DELTA CENTRAL COLLEGE OF MANAGEMENT AND SCIENCES (DECCOMS)

IN AFFILIATION WITH
TEMPLE GATE POLYTECHNIC
ABA, ABIA STATE.
COURSE TITLE: ICT (COMPUTER PACKAGES)
COURSE CODE: HBF 317 DEPARTMENTS: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
TIME ALLOWED: 2 HOURS INSTRUCTIONS: ANSWER FIVE QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
1a. Define a computer by making reference to Charles Babbage (4 marks)
1b. List the components of a computer system (4 marks)
QUESTION 2
2a. Give a comprehensive overview of the five generations of a computer (14 marks)
QUESTION 3
3a. List the various types of computers On the basis of Size (5 marks)
3b. Explain the concept of hardware and software (4 marks)
3c. Give three examples of application software and two examples of system software
(5
marks)
QUESTION 4
4a. List four imput devices (4 marks)
4b. What is an Optical Mark Recognition and Optical Bar Code Reader (6 marks)

4c. What are impact printers. List the two types (4 marks)

QUESTION 5
5a. Explain the four categories of display screen technology (12 marks)
Display Devices
5b. What do you understand by the “main memory” of a computer (2 marks)
QUESTION 6
6a. List and explain five devices used to store data in a computer (10 marks)
6b. What is an operating system (2 marks)
6c. Enumerate two important functions of an operating system (2 marks)

QUESTION 7
7a. The categories of the operating system is divided into four. Discuss these categories
(12
marks)
7b. Mention two basic characteristics of a computer (2 marks)
 MARKING SCHEME
1a. Define a computer by making reference to Charles Babbage (4 marks)
A Computer is an electronic device, which take some input and after processing this
input it gives some result that is called output. Computer derives its name from the
word Compute that means calculation. It can be said that Computer is a device used for
calculation. Computer is developed by CHARLES BABBAGE
Nowadays Computer is not only limited to computation, but also used for making
phone calls, maintaining databases, listening songs, viewing movies etc, so a more
formal definition of Computer is required. Computer is an electronic device that
processes or transforms data into useful information by executing a series of predefined
instructions

1b. List the components of a computer system (4 marks)

Components of Computer System
Computer system is made up of a number of components. These are
1.Input devices
2.Memory unit
3.Central processing unit
4.Output devices

1c. List and explain the two types of non-impact printers (6 marks)
1. Inkjet Printer
It is a non-impact character printer. It fires a fine jet of dots of quick drying ink onto the
paper to form character or dot graphics by using an electrostatic field. When
Continuous stream inkjet printers are used, droplets of ink are electronically charged
after leaving a nozzle.

2. Laser Printers
They are page printers, i.e., print a whole page at a time. Laser printers write the desired
output image on a copier drum with a light beam that operates under computer control.
A difference in a electric charge is created on those parts of the drum surface exposed
to the laser beam.
2a. Give a comprehensive overview of the five generations of a computer (14 marks)

The Five Generations of Computer

The history of computer development is often referred to in reference to the different
generations of computing devices.

1. First generation – Vacuum Tubes

The first computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry and magnetic drums for memory,
and were often enormous, taking up entire rooms. They were very expensive to operate
and in addition to using a great deal of electricity, generated a lot of heat, which was
often the cause of malfunctions. First generation computers relied on machine language
to perform operations, and they could only solve one problem at a time. Input was
based on punched cards and paper tape, and output was displayed on printouts.

The UNIVAC and ENIAC computers are examples of first-generation computing

devices. The UNIVAC was the first commercial computer delivered to a business client,
the U.S. Census Bureau in 1951.

2. Second Generation - 1956-1963: Transistors

Transistors replaced vacuum tubes and ushered in the second generation of computers.
The transistor was invented in 1947 but did not see widespread use in computers until
the late 50s. The transistor was far superior to the vacuum tube, allowing computers to
become smaller, faster, cheaper, more energy-

High-level programming languages were also being developed at this time, such as early
versions of COBOL and FORTRAN.

3. Third Generation - 1964-1971: Integrated Circuits

The development of the integrated circuit was the hallmark of the third generation of
computers. Instead of punched cards and printouts, users interacted with third
generation computers 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 than
their predecessors.

4. Fourth Generation - 1971-Present: Microprocessors

The microprocessor brought the fourth generation of computers, as thousands of
integrated circuits were built onto a single silicon chip. In 1981 IBM introduced its first
computer for the home user, and in 1984 Apple introduced the Macintosh.
Microprocessors also moved out of the realm of desktop computers and into many
areas of life as more and more everyday products began to use microprocessors.
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 handheld
devices.
Fifth Generation - 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 Fifth Generation Computer Systems project (FGCS) was an
initiative by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry, begun in 1982, to
create a "fifth generation computer" (see history of computing hardware) which was
supposed to perform much calculation utilizing massive parallelism

Types of Computer
On the basis of working principle

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.
.Example: Thermometer, Speedometer, Petrol Pump Indicator, Multimeter
b) Digital Computer
A computer that performs calculations and logical operations with quantities
represented as digits, usually in the binary number system.

