Computer Science 11 th Class

Notes
Chapter No 1
QNo1: What is computer?

ANS: A computer is a machine that can be programmed to accept data, process

data into useful information and store it for later use. A computer consists of
software and hardware.

QNO2: Define software.

ANS: A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a problem is called

software. A computer works according to the instructions written in software.

QNO3: Define hardware.

ANS: The physical parts of computer are called hardware. The user can touch the
hardware. Keyboard and mouse are examples of hardware.

QNO4: Write difference between software and hardware.

ANS: Software: It is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.
Software cannot be touched.
Hardware: Hardware is physical parts of computer that causes processing of
data. Hardware can be seen and touched.

QNO5: What is data?

ANS: A collection of raw facts and figures is called data. The word raw means
that the facts have not yet been processed to get their exact meaning. Data is
collected from different sources.

QNO6: What is information?

ANS: The processed data is called information. Information is an organized and

processed form of data. It is more meaningful than data and is used for making
decisions.

QNO7: What is information technology?

ANS: Information technology is a technology that uses computing with high
communication links to spread information from one place to another. The world
has become a global village due to information technology.

QNO8: Define system software.

ANS: System software is used to control the usage and allocation of different
hardware components and enables other application programs to execute.
Operating system, utility programs and drivers are examples of system software.

QNO9: Define application software.

ANS: Application software is used to perform various applications on the

computer. It helps a computer user to perform specific task.

QNO10: Define customized software.

ANS: Customized software is a type of application software that is designed for a

particular customer or organization. Software developed for a particular
university is an example of customized software.

QNO11: Define package software:

ANS: Package software is a type of application software that is developed for

sale to the general public. Word processor such as MS Word is an example of
package software.

QNO12: What is Bit and Byte?

ANS: Bit: The binary number 1 or 0 is called bit which is the basic unit for storing
data in computer memory.

Byte: A combination of 8 bits is called byte that can store a single character of
data.

QNO13: List four basic unit of data storage.

ANS: Bit, byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte and terabyte are basic units of data
storage.

QNO14: What is keyboard?

ANS: Keyboard is the most commonly used input device. Data is mostly entered
using a keyboard. The buttons on keyboard are called keys.
QNO15: What is QWERTY?

ANS: A standard keyboard is mostly called QWERTY keyboard because the first
six keys on the top row of letters on these keyboards are Q, W, E, R, T, and Y.

QNO16: What is pointing devices?

ANS: An input device used to control pointer on screen is called pointing device.
A pointer is a small symbol that appears on the screen in graphical user interface.

QNO17: How does a mouse work?

ANS: A mouse is an input device. It is used to control the cursor or pointer on the
screen and to give commands to the computer.

QNO18: Define trackball.

ANS: A trackball can be used as an alternative to a mouse. This device has

buttons similar to those on mouse. It has a large rotating ball on the top. The
body of trackball is not moved. The position of the cursor on screen is controlled
by rotating the ball.

QNO19: How does touchpad work?

ANS: A touchpad is a small, flat surface over which the user moves his fingers.
The movement of the fingers moves the cursor on the screen. It is also known as
track pad.

QNO20: Define touch screen.

ANS: A touch screen is a touch sensitive display device. The user can touch
different parts of the screen with fingers or stylus to input data and issue
commands.

QNO21: Define pointing stick.

ANS: Pointing stick is a pressure sensitive device. It is similar to a pencil eraser

and exists between keys on the keyboard. The pointer on the screen moves when
the user pushes the pointing stick.

QNO22: What is digitizer or graphics tablet?

ANS: A graphic tablet consists of a flat pad connected to a stylus or puck by wire.
A stylus is a pen like device used to create sketches and images. A puck is a
copying device used to copy an image. A puck looks like a mouse.
QNO23: Describe light pen.

ANS: A light pen is a hand held pointing device. It looks like a pen. It is connected
to the computer by a wire. The pen sends information to the computer when user
touches the pen on specific area of specially designed screen.

QNO24: Define joystick.

ANS: A joystick consists of a base and a stick. The stick can be moved in any
direction to move an object around the screen. It can perform similar function to a
mouse or trackball. The most common use of joystick is for playing computer
games.

QNO25: What is the use of source data entry devices?

