A.

Name: Daniel Arhin Forson

Class: 1A2
Course: General arts
ICT VACATION ASSINGMENT FORM ONE
CLASS
A. Define the internet and also explain how it works.
A global computer network providing a variety of
information and communication facilities,
consisting of interconnected networks using
standardized communication protocols. The
Internet is a network of networks. It works by
using a technique called packet switching, and by
relying on standardized networking protocols that
all computers can interpret.
B. Write down five advantages and
disadvantages each of the use of the internet
Advantages
1. Global connections through virtual
communications.
2. E-commerce
3. Online education
4. Abundance of information
5. Accurate and precise
 Disadvantages
1. Loss of personal information
2. Spread of fake news
3. Internet addiction and time wasting
4. Physical and mental health issues
5. Inappropriate content
C. Explain the following internet terminologies

a. HTTP: (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)? The Hypertext Transfer Protocol is an

application protocol for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems that
allows users to communicate data on the World Wide Web.
b. FTP: (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used for the transfer of
files from one host to another over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP works
by opening two connections that link the computers trying to communicate with each
other.

c. SMTP: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol

A messaging protocol governing electronic-mail transmission in Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) networks. It is used to transfer email between
computers. It is a server-to-server protocol.
d. NNTP: (NETWORK NEWS TRANSFER PROTOCOL) NNTP is similar to the SMTP, in that it
allows servers and clients to exchange information. In this case, however, the information
is exchanged in the form of news articles. This feature originally was implemented in the
Internet's predecessor network, ARPANET.
e. URL: URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. A URL is nothing more than the
address of a given unique resource on the Web.

f. HTML: (Hypertext Markup Language) is a text-based approach to describing how

content contained within an HTML file is structured. This markup tells a web browser
how to display text, images and other forms of multimedia on a webpage.
 g. IP:IP stands for "Internet Protocol," which is the set of rules governing the format of
data sent via the internet or local network.
h. TCP/IP:(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) A set of protocols covering
(approximately) the network and transport layers of the seven-layer Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) network model. TCP/IP was developed during a 15-year period
under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Hypertext is text which contains links to other texts. The term was coined by
I. Hypertext:
Ted Nelson around 1965. Hypermedia is a term used for hypertext which is not
constrained to be text: it can include graphics, video and sound, for example. Apparently
Ted Nelson was the first to use this term too.
D. Explain domains and give ten examples.

 A domain is the address people type into a web browser when using the internet. For
example, the web domain name of this website is study.com. Therefore, it is simply the
name of a website and the definition of the web domain is the same as the website
domain definition.eg;
1. google.com.
2. youtube.com.
3. facebook.com.
4. twitter.com.
5. instagram.com.
6. baidu.com.
7. wikipedia.org.
8. sflix.com
9. jw.org
10. waptrick.com

E. Differentiate between a web browser and a search engine.

A web browser retrieves content from the World Wide Web, such as websites, images,
and videos. A search engine, at the same time, searches the internet according to your
queries and provides you with the most relevant results.

F. Give five examples each of a web browser and a search engine.

Web browsers

1. Mozilla Firefox
2. Opera mini
3. Google chrome
4. Microsoft edge
 5. Apple safari
Search engines
1. Google.
2. Bing.
3. Yahoo!
4. Yandex.
5. DuckDuckGo.

