UNSOLVED PAPER COMPUTER 2
Q1: Describe the 5th generation of computer?
ANS: The 5th generation of computers refers to the future of
computing, characterized by artificial intelligence, natural language
processing, and machine learning. This generation is expected to
enable computers to think and learn like humans, with the ability
to:
1. Reason and make decisions autonomously
2. Understand and generate natural language
3. Learn from experience and adapt to new situations
4. Possess expert-level knowledge in specific domains
5. Interact with humans in a more natural and intuitive way
Some key features of 5th generation computers include:
1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)
integration
2. Natural language processing (NLP) and voice recognition
3. Expert systems and knowledge representation
4. Robotics and computer vision
5. Autonomous systems and decision-making
The 5th generation of computers is still in the development stage,
with researchers and scientists working on advancing AI, ML, and
NLP technologies to create more intelligent and human-like
computers.
Keep in mind that the generation classification is not strictly
defined and may vary depending on the source. However, the 5th
generation is generally considered to be the next step in the
evolution of computers, focusing on AI, intelligence, and human-
computer interaction.
Q2: differentiate between system software and Application
software?
ANS:
System Software Application Software
Manages computer resources Performs specific tasks |
Controls hardware, provides Solves problems, provides
platform functionality
Examples | OS, device drivers, Example | Microsoft Office,
utilities games, web browsers
Runs on | Bare metal Runs on | System software
(hardware) platform |
User Interface | Limited or no User Interface | Provides user
direct user interface interface and functionality
Manages memory, storage, Utilizes system software
processing resources…
Manages memory allocation Utilizes allocated memory
Controls input/output devices Performs input/output operations
Manages networking and Utilizes network
communication resources……………
Handles system errors Handles application-specific
errors
Q3: What do you know about hard disk?
ANS: Hard disk, magnetic storage medium for a computer. Hard
disks are flat circular plates made of aluminum or glass and coated
with a magnetic material. Hard disks for personal computers can
store terabytes (trillions of bytes) of information. Data are stored
on their surfaces in concentric tracks.
Q4: What is the concept of soft copy and hard-copy?
ANS: The terms "soft copy" and "hard copy" refer to the physical
form of a document or information:
Hard Copy:
A hard copy is a physical, tangible document or printout, such as:
- Printed paper documents (e.g., reports, letters, contracts)
- Books
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Photographs
Hard copies are physical objects that can be held, read, and shared
in person.
Soft Copy:
A soft copy, on the other hand, is a digital version of a document
or information, such as:
- Electronic files (e.g., Word documents, PDFs, images)
- Digital images
- Audio and video files
- Online documents and web pages
- Emails and digital messages
Soft copies exist in digital form and are typically stored on devices
like computers, smartphones, or servers. They can be easily
shared, edited, and accessed electronically.
In summary, hard copies are physical documents, while soft copies
are digital versions of documents and information.
Q5: Explain scanner and its types?
ANS: A scanner is a device that allows you to digitize physical
documents, images, or even objects, and convert them into a digital
format that can be viewed, edited, and stored on a computer. It's
like a digital photocopier that captures the content of a document
or image and saves it as a file.
Barcode reader
A barcode reader or barcode scanner is an optical scanner that can
read printed barcodes, decode the data contained in the barcode
on a computer. Like a flatbed scanner, it consists of a light source,
a lens, and a light sensor for translating optical impulses into
electrical signals.
Mark and Character reader
Character and mark recognition devices are scanners that are able
to recognize special characters and marks. Essentially used for
certain applications.
Image scanner
An image scanner is a digital device used to scan images, pictures,
printed text and objects and then convert them to digital images.
Image scanners are used in a variety of domestic and industrial
applications like design, reverse engineering, orthotics, gaming and
testing. The most widely used type of scanner in offices or homes
is a flatbed scanner, also known as a Xerox machine. This modern
image scanner is a descendant of early fax input devices and
telegraphy equipment.
Fax machine
A fax machine is a device that allows you to send and receive
documents electronically over a telephone line. It converts printed
documents into electronic signals that can be transmitted and
received by another fax machine
Q6: What is the function of interpreter?
