Computer Software VIVA

Q1. Define software. Explain different types of software.

Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Examples of software are: MS Word, MS EXCEL, MS POWER POINT, WinZip, Norton Anti Virus, MSN Messenger, MS Windows, DOS, Unix

Q2. Explain different types of software.

The main types of software are system software and application software.

1. System Software

System software is a set of programs to implement certain functions in a computer system. It controls the operations and components of a computer system.

Examples of system software are as follows:

•   Operating Systems:Operating system is a software to control overall operations and components of a computer system. e.g., Windows, Unix, Linux and Dos etc.

•   Utility Programs:Utility program is used to solve a particular problem of software or hardware, for example, Antivirus program, disk scanner and File Viewer etc.

•   Device Drivers:device drier is a software that permits a computer system to communicate with a device. e.g., device driver software for a modem.

2. Application Software

Application software is a program needed to perform various applications on the computer by the user. It helps a computer user to solve specific problems.

Examples of application software are as follows:

i. Word Processing

Word processing software is used to produce letters, applications and other documents, for example MS Word.

ii. Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet program is used for calculations for example MS Excel.

iii. Databases

Database software is used to record data of an organization on computer. MS Access and Oracle are examples of database software.

iv. Graphics

Graphics software is used to produce advertisements, posters etc. for example CorelDraw and Photoshop.

v. Communication

Communications software is used to communicate with different people using Internet, e.g., MSN Messenger, yahoo messenger and Internet Explorer.

Q3. Differentiate between system software and application software

Difference between System & Application Software

System Software	Application Software
1. It is a set of programs to control computer operations and components	1. It is set of programs used to solve particular problems of user.
2.  It is general-purpose software.	2. It is specific purpose software.
4. Examples are: Windows, Dos, Unix, Linux, Norton Antivirus etc.	4. Examples are: MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power point etc.

Q4. What is an Operating System?

Operating System

An operating system is a set of programs that manages all computer components and operations. Without Operating System, a computer cannot do anything. Operating system acts as an interface between a user and computer hardware. Some popular operating systems are DOS, windows, Unix

Q5. Explain Functions of operating system

Functions of Operating System

1. Process Management    2.    Main Memory Management  3.            Secondary Storage Management

4.                  I/O System management    6. File Management     7.      Protection System  8.         Networking

Q6. What is a User Interface? Explain different types of user interface

User Interface is the set of items on screen to interact with the computer. A user interacts and uses computer with the help of these items. For example, Windows Desktop is an example of user interface. Similarly Dos Prompt is also an example of user interface.

There are two main types of user interface:

1)                   Graphical User Interface

Graphical user interface or GUI provides different graphical items like windows, menus, tool bars and icons etc. All versions of Windows, Macintosh, OS/2 and some versions of Unix and Linux provide GUI.

Advantages of GUI:              a) Easy to learn   b) Easy to use    c) Use of mouse    d) Less typing

2)         Command line user interface (CLI)

 A command-line interface provides a place where user types commands for execution. CLI interface is difficult to learn and use. We have to memorize commands. Dos and some versions of Unix and Linux provide command-line interface.

Q7. Define Program and Programming Language

A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do is called program.

A set of words, symbols and codes used to write programs is called programming language.

Q8. Explain different Types of Programming Languages.

There are two main types of computer programming languages.

·        low-level languages

·        high-level languages.

Low Level Languages

These languages are near to computer hardware and far from human languages. Computer can understand these languages easily. Following are two low-level languages:

•     Machine Language      •     Assembly Language

  Machine Language

A computer language in which instructions are written in binary form(0 and 1) is called machine language.

Assembly Language

a)      Assembly language is a low-level language. In assembly language, symbols are used instead of binary code. These symbols are easy to remember.

 High Level Languages

A type of language that is close to human languages is called high level language. High-level languages are easy to understand. Instructions of these languages are written in English-like words e.g. Print, Display, Write etc.

