Computer Science Assignment

What is Computer ?

A computer is a general purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a finite set of arithmetic or logical operations. Since a sequence of operations can be readily changed, the computer can solve more than one kind of problem.

1.Features of Computers

There are many kinds of computers, from the familiar desktop computer to the business or scientific mainframe to the thousands of different, specialized computers such as the ones found today in automobiles and cell phones. All computers have a few operational features in common.

Input: There is a way to direct or inform the computer. Examples are the keyboard and mouse, removable disks, as well as external instruments or networks.

Processing: The computer has a processing area that can do work. The CPU, or central processing unit, can be designed or instructed to perform any number of different tasks.

Output: There is a way the computer can export results. Examples are video monitors, speakers, removable disks, instruments, or networks.

Most computers also have one or more ways of storing information within.

Memory: One type of memory (RAM: random-access memory) can retain information for the computer's own use while processing data; another kind (ROM: read-only memory) can hold necessary reference information even while the computer is off.

Storage: Typically onboard disk or nonvolatile RAM.

Following are the Important features of PC (computer) 

• Processor
• speed 
• reliability 
• accuracy 
• automation 
• diligence 
• consistency 
• no.feelings 
• Random access memory (RAM)
• Operating system
• Graphics adapter and video RAM
• Monitor

2.Generation Of Computers

FEATURES OF FIRST GENERATION

1. Use of vacuum tubes

2. Big & Clumsy

3. High Electricity Consumption

4. Programming in Mechanical Language

5. Larger AC were needed

6. Lot of electricity failure occured

First Generation Computer

Vacuum Tube

FEATURES OF SECOND GENERATION

1. Transistors were used

2. Core Memory was developed

3. Faster than First Generation computers

4. First Operating System was developed

5. Programming was in Machine Language & Aseembly Language

6. Magnetic tapes & discs were used

7. Computers became smaller in size than the First Generation computers

8. Computers consumed less heat & consumed less electricity

Second Generation Computers

THIRD GENERATION FEATURES

1. Integrated circuits developed

2. Power consumption was low

3. SSI & MSI Technology was used

4. High level languages were used

Third Generation Computers

FOURTH GENERATION COMPUTERS

1. LSI & VLSI Technology used

2. Development of Portable Computers

3. RAID Technology of data storage

4. Used in virtual reality, multimedia, simulation

5. Computers started in use for Data Communication

6. Different types of memories with very high accessing speed & storage capacity

Fourth Generation Computers

FIFTH GENERATION COMPUTERS

1. Used in parallel processing

2. Used superconductors

3. Used in speech recognition

4. Used in intelligent robots

5. Used in artificial intelligence

Fifth Generation Computers

3. Personal computer

Ans.

A personal computer (PC) is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator. This contrasted with the batch processing or time-sharing models which allowed larger, more expensive minicomputer and mainframe systems to be used by many people, usually at the same time. Large data processing systems require a full-time staff to operate efficiently.

Personal Computers

4. Workstations

Ans.  A type of computer used for engineering applications (CAD/CAM), desktop publishing, software development, and other types of applications that require a moderate amount of computing power and relatively high quality graphics capabilities.

Workstations generally come with a large, high-resolution graphics screen, at least 64 MB (megabytes) of RAM, built-in network support, and a graphical user interface. Most workstations also have a mass storage device such as adisk drive, but a special type of workstation, called a diskless workstation, comes without a disk drive. The most common operating systems for workstations are UNIX and Windows NT.

In terms of computing power, workstations lie between personal computersand minicomputers, although the line is fuzzy on both ends. High-end personal computers are equivalent to low-end workstations. And high-end workstations are equivalent to minicomputers.

Computers At Work Stations

5.Mainframe computers

Ans. A very large and expensive computer capable of supporting hundreds, or even thousands, of users simultaneously. In the hierarchy that starts with a simplemicroprocessor (in watches, for example) at the bottom and moves tosupercomputers at the top, mainframes are just below supercomputers. In some ways, mainframes are more powerful than supercomputers because they support more simultaneous programs. But supercomputers can executea single program faster than a mainframe. The distinction between small mainframes and minicomputers is vague, depending really on how the manufacturer wants to market its machines.