ANS: An interpreter is a program that directly executes the
instructions in a high-level language, without converting it into
machine code. In programming, we can execute a program in two
ways. Firstly, through compilation and secondly, through an
interpreter. The common way is to use a compiler.
Interpreters are commonly used for:
- Scripting languages (e.g., Python, JavaScript, Ruby)
- Dynamic languages (e.g., Perl, PHP)
- Shell scripts (e.g., Bash, PowerShell)
- Interactive programming environments (e.g., REPLs, Jupyter
Notebooks)
- Educational programming tools (e.g., BASIC, Logo)
In summary, an interpreter plays a crucial role in executing code,
translating it into machine language, handling errors, and providing
a runtime environment for programming languages.
Q7: What is flowchart? Explain its symbols also?
ANS: A flowchart is a visual representation of a sequence of steps
or processes, using a combination of boxes, arrows, and other
symbols to illustrate the flow of logic, data, or activities. It's a tool
used to:
- Document processes
- Identify steps
- Show decision-making logic
- Illustrate algorithms
- Plan programs or systems
Common flowchart symbols include:
- Oval (Start/End): Indicates the beginning or end of a process
- Rectangle (Process): Represents a step or action
- Diamond (Decision): Shows a decision or branching point
- Arrow (Flow line): Connects steps, indicating the flow of logic
- Parallelogram (Input/Output): Represents data input or output
- Rectangle with a horizontal line (Connector): Joins two separate
flowcharts
- Circle (Connector): Used to connect two flow lines
- Double Rectangle (Predefined Process): Indicates a pre-defined
sub process
- Curved Arrow (Loop): Shows a repetitive process
These symbols are used to construct a flowchart, which can be read
from top to bottom, left to right, or a combination of both,
following the arrows and logic.
Flowcharts are useful for:
- Clarifying complex processes
- Identifying inefficiencies
- Planning new processes
- Communicating ideas
- Troubleshooting issues
By using flowcharts, you can visualize and understand the steps
involved in a process, making it easier to analyze, improve, and
communicate it to others.
Q8: Explain the unit of memory?
ANS: The unit of memory refers to the basic amount of data that
can be stored and processed by a computer. The most common
units of memory are:
1. Bit (b): A single binary digit that can have a value of either 0 or
1.
2. Byte (B): A group of 8 bits that can represent a character,
number, or other piece of data.
3. Kilobyte (KB): 1,024 bytes.
4. Megabyte (MB): 1,048,576 bytes (or 1,024 kilobytes).
5. Gigabyte (GB): 1,073,741,824 bytes (or 1,024 megabytes).
6. Terabyte (TB): 1,099,511,627,776 bytes (or 1,024 gigabytes).
7. Petabyte (PB): 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes (or 1,024 terabytes).
These units are used to measure the capacity of computer memory,
storage devices, and data transfer rates. For example:
- A computer's RAM (Random Access Memory) might be 8 GB or
16 GB.
- A hard drive might have a capacity of 1 TB or 2 TB.
- A file might be 500 KB or 2 MB in size.
Understanding the units of memory helps you work with
computers, manage data, and make informed decisions about
hardware and storage needs.
Q9: What is karnaugh map?
ANS: A Karnaugh map (K-map) is a table-like representation used
to simplify Boolean expressions of 3, 4 variables ¹. It's an alternative
to the truth table to determine and simplify the logic function for
an application ². It is a method of simplifying Boolean algebra
expressions that reduces the need for extensive calculations by
taking advantage of humans' pattern-recognition capability ³.
Some key points about Karnaugh map include ¹ ² ³:
- Karnaugh map can take two forms: sum of product (SOP) and
product of sum (POS).
- It is a table-like representation, but it gives more information than
the table.
- The Karnaugh map reduces the need for extensive calculations
by taking advantage of humans' pattern-recognition capability.
- It also permits the rapid identification and elimination of potential
race conditions.
- Karnaugh maps are used to simplify real-world logic requirements
so that they can be implemented using the minimal number of logic
gates.
