Chapter 1: Introduction to Computer - Exercises

1. Answer the following questions.

a. What is a Computer?
→ A computer is a programmable machine which uses data and produces useful information.
A computer can store data, program and information in its storage devices for the future uses.
b. Define Input and Output.
• Input: Data and instructions fed by a user to the computer are known as INPUTS.
• Output: After processing the data, the computer gives result or information which is
called OUTPUT.
c. What is processing? Which part of the computer does the processing task?
→ Processing is the treatment on the data as the given instructions to convert them into
meaningful information. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) of the computer carries out the
processing task.
d. List any four characteristics of computer.
→ Four characteristics of a computer are:
Speed Accuracy Diligence Versatility
e. Define GIGO and bug.
• GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out): If the input data or instruction is wrong, then the
result of processing will not be what you are expecting. This is the mistake done by a
user not by the computer. This type of error is called GIGO.
• Bug: An error in a computer program is called a bug.
f. Why is computer called diligent machine?
→ A computer is called a diligent machine because it can perform tasks repeatedly without
losing speed and accuracy. It does not get tired or bored.
g. List any four fields where computers are used.
→ Four fields where computers are used are:
Education sector Home Medical field
Banking field (also Offices, Entertainment Sector)
h. How is computer used in educational sector?
→ Computers are used in schools, colleges, universities and educational institutes for teaching
and learning different subjects. Computers help teachers to teach different subjects to students
efficiently and in interesting way using multimedia system. Computers also help students to
learn different subjects using educational multimedia CDs or DVDs. Using computers students
can also search and get information related to their lessons from the internet. It is also used in
administration for keeping the records of teachers and students, producing monthly bill
statements and results of examinations.
i. How is computer used in bank?
→ All the banks and financial companies in Nepal use computers. They use computers to keep
and maintain the accounts of their customers. They use computers to calculate interest and
balance amount of customers. All the banks are providing computer controlled service ATM
(Automated Teller Machine) to their customers. The customers can draw money from ATM at
any time.
2. Write the technical terms by the following:
a. The data and instructions fed by a user to the computer. → INPUTS
b. The treatment on the data as the given instructions. → PROCESSING
c. The error due to wrong data and instruction. → GIGO (Garbage In Garbage Out)
d. Capability of performing variety of tasks of computer. → Versatility
e. Capability of performing tasks repeatedly of computer. → Diligence
3. Write the full forms of the following:
a. CPU → Central Processing Unit
b. MIPS → Million Instructions Per Second
c. GHz → Giga Hertz
d. GIGO → Garbage In Garbage Out
e. ATM → Automated Teller Machine
4. Fill in the blanks.
a. The data and instructions fed by a user to computer are known as INPUTS .
b. The treatment on the data as per given instructions to get information is called
PROCESSING .
c. The result of processing is called OUTPUT .
d. A computer is an electronic machine .
e. Computer performs tasks automatically once you fed instructions .
f. 1024 megabyte is equal to 1 Giga byte.
5. State whether the statements are True or False.
a. A computer cannot store data, program and information in its storage devices. → False
b. All computers accept data and instructions from users to perform tasks. → True
c. A computer is hundred percent accurate machine. → True
d. The capability of performing variety of tasks is referred as versatility. → True