Advantages:

a) Easy to learn and understand    b) Easy to modify    c) Easy to remove errors

Q9. Define Language processor or Translator. Explain different types of Language processors.

Language Processors / Translator

Computer understands only machine language. A program written in high-level or assembly language cannot be run on a computer directly. It is converted into machine language. Language processor or translator is software that converts source programs into machine language(object program). Different types of language processors are: •     Compilers   •     Interpreters     •     Assemblers

Compiler: A compiler is a program that converts the source program into machine language as a whole. A program written in high-level language is called source program. A program in machine language is called Object program.

Interpreter:An interpreter is a program that converts one statement of a program into machine code at one time.

Assembler:An assembler is a translating program that translates the instructions of a program written in assembly language into machine language.

Q10. Differentiate between: Software & Hardware, Source & Object Program, Low-level & High-level Language, DOS and Windows,

Difference between Software & Hardware

Software		Hardware
1.	Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer  what to do	1.	The physical parts of the computer are called hardware
2.	Computer is useless without software.	2	Software cannot run without hardware.
3.	We cannot touch the software.	3	We can touch the hardware.
4.	Hardware is useless without software.	4	Software is useless without hardware.

Difference between Source & Object Program

Source Code	Object Code
1.    Source code is written in high-level or assembly language.	1.	Object   code   is   in   machine language
2.    Source code is easy to understand.	2	Object code is difficult to understand

Difference between Low-level & High-level Language

High-level Language	Low-level Language
1.   High-level languages are easy to learn	1. Low-level languages are difficult to learn.
2.   High-level languages are near to human languages.	2, Low-level languages are far from human languages.

Difference between DOS and Windows

Windows		DOS
1.	It is graphical operating system.	1.	command-line operating system.
2.	It is easy to learn.	2.	difficult to learn.
3.	It supports multi- tasking.	3.	supports single-tasking.

Computer Hardware Test Interview VIVA

Q1. Define Hardware. What are different types of hardware?

The physical parts of a computer are called hardware. Hardware can be touched or seen by us. Different types of hardware components are as follows:

• Input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, digital camera etc.)
• The Central Processing unit (CPU/Processor)
• Output devices (monitor, printer, plotter, speaker, data projector etc.)
• Memory chips (RAM, ROM etc.)
• Storage devices (hard disk, Floppy disk, CD, DVD etc.)

Q2. Define Input devices.

INPUT DEVICES:Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into computer memory from external world. Examples include: Keyboard, Mouse, Track ball, Track Pad, Joy stick, Touch Screen, Light pen, Touch Screen, Scanner, Digital Camera, Microphone,

Q3. Define Output device.

Output devices:Out put devices are used to display results of processing to the user. They perform the following functions: Examples include: Monitor, printer, plotter, speaker

Printers

Printers are used to produce hard copy out put. They print processing results on paper. Printers are divided into two main categories:

• Impact Printers
• Non Impact printers

Impact Printers.

These printers print with striking of hammers or pins on ribbon. For example Dot Matrix printer and daisy wheel printers are impact printers.

Non-Impact Printers.

These printers do not use striking mechanism for printing. They use electrostatic and laser technology. Quality and speed of these printers is better than Impact printers. For example Laser printer and Inkjet printers are non-impact printers.

Q4. Explain parts and working of Central processing unit CPU.

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT (CPU)

Central processing unit is the brain of computer. It is also called CPU or processor. Processor is used to process data according to given instructions.

1.            ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT (ALU):ALU performs data processing according to given instructions. All computations are done in this unit. ARITHMETIC SECTION of ALU performs arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on data. LOGIC SECTION of ALU performs logical operations like comparison between two values.

2.            CONTROL UNIT:Control unit controls all over operations of different parts of computer. For example it takes data and instructions from input unit and stores it into memory. It sends data to ALU for processing.

3.            REGISTERS:A register is a small and temporary memory area in CPU. It holds instruction and data as long as it is being processed. CPU contains a number of registers for example AX, BX, CX, DX etc. A Register may be of 8 bits, 16 bits, 32 bits or more.

Q5. Explain RAM and its types.

Ram stands for random Access Memory. Data in RAM can be accessed directly.. RAM is volatile. Data and programs in RAM are erased when computer is turned off. Therefore RAM is a temporary memory. Ram is also called Primary Memory or Main Memory.

Types of Ram: There are two main types of Ram.

Dynamic Ram (DRAM):Dynamic ram needs to be refreshed frequently. Dram is recharged many times in a second. Therefore, it is slower than SRAM.

Static Ram (SRAM):Static Ram does not need to be refreshed. It is more expensive and faster than DRAM.

Q6. Explain ROM and its types.

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. It is a memory chip fixed on Motherboard. Instructions on RAM can only be read and cannot be changed. The instructions in ROM are written at the time of manufacturing.

PROM:PROM stands for Programmable Read Only Memory. Instructions can be stored in PROM only once. Then it becomes ROM and we cannot change instructions in it.

EPROM:EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. Program instructions written on EPROM can be erased and changed.

EEPROM:EPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. Program instructions written on EEPROM can be erased with the help of electricity and rewritten.

Q7. Write down notes on the following:

1. Flash Memory            2.            USB Flash Drive 3. Cache memory            4. CMOS

1.         Flash Memory

Flash memory is a form of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). It is a form of rewritable memory chip that holds its contents without the need of a power supply. The memory is commonly used in memory cards, USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital cameras and mobile phones.

2.         USB Flash Drive memory

A USB flash drive is a flash memory integrated with a USB 1.1 or 2.0 interface. It is used as a small, lightweight, removable and rewritable data storage device.

3.         Cache Memory:A Cache (pronounced “cash”) memory is a small and very fast memory. It is used to speed up the transfer of data and instructions.

4.         CMOS memory:CMOS stands for Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor. It stores configuration information of computer. It is a battery-backed memory chip. It stores the information about disk drives, keyboard, mouse, monitor, current date and time, and other start up information.

Q8. Define storage devices. Explain different types of storage devices.

Storage devices are used to store data and instructions permanently. Storage devices are also called secondary storage devices / backing storage devices / external storage devices or auxiliary storage devices. Secondary storage devices are used because:

Primary/main/internal memory/RAM is volatile and temporary. When computer is switched off, all data in ram is erased.

Storage devices can store large amounts of data and instructions permanently

There are three main types of storage devices:

1. Magnetic Tape    2. Magnetic Disk            3. Optical Disk

1.            Magnetic Tape

Magnetic tape is the oldest storage device. It is made of plastic coated with magnetic material. Data is stored on magnetic tape in the form of magnetic spots.

2.            Magnetic Disk

A magnetic disk is a thin circular metal or plastic disk coated with magnetic material. Data is stored in the form of magnetic spots. Magnetic disk is random access device. It is faster than magnetic tape. There are three main types of magnetic disk:

a. Hard Disk            b. Floppy Disk            c. Zip Disk

a. Hard Disk

The hard disk is also called fixed disk. It consists of one or more metal plates. The plates are fixed in the drive.

Following are major characteristics of hard disk:

•             The storage capacity of hard disk is much greater than floppy disk.

b.  Floppy Disk

Floppy disk is also called diskette. It is a small plastic plate coated with magnetic material. Data is stored in magnetic spots. Main advantage of floppy disk is that it is used to transfer data from one computer to another. Floppy disk is available in two sizes:

• 3 ½ INCH Floppy Disk:Storage capacity of micro floppy is 1.44 MB.
• 5¼ Inch floppy disk.:It is a 5¼ inch diameter plastic plate coated with magnetic material. Its storage capacity is 1.2 MB.

c.         Zip Disk

Zip disk is similar to 3 ½ inch floppy disk. But it can store 100 MB data. Zip disk drive is used to read and write data on a zip disk.                                                                            

3. Optical Disk

LASER technology is used to read and write data on Optical disk. LASER stands for Light Amplification through Emission of Radiation. Laser beam writes on the surface of optical disk by creating very small holes. The presence of hole represents a One and absence of the hole represents a Zero. There are following main types of optical disk.

·         CD-ROM,    DVD,  Rewrite-able optical disk

 CD-ROM:CD-ROM stands for Compact Disk-Read Only Memory. The data stored on Cd-Rom can only be read. It cannot be deleted or changed.

• DVD - Digital Video Disk

DVD stands for digital Video Disk. It is similar to CD-ROM. It can store up to 17 GB data.

• Rewrite-able Optical Disks

Rewrite-able optical disk is used to read and write data on the disk. We can not only read data but also change data on disk. Rewriteable optical disks include CD-RW that is CD Rewritable and DVD-RW that is DVD Rewriteable.

Q9. What are commonly used units of measuring storage?

Units of measurement of storage

Bit:Bit is a short for Binary Digit. 0 and 1 are the only binary digits. A bit can hold a 0 or 1.

Byte:A combination of 8 bits is called a Byte.

1 Byte = 8 bits     , 1 KB = 1024 Bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB, 1 GB = 1024 MB , 1 TB = 1024 GB

Q10.What are Dual Devices? OR What are dual-purpose devices?

The devices that can perform both functions of input and output are called dual devices. For example Hard disk drive, Floppy disk Drive, Magnetic Tape Drive, CD-Writer, Touch screen Monitor etc. These are also called Input/output devices, because they perform both functions.

Introduction To Computer VIVA

Q1. Define computer, explain characteristics of a computer.

Computer is an electronic machine that takes data and instructions, processes data according to the given instructions, gives results and stores them.

Characteristics of Computer :

 1. Speed 2. Storage 3. Processing 4. Accuracy 5. Recalling

6. Communication 7. Versatile 7. No Feelings 9. No Intelligence

Q2. Explain uses of computer in different fields of life. OR Explain Impacts of Computer Technology on Society.

1. Uses of Computer at Home

2. Uses of Computer in Education

3.  Uses of Computer in Industry

4. Uses of Computer in Business

5. Uses of Computer in Medical Field

Q3. Write down a note on types of computer.

Types of Computer

Computers can be divided into the following types on the basis of their working:

1. Analog Computers

Analog computer is used to measure continuous values. It measures a physical property like voltage, pressure, speed and temperature Analog computer is mainly used in the field of engineering and medicine. Examples              Analog clock ,            Speedometer.,            Thermometer

2. Digital Computers

A digital computer works with digital data. Digital computer uses binary number system. Binary number system consists of only two digits 0 and 1. Today most of the computers used in offices and homes are Digital computers.  Examples:  Personal Computer-(PC),Digital Score board ,Digital watch

3. Hybrid Computers

A hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computer. Examples:

• Hybrid computer devices may calculate patient's heart function, temperature and blood pressure etc. This calculation may be converted into numbers and shown in digital form.
• Hybrid computers are also used in spaceships and missile system.

Q4. Differentiate between Analog and Digital Computers

The difference between analog and digital computers is as follows:

Analog Computers		Digital Computers
1	Works on continuous values.	1	Works on discrete values.
2	Low memory.	2	Big memory.
3	Slow speed.	3	Fast speed.

Q5. Write a note on “Classification of Computers”

Classification of Computers

Computers are classified on the basis of size, speed and price as under:

1. Micro Computers

Micro computer is also called personal computer. It was introduced in 1970. It is used by one person at a time. Examples of personal computers are PC and Apple Macintosh.

2. Mini Computers

Mini computers were introduced in the 1960s. Mini computer is larger and more powerful computer than personal computer. Mini computer can serve up to 4000 connected users simultaneously. Examples of mini computers are:

•     VAX-8800     •     AS 400.

