m

A computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data Hprid computers are used for scientific calculations, in defence
as input from the user and processes this data under the control and systems.
of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result
(output) and saves output for the future reference and usage. BA$EDON,PURP,0SE :.,,.,,
To know about the working of a computer, hrst need to On the basis ofpurpose, computers are categorised as following
understand various terms such as Data, Processing and
Information. First of all, lets start with three basic terms:-
GeneralPurpose
These computers are designed to work on different tpes of
1. Data : Data collection ofbasic facts and figure without
is a
applications. In these types of computers the programs are not
any sequence. This data is also called as raw data. When
stored permanently rather programs are input at the time of their
the data is collected as facts and figures, there is no
execution. Personal computers, including desktops, notebooks.
meaning to it, at that time, for example, name of people,
smart phones and tablets, are all examples of general-pupose
names of employees etc.
computers. Various tasks can be accomplishedb_v using general
2. Processing : Processing is the set ofilstructions given purpose computers : For example *riring and ediriag iu'ord
by the user to the related data that was collected earlier to prcrcessingt. maaipulating diff'erent racr ar,J igurc m variou-s
output meaningful information. The computer does the databases. trackin g manuncrurin g ilr-enr.rn. 3 eki n g .ciendfi c
required processing bymaking the necessary calculations. calculations. controlling orsarrization's securin' s\.:rem.
comparisons and decisions. electricity consumption. building temperature erc.
3. Information : Information is the endpoint or the final ou@r.rt
of any processed work. This meaningful output data is Special Purpose
called information. Special-Purpose computers are task specific computers and are
designed to solve a particular problem. They are also known as
TYPES OF COMPUTERS dedicated computers, because these computers are dedicated
to perform a single particular task repetitively. Examples of such
Computers can be classified according to the following q,?es:
computer systems include the traffic control system ,they are
BASED ON WORK also used in video games ,navigational systems in an aircraft,
Analog u,eather forecasting, satellite launch tracking, oil exploration,
The analog computers are computer systems that measure and in automotive industries, keeping time in a digital watch, or
variations in quantities such as temperafure, voltage, speed. Robot helicopter.
etc. Analog computers are known to measure the data that varies
continuously. Other examples of analog computers include BASED ON
Voltmeter andAmmeter. PERFORMANCE
Computers can be gene::llv classified b1, size and poq'er :s
Digital follows -
bigitat computers are the computer systems that count things
by manipulation of certain discontinuous numbers and letters Micro Computer
through representation of binary digits (also called bits) in A microcomputer is a computer that uses a microprocessor as
contrast to analog computers that measures the variations in its central processing unit. Microcomputers are physically
quantities). In other words texts and graphics are treated smaller in size as compared to mainframe and minicomputers.
numerically. Many microcomputers when equipped with a kelfuoard and
Today the digital computers have replaced the analog ones screen for input and output respectively can be used as personal
.Examples ofdigital computers are desktop , personal computers, computers (in the generic sense) .Microcomputers are easier to
workstations,tablet PC etc use and also inexpensive as the memory used by them i.e
microprocessors and semi conductors have become cheaper in
Hybrid the last few years.
Hybrid computers as the name suggests are a good mix of analog E.g. : The various micro computers widely available are IBM
as well as digital computers, using an analog computer front- pcs, APPLE mac etc.the small types ofpcs like the palmtop and
end, *fiich isthen fed into adigital computer's repetitiveprocess. handheld are now becoming available.
 Computer Fundamental o.145