e. Computer is an intelligent machine which can take any decision of its own. → False
f. Computer can repeat the same task not more than 50 times at the same speed. → False
g. Sometimes a computer gives us incorrect output even when the data and instructions are
correct. → False
(The text emphasizes that a computer is 100% accurate if data and instructions are correct.
Incorrect output happens with wrong input or program errors (bugs).)
h. A computer helps doctor to diagnose diseases of patients. → True
i. A computer cannot be used for sending emails. → False
6. Match the following.
Corrected Matches:
• a. Diligence - iii. Capability of doing task repeatedly.
• b. Automatic - iv. Capability of doing task as instructions.
• c. Accuracy - ii. Capability of producing correct information.
• d. Versatility - i. Capability of doing various tasks.
 Chapter 2: HISTORY AND GENERATION OF COMPUTER-EXERCISE
1. Answer the following questions.
a. What is an abacus?
→The Abacus was the first calculating device which was developed in China about 3000
years ago. It was made up of a wooden frame with rods. Each rod consisted of beads.
b. Who invented Napier's Bone and when?
→ Napier's Bone was invented by John Napier in 1617 A.D.
c. Who invented Pascaline and when?
→Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician, invented the Pascaline in 1642 A.D.
d. Name two engines designed by Charles Babbage.
→Two engines designed by Charles Babbage are Difference Engine and Analytical Engine.
e. Who is considered as the father of computers?
→Charles Babbage is considered as the father of computers.
f. Name the first electromechanical computer.
→ The first electromechanical computer is Mark-I (IBM ASCC).
g. Name the first electronic computer.
→The first electronic computer was ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and
Calculator).
h. List the component of each generation of computers.
Answer:
First Generation: Vacuum Tubes
Second Generation: Transistors
Third Generation: Integrated Circuits (ICs) or Chips
Fourth Generation: Microprocessor
2. Name the devices:
a. The first calculating device developed in China. →Abacus
b. A calculating device consisting of 11 rods. →Napier's Bone
c. The first mechanical calculator. →Pascaline
d. The first electromechanical computer. →Mark-I (IBM ASCC)
e. The first electronic computer. →ENIAC
f. The first general purpose electronic digital computer for commercial users. →UNIVAC-I
3. Write the full forms of the following:
a. ASCC: Automatic Sequence Controlled Computer
b. ENIAC: Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator
c. UNIVAC: Universal Automatic Computer
d. IC: Integrated Circuit
4. State whether the following statements are True or False.
a. Abacus is the first calculating device developed in China. True
b. John Napier invented Pascaline. False (Blaise Pascal invented Pascaline)
c. Charles Babbage designed the model of Difference Engine. True
d. Tabulating Machine was used in the 2028 B.S. Nepal-census. False (It was used in the
1890 US-census)
e. IBM ASCC was the first general purpose electronic digital computer for commercial use.
False (UNIVAC-I was the first general purpose electronic digital computer for
commercial use)
f. The third generation computers were based on vacuum tubes. False (First generation were
based on vacuum tubes)
g. The second generation computers were based on transistors. True
h. We are using the fifth generation computers. True
5. Fill in the blanks.
a. Abacus is made up of a wooden frame with rods each having beads on it.
b. Napier's Bone had 11 rods of bone engraved with numbers.
c. Pascaline was the first mechanical calculator invented by Blaise Pascal.
d. Charles Babbage is known as the father of computers.
e. Mark-I was the first electromechanical computer.
6. Match the following:
a)
| Group 'A' | Group 'B' |
| a. John Napier | ii) Napier's Bone |
| b. Blaise Pascal | iv) Pascaline |
| c. Charles Babbage | i) Analytical Engine |
| d. Herman Hollerith| iii) Tabulating machine |