3. Mainframe Computers

Mainframe computers were introduced in 1975. A mainframe computer is a very large computer in size. It is more powerful than mini computer. Examples of mainframe computers are

•     NEC 610    •     DEC 10

 4. Super Computers

Super computers were introduced in 1980s. Super computer is the fastest computer. Super computer is the biggest in size and the most expensive in price than any other computers. Examples of super computers are CRAY-XP, ETA-10, and Deep Blue.

Q9.Explain the basic components/parts of a computer    OR  Explain the basic computer organization

There are the following main basic parts of the computer:

1. Input Unit   (To enter data and instructions)
2. Output Unit   (To display processing results)
3. Central Processing Unit( CPU / Processor)   (to process data and control operations and components of computer)
4. Memory Unit   (to store data for processing)
5. Storage Unit   (to store large amounts of data permanently)

Important Objective Type Questions 101-155

101. MMC stands for multimedia card.
102. SD stands for secure digital card.
103. System Bus  is used to connect main components of a computer such as cpu and main memory.
104. A Port is an interface or a point of attachments.
105. POS stands for Point Of Sale terminal.
106. ATM stands for Automated Teller Machine.
107. PIN stands for Personal identification number.
108. Kbps stands for kilobits per second.
109. Mbps stands for megabits per second.
110. A port that transmits one bit at a time is called Serial Port.
111. A type of port that transmits many bits at a time is called Parallel Port.
112. LPT stands for Line Printer.
113. Examples of system software are Operating System, Utility Programs and Device Drivers.
114. Examples of operating systems are DOS, Windows, Unix and Linux.
115. Examples of Utility programs are File Manager, Image Viewer, Disk Scanner and File Compressor.
116. Software used to detect and remove viruses is called Antivirus.
117. Examples of antivirus programs are Mcaffee, Avast, Symantec, Norton, AVG and Avira antivirus.
118. Name of two free antivirus programs are Avast and Avira.
119. Instructions of Machine language are written in binary form.
120. Assembly language is a low level language.
121. Names of high level languages are C, C++, Java, BASIC and COBOL.
122. SQL stands for structured query language.
123. A Compiler translates the instructions of high level language into machine language as a whole.
124. A program written in high level language is called source code.
125. A program in machine language is called object program or object code.
126. Every computer that is a part of a network is called a terminal or node.
127. A server computer works a s a central computer in a network.
128. The main types of computer network are: LAN, MAN and WAN.
129. HUB is also called concentrator.
130. HUB is also called multistation access unit  or MAU.
131. NIC stands for Network Interface Card.
132. Network interface card is also called a LAN CARD or LAN adapter.
133. Names of three network topologies are Star, Tree and BUS.
134. In a mesh topology, every device is connected directly to all other devices in network.
135. In Simplex mode, data can flow only in one direction.
136. In Half-duplex Mode data can flow in both direction but not at the same time.
137. In full duplex mode data can flow in both directions at the same time.
138. Modem is a device that converts digital signals into analog and analog signals into digital.
139. Modulation is the process of converting digital signal into analog signal.
140. Demodulation is the process of converting analog signal into digital signal.
141. Data is the collection of raw facts and figures.
142. Processed data is called information.
143. GUI stands for graphical user interface.
144. Loading and executing multiple programs at the same time is called Multitasking.
145. Supporting the use of multiple processors is called Multiprocessing.
146. ARPANET stands for Advance Research Project Agency.
147. PROTOCOL is the collection of rules.
148. DARPA stands for Defense Advance Research Project Agency.
149. DSL stands for Digital Subscriber Line.
150. ISDN stands for Integrated Services digital network.
151. IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat.
152. IM stands for instant messaging.
153. Domain name is the unique name given to a website.
154. If different parts of same image are linked with different web pages, it is called image map.
155. A web server is a computer that is used to store information for users on the internet.

1. Important
objective type questions 1-50

2. Important
Objective Type Questions 51-100

3. Important
Objective Type Questions 101-155