ZOOM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

(Senior Secondary, Affiliated to CBSE, Delhi)

Study Materials April 2024-25
Class : VI Subject : Computer

BASICS OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

Introduction
Computer Science is one of the disciplines of modern science under which, we study about the various
aspects of computer technologies, their development and their applications in the present world.
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes
these data under the control of set of instructions (called program) and gives the result (output) and
saves output for the future use. It can process both numerical and non-numerical (arithmetic and logical)
calculations.
Computer is a device through which you can perform a variety of jobs. You can use your computer system
for different applications by changing the software packages. Here are the list of uses or applications of
computer:
• Scientific research
• Business application
• Education
• Entertainment
• Banks
• Communication
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Book Publishing
• Games
• Personal
• Accounting
The major functional units of a computer are listed below:
• Input unit
• Output unit
• Memory unit
• Arithmetic logic unit
• Control unit
Input unit: An input device is a piece of hardware used to provide data to a computer used for interaction
and control. It allows input of raw data to the computer for processing. Example: Keyboard, mouse etc.
Some of the more input devices:-
Barcode Reader: A barcode reader is an optical scanner that can read printed barcodes, decode the
data contained in the barcode and send the data to a computer.

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Optical Mark Reader (OMR): Optical Mark Reader reads pencil or pen marks made in pre-defined
positions on paper forms as responses to questions or tick list prompts.
Optical Character Reader: OCR (Optical Character Reader) is the use of technology to distinguish
printed or handwritten text characters inside digital images of physical documents, such as a scanned
paper document.
Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR): Magnetic ink character recognition code, known in short as
MICR code, is a character recognition technology used mainly by the banking industry to streamline the
processing and clearance of cheques and other documents.
Output Units: An output device is any peripheral that receives data from a computer, usually for display,
projection or physical reproduction. Example: Monitor, Printer etc.
Some of the more output devices:-
Monitor: A display device is the most common form of output device. It presents output visually on computer
screen. The output appears temporarily on the screen and can easily altered or erased, it is sometimes
referred to as soft copy also. The display device for a desktop PC is called monitor.
Printer: A printer is an external hardware output device that takes the electronic data stored on a computer
or other device and generates a hard copy of it.
LCD Projector: A LCD projector is a type of video projector for displaying video, images or computer
data on a screen or other flat surface. It is a modern equivalent of the slide projector or overhead projector.
Plotter: A plotter is a computer vector graphic printer that gives a hard copy of the output based on
instructions from the system. Example: charts, graphs, tables or diagrams.
CPU: (pronounced as separate letters) is the abbreviation for Central Processing Unit. Sometimes referred
to simply as the central processor, but more commonly called a processor, the CPU is the brain of
the computer where most calculations take place. In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most
important element of a computer system.
Components of a CPU
The two typical components of a CPU include the following:

The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.
The Control Unit (CU) extracts instructions from memory and decodes and executes them, calling
on the ALU when necessary.
Memory Unit (MU): A computer has a large storage capacity. The storage capacity of a computer
is called its memory. There are two types of memory:
Primary Memory: Primary memory is a computer memory that is accessed directly by
the CPU. This includes several types of memory, such as the processor cache and system ROM.
However, in most cases, primary memory refers to system RAM.

Secondary Memory: Secondary memory refers to storage devices, such as hard drives
and solid state drives. It may also refer to removable storage media, such as USB flash drives,
CDs, and DVDs. Unlike primary memory, secondary memory is not accessed directly by the
CPU.