Mainframe Computers

6.Super computers

Ans.The fastest type of computer. Supercomputers are very expensive and are employed for specialized applications that require immense amounts of mathematical calculations. For example, weather forecasting requires a supercomputer. Other uses of supercomputers include animated graphics, fluid dynamic calculations, nuclear energy research, and petroleum exploration.

The chief difference between a supercomputer and a mainframe is that a supercomputer channels all its power into executing a few programs as fast as possible, whereas a mainframe uses its power to execute many programs concurrently.

Super Computers

7.Computer Applications

7.1. Data Processing

Ans. Data processing involves a number of transactions and file maintenance in order to provide a database for generating and providing information to users at management levels. Computers are used to make these transactions and processing simpler. However, there is a proper procedure that is adopted to generate the desired results.

Computers in Data Processing Cycle

7.2.Information processing

Ans. The following paragraphs describe some components of  information processing that have analogies in human thinking.

·         Sensory register. Computers have to get their initial input from somewhere outside the computer. This information may be registered at the keyboard, through a modem, or in some other manner. It stays in this temporary register area for only a few nanoseconds before it is moved into the computer's random access memory.

·         Working memory. The random access memory (RAM) corresponds to the human working memory. This is the electronic area where the computer combines, integrates, and generates output from data that are brought in through input devices or are retrieved from read only memory (ROM) or from a storage area.

·         Long-term memory. Data can be stored on disk or programmed into ROM for relatively permanent storage. This information is available to interact with the information in RAM whenever the program requires it.

·         Forgetting. If a program is defective, it may not be possible to retrieve information. Failure to retrieve information may occur because the program stored the data incorrectly or because the program is not correctly designed to retrieve information that was properly stored.

Computer in Information Processing Cycle

7.3.Commercial

Ans. Computer innovation is one of the major scientific developments of 20th century and very will running with more prospects and developments into the 20th century. In fact, a computer application has made its entry in all the areas of and fields of human development. Human development impact is correlated with our legation and in turn religion is directly applied to the applications of scientific developments. Through computer was innovated during the late 1950’s the major impact of which has felt in real life during 1980’s.

Computer banking starts from the very basic. When a customer steps into the bank all entries are made with electronic recording. The debits as digital mode each and every customers name address, nominee details etc are recorded in the computer and in fact the photos and signature of the individual are also being maintained under the scan system for easy verifications and the identifications of the individuals. The drafts electronic money transfer advises to other banks are all managed through the electronic teller machine (ATM) is of great advantage to the customers. This ATM has made customers wait drastically reduced waiting in long ques. The advantage of ATM debit cards, credit cards facilities have also made customers life easier. By resorting to electronic banking credit cards reduce carrying money and cut the burglary risk.

Computers in Commercial Banks

7.4.Office automation

Ans. Office automation refers to the integration of office functions usually related to managing information. There are many tools used to automate office functions and the spread of electronic processors inside computers as well as inside copiers and printers is at the center of most recent advances in office automation. Raw data storage, electronic data transfer, and the management of electronic business information comprise the basic activities of an office automation system.

Computers in Office automation

7.5.Industry and engineering

Ans. Industrial engineering is one of the earliest fields to utilize computers in research, education, and practice. Over the years, computers and electronic communication have become an integral part of industrial engineering.

The journal aims at an audience of researchers, educators and practitioners of industrial engineering and associated fields. It publishes original contributions to the development of new computerized methodologies for solving industrial engineering problems, and applications of these methodologies to problems of interest to the broad industrial engineering and associated communities. It encourages submissions that expand the frontiers of the fundamental theories and concepts underlying industrial engineering techniques. It also serves as a venue for articles evaluating the state of the art of computer applications in various industrial engineering and related topics, and research in the utilization of computers in industrial engineering education. Papers reporting on applications of industrial engineering techniques to real life problems are welcome, as long as they satisfy the criteria of originality in the choice of the problem and the tools utilized to solve it, generality of the approach for applicability to other problems, and significance of the results produced. A major aim of the journal is to foster international exchange of ideas and experiences among scholars and practitioners with shared interests all over the world.

