE:
It is used to create and manage a database. Also known as a DBMS (data base
management system).it helps you manage your data.

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OPERATING SYSTEM (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer , user and computer
hardware. An operating system is a software which performs all the basic tasks like file
management, memory management, process management, handling input and output,
and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

Operating System Evolution

Operating system is divided into four generations, which are explained as follows −
First Generation (1945-1955)
It is the beginning of the development of electronic computing systems which are
substitutes for mechanical computing systems. Because of the drawbacks in mechanical
computing systems like, the speed of humans to calculate is limited and humans can
easily make mistakes. In this generation there is no operating system, so the computer
system is given instructions which must be done directly.
Example − Type of operating system and devices used is Plug Boards.
Second Generation (1955-1965)
The Batch processing system was introduced in the second generation, where a job or a
task that can be done in a series, and then executed sequentially. In this generation, the
computer system is not equipped with an operating system.
Example − Type of operating system and devices used is Batch systems.
Third Generation (1965-1980)
The development of the operating system was developed to serve multiple users at once
in the third generation. Here the interactive users can communicate through an online
terminal to a computer, so the operating system becomes multi-user and
multiprogramming.
Example − Type of operating system and devices used is Multiprogramming.
Fourth Generation (1980-Now)
In this generation the operating system is used for computer networks where users are
aware of the existence of computers that are connected to one another.
At this generation users are also comforted with a Graphical User Interface (GUI), which
is an extremely comfortable graphical computer interface, and the era of distributed
computing has also begun.
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Functions of Operating System

It is a collection of programs that control the application software that users run and

provides a link between the hardware and software currently running on the computer
when computer is turned on, the operating system is loaded intp the main memory from
the disk. Most of the operating systems perform similar functions.
1.Booting a computer
2.Program Management
3.Process Management
4.Memory Management
5.Input and Output Management
6.Secondary Storage Management
7.Network Management
1. Booting a computer
The operating system consists of a supervisor portion and a set of system programs,
when the computer is switched on, the supervisor portion of the operating
system(known as kernel)is loaded in the RAM from disk. this process to start or restart a
computer is called booting process. there are two types of booting
Cold Boot: when computer is switched on, the computer starts booting. This process of
booting is called Cold Boot.
Warm Boot: the process to restart the computer that already powered on is called
Warm Boot.

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2.Program Management:

User- Interface: it means how the user interacts with the computer to perform various
tasks. User runs the Application programs, opens the document, enter the data prints
the output report etc. all these are examples of user interfacing there are two main
types of user interfaces. these are

•Command-line User Interface

•Graphical user Interface(GUI)

Command-line user interface: in this the operating system provides a prompt line on the
computer screen. the command is typed manually from keyboard to perform a specific
task according to the rules and syntax of the commands. Operating system DOS is an
example of command-line interface.

Graphical user interface (GUI): in this the operating system provides graphical images on
the computer screen, which are known as icons or command buttons and represent
objects. MS windows operating system is an example of GUI.

3. Process Management:

In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which process gets the processor

when and for how much time. This function is called process scheduling. An Operating
System does the following activities for processor management −

•Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program responsible for this task is
known as traffic controller.

•Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.

•De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.

EXAMPLE: jobs submitted by users to a printer are stored in a queue and not processed
immediately. they wait until appropriate resources are available and then are processed

4. Memory Management

Memory management refers to management of Primary Memory or Main Memory.

Main memory is a large array of words or bytes where each word or byte has its own
address.

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Main memory provides a fast storage that can be accessed directly by the CPU. For a
program to be executed, it must in the main memory. An Operating System does the
following activities for memory management,
•Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in use by whom, what part are
not in use.
•In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will get memory when and how
much.
•Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
•De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs it or has been terminated.
5.Input and Output Management:

An Operating System manages device communication via their respective drivers. It does
the following activities for device management −

•Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for this task is known as the I/O
controller.

•Decides which process gets the device when and for how much time.

•Allocates the device in the efficient way.

•De-allocates devices.

6. Secondary Storage Management:

Systems have several levels of storage which includes primary storage, secondary
storage, and cache storage. Instructions and data must be stored in primary storage or
cache so that a running program can reference it.

•File Management: A file is a collection of related information defined by its creator. The
files are stored in the folders or directories. A folder may contain files and sub-folders.

 Disk Management: it is a technical task. Under some operating systems the hard-
disk can be divided up or partitioned into several virtual disks. each virtual disk
treats as physically separate disk.

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7. Network Management:

•A distributed system is a group of processors which do not share memory, hardware

devices, or a clock. The processors communicate with one another through the network.

•Establishing Internet Connection

•Controlling Network

Types of Operating System

The most popularly used types of operating system are-

•Batch operating system

•Multiprogramming operating system
•Multiprocessing operating system
•Multitasking operating system
•Time sharing
1.Batch operating system:

It means to grab all types of programs and data in the batch form then processed to
process. The main motive of using batch processing system is to decrease the set up
time while submitting the similar jobs to cpu.

Advantages-
•It saves the time that was being wasted earlier for each individual process in context
switching from one environment to another environment.
•Multiple users can share batch systems
•It is easy to manage large work, repeatedly in batch systems.

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Disadvantages

•The computer operators should be well known with batch systems.

•Batch systems are hard to debug
It is sometime costly
•The CPU utilization is low because the time taken in loading and unloading of batches is
very high as compared to execution time.
EXAMPLES
Bank invoice, Daily report, Billing system, Transaction process
2.Multiprogramming Operating system:

Multiprogramming operating system has ability to execute multiple programs with using
of only one processor machine.Main goal of using of multiprogramming system is
overcome issue of under utilization of CPU and primary memory.

Working of Multiprogramming System

In the multiprogramming system, multiple users can perform their tasks concurrently,
and it can be stored into main memory.

One real life example: User can use MS-Excel, download apps, transfer data from one

point to another point, Firefox or Google chrome browser, and more at a same time.

3.Multi-processing operating system

Multiprocessing is the ability of an operating system to execute more than one process
simultaneously on a multi processor machine. In this, a computer uses more than one
CPU at a time.

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4.Multi tasking operating system

Multitasking is when multiple jobs are executed by the CPU simultaneously by switching
between them. Switches occur so frequently that the users may interact with each
program while it is running.
Benefits: In Multitasking Operating System, memory, hard drive, and virtual memory are
better managed. Processor time is also well used as the wait time is less.

If any program generates errors then other programs running on the computer are not
affected by it. For example, if Google chrome crashes then your data in MS Word is not
affected.
5.Time-Sharing Operating Systems
Each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly. Each user
gets the time of CPU as they use a single system. These systems are also known as
Multitasking Systems. The task can be from a single user or different users also. The time
that each task gets execute is called quantum.

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1.Active State –The user’s program is under the control of CPU. Only one program is
available in this state.

2.Ready State –The user program is ready to execute but it is waiting for for it’s turn to
get the CPU. More than one user can be in ready state at a time.

3.Waiting State –The user’s program is waiting for some input/output operation. More
than one user can be in a waiting state at a time.

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