Q#1 : Define Computer.

Ans : Definition of Computer :

Computer is an electronic device that accepts data and instructions in the form of input , processes
that data according to the given instructions and produces information as output.
Q#2 : Define and compare the term, hardware and software.
HARDWARE
Definition :
The physical components of computer and
other attached input / output devices are
called hardware.
Working :
All hardware components are connected
mechanically , electrically or electronically
with each other to run the software.
Examples :
Examples of hardware includes ;
Input devices.
Output devices.
Central processing unit.
Backing storage.
Electronic circuits i.e. resistors ,
capacitors , ICs , power supply units etc.

SOFTWARE
Definition :
Software refers to the programs that
instruct computer to do related tasks.
Working :
Software provides an environment to the
user to interact with the computer and
make use of the hardware.
Examples :
Examples of software includes ;
Windows.
Ms Office.
Adobe Photoshop.
Avira Antivirus.
In Page.
Macromedia Flash.
Linux.
Dos

Q#3 : Define types of software.

Ans : Softwares are broadly classified into the two main types.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Definition :
Group of programs that are directly related
to the operating of computer hardware are
known as system software.
Functioning :
It contributes to the control and performance
of the computer system.
Types :
It includes the following types of programs.
Editor.
Language Translator.
Data Management Software.
Utilities Software.
Operating System.

Definition :
Group of programs that are designed to
fulfill users particular need or task is
known as application software.
Functioning :
It enables the computer to produce useful
work such as writing letter , making reports
and preparing accounts etc.
Types :
It is further divided into the following two
types.
a) General purpose application software.
b) Special purpose application software.

Q#4 : Differentiate between calculator and computer.

Ans : Difference Between Calculator and Computer.
CALCULATOR

COMPUTER

It is a mechanical calculating device.

It has a small screen with limited numeric keys
to perform only limited tasks like calculation.
It can only process numeric data and has small
memory that cannot store data for longer
period.

It is an electronic device that accepts data

and instructions as input , process the data
according to the given instructions and
produces information as output.
It has many keys with a large screen called
monitor.
It can process both numeric , alphabetic and
alpha numeric data and has large memory to
record for longer period by storing data.

Q#5 : Define main Advantages or Uses / Characteristics of Computers.

Ans : Advantages Of Computer :
a) Automated Production :
Computer nowadays are use for automated production and assembling works because they can
work accurately and more precisely than humans.
b) Multimedia Entertainment :
Computers are used in multimedia presentations , concerts and seminars due to their advanced
technological development in audio and visual techniques.
c) Space Exploration :
Computers of highly complex and advanced robotic features are used for space exploration ,
computers are now helping humans in finding about areas of space where they cannot travel.
d) Global Positioning Systems.
Computers use in satellites could keep the record of an objects location and locomotion through
their global positioning systems also called GPS.
Q#6 : Define capabilities of computer.
Ans : Capabilities Of Computer :
a) Speed :
Computers can process the data much faster than humans.
b) Repetitions :
Computer can perform a task repeatedly many times without any error or getting bored.
c) Accuracy :
Computers high speed processing is also accompanied with a remarkable feature of accuracy.
d) Store and recall :
Computers have a huge memory to record a vast amount of data and recall it at any time.
e) Automation :
Computers can perform a task automatically without any supervision once it is programmed
properly to execute.

Q#7 : Define limitations / drawbacks of computer.