Computers in Industry and engineering

7.6.Healthcare

Ans. Advances in hardware and software development have allowed more and better techniques in order to building applications in the health area, by using computational concepts and methods. On the other hand, this area also has searched for computational aids, providing new topics of investigation and, consequently, demanding new computational techniques development. In general, the applications explore different domains of computer science, like database, image processing, distributed systems, graphics computer, virtual reality, software engineering, among others. Also the applications integrate several new techniques to construct systems like Computer Aided Diagnosis, Information Visualization, Computer Aided Surgery, Telemedicine, Procedures Simulation and Phobias Treatments.
The track “Computer Applications in Health” of SAC2008 aim to provide a space for discussion and experience exchange for researchers, students, professors and professionals that are interested in the development of this area. Topics of interest include the following, but not exclusively:

·                        Artificial Intelligence in Health

·                        Computer Aided Diagnosis

·                        Database in Health

·                        Decision support systems

·                        Evidence-based health care

·                        Human-Computer Interaction in Health

·                        Information Systems and PACS

·                        Medical Education

·                        Multimedia in Health

·                        Other computer application in health care.

·                        Signal and Image Processing in Health

·                        Software Engineering in Health

·                        Telemedicine

·                        Virtual and Augmented Reality in Health

·                        Web Applications in Health 

Computers in Industry and engineering

7.7.Education

Ans. A computer helps to manipulate data according to a list of instructions, called a program. It can save a lot of data and produce the same, instantly. It is also called a universal information-processing machine. It is a common operating system used in corporate businesses, educational organizations and many research programs. The computer technology has been used proficiently in various educational fields. There are many professional courses that program their curriculum on computers. It enables the students and teachers to methodically study or conduct classes.

Most schools highlight the importance of computer education. They provide computer education to children, at a very young age. It helps them to learn and develop interest in the basics of computers. The main purpose is to make them comfortable using the system, as the future holds a bright promise for the technology. Many students become proficient and plan to pursue careers in the world of computers.

Computers are used in running school and college administrations, during the admission procedures, storing of official and student records. They are also used in syllabus planning and decision-making, controlling, assisting instructions and simulation. Computers are helpful in directing aptitude tests and achievement tests, at the time of entrance exams. There is computer software designed to process performances related to teachers and employees promotion avenues. They also process records of salaries, examinations, schemes of examination, printing of papers and question papers, evaluation of answer sheets, mark sheets and certificates.

Computers are used in colleges, by the professors, to conduct special classes and enable their students to adopt a methodical way of study. Students take more interest in the documented programs, designed on different topics. Internet has provided a favorable means of pursuing courses from renowned universities, across the world. These facilities become available at a click of the mouse.

Computers in Education

7.8. Graphics and multimedia

Ans.  In the Computer and Multimedia Graphics option, students will:

• Be exposed to a dual platform for graphics so you will have experience in both PC and Macintosh environments.
• Be introduced to communication technologies, philosophy of reproduction choices, methods of printing, photography and darkroom applications, electronic publishing, presswork, screen printing and other non-print communications.
• Use electronic equipment and software for the preparation of copy, including deign, editing, and typography.
• Acquire and edit digital images.  The digital still camera and its operation are stressed along with computer image editing software.
• Be introduced to multimedia software, hardware, the integration of text, technical graphics, sound, animation, webpage design, and CD/DVD publishing.
• Be introduced to the digital video camera and video editing suite, and produce personal and corporate videos in individual and group settings.
• Be exposed to the following software:
• Dreamweaver
• Director
• Flash
• Fireworks
• Freehand
• Illustrator
• InDesign
• PhotoShop
• Premiere
• Insight
• Maya 
• Microsoft FrontPage
• Final Cut Pro
• Sound Editing Software such as Cake Walk and Acid Works

Computers in Graphics and multimedia

8.1. Classification of computers according to size

Ans. They can also be classified in different ways like classification of computers by size.

·         Super computer
Super computers can process huge amounts of data, The biggest in size, the most expensive in price than any other is classified and known as super computer. It can process trillions of instructions in seconds. This computer is not used as a PC in a home neither by a student in a college. Governments specially use this type of computer for their different calculations and heavy jobs. Different industries also use this huge computer for designing their products. In most of the Hollywoods movies it is used for animation purposes. This kind of computer is also helpful for forecasting weather reports worldwide.

·         Mainframes 
Another giant in computers after the super computer is Mainframe, which can also process millions of instructions per second and is capable of accessing billions of data. This computer is commonly used in big hospitals, air line reservation companies, and many other huge companies prefer mainframe because of its capability of retrieving data on a huge basis.