G. State ten key elements of MS Word and their respective functions.

The Quick Access Toolbar provides access to frequently used

1. Quick Access Toolbar:
commands, and the option to customize the toolbar with the commands that you use
most often.
2. Status bar: A status bar is a graphical control element which poses an information area typically found at
the window's bottom
3. Scroll bars: for panning or navigating the document from top to down, left and right
4. Office button: The Office button was a feature introduced in Microsoft Office 2007
and found in the top-left corner of Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel,
and PowerPoint. When you clicked on it, a menu would appear, providing access to
functions such as opening, saving, and printing documents.
5. Title bar: The Title Bar in MS Word is present beside the Quick Access Toolbar. The
main function of this title bar is to show the details or title of the document that is
currently open. The title bar is present and displayed in almost all computer
applications. However, its function in each of these may vary.
6. Ruler: In Microsoft Word or MS world document, the ruler bar is used as a
measuring tool for. adjusting indents, the tabs and the width of margins for a
document. This tool is also found in some software programs that helps the user to
align text, graphics, tables and other elements on a page.
7. Document: The purpose of Microsoft Word documents is to create, edit, and format
text-based documents for various purposes. Microsoft Word is a widely used word
processing software that provides a range of features and tools to facilitate the
creation and manipulation of documents
8. Menu bar: The Menu Bar The menu begins with the word File and continues with
Edit, View, Insert, Format, Tools, Table, Window, and Help. You use the menu to
give instructions to the software. Point with your mouse to the menu option and
click the left mouse button to open a drop-down menu.
9. Mailings: The Mail Merge process combines a Word document with a data source to
quickly create letters that feel personal. (Main Document) A document that
contains the information that is the same for each merged document.
 10. Ribbon: the Ribbon is the menu bar at the top of the window. It contains various
tools, organized by tabs, that help you edit and format a document. This page
provides an overview of the options and tools on each tab of the Ribbon for
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

H. How can you improve your speed and accuracy in typing?

1. Use the correct starting position. When practicing your typing skills, it's important to use proper hand
placement. ...
2. Don't look down your hands. ...
3. Maintain good posture. ...
4. Find a comfortable position for your hands. ...
5. Practice!

I. Explain the following

a. Pointing: it is the act of placing/ hovering the mouse pointer on an item to display its details.
b. Clicking: it is the act of pressing the left mouse button.
c. Double clicking: it is the act of pressing the left mouse button twice to open a folder or file.
d. Dragging: it is the act of pressing the left mouse button, holding it, and moving the preferred item to its
destination

J. State five tips for using the keyboard safely.

If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing. While typing, use a light touch and keep
your wrists straight. When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands. Take short breaks from computer use
every 15 to 20 minutes.
1. Explain the following classifications of computers, their types and examples under the following: to

a) Classification by capacity and size 1.

Computers according to Size:

• Supercomputer.
• Mainframe computer.
• Personal computer.
• Workstation.
• Minicomputer.
2.Computers according to their Capacity to manage data:
• Digital computer.
• Hybrid computer.  Analog computer.
Classification of Computers
Different classifications of Computers are as follows.

Classification According to Size

There are four different sorts of computers based on their size and how they are configured to operate:

1. Supercomputers

Supercomputer
The most efficient computers in terms of processing data and performance are supercomputers. These
computers are used for research and exploratory purposes. Supercomputers are exceedingly large and
highly expensive. It can only fit in large, airconditioned spaces.

Supercomputers are used for a range of tasks, such as space exploration, seismic research, and the
testing of nuclear weapons.

Supercomputer Features:
• They make use of AI (Artificial intelligence)
• They are the fastest and strongest;  They are very costly.
• They are enormous in size.
• They are employed by companies that manufacture goods.
• They process information at a rapid rate.

2. Mainframe Computers
 Mainframe Computers

Despite being less efficient than supercomputers, mainframe computers are nevertheless extremely
expensive. Large corporations and governmental organizations frequently employ mainframe
computers to run everyday operations. They have the ability to store and analyze a lot of data. To
maintain information on their customers, students, and insurance policyholders, banks, colleges, and
insurance companies utilize them. They may also act as a server in a network environment. Hundreds
of users may be managed simultaneously by them.

Mainframe Computer Features:

 • They have enormous amounts of memory.
• They are capable of running several different operating systems.
• They have a significant number of CPUs with powerful processing speeds.
• Tightly Coupled Clustering Technology is employed.

3. Minicomputers
 Mini Computer

Minicomputers are used by small businesses and industries. They go by the term "Midrange
Computers." These minicomputers frequently have several users, just as mainframe computers. They
are a bit slower than mainframe computers.
For example, the manufacturing department may employ minicomputers to keep an eye on specific
production processes.

