Unit-1
1.Explain the classification of computers.
2. Explain compiler and interpreter.
3. Explain the generation of computer.
4. Write a short note on machine level language and higher
level language.
6. Explain characteristics of computer.
COMPUTER SYSTEM CHARACTERISTICS AND
CAPABILITIES
● Speed
The computers process data at an extremely fast rate, at
millions or billions of instructions per second. A computer can
perform a huge task in a few seconds that otherwise a normal
human being may take days to compete. The speed of a
computer is calculated in MHz (megahertz), that is, one million
instructions per second. At present, a powerful computer can
perform billions of operations in just one second.
● Accuracy
Besides the efficiency, the computers are also very accurate.
The level of accuracy depends on the instructions and the type
of machines being used. Since the computer is capable of
doing only what it is instructed to do, faulty instructions for data
processing may lead to faulty results. This is known as
Garbage In Garbage Out (GIGO).
● Diligence
Computer, being a machine, does not suffer from the human
traits of tiredness and lack of concentration, if four million
calculations have to be performed, then the computer will
perform the last four-millionth calculation with the same
accuracy and speed as the first calculation.
● Reliability
Generally, reliability is the measurement of the performance of
a computer, which is measured against some predetermined
standard for operation without any failure. The major reason
behind the reliability of the computers is that, at hardware level,
it does not require any human intervention between its
processing operations. Moreover, computers have built-in
diagnostic capabilities, which help in the continuous monitoring
of the system.
● Storage Capability
Computers can store large amounts of data and can recall the
required information almost instantaneously. The main memory
of the computer is relatively small and it can hold only a certain
amount of data; therefore the data are stored on secondary
storage devices such as magnetic tape or disks. Small sections
of data can be accessed very quickly from these storage
devices and brought into the main memory, as and when
required, for processing.
● Versatility
Computers are quite versatile in nature. It can perform multiple
tasks simultaneously with equal ease. For example, at one
moment it can be used to draft a letter, another moment it can
be used to play music and in between, one can print a
document as well. All this work is possible by changing the
program.
● Resource sharing
In the initial stages of development, computers used to be
isolated machines. With the tremendous growth in computer
technologies, computers today have the capability to connect
with each other. This has made the sharing of costly resources
like printers possible. Apart from device sharing, data and
information can also be shared among groups of computers,
thus creating a large information and knowledge base.
7. Explain basic structure of c programming with example.
8. Difference between assembly level language and
machine level language.
Machine Language: It is the native language of computers. It
uses only 0’s and l’s to represent data and Instructions.
Assembly Language: It correspondences symbolic
instructions and executable machine codes and was created to
use letters instead of 0’s and 1’s.
9. Write a algorithm and flow chart to find the largest of
three numbers.
Algorithm: to determine largest of three numbers.
1. Start.
2. Read the numbers A,B,C.
3. Find the larger number between A and B and store it in
max.
4. Find the largest between max and c and restore in max.
5. Display max.
6. Stop.
Flow chart:
10. Convert 152.7(10) to binary.