Ans : Limitations Of Computer :
a) Dependability :
Computers cannot perform self operations they depends on humans to program them.
b) Self - Debugging :
Computer cannot debug problems in programs by themselves they need expert programmers to do so.
c) Logical Analysis :
Computers cannot perform any logical analysis by themselves nor do they take on any course of
action it must be programmed.
d) Data Handling :
Data must be provided as input to the computer to operate it cannot collect data by itself.
Q#8 : How computers evolve ? Classify their evolutionary period.
Ans : Evolution of Computers :
The time period during which the computers develop and modify themselves from simple devices to
todays complex machines are known as ages of computers. It has been classified into the three
main periods or ages.
Ages of Computers :
a) The Dark Age. ( 5000 B.C to 1890 A.D )
b) The Middle Age. ( 1890 A.D to 1944 A.D )
c) The Modern Age. ( Since 1944 )
Q#9 : Briefly explain the dark ages of computer development and the main devices used in them.
Ans : The Dark Age :
The Dark Age of the computer development is characterized by the use of the most early and simple
calculating machines that uses beads , rods , scales and moving gears.
Functionality :
They could perform only basic arithmetic and exponential calculations.
Some devices could also solve logarithms and perform binary automation.
Inventions of the Dark Ages.
a) Abacus.
f) Jacquards Loom.
b) Napiers Rods.
g) Arithometer.
c) Oughtreds Slide Rule.
h) Babbages Difference Engine.
d) Pascaline Calculator.
i) Babbages Analytical Engine.
e) G.W Leibnizs Calculator.
Q#10 : Briefly explain the middle ages of computer development and the main devices used in them.
Ans : The Middle Age :
The Middle Age of the computer development is characterized by the use of the complex
mechanical and electronic circuits to solve complex mathematical problems. They can perform huge
calculations without errors.
Functionality :
They could perform complex differential calculations and huge logarithms.
They could also store data in the form of punched cards and could be programmed.
Inventions of the Middle Ages.
a)
b)
c)
d)

Dr.Herman Holleriths Tabulating machine.

Remington & Burroughs punched card readers.
Dr.Vannevar Bushs Mechanical Calculator.
Atanasoffs first all electronic computer.

Q#11 : Briefly explain the modern ages of computer development and the main devices used in them.
Ans : The Modern Age :
The Modern Age of the computer development is characterized by the use of the complex
electromechanical technology to solve mathematical problems and also store results. They can
perform huge calculations without errors.
Functionality :

They could perform more complex differential calculations and huge logarithms. Vast amount of
data could be processed efficiently.
They could also store data in the form of electromagnetic signals on disks and use high level
language for programming.

Inventions of the Modern Ages.

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Professor Howard Aikens Mark 1 and Mark 2.

ENIAC ( Electronic Numerical Integrator And Calculator ).
EDVAC ( Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer ).
UNIVAC ( Universal Automatic Computer ) , UNIVAC I & UNIVAC II.
IBM Computers.
Apple Macintosh Computer.

Q#12 : Into how many ways computers could be classified and why ?
Ans : Classification Of Computer :
Computers could be classified into various types based on requirement. The basic types of
classification are :
a) Classification on the basis of purpose.
b) Classification on the basis of type of data handled.
c) Classification on the basis of capacity ( speed and storage ).
Q#13 : Define classification of computers according to purpose.
Ans : Classification Of Computers According To Purpose :
According to purpose the computers are generally classified as either ;
a) General Purpose Computers.
b) Special Purpose Computers.
a) General Purpose Computers :
These computers are designed to handle a variety of different common problems and to meet
general requirements of their users.
Examples :
Different hand held information processing gadgets like tablets and smart phones.
Uses :
A general purpose computer can be used for different applications as payroll , accounts , inventory
control , budgeting and sales analysis.
b) Special Purpose Computers :
These computers are designed to handle a specific problem or to perform a specific task.
Examples :
Temperature and speed measuring devices.
Uses :
Examples of special purpose computers are computers used for collecting highway tolls , satellite
tracking , air traffic control and industrial process control.

Q#14 : What are the disadvantages of Internet :

Ans : Disadvantages of Internet :
a) Hacking of Personal Information :
Providing personal information online when shopping or banking can result in hackers gaining
access to private data that can be used to steal your funds and even your identity.
b) Inappropriate Websites :
Children can often stumble upon or seek out inappropriate websites when using the Internet at
home, which can be dangerous if the child shares personal information.
c) Spamming :
Spamming refers to sending unwanted e-mails in bulk, which provide no purpose and needlessly
obstruct the entire system. Such illegal activities can be very frustrating for you as it makes your
Internet slower and less reliable.
d) Virus Threat :
Internet users are often plagued by virus attacks on their systems. Virus programs are not easily
seen and may get activated if you click a seemingly harmless link. Computers connected to the
Internet are very prone to targeted virus attacks and may end up crashing.
e) Wastage of time :
Computers nowadays have also become a source of time waste for young generation where they
spent time in playing and chatting instead of learning and studying.
Q#15 : Why we need to translate source code into machine code?
Ans : Translation Of Code :
Computers can only understand programs in machine language but we write programs in high level
languages. Therefore there must be a language translator which translates high level language into
machine language so that computer can perform our instructions. There are basically three main
types of translators used in computer.
a) Compiler.
b) Interpreter.
c) Assembler.
Q#16 : What do you mean by program and programming language?
Ans : Program :
A program is a series of human instructions that can be read by a compiler and linker, and translated
into machine code so that a computer can understand and run it.
Programming Language :
A programming language is a platform ( of certain rules ) for users to designed and
communicate instructions (programs) to a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages
can be used to create Applications , Utilities and System Programs.
Q#17 : Define source program and object program.
Ans : SOURCE PROGRAM :
A program written by a programmer in any high level language to instruct the computer is called
source program.
OBJECT PROGRAM :
Object program is the converted machine coded form of a source program. The conversion is
performed by a language translator.