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Characteristics of a Computer:
Speed
A computer works with much higher speed and accuracy compared to humans while performing
mathematical calculations. Computers can process millions (1,000,000) of instructions per second. The
time taken by computers for their operations is microseconds and nanoseconds.
Accuracy & Reliability
Computers perform calculations with 100% accuracy. Errors may occur due to data inconsistency or
inaccuracy. A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give same
set of input any number of times, we will get the same result.
Versatility
Versatility refers to the capability of a computer to perform different kinds of work with same accuracy and
efficiency.
Memory
A computer has built-in memory called primary memory where it stores data. Secondary storage are
removable devices such as CDs, pen drives, etc. which are also used to store data.
Advantages of Computer:
Computer helps in gathering knowledge and huge information from the internet and storing it.
Computers are multitasking and accurate enough to be used almost anywhere and everywhere
including banks.
Computer provides security from destructive forces and from unwanted action from unauthorized
users like cyber attack or access attack.
Now computer is not just a calculating device, it has become much more than that. One of the main
advantages of computer is its incredible speed, which helps human to complete their task in few seconds.
All the operations can be performed very fast just because of its speed else wise it takes a long time to
perform the task.
Keywords
ALU: Arithmetic Logic Unit
CPU: Central Processing Unit
CRT: Cathode Ray Tube
CU: Control Unit
LCD: Liquid Crystal Display
LED: Light Emitting Diode
MICR: Magnetic Ink Character Reader
MU: Memory Unit
OCR: Optical Character Reader
OMR: Optical Mark Reader
RAM: Random Access Memory
ROM: Read Only Memory

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 EXERCISES
A. Tick the correct option:
1. MICR stands for -magnetic ink character reader.
2. OCR is used for - reading the optical signals.
3. Barcode reader is a device used for - reading barcode.
4. Information on cheques is read using - MICR
5. Plotter - is a device used for creating high quality graphics.
6. Plotter - is an output device
7. Primary memory is also called - internal memory
8. OCR software can be attached in - both of these
B. Fill in the blanks:
1. Primary memory is called internal memory.
2. The full form of OMR is Optical Mark Reader.
3. Secondary memory of a computer is also called the external memory
4. ROM memory is non-volatile.
5. RAM memory is volatile.
C. Write the full form of the following abbreviations.
(All answers are available in KEYWORDS.)
D. Answer the following questions.
1. Explain the term computer memory.
Ans. The storage capacity of a computer is called its memory, Memory enables a computer store data
and instructions.
2. What is MICR and where is it used?
Ans. Magnetic ink character reader is an input device used for character recognition technology by the
banking industry to facilitate the processing of cheques and debit/credit cards.
3. Which device is used for reading barcode?
Ans. Barcode reader is used for reading barcode
4. What is an optical mark reader used for?
Ans. An optical mark reader is used for capturing human-marked data in document forms such surveys
and tests.
5. Write any two characteristics of a plotter.
Ans. A plotter is a computer printing device for printing vector graphics. Plotters are used for creating
high quality graphics, visuals, charts, graphs tables or diagrams
6. Mention the advantages of a computer.
Ans. Some benefits of using the computers are as follows.
It saves time and performs calculations quickly and accurately.

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  It avoids mistakes.
 It helps to get high quality and error-free work.
 It helps to get results print out neatly.
 It is used to store a large amount of data.
E. Explain the difference between the following terms.
1. Primary memory and secondary memory
Ans.
Primary memory
i) It is also called internal memory.
ii)It is the main area in a computer where the data are stored.
Secondary memory
i) It is also called external memory.
ii)It is the memory where the data and programs are stored for a long term.
2. CU and MU
Ans. CU - Control unit extracts instructions from memory, decodes and executes them.
MU - Memory unit of a computer is its storage capacity. Memory enables a computer to store data and
instructions.
3. OMR and OCR
Ans.
OMR
i) Optical Mark Reader is an input device used for capturing human-marked data in document forms
such as surveys and tests.
ii) It is used by many business and healthcare agencies to streamline their data input processes and
reduce input error.
OCR
i) Optical character is used to do mechanical or electronic transaction of handwritten, typewritten or
printed text into machine-encoded text.
ii) It is used to computerize a record keeping system in an office or to publish the text on a website.
4. Printer and plotter
Ans.
Printer
i) In computing, a printer produces text and/or graphics of documents in an electronic form, usually
on paper or transparencies.
ii)Many printers are primarily used as local peripherals, attached to the computer by a printer
cable.
Plotter
i) A plotter is a computer printing device for printing vector graphics.
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 ii) Plotters are used for creating high quality graphics, visuals, charts, graphs, tables or diagrams.
F. Name the following:
1. The unit that reads instructions, Interprets and executes them- Control unit
2. A device used for capturing human-marked data in document form- Optical mark reader (OMR)
3. An input device used for character recognition by the banking industry-Magnetic ink character
reader (MICR)
4. An output device used in organizations for displaying PowerPoint presentation-LCD projector
5. A device used for printing vector graphics- Plotter
6. Main data storage area in a computer-Primary memory