Features of Minicomputers:
• It is smaller than mainframes or supercomputers in terms of size.
• In comparison to a mainframe or supercomputer, it is less costly.
• It is able to perform many jobs at once.
• It may be utilized by several users simultaneously.
• It is utilized by small businesses.

4. Microcomputers.
 Micro Computer

A microcomputer, sometimes referred to as a personal computer (PC), is a type of computer that runs
on a smaller scale than traditional computers (Personal Computer). A component that is commonly
referred to as a motherboard houses the central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, memory in
the form of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), I/O ports, and a bus system
of connecting wires. They are the most affordable.

Features of Microcomputers:
• They are extensively employed for personal usage.
• They are smaller and comparably less expensive.
• Multi-user functionality is not supported.
• It has a limited computational capacity.
• They are quite simple to use.

Based on Capacity
According to fundamental operating principles, there are three different kinds of computers. They are
as follows:

1. Analogous Computers
Analog computers process analog data. Temperature, pressure, weight, depth, and voltage are a few
examples of this type of data. These have an infinite range of values and are continuous quantities.
The first computers were analog, and they laid the groundwork for today's digital computers.
 Analogous Computers

2. Digital Computers
In digital computers, letters, numbers, and other special symbols are represented by digits. Onoff (ON-
OFF) inputs are used by digital computers, and ON-OFF signals are also generated by them.

An ON is often represented by a 1 and an OFF by a 0, respectively. A digital computer is capable of

processing both numerical and non-numerical data. In addition to doing fundamental arithmetic
operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, it can also perform logical
operations.
 Digital Computer

3. Hybrid Computers
Computers that combine digital and analog components are called hybrid computers. It combines the
best features of both types, having the speed of an analog computer with the memory and precision of a
digital computer. Hybrid computers are typically used in specific applications where both forms of data
need to be processed. As an example, a gas pump contains a processor that converts measurements of
fuel flow into information about quality and cost.

Hybrid Computer
Summary
Computers are divided into several categories based on their architecture, the speed at which
commands or instructions are carried out, the peripherals they use, and the tasks for which they were
designed.

The different computer types may be divided into two groups based on their size and capacity for
handling data.

There are five main kinds of computers based on size: PC (Personal Computer), minicomputer,
microcomputers, supercomputers, and mainframe.

Additionally, there are three different kinds of computers based on their capacity to manage data: A
computer can be digital, hybrid, or analog.

b) Classification by purpose

Classification of Computer According to Purpose

Digital computers may be utilized for either special or general purposes.

A. Special Purpose Computer

B. General Purpose Computer

A. Special Purpose Computer

o Is designed to perform one specific tasks. The program of instructions is built into, or permanently stored in the machine. Specialization
results in the given task being performed very quickly and efficiently. Most special purpose computers have the capability of performing just
one task. They are frequently referred to us “dedicated,” because of their limitations to the specific task at hand.
 An ECG shows the heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on paper. The spikes and dips in the tracings are called waves. The heart is a muscular
pump made up of four chambers

X-ray machines are used to take pictures of dense tissues such as bones and teeth. B.

General Purpose Computer

o This machines have the capability of dealing with variety of different problems, and are able to act in response to programs created to meet
different needs. A general-purpose computer is one that has the ability to store different programs of instruction and thus to perform a variety
of operations.

Apple 20″ iMac Intel Core Duo

 Macbookpro

c) Classification by type

Types of Computer
We can categorize computer in two ways: on the basis of data handling capabilities and size.

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the computer is of three types:

o Analogue
Computer o Digital
Computer o Hybrid
Computer

1) Analogue Computer
Analogue computers are designed to process analogue data. Analogue data is continuous data that changes
continuously and cannot have discrete values. We can say that analogue computers are used where we don't
need exact values always such as speed, temperature, pressure and current.

Analogue computers directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers
and codes. They measure the continuous changes in physical quantity and generally render output as a reading
on a dial or scale. Speedometer and mercury thermometer are examples of analogue computers.

