Internal Assignment-1

Course BBA
Semester 1 Introduction to Computers
Total Marks 15
Name- Pratham Shah

Q.1 Attempt any two questions (5 Marks each- Word Limit-500)

A. What is a computer? Explain its characteristics.

Ans)
The word ‘computer’ literally means ‘something that computes’ or
‘calculates’. It may be defined as a device that can act upon information or data.
This is done through the execution of a program.
The dictionary definition of computer is:
“An automatic electronic apparatus for making calculations or controlling
operations that is expansible in numerical or logical terms.”
Characteristics of computers
• Speed: Internal process of computers operates at the speed of light,
limited only by the programs that control this process, and the quantum of
data under process. The speed with which a computer performs is way
beyond human capabilities to express it differently, a computer does in
one minute what a human being could take a lifetime.
• Accuracy: The accuracy of a computer is consistently high. Errors can
occur, but these are almost always due to human error rather than
technological weakness. Imprecise thinking by the programmer,
inaccurate data, or poorly designed systems is the origin of an error.
• Diligence: The computer is a machine, that does not suffer from the
human traits of tiredness. Nor does it lose concentration even after
working continuously for a long time. This characteristic is especially
useful for those jobs where the same task is done again and again.
• Versatility: Multiprocessing features of a computer make it quite
versatile in nature. Versatility is one of the most wonderful things about
 computers. One moment, it is preparing the results of a particular
examination, the next moment it is busy preparing electricity bills, and in
between it may be helping an office secretary to trace an important letter
in seconds.
• It can perform different types of tasks with the same ease. Al! that is
required to change its talent is to slip a new program into it. Briefly, a
computer is capable of performing almost any task provided that the task
can be reduced to a series of logical steps.
• Storage: Large volumes of data and information can be stored in the
computer and also retrieved whenever required. A limited amount of data
can be stored, temporarily, in the primary memory. Secondary storage
devices like floppy disks and compact disks can store a large amount of
data permanently.
 B. Explain in detail about types of networks.

Ans)
A network is a group of computers and other devices, such as printers and
scanners, connected by a communication link, enabling all the devices to
interact with each other and share applications, data and hardware components.
Types of networks
• Local Area Network (LAN)-
o It is a small network of connected computers, wherein computers
are connected physically with the help of wire or cable.
o Each computer may work with peripheral devices such as printers,
and data storage devices.
o Connected computer must be within a certain radius limit;
generally, one kilometre. In other words, LAN is confined to a
small area.
o Two or more LANs can be connected with the help of Bridges or
Gateways.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)-
o It is a bigger network of connected computers, wherein computers
are connected to each physically with the help of fibre optic cable.
o Each computer may work with peripheral devices such as printers,
and data storage devices.
o Connected computers must be within a certain radius limit;
generally, 40 to 60 kilometres. In other words, MAN is confined to
a bigger area.
o Two or more MANs can be connected with the help of Bridges or
Gateways
• Wide Area Network (WAN)-
o It is a large network of connected computers, wherein computers
are connected with the help of various communication facilities
such as long-distance telephone services, satellite transmission,
undersea cables etc.
o Each computer may work with peripheral devices such as printers,
and data storage devices.
o WAN covers a wide geographical area. The connected computers
can be anywhere in the world.
o MAN can be connected to WAN.
Network Structure (Architecture)
• Server-based Network- This type of network has certain computers
(servers) that are especially dedicated to providing various services to the
other computers (nodes). In this architecture, when a node requires any
information from the server, it requests the file containing the
information, the file is then downloaded from the server to the node and
then processing is done by the nodes.
• Client-server network- This type of network has certain computers
(services) that are especially dedicated to providing various services to
other computers (clients). In this architecture, when a client requires any
information from the server, it requests the server about the information;
the server then, will process the data and return just the requested
information to the client. Nodes work as input/ output devices.
• Peer-to-peer network- In peer-to-peer architecture, there is no dedicated
server. All computers are equal and therefore, termed as peers. Each
computer functions as a server and a client. It is suitable only for a
limited number of users.
Q.2. Write short notes on the following topics (1 Mark each-
Word limit-100)
A. Computer generations

Ans)
• First generation
o The period of the first generation was from 1946-1959.
o Vacuum tube technology
o Unreliable
o Machine language
o Costly
o Generated a lot of heat
o Slow input and output devices
o Huge Size
o Need for AC
o Consumed a lot of electricity
• Second generation
o The period of the second generation was from 1959-1965.
o Use of transistors
o More reliable
o Smaller
o Generated lesser heat
o Consumed lesser electricity
o Costly
o AC required
o Supported machine and assembly languages
• Third generation
o The period of the third generation was from 1965-1971.
o IC used
o More reliable
o Smaller
o Generated lesser heat
o Faster
o Lesser maintenance
o Costly
o AC required
o Consumed lesser electricity
 o Supported high-level language
• Fourth generation
o The period of the fourth generation was from 1971-1980.
o VLSI technology used
o Cheap
o Portable and reliable
o Use of PCs
o Small
o Pipeline processing
o No AC required
o Internet
o Development in networks
o Easily available
• Fifth generation
o The period of the fifth generation was from 1980-till date.
o True artificial intelligence
o Natural language processing
o Parallel processing
o Superconductor technology
o User-friendly
o Availability of powerful and compact computers at cheaper rates.
 B. Types of communication services

Ans)
• Data representation
Data comes in different forms:
o Text- represented as a bit pattern.
o Number- represented by a bit pattern.
o Image- represented by a bit pattern.
o Audio- in continuous form.
o Video- produced as a continuous entity.
• Data transmission
o Simplex mode- data flows in one direction.
o Half duplex mode- data is transmitted back and forth between 2
stations, but only in one of the directions at a given point in time.
o Full duplex mode- data is simultaneously sent and received
between two stations.
• Centralised network
The server does the entire process and the output is transferred to the
nodes.
• Distributed processing
A task is divided among multiple computers.
 C. Components of Windows OS

Ans)
Windows consists of the following components:
• Desktop
• Taskbar
• Start menu
• Maximise, minimise and close buttons
• My computer
• Right click menu
• Recycle bin
• Shortcut
• Mouse functions
• Highlight
• Copy, cut and paste
• Toolbar
• Drag and drop
• File extension
• Multitasking
• Virtual keyboard
• Disk drive
• Defragmenting hard drive
 D. Advantages and disadvantages of networking

Ans)
Advantages
• Resource sharing- allows for sharing for hardware devices, and software
applications.
• Data sharing and collaboration- enables easy and fast sharing of files,
documents and information.
• Centralised data management- data can be stored and managed
centrally.
• Communication and connectivity- provides seamless communication
and connectivity.
Disadvantages
• Security risks- vulnerable to security breaches.
• Dependency on infrastructure- relies on infrastructure components.
• Technical complexity- setting up and maintaining is complex.
• Cost- significant costs.
 E. Types of processors

Ans)
• General purpose processor
o Microcontroller- reads input and responds to output.
o Microprocessor- consists of a control unit, ALU, and register.
o Embedded processor- controls mechanical and electrical
functions
o Digital Signal Processor- used for measuring, filtering and
compressing digital and analog signals.
o Media processor- deals with the data in real time.
• Application-Specific Processor
The ASSP is a semiconductor integrated circuit product used to
implement a specific function.
• Application-Specific Instruction Set Processor
The ASIP is designed for specific applications.
• Application-Specific Integrated Circuit processor
The ASIC processor is built for specific applications.
• Multiprocessor
The multiprocessor is a computer with more than one CPU.