COMPUTER NOTES

CHAPTER 01
Reading Questions:
1. What are Surface Mounted Diodes?
Surface Mounted Diodes are an advanced type of LED technology that integrate all three
colors (Red, Green, Blue – RGB) into a single chip. This helps create high-definition
images and videos with better brightness and clarity. They are commonly used in modern
display screens.
2. What is Braille? Also define Braille Printer?
Braille is a system of touch reading and writing used by visually impaired people. In
Braille, raised dots represent letters, numbers, and symbols, which can be felt by fingers.
A Braille printer, also called a Braille embosser, is a device that prints text in Braille format.
It connects to a computer and uses special software to translate text into Braille and then
prints it on thick paper using raised dots.
3. How does a Plotter work? Write its types.
A plotter is a printing device used to produce large and high-quality drawings such as
graphics, charts, tables, and diagrams. Plotters work by moving a pen or inkjet head
across the surface of paper or polyester film to draw images.
Types of plotters include:
Micrographic Plotters Inkjet Plotters Drum Plotters Flatbed Plotters
4. Differentiate between RAM and ROM?
RAM ROM
Provides short term (temporary) storage. Provide long term (permanent) storage.
Used in normal operations. Used for startup process of the computer.
Stores the user’s data. Data is stored by the manufacturer.
Volatile memory; data vanishes when the Non-Volatile memory; retains data even if
power supply cuts. the power is turned off.
Data can be read, written, and erased any Data is pre-recorded hence it can only be
number of times. read.

5. Explain Central Processing Unit?

CPU is the brain of the computer. It carries out instructions from the software and controls
how all parts of computer work together. CPU has two main parts: Control Unit (CU) and
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU).
The Control Unit manages and controls the activities of the computer. It tells other parts
of the system like memory, input/output devices, and the ALU, what to do and when to do
it.
The ALU performs all arithmetic like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division and
logical operations like comparing numbers.
6. What are Ports and Expansion Slots?
Ports are sockets on the outside of the system unit used to connect external devices such
as a keyboard, mouse, USB drive, or printer. They allow data to be transferred between
the computer and connected devices.
Expansion slots are slots on the motherboard inside the system unit. They are used to
insert extra hardware components like graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards to
enhance the computer’s performance or add new features.
7. Explain the structure of Hard Disk Drives?
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) contain spinning metal disks coated with magnetic material.
They use magnetic fields to magnetize tiny sections of these disks. Each tiny magnetized
section stores one bit of data. These disks spin at high speed, and a read/write head
accesses data from them.
8. What makes Solid State Drives more reliable than Hard Disk Drives?
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are more reliable than Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) because they
have no moving parts. This makes them more durable and shock-resistant. SSDs are
also faster, smaller, lighter, and produce no noise. They are ideal for thin and lightweight
devices like laptops.
9. Define Software? Give examples.
Software is a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do. It is needed
to run, control, and manage the hardware of a computer system. Without software, a
computer cannot function. There are two main types of software: System software (like
Windows) and Application software (like MS Word).
Examples: Windows, MS Word, PowerPoint, Google Chrome.
10. What is an Operating System?
An Operating System is a collection of programs that manages and controls the computer.
When the computing device starts up, Operating Systems are loaded into RAM, and have
access to the hard drive. There are multiple Operating Systems e.g., Windows, Mac OD,
Android, iOS.
11. What is a Compiler? How does it work?
A Compiler is a language translation program. It translates a high-level computer
language program to machine language program. The compiler reads and translates the
whole program to machine language in one go and reports the errors. The translated
program (object program) is saved permanently for future use.
12. What is an Interpreter? Explain its working?
An interpreter is a language translator that translates high-level language program into
machine language program. It translates one statement of the program and executes it.
It does the same for each statement until all the statements are translated and executes.
Interpreter is a small program compared to the compiler. It does not save the translated
code. If the same instruction is needed again, the process will be repeated.
13. Define System Utilities?
System utilities are software tools that help manage, maintain, and control computer
system resources. They perform tasks such as disk cleanup, file management, antivirus
scanning, and system updates. These utilities help improve the performance and security
of a computer.
14. Define Defragmentation Software?
A Defragmentation software is a utility software that helps organize the data on a hard
disk. Usually, files are fragmented and stored in different location in the memory which
makes the computer slow.
Defragmentation software rearranges these file pieces and puts them back together in
one place. This helps the computer run faster and improves performance.
15. Data Compression Software?
Data compression software is a type of utility program that reduces the size of files so
they take up less storage space. It works by removing repeated or unnecessary data,
making the file smaller without losing important information. This helps in saving disk
space and makes it faster to share or transfer files over the internet.
16. What do you know about Backup Software?
Backup software is a type of utility program that helps create copies of important files,
folders, or the entire system so they can be restored in case of data loss. It protects your
data from being lost due to accidents, hardware failure, viruses, or system crashes.
17. What are Device Drivers, Explain in detail?
Device drivers are special programs that allow the computer to communicate with
hardware devices. Every hardware device, like a printer, keyboard, or mouse, needs a
driver so the operating system can understand how to use it properly.
18. Explain the types of Application Software.
General Purpose Software:
These are software programs used for common tasks that many people do. They are not
made for one specific job.
Examples: MS Word (for writing), Excel (for calculations), PowerPoint (for presentations),
and web browsers.
Special Purpose Software:
These are software programs made for a specific task or job. They are designed to do
one particular thing.
Examples: ATM software, hospital management software, or airline booking systems.