Advantages of using analogue computers:

o It allows real-time operations and computation at the same time and continuous representation of all data within the rage
of the analogue machine.
 o
In some applications, it allows performing calculations without taking the help of transducers for converting the
inputs or outputs to digital electronic form and vice versa. o The programmer can scale the problem for the dynamic
range of the analogue computer. It provides insight into the problem and helps understand the errors and their effects.

Types of analogue computers:

o Slide Rules: It is one of the simplest types of mechanical analogue computers. It was developed to perform basic
mathematical calculations. It is made of two rods. To perform the calculation, the hashed rod is slid to line up
with the markings on another rod.
o Differential Analysers: It was developed to perform differential calculations. It performs integration using
wheel-and-disc mechanisms to solve differential calculations.
o Castle Clock: It was invented by Al-Jarazi. It was able to save programming instructions. Its height was around
11 feet and it was provided with the display of time, the zodiac, and the solar and lunar orbits. This device also
could allow users to set the length of the day as per the current season.
o Electronic Analogue Computer: In this type of analogue computer, electrical signals flow through capacitors and
resistors to simulate physical phenomena. Here, the mechanical interaction of components does not take place. The
voltage of the electrical signal generates the appropriate displays.

2) Digital Computer
Digital computer is designed to perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It accepts the raw data
as input in the form of digits or binary numbers (0 and 1) and processes it with programs stored in its memory to
produce the output. All modern computers like laptops, desktops including smartphones that we use at home or
office are digital computers.

Advantages of digital computers:

o It allows you to store a large amount of information and to retrieve it easily whenever you need it. o You can
easily add new features to digital systems more easily.
o Different applications can be used in digital systems just by changing the program without making any changes in
hardware o The cost of hardware is less due to the advancement in the IC technology. o It offers high speed as the data
is processed digitally. o It is highly reliable as it uses error correction codes.
o Reproducibility of results is higher as the output is not affected by noise, temperature, humidity, and other
properties of its components.

3) Hybrid Computer
Hybrid computer has features of both analogue and digital computer. It is fast like an analogue computer and
has memory and accuracy like digital computers. It can process both continuous and discrete data. It accepts
analogue signals and convert them into digital form before processing. So, it is widely used in specialized
applications where both analogue and digital data is processed. For example, a processor is used in petrol pumps
that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price. Similarly, they are used in airplanes,
hospitals, and scientific applications.
Advantages of using hybrid computers:

o Its computing speed is very high due to the all-parallel configuration of the analogue
subsystem. o It produces precise and quick results that are more accurate and useful.
o It has the ability to solve and manage big equation in real-time. o It helps in the
on-line data processing.

On the basis of size, the computer can be of five types:

1) Supercomputer
Supercomputers are the biggest and fastest computers. They are designed to process huge amount of data. A
supercomputer can process trillions of instructions in a second. It has thousands of interconnected processors.

Supercomputers are particularly used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting,
scientific simulations and nuclear energy research. The first supercomputer was developed by Roger Cray in
1976.

Characteristics or applications of supercomputers:

o It has the ability to decrypt your password to enhance protection for security reasons. o It produces excellent
results in animations.
o It is used for virtual testing of nuclear weapons and critical medical tests.
o It can study and understand climate patterns and forecast weather conditions. It can run in NOAA's system
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) that can execute any type of simple and logical data. o It
helps in designing the flight simulators for pilots at the beginner level for their training.
o It helps in extracting useful information from data storage centres or cloud system. For example, in insurance
companies.
o It has played a vital role in managing the online currency world such as stock market and bitcoin.
It helps in the diagnosis of various critical diseases and in producing accurate results in brain injuries, strokes, etc.
o It helps in scientific research areas by accurately analysing data obtained from exploring the solar system,
satellites, and movement of Earth.
o It also used in a smog control system where it predicts the level of fog and other pollutants in the atmosphere.

2) Mainframe computer
Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can support
multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously. These
 o
features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors, which
need to manage and process high volume of data.