Minicomputer Subnotebookcomputer
It is a midsize computer. In the past few years the difference Subnotebook computers are portable computers that are even
between large minicomputers and small mainframes has lighter and smaller than a full-sized notebook computer. They
decreased significantly just like the distinction between small are light weight because theyuse a small keyboard and screen
minicomputers and workstations. Aminicomputer can support as compared to a notebook computer.
upto 200 users at the same time.
Hand-heldcomputer
E.g. : The various machines widelyavailable are vax series 8200
and 8300, honeywell(xps-I00), icl's series 36 1eve120,50,60 galaxy- These computers are portable enough to be carried in one's
21, hcl-4, nelco-5000 and others. hand- They are extremely convenient for use but due to exlremely
small size oftheir keyboards and screens they have still not
Mainframe succeeded in to replacing notebook computers.
Mainframe computers knowr as the "Big Iron" are computers
t Pahtop
that are used primarily by corporate and governmental
organizations. These computers as the name suggest fit in your palm. Due to
extremely srnall size their use is limited to phone books and calendars.
Supercomputer
Supercomputer is a term used for one ofthe fastest computers PDA
that exist today. They are deployed for specialized applications PDAs have electronic pens rather than keyboards for inputs
that require processing of highly critical data and immense unlike laptop. They also incorporate handwriting recognition
amounts ofmathematical calculations. E.g. :- Weather forecasting features. and voice recognition technologies i.e can also react
requires a supercomputer. to voice input . PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held
computers and pocket computers.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Personal Computers are computers that are designed for an Smartphones
individual user. These computers are small and a relatively Smart phones are cellular phones that function both as a phone
cheaper. anda smallpc. Theymayuse apen ormayhave a smallkeyboard.
They can be connected to the internet wirelessly. Apple,
Types oi Personal Computeri
Samsung, Sony are some manufacfurers of smart phones.
Personal computers can be classified on the basis ofits size
.There are two basic types of the traditional designs i.e the Basic Components of Computer System
desktop models and tower models. There are several variations TIIE INPIIT UNIT : The InputUnitprovides an interface
on these rwo basic types also. bdween the users and the machine, for inputing data and instruction
etc. Orie ofthe most common examples is the kefoard. Data can
Towermodel be input in manymore forms- audio. visual, graphical etc.
This model ofpersonal computer refers to a computer in which Some common input devices are listed below;
the power supply, motherboard, and other mass storage dwices l. Keyboard
are stacked on top ofeach other in a cabinet. Z Mouse

Desktop model
3. Voicedataentry
4. Joystick
Desktop model means computer that are designed to fit 5. Lightpen
cornfc-rrtabl)'on top of a desk. with the monitor sitting on top of 6. Scanner
the computer. Desktop model computers as compared to the 7. Secondarystoragedevices suchasfloppydisks,magnetic
tou,er model are broad and low, whereas tower model computers tapes etc.
are narrow and tall. The data in anyform is first digitized i.e., converted into
Notebook computer binary form, by the input device before being fed to the
Cenfral Processing unit (CP[).
Also called ultra book. These are extremely popular because
TIp OUTPUT LINIT : Likethe InputUnit, the OutputUnit
they are extremely lightweight and portable. Because of their
also pl6vides an interface between the user and the machine. A
small size ,typically less than 6 pounds or lesser than that,they
common example is the visual display unit (monitor) ofa pasonal
have become so popular. These flat-panel technologies can
computer. The output unit receives the data from the CPU in the
produce a lightweight and non-bulky display screen. The quality
form ofbinarybits. This is then converted into a desired form
of notebook display screens also differs considerably. Modern
(graphical, audio, visual etc.) understandable by the user. Some
notebook computers are very similaq to personal computers in
common oulput devices. are:
terms of computing power.
O VisualDisplayUnit(Monitor)
Laptop computer (ir) Printers
(rii) Speakers
Laptop are now a days also called notebook computers .These
The input and output unit collectively are referred to as
are small and portable .You can make them sit on your lap and
'peripherals'
workon them.
D-146 Computer Fundamental

SfORX€[::IJ.N|E,:;,,r=,,:11.;i::i11;::,1::,,1,, ;
ControlUnit
The data and instructions that are entered into the computer The control unit directs and controls the activities ofthe internal
slstem through input rmits have to be stored inside the computer and external devices. It interprets the instructions fetched into
before the actual processing starts. Similarly, the results produced the computer, determines what data, if any, are needed, where it
bythe computer after processing must also be kept somewhere is stored, where to store the results ofthe operation, and sends
inside the computer system before being passed on to the output the control signals to the devices involved in the execution of
units. The Storage Unit or the primary I main storage of a the instructions.
computer system is designed to do all these things. It provides
space for storing data and instructions, space for intermediate MEMORY ORGANISATION
results and also space for the final results. Computer memory is the stora-ee space in ,'rrmputer where
The specific functions of the storage unit are to store: data is to be processed and instructions required for
. All the data to be processed and the instruction required processing are stored. The memorr is diiided into large
for processing (received from input devices). number of small parts. Each part is calied cell. Each location
. or cell has a unique address. u-hich r.aries trLrm zero to rnemory
Final results ofprocessing before these results are released
size minus one.
to an output device.
PROCESSING UNIT (CPU) ]Iemon is primarill'of three tvpes:
Central Processing Unit 1, Cache \lemory