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.
3a. List the various types of computers On the basis of Size (5 marks)
a) Super Computer
The fastest 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.
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.
c) Mini Computer
A midsized computer. In size and power, minicomputers lie between workstations and
mainframes. In the past decade, the distinction between large minicomputers and small
mainframes has blurred, however, as has the distinction between small minicomputers
and workstations. But in general, a minicomputer is a multiprocessing system capable of
supporting from 4 to about 200 users simultaneously
d) Micro Computer
i. Desktop Computer: a personal or micro-mini computer sufficient to fit on a desk.
ii. 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
iii.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.
e)Workstations
A terminal or desktop computer in a network. In this context, workstation is just a
generic term for a user's machine (client machine) in contrast to a "server" or
"mainframe."

3b. Explain the concept of hardware and software (4 marks)

Hardware
The electronic circuits and mechanical components of a Computer such as hard disk,
printers, central processing unit, keyboard, mouse, motherboard and other peripheral
devices, which ere tangible in nature, or which can be felt, touched are known as
hardware.
Software
Programs namely the list of instructions to be executed by Computer is known as the
software of the Computer. There are different: types of software depending on the
requirement of user or Computers. Software fails into two general categories:
a)System Software
b)Application Software
c)utility software

3c. Give three examples of application software and two examples of system software
(5 marks)
Application software
Refers to the programs, which allow the Computer to carry out specific tasks related to
the users.
Example Ms- Office, Tally, Adobe etc.

System software
System software are those software which is necessary for our system without system
software our system could not work anything.
Example: - Operating System and Compiler

4a. List four imput devices (4 marks)

Keyboard
Mouse
Light Pen
Voice / Speech Input
Scanners
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

4b. What is an Optical Mark Recognition and Optical Bar Code Reader (6 marks)
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR): These devices can sense marks on computer readable
papers. The optical mark recognition devices then directly read these answers sheets
and the information sent to a computer for processing. The entrance tests and some of
the assignments are being marked by OMR.
Optical Bar Code Reader (OBR): These scans a set of vertical bars of different widths for
specific data and are used to read tags and merchandise in stores, medical records,
library books, etc. These are available as hand held devices.

4c. What are impact printers. List the two types (4 marks)
Impact Printers
Impact printers are printers that create characters by striking a print page with a print
hammer (like in typewriter). The impact printers developed for use with computers
work in much the same way as typewriters.
1. Dot Matrix Printer
This is also a character printer. In the dot-matrix printer, an arrangement of tiny
hammers strikes to produce the desired characters. Each hammer prints a small dot on
the paper.

2. Line Printer
It prints a line at a time. In the line printer, raised characters extend the length of the
drum. There are as many bands of type as there are printing positions.. Each band
contains all the possible characters. The drum rotates rapidly, and one revolution is
required to print each line. A fast acting hammer opposite each band strikes the paper
against the proper character as its passes. Thus, in one rotation, hammers of several
positions may “fire” when the A row appears, several others may strike to imprint D's,
etc. At the end of the rotation, the line has been printed.

5a. Explain the four categories of display screen technology (12 marks)
Display Devices
One of the most important peripherals in computer is the display device. Graphic display
is made up of a series of dots called 'pixels' (picture elements) whose pattern produces
the image. There are three categories of display screen technology;
1.Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
2.Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
3.Light Emitting Diode(LED)
4.Projection Displays
CRT Displays
The CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor receives video signals from the computer and
displays the video information as dots on the CRT screen. The main unit to the CRT
monitor is the CRT itself; it is usually called a picture tube. The CRT is an evacuated glass
tube with a fluorescent (phosphor) coating on the inner front surface, called screen. An
electron gun at one end (neck) emits an electron beam. This beam is directed towards
the screen. When the beam strikes the screen, the phosphor coating on the screen
produces Illumination at the spot where the electron beam strikes.

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD)

First introduced in watches and clocks in 1970s, LCD is now applied to display devices of
a computer. The major advantage of LCD is the low energy consumption. The CRT is
replaced by liquid crystal to produce the image. These also have colour capability but
the image quality is relatively poor.

Light Emitting diode (LED)

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator
lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for general lighting. Appearing as
practical electronic components in 1962, early LEDs emitted low-intensity red light, but
modern versions are available across the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared wavelengths,
with very high brightness.