Q10: What is the difference between impact and non-impact
printers?
ANS: Here are the differences between impact and non-impact
printers
- Printing Mechanism: Impact printers use a mechanical
component for printing, whereas non-impact printers do not use
any mechanical moving component.
- Printing Process: Impact printers produce characters and graphics
by striking a metal pin or character set, whereas non-impact
printers print by depositing ink in any form.
- Noise Level: Impact printers produce a high level of noise due to
the mechanical impact of the print head on the paper, whereas
non-impact printers do not produce noise because the process of
laying ink or toner onto paper is virtually silent.
- Speed: Impact printers are slow speed printers that consume a lot
of time to print a document, whereas non-impact printers are very
fast and can print many pages per minute.
- Print Quality: Impact printers have a lower print quality compared
to non-impact printers, with less sharp text and graphics, whereas
non-impact printers produce higher-quality prints with sharper text
and more detailed images.
- Cost: Impact printers are often less expensive, whereas non-
impact printers can be more expensive to purchase and maintain.
- Paper: Impact printers use continuous paper sheets, whereas non-
impact printers often use individual paper sheets.
DESCRIPTIVE ANSWER
Q11: How many types of number system? Explain its detail?
ANS: There are several types of number systems, including:
1. Decimal Number System (Base 10): Uses 10 digits from 0 to 9.
2. Binary Number System (Base 2): Uses 2 digits: 0 and 1. Used in
computers.
3. Octal Number System (Base 8): Uses 8 digits from 0 to 7.
4. Hexadecimal Number System (Base 16): Uses 16 digits from 0
to 9 and A to F.
Each number system has its unique characteristics, advantages, and
applications. Understanding different number systems is essential
for computer science, mathematics, and coding.
Q12: Define logic gates? Also explain AND, OR and NOT gate
with truth table.
ANS: Logic gates are the basic building blocks of digital electronics
and computer systems. They are electronic circuits that perform
logical operations on one or more input signals, producing an
output signal based on a specific logical operation.
There are several types of logic gates, but the three most common
ones are:
1. AND Gate (Logical Multiplication):
The AND gate produces an output of 1 only if all the input signals
are 1. If any of the input signals are 0, the output is 0.
Truth Table:
| Input A | Input B | Output |
| --- | --- | --- |
|0|0|0|
|0|1|0|
|1|0|0|
|1|1|1|
1. OR Gate (Logical Addition):
The OR gate produces an output of 1 if any of the input signals are
1. If all the input signals are 0, the output is 0.
Truth Table:
| Input A | Input B | Output |
| --- | --- | --- |
|0|0|0|
|0|1|1|
|1|0|1|
|1|1|1|
1. NOT Gate (Logical Inversion):
The NOT gate produces an output that is the opposite of the input
signal. If the input is 1, the output is 0, and if the input is 0, the
output is 1.
Truth Table:
| Input | Output |
| --- | --- |
|0|1|
|1|0|
These logic gates can be combined to form more complex logical
operations and are the basis for digital electronics and computer
systems.
Q13: General purpose And Special Purpose Computers?
ANS: General Purpose Computers:
- Designed to perform a wide range of tasks
- Can be used for various applications, such as:
- Word processing
- Internet browsing
- Gaming
- Spreadsheet analysis
- Database management
- Examples: Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, Smartphones
- Characteristics:
- Versatile
- Flexible
- Can be programmed to perform different tasks
- Can run various software applications
Special Purpose Computers:
- Designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks
- Optimized for a particular application or industry
- Examples:
- Supercomputers (weather forecasting, scientific simulations)
- Mainframe computers (large-scale data processing, enterprise
applications)
- Embedded systems (traffic lights, elevator controls, appliances)
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Specialized scientific instruments (e.g., telescopes,
microscopes)
- Characteristics:
- Custom-built for a specific purpose
- High-performance capabilities
- Limited flexibility
- Often proprietary software and hardware
In summary, general-purpose computers are versatile and
adaptable, while special-purpose computers are optimized for
specific tasks and offer high performance and efficiency in those
areas.