The main unit inside the computer is the CPU. This unit is
2. PrimaryMemory/MainMernory
responsible for all events inside the computer. It controls all 3. Secondary Memory
internal and external devices. performs "Arithmetic andLogical
operations". The operations a Microprocessor performs are
1. CacheMemory
called "instruction set" of this processor. The instruction set is CPU is much faster than memory. The problem comes u'hen the
"hard wireci" in the CPU and determines the machine language CPU issues a memoryrequest. it u'ill not get the da-r:: it neerJ ibr
for the CPU. The more complicated the instruction set is, the manyCPU cvcles. The sloricr th: n,'rr,..I. ::,':-.i:3 -'ic,,'s:he
slower the CPU works. Processors differed from one another by CPU ttill have:c'.r:r: Tl-,:. ::.:.::. ::: :'-- ,:'.::...ne 'lr
the instruction set. Ifthe same program can run on two diflerent introriuctns.:.::-.: - i:4.'.3:. :rr::,;:-,::, :-e"::1-.: CPL The
computer brands they are said to be compatible. Programs srinur .:i:.t-. E.::li:,1:-' -: ::..- .-:..--i lL3filrrl-. LS a i;n hl-Uh Speed
for IBM compatible computers will not nrn on Apple computers :elliJOI-l:.ii,: :-.;:-..-:.. ..:.-a:- a:n speed up CPU. It aCtS aS a
because these two architectures are not compatible. buncr btr.i.',':. ::.; t P - ::.J :.r:n memory.
The control Unit and theArithmetic and Lo-src unit of a computer It is used to hold thtrse p;::s c,i data and program which are
system arejointlyknonn as the Central Processing Unit (CPLD. most frequentll'used br CPU. The parts of data and programs
The CPU is the brain of any'compuler s),stem. In a human body, are transferred frorn disk to cache memory by operatin g system,
all major decisions are taken bythe brain and the other parts of from where CPU can access them.
the body function as directed by the brain. Similarly, in a
computer system, all major calculations and comparisons are
2. PrimaryMemory(MainMemory)
made inside the CPU and the CPU is also responsible for Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on
activating and controlling the operations of other units of a which computer is currentlyworking. It has limited capacityand
computer system. data gets lost when pover is switched off.

Arithmetic andlogic Unit (ALU) It is generally made up of semiconductor device. These memories
are not as fast as registers. The data and instructions required
The arithmetic and logic unit (AL[I) of a computer system is the to be processed earLier reside in main memory.
place where the actual execution of the instntctions take place
during the processing operations. AII calculations are performed
It is divided into nr-o subcategories: RAM and ROM.
and all comparisons (decisions) are made in the ALL . The data COMPARISO\ BET\ITE\ R{}I & RO\T
and instructions, stored in the primary storage prior to processing
are transferred as and when needed to the ALU where processing SR{}I DR{\T
takes place. No processing is done in the primary storage unit. Definition It is a t1 peoiR\\1, It r-. also a tl pe of
Intermediate results generated in the ALU are temporarill' R\Nl. DR{\I makes
SRANI essentialll'
transferred back to the primary storage until needed at a later
uses latches to use of capacltors to
time. Data may thus move from primary storage to ALU and
back again as storage many times before the processing is over. store charge. store birs m the formof

L
After the completion of processing, the final results which are charse.
stored ^n the storage unit are released to an output device. Speed Faster Slower
The arithmetic and logic unit (ALI-f is the part where actual Size Bigger Srnaller
computations take place. It consists of circuits that perform
Cost More eryensive per kss eryensive perbit
arithmetic operations (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication,
bit
division-over data received from memory and capable to compare
numbers (less than, equal to, or greater than).
 Computer Fundamental o-147

Capacitl' le ss 5 to l0 tirnes nrore (ii) ROM(READONLYMEMOR9

(same than SRAM ROM has further classified into three types.
,.a1i11rLrg1 ) Each tlpe has unique characteristics, but all types of ROM
memoryhave twothings in common theyare:-
-{pplicatrons Generally in snraller Conrnonly used as
applications like the nain nrnnry in o Data stored in these chips is non-volatile i.e it is not lost
personal conputers when power is removed.
CPU cache memory
and hard drive r Data stored in these chips is either unchangeable or
buffers requires a special operation to change.
A" h'ogrammableRead0nlyMemoryfROM) : Thisformof
Types Asynchronous Fast Page Mode ROM is initiallyblank. Theuser or manufacturer can write data/
SRAM DRAM program on it by using spscial devices. However, once the
Synchronous SRAM E*ended Data Out program or data is writt€n in PROM chip, it cannot be changed
Pipeline Burst DRAM Ifthere is an error in rwiting insfuctions or data in PROM the
SRAM BuTstEDODRSSM error cannot be erased PROM chip bemmes unusable.
I
Power I-ess More B. ErasableProgranunableRead0nlyMennry@PROM) :This
Consunption tpe of ROM can have its contents erased byultaviolet light
and then reprogrammed byuser/manufacturer. This procedr.re
can be carried out many times; however, the constant erasing
(r) RAM(RANDOMACCESSMEMORY) and rewriting will eventuallyrender the chip useless.
There are two $.pes of Random Access Memory or RAM, each C. ElectricallyErasableProgrammableRead-OntyMernory
has its own advantages and disadvantages compared to the other. (EEPROM) : This type of ROM works in-a similar wayto
A. SRAM(StaticRAM) Flash memory in that it can its contents can be 'flashed' for
B. DRAM(DynamicRAM) erasure ad then written to without having to remove the
chip from its environment. EEPROMs are used to store a
COMPARISON BETWEEN SRAM (STATIC RANDOM
computer system's BIOS, and can be updated without
ACCESS MEMORY)AND DRAM (DYNAMIC RANDOM
returning the unit to the factory. In many cases, BIOS
ACCESMEMOR}): updates can be carried out by computer users wishing a
Description R{\I RO}I BIOS update.
RandomAccess -. : --
:\::L- . -!--{l .: 3. Secondary Memory (Aurillary Memory)
Memry orRamb a Jl-,1'1,. :-ia ; :oi:ttoi The size ofthe main memory is verysmall if large data need to
forrnof data storage ir::.:l:-:le that Can be stored in it. Further, the main mernoryis volatiie in nature i.e.

that can be accessed nrri f,. elsih altered or the contents are lost when power supply is stopped. To
overcome these another memory is used in a computer system
randornly at any tire, reprograrmed. Stores
called secondarymemoryorthe auxiliarymemory. This is large
Definition in any order and &om mstmctions that are not
as well as non-volatile in nature. This type of memory is also
any physical locatbn, necessary forrebooting known as extemal memory or non-volatile. It is slower than main
allowing quick access up to rnake the conputer memory. These are used for storing Datallnformation
and rnanipulation. operate when it is permanently.
switched off. They are CPU directly does not access these memories, instead they are
hard wired. accessed via input-output routines. Contents of secondary
RandomAccess Read-only memory memories are first hansferred to main memory and then CPU can
Stands for
Memory access it. For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