This is normally to expensive and out of reach from a salary-based person who wants a computer for his home. This kind of computer can cost thousands of dollars.

·         Minicomputer 
This computer is next in line but offers less than mainframe in work and performance. These are the computers which are mostly preferred by the small type of business personals, colleges, etc.

·         Personal computers
Almost all the computer users are familiar with the personal computers. They normally know what the personal computer is and what are its functions. This is the computer mostly preferred by the home users. These computers are lesser in cost than the computers given above and also, small in size; they are also called PCs in short for Personal computers.

This computer is small in size and you can easily arrange it to fit in your single bedroom with its all accommodation. Today this is thought to be the most popular computer in all.

·         Notebook computers
Having a small size and low weight the notebook is easy to carry to anywhere. A student can take it with him/her to his/her school in his/her bag with his/her book. This is easy to carry around and preferred by students and business people to meet their assignments and other necessary tasks.

The approach of this computer is also the same as the Personal computer. It can store the same amount of data and having a memory of the same size as that of a personal computer. One can say that it is the replacement of personal desktop computer.

8.2. Classification of computers according Features(Technology)

Ans. Different types of computers process the data in different manner. According to the basic data-handling techniques, computers can be classified into three categories: analog, digital and hybrid.

·         Analog Computers:-A computing machine that operates on data in the form of continuously variable physical quantities is known as analog computer. These computers do not deal directly with the numbers. They measure continuous physical magnitudes (e.g. temperature, pressure and voltage), which are analogous to the numbers under consideration. For example, the petrol pump may have an analog computer that converts the flow of pumped petrol into two measurements: the quantity of petrol and the price of that quantity. Analog computers are used for scientific and engineering purposes. One of the characteristics of these computers is that they give approximate results since they deal with quantities that vary continuously. The main feature of analog computers is that they are very fast in operation as all the calculations are done in 'parallel mode'. It is very easy to get graphical results directly using analog computer. However, the accuracy of analog computers is less.

·         Digital Computers:-A computer that operates with information, numerical or otherwise, represented in a digital form is known as digital computer. Such computers process data (including text, sound, graphics and video) into a digital value (in 0s and 1s). In digital computers, analog quantities must be converted into digital quantity before processing. In this case, the output will also be digital. If analog output is desired, the digital output has to be converted into analog quantity. The components, which perform these conversions, are the essential parts or peripherals of the digital computer. Digital computers can give the results with more accuracy and at a faster rate. The accuracy of such computers is limited only by the size of their registers and memory. The desktop PC is a classic example of digital computer.

·         Hybrid Computers:-Hybrid computer incorporated the measuring feature of an analog computer and counting feature of a digital computer. For computational purposes, these computers use the analog components and for the storage of intermediate results, digital memories are used. To bind the powers of analog and digital techniques, that is, analog to digital and digital to analog, the hybrid computers comprehensively use converters. Such computers are broadly used in scientific applications, various fields of engineering and industrial control processes.

8.3. Classification of computers according latest versions of operating systems of computers.

Ans. Operating system types

As computers have progressed and developed so have the operating systems. Below is a basic list of the different operating systems and a few examples of operating systems that fall into each of the categories. Many computer operating systems will fall into more than one of the below categories.

·         GUI - Short for Graphical User Interface, a GUI Operating System contains graphics and icons and is commonly navigated by using a computer mouse. See the GUI definition for a complete definition. Below are some examples of GUI Operating Systems.

o    System 7.x

o    Windows 98

o    Windows CE

·         Multi-user - A multi-user operating system allows for multiple users to use the same computer at the same time and different times. See the multi-user definition for a complete definition for a complete definition. Below are some examples of multi-user operating systems.

o    Linux

o    Windows 2000

o    Unix

·         Multiprocessing - An operating system capable of supporting and utilizing more than one computer processor. Below are some examples of multiprocessing operating systems.

o    Linux

o    Unix

o    Windows 2000

·         Multitasking - An operating system that is capable of allowing multiple software processes to run at the same time. Below are some examples of multitasking operating systems.

o    Unix

o    Windows 2000

·         Multithreading - Operating systems that allow different parts of a software program to run concurrently. Operating systems that would fall into this category are:

o    Linux

o    Unix

o    Windows 2000

Troubleshooting

Common questions and answers to operating systems in general can be found on the below operating system question and answers. All other questions relating to an operating system in particular can be found through the operating system page.

·         Linux and Variants

·         MacOSMS-DOS

·         IBM OS/2 Warp

·         Unix and Variants

·         Windows CE

·         Windows 3.x

·         Windows 95

·         Windows 98

·         Windows 98 SE

·         Windows ME

·         Windows NT

·         Windows 2000

·         Windows XP

·         Windows Vista

·         Windows 7

9.1. Configuration of their own computers.

Ans. If one is buying a computer for the first time, the product features and specifications could be too confusing. This is why it is preferable to first know the basics of computer configuration before planning to go to a computer store to get one. It will be more economical and will cause lesser problems and headaches from additional costs in the future. But why waste time reading all these things about computers if money is not an issue.

There are a lot of computers being sold in the market with great computer configuration. However, these computers could cost way more expensive than the ones which can be configured by oneself. Some people, in fact, decide to assemble computers for themselves. This let them save a lot more than buying a pre-assembled unit sold in stores. They could also choose the best parts that they want their computer to have.

But, again, if budget is not an issue, one can get a high-end computer from the trusted high-end brands. These will certainly have the best computer configurationas specified in the product specifications which will suit a usual person’s needs.
There is also a choice of buying a desktop or a laptop computer. Although desktops tend to have higher specifications than laptops since the latter can be upgraded, there are some laptops with better performance than some desktops. And as laptops can not be upgraded as much as a desktop, these are usually sold with the best computer configuration of that time. Laptops are getting more powerful and for functional in terms of performance every passing year.

9.2. Configuration of their own laptops

Ans. A laptop is purchased with the ability to be configured with many different settings for security, memory, speed or other options.

Follow these steps to learn how to properly configure your laptop for a variety of settings.

·         Configure your laptop for security by making a startup password. Press the power button on your laptop, press the "F2" key and hold down "Alt" while pressing "P" to scroll through the pages. Find the page titled "System Security." Use the left and right arrow keys to modify values. Change the primary password to "Enabled," enter a password and push "Esc" to exit and confirm your password.

·         Set and configure your laptop speed. Speed up your laptop by upgrading your RAM. If you upgrade your RAM from 512MG to 1GB your speed can be boosted 13 percent and you lose only 8 minutes of battery power.

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·         Boost your laptop's speed even more by installing a high-end hard drive. If you upgrade from a 4,200 rpm drive to a 5,400 rpm drive, you acquire an 18 percent increase in speed and only a 7 minute decrease in the life of your battery.

·         Opt for a 2.13G Hz Pentium M CPU if you're working with multimedia. The hard drive should be 60GB and 5,400 rpm. You need at least 1G of RAM.

·         Perform a DHCP configuration on Windows XP. Click "Start," "Control Panel," "Network and Internet Connections" and "Network Connections." Select "Local Area Connection," "Change Settings of This Connection," "Internet Protocol," "Properties," and then check the boxes for "Obtain an IP Address Automatically" and "Obtain DSN Server Address Automatically." Click "OK" twice.

9.3. Configuration of their own notebook

Ans.

Hardware Description

·         Brand/Model: Lenovo ThinkPad X200

·         CPU: Intel Core2 Duo P8700, 2.5GHz

·         RAM: 2GB DDR3

·         Hard Disk: 160GB or above

·         Display:12.1”, 1280x800

·         Weight: 1.4kg

·         Dimension: 20.7-35.5 x 295 x 210 mm

·         Built-in Wireless LAN Network Card

·         Built-in sound system

Pre-installed Software

·         MS Windows 7 Enterprise with SP1

·         MS Office 2010 Professional Plus

·         Windows 7 Multi-Language Pack – Simplified and Traditional Chinese

·         Office 2010 Professional Plus Multi-Language Pack – Simplified and Traditional Chinese

·         Windows Media Player 11

·         Acrobat ReaderX 10

·         Macfee Virus Scan Enterprise 8.7.0i with ePO

·         RealPlayer 15

·         Flash player 11 and Shockwave  11.6

·         QuickTime 7.7.1

·         Lenten Software Reborn

By Rohith.B.P, BBM 1st Sem, B section