Mainframe computers are designed to support hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously. They can
support multiple programs at the same time. It means they can execute different processes simultaneously.
These features of mainframe computers make them ideal for big organizations like banking and telecom sectors,
which need to manage and process a high volume of data that requires integer operations such as indexing,
comparisons, etc.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers:

o It can process huge amount of data, e.g. millions of transactions in a second in the banking sector. o It has a
very long life. It can run smoothly for up to 50 years after proper installation. o It gives excellent performance
with large scale memory management. o It has the ability to share or distribute its workload among other
processors and input/output terminals.
o There are fewer chances of error or bugs during processing in mainframe computers. If any error occurs it can fix
it quickly without affecting the performance.
o It has the ability to protect the stored data and other ongoing exchange of information and data.

Applications of mainframe computers:

o In health care, it enabled hospitals to maintain a record of their millions of patients in order to contact them for
treatment or related to their appointment, medicine updates or disease updates.
o In the field of defence, it allows the defence departments to share a large amount of sensitive information with
other branches of defence.
o In the field of education, it helps big universities to store, manage and retrieve data related to their courses,
admissions, students, teachers, employees and affiliated schools and colleges.
 o
In the retail sector, the retail companies that have a huge customer base and branches use mainframe computers to
handle and execute information related to their inventory management, customer management, and huge
transactions in a short duration.

3) Miniframe or Minicomputer
It is a midsize multiprocessing computer. It consists of two or more processors and can support 4 to 200 users
at one time. Miniframe computers are used in institutes and departments for tasks such as billing, accounting
and inventory management. A minicomputer lies between the mainframe and microcomputer as it is smaller
than mainframe but larger than a microcomputer.

Characteristics of miniframe or minicomputer:

o It is light weight that makes it easy to carry and fit anywhere.

o It is less expensive than mainframe computers. o It is very fast compared to its size. o
It remains charged for a long time. o It does not require a controlled operational
environment.

Applications of minicomputers:

A minicomputer is mainly used to perform three primary functions, which are as follows:

o Process control: It was used for process control in manufacturing. It mainly performs two primary functions that
are collecting data and feedback. If any abnormality occurs in the process, it is detected by the minicomputer and
necessary adjustments are made accordingly.
o Data management: It is an excellent device for small organizations to collect, store and share data. Local
hospitals and hotels can use it to maintain the records of their patients and customers respectively.
o Communications Portal: It can also play the role of a communication device in larger systems by serving as a
portal between a human operator and a central processor or computer.

4) Workstation
Workstation is a single user computer that is designed for technical or scientific applications. It has a faster
microprocessor, a large amount of RAM and high speed graphic adapters. It generally performs a specific job
with great expertise; accordingly, they are of different types such as graphics workstation, music workstation
and engineering design workstation.

Characteristics of workstation computer:

o It is a high-performance computer system designed for a single user for business or professional use.
It has larger storage capacity, better graphics, and more powerful CPU than a personal computer.
o It can handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation and editing.
 o
Any computer that has the following five features, can be termed as a workstation or can be used as a
workstation.

o Multiple Processor Cores: It has more processor cores than simple laptops or computers.
o ECC RAM: It is provided with Error-correcting code memory that can fix memory errors before they affect the
system's performance.
o RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks): It refers to multiple internal hard drives to store or process
data. RAID can be of different types, for example, there can be multiple drives to process data or mirrored drives
where if one drive does not work than other starts functioning.
o SSD: It is better than conventional hard-disk drives. It does not have moving parts, so the chances of physical
failure are very less.
o Optimized, Higher end GPU: It reduces the load on CPU. E.g., CPU has to do less work while processing the
screen output.

5) Microcomputer
Microcomputer is also known as a personal computer. It is a general-purpose computer that is designed for
individual use. It has a microprocessor as a central processing unit, memory, storage area, input unit and output
unit. Laptops and desktop computers are examples of microcomputers. They are suitable for personal work that
may be making an assignment, watching a movie, or at office for office work.