ANS: Source data entry devices are used for direct data entry to the computer
system. The devices provide a quick and efficient way to input data.

QNO26: Differentiate between hypermedia and multimedia.

ANS: Hypermedia is a process of creating links to files that contain photographs,

audio, video and text etc. Multimedia is a collection of graphics, animation, audio
and video presented by computer.

QNO27: What is use of barcode reader?

ANS: Barcodes are the vertical lines of different widths and spaces. Barcode
reader uses a laser beam to read barcodes and translate them into digital signals.
The barcode system is called Universal Product Code (UPC).

QNO28: What is UPC?

ANS: UPC stands for Universal Product Code. It is mostly used in barcode
system. It is printed on most of the manufactured products. It represents the
information about the product.

QNO29: Define MICR.

ANS: MICR stands for Magnetic-Ink Character Recognition Reader. It is used to

read text printed with magnetic ink. It is used by bank for check processing.

QNO30: Define OCR.

ANS: OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It reads printed character in
particular font and convert them into digital code. OCR characters appear on
utility bills and price tags in departmental stores.
QNO31: Define OMR.

ANS: OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition. It is also called mark sensing
device. These devices use light beam to read data. The data is converted into
digital signals. The signals are then send to computer for further processing.

QNO32: What is the use of fax machine?

ANS: It is used to send and receive information printed on paper through

telephone lines. Fax machine scans document and convert it into digital form and
then transmits.

QNO33: What is digital convergence?

ANS: Digital convergence means that various industries merged electronically to

exchange information. These industries are computers, electronics,
telecommunication and mass media etc.

QNO34: Define pixel.

ANS: Pixel stands for picture element. Pixels are the dots that form images on
monitor. The higher number of pixels increases image sharpness.

QNO35: Differentiate between soft copy and hard copy.

ANS: Softcopy: Softcopy is in electronic form. It is easier to modify. It is stored

on storage devices.
Hard copy: Hardcopy is in printed form. It is difficult to modify. It is tangible. It is
printed on paper.

QNO36: What is difference between input devices and output devices?

ANS: Input devices: Input devices given data and information to the computer.
Input devices take data and instructions from the user and convert it in a form
that is understandable by the computer.
Output devices: Output devices get information to the computer. Output devices
take information from the computer and convert it in a form that is
understandable by the user.

QNO37: What is difference between direct input and indirect input?

ANS: Direct input: In direct input data is entered directly into the computer from
the sources. For example, a speech is directly entered into computer through
microphone.
Indirect input: In indirect input data is entered into the computer after
intermediate handling. The data entered in computer through keyboard or mouse
is example of indirect input.

QNO38: What is difference between input and output?

ANS: Input: Anything given to the computer such as data or instructions is called
input. Input is mostly given by keyboard.
Output: The data that has been processed into useful information is called
output. The output may consist of text, graphics, audio and video etc.

QNO39: What is fax modem?

ANS: Fax modem is a circuit board inside the system unit. It can send and receive
documents to and from another computer or fax machine.

QNO40: Define audio input.

ANS: The process of entering any sound into the computer is called audio input.
It may include speech or music etc.

QNO41: Define video input.

ANS: The process of entering full-motion recording into the computer is called
video input or video capture.

QNO42: What is display screen?

ANS: A display screen is an output device that displays text, graphics and videos.
It is also called monitor or screen. It is the most common output device.

QNO43: Describe CRT monitor.

ANS: CRT monitor is an older type of monitor. It looks like a television. It can
display text, graphics and videos. It is large and heavy. It uses more energy and
emits harmful radiations.

QNO44: Describe LCD.

ANS: LCD monitor is modern type of monitor. It can display text, graphics and
videos etc. It uses liquid crystal technology. It does not emit harmful radiations.

QNO45: What is a printer/

ANS: A printer is an output device that prints characters, symbols and graphics
on paper. The printed output is called hardcopy. Printer resolution is measured in
dots per inch (dpi).
QNO46: Define impact printer.

ANS: An impact printer works like a typewriter. It prints characters or images by

striking a print hammer or wheel against an ink ribbon. The impact printer is used
where a low cost printing is required.

QNO47: Define non-impact printer.

ANS: A non-impact printer prints characters and graphics on piece of paper

without striking the paper. Some of these printers use spray ink while other use
heat and pressure to create images.

QNO48: