TYPES OF COMPUTER

Computers have been classified into four categories.

1) Analog Computer.
2) Digital Computer.
3) Hybrid Computer.
4) Optical Computer.

ANALOG COMPUTER: Analog computers is one that measures physical values such as temperature
or pressure that all along a continuous scale. For examples, a service station petrol pump contains an
analog processor that converts fuel flow measurements into quantity and price values. These computers
are mostly used in engineering and scientific calculations. Others examples of analog computers are
Voltmeter, Ammeter and Thermometer etc.

DIGITAL COMPUTER: A digital computer is one that directly counts the numbers (or digits) that
represent numbers, letters, or other special symbols. Digital computer converts the data into digits and then
all operations are done on these digits at extremely fast rates. Digital computer basically knows how to
count the digits. They are of vital use in scientific and commercial applications because of their accuracy.

HYBRID COMPUTER: Described features of analog and digital machines are sometimes combined
to create a hybrid computing system. In hospitals intensive-care unit, for example, analog device measure
a patients’ heart functions, temperature, and other vital sign. These measurements are then converted into
numbers and supplied to digital component that monitors the patients’ vital sign and signals. These
computers are mostly used for machines or for individual process control in plants. For example Electronic
weigh balance, Electronic fuel pump unit, Digital speedometer etc.

OPTICAL COMPUTER: A Computer in which all internal circuits use light, instead of electricity are
called Optical Computers. There are definite advantages to optical circuits over electrical ones. Light
beams are neither effected by external radiation, nor by themselves. In fact light beams can cross each
other, allowing for simpler travel paths between inputs and outputs. Optical computers will be super high
speed computers (yet to be under development which shell work on quadru system logic).

Optical Network: A communications network that works completely in the optical domain. It uses optical
switches connected by optical fibers.

When people speak the word computer, most of them mean only digital computer. We will discuss all about
digital computers only.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER: Computers may be classified in two ways, purpose wise and
size wise, their classification is shown as chart below:

Classification of Computer

By Size By Purpose
Computers Computers

Super Macro Mini Micro Special

General
Computer Computer Computer Computer Purpose
Purpose

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER BY PURPOSE: The computers may be classified according to

purpose as general purpose computers and special purpose computers.

A) GENERAL PURPOSE COMPUTER: A general purpose computer is the one that can store different
programs and can be used in countless applications. The versatility of a general purpose computer is
limited by human imagination.

1
B) SPECIAL PURPOSE COMPUTER: A special purpose computer is the one that is designed to
perform only one specific task. Program or instructions set is permanently stored in such a machine.
Although it lacks versatility it does its single task quickly and efficiently.

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS BY SIZE: Size wise computers are classified into the following four
categories.

1) Micro computer. 2) Mini computer. 3) Macro computer.

4) Super computer.

This classification is very useful in gaining an understanding of the key elements of computer arithmetic
and the key difference among computers.

1) MICRO COMPUTERS: The smallest systems are called Micro computers. Some micro computers
are tiny special purpose devices dedicated to carrying out a special task, such as controlling the ignition
and fuel system in an automobile. But other micro computers are general purpose systems that are used in
countless ways. A micro computer is a computer whose CPU is using microprocessor. A microprocessor is
processor all of whose components are on a single integrated circuits chip.
Micro computer can be sub-divided into two types:

a) HOME COMPUTER
Home computers are meant for hobbyists rather than professionals. These consist of a key board. CPU
and interfaced with ordinary television and audio Cassettes. They are meant for entertainment and training.
Some popular home computers were Atari 4(X), IBM’s PC Junior, Commodore, etc.

b) PERSONAL COMPUTER (PC)

Personal Computers are called so because they are designed for personal use of individual or individual
small business. They are meant for professionals, small units and office automation systems. PCs can be
used for a variety of applications like: Computer literacy, BASIC programming. Fun and games, Home and
School application, Business and professional applications, Electronic spread sheet, Telecommunications,
Data Base Management, Accounting and Word Processing.

2. MINI COMPUTERS
By early l960, economic and technical factors combined to make small inexpensive computers attractive for
many applications. A mini computer is a small general-purpose computer. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s
advances in technology led to the increasing functionality of the mini computers. The mini computer
because a multi user or shared system. Mini computer may support dozens or even hundred of terminals
thus they are almost always found in organizations and in addition to processing the tasks submitted from
multiple workstations, mini’s can also serve as a communications link between these stations and a central
mainframe.

3. MACRO COMPUTERS
A computer that is generally more powerful than a typical mini is now often called a mainframe computer or
macro computer. Models carrying the mainframe designation vary widely in cost and performance
capability. The primary functions of mainframe today is to support large business and government
organizations need a central repository of data that can be managed and controlled centrally. Only the Main
Frame has the processing power to handle large data base systems. More over mainframes have more
that kept up with other classes of computer in terms of price and performance.

4. SUPER COMPUTERS
Super computers are the most powerful and most expensive computers. Only a few of these computing
monsters are produced each year because only a few organizations need (and can afford) their processing
capabilities. But super computers are more important to a nation. They are national resources. The
calculation needed in some scientific research and development areas simply can’t be managed without
supper computers. A nation’s leadership role in energy, space, exploration, medicine, industry and other
critical areas is unlikely to continue if its scientist must use computers that are less powerful than those
available to their counter parts in other lands.

2
COMPUTER SYSTEM ORGANIZATION:
A Computer system organization consists of following:

(1) Human ware (Live ware) (2) Firm ware (3) Hard ware
(4) Soft ware

1. HUMAN WARE (Live ware)

As we know that a computer can not do any thing by itself. It must be operated by an operator. Therefore
people are needed to study the system, to design the system to improve the system and to program the
system. These people or group of people is known as “Human ware” or “Live ware”. Remember that,
human ware is the most essential part of any computer system organization and nothing would be done
without human ware. There are three major categories of human ware as follows:

a) SYSTEM ANALYST: System analysts are responsible for the over all flow of information
among the various departments of a large institution. Working directly under management they
organize the various data processing procedures through out the institution and guide the
programmer as to the type of programs to be written. A system analyst usually has a graduate
degree in either computer science or business management in addition to several years of on the
job training. Skilled analysts are in great demand and are highly paid.

b) COMPUTER PROGRAMMER: Computer programmers are mainly responsible for

writing programs for the computer. Contrary to common belief programming is a very technical field
and programmers usually have a college degree in computer science or a related field. In addition
the programmer will need a year or two on the training experience.

c) COMPUTER OPERATOR: Computer operators handle the devices that feed data into and
out of the computer. They are also responsible for keeping the logbooks and doing other paper work
related to these devices and for the supplies used with these devices. Computer operators usually
study at vocational schools and hence receive the rest of their training on the job.

2. FIRMWARE: ROM (Read Only Memory) is a permanent memory of Computer, which is

built by computer manufacturer. ROM (Read Only Memory) has certain programs, which are necessary to
start computer. These programs can not be altered or erased by operator. These programs can erased or
changed (update) with the help of special equipment by manufacturer or any computer hardware shop. The
certain programs which are stored in ROM are called “Firm Ware”.

3. HARDWARE: It is a general term used to represent the physical and tangible components of the
computer itself i.e. those components which can be seen and touched. It includes:

i) Input devices (ii) Output devices (iii) Central Processing Unit

(iv) Backing storage

The electronic circuits consisting of resistors, capacitors, IC’s etc. inside a computer are all examples of
computer “Hardware”. All input and output devices connected to computer are collectively known as
peripherals.

4. SOFTWARE: Software is defined as sets of instructions stored as programs that govern the
operation of a computer system and make the hardware run. Software can he classified as:

(a) System Software (b) Application Software

A) SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The user of computer has at his disposal a large amount of software provided by the manufacturer. Most of
this software will be programs which contribute to the control and performance of the computer system. So
these are programs that run the computer system and aid the application programmer in doing his/her
work.
Subdivision of such system software is as follows:

(i) Operating system and control programs (ii) Translators

(iii) Utilities and service programs (iv) Data Base

3
 (v) Data Base Management System (DBMS)

B) APPLICATION SOFTWARE
These are programs usually written by programmers within an organization that enable the computer to
produce useful work such as specific inventory control, attendance accounting, medical accounting tasks
etc. Application software can further be subdivided into:

(i) User application packages (ii) Application packages

STUDY OF MICRO COMPUTER

1. DEFINITION OF COMPUTER: The computer is defined in many different words, few

definitions are listed below:

i) A computer is an electronic device which converts data/information into meaningful information.

ii) A machine which receives information, process it and present in an arranged manner is referred to
be a computer.

iii) A computer is a fast and accurate electronic symbol (or data) manipulating system that is designed
to automatically accept and store input data, process them and produce output result under the direction of
a stored program of instructions.

iv) A computer always works under a program of instructions. It is machine that can add and
subtract numbers, computer letters to determine alphabetic sequence and move and copy numbers
and letters.

v) An electronic equipment that is designed to automatically accept and store input data, process
them, and produce output results under the direction of a detailed step-by-step stored program of
instructions.

2. FUNCTION OF COMPUTER: Basically any computer is supposed to carry out four functions:
i) Accepting the data as input.
ii) Storing the data and instructions in its memory and recalling the same as and when required
(Retrieving).
iii) Processing the data as per instruction to convert it into useful information.
iv) Communicating the information as output.

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER: Here is a list of very special characteristics of

computer:

i) SPEED: The time required for computers to execute the operation such as adding and
subtracting varies from a few micro seconds (millionth of a second) for small machine to 80 nanosecond
(billion of a second) or less for larger ones. A modern computer can execute about thirty million instructions
in one second.

ii) ACCURACY: In addition to being very fast, computers are very accurate. If the input data entering
the computer are correct and if the program of instruction is reliable then we can expect that the computer
generally will produce accurate output. There is a well known word “GIGO” used in computer which stands
“Garbage In - Garbage Out”. This clearly means that if you feed in garbage (wrong or faulty data/program
instruction) into the computer, you will only get garbage (faulty result) from the computer.

iii) HIGH STORAGE CAPACITY: Computer can store a large amount of information in a very
small space and any part of information can be retrieved in a micro second or less.

iv) DILIGENCE OR CAREFULNESS OR UNTIRING: Computer makes calculations with out tiring. It
can go on working endlessly and unlike human being, does not get tired or bored. It can process a massive
amount of information and for this it is also called an information cruncher.

4
v) VERSATILITY OR USEFULNESS OR MULTITASKING: Computer helps in performing repetitive
jobs automatically and resourcefully, example variety of programs/a robot. It also helps in supervising the
motion of very fast moving article where human brain can never. It can perform by audio, visual and graphic
function at incredible speed.

vi) SMALL VARIETY OF INSTRUCTIONS: All computers especially micro computers, uses
English language like high level standard computer languages. These languages have a small instruction
set used to develop programs, with such programs complicated requirements can be handled easily.

vii) DECISION MAKING CAPABILITY: The computer can not think, but a computer can take simple
decision only due to computer programs. These programs tell the Computer or make them capable to
decide that two values are equal or not.

4. LIMITATIONS (BOUNDARIES) OF COMPUTER: Computer has some limitation against

advantages which are listed below.

i) INFLEXIBLE OR RIGID: Computer has no intelligence of its own repetitions, an invalid data
has no meaning for it, for example if we give yesterday’s date instead of today’s date computer can not
judge.

ii) REQUIRED FULL INFORMATION: The computer does what it is programmed to do and nothing
else. Each step must be clearly defined to achieve a specific goal. If any step cannot precisely stated the
result will be wrong.

iii) PORTABILITY: Hardware and software prepare for one type of computer may not be useful
for other types of computer. For this situation manufacturer must develop standard hardware and software.

iv) NEED OF BETTER ENVIRONMNET: Environment control inside the computer room and
uninterrupted power supply needed largely for computers which are imposing limitation in computer
installation.

5. FUNDAMENTAL UNITS OR DEVICES OF COMPUTER

i) Input devices ii) Central Processing Unit iii) Output devices ☺

DEVICES OF COMPUTER

1. DEVICES
These devices convert data entering the CPU into machine readable form and data leaving the CPU into a
form which human beings can read. Examples are:

i) Card Reader ii) Punching Machine iii) Cassette Drives

iv) Disk Drives v) Key Board vi) Monitor
vii) Printers viii) Plotter xi) Other I/O Devices

2. PERIPHERALS DEVICES: Peripherals devices are those devices which are attached to the
computer directly. Examples are Printers, Drives, Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse etc.

3. INPUT DEVICES: In order to process data, a computer must have the ability to receive this data.
The elements of a computer system which enter the data into the computer are known as input devices.
The input devices read or receive data which has been recorded on a particular media and make this
information available to the computer.
Following are some input devices:

(1) Key board

(2) Pointing devices

a) Mouse (b) Track ball (c) Light Pen (d) Joy stick

(3) Machine Readable Media input

5
 (a) Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
(b) Optical Character Recognition (OCR) (c) Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

(4) Voice Input/Recognition

(5) Machine Vision System

(6) Digitizer Tablet

1. THE KEY BOARD

The keyboard is an input device that is used for entering data directly into the computer. This is the most
commonly used input device. It is easy to use as it resembles the ordinary typewriter. The keyboard
attaches to the system unit with a six-foot coiled cable permitting us to position it wherever it feels most
comfortable, we can even place it on our lap. The typing angle of keyboard can be adjusted up to a 15
degree angle or down to a 5 degree angle for added comfort and convenience.
Key boards are of two types. First, the 83-84 keys keyboard have 83-84 keys and are divided in three
different parts. Second the 101-102 keys keyboard have 101-102 keys and are divided into four parts. 1st
part is called the function keys keypad, 2nd part is called the simple typewriter like keyboard, the 3rd is
called the numeric keys keypad and 4th part has an extra cursor control panel.

THE TYPEWRITER KEY AREA

This is the main part of keyboard. The letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, special character like !, @, #, $, %, &, *, -,
+ etc. may be typed by this keypad some other special function keys are spread on typewriter keypad like
Ctrl(Control), Alt(Alternate), space bar (for having space between two characters), and enter (for entering
the instruction in the processor). These keys are arranged just like those on a typewriter and behave like a
standard typewriter. There are two shift keys, a backspace key, a carriage return key (Enter), and a Tab
key.

The Modifier keys

Control (Ctrl) and Alternate (Alt) work like shift keys to modify one key at a time.
The Capital Lock (Caps Lock), Number Lock (Num Lock) and Scroll Lock (Scroll Lock) keys work like
ON/OFF switches to modify the meaning of related keys. The three LEDs are located on the upper right
corner of the numeric keypad for quick identification of shift status.

RETURN KEY The Return key works like a carriage return, it moves the cursor to start a new line.

(II) THE FUNCTION KEYS: In the enhanced keyboard a set of the twelve keys (marked as F1 to
F12) is located at the top of keyboard. All of these keys have pre-defined meanings which depend on the
application software. In GWBASIC or VISUAL BASIC these function keys perform operation. The twelve
function keys are multi-purpose keys, each key does depends on the job you’re doing. The function of each
key, if any, is often labeled on the screen.

ESCAPE KEY The Escape key is often used to “escape” from the job you’re doing and return to an earlier
one.

SCROLL LOCK When Scroll Lock is pressed, its status LED is updated. The Cursor Up and Cursor
Down keys move the next up of down one line, and the cursor is often used with Ctrl to stop a job.

(III) THE CURSOR CONTROL KEY PAD: The cursor control keys labeled “Page Up” and “Page
Down” works with programs such as Word Processing to permit us to view previous or succeeding section
of document quickly and conveniently. Additional keys provide the ability to delete or insert characters at
the cursor position. This keyboard provides a separate cursor control keypad so that you can edit your
program easily and efficiently.

HOME The Home key moves the cursor to the top of the screen or top of the document.

INSERT Insert squeezes in letters that where left out. Press it once to turn insert on, type the missing
letter(s) then press it again to turn off.

PAGE UP Under most edit program, this key will move the screen to the previous page.

6
END This key will moves like cursor to the end of the line, the bottom of the screen, or the end of a
document.

DELETE This key will erases the letter at the cursor and close up everything after.

PAGE DOWN Under most edit programs, this key will move the screen to the next page.
CURSOR UP This key will move the cursor up one line.
CURSOR LEFT This key will move the cursor sown one line.
CURSOR DOWN This key will move the cursor down one line.
CURSOR RIGHT This key will move the cursor one space to the right.

(IV) THE NUMERIC KEYPAD: The numeric, calculator like keypad especially convenient for entering
numbers quickly is located on the right side of the keyboard. A key labeled “Num-lock” (Numeric lock) acts
as “Toggle switch”. Press it once and we can use the same set of key to control the cursor. We can move
the cursor up, down, left or right. Many ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
characters could be entered by holding Alt key and typing ASCII code on the numeric keypad. The Num
Lock key and switches the cursor keys into number keys and vice-versa. The LED on the keyboard right
corner reflects the status of the Num Lock key. The Keypad is arranged like a calculator to save line when
you type numbers.

NUMERIC LOCK Pressing Num Lock once turns on its status LED and switches the cursor keys to
Number keys. Pressing Num Lock again turns off its status LED and switches the Number keys back to
cursor keys.

MINUS KEY This key types a minus sign. It’s handy when you’re typing numbers on the Numeric keypad.

PLUS KEY This key types a plus sign. It’s handy when you’re typing numbers on the Numeric keypad.

DELETE KEY This key erases the letter at the cursor and close up everything after it. When Num Lock
function was on, it types a decimal point instead.

INSERT KEY 0 Insert “squeezes in” letters that where left out. Usually you press it once to turn it on,
type the missing letter (s) then press it again to turn it off. When Num Lock function was on, it types a “0”
instead.

END KEY 1 End key moves the cursor to the end of the line, the bottom of the screen, or the end of a
document. When Num Lock function was on, End types a “1” instead.

HOME KEY 7 The Home key moves the cursor to the top of the screen or top of the document. When Num
Lock function was on, Home types a “7” instead.

CURSOR UP 8 This key moves the cursor up one line. When Num Lock function was on, this key
types a “8” instead.

CURSOR DOWN 2 This key moves the cursor down one line. When Num Lock function was on, this key
types a “2” instead.

CURSOR LEFT 4 This key moves the cursor one space to the left. When Num Lock function was on, it
types a “4” instead.

CURSOR RIGHT 6 This key moves the cursor one space to the right. When Num Lock function was on,
it types a “6” instead.

FIVE KEY 5 This key types a “5” when Num Lock key is in the numbers mode. If does, not type anything
in the cursor mode.

PgUp 9 Under most edit programs, this key can move the screen to the previous page. When Num
Lock function was on, it types a “9” instead.

7
PgDn 3 Under most edit programs, this key can move the screen to the next page.
When Num Lock function was on, it types a “3” instead.

Enter This key act same as Return key.

/ When this key is pressed, it types a “/”symbol.

* When this key is pressed, it types a “*“symbol.

2. POINTING DEVICES: The mouse, track ball, joy stick, light pen are pointing input device.
A) Mouse: Mouse is a pointing device. About the size of the normal cake of bath soap,
connected by a wire to the CPU. It usually rolls on a small rubber ball and has two or three buttons on the
top. When a user rolls the mouse across a flat surface the screen cursor moves in the direction of the
mouse’s movement. If the user rolls the mouse forward and to the right, the cursor moves up and to the
right on the screen. (Normally an arrow moves across the screen). Positions the cursor on a menu choice
by appropriate movement of the mouse with a click of the mouse’s button, the system can be notified of this
choice.
The mouse can be useful when working with word processing, editing program, graphics programs and
others menu driven programs. It is helpful to be able to move the cursor quickly around the screen.

B) Track Ball: The track ball is an alternate of mouse. The track ball is similar to a mouse, but you
do not have to roll the track ball over a flat surface. The mouse requires a little space on the desk to move
properly. In many situations it become more difficult to provide space, therefore a track ball can be used
instead of mouse. Now a days keyboard is available with a track ball as a part of it, while you can have it
separately too.
C) Light Pen: A light pen is another pointing device that can be used to choose a displayed menu
option on screen for a particular program. The pen consists of a photocell placed in small tube. A light pen
is approximately 6.5 inches long and 0.5 inch in diameter. It has a switch and a cord that connects it to
computer. As the user moves the tip of the pen over the screen surface, it is able to detect the light coming
from a limited field of view. The photocell responds when the pen is directly pointed at lightened area. This
electrical response is then transmitted to computer. The light pen is actually needed for engineering and
designing. For example, the user at a Computer Aided Design (CAD) terminal can “draw” directly on the
screen with the pen.

D) Joy Stick: Children can play with computer in a simple way by use of joystick. While playing
video games like SPACE WAR the user need to move the space craft quickly across the screen. This can
be done by pressing a key on the keyboard but it is neither convenient nor comfortable for small children to
use the keyboard. This type of actions can be better done with the help of joystick. The joystick is just like a
vertical handle which is gripped by hand. The movement of object is controlled by this handle. A push
button is placed at the top of handle and one push button is placed at the base of handle. These buttons
are called “Trigger” and usually used for firing or hitting. As you moved the stick around in its sockets the
movements are translated into binary instruction with the help of electrical contact in the base of joystick.
When the movement of firing comes, a button provided at the base, is pressed that self off a pattern of dots
on the screen.

3. MACHINE READABLE MEDIA INPUTS

As much as possible, businesses attempt to collect data in machine readable format. Examples of
automated data collection are given below:

A) SCANNER: Scanners are just like a photo state machine. It can read sheet of paper, cards,
books, pictures, diagrams and other paper material. Following are the types to typical scanners.

(a) MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER RECOGNITION (MICR)

(b) OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR)
(c) OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR)

a) MAGNETIC INK CHARACTER RECOGNITION (MICR): Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

(MICR) is widely used by banks to process the tremendous volume of cheques being written each day. The
numbers and other symbols are printed on a cheque with a special ink that contains magnetizable particles
of iron oxide. Early in 1966, two standard MICR fonts (typographical style) were accepted by the

8
international standard organization. One known as EBB consist of the numerals 0-9 and four special
characters. This is used principally for bank cheque. Another MICR font which originated in France and is
used in Europe is CMC7. This includes the digits 0-9, the letters of the alphabet and five special characters.
Cheques are accumulated into batches and placed in the input hopper of a reader- sorter unit. As they
enter the reading unit the cheques pass through a magnetic field which caused the particles in the ink to
become magnetized. Read heads are then able to interpret the characters as the cheque pass through the
reading unit. The data being read can be entered directly into a computer or they can he transferred to
magnetic tape for later processing.

b) OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION (OCR)

Unlike MICR, optical character recognition (OCR) techniques permit the direct reading of any printed
character (not just 14).No special ink is required optional character readers can read bar codes and
merchandise tags to enter data directly into a computer system. A wide range of fonts, using ordinary inks,
can now be accepted by OCR-B (European Standard). Each character on an OCR document it scanned by
a photo-electric device to determine its outline or shape. This shape is then compared with a sample set to
identify the particular character whose electronic code can then be sent to the computer. Early OCR
machines were able to recognize a single font (or type style) although the more sophisticated machines can
now “read” type writer of computer printed.

c) OPTICAL MARK READER (OMR)

OMR denotes the use of reading devices which can detect the presence or absence of a mark a penciled
cross. The card or form is divide up into boxes in which a mark is made by pencil or pen .A character is
represented by marking the correct combination of boxes in any one column, as opposed to displacing
holes from a punched card. Forms and cards are pre-printed for special purpose so that a mark can be
made in a certain position to represent a YES or NO to answer a market survey question for example, or
the signify a number, as on insurance forms, gas and electricity recording cards. Mark reading performed in
two different ways. One method relies on the conductivity of graphite to determine the presence of a pencil
mark. The second method of reading is based on the reflectance of light.

VOICE INPUT RECOGNITION SYSTEM

Voice input recognition system do nothing more than convert human language into machine language.
Why, then, doesn’t some one invent a machine that will let a person talk to the computer in English? As a
matter of fact, some organizations have done just that. A micro phone or telephone used to convert human
speech into electric signals. The signal patterns are then transmitted to a computer where they compared
to a “dictionary” of pattern that have been previously placed in storage. When a closed match is found, a
word is “recognized” and the computer then produced the appropriate output.

MACHINE VISION SYSTEM

If computer can be programmed to recognized sounds, why can’t they also be taught to respond to visual
images? Some equipment, are supplier based developed machines with just this capability. A machine
vision system generally uses a TV and a camera to “See” images and details and a computer to the
compare the second patterns with the sore images that it has been programmed to recognize. Most
machine vision system in use today, are found in factories. Some robots with machine vision are
programmed to recognize and separate the various components found in a bin of parts. It’s expected that
the rapid development of robots with machine vision will permit the wide spread automation of future quality
control and assembly process.

DIGITIZER TABLETS
Input tablets are also graphics instruments. These tablets come in different sizes and are usually classified
as digitizer tablets or graphics tablets. A typical tablet is a work surface that contains hundreds of copper
line that form a grid. This grid is connected to computer. Each copper line receives electric pulses. A
special pen or stylus attached to the tablets is sensitive to these pulses and is used to form the drawing.
How ever the pen doesn’t mark directly on the tablet. Instead an architecture engineer or other user traces
a sketch on a piece of paper placed on the tablet. The tablet grid senses the exact position of the stylus as
if moves and transmits this information to the processor.

2. CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT: Central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of computer system.
We use CPU to control all input and output connections inside and outside of a computer and take a look
on the programs that are currently present in a computer to produce correct answer to their user.

9
Functions of CPU The functions of CPU are:

(a) to sort data instructions

(b) to control the sequence of operations
(c) to give commands to all parts of the computer systems
(d) to carry out processing.
CPU is divided into four parts as described below:

(1) Control Unit (CU) (2) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

(3) Registers (4) Memory Units (MU)

The control unit, arithmetic logic unit and registers are combined in a single chip called micro processor.

MICRO PROCESSOR: In the IBM PC’s, the CPU may belongs to Intel (Pentium3) family of micro
processor. Some of the similarities and differences between different micro processor are as under: The
Pentium3 family micro processor used in the PC can support multi-tasking with the help of sophisticated
control software. However, a Pentium4 can do as much better job for multi-tasking because it execute
program more quickly and addresses much more memory than the Pentium3. Micro processor contains
the following fundamental units:
* Control Units * Arithmetic and Logic Unit
* Register
* Memory Unit

A) CONTROL UNIT: The control unit acts like the supervisor on a loading platform overseeing
operations and making sure these things are done in an orderly fashion. Thus the control unit can be
considered the “Boss” of operations for the CPU as a whole. The control unit directs and coordinated the
entire computer system. Its functions involve controlling the input/output units and the arithmetical/logical
operation of the CPU, and transferring data to and from storage, within given design limits. This unit directs
the system according to the procedure designed by its human operators and programmers. The operations
of the arithmetic and logic unit and the control Unit are performed with incredible speed. These operations
are usually synchronized by an electronic clock that emits millions of regularly spaced electric pulses each
second. Commands are interpreted and then executed at proper intervals, and the intervals are timed by a
specifying number of these pulsed. Thus, the speed with which an instruction is executed is directly related
to the computer’s built-in clock speed that is, the number of pulses produced each second. This clock
speed is measured in Mega Hertz, (MHz), where Mega means million and Hertz means times per second.

B) ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU): The ALU in any micro processor provides calculations
including addition, subtraction, addition with carry, subtraction with borrow, incrementing, decrementing,
ANDing, ORing, shifting, moving, comparing, storing, and so on. It also has a logical capability to test
various conditions encountered during processing and to take action accordingly. Temporarily holds the
results in a storage unit known as the ACCUMULATOR. Logical operations usually involve comparisons.
Circuits in the ALU are generally used to compare two numbers by subtracting one from the other. The sign
(negative or positive) and the value of the difference tell the processor that the first number is equal to, less
than or greater than the second number. Branches are provided in the program for the computer to follow,
depending on the result of such a comparison. Alphabetic data may also be compared according to an
assigned order sequence.

C) REGISTER: Registers are the part of a micro processor, has an internal storage having a
specified storage capacity. These handle the movement of information between the various units of the
computer system satisfactorily and at a high speed. The computer uses a number of special register. These
registers are not considered as a part of main memory. The number of registers varies from computer to
computer. The length of registers is 8 bits to 64 bits. Normally 14 register are present in micro computer.

D) MEMRORY UNIT (MU): Memory Unit is the place where the computer program and data are
stored during processing. It is the area through which all the data which is input into or out of the CPU must
pass. It is monitored by CU, which keeps track of every thing in the storage. It is a random access device
which consists of thousands upon thousands of storage locations, each of which can be directly reached or
accessed by the CU. Each storage location is distinguished by the address.

ROM & RAM: Main memory is divided into two fundamental categories:

10
ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

RAM is the larger and busier of the two. It is where the application programs are stored along with the data
these program use. When program and data are joined into the computer, they are put in RAM. As the
name implies, the memory location in RAM can be accessed randomly. When the contents of RAM are no
longer need, they can be erased and replaced instantaneously with other program and data. In general
RAM is volatile, that is information is lost when the power supply is switched off. RAM may be static and
dynamic. SRAM has faster access time and does not need to be refreshed. However, it is costly. On the
other hand, DRAM which is used in PC’s has high density and is less costly. It must have periodic pulses of
electricity to maintain the contents of memory.

ROM holds the built-in operating system, Basic Input Output System (BIOS) and utility programs
responsible for carrying out computers basic functions. These are normally automatic. Generally they are
nonvolatile. The contents of ROM can not be changed. As the name implies, it can read from only and not
written to. The exception of this is PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) which may be programmed
by the user. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), which has a transparent quartz
windows covering the internal circuitry and by removing the chip from the internal circuitry and by removing
the chip from the circuit and exposing the window to ultra violet light you can erase it and re-program it .
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and EAPROM (Electrically Alterable
Programmable Read Only Memory) are memory circuits.

CACHE MEMORY
One element used during processing operation is a high-speed buffer (or cache) memory that is both faster
and more expensive per character stored than primary storage. This high-speed circuitry is used as a
“scratch pad” to temporarily store data and instructions that are likely to be retrieved many times during
processing. Processing speed can thus be improved. Data may be transferred automatically between the
buffer and primary storage so that application programmers are unaware of its use. Once found only in
larger system, cache memory is now available in some of the tiny microprocessor chips used in personal
computers, say in Intel Pentium4. A Pentium4 can have up to 1GB of on board cache.

Block Diagram of Main Computer Setup

R CU
E
G
I MEMORY
INPUT UNIT OUTPUT
S
T
E ALU
R

OUTPUT DEVICES

1. OUTPUT DEVICES Computer processing transforms input data into the output information that you
can use to improve your understanding of issues and achieve specific goals. Output devices may adopt
different shapes and styles. The output may be in a form of typed, printed or sketched matter or may be
visible or audio type. But we can classify the as:

1. Hard Copy Devices 2. Soft Copy Devices

HARD COPY OUTPUT DEVICES By hard copy we mean output in directly usable form that is in printed
or plotted form whereas soft copy is in magnetic/audible for that cannot be used directly. Hard copy devices
are very slow in operation as compared to soft copy devices.

Following hard copy devices are very popular:

1. Printers 2. Plotters 3. Photographic output

11
(A) PRINTERS
Printers are the primary output devices used to prepare permanent documents for human use. A printer
receives information from computer and prints it on paper. The printer also accepts many signals
dispatched by computer which are used to control the printer. All printer devices have a paper transport that
automatically moves the Continuous forms or single sheets as printing progresses. Printers are classified
by how they print and two distinct categories.
(i) Impact Printers (ii) Non-Impact Printers

All of them print the characters in the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII)
character set which is standardized by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). These are the set
of 255 symbols. First 128 characters are printable and special controls character others are special
symbols.

(A) IMPACT PRINTERS

The majority of printing devices are impact printer. They print by striking the ribbon against paper. The
biggest advantage of impact printer is to produce carbon copies, normally three copies at a time. These
printers produce much noise when printing for the reason they are called noisy printers. Impact printer can
be grouped as:

(a) Serial or character Printers

i) Dot matrix printer ii) Daisy wheel printer

(b) Line printer

i) Chain ii) Band iii) Drum

1. SERIAL OR CHARACTER PRINTERS

A serial or a character impact printer is one character at a time device used with PC’s and other
workstations for low volume printing jobs. These techniques are used to print characters vary widely.

i) DOT MATRIX PRINTERS

Dot matrix printers are usually faster than daisy wheel devices and are often less expensive but their print
quality isn’t as good. The dot matrix printers can print at a speed of 30 to 600 CPS (Character per
Seconds). The printing head contains a vertical array of pins. As the head moves across the paper selected
pins “Fire” against and ink ribbon a form a pattern of dot on the paper. The term matrix arised from the
checkerboard array of possible dot combination which is similar to a mathematical array for numbers called
a matrix. The capital letters are formed by using 5 dots rows and 7 dot columns. Such a pattern is called 5 x
7 matrix.

There are two types of printing heads a 9 pin head and 24 pin head. The 24 pin head printers have better
printing quality as compared to 9 pin dot matrix printers. Dot marix printers can either be 80 column printer
or 132 column printers. So a typical specification of a dot matrix printer may be something like a 24 pin, 132
column, 300 characters per second dot matrix printers. Dot matrix printers can also produce pictures,
drawing or graphics.

ii) DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS

The daisy wheel printer is named because the print heads resemble a daisy flower, with this printing arms
appearing like the petals of the flower. In daisy wheel printer, each “petal” of the wheel has a character
embossed on it. A motor spins the wheel rapidly, and when the desired character spins to the correct
position, a print hammer strikes it to produce the output. Each hammer prints a small dot on the paper. The
print speed usually remains within the range to 10 CPS to 90 CPS. The printing element is also
interchangeable and a variety of different styles are available.

2. LINE PRINTER
Line printers of dot matrix type are always slow speed type. High speed line printers use impact method to
produce line at a time printed output. Some are dot matrix devices, but others typically use rapidly moving
chains or bands of print characters or some form of print drum to print lines of information on paper. From
300 to 3000 lines can be printed each minute depending on the printer used.

12
i) CHAIN PRINTER
A chain is used in these printers. The chain moves at a rapid speed past the printing positions. Hammers
behind the paper are timed to force the paper against the proper print slugs.

ii) BAND PRINTERS

A band printer is similar in operation to a chain printer. But instead of using a print chain a band printer has
a rotating scalloped steel print band. Hammer forces the paper against the proper print characters. Spreads
of over 3,000 lines per minute are possible with band printers.

iii) DRUM PRINTERS

In the drum printer, raised characters extend the length of the drum. There are as many bands of types as
there are printing positions. Each band contains all the possible characters. The drum rotates rapidly and
one revolution is required to print each line. It means that all characters on line are not printed at the same
time but the time required to print the entire line is fast enough to call them line printing.

(B) NON-IMPACT PRINTER

They are also non-impact character printers available that use thermal, electrostatic chemical, inkjet, and
laser technologies. These printers form an image by a particular method and than transfer it to paper as a
visible character. The disadvantage of non-impact printer is that it can not produced carbon copies. So if we
require a number of copies of same data, then we have to print repeatedly, which is costly and time
consuming job. Non-impact printers are also called quiet printer.

Non-impact printers are categorized as under:

1. THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTERS.
2. CONTINUOUS STREAM INKJET PRINTERS.
3. LASER PRINTERS.

1) THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTERS

Thermal transfer printers use ribbons that hold the ink a wax binder. As the hot pins in thermal transfer print
head press the ribbon against the paper the wax melts and the ink is transferred to the paper. The
advantages of these printers over the dot matrix types, is that the thermal unit is much quieter. The
disadvantages are that a special type of paper must be used and it is not possible to produce multiple
copies.

2) CONTINUOUS STREAM INKJET PRINTERS

When continuous stream inkjet printers are used, droplets of ink are electrically charged after leaving a
nozzle. The droplets are then charged by an electrode and guided by horizontal and vertical deflection
plates in the precise manner to form the desired characters on paper. Such printers are capable at speeds
of 44 to 300 CPS with software control of style and size of characters.

3) LASER PRINTER
Laser printers are blend of a printer and office copier technologies. Laser printers write the desired output
image on a copier drum with a light beam that operates under computer control. A difference in electric
charge is created on those parts of the drum surface exposed attract a toner (an ink powder) that attaches
itself to the laser-generated charges on the drum. The toner is then permanently fused on the paper with
heat and pressure. Laser printers are quiet, and they produce high quality output. Laser printers are
capable of printing about 10-15 pages per minute.

2. PLOTTERS
Special plotters are also available that use pen or inkjet approaches. Pin plotters generally use drum or flat-
bed paper holders when a drum device is used, the paper is placed over a drum that rotates back-and-forth
to produce, up-and-down motion. A carriage holding one or more pens are mounted horizontally across the
drum and the pen/pens can move along this carriage to produce motion across the paper. Under computer
control the carriage and drum movements act together to produce a picture. Even several pens are
mounted on carriage each pen can be filled with different ink color since each pen is program-select able,
the plotter has the ability to produce color pictures. When a flat-bed (table) plotter is used the paper doesn’t
move and the pen holding mechanism must provide to all plotter. Ink jet plotters are able to produce large
drawings containing many colors. The paper is again placed on a drum and jets with different-colored ink

13
are mounted on a carriage. The computer program controls the color and amount of ink placed on the
paper.

2. SOFT COPY OUT PUT DEVICES

Soft copy output means temporary output, when the power switch of computer turn off, the soft copy output
disappears. Soft Copy output can be shown in two ways.

1) Displayed output 2) Audio Response Unit

A) DISPLAY OUTPUT
There are four type of display unit.
(i) Visual Display Terminal (VDT)
(ii) Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)
(ii) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

i) VISUAL DISPLAY TERMINAL (VDT)

Video display terminals are the famous I/O device of today. VDT is the combination of an Input device
(keyboard) and CRT. CRT looks like a television screen is used to display the input data or output
(results of processed data) as well as messages. VDT has a small memory known as buffers. The size
of buffer is equal to the total numbers of characters (usually 1920, 24 rows x 80 column) that can be
displayed at a line on screen. Each typed character stored in buffer and displayed simultaneously on
CRT. A small square or blinking underscore character indicates the operator where the next keyed
character displayed on screen.
VDTs are used in airline reservation system, bank counters, etc. Now they come in large variety from
simple alphanumeric devices to complex graphics and light pen devices.

ii) CATHODE RAY TUBE (CRT)

CRT shows the result or output of processed data from the computer, it gives a temporary (soft copy)
output once the power shut off the display is lost. It is an electronic tube with a TV like screen upon
which information may be displayed commonly known as Monitor. A single electron gun in a mono
chrome CRT sends a beam of electron to trace a regular pattern of horizontal lines on the phosphor that
coats the screen’s surface, screen images are produced by varying the intensity of the beam. A color
CRT system uses three electron guns to scan dots or stripes of red, green, and blue phosphor that coat
the screen’s surface.

iii) LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)

A flat panel liquid crystal display (LCD) are used in smaller notebook- sized pc’s (Lap Top). The LCD
screen looks like silver gray display found on some digital watches and calculators. A special liquid is
placed between two plates. The top plate is clear and bottom is reflective. LCD cells produce dark
image on a silver back ground, color LCD panels have been available to perform color display.

We classified monitors in two types.

(i) MONO CHROME MONITORS

(ii) COLOR MONITORS

i) MONO CHROME MONITORS

Mono means one so that mono chrome monitors can display a single color usually Amber, Green and
white.

ii) COLOR MONITORS

Color Monitors can display different color. There are a wide range of color monitors on the basis of
numbers of color which are listed as follows.

1) CGA Monitors 2) EGA Monitors

3) VGA Monitors 4) SVGA Monitors

B) AUDIO RESPONSE UNIT

14
Through audio response unit computer can talk with user. Audio response is an output media that produce
verbal responses. All the sounds needed to process are pre recorded on a storage medium. These sounds
of messages are transmitted to an audio response device, which assembles the sounds in proper
sequence. Voice response systems are used now to enter data, elevators, games, and educational
packages to teach and entertain young children.

COMPUTER APPLICATION (USES OF COMPUTER)

Computer are being used almost in all the areas you could think today computers are found anywhere and
every where. Here are few examples of areas in which computers are used.

1. BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY

Computers are used in business for many information processing tasks. Information processing includes
word processing, filing and assembling numbers and facts associated with general office functions such as
accounting, payroll processing, personnel record keeping and compliance with federal regulations.

2. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Computer are used to solve mathematical and scientific problems. They are also used to research and try
out new concepts and machines which can help to reduce man’s work. Now a days, factories are using
computerized arms together with the various parts of the machines, cars and other vehicles are being
designed on computers.

3. MEDICINE
Computers are helping doctors to detect and diagnose diseases and keeping information about patients.
Some of today’s medical students are learning anatomy and physiology lessons computer for example
MacintoshII, to display text and images even depictions of muscles and tendons at work and to study the
body’s internal organs and skeletal structure.

4. EDUCATION
Computers are being used to conduct lessons for all subjects, in a manner by which students directly learn
from the computer. Students are able to read text as well as see diagrams on the screen. Computers can
make learning fun. A computer is powerful teaching aid it is like having another teacher in the class room.
Computers are used in school to give practice in basic skills there are graded spelling, English and
Mathematics programs. Educators are observing that today’s students view the computer as another work
tool, comparing it to calculator in past decades.

5. POLITICS
Political parties maintain data bases of voter registration and past election results. Potential candidates use
computer to analyze opinion polls have been elected to her legislature, they use other computer data base
services.

6. TRAFFIC CONTROL
Traffic department use computers for traffic control. Traffic engineers designed a system that includes
loops of wire embedded in the asphalt at many intersections across the city.

7. SPORTS
In most sports computer are used to compile statistics, sell tickets creates, training programs and diet for
athletes, and suggest strategies based on the past performance of competitors. The graphic art displays
flashed on score hoards also are generated by computers.

8. HOME
In more and more home offices, people use computers to continue their daytime work, organize their
personal informational needs or conduct business for themselves.
Micro wave sewing machines and coffee makers are now among the standard computerized appliances in
most kitchens. A computer is also valuable for house hold management. by keeping track of family
spending or storing address or receipts.

9. BANK
Banks are the large organization to utilize the computer. Today banking is mostly dependent on the
computer. The huge volume of book keeping can be recorded in the computer and accessed easily. In
computer we feed basic information and computer gives us different types of reports. We maintain the

15
ledger, balance sheet, trial balance, income statement and so many others reports and summaries which
computer makes automatically. Leading international bank’s head office and their branches are connected
through network so that they are able to obtain up-to-date information.

DATA & DATA PROCESSING

1. HISTORY
Early men did not possess any property. He used to wonder from place to place in search of food. He used
to hunt animals and pluck fruits from trees for his sustenance. Gradually, he learnt the method of
agriculture and cultivated crops. 1-Ic tamed some animals and made use of domestic animals for milk etc.
and also used them for agriculture labor. As his possessions by way of cattle and agriculture produce
increased, he had to keep record of all his possessions. This was perhaps the scenarios that make man to
evolve a counting system.

As he got more civilized through education, books and literature, he increased his knowledge and
possessions. He now had to keep record of several things at a time, within his limited memory. He
therefore had to devise machines which could store, collect and rearrange the acquired data and
information for him. This is how computer came into existence.

The word data can be described as given information but in computer terminology it means information in
presentable form. Often the words “DATA”, “Information” and “Fact” are used interchangeable. In data
processing we must distinguish carefully between them.

2. DATA
The word ‘DATA” is the plural of word “DATUM” which means facts. The collection of facts and figures is
called data. Data is the name given to basic facts and entities such as names and numbers. Good example
of data are dates, weights, process, costs, employee name, address etc. Data is used describe basic facts
about the activities of a system quantitatively, may be a business house, production center or educational
institution. There are two types of data.

1. Numeric
2. String

1. NUMERIC DATA
The data in the form of numerals and some special characters are called numeric data. This contains 0-9
numerals, a decimal point, + sign, - sign, and alphabets “E” or “U’. The numeric data is further divided into
two types.

1. Integer data
2. Real data

A) INTEGER DATA
Integer data are string of decimal digits having no decimal point. This contains 0-9 numerals, +sign and, --
sign, For example 9876, 1234, -546, +546 etc.

(B) REAL DATA

Real data are string of decimal digits may have a decimal point, decimal exponents and both. Real data
may be divided into two

1. Fixed point real data 2. Floating point real data

(A) FIXED POINT REAL DATA

A numeric data shown as an optional sign (plus or minus) followed by one or more digits and a decimal
point. For example, 9999.99, -123.4565, 0.0001, -0.0003 etc.

(B) FLOATING POINT REAL DATA

A numeric data shown as an optional sign (plus or minus) followed by one or more digits and a decimal
point represented in exponential form (scientific notation). For example

1.6021 x 10 charge of electron in column feed in computer as l.6021E-19

16
 1.6725 x 10 -27 rest mass of proton in Kg feed in computer as 1.6725E-27
3 x 10 8 velocity of light in m/sec feed in computer as3E8.

2. STRING DATA
String data represents both alphabetic and numeric data so it also called alphanumeric and text data. This
type of data contain A-Z alphabets, 0-9 numerals, +, -, *, /, and other symbols and special characters. For
example Home addresses are string data.

3. INFORMATION
Information is data which has been converted into meaningful results. It is the data which has been
converted or organized into a more useful or intelligible form for direct utilization and helps human being in
their decision making process. Examples of information are time table report card, pay slip, receipts, and
project reports.

A set of words would be data but a text would be information. For example:

”ANNUAL-EXAMINATION, IN, THE MARK, IN, SCORED, HIGHEST, SAFDAR, PHYSICS”

is a set of data and “SAFDAR SCORE THE HIGHEST MARKS IN PHYSICS IN ANNUAL EXAMINATION”
is information.

4. DATA PROCESSING
Data Processing is the organizing of Data into information and any business needs a set of efficient
Procedures so that it can obtain the information necessary for the achievement of its objective from the as
available data. The conversion of data into information costs business money. It is not a tee commodity. In
the smallest business it involves employees spending time to produce the information, and these people
must be paid. For a large business the cost also include the purchase or rental of mechanical and
electronic equipment to Process enormous volume of information required. It is essential therefore that data
is processed in as efficient a manner as possible and that only the information which is necessary is
produced.

All Data Processing Comprises of four basic functions.

1. INPUT 2. PROCESSING 3. STORAGE 4. OUTPUT

1. INPUT

Input is concerned with the capture of data which is necessary to produce information. The Operations
needed to capture data are: collection of data, preparation of data and transmission of data.

2. PROCESSING
Processing is the actual conversion of data into information. It consists of the following steps.

1. Validating the incoming data to ensure its confines as far as possible.

2. Arranging the data into an order which depends upon some common characteristics.

3. STORAGE
Storage is the holding of facts received by the data processing system to assist in the preparation of
information in future: examples are; recording the facts in a filing system in an organized manner so as to
change the data already held in the filing system in the light of ness facts received: and access data from
the filing system when required.

4. OUTPUT
Output is the function which causes the information produced by the data processing system to be
presented to the receiver of the information, in a presentable form. For example: printing information on
documents or drawing the information in the form of pictures.

4. MANUAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

Manual methods of data processing have existed ever since man started to do business with his neighbor.
The equipment used to perform the Processing has changed as technology has improved. Probably the
earliest recording methods were cutting notches in sticks or making scratches on stones. However the

17
development of paper and ink provided man with a very convenient way of recording and communicating
information. In addition the physical development of paper and ink for Data Processing man also created
methods and procedures governing the way in which the data is processed. The two most significant
inventions were written languages for business and the creation of accounting techniques like book-
keeping.

We know that each data Processing System has four common steps.

INPUT, PROCESSING, STORAGE, OUTPUT,

We have defined Manual Data Processing as having:

INPUT: Input data collected on Paper documents and present as such for processing

PROCESSING: Processing carried out as a whole by human efforts

STORAGE: Storage of data taking the form of filing cabinets holding paper documents,
Containing all the historic data which will be required for future Processing

OUTPUT: Output information presented also on Paper documents.

2. MECHANICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

In a small business, manual data processing is still the most practical method. So it is likely that manual
Data Processing will continue to have widespread use. Meanwhile the amount of Data to be processed
continues to increase. Further-more the need for speed and economy in data Processing grows and is
more becoming urgent. As a result an unbelievable number of different machines have been developed to
full fill this need.

Let us define mechanical data processing in the same way as we did in manual data processing.

INPUT: Data is collected on paper documents and presented as such for INPUT to a
machine by a skilled machine Operator in the order demanded by the machine’s
procedure.

PROCESSING: This is carried out by the machine, which follows the held data within the machine
itself usually the Operator has to request the start of procedure.

STORAGE: Data is sorted on standard cards and is printed on the card as part of the machine’s
procedure.

OUTPUT: Information is printed automatically by the machine on standard forms.

3. ELECTRO MECHANICAL DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

In this type of Data Processing system the machine is operated by an electro-mechanical process, thus
increasing the speed of Data Processing. The Electro-Mechanical Key-Board Accounting machine is an
example of a machine used in an Electro-Mechanical Data Processing system.

Accounting machines can handle much more Data than an ordinary Data Processing machine, but for them
to work efficiently the work must consist of a large quantity of identical work. In addition, great care must be
taken to ensure that the records Processed are no lost.

4. ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING SYSTEM

As the need for more advanced automation in Data Processing systems growing, various improvements
are being made in the machines used in Data Processing systems. As a result of these efforts the use of
Computers for Data Processing business function began in 1953. Unlike a tabulating machine a computer
can process data received from a number of devices. An Electronic Computer functioning become more
faster and more economical then other Data Processing Machines. Let us see how Computers are related
to the basic functions of Data Processing.

18
INPUT: Data is prepared in such a form that it can be read quickly into the Data Processing
machine. Without the need for a human Operator to type it in at the time the machine
requires it.

PROCESSING: Processing is carried out automatically by the machine according to pre-defined

Procedures held within the machine itself. No human intervention is required except
to define the Procedure prior to the Processing Operations.

STORAGE: Storage of Data is in a form which can be accessed and used by the machine
directly.

OUTPUT: Information is produced automatically by the machine as defined in the procedure

given to the machine.

5. DRTA PROCESSING CYCLE

Data processing consists of the following three stages.

(i) Input (ii) Process (iii) Output

1. INPUT
In this step the initial data or input data are prepared in some convenient form for processing. The form will
depend on the processing machine. For example, when electromechanical devices are used, the input data
are punched on cards, but if electronic computers are used, the input data could be recorded on any one of
several types on input medium, such as cards, tapes, and so on. Data must be recorded or captured by
keyboard, mouse or other direct input devices.

2. PROCESSING
In this step, the input data is changed and usually combined with other information, to produce data in a
more useful form. The processing step usually involves a sequence of certain basic processing operations
like classifying the data, calculating, sorting, summarizing the data.

3. OUTPUT
Here the results of the processing step are collected. The particular form of the output data depends on the
use of the data. For example output data may be pay checks for employees, a printed book-data of any
candidate or simply data stored for further processing at a later date.

6. DEVELOPMENT OF DATA PROCESSING

Where manual methods of Data Processing (DP) are still in use they are frequently part of Electronic Data
Processing (EDP) system and involve the use of simple electronic aids such as calculators. The basic
principle of conventional methods of DP and EDP are essentially the same. The computer is merely
substituted for manual aids or human labor.The same DP activities take place, but now we are using
electronic computers to produce the results (the invoice or payrolls etc). Notice that the computer will not
take over all steps in a given procedure e.g. the data has first to be collected or recorded by conventional
method. Beginning in 1890 with the development of adding machines, sorting trays and unit record
equipment, business were able to substitute mechanical processes for manual procedures. These devices
facilitated data processing, improved computational accuracy and decreased the time required to prepare
reports.

7. ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING

The first computerized applications (1953-1965) simply computerized earlier processing methods. This
approach was only logical since these systems were what businesses best understood and what
employees best knew how to operate. These systems are known as Electronic Data Processing (EDP)
systems or transaction processing system. The first DP systems were exclusively batch-oriented.

8. ADVANTAGES OF ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING

1. SPEED AND ACCURACY

Since a computer is an electronic device, it operates at a speed comparable to the speed of electron flow.
A medium-sized computer, for example, can perform 500,000 additions in a second; that is, one every two-
millionth of a second. The speed of operation of a computer is thus measured in microseconds or even in

19
nanosecond (a nanosecond is one billionth of a second). At such speeds, a computer can solve problems
that would take at least ten hours on a punched-card data processing system, in less than a minute. Finally,
a computer can be considered as l00% accurate. Checking circuits are built directly into the computer, so
that computer errors that are undetected are extremely rare. (This statement does not apply to
programming errors.)

2. AUTOMATIC OPERATION
Probably the most important advantage of a modern electronic computer over the old punched-card
machines is that it can carry out a sequence of many different data processing operations without human
intervention. The various operations are executed automatically by way of a stored computer program.

3. DECISION MAKING CAPABILITY

A computer can perform certain decision instructions automatically. Here a decision consists of two steps:

(i) Determining whether a certain statement is true or false

(ii) Based on that result, choosing one or the other course of action out of alternatives included
in the computer program

Decision-making is often called branching, since step (ii) above amounts to branching out to different
places in the computer program. Besides branching, a computer can also be instructed to repeat a list of
instructions again and again this is known as looping.

1. OPERATING SYSTEM
An operating system (OS) is an integrated set of programs that is used to supervise the entire operation of
computer. Its prime objective is to control the resources of computer such as hardware, software and data
manipulation. It is to make easier for people to interface with and use the computer. The main aim of an
operating system is to maximize the amount of work undertaken by the computer and to minimize the
amount of human operator intervention. Additional capabilities of an operating system are described below:

a. LIBRARY MAINTENANCE
All programs held on a backing store device (called a Library Programs) have to be kept in a tidy condition.
For example those programs no longer required have to be deleted from the backing store and the space
allocated to other programs.

b. SORTING
It is often convenient to have backing store files organized in a particular sequence (Ascending or
Descending etc). The Operating System will contain a sort program to accomplish any required ordering of
backing store.

c. UTILITIES
A number of simple tasks occurs frequently in a computing environment. The Operating System contains a
number of generalized utility programs. By supplying the necessary parameters to the appropriate program
a number of simple jobs can be performed. (e.g. Copying a file to other place, listing of file, combining two
files into one, etc)

d. ERROR RECOVERY
Various type of error can occur while a computer system is running the Operating System will containing
routines and programs to deal with all these types of error. The Operating System will attempt to correct the
fault. If the fault cannot be corrected the computer operator will be informed and the appropriate action can
be taken.

Following are the most famous Operating System.

(1) Disk Operating System (DOS) (2) Windows Operating System (3)
Local Area Network (LAN) (4) Wide Area Network (WAN) (7) Xenix
(5) Operating System 2 (OS2) (8) Unix (6) Tape Operating System (TOS)

1) Disk Operating System (DOS)

The DOS manages the flow of information, to and from the various parts of computer system. You work
with DOS by typing commands at command line. The DOS command line is where you type commands is

20
the command prompt indicates that you are at the command line. The prompt may be a drive letter followed
by a backslash (e.g. C:\ or A:\) and the name of directory (e.g. C:\BASIC).

There are two types of DOS commands.

(1) Internal Commands (2) External Commands

1. Internal Commands
Internal Commands exist in a file called COMMAND.COM. Ms-DOS loads this file into memory when we
start the computer. These commands executes immediately.

List of Internal Commands

1. CLS 2. DIR 3. DATE 4. TIME 5. VER

6. VOL 7. TYPE 8. COPY 9. DEL 10. RENAME
11. REN 12. MKDIR13. MD 14. CHDIR 15. CD
17. RMDIR 18. RD 19. PROMPT 20. PATH 21. BREAK
22. VERIFY

2. External Commands

External Commands exist or stored on disk as a separate file. When these commands are required, then
computer first read these commands from disk and then transfer them to memory.

List of External Commands

1. HELP 2. CHKDSK 3. DOSKEY 4. FORMAT

5. UNFORMAT 6. UNDELETE 7. XCOPY 8. DISKCOPY
9. DISKCOMP 10. COMP 11. LABEL 12. GRAPHICS
13. ASSIGN 14. ATTRIB 15. BACKUP 16. RESTORE
17. RECOVER 18. PRINT 19. DOSSHELL 20. FDISK
21. SORT 22. SYS 23. TREE 24. COMMAND 25.
MODE

SYNTAXES OF DOS COMMANDS

i. SYNTAX
Syntax is the rule of language just like grammatical rule for English language. The relationship amongst the
characters or group of characters are independent of their meanings or the manner of their interpretation
and use. The rules are governing the structure of language.

ii. REFERENCE SYNTAX NOTATION

The following syntax notation is used in this book for both DOS and BASIC commands.

CAPS Items in capital indicate keywords.

Italics Items in Italics represents information that you must supply.
[ ] Items inside square brackets are optional.
… Items followed by ellipses can be repeated.
{ } Braces indicate that you have a choice between two or more items.
| Vertical bars separate the different choice inside braces.
: Vertical ellipses are used in syntax line and program examples to show that a portion of
Program is omitted.

You must enter all punctuations including commas, parentheses, semicolons, hyphens, and equal sign,
exactly as shown. Some Internal and External Commands of DOS with their purpose and syntax are listed
below:

1. INTERNAL COMMANDS
Following are the Internal Commands of DOS.

21
1. CLS Clears the screen. (The cleared screen shows only the command prompt and cursor).
Syntax CLS

2. DIR Displays a list of the files and subdirectories that are in the directory you specify.
Syntax DIR [drive:][path][filename] [/P] [/W]

Switches /P Displays one screen of the listing at a time. To see the next screen, press any key. /W
Displays the listing in wide format, with as many as five filenames or directory names on each line.

3. DATE Displays the date and prompts you to change the date if necessary.
Syntax DATE [mm-dd-yy]

Parameter
mm for month 1 through 12
dd for day 1 through 31
yy for year 1 through 99 or 2001 through 2099

4. TIME Displays the system time or sets your computer’s internal clock.
Syntax TIME [hours: [minutes:[seconds[.hundredths]]][A|P]]

To display the current time or to display a prompt by which you can change the current time,
use the following syntax: TIME

Parameters hours Specifies the hour. Valid values are in the range 0 through 23.
minutes Specifies minutes. Valid values are in the range 0 through 59.
seconds Specifies minutes. Valid values are in the range 0 through 59.
hundredths Specifics hundredths of a second. Valid values are in the range 0 through 99.
A|P Specifies A.M or P.M. for the 12-hour time format. If you type a valid
12-hour time but do not type A or P, TIME uses A (for A.M.) and P (for P.M.)

5. VER Displays the MS-DOS version number.

Syntax VER

6. VOL Displays the disk volume label and serial number, if the disk has them.
Syntax VOL [drive:]

7. TYPE Displays the contents of a text file. Use the TYPE command to view a text
file without modifying it.

Syntax TYPE [drive:][path]filename

8. COPY Copies one or more files to the location you specify.

Syntax COPY source [destination] [/V]

Parameters source Specifies the location and name of a file or set of files from which you want to
copy. destination Specifies the location and name of a file or set of files to which you want to copy.
/V Verifies that new files are written correctly.

9. DEL Deletes the files you specify

ERASE Deletes the files you specify.
Syntax DEL [drive:][path]filename [/P]
ERASE [drive:][path]filename [/P]
Switch /P Prompts you for confirmation before deleting the specified file.

10. RENAME Changes the name of the file or files you specify
REN Changes the name of the file or files you specify.

Syntax RENAME [drive:][path]filename1filename2

REN (drive: [drive:][path]filename1filename2

22
11. MKDIR Creates a directory.
MD Creates a directory.
You can use the MKDIR or MD command to create a multilevel directory
structure.
Syntax MKDIR [drive:]path
MD [drive:]path

12. CHDIR Displays he name of the current directory or changes the current directory.
CD Displays he name of the current directory or changes the current directory.

Syntax CHDIR [drive:][path]

CHDIR[..]
CD [drive:][path] CD[..] To display the current drive letter and directory name, use either of the
following syntax lines: CHDIR, CD

13. RMDIR Deletes (removes) a directory.

RD Deletes (removes) a directory.
Syntax RMDIR[drive:]path
RD[drive:]path

14. PROMPT Changes the appearance of the command prompt.

Syntax PROMPT [text]
Parameter text Specifies any text and information you want included in your system prompt.

The following list shows the character combinations you can include instead of, or in addition to, any
character string(s) in the text parameter. The list includes a brief description of the text or information that
each character combination adds to your command prompt.

$Q = (equal sign)
$$ $ (dollar sign)
$T Current time
$D Current date
$P Current drive and path
$V MS-DOS version number
$N Current drive
$G > (greater-than sign)
$L <(less-than sign)
$B | (pipe)
$_ ENTER-LINEFEED
$E ASCII escape code (code 27)

$H Backspace (to delete a character that has been written to the prompt
command line)

15. PATH Indicates which directories MS-DOS should search for executable files.
Syntax PATH [[drive:]path[;…]]

PATH To display the current search path, use the following syntax:
PATH To clear all search-path settings other than the default setting (the current
directory), use the following syntax: PATH;
16. BREAK Sets or clears extended CTRL+C checking. You can use this command at the
command prompt or in your CONFIG.SYS file.
Syntax BREAK[ON|OFF] To display the current BRFAK setting, use the following syntax: BREAK
In your CONFIG.SYS file, use the following syntax: BREA K=ON|OFF Parameter ON|OFF
Turns extended CTRL+C checking on or off.
17. VERIFY Directs MS-DOS to verify that your files are written correctly, to a disk and
displays the status of verification.
Syntax VERIFY [ON|OFF]

23
Switch ON|OFF Specifies whether MS-DOS should verify (ON) or not verify
(OFF) that write operations are done correctly.
2. External Command
Following are the External Commands of DOS.
1. HELP Starts MS-DOS Help.
Syntax HELP [topic]
Parameter topic Specifies command whose help topic you want to display.
2. CHKDSK Checks the status of a disk and displays a status report. Can also fix disk errors.
Syntax CHKDSK [drive:][[path]filename] [/F][/V]
To display the status of the disk in the current drive. use the following syntax: CHKDSK

Switches /F Fixes errors to the disk. Do not use this option when running CHKDSK
from other programs such as Microsoft Windows or the MS-DOS Task
Swapper. For more information, see “Using CHKDSK With Open Files”
in <CHKDSKDDNotes>.
/V Displays the name of each file in every directory as the disk is checked.
3. DOSKEY Loads the DOSKEY program into memory. The DOSKEY program
recalls MS-DOS commands and enables you to edit command lines and
create and runmacros.

Syntax DOSKEY [/REINSTALL] [/BUFSIZE=size][/MACROS]

[/HISTORY][/INSERT]|/OVERSTRIKE] [MACRONAME=|text]]
To start the Doskey program and use the default settings, use the following
syntax: DOSKEY
4. FORMAT Formats a disk or drive for use with MS-DOS The FORMAT command creates
a new text directory and file allocation table for the disk. It can also check for bad areas on the disk, and it
can delete all data on the disk. In order for MS-DOS to be able to use a new disk, you must first use this
command to format the disk.
Syntax FORMAT drive: [/V[:Lable]][/Q][/U][/l] [/4][/8] switches
/V: label Specifies the volume label. A volume label identifies the disk and can be a maximum of 11
characters.
/4 Formats a 5.25-inch, 360K, double-sided, double-density floppy disk on a 1.2-MB disk drive. Some
360K drives cannot reliably read disks formatted with this switch. When used with the/1 switch, this switch
formats a 5.25-inch, 180K, single-sided floppy disk.
5. UNFORMAT Restores a disk that was erased by using the FORMAT command.
Syntax UNFORMAT drive: [/L] [TEST][/P]
6. UNDELETE Restores files that were previously deleted by using the <DEL> command.

Syntax UNDELETE [[drive:][path]filename]

7.
XCOPY Copies directories, their subdirectories, and files (except hidden and system
files).
Syntax XCOPY source [destination] [/P] [/S] [/V]
Parameters source Specifies the location and names of the files you want to copy. Source must include
either a drive or a path.
destination Specifies the destination of the flies you want to copy.
Switchs
/P Prompts you to confirm whether you want to create each destination file.
/S Copies directories and subdirectories, unless they are empty. If you omit this switch, XCOPY works
within a single directory.
/V Verifies each file as it is written to the destination file to make sure that the destination files are
identical to the source files.
8. DISKCOPY Copies the entire contents of one floppy disk to another floppy disk.
DISKCOPY Writes over the existing contents of the destination disk as it copies the new
information to it.
Syntax DISKCOPY [drive1:[drive2:]] [/V
Parameters
drivel: Specifies the drive containing the source disk.
drive2: Specifies the drive containing the destination disk.

24
Switch /V Verifies that the information is copied correctly. Use of this switch slows
the copying process.
9. DISKCOMP Compares the contents of two floppy disks.
Syntax DISKCOMP [drivel: [drive2:]]
Parameters
drivel: Specifies the drive containing one of the floppy disks.
drive2: Specifics the drive containing the other floppy disk.
10. COMP Compare the contents of two files or sets of files byte by byte.
Syntax COMP [datal] [data2]
Parameters data1 Specifies the location and name of the first file or set of files you want to
compare. You can use wildcards (* and ?) to specify multiple files.

data2 Specifies the location and name of the second file or set of files you want to compare. You
can use wildcards (* and ?) to specify multiple files.
11. LABEL Creates changes or deletes the volume label (name) of a disk.
Syntax LABEL [drive:][label]
To specify that MS-DOS is to display the current volume label and serial number, if they exist, and that MS-
DOS is to prompt you to enter a label or delete the existing one, use the following syntax: LABEL
Parameters label Specifies the new volume label. You must include a colon (:) between drive
and label.
12. GRAPHICS Loads a program into memory that allows MS-DOS to print the information displayed
on your screen.
Syntax GRAPHICS
13. ASSIGN Redirect request for disk operations on one drive to different drive.
Syntax ASSIGN [x[:]=y[:][...]
To redirect all drive letters to their original drives, use the following syntax: ASSIGN
Parameters
x Specifies the drive from which you want to redirect read and write operations. This
value must be a letter. The use of the colon (:) is optional.
y Specifies existing drive to which you want to redirect read and write
operations. This value must be a letter. The use of the colon (:) is optional.
14. ATTRIB Displays or changes tile attributes.
Syntax ATTRIB [+R|-R] [+A|-A] [+S|-S] [+H|H] [[drive:][path]filename] [/S]
To display all attributes of all files in the current directory. Use the following syntax: ATTRIB
Switches +R Sets the Read-Only file attribute.
-R Clears the Read-Only tile attribute.
+A Sets the Archive file attribute.
-A Clears the Archive file attribute.
+S Sets the file as a System file.

-S Clears the System file attribute.

+H Sets the file as a Hidden file.
-H Clears the Hidden file attribute.
15. BACKUP Backs up or restores one or more files from one disk onto another.
Syntax MSBACKUP [setup_file]
Parameter
setup_file Specifies the setup file that defines files to back up and the type of backup you want to
perform.
MSBACKUP Creates a setup file when you save program settings and file selections.
Setup files must have an SET extension. If you do not specify a setup file, MSBACKUP uses
DEFAULT.SET
16. RESTORE Restores files that were backed up by using any version of BACKUP from MS-DOS
versions 2.0 through 5.0. If you are restoring files that were backed up using the MSBACKUP command in
MS-DOS 6. Use the <MSBACKUP program to restore files.
Syntax RESTORE drivel: drive2: [path [filename]] [/S] [/P]
Parameters
drivel: Specifies the drive on which the backed-up files are stored.
drive2: Specifies the drive to which be restored.

25
Switches /S Restores all subdirectories.
/P Prompts you for permission to restore files that are read-only (that have
the read-only attribute set) or that have changed since the last backup (that have the
archive attribute set).
17. RECOVER Recovers readable information from a bad or defective disk.
Syntax RECOVER [drive:] [path] [filename]
To recover all files on disk when the is un useable, use the following
Syntax RECOVER drive:
18. PRINT Prints a text file while you are using other MS-DC commands.
Syntax PRINT [drive:] [path] filename
19. DOSSHELL Starts MS-DOS Shell, a graphical interface to MSDOS.
Syntax To start MS-DOS Shell in text mode, use the following syntax:
DOSSHELL [/T [: res [n]]] [/B]
To start MS-DOS Shell in graphics mode, use the following syntax:
DOSSHELL [/G [:res [n ]]] [/B]
20. FDISK Starts the FDISK program, which configures a hard disk for use with MS-DOS.
Syntax To start the FDISK program, use the following syntax: FDISK
21. SORT Reads input, sorts data, and writes the results to the screen, a file, or another
device.
Syntax SORT [/R] [/+n] [<] [drivel:] [path]filenamel[> [drive2:][path2]filename2]
Parameters [drive2:][path2]filename2 Specifies the location and name of a file in which the sorted output
is to be stored.
command Specifies a command whose output is the data you want to sort.
Switches /R Reverses the order of the sorting operation: that is, sorts from Z to A. and then from 9
to 0.
/+n Sorts the file according to the character in column n. If you do not use this switch, the SORT
command sorts data according to the characters in column 1.
22. SYS Creates a startup disk by copying hidden MS-DOS system files and the MS-DOS command
interpreter (COMMAND.COM) to the disk.
Syntax SYS [drivel:] [path] drive2:
Parameters [drive 1:] [path] Specifies the location of the System files. If you do not specify a path MS-
DOS searches the root directory on the current drive for the system files.
drive2: Specifies the drive to which you want to copy the system files. These files can be copied
only to a root directory, not to a subdirectory.
23. TREE Graphically displays the structure of a directory.
Syntax TREE [drive:] [path]
24. COMMAND Starts a new instance of the MS-DOS command interpreter.
Syntax COMMAND [[drive:] path]
5. MODE Configures system devices. The MODE command performs many different tasks,
such as displaying system status, changing system settings, or reconfiguring ports or devices.

Q1. What is a Web Browser?

A1. Web browser: Software that interprets HTML files, formats them into Web pages, and displays them. A
Web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, can follow hyperlinks, transfer files, and play sound or
video files that are embedded in Web pages.

Q2. What are Hyperlinks?

A2. Hyperlink: Colored and underlined text or a graphic that you click to go to a file, a location in a file, an
HTML page on the World Wide Web, or an HTML page on an intranet. Hyperlinks can also go to
newsgroups and to Gopher, Telnet, and FTP sites.
Q3. What is ASCII?
A3. The ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) is a Binary Coding Scheme widely
used on all computers, including microcomputers. Eight bits for each byte and each byte represents one
character.

Q4. What is Binary Coding Schemes & Binary System?

A4. 1. The representation of characters as 0’s and 1 ‘s, or “OFF” and “ON” electrical states, in a
computer. Two of the most popular Binary Coding Schemes are eight bits to form each byte as in the ASCII
and EBCDIC.

26
2. Binary system is a Numbering System in which all data is numbers and consist of only two digits; 0s and
1s.
Q5. What Computers are? How Computer Operates?
A5. A Computer is an Information processing machine. Computers Process Data to produce Information.
Computers can not do any thing by themselves they only do depends on it being told exactly what to do
and how to do it by a human with program instructions. The sets of instructions given to computers by
human are called programs or System Software. Without Software, computers are unable to do any thing
and would be useless. Software that carries out a particular type of task for a user is often called
Application Software. Word Processors, Spread Sheets, Databases, programs to control robots or fly Aero
planes, to calculate payroll of business units or keep track of how sales of goods and remaining goods are
all the examples of Application Software. The Capabilities of computers are so many and few are described
as follows:

1. Computers can work much faster than humans to do.

2. Computers never get tired or need a rest.
3. Computers can do jobs that it would be dangerous for a human to do.
4. Computers can store large amounts of information in a very small space.
5. Computers can find information very quickly.
6. Computers never lose or misplace information.
INPUT PROCESSING AND OUTPUT A computer system works through three basic stages before any
task can be completed. These are input, processing and output. A computer works through these stages by
‘running’ a program. A program is a set of step-by-step instructions which tells the computer exactly what to
do with input in order to produce the required output.
INPUT: The input stage of computing is concerned with getting the data needed by the program into the
computer. Input Devices are used to do this. The most commonly used input devices are the mouse and
the keyboard.
PROCESSING: The program contains instruction about what to do with the input. During the
processing stage the computer follows these instructions using the data which has just been fed into
computer as input. What the computer produces at the end of this stage, the output, will only be as good as
the instruction given in the program. In other words, if garbage has been put into the program, garbage will
come out of the computer. This is known as GIGO, or ‘Garbage in, ‘Garbage out’.
UTPUT: The output stage of computing is concerned with ‘giving out’ processed data as information
in a form that is useful to the user. Output devices are used to do this. The most commonly used output
devices are the screen, which is also called monitor or visual display unit (VDU) and the printer.

Q6. What are the Advantages of Internet?

A6. Advantages of Internet
1. Provides up-to-date news from around the world.
2. Accessible at home, work, or through a wireless device.
3. Gives ability to download and edit text & images.
4. Require minimal computer skills.
5. Minority views are often given equal forum.
6. Allows people to feel less inhibited to communicate.
7. May increase interaction with friends and family members.
8. Helpful in finding customers and business partners worldwide.
9. Markets products and services.
10. Helps acquire all the information, training and qualifications needed for certain careers.
11. Helps set up businesses with a very small marketing budget.
Q7. What are the Disadvantages of Internet?
A7. Disadvantages of Internet:
1. Conducting research often leads to non-productive searches.
2. Decreased face-to-face communication and the ability to escape identity.
3. Decrease in family communication and a decrease in the number of friends and acquaintances with
which close ties are kept.
4. Takes away necessary human conflict.
5. Strong correlation between frequency of Internet use and loneliness.
6. No process to check information for accuracy.
7. Web addresses change; sites disappear.
8. Often only current information is available online: limited archives.
9. Fees often charged for access to specialized information.

27
10. Content often based on what is popular or profitable.
11. Cyber bullying.
12. Cyber stalking.
13. Identity theft.
14. Scams.
15. Spam.

Q8. What is the internet?

A8. Internet is a massive network of computers from around the world all connected by cable and
satellite. When users are connected to the Internet, they can receive text, images, video and sound on their
computer from computers anywhere in the world. Just as there is a book or magazine on nearly every
subject in local libraries, bookshops or newsagents, so is there information on virtually every subject on the
Internet. The Internet is sometimes called the World Wide Web (www) or just ‘the net’. A global network
connecting millions of computers. More than 100 countries are linked into exchanges of data, news and
opinions. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is decentralized by design.
Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can choose which Internet services to
use and which local services to make available to the global Internet Community. Remarkably, this anarchy
by design works for exceedingly well. There are a variety of ways to access the Internet. Most online
services, such as America online offer access to some Internet services. It is also possible to gain access
through a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Wireless Technology
Wireless “The term wireless is normally used to refer to any type of electrical or electronic operation which
is accomplished without the use of a “hard wired” connection.“

Wireless Communication. Wireless communication is the transfer of information over a distance without
the use of electrical conductors or “wires”. The distances involved may be short (a few meters as in
television remote control) or very long (thousands or even millions of kilometers for radio communications).
When the context is clear the term is often simply shortened to “wireless”. Wireless communications is
generally considered to be a branch of telecommunications. Wireless operations permits services, such as
long range communications, that are impossible or impractical to implement with the use of wires. The term
is commonly used in the telecommunications industry to refer to telecommunications systems (e.g., radio
transmitters and receivers, remote controls, computer networks, network terminals, etc.) which use some
form of energy (e.g. radio frequency (RF), infrared light, laser light, visible light, acoustic energy, etc.) to
transfer information without the use of wires.

[2] Information is transferred in this manner over both short and long distances.

Wireless Networking Wireless Networking (i.e. the various flavors of unlicensed 2.4 GHz WiFi devices)
is used to meet a variety of needs. Perhaps the most common use is to connect laptop users who travel
from location to location. Another common use is for mobile networks that connect via satellite. A wireless
transmission method is a logical choice to network a LAN segment that must frequently change locations.

Use of Wireless Communication The following situations justify the use of wireless technology:

1) To span a distance beyond the capabilities of typical cabling,

2) To avoid obstacles such as physical structures, EMI, or RFI,
3) To provide a backup communications link in case of normal network failure,
4) To link portable or temporary workstations,
5) To overcome situations where normal cabling is difficult or financially impractical,
6) To remotely connect mobile users or networks.

Primary Technologies for Wireless Communication

Wireless communication may be via:

1. Infrared
2. Broadcast Radio (Wi-Fi etc)

28
3. Microwave (Bluetooth etc)
4. Satellite (GPS etc)

Electronic Data Processing

The difference between data and information:

All computers can do is recognize two distinct physical states; essentially they can understand whether a
switch is on or off. The brain of the computer, the CPU (Central processing unit) consists of several million
tiny electronic switches called transistors. Data is the term used to describe the Information represented by
groups of on/off switches. Even though the words data and information are often used interchangeably,
there is an important distinction between them. Data consists of the raw numbers that computers organize
to produce Information.

How computers represent data?

To a computer everything is a number. Numbers are numbers, letters are numbers, sound and pictures are
numbers. Even the computers own instructions are numbers. A string of alphabet characters such as a
sentence looks just like a string of ones and zeros to a computer. People usually use the decimal number
system (base 10) to represent numbers, so called because 10 symbols are available (0—9). To represent a
number above 9 you must use 2 or more symbols together. A computer however has only 2 possible states
available to represent data — on or off. When a switch is off it is represented by a 0, when it is on it is
represented by a 1. Because only 2 values are available the system is said to be base 2 or the binary
number system. When a computer represents data greater than I it does so by using 2 or more symbols.

Bits and Bytes

The value represented by each switch state (whether on or off) is called a bit. The term is a combination of
binary digit. A bit is the smallest possible unit of data that a computer can recognize or use. To represent
anything meaningful the computer uses bits in groups. A group of 8 bits is called a byte. With one byte the
computer can represent 256 different symbols or characters because the 8 1 s and Os in a byte can be
combined in 256 different ways. The byte is extremely important because there are enough 8-bit
combinations to represent all the characters on a keyboard.

Text Codes
Early programmers realized that they needed a standard text code to represent the alphabet, punctuation
marks and other symbols. EBCDIC, ASCII and Unicode are three of the most popular text code systems
invented.

EBCDIC
The BCD (binary coded decimal) system, defined by IBM for its early computers was the first complete
system to represent symbols with bits. Used 6-bit codes. Maximum of 64 possible symbols. Only used
uppercase letters and very few other symbols short lived. Need to represent more characters development
of EBCDIC (extended binary coded decimal interchange code). 8- Bit code defining 256 symbols. Still used
in IBM mainframes and midrange systems.

ASCII
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) solution to representing symbols with bits of data was the
ASCII character set. Most commonly used in computers of all types. Characters 0-31 and 127 are control
characters. 32-64 special characters and numbers, 65-96 uppercase letters and a few symbols, 97-126
lowercase letters and a few common symbols.

Unicode
Evolving standard for data representation. Uses 2 bytes (16-bits) to represent each letter, number or
symbol. 2 bytes can represent 65,536 different characters or symbols enough for every unique character
and symbol in the world (including vast Chinese, Korean and Japanese character sets as well as those
found in known classical and historical texts).

Major advantage
Compatibility with ASCII codes. Unicode just extends the 256 character set of ASCII. Developed in 1991 by
Apple Computer Corporation and Xerox Corporation. It has been updated continually since. Autumn 1999
version 3 of the worldwide Unicode standard was released by the Unicode consortium. Version 3 includes a

29
total of 57,709 16-bit code values. Not yet universally adopted by software developers. If a single character
set were available to cover all languages computer programs and data would be interchangeable.

How Computers process Data

Two components handle processing in a computer

1.CPU 2 Memory
Both are located on the motherboard, the circuit board that connects the CF’LJ to the other hardware
devices.

CPU The CPU is the brain of the computer where data is manipulated. In the average microcomputer the
entire CPU is a single unit called a microprocessor. Most microprocessors are single chips mounted on a
piece of plastic with metal wires attached to it. Some newer microprocessors include multiple chips and are
encased in their own cover and fit into a special socket on the motherboard. Every CPU has at least 2 basic
parts

1. The control unit

2. The arithmetic logic unit
The Control Unit

All the computers resources are managed from the control unit. It is the logical hub of the computer. The
CPU’s instructions for carrying out commands are built into the control unit. The instruction set lists all the
operations that a CPU can perform and is expressed in micro code (a series of basic directions telling the
CPU how to execute more complex operations).

The Arithmetic Logic Unit Computers data stored as numbers much of the processing involves
comparing numbers or carrying out mathematical operations. The computer can perform 2 types of
operations

1. Arithmetic operations
2. Logical operations
Arithmetic Operations

Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division Logical Comparisons such as Equality, Greater than, Less
than every logical operator has an opposite. Some of the logical operations can be done on text, e.g.
searching for a word in a document means that the CPU carries out a rapid succession of equals
operations to match the sequence of ASCII codes making up the search word. Many instructions carried
out by the control unit involve moving data. When the control unit encounters an instruction involving logic
or arithmetic it passes this to the ALU (arithmetic logic unit).

ALU (arithmetic logic unit)

The ALU includes a group of registers (high speed memory locations built directly into the CPU). These are
used to hold the data currently being processed e.g. Control unit loads 2 numbers from memory to registers
in the ALU. Control unit tells ALU to divide the 2 numbers (arithmetic) or compare to see if they are equal
(logic).

Machine Cycles A CPU executes an instruction by taking a series of steps. The complete series of steps is
called a machine cycle. Machine cycle can be broken down into

1. Instruction cycle
2. Execution cycle

The instruction cycle has 2 steps

1. Fetching
2. Decoding

1. Fetching Before the CPU executes an instruction the control unit must (fetch) a command or data from
the memory.

30
2. Decoding
Before the command can be executed the control unit must break down (decode) the command into
instructions corresponding to those in the instruction set. The CPU is now ready to begin the execution
cycle.

1. Executing
When the command is executed the CPU carries out the instructions in order by converting them to
microcode.

2. Storing
CPU may be required to store the results of an instruction in memory
(not always required). The type of processor being used determines the number of steps in a machine
cycle. Although the process is complex the computer can accomplish it incredibly fast. CPU performance is
often measured in millions of Instructions per second (MIPS). Newer microprocessors perform faster by
using a process called pipelining. The control unit begins a new machine cycle — i.e. begins executing a
new instruction — before the current cycle is completed. Executions are performed in stages, when the first
instruction completes the fetching stage, it moves to the decode stage and a new instruction is fetched.
Using this technique some microprocessors can execute up to 6 instructions simultaneously.

Memory
The CPU cannot store entire programs or large sets of data permanently. The CPU contains registers but
these are small areas that hold only a few bytes at a time. The CPU needs to have millions of bytes
randomly accessed space where it can quickly read or write programs and data while they are being used.
This area is called memory. Physically consists of chips on the motherboard or on a small circuit board
attached to the motherboard.

Two types of built in memory.

1. Permanent 2. Non Permanent
1. Some memory chips always retain data they hold even when the computer is turned off is called
Non-Volatile. ROM Non-volatile chips always hold the same data which cannot be changed except through
a special process that overwrites the data. Putting data into this type of memory is called burning in the
data and is usually done in the factory. During normal use the data in these chips is only read and used —
not changed — so the memory is called read only memory (ROM). One important reason for ROM — when
the computer is switched on it needs to know what to do. ROM contains a set of start up instructions which
ensures the rest of the memory is working correctly, checks for hardware devices and checks for an
operating system.

2. Other chips, in fact most of the memory in a computer, lose their contents when the computer is
turned off is called Volatile. RAM Memory that can be instantly changed is called read-write memory or
random access memory (RAM). When people talk about memory in relation to a computer they usually
mean the volatile RAM. Purpose of RAM is to hold data and programs while in use. Physically consists of
some chips on a small circuit board. A computer does not need to search the entire memory each time it
needs to find data because the CPU uses a memory address to store and retrieve each piece of data.

Memory addresses
A number indicating a location on the memory chips. Start at 0 and go up to number of bytes -1 in the
memory. Referred to as random access due to its ability to access each byte of data directly. ROM is
random access as well so the name can be misleading.

Tip for remembering

Data in ROM does not change.

Data in RAM changes constantly. Newer video cards, sound cards and printers have their own built in
RAM.

Two types of RAM

1. Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

31
Gets it name from the fact that it must be refreshed frequently (refreshed
1 recharged with electricity). Must be refreshed many times per second or they will lose data.

2. Static RAM (SRAM)

Does not need to be refreshed as often and can hold data for longer. SRAM is considerably faster than
DRAM. DRAM technologies typically support access times of approx 6Ons. SRAM ships typically support
access times of 10ns. As a consequence SRAM is more expensive than DRAM and not frequently used in
PCs.

Flash Memory
Stores the data even when the computer is turned off. ROM is a form of flash memory. Other machines to
use flash memory are digital cameras. You have to store the picture until transferred to your computer even
when the camera is powered off.

Factors affecting processing speed

Circuitry design of a CPU determines its basic speed but several additional factors can make chips work
faster. Already introduced to registers and memory. Will now see how these and others — such as cache
memory, clock speed and data bus — affect the speed.

How Registers affect speed

Registers in the first PCs could hold 2 bytes (16 bits) each. Most CPUs today have 32-bit registers. Newer
PCs and high-end workstations have 64-bit registers. Size of the registers (sometimes called word size)
indicates the amount of data the computer can work with at any given time. The bigger the word size the
more quickly the computer can process the set of data. All other factors being kept equal, a CPU with 32-bit
registers can process data twice as fast as one with 16-bit registers.

Memory and Computing Power

More RAM in a computer means that the computer can use bigger more powerful programs, which can
access bigger data files. More RAM means that the computer can run faster. The greater the amount of a
program that the computer can load in to memory the faster it can run it. However a computer does not
need to load an entire program into the memory to run it. An example of this is Windows 98. A computer
with 32MB of RAM can run Windows 98 even though the program occupies 195MB of disk storage space.
The program loads the most essential parts into the memory and when it needs to access other parts of the
program on the hard disk it can unload, or swap out nonessential parts from the RAM to the hard disk. It
then can load or swap in the program code or data that it needs. This method can result in a slow system
performance. If your PC has 64MB (or more) of RAM you will notice a dramatic difference in how fast
Windows 98 runs. New PCs come with at least 64MB of RAM but 128MB is rapidly becoming the standard.
Many new computers can hold as much as 1GB of RAM. If you already own a PC you can increase the
amount of RAM by plugging it into the motherboard. Chips are usually grouped together on small circuit
boards called single in-line memory modules (SIMMS) or dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS). Each of
these can hold from 1MB 164MB and connect to the motherboard with 30-pin, 72-pin or 128- pin
connections.

The Computer’s Internal Clock

Every microcomputer has a system clock, but its main purpose is not to keep the time. It is driven by a
quartz crystal. When electricity is applied the molecules vibrate millions of times per second at a rate that
never changes. The speed of the vibrations is determined by the thickness of the crystal. The computer
uses the vibrations to time its processing operations. Over the years system clocks have become steadily
faster. The first PC operated at 4.77MHz. (Hertz is a measure of cycles per second MHz means millions of
cycles per second). The computers operating speed is tied to the speed of the system clock. A clock cycle
is a single tick or the time it takes to turn a transistor off and back on. If a computers clock speed is
300MHz then it ticks 300 million times per second. Clock speed has a tremendous impact on CPU
performance. A CPU operating at 300MHz can process data almost twice as fast as one operating at
166MHz. Clock speeds of 1GHz have already been achieved (early 2000).

The Bus

The term bus refers to the path between components of a computer. There are two main buses in a
computer.

32
1. Internal (system) bus
2. External (expansion) bus
The system bus resides on the motherboard and connects the CPU to other devices residing on the
motherboard. An expansion bus connects external devices such as keyboard, mouse, modem, printer etc.
to the CPU. Cables from disk drives and other internal devices may also be plugged into a bus.

The system bus has two parts

1. Data bus
2. Address bus.

The Data Bus

An electronic path that connects the CPU, memory and other hardware devices on the motherboard. The
bus is actually a group of parallel wires. The number of wires affects the speed at which data can travel
between hardware components. Each wire can transfer 1 bit at a time. 8-wire bus can transfer a full byte.
16-wire bus can transfer 2 bytes. Newer computers have a 64-bit data bus transfer 8 bytes at a time.

The Address Bus

A set of wires similar to the data bus which connects only the CPU and the RAM and carries only memory
addresses. Today CPUs have address buses wide enough to address 64GB of RAM.

Bus Types
Common Technologies Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)
16-Bit Data Bus. It became the industry standard on its release in the mid 80’s and still used to attach
slower devices (such as modems) to the CPU.

Local Bus
Developed to attach faster devices to the CPU. It is an internal system running between components on the
motherboard. Most systems use some type of local bus couples to one or more types of expansion bus.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)

Type of local bus designed by Intel to make it easier to integrate new data types such as sound, video and
graphics.

Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP)

Incorporates a special architecture allowing the video card to access the systems RAM directly increases
speed of graphic performance. Has led to the development of many types of accelerated video cards
supporting 3D and full- motion video. Cannot be used with all PCs, the system must use a chip that
supports the AGP standard. New computers feature AGP graphics capabilities as well as PCI system bus
and an expansion bus. Two new expansion bus technologies due to replace most existing buses in the
future.

1. Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A hardware standard for external device connections (such as a mouse, modems, game controllers, and
key boards). USB supports Plug and Play installation so that you can easily add new devices to your
computer without having to add an adapter card or shut down.

2. IEEE 1394 (called Fire wire on Macs).

Provide fast data transfer speeds and eliminate the need for expansion slots and boards. New PCs and
Macs feature at least one USB port and each USB port can support 127 different devices. In addition to the
number of bits they can transfer at any one time buses are measured according to their data transfer rates
— amount of data they can transfer in I second. Usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or
megabytes per second (MBps) e.g. USB data transfer rate of 12Mbps. IEEE 1394 data transfer rate of
400Mbps. AGP rates 266MBps but can support >1GBps. PCI rates 133MBps

Cache Memory
Moving data between RAM and CPUs registers is one of the most time consuming operations a CPU
performs. The RAM is much slower than the CPU.

33
Partial solution
Include a cache memory. Cache memory is similar to RAM except it is extremely fast as compared to
normal memory and is used differently. When a program is running and the CPU needs to read data or
instructions from RAM it first checks to see if it is in the cache. If it is not there it reads the data from RAM
into its registers and also loads a copy into the cache. Next time it needs this data it can read it from the
cache so saving time. Cache memory has been built into most PC CPUs since the late 80s. The CPU
resident cache is often called Level-1 (L1) cache. Today many CPUs have as much as 256kB of cache built
in. In addition cache is also added to the motherboard. This motherboard resident cache is often called
Level-2 (L2) cache. Many PCs come with 512 or 1024kB of L2 cache, higher-end systems can come with
as much as 2MB of L2 cache. Extending the Processor’s Power to Other Devices.
Need to know how to connect a new piece of hardware to the bus. In some cases you can plug the device
into an existing socket or port on the back of the computer. Older computers feature only 3 or 4 distinct
types of ports but newer systems provide a wide array of specialized ports. When a port is not available you
need to install a circuit board that includes the port you want.

Serial and Parallel Ports

A parallel interface is a connection of 8 or more wires through which the data can flow simultaneously. Most
computer buses transfer 32 bits simultaneously. However the standard parallel interface for external
devices (such as printers) usually transfers 8 bits at a time over 8 separate wires. A serial interface
transmits data one bit at a time through a single wire; the interface includes additional wires to control the
flow of data. Inside the computer a chip called a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART)
converts parallel data from the bus into serial data for the serial cable. Parallel interfaces can handle a
higher volume of data than a serial interface.

Other Ports
In addition to parallel and serial ports many computers include specialized ports SCSI Small Computer
System Interface. Instead of forcing the user to plug multiple cards into the expansion slots a single SCSI
adaptor extends the bus outside the computer by way of a cable. It is like an extension cord for the data
bus. You can plug one SCSI device into another to form a chain. Emerging standard SCSl-3 which can link
as many as 127 devices. UItra3 SCSI (newest standard) supports a 32-bit bus and transfer rates of
160Mbps. To provide a SCSI ports insert a SCSI adaptor board into one of the expansion slots. Fast high
quality hard disk drives often have SCSI interfaces as do scanners, tape drives and optical storage devices
such as CD-ROM drives. Plugging many devices into a single port is known as daisy chaining.

UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS (USB )

Mentioned before, is rapidly gaining popularity in PCs and Macs. Many experts believe the USB will
emerge as the single bus standard of the future.

IEEE 1394
Also uses a single port. This technology is very expensive and so is not expected to become the dominant
bus technology.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI)

Has been in use since the early SOs when technology was created to enable electronic instruments to
communicate. Has since been adapted to the PC and many sound cards are MIDI compliant. Using the
MIDI port you can plug in a wide variety of musical instruments. MIDI systems are widely used in recording
and performance to control settings for electronic synthesizers, drum machines etc.

Expansion Slots and Boards

PCs are designed so that users can configure the machines to their own particular needs. PC
motherboards have 2 or more expansion slots — extensions to the computers bus — that provide a way of
adding new components to the computer.

Information Technology:
Few years ago computer were being used mostly by specialists- Programmers, data entry clerks, and
computer operators. Then microcomputers came along and changed everything. Today nearly everybody
needs to use a computer.
Microcomputers are common tools in all areas of life. Writers write, artists draw, engineers and scientists
calculate – all on microcomputers. Students and businesspeople do all this and more.

34
New forms of learning have developed. People who are homebound, who work odd ours, or who travel
frequently may take courses on the Web. A college course need not fit within the usual time of a quarter or
semester. New ways to communicate, to find people with similar interests, and to buy goods are available.
All kinds of people are using electronic mail, electronic commerce, and the internet to meet and to share
ideas and products. Competent end users need to know the five parts of an information system: people,
procedures, software, hardware, and data. Additionally, they need to understand connectivity, the wireless
revolution, the Internet, and the Web and to recognize the role of information technology in their
professional and personal lives.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS
An information system has five parts: People, Procedures, Software, Hardware, and Data. Connectivity
allows computers to connect and share information, thereby greatly expanding the capability and
usefulness of an information system. The way to think about a microcomputer is as part of an information
system. An information system has five parts: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data.

People:
People are the most important part of an information system. They are the end users as one of the five
parts of information system can easily be overlooked and by use of microcomputers they are becoming
more productive.

Procedures:
The rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data are procedures.
These procedures are typically documented in manuals written by computer specialists.

Software:
A program consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work. Software is
another name for a program or programs. The purpose of software is to convert data (unprocessed facts)
into information (processed facts).

Hardware:
The equipment that processes the data to create information is called hardware. It includes the keyboard,
mouse, monitor, system unit, and other devices printers, scanners. Hardware is controlled by software.

Data: The raw, unprocessed facts, including text, numbers, images, and sounds are called data.
Processed, data yields information.

Today Connectivity is also an additional part of information system, which allows the computer to connect
and to share information. These connections, including Internet connections, can be by telephone lines, by
cable, or through the air. Connectivity allows users to greatly expand the capability and usefulness of their
information systems.

SOFTWATRE
There are two kinds of software:
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software includes operating systems, utilities software and device drivers software.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is categorized as general-purpose and special-purpose software.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
The user interacts primarily with application software. System software enables the application software to
interact with the computer hardware. System software is “background” software that helps the computer
manage its own internal resources. System software is not a single program. Rather it is a collection of
programs.
Operating systems are programs that coordinate computer resources, provide and interface between users
and the computer, and run applications. Windows XP and the Mac OS X are two of the best known
operating systems for microcomputer users.
Utilities, also known as service programs, perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources.
Windows utility program called Disk Defragmenter locates and eliminates unnecessary file fragments and
rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize computer operations.
Device drivers are specialized programs designed to allow particular input or output devices to
communicate with the rest of the computer system.

35
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is described as end user software. These programs can be categorized as general-
purpose and special-purpose applications.
General-purpose applications are basic applications, which are widely used in nearly all career areas. One
of these basic applications is a browser to navigate, explore, and find information on the Internet. The two
most widely used browsers are Microsoft’s Internet Explorer and Netscape’s Navigator.
Special-purpose applications, also known as specialized applications, include thousands of other programs
that are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are
graphics, audio and video, multimedia, Web authoring, and artificial intelligence programs.

COMPUTER HARDWARE
Computers are electronic devices that can follow instruction to accept input, process that input, and
produce information.

TYPES OF COMPUTERS
There are four types of computers
1. Supercomputer
2. Mainframe computer
3. Minicomputer
4. Microcomputer

1. Supercomputers:
Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. These machines are special high-capacity
computers used by very large organizations i.e. NASA, SUPARCO uses supercomputers to track and
control space explorations.
2. Mainframe computers:
Mainframe computer occupy specially wired, air-conditioned rooms. They are less powerful than
supercomputer. Mainframe computers are capable of great processing speeds and data storage i.e.
NADRA uses mainframes to process information about millions of population.
3. Minicomputers:
Minicomputers also known as midrange computers, were refrigerator sized machines in near past, and
today they are half of the refrigerator sized machines i.e. IBM AS/400 series. Medium-sized companies or
departments of large companies typically use them for specific purposes i.e. productions departments use
mini computers to monitor certain manufacturing processes and assembly line operations like Toyota
Company.
4. Microcomputers:
Microcomputers are the least powerful, yet the most widely used and fastest-growing, type of computer.
There are four types of microcomputers: Microcomputer hardware consists of the system unit, input/output,
secondary storage, and communication devices.

Q# 2. Attempt all True and False Questions:

1. CD ROM Stands for Compact Disc Read Only Memory. T/F

2. Auto Sum is a used for Calculating Total Automatically in Excel. T/F
3. Alt + F4 used to close any opened software. T/F
4. Http stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. T/F
5. ROM is a Temporary / Volatile Memory. T/F
6. LAN stands for Local Area Network. T/F
7. WAN stands for Wide Area Network. T/F
8. Ctrl + C a Shortcut key for Paste. T/F
9. Ctrl + S used to save document. T/F
10. Windows XP is a GUI based operating system. T/F
11. Monitor is a Softcopy Output device. T/F
12. CD-R stands for Compact Disc Recordable. T/F
13. DVD stands for Digital Versatile Disc. T/F
14. CD-RW stands for Compact Disc Rewritable. T/F
15. WWW stands for World Wide Web. T/F
16. GUI stands for Graphics User Interface. T/F
17. Windows XP is an Operating System. T/F

36
18. An Operating System is a System Software. T/F
19. HTML stands for Hyper Text Markup Language. T/F
20. RAM is a nonvolatile storage. T/F
21. RAM is a Temporary Memory. T/F
22. RAM is a Volatile Memory. T/F
23. RAM stands for Random Access Memory. T/F
24. User can update the instructions stored in ROM. T/F
25. Ctrl + Alt + Z a key combination for Undo. T/F
26. Computers are Networked with LAN/NIC. T/F
27. ROM is a Nonvolatile or Permanent Memory. T/F
28. *.ppt is extension for Power Point File. T/F
29. LINUX and Mac OSX are Operating Systems. T/F
30. MS Word is an example of Application Software. T/F

Q#4. Define the following extensions.

S No Extension Definition
1. *.doc To be recognized as Word Document Extension
2. *.xls To be recognized as Excel Work Book Extension
3. *.txt To be recognized as Text Data/Word Pad Extension
4. *.exe To be recognized as Programs Extension
5. *.mdb To be recognized as Microsoft Data Base Extension
6. *.bmp To be recognized as Bitmap Picture Extension
7. *.wav To be recognized as Sound or Wave Extension
8. *.jpg To be recognized as Joint Photo Graphic Group Extension
9. *.jpeg To be recognized as Joint Photo Graphic Expert Group Extension
10. *.gif To be recognized as Graphic Interchange Format Extension
11. *.ppt To be recognized as Power Point Presentation Extension
12. *.html To be recognized as Web Page Extension
13. *.htm To be recognized as Web Page Extension
14. *.rtf To be recognized as Note Pad or Rich Text Format Extension

KEY COMBINATIONS

F1 Get Help or the Office Assistant

F2 Move text or graphics
F3 Insert an AutoText entry (after Microsoft Word displays the entry)
F4 Repeat the last action
F5 Choose the Go To command (Edit menu)
F6 Go to the next pane or frame
F7 Choose the Spelling command (Tools menu)
F8 Extend a selection
F9 Update selected fields
F10 Activate the menu bar
F11 Go to the next field
F12 Choose the Save As command (File menu)

SHIFT+FUNCTION KEY

SHIFT+F1 Start context-sensitive Help or reveal formatting

SHIFT+F2 Copy text
SHIFT+F3 Change the case of letters
SHIFT+F4 Repeat a Find or Go To action
SHIFT+F5 Move to the last change
SHIFT+F6 Go to the previous pane or frame
SHIFT+F7 Choose the Thesaurus command (Tools menu, Language submenu)
SHIFT+F8 Shrink a selection
SHIFT+F9 Switch between a field code and its result
SHIFT+F10 Display a shortcut menu
SHIFT+F11 Go to the previous field

37
SHIFT+F12 Choose the Save command (File menu)

CTRL+FUNCTION KEY

CTRL+F2 Choose the Print Preview command (File menu)

CTRL+F3 Cut to the Spike
CTRL+F4 Close the window
CTRL+F5 Restore the document window size
CTRL+F6 Go to the next window
CTRL+F7 Choose the Move command (Control menu, or Window shortcut menu)
CTRL+F8 Choose the Size command (Control menu, or Window shortcut menu)
CTRL+F9 Insert an empty field
CTRL+F10 Maximize the document window
CTRL+F11 Lock a field
CTRL+F12 Choose the Open command (File menu)

CTRL+SHIFT+FUNCTION KEY

CTRL+SHIFT+F3 Insert the contents of the Spike

CTRL+SHIFT+F5 Edit a bookmark
CTRL+SHIFT+F6 Go to the previous window
CTRL+SHIFT+F7 Update linked information in a Microsoft Word source document
CTRL+SHIFT+F8 Extend a selection or block (then press an arrow key)
CTRL+SHIFT+F9 Unlink a field
CTRL+SHIFT+F10 Activate the ruler
CTRL+SHIFT+F11 Unlock a field
CTRL+SHIFT+F12 Choose the Print command (File menu)

ALT+FUNCTION KEY

ALT+F1 Go to the next field

ALT+F3 Create an entry
ALT+F4 Quit Microsoft Word
ALT+F5 Restore the program window size
ALT+F7 Find the next misspelling or grammatical error. The Check spelling as you type
check box must be selected (Tools menu, Options dialog box, Spelling &
Grammar tab).
ALT+F8 Run a macro
ALT+F9 Switch between all field codes and their results
ALT+F10 Maximize the program window
ALT+F11 Display Microsoft Visual Basic code

ALT+SHIFT+F1 Go to the previous field

ALT+SHIFT+F2 Choose the Save command (File menu)
ALT+SHIFT+F9 Run GOTOBUTTON or MACROBUTTON from the field that displays the field
results
ALT+SHIFT+F11 Display Microsoft Visual Studio code
CTRL+ALT+F1 Display Microsoft System Information
CTRL+ALT+F2 Open command (File menu

Network Connections
Network Connections provides connectivity between your computer and the Internet, a network, or another
computer. With Network Connections, you can gain access to network resources and functionality, whether
you are physically located at the location of the network or in a remote location. Connections are created,
configured, stored, and monitored from within the Network Connections folder.
The New Connection Wizard helps you create Internet connections using your dial-up modem, ISDN, DSL
or cable modem. You can also create incoming, direct, and virtual private networking (VPN) connections
using the New Connection Wizard. Local area connections are created automatically when a network
adapter is installed.

38
Each connection in the Network Connections folder contains a set of features that you can use to create a
link between your computer and another computer or network. Outgoing connections contact a remote
access server by using a configured access method (LAN, modem, ISDN line, DSL, cable modem, and so
on) to establish a connection with the network. Conversely, an incoming connection enables a computer
running Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, or a stand-alone computer running
Windows 2000 Server to be contacted by other computers. This means your computer can operate as a
remote access server. Whether you are connected locally (LAN), remotely (dial-up, ISDN, and so on), or
both, you can configure any connection so that it can perform any needed network function. For example,
you can print to network printers, access network drives and files, browse other networks, or access the
Internet.
Because all services and communication methods are configured within the connection, you do not need to
use external management tools to configure connection settings. For example, the settings for a dial-up
connection include features to be used before, during, and after connecting. These include the modem you
use to dial, the type of password encryption you want to use upon connecting, and the network protocols
you use after you connect. Connection status, which includes the duration and speed of a connection, is
viewed from the connection itself; you do not need to use an external status tool. For information about
configuring a connection, see To configure a connection. Logon and domain security, support for security
hosts, data encryption, authentication, and callback provide secure network access for network and dial-up
connections. For more information about security features, see

Security features of Network Connections.

To change the settings for a connection
Open Network Connections.
To change the settings for, or configure, a dial-up connection, click the connection that you want to
configure, and then, under Network Tasks, click Change settings of this connection.

Do one or more of the following:

To configure dialing devices that your computer uses to make a connection (a modem, for example), phone
numbers, host addresses, country or region codes, or dialing rules, click the General tab.
To configure dialing and redialing options, or X.25 settings, click the Options tab.
To configure identity authentication, which is a way to help verify your computer’s identity when making a
connection, data encryption (which codes the content so that it’s less likely to be readable by someone
other than the intended recipient), or terminal window and scripting options, click the Security tab.

To configure the remote access server that you want to connect to and protocols (the format that your
computer uses to communicate with other computers) used for this connection, click the Networking tab.

To turn Internet Connection Sharing on or off or configure your computer to establish a dial-up connection
automatically, click the Advanced tab.

Notes
To open Network Connections, click Start, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click
Network Connections.
The options and tabs in the Properties dialog box can be different, depending on the type of connection that
you are working with. If you don't see a specific item, it means that it doesn't apply to the connection that
you are changing.
Windows Firewall is automatically turned on for all network and Internet connections. For more information,
see Related Topics.

WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

DEFINITION
Windows is a class of software called GUI (graphical user interface). Now you interact with your computer
to do things like entering data or running programs like the spelling checker is determined by the interface.
On most computers, the hardware part of the interface consists of the screen and the keyboard. But the
software part of the interface determine, what things look like on the screen, how you give commands such
as “check the spelling” or “print the report” to the computer. Now you flip between pages of text, and so
forth. Depending on how your computer is set up, various items appear on your desktop when you start
Windows. Here are four important ones.

Windows Desktop Picture

39
MY COMPUTER
This icon displays your computer’s contents and manages your system drives and files.
NETWORK NEIGHBOURHOOD
This icon displays available resources on the network, if your computer is on network or can be connected
to one.
RECYCLE BIN
The Recycle Bin is a temporary storage place (Folder) for deleted files. You can use it to retrieve files
deleted in error.
START BUTTON
Start Button is used to start program, open a document, change system setting, get help, find items on your
computer, and many more.
STARTING WITH THE START MENU
When you click the Start button, you see a menu that contains everything you need to begin using
Windows. If you want to start/open a program. Point to Program and click to open. If you want Help on
doing something in Windows, click Help. The commands on the Start menu are described in more detail in
the rest of these papers. An overview of each command is shown below.
START MENU PICTURE
This command Do these
Programs Displays a list of programs you can start.
Documents Displays a list of documents that you’ opened previously.
Settings Displays a list of system components for which you can change settings.
Find Enables you to find a folder, file, shared computer, or mail message.
Help Starts Help. You can then use the Help Contents, Index, or other tabs to
find out how to do a task in Windows.
Run Starts a program or opens a folder when you type an MS-DOS command.
Shut Down Shuts down or restarts you computer, logs you off.
Depending on your computer and the options you have chosen, you may see additional items on your
menu.
THE TASKBAR
Every time you start a program or open a window, a button representing that window appears on the
taskbar. To switch between windows, just click the button for the window you want. When you close a
window, its buttons disappears from the taskbar.
Depending on what task you’re working on, other indicators can appear in the notification area on the
taskbar, such as a printer representing your print job or a battery representing power on your portable
computer. A one end of the taskbar is the clock. To view or change settings, just double-click the clock or
any of the indicators.
STARTING AND QUITTING A PROGRAM
You can use the Start button to start any program you want to use. Such as your word processor (MS
Word) or any other favorite game.
TO START A PROGRAM
1. Click the Start button, and then point to Programs.
2. Point to the folder, such as Accessories, that contains the program, and then click the program.

PROGRAM MANAGER PICTURE

PROGRAM MANAGER
You can find your old program groups by clicking the Start button and then pointing to Programs. Your
groups appear as folders on the Programs menu.
FILE MANAGER
To manage your files, you click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click Windows Explorer. Your
directories appear as folders.
MS-DOS PROMPT
To open an Ms-DOS windows, you click the Start button, point to Programs, and then click MS-DOS
Prompt.
CONTROL PANEL
To open Control Panel, you click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
PRINT MANAGER
To set up a printer or look at information about documents you’re printing, you click the Start button, point
to Settings, and then click Printers.

40
CLOSE BUTTON To close a window, you click the Close button in the upper-right corner of the
window, next to the Minimize and Maximize buttons.

FINDING SOMETHING ON YOUR COMPUTER

If you don’t know where a document or folder is, you can use the Find command to find and open it.

TO FIND SOMETHING
1. Click the Start Button, and then point to Find.
2. Click Files or Folders.
3. Click the Named Box, and then type the name of the file or folder you want to find.
4. To specify where to search, click the arrow next to the Look In box, or click Browse.
5. To Start the search, click Find Now.

CHANGING SYSTEM SETTING

Using Control Panel, you can change the way Windows Looks and works.

TO CHANGE WINDOWS SETTINGS

1. Click the Start Button, and then point to settings.
2. Click Control Panel.
3. Double Click an icon to see the settings you can change.

SHUTTING DOWN YOUR COMPUTER

You need to shut down Windows before you turn off or restart your computer. That way you can be sure
your work is saved to your hard disk.

Caution: To avoid damaging files, always shut down Windows before you turn off your computer.

TO QUIT WINDOWS AND SHUT DOWN YOUR COMPUTER

1. Click the Start Button, and then click Shut Down.
2. Click Yes. If you forget to save changes to documents,
Windows prompts you to save changes.
3. A screen messages lets you know when you can safely turn off your computer.

SEEING WHAT’S ON YOUR COMPUTER

In Windows 95, the things you have on your computer – your programs, documents, and data files, for
example are all accessible from one place called My Computer. When you first start Windows, My
Computer is located at the upper left of your Windows Screen, or Desktop.

TO SEE WHAT’S ON YOUR COMPUTER

Double click My Computer.
A window appears, displaying several different pictures, called icons.
To use an item in My Computer, double click the icon. Then following list describes what happens when
you double click the various icons.

DOUBLE CLICK TO SEE ABOUT FOLLOWING

1. To see the contents of a Floppy Disk in your computer’s 3.5 inch drive click the icon of Floppy
Disk.
2. To see the contents of a Hard Disk Click the icon of required Hard disk like, Local Disk (C:),
Local Disk (D:) or Local Disk (E:) , Local Disk (F:) as you have the partitions of the Hard Disk.
3. To the see the contents of a Network Drive, if your computer is Networked or connected to any
or a Part of a Network.
4. To see the contents of a compact disc in your computer’s CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive click the
icon of the CD drive.
5. To change the setting of your computer click the icon of setting.
6. Setup Printers and view information about your printers and the documents you print of printer.

Folder:

41
A folder which can contain files and other folders, To keep things organized, your work is to be stored in
your office or at home. Your Directories appear as folders.
A shared folder, You share a folder so that other people on a network can use the folder’s contents.

File:
A file, the basic unit of storage in Windows. The documents you use and create are files, and so are the
programs you use. Different types of files may have different looking icons. This standard (generic) icon is
used when a file type does not have a specific icon associated with it.
A document that was created with WordPad, a text editor that is included with Windows.

Learn About Speech Recognition

This feature is available in English (U.S.), the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese
languages versions of Microsoft Office. We can use speech recognition to dictate text into any Office
program. We can also select menu, toolbar, dialog box (U.S. English only), and task pane (U.S. English
only) items by using our voice. Speech recognition is not designed for completely hands-free operation;
we'll get the best results if we use a combination of our voice and the mouse or keyboard. To use speech
recognition for the first time, install it by clicking Speech on the Tools menu in Microsoft Word, or by doing a
custom installation. After speech recognition is installed, it is available on the Tools menu in any speech-
enabled Office program.

Speech Recognition Requirements

To use speech recognition, we need the following:

A high quality close-talk (headset) microphone with gain adjustment

What is gain adjustment?

A microphone feature that allows our input to be amplified so that it is made louder for use by the system.
Support a universal serial bus (USB) microphone is recommended.

A 400 megahertz (MHz) or faster computer, 128 MB or more of memory, Windows 2000 with Service Pack
3 or Windows XP or later Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later See the Microsoft Office Online Web site
for more information about operating system specific requirements or microphone information.

Training Speech Recognition

After speech recognition is installed, you can increase speech recognition accuracy by taking a few minutes
to train the computer to recognize how you speak.
When you read aloud the prepared training text, the training wizard can look for patterns in the way you
speak, and gather voice data that helps interpret the words that you'll dictate into Office programs. The
training session includes help with adjusting your microphone, and it should take less than 15 minutes to
complete. Additional training may increase speech recognition accuracy. At any time, you can go back to
the training wizard to read additional training text.

Dictating Text And Giving Commands

You can use speech recognition by clicking or saying the name of buttons on the Language bar to switch
between two modes— Dictation mode and Voice Command mode. The Language bar appears in the
upper-right corner of the screen.

Language Bar With Text Labels Hidden

Note:  The Language bar by default shows text labels beside each button on the bar. You can hide or show
the text labels by right-clicking the Language bar, and then clicking Text Labels. You'll switch between
Dictation and Voice Command less often and save time if you complete dictation first, review your file, and
then format text or make corrections.

Dictation
In Dictation mode, you can dictate just about anywhere you can type in an Office program. As you speak,
you'll see a blue bar on the screen that means the computer is processing your voice. As your words are
recognized, text is displayed on the screen. You can continue to speak while the computer processes your
voice; you don't have to wait until the blue bar disappears to speak again.

42
Previously Recognized Text
Blue bar that indicates the computer is processing your voice

Voice Command
In Voice Command mode, you can select menu, toolbar, dialog box (U.S. English only), and task pane
(U.S. English only) items by simply saying their names. This means that you can give voice commands for
just about anything you can read in an Office program. For example, to change font format, you can say
"font" to open the Font box on the Formatting toolbar (toolbar: A bar with buttons and options that you use
to carry out commands. To display a toolbar, click Customize on the Tools menu, and then click the
Toolbars tab.), and then say a font name. Or to format selected text, say "bold" or "underline."
Note:  For examples of how to use speech recognition, see the Microsoft Office Online Web site.

Language Bar Messages

As you work, messages on the Language bar offer help or hints. In Dictation mode, the messages may
increase speech recognition accuracy. For example, the "Too soft" message means that you may be
speaking too softly for the computer to recognize your words.

Language Bar Speech Message

In Voice Command mode, you'll see the name of the last recognized command you said using speech
recognition. If you used your mouse or keyboard instead of speech recognition, you'll see the name of the
command you could say.

Install And Train Speech Recognition

This feature is available in English (U.S.), the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese
language versions of Microsoft Office. Speech recognition is installed in all Office programs by initially using
the feature in Microsoft Word, or by doing a custom installation. After speech recognition is installed, you
can increase speech recognition accuracy by taking a few minutes to train the computer to recognize how
you speak by reading aloud prepared training text.

Install And Train Speech Recognition Through Word

Open Word. On the Tools menu, click Speech. You're asked if you want to install the feature. Click Yes.
After the installation is complete, click Next to train speech recognition. Training begins with help in
adjusting your microphone.

Notes

After speech recognition is installed, it is available on the Tools menu in all Office programs. If you do not
train after you install speech recognition, you can train by clicking Tools on the Language bar, and then
clicking Training. You can get help adjusting your microphone by clicking Tools on the Language bar,
clicking Options, and then clicking Configure Microphone.

Install And Train By Doing A Custom Installation

On the Microsoft Windows Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click Change or Remove
Programs, select Office 2003, and then click Change.

Click Add or Remove Features, and then click Next. Select the Choose advanced customization of
applications check box, and then click Next. Under Choose update options for applications and tools, next
to Office Shared Features, click. Next to Alternative User Input, click, click Speech, and then select the type
of installation you want. Click Update. Follow these steps to train speech recognition the first time you use
speech in an Office program. In most Office programs, click Speech on the Tools menu. Note  In Microsoft
Excel, point to Speech on the Tools menu, and then click Speech Recognition.

To train speech recognition, click Next. Training begins with help in adjusting your microphone.

Notes
After speech recognition is installed, it is available on the Tools menu in all Office programs. If you do not
train at this point, you can train by clicking Tools on the Language bar, and then clicking Training. You can
get help adjusting your microphone by clicking Tools on the Language bar, clicking Options, and then
clicking Configure Microphone.

43
Increase Recognition Accuracy With Additional Training
At any time, you can select another training text to read aloud. Training for a total of about 15 minutes is all
you need to do to increase speech recognition accuracy. Training beyond that will not increase accuracy.
On the Language bar, click Tools, and then click Training. Follow the instructions in the speech training
wizard. Create and use speech recognition user profiles. This feature is available in English (U.S.), the
Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Japanese language versions of Microsoft Office. Speech
recognition user profiles store information about how to recognize your voice. You can create profiles for
multiple users on the same computer. You can also create additional profiles for yourself when working in
environments with different levels of noise or using different microphones.

Create A New Profile

In the Microsoft Windows XP Control Panel, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then click
Speech. In the Windows 2000 Control Panel, double-click the Speech icon. Click the Speech Recognition
tab. Under Recognition Profiles, click New, and follow the instructions in the Profile Wizard.

Select A Profile For The Current User

On the Language bar, click Tools. Point to Current User, and then click a profile. Icons in the Search
Results task pane.

Use the table below to identify the icons for the different types of content available in the Search Results
task pane (task pane: A window within an Office application that provides commonly used commands. Its
location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working on your files.) when you are
connected to the Internet (Internet: A worldwide network of thousands of smaller computer networks and
millions of commercial, educational, government, and personal computers. The Internet is like an electronic
city with virtual libraries, stores, art galleries, and so on.) and you search for content online. Clicking the
icon in the Help window opens the content type.

Icon - Type of Content

Help topic: Help topic opens in the Help window when you are not connected; or opens in
your Web browser when you are connected.
Web article:    Article on Microsoft Office Online opens in your Web browser.
Training course    Selected training course on Microsoft Office Online opens in your Web
browser
Word Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
Excel Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
PowerPoint Template  Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
Visio Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview task pane for
downloading.
Access Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane opens for
downloading.
FrontPage Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
Publisher Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
Project Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
InfoPath Template    Selected template appears in the Template Preview pane for downloading.
Community Discussion    Selected discussion on Office Communites opens in your browser.
Office MarketPlace Standard Provider service, Service page on Microsoft Office Online opens in
your browser.
Office MarketPlace Featured Provider service, Service page on Microsoft Office Online opens in
your browser.

How to Speak To a Computer

This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (U.S.), and Japanese
language versions of Microsoft Office.

When speaking to others, you're usually understood whether you whisper or shout, or talk fast or slow.
However, a computer understands speech best when spoken to in a more predictable way.

44
Speak in a consistent, level tone. Speaking too loudly or too softly makes it difficult for the computer to
recognize what you've said. Use a consistent rate, without speeding up and slowing down. Speak without
pausing between words; a phrase is easier for the computer to interpret than just one word.

For example, the computer has a hard time understanding phrases such as, "This (pause) is (pause)
another (pause) example (pause) sentence."

Because we don't usually need to think about how to speak, it can seem a little awkward at first to speak to
a computer. However, with a little practice, speaking to a computer will become more natural.

Speech Recognition Tips

Start by working in a quiet environment so that the computer hears you instead of the sounds around you,
and use a high quality close-talk (headset) microphone. If your work environment has a lot of noise or if the
noise level varies during the day, try creating different speech recognition profiles for different times of day.
If you work in several different environments, create different profiles for each environment. Keep the
microphone in the same position; try not to move it around once it's adjusted. Train your computer to
recognize your voice by reading aloud prepared training text in the training wizard. Additional training may
increase may speech recognition accuracy. As you dictate, don't be concerned if you do not immediately
see your words on the screen. Continue speaking and pause at the end of your thought. The computer will
display the recognized text on the screen after it finishes processing your voice. Pronounce words clearly,
but don't separate each syllable in a word. For example, sounding out each syllable in "e-nun-ci-ate" will
make it harder for the computer to recognize what you've said. Remember to turn the microphone off when
you are not using speech recognition. Speech recognition will continue to process sounds until the
microphone is turned off.

Getting Started With Speech Recognition

This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (U.S.), and Japanese
language versions of Microsoft Office.
To get started, do the following:

Verify Speech Recognition System Requirements

To use speech recognition, you need the following:
A high quality close-talk (headset) microphone with gain adjustment (gain adjustment: A microphone
feature that allows your input to be amplified so that it is made louder for use by the system.) support (A
universal serial bus (USB) microphone is recommended.) A 400 megahertz (MHz) or faster computer
128 MB or more of memory. Windows 2000 with Service Pack 3 or Windows XP or later
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.01 or later. See the Microsoft Office Online Web site for more information
about operating system specific requirements or microphone information.

Position The Speech Recognition Microphone

A high quality close-talk (headset) universal serial bus (USB) microphone with gain adjustment (gain
adjustment: A microphone feature that allows your input to be amplified so that it is made louder for use by
the system.) support is recommended.
Position the microphone so that: It is about an inch, or a thumb's width, to the side of your mouth. It is not
directly in front of your mouth, and you are not breathing directly into it.

Note  If you inadvertently move the microphone as you speak, remember to bring it back to the correct
position.

Install And Train Speech Recognition

Speech recognition is installed in all Office programs by initially using the feature in Microsoft Word or by
doing a custom installation.

After speech recognition is installed, you can increase speech recognition accuracy by taking a few minutes
to train the computer to recognize how you speak.

Install And Train By Using Word

45
Open Microsoft Word. On the Tools menu, click Speech. You're asked if you want to install the feature.
Click Yes. After the installation is complete, click Next to train speech recognition. Training begins with help
in adjusting your microphone.

Custom Installation And Training

On the Microsoft Windows Control Panel, double-click Add/Remove Programs. Click Change or Remove
Programs, select Office 2003, and then click Change.
Click Add or Remove Features, and then click Next. Select the Choose advanced customization of
applications check box, and then click Next. Under Choose update options for applications and tools, next
to Office Shared Features, click. Next to Alternative User Input, click, click Speech, and then select the type
of installation you want. Click Update. After the custom installation is completed, you can train speech
recognition. In most Office programs, click Speech on the Tools menu.

Note. In Microsoft Excel, point to Speech on the Tools menu, and then click Speech Recognition. To train
speech recognition, click Next. Training begins with help in adjusting your microphone.

Note   If you do not train at this point, you can train by clicking Speech Tools on the Language bar, and
then clicking Training.

Learn About How To Speak To A Computer

When speaking to others, you're usually understood whether you whisper or shout, or talk fast or slow.
However, a computer understands speech best when spoken to in a more predictable way. Speak in a
consistent, level tone. Speaking too loudly or too softly makes it difficult for the computer to recognize what
you've said. Use a consistent rate, without speeding up and slowing down. Speak without pausing between
words; a phrase is easier for the computer to interpret than just one word. For example, the computer has a
hard time understanding phrases such as, "This (pause) is (pause) another (pause) example (pause)
sentence.”Because we don't usually need to think about how to speak, it can seem a little awkward at first
to speak to a computer. However, with a little practice, speaking to a computer will become more natural.

Speech Recognition Tips

Start by working in a quiet environment so that the computer hears you instead of the sounds around you,
and use a high quality close-talk (headset) microphone. If your work environment has a lot of noise or if the
noise level varies during the day, try creating different speech recognition profiles for different times of day.
If you work in several different environments, create different profiles for each environment. Keep the
microphone in the same position; try not to move it around once it's adjusted. Train your computer to
recognize your voice by reading aloud prepared training text in the training wizard. Additional training may
increase may speech recognition accuracy. As you dictate, don't be concerned if you do not immediately
see your words on the screen. Continue speaking and pause at the end of your thought. The computer will
display the recognized text on the screen after it finishes processing your voice. Pronounce words clearly,
but don't separate each syllable in a word. For example, sounding out each syllable in "e-nun-ci-ate" will
make it harder for the computer to recognize what you've said. Remember to turn the microphone off when
you are not using speech recognition. Speech recognition will continue to process sounds until the
microphone is turned off.

Practice Using Speech Recognition

You can use speech recognition by clicking buttons on the Language bar to switch between two modes
— Dictation and Voice Command. The Language bar appears by default in the upper-right corner of the
screen of any Office programs.

Language Bar With Text Labels Hidden

Note  The Language bar shows text labels beside each button on the bar. You can hide or show the text
labels by right-clicking the Language bar, and then clicking Text Labels. You'll switch between Dictation
mode and Voice Command mode less often and save time if you complete dictation first, review your file
and then format text or make corrections.

Position your microphone.

Click in the program in which you want to use speech recognition. If you open a Help topic while you're
working or if a message appears on the screen, click again in the program to continue using speech
recognition. If the microphone is not already turned on, click Microphone on the Language bar.
Switch between Dictation and Voice Command modes as you work:

46
Use Dictation Mode
To turn the words you speak into text, click Dictation on the Language bar.
As you speak, you'll see a blue bar on the screen that means the computer is processing your voice. As
your words are recognized, text is displayed on the screen. You can continue to speak while the computer
processes your voice; you don't have to wait until the blue bar disappears to speak again.

Previously Recognized Text

Blue bar that indicates the computer is processing your voice

Notes: If Dictation is not on the Language bar, see the Speech recognition isn't working section on the
Troubleshoot speech recognition Help topic.
While the blue bar is on the screen, avoid using your mouse or keyboard to type or take other actions. This
will interrupt speech recognition, and your words will not be processed.

Use Voice Command Mode

To select menu, toolbar, dialog box (U.S. English only), and task pane (task pane: A window within an
Office application that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use
these commands while still working on your files.) (U.S. English only) items, click Voice Command on the
Language bar.
For example, to change font format, you can say "font" to open the Font box on the Formatting
toolbar (toolbar: A bar with buttons and options that you use to carry out commands. To display a toolbar,
click Customize on the Tools menu, and then click the Toolbars tab.), and then say a font name. Or to
format selected text, say "bold" or "underline."

Note   If Voice Command is not on the Language bar, see the Speech recognition isn't working section on
the Troubleshoot speech recognition Help topic.
Turn the microphone off when you are through speaking to the computer by clicking Microphone on the
Language bar.

Tips:

You can also switch between Dictation and Voice Command modes by saying "dictation" or "voice
command."

In Microsoft Word, you can delete the last thing you said in Dictation mode by saying "scratch that."

You can turn the microphone on and off by clicking Speech on the Tools menu (in Microsoft Excel, point to
Speech on the Tools menu, and then click Speech Recognition). You can also turn the microphone off by
saying "microphone."

Learn About Things You Can Do And Say With Speech Recognition
This feature is available in the Simplified Chinese, English (U.S.), and Japanese language versions of
Microsoft Office.

When you use Office speech recognition, you'll switch between working in Voice Command mode and
Dictation mode by clicking buttons on the Language bar or by saying "voice command" or "dictation."

Language Bar With Text Labels Hidden

Note The Language bar by default shows text labels beside each button on the bar. You can hide or show
the text labels by right-clicking the Language bar, and then clicking Text Labels.

Using Voice Command Mode

Note  Using Voice Command mode for dialog box and task pane (task pane: A window within an Office
application that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these
commands while still working on your files.) items is not available in Simplified Chinese and Japanese.

To select menu, toolbar, dialog box, and task pane items by using your voice, if the microphone is not
already turned on, click Microphone on the Language bar, and then click Voice Command on the Language
bar, or say "voice command."

47
For example, to change the font in any Office program by using your voice, do the following:
To open the Format menu, say "format."
To open the Font dialog box, say "font."
To change the font from Times New Roman to Verdana, say "verdana."
To close the Font dialog box, say "OK."

Note You can also change font format without opening the Font dialog box. Say "font" to open the Font box
on the Formatting toolbar, and then say a font name. Other Voice Command mode examples.
Do the following to select:

Toolbar Buttons
Say the name of the toolbar button. If you don't know the name, rest the mouse pointer on the button to
display a ScreenTip (ScreenTips: Notes that appear on the screen to provide information about a toolbar
button, tracked change, or comment, or to display a footnote or endnote. ScreenTips also display the text
that will appear if you choose to insert a date or AutoText entry.) That shows you the name you can say.
For example, the ScreenTip for the Save button is "Save." Say "save" to open the Save dialog box.

Menu And Command Items

Say the name of the menu (menu: A list of commands that is displayed when you click a menu name on a
menu bar or other toolbar.). For example, to open the Tools menu, say "tools" or "tools menu." If all the
commands you want to see on a menu are not visible, say "expand" or "more buttons." To select a
command on the Tools menu, say "options," for example, which will open the Options dialog box.

Dialog Box Items

To select different tabs in a dialog box, say the name of the tab. For example, in Microsoft Word, say "edit"
or "tab edit" in the Options dialog box to select the Edit tab. Say the name of any dialog box option. For
example, on the Edit tab in the Options dialog box in Word, say "prompt to update style" or "check prompt
to update style" to select the Prompt to update style check box. To clear a dialog box option, say "prompt to
update style" again or say "uncheck prompt to update style." In an Open dialog box, you can open a drop-
down list by saying the name next to the list, if a name is available. For example, in Microsoft PowerPoint,
to open the Tools menu, say "tools." To select the Options command, say "options," which opens the
Options dialog box.

To select a tab in the Options dialog box, say the name of the tab. For example, say "save" to open the
Save tab.

To see the items in the Save PowerPoint files list, say "save PowerPoint files as" or "drop save PowerPoint
files as."

Task pane items

To open the New File task pane (task pane: A window within an Office application that provides commonly
used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working on your
files.) in Office programs, do the following: Say "file" to open the File menu, and then say "new" to open the
New File task pane (New File task pane: A pane in Office applications that provides commonly used
commands for opening and creating files. The task pane title differs for each Office application. For
example, you'll see "New Document" in Word.). To open a new blank file, say "new file."
To say the name of a hyperlink in a task pane, say the name of the entire hyperlink. For example, to open
Templates on Microsoft.com in the New File task pane, say "templates on Microsoft dot com."

Note. This does not apply to Microsoft Outlook. Commands you can say The following list is a sample of
the commands you can say. For more information, see the Microsoft Office Online Web site.

Navigation Examples
The command you can say is shown first, followed by the keyboard or mouse equivalent for the command.
For example: END (command you can say) Press END (keyboard or mouse equivalent), Return, Enter,
Press ENTER, Backspace, Delete, Press BACKSPACE, Back one word, Last word Press CTRL+LEFT
ARROW, Space, Space Bar, Press the SPACEBAR, Escape, Cancel (U.S. English only), Press ESC,
Right-click, Context menu, Right-click menu, Right-click a menu (Not available in Japanese language

48
version of Office), Tab, Press TAB, Shift Tab, Press SHIFT+TAB, End, Go End, Press END, Home, Go
Home
Press HOME, Up, Go Up, Press UP ARROW, Down, Go Down, Press DOWN ARROW, Left, Go Left,
Press LEFT ARROW, Right, Go Right, Press RIGHT ARROW, Previous Page, Press CTRL+PAGE, Next
Page, Press CTRL+PAGE+DOWN ARROW, Page Down, Press PAGE DOWN, Page Up
Press PAGE UP.

Using Dictation mode

To dictate text into any Office program, if the microphone is not already turned on click Microphone on the
Language bar, and then click Dictation on the Language bar, or say "dictation."

Tips
You can dictate by spelling. Say "spelling mode," pause briefly, and then say "s-u-n."
You can use Dictation mode to get help as you work. Place the insertion point into the Office Assistant or
into the Ask a Question box, and then dictate your question. The following lists tell you how to say some
things as you dictate. What you can say is followed by what is inserted. For example: Period

Dot (what you can say), (what is inserted)

Punctuation
Period Dot .
Comma ,
Colon :
Semi-colon ;
Question Mark ?
Exclamation point !

Symbols And Special Characters

Ampersand &
Asterisk *
At sign At @
Backslash \
Slash /
Vertical bar |
Hyphen Dash -
Double dash --
Equals =
Plus Plus sign +
Pound sign #
Percent Percent sign %
Dollar sign $
Underscore _
Tilde ~
Ellipsis ...
Greater than >
Less than <
Caret ^
New line Enter
New paragraph Enter twice

Brackets
Bracket Left bracket Open bracket [
End bracket Right bracket Close bracket ]
Open brace Curly brace Left brace {
Close brace End curly brace Right brace }
Open parenthesis Left paren (
Close parenthesis Right paren )

Quotation Marks
Quote Open quote " Close quote "

49
Single quote Open single quote ' Close single quote '

Numbers

5 five (numbers less than 20 are spelled out when inserted)

21 21 (numbers greater than 20 are inserted as digits)
First first (ordinal numbers)
One half 1/2 (fractions)
Five five five zero one eight seven 555-0187 (telephone numbers)

Tip
To dictate all numbers as digits, say "force num," pause briefly, and then say "5."
Note For more examples of how to use speech recognition, see the Microsoft Office Online Web site.

About getting help while you work

Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages. If you need help while you
work, you can use the following resources:

Type a question for help box

To quickly access Help, use the Type a question for help box on the menu bar. You can type questions in
this box to quickly find the answers you need. For example, type how I create a smart tag to learn about
smart tags. The content returned is shown in order of relevance where the most likely answer to your
question appears first.

The <Program Name> Help task pane

You can click Microsoft <Program Name> Help on the Help menu to display the <Program Name> Help
task pane (task pane: A window within an Office application that provides commonly used commands. Its
location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working on your files.), a resource that
provides a variety of different help options. You can type specific words or phrases in the Search box to
return a list of possible answers (in order of relevance with the most likely answer to your question at the
top), or click the Table of Contents link to browse for the help you need. When you are connected to the
Internet, the information available to you from the <Program Name> Help task pane includes all of the up-
to-date Help topics and templates that are most likely to provide the answers to your questions as well as
direct links to training courses, product updates, clip art, and more on Microsoft Office Online. If you prefer
to use the Office Assistant to provide help and tips on tasks you perform as you work, click Show the Office
Assistant on the Help menu. The following resources are also available when you have an Internet
connection.

Microsoft Office Online

You can access Microsoft Office Online directly from any Microsoft Office program by using the Microsoft
Office Online command on the Help menu. Microsoft Office Online offers many additional resources to help
you get your work done in Office. You can also use the links provided on the <Program Name> Help task
pane to access assistance and training on Microsoft.com. The following services are provided on Microsoft
Office Online:
Assistance    Up-to-date information in the form of how-to articles, conceptual topics, columns, and tips to
answer your questions about using Office 2003 programs to get your work done.

Templates: Predesigned templates including calendars, business cards, invoices, resumes, newsletters,
marketing materials and much more to download and use with your Office programs. Training: Training
courses to learn more about using Office 2003 programs to get your work done. Training courses cover
feature or activity areas in Office and allow you to discover features and learn best practices for using the
products. Courses are short (20-50 minutes), self-paced, and include graphics, animation, audio, and
practice sessions for hands-on experience. Clip Art and Media    Clip art, sounds, animations, photos to
download and use with Office 2003. Downloads: Product updates, add-ins, converters, and viewers to
download for the Office 2003 programs. Office Marketplace:  Third-party products and services that work
with Office 2003.

Research Library
Conduct a search in useful reference books and search sites with the Research task pane (task pane: A
window within an Office application that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size

50
allow you to use these commands while still working on your files.). If you don't find what you need, you can
get information from the technical resources in the following list:

Microsoft Download Center

Visit the Microsoft.com Download Center, where you can find a vast array of technical files for all Microsoft
products available to download over the Internet. These downloads include device drivers, service packs,
patches, as well as full products.

Microsoft Press
Microsoft Press offers the training and support materials you need to help you get more from Microsoft
Office, Microsoft Windows 2000, and Microsoft Windows XP. Whether you're a beginning user, an
advanced user, a support professional, or a software developer, Microsoft Press has what you're looking for
— from quick-and-easy handbooks and self-paced training guides to desktop references, technical
resources, and programming titles. To locate your nearest source for Microsoft Press products worldwide,
visit the Microsoft Press Web site or contact your local Microsoft office. In the United States, call (800) MS-
PRESS. In Canada, call (800) 667-1115.

Microsoft TechNet and Microsoft Developer Network CD-ROMs

Microsoft TechNet The comprehensive information resource for evaluating, implementing, and supporting
Microsoft business products. A TechNet subscription delivers the knowledge of the entire Microsoft product
support division directly to you every month on CD-ROM. TechNet provides fast, in-depth answers to
questions about programs, network management, system implementation, database administration, drivers
and patches, technology directions, and product evaluation. More than 250,000 pages of detailed, technical
information help you get more done in less time. To subscribe to Microsoft TechNet in the United States
and Canada, call (800) 344-2121. Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) CD-ROM Library The
comprehensive source of programming information and toolkits for those who write programs for Microsoft
Windows 2000 and Microsoft Windows XP operating systems, and for those who use Microsoft products for
development purposes. Members with an MSDN annual subscription are kept up-to-date through regular
deliveries of information, a newsletter, and other information sources. To subscribe to the Microsoft
Developer Network in the United States and Canada, call (800) 759-5474. Both numbers are toll-free in the
United States and Canada. Outside the United States and Canada, contact your local Microsoft subsidiary
for information. If you cannot find the help you need, you can send your request or feedback by using the
Contact Us link located on the <Program Name> Help task pane or on Microsoft Office Online.

Troubleshoot Help
Some of the content in this topic may not be applicable to some languages.

I can't access the content on Microsoft Office Online.

To access content on the Microsoft Office Online site, you must have access to the Internet (Internet: A
worldwide network of thousands of smaller computer networks and millions of commercial, educational,
government, and personal computers. The Internet is like an electronic city with virtual libraries, stores, art
galleries, and so on.), and you must have an Internet account through an Internet service provider
(ISP) (ISP: A business that provides access to the Internet for such things as electronic mail, chat rooms, or
use of the World Wide Web. Some ISPs are multinational, offering access in many locations, while others
are limited to a specific region.). To test your Internet connection, click Microsoft Office Online on the Help
menu. This will open the Microsoft Office Online Web page in your browser. If you are able to connect this
site, but are unable to see links to Microsoft Office Online in your program, check your online content
settings by doing the following: On the Help menu, click Microsoft <Program Name> Help to display the
<Program Name> Help task pane (task pane: A window within an Office application that provides
commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these commands while still working
on your files.).

Under See also in the task pane, click Online Content Settings. In the Service Options dialog box, make
sure the Show content and links from Microsoft Office Online check box is selected, and select any
additional online content check boxes you want. If you are unable to connect to the Microsoft Office Online
site, one of the following may be your problem: The settings to connect your computer to the Internet might
not be correct. To make sure they are, do the following: In the Windows XP Control Panel, click Network
and Internet Connections and then click Internet Options. In the Windows 2000 Control Panel, double-click
the Internet Options icon. In the Internet Options dialog box, click the Connections tab. Your company's

51
firewall (firewall: A method of protecting the files and programs on one network from users on another
network. A company will typically install a firewall to give users’ access to the Internet while protecting their
internal information.) Or proxy server (proxy server: An Internet server that acts as a firewall, mediating
traffic between a protected network and the Internet.) could be preventing access to this site. The Microsoft
Office Online site might be temporarily unavailable. If you can access other Web sites, wait awhile and then
try again.

The Search Results task pane doesn't show the help I want.
The variety and amount of content returned in the Search Results task pane is affected by your
Internet (Internet: A worldwide network of thousands of smaller computer networks and millions of
commercial, educational, government, and personal computers. The Internet is like an electronic city with
virtual libraries, stores, art galleries, and so on.) Connection (whether or not you have one), your online
content settings, and your search scope. The content returned is shown in order of relevance. The most
likely answer to your question appears first in the list. If you cannot find the help you want, try these steps in
the order in which they appear: If you have an Internet account through an Internet service provider
(ISP) (ISP: A business that provides access to the Internet for such things as electronic mail, chat rooms, or
use of the World Wide Web. Some ISPs are multinational, offering access in many locations, while others
are limited to a specific region.), make sure you are connected. For best results, type a complete sentence
or question in the Search box— not just a single word or a phrase. For example, to find Help on how to
print more than one copy of a file at a time, type print more than one copy at a time instead of typing print.

To check your online content settings, do the following: On the Help menu, click Microsoft <Program
Name> Help to display the <Program Name> Help task pane. (task pane: A window within an Office
application that provides commonly used commands. Its location and small size allow you to use these
Commands while still working on your files.) Under See also in the task pane, click Online Content Settings.
In the Service Options dialog box, make sure the Show content and links from Microsoft Office Online
check box is selected, and select any additional online content check boxes you want.
If you have an Internet connection and are showing online content, you can expand your search scope to
include templates, training, clip art, and other online content, by clicking Microsoft Office Online in the
Search list.

The Office Assistant is distracting.

Try one of the following:

Choose a different Assistant

Right-click the Assistant, and then click Choose Assistant on the shortcut menu. On the Gallery tab, click
Back or Next to see the available Assistants.
Note Some Assistants are more active than others. The Office Logo is the least active of the Assistants.

Limit the movements of the Office Assistant

Click the Assistant, and then click Options.
On the Options tab, clear the Move when in the way check box.
Note Clearing this option also limits the movement of floating toolbars.

Move the Assistant

Drag the Assistant to another location on your screen.
Hide the Assistant
On the Help menu, click Hide the Office Assistant.
Turn off the Assistant
Click the Assistant, and then click Options.
On the Options tab, clear the Use the Office Assistant check box. Turn off the Assistant's sounds Click the
Assistant, and then click Options. On the Options tab, clear the Make sounds check box. The Office
Assistant is not displaying programming Help topics The Office Assistant displays only Help topics about
using your Office 2003 program when you're in the non-programming part of the product. It displays only
programming Help topics when you're in the programming part of the product. You can search for both non-
programming and programming topics at the same time.
How?
Make sure you are in the programming part of the product. Click the Assistant, and then click Options. On
the Options tab, select the Search for both product and programming Help when programming check box.

52
The Office Assistant balloon disappeared.
Try one or more of the following: Click the Office Assistant and the Assistant balloon will appear. A tip or
message balloon might appear in front of another balloon. Close the balloon in front to see the one behind
it. Some message balloons close automatically when you click in the Office program window. These are
informational messages that don't require a response. For example, when you check spelling, a message
tells you when you're finished. You won't see this type of message again unless you repeat the action that
causes it to appear— for example, when you check spelling again. The Office Assistant prevents me from
working. When some messages are displayed, either by the Office Assistant or without the Assistant, you
may not be able to work in Microsoft Office until you close the message. These are important messages
that require a response from you. Click an option button in the message displayed to continue to work in
the Office program. If the message is no longer displayed but a tip or Help topic is, click anywhere in the
program window to display the message again.
Windows ’98 Features
Using Multiple Monitors
With Windows 98, you can connect up to nine monitors to your computer. You can set up these monitors
like one large desktop, or you can set them up to show a different program on each monitor. For example,
you could have a financial report open in Word on one monitor, have a quarterly budget spreadsheet open
in Microsoft® Excel on another monitor, and refer to the budget while you write the report.

To set up multiple monitors, you must have a PCI graphics adapter for each monitor you want to connect to
your computer. The multiple monitor feature support only PCI graphics adapters at this time.

With your computer off, install the PCI graphics adapters in your computer connect a monitor to each, and
then turn on your computer. Windows 98 detects the multiple graphics adapters and prompts you through
their setup. Note If you’re unsure how to install a PCI graphics adapter, or if your warranty will he voided by
installing your own hardware, you should contact an authorized service center to install it for you. You can
change the settings for each monitor in the Settings tab of the Display control panel. Your primary monitor
is the one connected to the graphics adapter in the first open PCI also. Note you don’t need to install
Windows 98 before you install the multiple graphics adapters. Windows 98 will detect them during the initial
setup. However, if you have a graphics adapter built into your motherboard, you must install Windows 98
first and then any additional graphics adapters. If you don’t, Windows 98 might not detect the graphics
adapter on your motherboard. For more information about multiple monitors, look up “multiple display
support” on the Index tab in Windows Help.

Using the FAT32 File System

File Allocation Table (FAT): A method used by operating systems to keep track of where files are stored on
a hard disk.

File System: The overall structure in which files are named, stored, and organized by the operating
system. For example MS-DOS and earlier versions of Windows use the FAT 16 file system. Windows 98
can use the FAT 16 or FAT32 file system.

When we save files, our computer uses a file system to control how our files and folders are stored on our
hard disk. Earlier versions of MS-DOS and Windows use the FATI6 file system exclusively. Windows 98
generally uses FAT 16 by default, but we have the option of using FAT32, an enhanced file system that can
improve disk performance and increase available disk space.

Understanding How Information Is Stored

When we save a file or install a program, our computer stores the information on our computer hard disk in
small areas called clusters. The smaller the cluster size you use, the more efficiently our computer disk
stores information. Cluster size depends on the size of our computer partition, and partition size depends
on the file system we use. By default, most computers use just one partition.
The following table illustrates the larger partition size and smaller cluster site available through the FAT32
file system. Partitions larger than 2 gigabytes (GB) aren’t supported with FAT16, and partitions smaller than
512 megabytes (MB) aren’t supported with FAT32.

Partition Size FATI6 cluster size FAT32 cluster size

32 MB 2KB ----
128 MB 2 KB ----

53
256 MB 4 KB ----
512 MB 8 KB 4 KB
1 GB 16 KB 4 KB
2 GB 32 KB 4 KB
3 GB - 7 GB ---- 4 KB
8 GB - 16 GB ---- 8 KB
16 GB – 32 GB ---- 16 KB
Larger than 32 GB ---- 32 KB

If your computer hard disk is smaller than 2 GB and your computer uses the FAT16 file system, you may
not see much improvement if you convert to FAT32. But you may want to convert to FAT32 if your
computer hard disk is between 2 GB and 2 terabytes (TB) and you want to improve its efficiency.

The FAT32 file system has the following advantages over FAT16:

• It allows programs to open more quickly, on average 36 percent faster.

• It uses a smaller cluster size, resulting in more efficient use of disk space - on average 28 percent more
disk space.
• It allows a hard disk of up to 2 TB to be formatted as a single drive, eliminating the need to partition the
hard disk.
• It can relocate the root directory and use backup copies of the file allocation table (FAT, making your
computer less vulnerable to crashes .

Converting to FAT32

You can use the FAT32 conversion tool to easily convert your hard disk to the FAT32 file system. However,
before you convert file systems, you should read the following information carefully:

• If you didn’t make a Windows 98 Startup Disk, before you convert to FAT32. you should create one by
following the steps in the “Using the Startup Disk” section earlier in this chapter.
• You shouldn’t convert any drives on which you also want to run an operating system that doesn’t support
FAT32. Also, if you’re running Windows 98 and another operating system in a dual-boot environment,
converting your primary disk drive to FAT32 may cause the other operating system to be unusable. This is
true even if the other operating system is installed on a different drive.

• If anti-virus software is running, it may detect the request to update the partition table and boot record and
prompt you to allow the updates. If this occurs, instruct the anti-virus software to allow the updates.

- Once you convert to FAT32, you can’t compress stored information or convert back to FAT16 unless you
use a third-party partition management utility designed for that purpose.

• If you have a removable disk that you use with another operating system, don’t convert to FAT32.

• Hibernate features may not work on a FAT32 drive. Hibernate features are those that allow some
computers to enter a suspend state, with all power turned off.

• If you convert your hard drive to FAT32, you cannot uninstall Windows 98.

• Although most programs aren’t attached by the conversion from FATI6 to FAT32, some older disk utilities
that depend on FAT 16 don’t work with FAT32 drives. Contact your disk utility manufacturer to see if there
is an updated version that is compatible with FAT32.

Getting Started

Advanced Issues
A FAT32 drive can be shared across a network by computers running MS-DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows
95, or Windows NT® version 4.0. In addition, MS-DOS version 7.1 (the version that ships with Windows 98)
also supports FAT32.

To convert your file system to FAT32

54
1. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Drive
Converter (FAT32). The Drive Converter window appears.
2. Click Next when you’ve finished reading the information.
3. In Drives, click the drive to be converted, and then click Next.
4. Click OK to continue, or click Cancel to quit the Drive Converter wizard. The Drive Converter wizard
searches for anti-virus programs or disk utilities that are incompatible with FAT32. If the wizard finds any
incompatible programs, you can click Details to display a description of the problem. If no incompatible
programs are found, click Next.
5. If you want to hack up your tiles before converting to FAT32, click Create Backup. If you don’t have the
Backup program installed, you’re prompted to install it.
6. When you’re ready to continue, click Next, and then click Next again. Your computer restarts, and the
conversion begins. It may take an hour or more to complete the de fragmentation and conversion
processes on large or very full drives.
After the conversion completes, a message tells you whether the conversion was successful or
unsuccessful.
Caution your anti-virus software may detect that the partition table and boot record have changed and offer
to “repair” them for you. Don’t perform this repair. If you do, your computer boot record or partition table will
be changed, and your drive and all of the data on it may become inaccessible.

7. If the conversion was successful, click Finish. The conversion is complete.

If the conversion was unsuccessful, a message explains why the conversion failed.

De fragmenting your computer Hard Disk

The Disk Defragmenter utility rearranges the data on your disk so that each tile is stored in contiguous
blocks, rather than being scattered across different areas of the disk. This de fragmentation of stored
information helps to speed disk performance. The time required for de fragmentation depends on the size
of your hard disk and the amount of data on the disk.
To de fragment your computer hard disk
I. Click Start, point to Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools and then click Disk
Defragmenter
2. In the Select Drive dialog box, select the hard disk you want to de fragment.
3. Close any open programs, and then click OK. De fragmentation begins.

Using Your Computer on a Network

This section describes how to connect your computer to a home network or to either a local or wide area
network (LAN or WAN). In addition, this section describes how you can use a network to share folders and
printers, and use the Dial-Up Networking feature.
For information about connecting to the Internet, learn more about , “Using the Internet” .

Introducing Home Networking

If you have more than one computer in your home, you’ve probably already wondered if there isn’t some
way to network these machines together and share resources such as printers or hard disk space. You
may also be wondering about how to get all of your home computers onto the Internet simultaneously,
without upgrading moderns, spending money on extra phone lines, or hiring a computer consultant to figure
everything out. That’s where home networking comes in.
Home networking is composed of two concepts. The first involves the network of computers you connect
together in your home, providing access from one computer to another. The second involves how that
network is connected to the internet, providing access from all computers on your home network to the
Internet. This version of Microsoft Windows 98 likewise has two components to home networking: File and
Printer Sharing and Internet Connection Sharing.
File and Printer Sharing services have been available to home-based networked computers since the
introduction of Windows 95. These services allow computers connected together to have access to tiles on
each other’s hard drive and to each other’s connected printers.
Microsoft internet Connection Sharing provides secure access to the Internet for all computers connected
to the home network through a single computer’s Internet connection. This means that several family
members can connect to the Internet individually or at the same time, and tie up only one phone line. Each
connected computer has the ability to use virtually any of the Internet services it could normally access if

55
connected directly. This includes activities like Internet browsing, e-mail, multiplayer gaming, and chat
sessions, to name a few.

56
HISTORY & INTRODUCTION TO COMUPUTER
Q #1. Write down the name of first Digital Computer.
Ans1. The first Digital Computer was MARK I.
Q #2. Who invented the first computer?
Ans2. M.H.A. Newman invented the first computer.
Q #3. When was the first computer invented?
Or when was Mark 1 built?
Ans3. Mark 1 was built in 1944.
Q #4. Which company built Mark 1?
Ans4. Mark 1 was built by IBM.
Q #5. Who is known as Father of Computer?
Ans5. Mr Charles Babbage is known as ‘Father of Computer’.
Q #6. List out the various Generations of Computers?
Ans6. First Generation 1946-1959
Second Generation 1959-1964
Third Generation 1965-1970
Fourth Generation 1971-1981
Fifth Generation 1981-Still
Q #7. What were the major innovations of the First Generation?
Ans7. (1) Vacuum tube in place of relays.
(2) Pre-Stored program.
Q #8. What were the major innovations of the Second Generation?
Ans8. (1) Solid-state devices (transistors) in place of vacuum tubes.
(2) Magnetic core storage.
Q #9 What were the major innovations of the Third Generation’?
Ans9. (1) Integrated solid state circuitry (IC’s).
(2) Improved secondary storage devices.
(3) New input/output devices
(visual display terminals, magnetic ink character readers, high speed printers)
Q #10. What were the major innovations of the Fourth Generation?
Ans10. (1) Microprocessors.
(2) Improved Integrated Circuits.
(3) Further improvement of mass storage and input/output devices.
Q #11. What are the major innovations of the Fifth Generation?
Ans11. (1) Artificial intelligence.
(2) Robotics industries are also developed.
Q#12. What is another name of the Main Frame Computer?
Ans12. Another name of Main Frame Computer is Macro Computer.
Q #13. What are the differences between General Purpose and Special Purpose Computers?
Ans13. General Purpose Computers are used to solve different types of problems. While Special Purpose
Computers are used to solve any specified problems.
Q #14. Write down the examples of a Hybrid Computer?
Ans14. Electronic Weigh Balance, Electronic Thermometer, Electronic Patrol Pump unit etc.
Q #15. Differentiate between Hardware and Software?
Ans15. The physical components of Computer are called “Hardware” while the Computer program or
set of instructions is called “Software”.

Q #16. How many types of software are there?

Ans16. There are two types of software.
i) System Software
ii) Application Software.
Q#17. Write down the elements of EDP.
Ans17. i) Hardware
ii) Software
iii) Live ware
iv) Firm ware
Q#18. How can you differentiate between Live-ware and Firm-ware?
Ans18. A group of people who work with computer is known as Live-ware while Firm-ware is a program
fused into a chip (ROM) by the manufacturer to provide standard function in each computer.

57
Q#19. What is the most ancient form of digital Computer?
Ans19. ABACUS.
Q#20. Who is konwn as the first programmer?
Ans20. Lady Ada Augusta Loveace is known as the first programmer.

MICRO COMPUTER
Q#l. DefineComputer.
Ans1. A computer is an electronic device capable to accept data, applying prescribed processes to data
and providing results of these process.
Q #2. What is the another name of Micro Computer?
Ans2. The another name of Micro Computer is Personal Computer (PC).

Q #3. Define hardware components of a micro computer?

Ans3. There are three hardware components of a micro computer.
(i) Keyboard (Input) (ii) CPU (Process) (iii) Monitor (Output)
Q#4. How many steps of data processing cycle are there? Write their names.
Ans4 There are three steps of data processing cycle.
(i) Input (ii) Process (iii) Out put
Q #5. What are the differences between Calculator and Computer?
Ans5. CALCULATOR COMPUTER
i) Runs at fast speed. i) Runs at much faster speed.
ii) Only performs arithmetic calculation ii) Performs arithmetic and logical
such as (+. -, x, /). operation such as (+, ., x, /, =, >, <).
For example 6<5 is it true or false?
iii) Performs simple calculation. iii) Performs very complex calculation.
iv) Only numeric processing is available. iv) Performs numeric and string
(Character) calculation. For example
‘A‘+ ‘B ‘+ ‘C’÷’D’=’ABCD’
v) It can be made to work continuously v) Work continuously and may not
but it need an operator to work need any Operator for processing
vi) Having small memory. vi) Having large memory.

Q #6. Why is CPU called the Brain of Computer?

Ans6. CPU is called the Brain of Computer because all the calculations and decisions are done in it
as a human brain can do.

Q #7. Describe the advantages of computer.

Ans7. i) Speed
ii) Accuracy
iii) Diligence
iv) Run for long period
v) Automatic operation
vi) Decision making capability

Q #8. What are the limitations of computer?

Ans8. i) Inflexible
ii) Need details
iii) Expensive equipment and maintenance
iv) Required more staff
v) Loss of data

Q #9. What is CPU?

Ans9. The main unit of computing system is called Central Processing Unit.

Q #10. What is ALU?

Ans10. ALU is the part of CPU where addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and logical operations
are performed.

Q#11. What is Mother board? OR Define Main board?

Ans11. A complete electronic circuit of computer is called Motherboard. It includes Micro Processor,

58
 RAM, ROM and other necessary electronic components.

Q #12 Where is Motherboard?

Ans12. Inside the CPU.

Q #13 What is Memory?

Ans13. Memory is a physical part of computer and used to hold data.

Q #14. Differentiate the REM, RAM and ROM.

Ans14. REM REMarks A statement of BASIC language used to put remarks.
RAM Random Access Memory also called Temporary Memory or Volatile Memory.
ROM Read Only Memory, Permanent Memory or Non Volatile Memory

Q #15 Write down the steps involved to write a program.

Ans15. i) Analysis ii) Algorithm iii) Flow Chart
iv) Coding v) Debugging vi) Documentation

Q #16. What is Algorithm?

Ans16. Program written step by step with details in human language is called Algorithm.

Q #17. What is Coding?

Ans17. To convert an algorithm into computer language is called coding.

Q#18. Debugging means?

Ans18. To remove errors from program is called Debugging.

Q #19. Define Documentation?

Ans19. Detailed explanation of program in wording is called Documentation.

Q #20. Is a user can change the content the following types of memory?
a. RAM. b. ROM. c. PROM. d. EPROM e.
EAPROM f. FEPROM g. SIMM h. DIMM

Ans20. a. Yes, b. No, c. No, d. Yes,

e. Yes f. Yes, g. Yes, h. Yes,

INPUT/OUTPUT & BACKING STORAGE DEVICES

Q#l. What is Cursor?

Ans1. A blinking underscore, block or line seen on computer screen is called “Cursor”.

Q #2 Write down the numbers of rows and columns on text screen.

Ans2. i) 24 x 80 (In normal mode)
ii) 24 x 40 (By Setting WIDTH 40 command)
iii) 25 x 80 (When function keys are off)
iv) 25 x 40 (When function keys are off and setting WIDTH 40 command)

Q #3. What are peripheral devices?

Ans3. The devices attached with computer are called Peripheral devices. For example Keyboard, Disk
drives, Monitor, Printer etc.

Q #4 How can you distinguish between device and media?

Ans4. Devices are those machines which convert the entering data into machine readable form and data
leaving the CPU into human readable form. For example printers, disk drives etc. Media are the
materials where the information is written. For example paper, floppy disk, magnetic tape etc.

Q #5. Write some examples of devices with media.

Ans5. DEVICES MEDIAS
i) Disk drives i) Floppy disks

59
 ii) Printers ii) Papers
iii) Tape drives iii) Magnetic tapes
iv) Card readers iv) Cards
v) CD-ROM Drive v) CDs

Q#6. What are Input and Output Devices?

Ans6. Input devices are used to enter data into Computer. While Output dcv ices are used to get resu’ts
or outputs from the computer.

Q#7. Give some examples of Input and Output devices.

Ans7. INPUT DEVICES OUTPUT DEVICES
i) Keyboard i) Monitor
ii) Mouse ii) Printer
iii) Light Pen iii) Plotter
iv) Joy stick iv) Speaker
v) Track ball v) Computer Output on Microfilm
vi) Scanner
vii) MICR
viii) OCR
ix) Mic.

Q#8. What are Disk Drives? Input devices or Output devices?

Ans8. Since they performs both input and output function, therefore called 110 devices.

Q#9. Give some examples of I/O devices?

Ans9. i) Floppy Disk Drives ii) Hard Disk Drives iii) Tape Drives
iv) CD-RW Drives v) Modem

Q#10. Why we use Keyboard? OR Why we need Keyboard?

Ans10. Keyboard is an input device and used to enter data directly into the computer. Without Keyboard
we can’t communicate with computer.

Q#11. Why we need mouse although we have cursor control keys on keyboard to control the cursor
movement?
Ans11. Mouse is an input device and used to move the cursor keys in any direction but keyboard cursor
keys move the cursor in Left, Right, Up and down direction only. Mouse is also helpful to
control menu driven program.

Q#12. What is the concept of secondary storage?

Ans12. Permanent storage is called secondary storage. For example Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, Magnetic
Disk, CD-ROM, etc.

Q#13. How many sizes of Floppy diskette are there?

Ans13. There are three sizes of floppy diskette. i) 3½” ii) 5¼” iii) 8”

Q#14. What are the capacities of 3½” and 5¼” disks?

Ans14. Sizes Double Densities High Densities
i) 3½” 720 KB 1.44 MB
ii) 5¼” 360 KB 1.2 MB

Q#15. Write down the numbers of Tracks, Sectors and Capacities of 5¼” disk.
Ans15. Sides Tracks Sectors Capacities
2 40 9 360KB
2 40 8 320KB
1 40 9 180KB
1 40 8 160KB
2 80 15 1.2MB

60
Q#16. How many bytes are occupied by one sector?
Ans16. One sector occupied 512 Bytes.

Q#17. How can you write protect a 5¼’ disk?

Ans17. A small foil sticker can be placed at write protect area of disk.

Q#18. How can you write protect a 3½’ disk?

Ans18. The 3½” disks have built in write protect tabs. This disk can be write protected by sliding the tab
toward the edge of disk.
Q#19. Write down the another name of Hard Disk.
Ans19. The another name of Hard Disk is Fixed Disk.

Q#20. What is a byte?

Ans20. A byte is a smallest addressable unit of memory, Capable to hold one character.

Q#21. What is a Word?

Ans21. Two consecutive bytes (16 bits) are called word.

Q#22. How many bits are occupied by a letter?

Ans22. 8 bits

Q#23. How many bytes are equal to 8 bits?

Ans23. One byte.

Q#24 : Change the following into characters:

1 Byte, 1 KB, 1 MB
Ans24. 1 Byte = 8 Bits or 1 Character
1 KB =1024 Bytes or 1024 Characters
1 MB =1024 KB or 1048576 Characters
1 GB =1024 MB or 1073741824 Characters
Q#25. What is Data?
Ans25. Data is a collection of facts and figures.

Q#26. What is Information?

Ans26. A processed data is called Information.

Q#27. How many types of Data are there?

Ans27. There are two types of Data.
i) Numeric Data ii) String (Alphanumeric) Data

Q#28. How many types of Printer are there?

Ans28. There are two types of Printer.
i) Impact Printers ii) Non Impact Printers

Q#29. Write down the some name of pointing devices.

Ans29. These are few pointing devices.
i) Mouse ii) TrackBall
ii) Light Pen iv) Joy Stick

OPERATING SYSTEM

Q#1. Explain Operating System?

Ans1. A group of programs which are used to control and supervise the computer is known as operating
system.

Q#2. How many types of operating system are there? Write their names.
OR
Do you know about others operating systems? Write some names.
Ans2. i) MS-DOS (Micro Soft - Disk Operating System)

61
 ii) MS-Windows
iii) PC-DOS (Personal Computer-Disk Operating System)
iv) OS/2 (Operating System 2)
v) Unix
vi) Xenix
vii) MVS (Multiple Virtual System)

Q#3. How many types of commands are used in DOS?

OR
What are the types of DOS commands?
Ans3. There are two types of DOS commands used in DOS.
i) Internal Commands
ii) External Commands

Q#4. Distinguish between Internal and External Commands.

OR
What are the differences between Internal and External commands?
Ans4. MS-DOS loads some commands into memory when you start your system. These are called
internal commands, which are in file called COMMAND.COM, while external commands are
stored externally on disk. They are transferred from disk to memory when required or executed.

Q#5. What is DOS prompt?

Ans5. A>, B> or C> are DOS prompt in default mode

Q#6. Write six internal and external commands.

Ans6. Internal commands External commands
i) CLS i) CHKDSK
ii) DIR ii) FORMAT
iii) VER iii) LABEL
iv) PROMPT iv) UNDELETE
v) TIME v) DISKCOPY
vi) DEL vi) DISKCOMP

Q#7. Can we change the default DOS prompt?

Ans7. Yes, we can.

Q#8 How can we change the default DOS prompt?

Ans8. We can use PROMPT command to change default DOS promp.

Q#9 Is there any difference between RENAME and REN commands of DOS?
Ans9. No. Both are same.

Q#10. What are the differences among COPY, DISKCOPY and XCOPY?
Ans1. COPY is used to copy a file or group of files.
XCOPY is used to copy a file or group of files. It may include subdirectories.
DISKCOPY is used to make a duplicate disk.

Q#11. Change the default prompt as follows.

Your Name>, Time:\>
Ans11. PROMPT Name$>, PROMPT $T:\$G.

Q#12. Copy all file of extension .BAS from drive C to drive A.

Ans12. COPY C:\*.BAS A:\

Q#13. Display the directory of drive A by page wise.

Ans13. DIR A:/P

62
Q#14. Display the version of DOS?
Ans14. VER

Q#15 Can we recover a currently deleted files? If yes then how?

Ans15. Yes. By UNDELETE command.

MS WORD IMPORTANT SHORT CUT KEYS

S No MS Word Commands Microsoft Word shortcut keys
1 Align Center CTRL+E (to center align text in a paragraph)
2 Align Left CTRL+L (to left align text in a paragraph)
3 Align Right CTRL+R (to right align text in a paragraph)
4 Bold CTRL+B
5 Font CTRL+D
6 Block SHIFT+ arrow key
7 Comment ALT+CTRL+M
8 Date Code ALT+SHIFT+D
9 Reveal Codes SHIFT+F1, click
CTRL+BACKSPACE
10 Delete Word
CTRL+DELETE
11 Delete to End of Line SHIFT+END, DELETE
12 Delete to End of Page SHIFT+DOWN ARROW (to end of page), DELETE
13 Delete to Left Word Boundary CTRL+BACKSPACE
14 Delete to Right Word Boundary CTRL+DELETE
15 Delete Block F8, arrow key, DELETE
16 Double Underline CTRL+SHIFT+D
17 Endnote ALT+CTRL+D
18 Exit ALT+F4
Right tab to right align text on a single line
19 Flush Right
CTRL+R to right align text in a paragraph
20 Footnote ALT+CTRL+F
21 Help F1
22 Indent CTRL+M
23 Italic CTRL+I
24 Justify Center CTRL+E
25 Justify Full CTRL+J
26 Justify Left CTRL+L
27 Justify Right CTRL+R
28 Margin Release CTRL+T (hanging indent)
29 Mark Index Entry ALT+SHIFT+X
30 Mark Table of Authorities Entry ALT+SHIFT+I
31 Mark Table of Contents Entry ALT+SHIFT+O
32 Print CTRL+P
33 Replace CTRL+H
34 Retrieve File CTRL+O (Open command)
35 Save CTRL+S
36 Save As F12
37 Search (backward) CTRL+F
38 Search (forward) CTRL+F
39 Small Caps CTRL+SHIFT+K
40 Spell F7
41 Subscript CTRL+EQUAL SIGN
42 Superscript CTRL+SHIFT+PLUS SIGN
43 Switch Document CTRL+F6

63
44 Thesaurus SHIFT+F7
45 Underline CTRL+U
46 Undo CTRL+Z
47 View Document CTRL+F2 (Print Preview command)

Operators
In an = (Formula) field, you can use any combination of values and the following mathematical and
relational operators.

+ Addition
– Subtraction
* Multiplication
/ Division
% Percentage
^ Powers and roots
= Equal to
< Less than
<= Less than or equal to
> Greater than
>= Greater than or equal to
<> Not equal to

Graphics file Types Word can use

You can insert many popular graphics file formats into your document either directly or with the use of
separate graphics filters. You don't need a separate graphics filter installed to insert the following file
formats:

 Enhanced Metafile (.emf)

 Graphics Interchange Format (.gif)
 Joint Photographic Experts Group (.jpg)
 Portable Network Graphics (.png)
 Microsoft Windows Bitmap (.bmp, .rle, .dib)
 Windows Metafile Graphics (.wmf)
 Tagged Image File Format (.TIFF)
 Encapsulated PostScript (.eps)

File types that require filters

You do need a graphics filter installed to insert all other graphics file formats listed below. If you didn't install
the filter you need when you installed Microsoft Word on your computer, you can run the setup program
again and add the graphics filter.

 Computer Graphics Metafile

 Corel DRAW graphics filter
 FlashPix graphics filter (.fpx)
 Encapsulated PostScript (.eps) filter
 Hanako graphics filter (.jsh, .jah, and .jbh)
 Kodak Photo CD graphics filter
 Macintosh PICT (.pct) file
 PC Paintbrush graphics filter
 WordPerfect Graphics import and export filters
 Other filters

Note:   The hyperlink in this topic goes to the Web. You can switch back to Help at any time.
For information on graphics filters that you can download, click Office on the Web on the Help menu to
connect to the Microsoft Office Web site.

Alt + Any Number for Printing ASCII Symbols

64
☺ 1 ☻ 2 ♥ 3 ♦ 4 ♣ 5 ♠ 6 • 7
◘ 8 ○ 9 ◙ 10 ♂ 11 ♀ 12 ♪ 13 ♫ 14
☼ 15 ► 16 ◄ 17 ↕ 18 ‼ 19 ¶ 20

Q1. List the name of First Generation Computer?

Ans. 1. MARK1 2. ENIAC 3. EDVAC 4. UNIVAC1
5. IBM 701 6. IBM 650
Q2. How the First Generation Computers were made?
Ans. The First Generation Computers were made with Vaccum Tubes.
Q3. When First Generation Computer was made?
Ans. The First Generation Computer was made in 1940.
Q4. When First Generation Computers were being made?
Ans. During the period of 1946 to 1959 the First Generation Computer were being made.
Q5. List the name of Second Generation Computers?
Ans. 1. HONEYWELL400 2. UNIVAC2 3. NCR 4. CDC
Q6. How the Second Generation Computers were made?
Ans. The Second Generation Computers were made with Transistors.
Q7. Write the duration of Second Generation Computers were being made?
Ans. During the period of 1959 to 1965 the Second Generation Computers were made.
Q8. List the name of Third Generation Computers?
Ans. 1. IBM 360 SERIES 2. ICL-2900 3. IBM370/168 4. ICL-1900 SERIES
Q9. SSI stands for?
Ans. Small Scale Integration.
Q10. How the Third Generation Computers were made?
Ans. The Third Generation Computers were made with Integrated Circuits.
Q11. Write the duration of Third Generation Computers were being made?
Ans. During the period of 1965 to 1970 the Third Generation Computers were being made.
Q12. List the name of Fourth Generation Computers?
Ans. 1. IBM PC 2. APPLE MACINTOSH 3. IBM SYSTEM/34
Q13. Write the duration of Fourth Generation Computer were being made?
Ans. During the period of 1970 to 1985 the Fourth Generation Computers were being made.
Q14. How the Fourth Generation Computer were made?
Ans. The Fourth Generation Computers were made with Integrated Circuits and
Microprocessors.
Q15. LSI stands for?
Ans. Large Scale Integration.
Q16. When 8 inch Floppy Disk was introduced?
Ans. 8 inch Floppy Disk was introduced in 1970.
Q17. When Hard Disk was introduced?
Ans. Hard Disk was introduced in 1973.
Q18. When 5.25 inch Floppy Disk was introduced?
Ans. 5.25 inch Floppy Disk was introduced in 1978.
Q19. How the Fifth Generation Computers were made?
Ans. The Fifth Generation Computers were made with Integrated Circuits and
Microprocessors on very large scale.
Q20. VLSI stands for?
Ans. Very Large Scale Integration.
Q21. Write the duration of Fifth Generation Computers were being made?
Ans. During the period of 1985 to onward the Fifth Generation Computers were being made.
Q22. List the important name of Fifth Generation Computer?
Ans. 1. IBM SYSTEM/36 2. IBM SYSTEM/38 3. IBM SYSTEM AS/400SERIES
Q23. When 3.5 inch Floppy Disk was developed?
Ans. The 3.5 inch Floppy Disk was developed in 1985.
Q24. When CF ROM was introduced?
Ans. CD ROM was introduced in 1985.
Q25. How many generations of computers are there?
Ans. There are Five Generation of Computer till to date.
Q26. was first developed by Intel Corporation?
Ans. MICRO PROCESSOR CHIP
Q27. The MARKI computer was completed by Professor Howard Aiken in

65
 under sponsorship of IBM?
Ans. HARVARD UNIVERSITY, 1944.
Q28. What was the storage devices used in First Generation Computers?
Ans. 1. Punched Cards 2. Magnetic Tapes
Q29. What was the storage devices used in Second Generation Computers?
Ans. Magnetic Tapes was the storage device used in Second Generation Computers.
Q30. What was the storage devices used in Third Generation Computers?
Ans. Magnetic Disk was the storage device used in Third Generation Computers.
Q31. What was the storage devices used in Fourth Generation Computers?
Ans. Disk Storage and Floppy Disk were the storage device used in Fourth Generation
Computers.
Q32. What was the storage devices used in Fifth Generation Computers?
Ans. Floppy Disk, Disk Storage and CD ROM are the storage devices being used in Fifth
Generation Computers.
Q33. What was the Main Memory used in First Generation Computer?
Ans. Magnetic Drum was the Main Memory in First Generation Computers.
Q34. What was the Main Memory used in Second Generation Computer?
Ans. ROM and RAM were the Main Memory used in Second Generation Computers.
Q35. What was the Main Memory used in Third Generation Computer?
Ans. PROM and DRAM were the Main Memory used in Third Generation Computers.
Q36. What was the Main Memory used in Fourth Generation Computer?
Ans. EPROM and SRAM were the Main Memory used in Fourth Generation Computers.
Q37. What was the Main Memory used in Fifth Generation Computer?
Ans. EPROM and SIMM were the Main Memory used in Fifth Generation Computers.
Q38. What was the Language used in First Generation Computers for programming?
Ans. MACHINE LANGUAGE was used in First Generation Computers for programming.
Q39. What was the Language used in Second Generation Computers for programming?
Ans. ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE was used in First Generation Computers for programming.
Q40. What were the Languages used in Third Generation Computers for programming?
Ans. HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES (i.e. RPG, COBOL, FORTRAN etc) were used in Third
Generation Computers for programming.
Q41. What were the Languages used in Fourth Generation Computers for programming?
Ans. Much easier HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES (i.e. RPG, COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, d
BASE++, FORPRO etc) were used in Fourth Generation Computers for programming.
Q42. What were the Languages used in Fifth Generation Computers for programming?
Ans. Artificial Intelligence and also much easier HIGH LEVEL LANGUAGES (i.e. RPG,
COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, d BASE++, FOXPRO etc) are being used in Fifth
Generation Computers for programming.
Q43. What are the Main Classification of computer?
Ans. 1. By Purpose 2. By Size
Q44. How the Main Classification of compute is Sub Classified?
Ans. 1. By Purpose is sub classified as:
a. General Purpose
b. Special Purpose
2. By Size is sub classified as:
a. Micro Computer
b. Mini Computer
c. Macro or Main Frame Computer
d. Super Computer
Q45. Special purpose computers are those designated to perform only _____________and
programs are in such a machine.
Ans. SPECIFIC TASK, PERMANENTLY STORED
Q46. The PACKET and LAPTOP PCs are , and
can operate without and source.
Ans. 1. LIGHT, COMPACT 2. EXTERNAL POWER
Q47. Mini Computer is a or system.
Ans. 1. MULTI USER 2. SHARED
Q48. A Macro computer or is more powerful than a computer.
Ans. 1. MAIN FRAME 2. TYPICAL MINI
Q49. The area of computing that emphasizes the integration of text, graphics, sound and

66
 motion on a single screen called .
Ans. MULTIMEDIA
Q50. Multimedia equipments are 1. 2.
3. 4.
Ans. 1. CD ROM 2. SOUND CARD 3. SPEAKERS 4. GRAPHICS CARD
Q51. CD ROM stands for .
Ans. COMPACT DISK – READ ONLY MEMORY
Q52. LCD stands for .
Ans. LASER COMPACT DISK
Q53. A Computer Virus is that literally “Infects” other programs and
upon contact.
Ans. 1. MAN MADE PROGRAM 2. DATA BASES
Q54. A Virus can hide duplicated itself within programs like or in
program and may attack also.
Ans. 1. OPERATING SYSTEM 2. WORD PROCESSING 3. HARDWARE
Q55. Computer viruses are spread through 1. 2.
3. 4. 5. ____________
Ans. 1. FLOPPY DISKETTES 2. COMPUTER NETWORKS
3. INTERNETS 4. PIRATED SOFTWARES
5. USBs
Q56. MODEM stands for and .
Ans. 1. MODULATOR 2. DEMODULATOR
Q57. MODEM is used for between different computers through
lines.
Ans. 1. COMMUNICATION 2. TELEPHONE
Q58. What are the Types of MODEMS. 1. 2.
Ans. 1. EXTERNAL MODEMS 2. INTERNAL MODEMS
Q59. Computers connected to a network system are called .
Ans. WORKSTATION
Q60. LAN stands for .
Ans. LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Q61. WAN stands for .
Ans. WIDE AREA NETWORK
Q62. Uploading is the process in which a user from his computer to another
computer through .
Ans. 1. SENDS INFORMATION 2. MODEM
Q63. Downloading is the process in which a use from another
computer through a of his own computer.
Ans. 1. RECEIVES INFORMATION 2. MODEM
Q64. The speed of MODEM is measured in .
Ans. BITS PER SECOND (bps)
Q65. The network of computers has a computer.
Ans. SERVER
Q66. Type graphics are 1. 2.
Ans. 1. VECTOR GRAPHICS 2. RASTER GRAPHICS
Q67. PIXEL means .
Ans. PICTURE ELEMENTS

Q68. Computer screen is divided into and of tiny

squares.
Ans. 1. ROWS 2. COLUMNS
Q69. The three types of user interfaces are 1. 2. 3.
Ans. 1. COMMAND LINE 2. MENU DRIVEN 3. GRAPHICAL
Q70. The GUI stands for .
Ans. GRAPHICS UTILITY INTERFACE
Q71. Windows is .
Ans. OPERATING SYSTEM
Q72. Types of windows are 1. 2.
Ans. 1. APPLICATION WINDOWS 2. DOCUMENT WINDOWS
Q73. WWW stands for .

67
Ans. WORLD WIDE WEB
Q74. URL stands for .
Ans. UNIVERSAL RESOURCE LOCATOR
Q75. FTP stands for .
Ans. FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOL

ABBREVIATIONS

4GL Fourth Generation Language

AI Artificial Intelligence
ALGOL ALGOrithmic Language
Alt Alternate
ALU Arithmetic Logic Unit
ANSI American National Standard Institute
APL Arithmetic Programming Language
ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange
AT Advanced Technology
ATM Automated Teller Machine
BAL Basic Assembly Language
BASIC Beginner’s All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code
BCD Binary Coded Decimal
BIOS Basic Input Output System
BIT BInary digiT
BPI Bytes Per Inch
BPS Byte Per Second
Caps Lock Capital Lock
CAD Computer-Aided Design
CCD Charged Couple Device
CD-ROM Compact Disk-Read Only Memory
CGA Color Graphic Adapter
CMOS Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor
COBOL COmmon Business Oriented Language
COM Computer Output Microfilm
CPI Character Per Inch
CPS Character Per Second
CPU Central Processing Unit
CR Carriage Return
CRT Cathode Ray Tube
Ctrl Control
CU Control Unit
DBMS Data Base Management System
Del Delete
DIMM
DIPS Data Information Processing System
DOS Disk Operating System
EAPROM Electrically Alterable Programmable Read Only Memor1
EBCDIC Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code
EDP Electronic Data Processing
EDSAC Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator
EDVAC Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer
EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
EGA Enhanced Graphic Adaptor
EISA Enhanced Industry Standard Architecture

CHAPTER 1
MULTIPLE CHOICES
Circle the letter or fill in the correct answer:

1. Computer _________ refers to acquiring computer-related skills.

a. competency b. aware c. connectivity

68
 d. networked e. active
2. The _________ consist(s) of the equipment: keyboard, mouse, monitor, system unit, and other devices.
a. people b. procedures c. hardware
d. system unit e. information
3. The __________ is one of the system software programs.
a. word processor b. data base management system
c. operating system d. application software e. information system

4. Browsers, word processors, and spreadsheets are __________ applications.

a. special-purpose b. general-purpose c. advanced
d. artificial intelligence e. multi media

5. A __________ computer is another name for a notebook computer.

a. PDA b. laptop c. midrange d. DVD
e. handheld

6. __________ is sometimes referred to as temporary storage.

a. PDA b. CD c. RAM d. DVD

e. Secondary storage

7. The type of disk that uses laser technology __________.

a. concentric b. layered c. hard d. floppy e. optical

8. A __________ file might contain audience handouts, speaker notes, and electronic slides.
a. document b. database c. worksheet
d. presentation e. floppy disk

9. The term __________ refers to the widespread use of mobile communication devices.
a. IT b. wireless revolution c. PDA d. RAM e. WWW

10. The largest network in the world is called the _________

a. Internet b. WWW c. World Wide Web d. Web
e. all of the above

MATCHING

Match each numbered item with the most closely related lettered item. Write your answers in the spaces
provided.
1. Guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data. _____
2. Consists of the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work. _____
3. Although not the most powerful, this type of computer is capable of great processing speeds and data
storage.
4. The capability of a microcomputer to share information with other computers.
5. Software that enables the application software to interact with the computer hardware. _____
6. End user software. _____
7. The most powerful type of computer.
8. Data that has been processed through the computer.
9. Translates processed information from the computer into a form that humans can understand. ____
10. Container that houses most of the electronic components that make up a computer system.
11. The least powerful and most widely used type of computer.
12. Translates data and programs that humans can understand into a form that the computer can process.
13. Created b database management programs.
14. Holds data and programs even after electrical power to the system has been turned off. ____
15. Typically used to store programs and very large data files. ____
16. Use laser technology and have the greatest capacity of all secondary storage.
17. Created by word processors to save documents. _____
18. Holds data and program instructions for processing data. ____
19. Communications system connecting two or more computers.
20. The largest network in the world. _____

69
 PEN-1
On a separate sheet of paper, respond to each question or statement.
1. Explain the five parts of an information system. What part do people play in this system?
2. What is system software? What kinds of programs are included in system software? What is the
difference between system software and application software? What are the most common basic
applications?
3. Define and compare general-purpose and special-purpose application software. Describe some different
types of general-purpose applications.
4. Describe the different types of computers. What is the most common type? What are the types of
microcomputers?
5. What is connectivity? I-low are the wireless revolution and connectivity related? What is a computer
network? What are the Internet and the Web?

a. application software b. computer network c. connectivity

d. database files e. document file f. hard disks
g. information h. input device i. mainframe computer
j. microcomputers k. optical disks l. output device
m. primary storage n. procedures o. program
p. secondary storage device q. supercomputers r. system software
s. system unit t. the Internet

CHAPTER 2
MULTIPLE CHOICES

Circle the letter or fill in the correct answer:

1. The Internet was launched in 1969 when the United States funded a project to develop a national
computer network called _________
a. ARPANET b. CERN c. the Web
d. WWW e. ERC

2. _________ use telephone lines and service an area limited to several states.
a. Wireless service providers b. National service providers
c.Local service providers d. Regional service providers
e. Commercial ISPs

3. Web _________ are computers that store and share documents.

a. agents b. browsers c. search engines d. servers e. pages

4. To participate in a chat group, select a __________ and communicate live with others.
a. signal b. index c. engine d. list e. channel

5. _____________ connect(s) to remote computers, open(s) and transfer(s) files, display(s) text and
images, and provide(s) in one tool an uncomplicated interface to the Internet and Web.
a. Bots b. Browsers c. Java d. Web utilities e. Wizards

6. In a directory or __________search, you select a category that fits the information you want.
a. packet b. keyword c. index d. specialized e. subject
7. In __________ commerce, individuals typically sell to other individuals without ever meeting face-to-face.
a. C2C b. B2C c. B2B d. C2I e. I2I
8. _________ is the buying and selling of goods over the Internet.
a. IRC b. E-commerce c. Streaming media d. Simulcast e. UseNet
9. _________ are programs that are automatically loaded and operate as part of a browse
a. Plug-ins b. Add-ons c. Providers d. Agents e. Applets
10. __________ are criminals that specialize in stealing, trading, and using credit cards over the Internet.
a. Clients b. Carders c. Servers d. Telnetters e. Agents

MATCHING

70
Match each numbered item with the most closely related lettered item. Write your answers in spaces
provided.

1. The space of electronic movement of ideas and information.

2. The most common way to access the Internet. _____
3. Addresses of Web resources. _____
4. Moving from one Web site to another. ____
5. Special programs written in Java. _____
6. international locations on the Web. ____
7. Part of an e-mail message that includes the subject, address, and attachments. _____
8. Typically includes the sender’s name, address, and telephone number. _____
9. To participate in a mailing list, you must send a request to this address. _____
10. Link that connects to other documents. ____
11. Reading and observing discussions without participating.
12. Special programs that look for new information and update a searc service database. ____
13. The list of sites that contain the keywords of a keyword search. _
14. Program that automatically submits a search request to several engines sirnultaneouslc
15. Buying and selling goods over the Internet.
16. Program for creating Web sites for virtual stores. _____
17. Virtual stores where shoppers inspect goods and make purchasesi
18. Similar to a traditional auction, but buyers and sellers interact onl the Web. ____
19. Criminals that specialize in stealing, trading, and using stolen cred cards over the Internet. _____
20. Internet equivalent to traditional cash. ____

a. applets b. bots c. carders

d. commerce server e. cyberspace f. e-cash
g. c-commerce h. header i. hits
j. hyperlink k. lurking l. meta search engine
m. provider n. signature line o. subscription address
p. surfing q. URLs r. Web auction
s. Web site t. Web storefronts

CHAPTER 3
MULTIPLE CHOICE

Circle the letter or fill in the correct answer

1. General-purpose applications are also known as ________
a. software suites d. special-purpose applications
b. advanced applications e. none of the above
c. basic applications
2. Multimedia, Web authoring, graphics, and virtual reality programs are examples of _______
a. special-purpose applications b. general-purpose applications
c. basic applications d. occupational applications
e. b and c

3. _________ are prewritten formulas that perform calculations autornaticall

a. Functions b. Macros c. Templates
d. Calculators e. none of the above

4. In a relationa database, data is organized into _________

a. fields b. columns c. recordsd. tables e. rows
5. Database management systems are comprised of tables that are made up of rows called ________ and
columns called ________
a. fields, records b. records, fields
c. addresses, fields d. ranges, sheets
e. records, ranges
6. Most presentation graphics programs provide a(n) that steps you through the process of creating a
presentation.
a. dialog box b. icon c. formatd. toolbar e. wizard
7. The file an object is linked from is called the ______

71
 a. destination file b. origin file c. layout file d. support file e. source file
8. To have an object automatically updated in a destination file when a change is made to the source File,
the object must be _________
a. embedded b. linked c. replaced d. resolved e. amended
9. A(n) is a single program that provides the functionality of a word processor, spread sheet database
manager, and more.
a. general-purpose application b. software suite
c. integrated package d. program manager
e. none of the above
10. A _________ suite is also known as a productivity suite.
a. personal b. utility c. specialized d. home e. business

MATCHING 3
Match each numbered item with the most closely related lettered item. Write your answers i spaces
provided.
1. Word processors, spreadsheets, database management svsEems, presentation graphics.
2. Rectangular area that can contain a document, program, or message.
3. A feature that contains buttons and provides access to comrnonl cornmands.
4. Site that provides access to ‘Web-based applications.
5. Type of suite that makes computing easier and safer. ____
6. Checks for problems with capitalization, punctuation, and sent structure. _____
7. Includes the functionality of a word processoi; spreadsheet, da manager; and more. ____
8. Software that creates text-based documents such as reports, lena memos. _____
9. Identifies incorrectly spelled words and suggests alternatives.
10. Tool that quickly locates and replaces words in a document. _____
11. The intersection of a row and column in a spreadsheet.
12. Contains fields of data about a person, place, or thing.
13. Instructions for calculations. _____
14. Spreadsheet feature in which changing one or more numbers res the automatic recalculation of all
related fields. _____
15. A widely used database structure, in which data is organized mt related tables. _____ Rearranges a
table’s records according to a selected field. Programs used to communicate a message or to persuade.
Made up of rows called records and columns called fields. Individual application programs that are sold
together as a grou Feature that makes it easy to dynamically share and exchange d between applications.
a. ASP b. cell c. find and replace d. formulas
e. general- purpose applications f. grammar checker g. integrated package h. OLE i. presentation graphics
j. record k. relational database 1. software suite In. sort n. spelling checker o. table p. toolbar q. utility r.
vhat-if analysis : window t. word processor
16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

CHAPTER 4
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Circle the letter or fill in the correct answer.
I. __________ records the overall logic, flow, and structure of a multimedia presentation.
a. Graphical map d. Image editor
b. Story board e. Virtual environment
c. Multimedia presentation
2. _________ allows you to reorganize, add effects, and more to your digital video footage.
a. Video editing software d. Browsers
b. Audio editing software e. Animation
c. Paint program
3. _________ focus on page design and layout and provide greater flexibility than word
processors.
a. Desktop publishers d. Multimedia authoring programs
b. Graphics editors e. PERT
c. Web page editors
4. __________ can be simple moving text or complicated interactive features.
a. VR d. Animation b. Graphics editors e. Vector images c. Graphics suites
5. Expert systems use __________ that contain specific facts, rules to relate these facts, and user in pu to
formulate decisions.

72
a. robots d. knowledge bases
b. fuzzy logic e. interactivity
c. story boards
6. Many expert systems use , which allows users to respond to questions in a human
way.
a. packets d. story boards
b. b. fuzzy logic e. vector images
c. c. robots
7. Police and military use __________ to locate and disarm explosive devices.
a. mobile robots d. perception systems
b. OS! e. fuzzy logic
c. industrial robots
8. ________ connect related pages in a multimedia presentation.
a. Robots d. Vectors
b. Bitmaps e. Interactivity
c. Buttons
9. Intuition, memory, and reasoning are used to solve __________
a. structured problems d. (a) and (b)
b. unstructured problems e. none of the above
c. knowledge bases
10. Drawing programs are used to modify , while image editors are used to modify
a. bitmap images d. buttons
b. vector images e. clip art
c. links, buttons

MATCHING
Match each numbered item with the most closely related lettered item. Write your answers in the spaces
provided.
a. Al b. bitmap c. desktop publishing
d. expert system e. Flash f. fuzzy logic
g. graphical map h. graphics suite i. interactivity
j. image editor k. multimedia 1. multimedia authoring programs
m. morphing n. paint program o. perception system
p. robots q. story hoard r. structured problems
S. vector image t. Web authoring

1. Integrates all sorts of media into one presentation.

2. User participation in multimedia. _____
3. Graphics program for creating and editing bitmap images.
4. Tool for planning and structuring a multimedia presentation.
5. Programs used to create multimedia presentations.
6. Creating a Web site. ____
7. Diagram of a Web site’s overall design.
8. Program that allows you to mix text and graphics to create publications of professional quality.
9. Used to create and modify bitmap files. ____
10. Group of graphics programs offered at lower cost than if purchasd sepai’ately.
11. Special effect in which one image seems to melt into another. —
12. Graphic file made up of thousands of pixels.
13. Graphics file made up of a collection of objects, such as rectangles, lines, and ovals. _____
14. Problems that can be broken down into well-defined steps.
15. Attempts to develop computer systems that mimic or simulate human thought processes and actions.
_____
16. Provides advice to decision makers who would otherwise rely on human experts.
17. Animation that is usually full-screen and interactive. _____
18. Used by expert systems to allow users to respond by using qualitative terms such as great and OK.
_____
19. Machines that mimic the motor activities of living things.
20. System that relies on sense of touch or other human senses.

CHAPTER 5

73
 MULTIPLE CHOICE
Circle the letter or fill in the correct answer:
1. Service programs are another name for _________
a. operating systems d. language translators
b. utilities e. interfaces
c. device drivers
2. ___________ software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware
handle technical details.
a. Device d. System
b. Specialized e. Drivers
c. Wizard
3. Language translators convert human language into _________
a. machine language d. operating systems
b. UNIX e. none of the above
c. service programs
4. Desktop operating systems are also called _________
a. network operating systems d. Mac operating systems
b. embedded operating systems e. stand-alone operating systems
c. client operating systems
5. Many older operating systems used a(n) based interface.
a. character d. text b. pictorial e. graphic c. Windows

6. The operating system was originally designed to run on minicomputers in netwi

environments.
a. Windows d. Sherlock b. Mac OS e. Norton c. UNIX

7. To remove unneeded programs and related files from a hard disk, you would use a ______
a. backup program d. antivirus program
b. trouble-shooting program e. uninstall program
c. file compression program
8. Files that are broken into small parts and stored wherever space is available are said to be
a. compressed d. uninstalled b. fragmented e. none of the above c. lost
9. _________ is a Windows program that locates and eliminates unnecessary fragments and r arranges
files and unused disk space to optimize operations.
a. Disk Cleanup d. Disk Defragmenter
b. Active Desktop e. Resource Locator
c. Sherlock
10. Norton SystemWorks is a
a. Web service d. utility suite
b. troubleshooting program e. none of the above
c. utility

MATCHING
Match each numbered item with the most closely related lettered item. Write your answers in the spaces
provided.
a. antivirus
1. Software that deals with the complexities of computer hardware. _____ program
2. Programs that coordinate computer resources.
b. backup program 3. Programs that perform specific tasks related to managing computer
c. desktop resources. _____
operating 4. Keyboard, mouse, printer; monitor, storage devices, and memory. ____
system
5. Where the active program runs. _____
d. embedded
6. Graphic elements that represent commonly used features. _____ operating
7. A computer’s ability to run more than one application at a time.
system
e. file compression 8. Operating systems completely stored within ROM memory.
program 9. Operating system used to control and coordinate computers that are

74
1. folders linked together. g. foreground 10. Operating system whose code is made available to outside
individuals for improvements. h. icons
11. A computer that coordinates all communication between other
i. Linux computers.
j. Mac OS
12. An operating system located on a single stand-alone hard disk.
k. multitasking
13. Operating system used by Macintosh computers.
1. network
14. Operating system often referred to as the soFtware environment. operating
system (NOS) 15. Along with files, a component of the system that Windows stores
information in. ____
m. network server
16. One popular; and free, version of the UNIX operating system.
n. open source
17. Operating system owned and operated by a company.
o. operating
systems 18. Program that guards your computer system against damaging and
invasive programs.
p. platform
19. Program that makes copies of files to be used if originals are lost orq. proprietary damaged. operating
system
20. Program that reduces the size of files for efficient storage.
r. resources
s. system software
t. utilities

75