Q#18 : Define the term translators and also explain their types.
Ans : TRANSLATORS :
Translators are a type of system software that translates the source program to an object program so
that computer could execute them. There are three types of language translators. Compiler ,
Interpreter and Assembler.
a) Compiler :
A compiler is a program that translates the whole high level language program to machine
language program. It makes a separate object file for the translated program. Each high level
language has its own compiler.
b) Interpreter :
An interpreter is a language translator program that translates one instruction at a time.
Interpreter does not make any object file and it translates the program every time you will execute it.
c) Assembler :
An assembler is a program that converts assembly language program into machine language
program. The assembler is a language translator for a low level programming language.
Q#19 : Define the term network and internet.
Ans : NETWORK :
A computer network is a collection of various computers and other peripheral devices connected
with each other to share their resources. It is an integration of various terminals , servers and
communication links.
INTERNET :
Internet is a globally interconnected network of computers that connects more than thousands of
networks , millions of large multiuser computers and millions of users in more than 100 countries.
Internet is sometimes simply called the Net.
WAYS TO CONNECT TO INTERNET :
a) Via an information service gateway.
You can connect your PC to the Internet via commercial information service , such as America On
Line (AOL) or Microsoft Network (MSN).
b) Via an internet service provider (ISP).
An internet service provider charges a fee for the software needed to access the internet.
c) Via network connection.
We can connect to internet using wired or wireless network usually LAN which provide us a high
speed digital link to the internet.
Q#20 : Define the advantages of internet.
Ans : ADVANTAGES OF INTERNET :
a) Electronic Mail ( E-Mail ).
Internet users can send their data and messages by using e-mail to any part of the world instantly.
b) Video Chat.
Internet has brought people closer no matter how far they are by providing online video chat platforms
like skype.
c) Social Networking.
Internet has provided people with new and innovative techniques to interact and share their
information the social networking sites is one of the example where people share their information.
d) E - Commerce.
Internet has also provided a global business platform for people to buy online and get products at
home.
e) Telemedicine.

Telemedicine allows medical specialists in one city to diagnose and treat patients in another city using
internet.
f) Online Services.
Internet is now being used for a variety of different online services like education , counseling ,
training and meeting for businesses and social purposes.
g) Searching and browsing.
Internet is a readily available source of providing lots of useful and informative information about
almost any topic.
h) Entertainment.
Internet has also become a source of providing entertainment for all age groups. We could find lots
of amazing online entertainment sites for kids.
Q#21 : Define the term computer system.
Ans : Computer System :
The term computer system means a three layered system working in collaboration with each other.
These are : Hardware , Software and live ware.
Hardware :
The physical components of computer and other attached input / output devices are called
hardware.
Software :
Software refers to the programs that instruct computer to do related tasks.
Liveware :
Liveware refers to humans that operates and maintains the designing and working of a computer.

Q#22 : Differentiate Low Level Language and High Level Language.

Low Level Language
Definition :
Machine language is low level programming
language that can be understood by computer.
Inscription :
Every instruction in machine language is consists
of a series of 0s and 1s. In assembly language the
statements are written in symbolic codes.
Programming :
It is difficult to write programs in machine
language.
Examples :
Machine Language ( Binary language )
Assembly Language.

High Level language

Definition :
High level language is english oriented language.
Inscription :
High Level languages are closer to the human
language and include statements like GOTO and
PRINT which are regular words.
Programming :
It is easier to write programs in High Level
Language because it is easy to understand.
Examples :
FORTRON , COBOL , BASIC , C-LANGUAGE ,
ADA.