THE RISE OF SOFTWARE

Software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or
perform tasks. Without software, most computers would be useless.
Types of software:
There are three types of software:
1. Systems software include the programs that are dedicated to managing the computer itself, such as
the operating system
An operating system (OS) is a type of system software that manages computer’s hardware and
software resources. It provides common services for computer programs. An OS acts a link between
the software and the hardware. It controls and keeps a record of the execution of all other programs that
are present in the computer, including application programs and other system software.
A compiler is a computer program that transforms code written in a high-level programming language
into the machine code. It is a program which translates the human-readable code to a language a
computer processor understands (binary 1 and 0 bits).
 An interpreter is a computer program that directly executes instructions written in
a programming or scripting language, without requiring them previously to have been compiled into
a machine language program.
An assembler is a type of computer program that interprets software programs written in assembly
language into machine language, code and instructions that can be executed by a computer.
2. Application software: Software which is developed to help the user to perform specific tasks is
called application software.
3. Programming software: Programming software is a computer software or application that developers
use to create other software or applications.
Keywords
Mnemonics: Simple abbreviated codes used in assembly language.
Program: A set of instructions.
Software: A set of programs.

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 EXERCISES
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. A series of instructions given to a computer to perform a specific task is known as a - Program.
2. The only language understood by computers is - machine language
3. Assembly language - is a 2GL.
4. Fifth - generation languages deal with artificial Intelligence.
5. Fourth - generation focus on reducing programming time, effort and cost.
6. BASIC - is an example of a modern 3GL
7. Operating systems are - system software.
8. Word processors are - application software.
9. Programming - software is meant for helping programmers to develop computer applications.
10. Interpreter - translate a program written in a high-level language to machine language:
B. Write the full form of the following abbreviations:
1. 3GLS - Third Generation Languages
2. FORTRAN - FORmula TRANslation
3. COBOL - Common Business Oriented Language
4. OS - Operating System
5. SQL - Structured Query Language
6. FGCS - Fifth Generation Computer Systems
C. Match the following columns.
1. Compiler - (a) System software which translates a complete program at one go before passing it on
as a whole to the CPU.
2. Fourth generation languages - (b) Programming languages that are simple to learn, write and
understand.
3. C++ - (c) Third generation language.
D. Tick the correct option.
1. An operating system - is a master control program that runs a computer.
2. Which generation of computer is still under development? Fifth generation
3. Which generation of computer is associated with artificial intelligence? Fifth generation
4. MS Office - is an application software.
5. Device drivers for various accessories are - system software.
E. Answer the following questions:
1. What is machine language?
Ans. Computers can only understand a very simple language known as machine language. Machine
language consists of a string of 0s and 1s.
2. How are high-level languages translated into machine language?

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Ans. Instructions issued through high-level languages resemble the English language to some
extent.These instructions are then translated into machine language by compilers and interpreters and
passed on to the CPU for processing. Compilers translate a complete program at one go before passing
it on as a whole to the CPU. Interpreters translate a program line by line, passing each line to the CPU
for execution before the next line is interpreted.
3. What advantages did the (3GLs) have over the previous generations of computers?
Ans.Third generation languages (3GLs) are programming languages that are simple to learn,
write and understand.
The size of a program is also greatly reduced as several machine language instructions could be
summed up in a single high-level language instruction.
 The major breakthrough that this generation has brought in is that a program once written can be
run on different types of processors simply by using the corresponding compilers (translators).

4. What are the various categories of software?

Ans. The various categories of software are system software, application software and programming
software.
5. Define a system software.
Ans. A system software comprises of a set of one or more programs that are designed to control the
internal functioning of a computer and its associated hardware. It forms a link between the user and the
hardware of a computer.
6. What is an operating system? Give some examples of operating systems.
Ans. An operating system (OS) is a special set of programs that controls various hardware devices of
a computer. Some of the common operating systems used today are Microsoft Windows, Linux, UNIX
and Mac OS.
7. What is an application software?
Ans. An application software allows the users to perform one or more specific tasks without having any
knowledge of computer programming. It can be used for personal or business purposes.

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