RAM allows the ROM stores the Some Important Terms

conputerto read data programrequired to * Desktop: The desktop is the area you see when the
Use quickly to run initially boot the computer is not running applications. It consists of the
applications. It allows corputer. It only allows icons on top ofit. as well as the Start bution and other
reading and writing. reading. features. The desktop can be used to temporary store
information or to move around documents and windows.
RAM is voiatile i.e. its It is non-volatile i.e. its
contents are lost contents are retained
*' Icon: Icons are little pictures that represent different
Volatility programs or saved items. Double- clicking on the Icon
when the device is even u'hen the device is
accesses the information represent.
po*'ered off. pouered ofl
* Window: Each application opened will appear in its own
The nvo rnain types of The types ofROM window. or its own little section of the screen. Windows
Types RAM are static RAM include PROM, EPROM can be moved and resized so that you can'operate many
arrd dynamic RAM. and EEPROM. diferent applications at the same time, To learn how to
D-148 Computer Fundamental

manipulate windows, refer to the Manipulating Windows unique URL, Each web site must have its own specific
portion oflevel. address, similar to the way, each home must have a unique
* Dialogue Box: When you ask the computer to act on address in order to receive mail delivery service.
certain commandS, as to save your work, the computer will * Web Browser: a web browser is a software, installed on
need more information from you. and this will appear in a your computer, that allows you to navigate. Internet
dialogue box. These boxes contain options and commands Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer are
for computers to execute. fwo of the most commonly used web browsers.
t Start Menu: In the lower left- hand corner oftheWindows * Web Site: contains all the information offered by a
screen is the Start button. When you click on the button, particular organization, individual, or company and will
a menu will appear, which we will call the Start menu. This sometimes include links to other sites as well. Each web
menu gives you access to all the different parts and site generally starts with a home page and then links to
functions of the computer. other pages within the site containing various types of
.:. Task Bar: At the verybottom ofthe screen is a horizontal information andl or services/ products. A website can be
bar called the task bar. This bar contains (From left to made up of a single webpage document or hundreds/
right) the Start button, shortcuts to various programs,
minimizedprograms, and another section of shortcuts that
thousands, limited only by the size restrictions of the
webserver it is housed in.
I
includes sound, volume, printers and the time. * Menu Bar: Contains menu items that open up dropdown
* The Internet: the world Wide \Veb, or the Web are ail lists for related options. Among the items are options for
names used to describe the vast network of information in printing. customizing IE, coplng and pasting text,
cyberspace, available to anyone who has access to a managing Favourites. and accessing Help.
computer, a browser (software), and a connection to an .:. Navigation Toolbar: Contains icons for a variety offeatures
Internet service provider through a modem (or other including navigating among Web pages. searching the
connection such as DSL, ISDN, LAN etc). Manypeople Web using a selection of search tools, accessing and
use the terms Internet and World Wide Web (a. k. a. the managing Favourites, viewing a History of visited pages,
Web) Interchangeably, but in fact the two terms are not printing, and accessing email and newsgroups.
synonymous. The Internet and the Web are t$,o separate * Address Bar: This is not really a toolbar, but this is where
but related things. you type in the URL. (Web address) of tire page. When
The Internet is a massive network of networks, i.e. a you press the Enter key. it will take you to this address.
networking infrastructure. It connects millions of {. Home: Thehomeicontakesyoubacktothepagethatwas
computers together globally, forming a network in which on the screen when you first started IE, You can customize
any computer can communicate with any other computer your seletion.
as long as they both are connected to the lnternet. .1. Search: The search button opens up a function that uses
* BLOG: A Blog, short for weblog, is usually a personal, one or more Web search tools. You can choose the search
time stamped, online jotrrnal that apperars on awebsite. It tool(s) you want as default.
can be periodically updated b-vthe owner. sometimes called * History: The history function allows you to vier+'and select
a blogger. Many sites of fer free software to create blogs Web pages you have recently visited. You can sort your
on personal websites. items by clicking on the black triangle to the right of the
.i. Downloading: is when you take a file from some one else's word View. You can sort by size, date the number oftimes
computer and put it on your own. A file can be anlhing visited, and the order you have visited today.
from a pretty picture to the enitre text o.l'the Declaration * Mail: you can read email from this window. Choose the
oflndependence. email software you wish to use by going back to the Menu
.1. E- mail: is the more common abbreviation for Electronic Bar and choosingTools/ Internet Options/ Programs.
mail. It allows computer users locally and worlduide tc-r
exchange messages. Each user of e-mail has a mailbor BAR
address to which messages are sent
I
* Internet Service Provider (ISP): It connects you to the
Th;:::nu bar at the top ofthe screen incl:de. :-::e useful
options, i{ere are a feu highlights.
Internet.
.3. Search Engines/ Search Directories: a search engine is a
n File \en \l-indovr': You can Llpir -l : -=: -ri copyoflE
searchable database of Internet files collected by a
bi usr;r-::ils tearure. This allr.x: ":-:. ',1s11 more than
one \\',': ::ir JI a tinie.
computer program (this program is sometimes called a
wanderer, crawler, robot, worm, spider, etc) An index is
* File Edit *jth ......: \,r- -": il.: ::..;urrent Web pme
usin_q :h: ::.:,: --:'. .-: :: r::: S:..::::e editorby
created for the collected files. e,g., title, full text, size, URL,
back to the Menu bar and choosing Tools/ Internet
etc. There is often no selection criteria for these collection
offiles, except a ranking of "best fit" results.
Options/ Programs. Your choices riill be determined b1'
software installed on your computer.
* URL: stands for Uniform Resource Locator. The LIRL
specifies the internet address ofa file stored on a host
* Editi Find (on This Page): IE allows you to do a text serS
of the document on )'our screen. Choose this optio:. :.nd
t
computer connected to the Internet. Every file on the
type in the word or phrase you wish to search.
Internet, no matter what its accessing protocol, has a
 t

i
Computer Fundamental D-l49

Tools/ Shorv Related Links: IE rvill displaypages that are Text Transfer Protocol
related in cor:tert to the current page. This is a Web content IC
and tra/lic anab sis compan\: The Tools menu offers you IE
manyways to customize IE. IP
Digital Network
Provider
ADSL : Asymmetric Dgital Subcriber Line
ADC : Analog To Digital Conrrerter JPEG: Group
AI : Artificial Intelligence Kb:KitoBit
ALGOL : Algorithmic Ianguage KBPS : Kilo Bytes Per Second
ALU : Arithmetic Logic IJnit LAN: Local AreaNetwork
ANSI :American National Standards Institute LSI : Large Scale Integration
API :Application hogram Interface MAN : Metropblitan AreaNetwork
ARP : Address Resolution Protocol MB : Mega Byes
AIM : Asynchronous Transfer Mode MBPS : Mega Bytes Per Second
AVI : .\ridio \-ideo Interleave MG : Mega Bytes
CAD: Cmputer Aided Desiga MODEM : Modulator And Demodulator
CA\i r r r-lmputer .\ided N4anufacturing MP3 :Motion Pictures Experts Group Layer 3
CC\ { : t rs;o Cenified Net*'orkAssociate MPEG : Motion Pictures Experts Group
CD : Crrntp.'..: Dlsc MS:
CD R\\ : C,:,ril..;'D::. Re\\-ntrbie NTFS File System
CD\1..\ r Cod.- Drr rs:.r )'l:ltrrie.\ccess \TP:
CDROM : Compact Disc Read OnlyMemu'y OOPS:
CGI : Common Gatewaylnterface OS : Operating System
CISC : Complex lnstruction Set Computer OSi : Open Slstem Interconnection
CMOS : ComplementaryMetal Oxide Semiconductor PS: Personal Computer
CPI: Clock Cycle Per Instruction PDA: Personal Digital Assistant
CPU : Central Processing Unit PNP : PIug And Play
CRI : Cathode RayTube PPP: Peer To Peer Protocol
CI-II : Character User Interface RAM: Random Access Memory
DAC: Digital To Analog Converter RISC: Reduced lnstruction Set Computer
DBMS :Data BaseManaserrent Svstem ROM: Read OnlvMemorv
DNS : Domain Name Sptem (Server) RIF : Rich TextFormat
DRAM : Dyramic RandomAccessMemory SD RAM : Synchronous Dynamic RandomAccess Memory
DSL : Digital Subscriber Line SDRAM ; Static Dltramic Random Access Memory
DVD : DigitaiVersatile Di*- SMTP : Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
EAROM: Electricalll' \lterable Read Only Memory S\\{P : Simple Nenvork Management Protocol
EBCDIC: Extended Binarv Coled Decimal lnterchange Code SQL : Srrucrured Quen Language
EDCDIC : Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchan-ee Code SR$! : Static Random Access \'lemory
EEPROM : Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only TB: Tera Brtes
Memory TCP : Transmrssion Control Protocol
EPROM : Erasable hogrammable Read OnlyMemory TCPIP : Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol
EROM : Erasable Read OnlyMemory lfl : User Interface
ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning URL: Universal Resource Locator
FAT: File Allocation Table UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair
FIFO : First In First Out Vr\N : Virtual AreaNetwork
FPS :Frames Per Second VB: \iisualBasic
FRAM : Ferro Electric Random Access Memory VLSI: Very Large Scale Integrated Circuits
FTP : File Transfer Protocol WAN : Wide Area Network
GB : Giga Bytes WWW ; World Wide Web
GUI : Cjraphical User L.rtertace YouGet
HDD.: HardDisk Drive
HTlt,{L : Hyper Text Markup Language

"L
s-1$0 Gomputer Fundamentat

EXERCISE
1. What is called as the main folder on a storage dev-ice? (b) OverheadProjections
(a) Platform (b) Interface (c) Monitors and Overhead Proiection
(c) Root Directory (d) Home Page (d) Touch Screen Kiosks
2. Ihe box that contains the central electronic components 14. Editing a document consists of reading through the
ofthe computer is the document you've created, then .....,.. ... ,

(a) motherboard (b) system unit (a) correcting your errors (b) printine ir
(c) peripheral (d) input device (c) saving it (d) delering i:
3. Ifyou are going to a site you use often, instead ofhaving 15. To navigate to a new Web page for rvhich vou kaow the
to tlpe in the address every time, you should URL, type that LrRL in the brower's ............ and press
(rr) save it as a file (b) make a copy of it Enter
{c) bookmark it (d) delete it (a) Address bar O) Domain bar
4. For creating a document, youuse ........ command at File Menu. (c) Address button (d) Name bufton
(a) Open (b) Close 1 6. The taskbar is located .............
(c) New (d) Save (a) on the Start menu
5. A(n) ................. is created byan application. (b) at the bottom ofthe screen
(,:) file
exec.,"riable (b) software prograrn (c) on the Quick Launch toolbar
{c) dr:cument (d)
operating s}stem (d) at the top ofthe screen
6. When you cut or copy information it gets place in the 17. Which of the following are computers that can be carried
around easily ?

(a) Ciipart (b) Clipboard (a) Minicomputers (b) Supercomputers

(c) Internet (d) Motherboard (c) PCs (d) Laptops
7. To restart the computer .......:....... :. key is used. 18. The basic goal ofcomputer process is to convert data into
(a) Del + Ctrl (a) files @) tables
O) Backspace + Ctrl
(c) information (d) graphs
(c) Chl+Alt+Del (d) Reset
8. The software that allows users to surfthe Internet is called
19. Which of the following refers to the fastest, biggest and
most expensive computers ?
a/ an..............
(a) Search engine (a) Personal Computers (b) Supercomputers
(b) Intemet Service Pror:lder (ISP) (c) Laptops (d) Notebooks
(c) Multimedia application 20. A central computer that holds collections of data and
programs for manyPCs, workstations and other computers
(d) Browser is a(n)
9. A word in a web page that, when clicked, opens another (a) supercomputer (b) minicomputer
document
(c) laptop (d) server
(a) anchor (b) tlRL 21. A is an electronic device that process data,
(c) hyperlink (d) reference converting it into information.
10. The acronym filML stands for (a)- computer processor
(a) High Transfer Machine Language @)
(c) case (d) stylus
(b) High Transmission Markup Language 22. A central computer that holds collections prorrams for
(c) Hypertext Markup Language manyPCs, workstations computers is a1n)
(d) Hlpermedia Markup Language (a) supercomputer (b) minicornputer
l1 The motherboard is the........ (c) laptop (d) server
(a) circuit board that houses peripheral devices 23. Personal computers can be connecied tergether to form a
(b) sanie as the CPUchip (a) server rbr
supercomputer
(c) the first chip that is accessed when the computer is (c) network rdr
enterprise
turned on 24. Portable compulei. 3l5gr krrgr$n as laptop computer,
(d) circuit board that contains a CPU and other chips weighing benveer -1 and 10 pounds is called
12. Which key is used in combination with another key to (a) general-purpo:eapplication
perlbrm a specific task? (b) Internet
(a) Function (b) Control (c) scanner
(c) Arrow (d) Space bar (d) notebook computer
13. What is usuallyused for displaying information at public 25. Which of the following is the fastest type of computer?
places ? (a) Laptop (b) Notebook
ta) Monitors (c) Workstation (d) Supercomput6r
 Computer Fundamental o-151

26. A computer system (a) Backspace (b) Delete

(a) hardware (b) software (c) Insert (d) Esc
(c) peripheral devices (d) All of these (e) Chl
n. A_ is a large and expensive computer capable of 39. If you change Windows 98 to Windows XP, you are
simultaneouslyprocessing data for hundreds or thousands actuallyperforming
of users. (a) upstart (b) upgrade
(a) handheld computer (b) mainframe computer (c) update (d) patch
(c) personal computer (d) tablet computer q. An essential ingredient for effective multimedia
28. A personal computer is designed to meet the computing
presentations incorporates user participation or
needs ofa(n)
(a) individual (b) department
(a) irrks
(c) company (d) (b) buttons
city
(c) interactivity (d) integration
29. Ctrl, shift and alt are called _ keys.
41. In Excel, contains one or more worksheets.
(a) adjustment (b) function
(c) modifier (d)
alphanumeric
(a) Template O) Workbook
30. Super computer developed bylndian scientists
(c) Active cell (d)
Label
(a) Param (b) Super30l A. By default, your documents print in _ mode.
(c) CompaqPresario (d) CrayYMP (a) Landscape (b) Portrait
31. A computer nsed at supermarkets, departmental stores and (c) Page Setup (d) PrintMew
restaurant etc is called _ terminal 43. In Word, which menu would the user select to print a
ta) P-O-S (b) Durnb document?
(c) Intelligent (d) Smart (a) Tools (b) File
J-. Supcrcomputers _ (c) \{ew (d) Window
(e) are >nriiler in size and processing capability than 4. Which ofthe following identifies celi in Excel.
a
maLnfrarne C0mputerS (a) fonnula (b)name
tb i iIe r'trlTlIIlOfl la m3:qr1:;" .l: l.rUSehurldS (c) label (d) address
l!'r st\iltJlll tilr'L::i,J.: i': :. J:..:f.\iiii:. +5. \\hat is the package called u,hich helps create, manipulate
tdt are rarelv used by researchers .i'r.ie I.. t:e:: ^aci trf and anall'se data arransed in roq s and columns?
computing capacitr ia ) -\pplication packase
33. Help Menu is available at which button'l (b) \\brd processing package
(a) End (b) Start (c) Outlining package
(c) Turnoff (d) Restart (d) Spreadsheetpackage
J+_ To change selected text to all capital letters, click the change
46. What is used to identifu whether a data word has an odd
case button, then click
or even number of 1's ? [SSC CGL, Tier-I-2015]
(a) Uppercase (b) Upper all
(a) Sign bit (b) Zerobit
(c) Capslock (d)
Lock Upper
(c) Paritybit (d) Carrybit
35. You can keep your personal files/folders in
(a) lvly folder (b) My Documents 47. Rearranging and allocating space in memory to provide
(c) I1,I1'Files for multiple computing tasks is called
(d) MyText
,15 To restart the computer the following combination of keys ISSC CGL, Tier-I-20151
is used (a) MultiprogramminC O) Multitasking
) Del - Ctrl
i.r (b) Backspace + Ctrl (c) MemoryManagernent (d) Networking
(c) Esc+Ctrl (d) Ctrl+Alt+Del 48. In IT, the technique of delaying outgoing acknowledgements
31. Which part of the computer helps to store information? temporarilyis known as [SSC CGL, Tier-I-2016]
(a) Monitor (b) Keyboard (a) ARAcknowledgement (b) AR request
(c) Disk drive (d) Printer (c) Piggvbacking (d) Piggframing
38. Which key is used to delete one character to the 1eft ofthe
current position ofthe cursor?