Exercise Questions:
1. Define and differentiate between hardware and software.
Hardware Software
he physical components of the computer he programs needed to run or operate the
that we can see and touch computer systems
Examples include: mouse, printer, Examples include: Windows OS, MS
keyboard, LCD word, Linux, Norton Antivirus
Hardware can be classified into: Software can be classified as:
• Input • System software
• Output • Application software
• System unit
• Communication devices
• System storage

2. What do you understand by components of hardware?

Main components of hardware are:
Input: accepts input from the user and converts it into a form understandable by
computer, examples include, keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc.
Output: provides information to the user in an understandable format. Examples include,
LCD, printer, speaker, etc.
System unit: contains all the interior parts of the computer such as motherboard, CPU,
expansion. slots, memory, etc.
Communication devices: these enable the computer to send and receive data to or from
the user. For example, network devices.
 System storage: as the name suggests, these are the devices that store the data.
Examples include, HDD, SDD and external storage devices such as USB.
3. What do you understand by an operating system? Give two examples.
Operating system is a collection of programs that manages and controls the computer
and other applications installed in the computer. Examples include: Windows OS,
Android.
4. Identify a few instances where an operating system is used.
LCD projector can be used:
I. In classroom to show images, video and other information to the entire class.
II. In trade-shows or business meetings to display information to larger audiences.
5. Smart cards hold a great deal of personal information about an individual.
Examine the hazards of having so much information in one place.
Having all the information can be a huge security threat and can result in identity theft
i.e. stealing someone’s information and using it in a wrong way. If a users’ smart card is
compromised, the information can be stolen and can be misused against the user.
6. What are the major tasks of system software?
The system software helps with the following tasks:
I. Helps to manage the computer resources such as CPU and memory.
II. Provides an interface to the user to perform tasks seamlessly.
III. Helps to manage input and output functions of the computer
7. What are the characteristics of second-generation computers?
Second generation computers had following features:
I. Used transistors
II. Smaller, cheaper and faster than first generation computers
III. Relied on punch card for inputs
IV. Contained all the components that we see today in modern-day computers
8. What were the limitations of first-generation computers?
Limitations of first-generation computer:
I. High power consumption
II. Low operating speed
III. Expensive to build
IV. Limited functionality; could solve one problem at a time
9. How have the advances in computer technology affected our modern day-to-
day lives?
The advances in computer have significantly impacted our lives in the following ways:
 I. The communication has become much faster. It is easier to reach out to people.
II. Processes have become automated, which helps us perform tasks in a matter of few
hours.
III. With convenient access to information, it is easier to stay aware of things happening
around us.
10. Make a list of early calculating devices. DO we still use any of them today?
Early calculating devices include:
Abacus: It is still used in school to teach kids basic mathematical concepts of place
value.
Napier bones: It is used to perform basic math calculations such as addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division. It was used to find square root of a number too.
It is used today to study practical application of mathematics.
Pascaline: It was also used to perform math calculations such as addition, subtraction,
multiplication and division. It could perform division of numbers up to hundreds and
thousands.
11. Compare and contrast the two calculating machines of “Napier’s bones” and
the “Pascaline”. Do you think one was more advanced than the other? Why?
Napier’s bones Pascaline
Numbers carved on bones or strips of Rectangle box with movable wheels
wood
Used to perform basic math operations Could perform addition, subtraction,
such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Perform
multiplication and division and find square division up to hundreds and thousands.
root of a number.
Both the devices were used for calculations and each had their distinguishing features
in terms of functionality. However, Pascaline was more advanced in terms of its usability
as the device has movable wheels which made it easier to use.
12. In fourth generation computers, what do you think was the biggest advantage
for using microprocessors? Justify your response.
The microprocessors contain all components on a single chip which makes it very cost
and performance efficient for the users. The processing speed has become much faster
and have larger storage capacities that are cheaper than the earlier ones.
13. Do you think that, in the future, artificial intelligence might replace teachers in
the classroom? Give reasons for your answer.
Artificial intelligence may help automate the teaching process, but it cannot replace
teachers. Teachers understand students' needs and make learning more engaging. AI
can guide, but real learning needs a human touch.
Application Based Questions:
1. Draw a table as shown below. Identify the following as hardware or software
and write them under the correct heading in the table:
barcode reader, card readers, Windows 10, anti-virus software, USB drive, hard
drive, ports, expansion slots, braille printer, MS Word, photo editor.
Hardware Software
Barcode reader, card reader, USB drive, Windows 10, antivirus, MS word, editor
hard drive, ports, expansion slots, braille
printer

2. Kabir’s father has purchased a computer and installed Windows 10 and Quick
Heal software.
a. Identify the types of software: system software or application software that
he has installed.
Application software: Quick Heal
System software: Windows 10.
b. When the computer is switched on, which kind of software is first loaded
onto the memory?
When the computer is turned on Operating system is the software that is first loaded.
3. Kabir’s grandfather told him about the computers that used vacuum tubes and
were very large in size.
a. Which generation of computers is he referring to?
First generation of computers, those were the computers that vacuum tubes and were
very large in size.
b. Mention the time period of this generation of computers.
First Generation Computers were used from 1940 to 1958.
c. Mention any three limitations of this generation of computers.
Large size, small storage, expensive, processing power was slow.
4. Maaz was surprised to know that even big computers cannot make their own
decisions. Then he read about artificial intelligence.
a. What do you mean by artificial intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence means the ability of the computer to simulate human-like
intelligence and perform tasks through decision making processes.
b. Which generation of computers involves artificial intelligence?
 Fifth generation
c. What can you say about the characteristics of that generation?
Fifth generation computers use artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. They
can learn, reason, and solve problems faster. They are also smaller, more powerful,
and more efficient than earlier generations.
5. Hania’s Computer Science teacher taught the students about the various
characteristics of computers. She told them that computers are versatile and
diligent.
a. How can you say that computers are versatile?
Computers are versatile because they can perform more than one type of task at a
time and have very high processing speed and power. They are able to perform tasks
with huge accuracy
b. How can you say that computers are diligent?
Computers are diligent in the sense that they can perform same task over and over
again without getting tired or making mistake.
c. Mention any one other characteristic of computers.
Another characteristic of computers is that they have a very large storage capacity,
allowing them to store huge amounts of data and retrieve it quickly when needed.