Projection Displays
A large screen upon which images are projected replaces the personal size screen of the
previous displays. These are normally used for large group presentation. These systems
can be connected to computer and whatever appears on the computer terminal gets
enlarged and projected on e large screen.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing unit (CPU) is where the actual processing takes place. This is
where the calculations are performed and logical functions are carried out.
There are broadly three parts of Central Processing Unit.
Control Unit controls all the operations in computer.
All the arithmetic and logic operations are performed in Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU).
A set of registers is used for temporarily storing data or instructions in CPU. It is to be
noted that the central processor is controlled by the instructions it gets from main
memory.
5b. What do you understand by the “main memory” of a computer (2 marks)

Main Memory
Data and instructions are required to be stored in main memory from where it can be
retrieved by central processing unit for processing results. Main memory serves as a
temporary storage area for data and instructions. It is made up of a large number of
cells, with each cell capable of storing one bit. The cells may be organized as a set of
addressable words, each word storing a sequence of bits. The time to store and retrieve
a word is independent of the address of the word. This organization is also called RAM
or Random Access Memory. The main memory is very fast. Its storage capacity is in
megabytes. Nowadays most of the Computers have minimum of 128 Mbytes of RAM.
All the modern computers are now built with semiconductor main memory because of
its fast access time, low cost, small physical size and low power consumption. RAM is
further classified as either dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM)

6a. List and explain five devices used to store data in a computer (10 marks)

Floppy Disk
The floppy disk gets its name from the fact that it is made out of a flexible plastic
material. The plastic base is coated with an iron -oxide recording substance that's
similar to the material applied to the plastic ribbon of a magnetic tape. Data are
recorded as tiny invisible magnetic spots on this coating.

Hard Disk
The disk described so far is the type of disks which can be removed from the disk drive
and carried from place to place. Some disks however, are built into the computer or a
special disk drive.. Hard disks can store anywhere from 20 MB to more than 40GB. Hard
disks are also from 10 to 100 times faster than floppy disk.

Magnetic Tapes
Magnetic tapes are mounted on reels or a cartridge or a cassette of tape to store large
volumes or backup data.
These are cheaper and since these are removable from the drive, they provide
unlimited storage capacity.

CD-ROM
The CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) is a direct extension of audio CD. CD-
ROM players are more rugged and have error correction facility. This ensures proper
data transfer from CD-ROM to the RAM of the computer. CD-ROM is written using a CD
writer. Information is retrieved from a CD-ROM using a low power laser, which
ingenerate in an on optical disk drive unit.

Cache Memory
Cache memory is faster than the main memory. The cache memories although are fast
yet are very expensive memories and are used in only small size. Thus, small cache
memories are intended to provide fast speed of memory retrieval without sacrificing
the size of memory. Cache memory stores a copy of the instructions and data to be
immediately used of main memory. The memory reads or writes operation is first
checked with cache memory and if the desired location data is available in cache
memory then used by the CPU directly.
6b. What is an operating system (2 marks)
Operating System (OS): An operating system is a program that acts as an interface
between the user and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of
programs.

6c. Enumerate two important functions of an operating system (2 marks)

Following are some of important functions of an operating System.

 Memory Management Control over system performance
 Processor Management Job accounting
 Device Management  Error detecting aids
Coordination between other
 File Management software and
 Security Users

7a. The categories of the operating system is divided into four. Discuss these categories
(12
marks)

TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM

The categories are:
1. Real-time operating system (RTOS) - Real-time operating systems are used to
control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems. An RTOS typically has
very little user-interface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the system will be a
"sealed box" when delivered for use. A very important part of an RTOS is managing the
resources of the computer so that a particular operation executes in precisely the same
amount of time, every time it occurs. In a complex machine, having a part move more
quickly just because system resources are available may be just as catastrophic as
having it not move at all because the system is busy.
2. Single-user, single task - As the name implies, this operating system is
designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a
time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern
single-user, single-task operating system.
3. Single-user, multi-tasking - This is the type of operating system most people use
on their desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac OS
platforms are both examples of operating systems that will let a single user have several
programs in operation at the same time. For example, it's entirely possible for a
Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while downloading a file from
the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail message.
4. Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take
advantage of the computer's resources simultaneously. The operating system must
make sure that the requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of
the programs they are using has sufficient and separate resources so that a problem
with one user doesn't affect the entire community of users.
Unix, VMS and mainframe operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of multi-user
operating systems.
7b. Mention two basic characteristics of a computer (2 marks)

Characteristics of Computer –
1) Accuracy 4) Versatility
2) Memory 5) Diligency
3) Repetitiveness 6) Speed
8a. What is the internet (2 marks)
Define internet
Introduction: - The internet is a global network of interconnected computers, enabling
users to share information along multiple channels. Typically a computer that connects
to the internet can access information from a vast array of available servers and other
computers by moving information from them to the computer’s local memory.

8b. State six advantages of the internet (6 marks)

Advantages of internet:
1. Information
2. Entertainment
3. Services
4. News
5. E-commerce
6. Communication

8c. State five disadvantages of a computer (5 marks)

1. Spamming
2. Theft of personal details
3. Pornography
4. Virus threat
5. Waste of time and money
8d. Define a firewall (1 mark)
Firewall: -
A firewall is an executable code, the attacker could compromise that code and execute
from the firewall device. A firewall is a computer that sits between internal network and
the rest of the network and attempts to prevent bad things from happenings