Characteristics of a microcomputer:

o It is the smallest in size among all types of computers.

o A limited number of software can be used. o It is designed for personal work and applications. Only one user
can work at a time. o It is less expansive and easy to use. o It does not require the user to have special skills
or training to use it.
o Generally, comes with single semiconductor chip.
o It is capable of multitasking such as printing, scanning, browsing, watching videos, etc.

FAQs on the Types of Computers

1. What are the Three Main Types of Computers?

On the basis of data handling capabilities, the three main types of computers are:

Analog computers o
Digital computers o
Hybrid computers

2. What is a Workstation?
 o
A workstation is a kind of computer that can be used for software development, desktop publishing, and
creating engineering applications. Although a modest amount of processing power is present in a workstation, it
has relatively good graphical capabilities.

3. What do you Understand by the Term Mainframe?

A mainframe is often very expensive and a very large type of computer. These kinds of computers have the
potential to support hundreds and even thousands of people in one go. Furthermore, programs can run
simultaneously, and concurrent execution is possible in mainframe computers.

4. What are the advantages of Analog computers?

The advantages of Analog computers are that it represents the data within the system's range and enables users
for real-time computations. These as well carry out the calculations without using transducers. Analog systems
come in different types, such as Hybrid computers, Digital computers, Castlerock, Electronic Analog
computers, slide rules, and differential analyzers. Each of these has advantages and drawbacks of its own.
Students who need a thorough explanation of each can go through these on Javatpoint website.

5. What are slide rules?

The simplest analog computer system is the slide. It is used to carry out numerous mathematical computations.
These are made up of two rods. The rod slides off with the marking on the other rod when there any calculations
are made. In contrast, differential calculations are performed using differential analyzers. These operate using a
wheel and disc system. Through Javatpoint, where correct explanations are given that are simple for all pupils to
understand, they can learn all the concepts easily.

6. What are digital computers?

All logical operations are completed quickly and efficiently by digital computers. They work with digital or
binary numbers. One of the numerous benefits of digital computers is that they can store a large amount of data.
Digital computers can simply add new functionality. The cost of these computers is quite low, and the data
processing is done at high speed. The cost is quite low, and the data processing is done quickly digitally. For
further information about the different sorts of computers, students can consult Javatpoint.

7. What are mainframe computers?

The mainframe is a type of computer that can be characterized as an expensive and substantial computer system.
This is very powerful as they have the potential to support numerous users at the same time. These also
facilitate different program executions. It provides great performance with extensive memory management and
has a long lifespan. Another advantage of using a mainframe is that errors are often quite infrequent, but when
they do occur, the system automatically corrects them. They also have a wide range of applications.

8. What do you understand about Hybrid computers?

Digital and analog computers are combined in order to create hybrid computers. Although the accuracy and
memory are close to digital computers, the speed is similar to analogue computers. Before the process, these
kinds of computers take the analogue signals and transform them into digital signals. These are typically used in
specialist applications that combine analog and digital data. Hybrid computers have the capability to resolve
complicated problems in real-time and contain a very high speed.

9. Which type of computer has two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.

A minicomputer is a multiprocessing computer of medium size. This type of computer has two or more CPUs
and can accommodate 4 to 200 users in one go.

K. Identify 8 threats to the computer and the computer user (natural and manmade)
To the computer

1. Fire
2. Unstable power supply
3. Humidity in the rooms
4. Lightning
To the computer user

1. Phishing
2. Trojans
3. Spyware
4. malware
L. Differentiate between open sourced and proprietary software.

Open-source software is distributed with its source code, and lets users freely inspect,
modify, and enhance it per its licensing agreement, while proprietary software is the
copyrighted property of an individual or company that limits its use, distribution, and
modification by way of a proprietary license.
M. Write the steps involved in saving and printing a document in word.
Click FILE > Save, pick or browse to a folder, type a name for your document in the File
name box, and click Save. Save your work as you go - hit Ctrl+S often. To print, click the
FILE tab, and then click Print.