b)
| Group 'A' | Group 'B' |
| a. Third Generation | ii) Integrated Circuit |
| b. First Generation | i) Vacuum Tube |
| c. Second Generation | iv) Transistor |
| d. Fourth Generation | iii) Microprocessor |

Chapter 3: CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTERS - EXERCISE

1. Answer the following questions.
a. Define General Purpose Computer.
→A general purpose computer is designed to handle a variety of tasks. Most commonly used
computers are general purpose computers.
b. Define Special Purpose Computer.
→A special purpose computer can perform a particular task only. It is dedicated to perform a
single task over and over again.
c. List the different types of computers on the basis of task.
→On the basis of work, computers are classified into three categories as: Analog Computer,
Digital Computer, Hybrid Computer.
d. List the difference between Analog and Digital computers.
→ Answer-1
 Analog Computer Digital Computer
Works on continuous flow of data. Works on binary digits (0 and 1).
Measures data like temperature, Accepts discrete data like letters,
pressure, speed, height, and vibration. numbers, symbols, and figures.
Typically provides continuous output Provides discrete output (e.g., numbers
(e.g., a dial moving). or text on a screen).
Answer-2
→Analog Computer:- It works on continuous flow of data. It can measure data like
temperature, pressure, speed, height and vibration.
→Digital Computer:** These computers work on binary digits (0 and 1). They accept
discrete data like letter, numbers, symbols and figures.
e. Define Hybrid computer.
→Hybrid computer is a special purpose computer. It has the capabilities of both Analog and
Digital computers.
f. List the different types of computers on the basis of size.
→On the basis of size, there are four different types of computers. They are: Microcomputer,
Minicomputer, Mainframe Computer, Super Computer.
g. What are the differences between microcomputer and minicomputer?
Answer:-1
Microcomputer Minicomputer
It is Small in size. (Implied by being It is Larger than microcomputers in
Personal Computers) size.
It is Powerful computers. It is More powerful than
microcomputers.
It is Primarily designed for single users It is Not designed for a single user. Can
(Personal Computers/PCs). connect hundreds of terminals.
It is Used at homes, schools, banks, It is Used as a Server in the computer
offices, etc. network where it provides services to
their users through terminals.
Answer:-2
Microcomputer:- Microcomputers are the Personal Computers (PCs) that are commonly
used at homes, schools, banks, offices, etc. The microcomputers are small and powerful
computers.
Minicomputer:- Minicomputers are larger and more powerful than microcomputers. They
are not designed for a single user. A Minicomputer can connect hundreds of terminals.
h. What is the difference between IBM computer and IBM compatible computer?
→ IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC):- IBM Personal Business Machine is one of the
leading computer manufacturers. The computers manufactured by IBM Company are called
IBM computers.
→IBM Compatible Computer:- Any computers manufactured by others companies beside
IBM and APPLE, are IBM Compatible Computers. These computers follow the principle of
IBM computers. They can perform all the tasks as the IBM computers can do.
i. Where are supercomputers used? Do we have a supercomputer in our country?
→Supercomputers are used in research and exploration purposes. NASA uses
supercomputers for launching space shuttles, controlling them and for space exploration
purpose. Department of Hydrology and Meteorology uses the supercomputers for the weather
forecasting.
Yes we have supercomputer In our country Nepal, computer engineer, Muni Bahadur
Shakya had constructed a supercomputer in 2063 B.S. This supercomputer had been made by
joining sixteen microcomputers.
2. Match the following.
**Answers:**
**Group 'A'** **Group 'B'**
a. Computer works on continuous data iii) Analog computer
b. Computer works on both continuous i) Hybrid Computer
and non continuous data
c. Computer works on non continuous data ii) Digital Computer
d. Personal Computer v) Microcomputer
3. State whether the following statements are True or False.
a. Special Purpose Computer is dedicated to perform a single task over and over again. True
b. Analog computer works in sequence. False (Analog computer works on continuous flow of
data.)
c. All digital computers are Special Purpose Computers. False (Digital computers are general
purpose computers. )
d. Hybrid computer has features of both analog and digital computers. True
e. Laptops, netbooks and PDAs are types of microcomputers. True.
f. Minicomputers are more powerful computers than Mainframe computers.
False ("Mainframe computers are very large and powerful computers," implying they are more
powerful than minicomputers, which are described as "larger and more powerful than
microcomputers" but not necessarily mainframes).

g. Super computers are slower than microcomputers. False ("Super computers are the most
powerful computers," making them much faster than microcomputers).
h. IBM computers are manufactured by IBM. True
4. Fill in the blanks.
a. The special purpose computer is also known as dedicated computer.
b. Analog computer can measure data like temperature, pressure, speed, height and vibration.
c. Seismograph is an example of Analog computer.
d. Hybrid computer has features of both analog and digital computers.
e. A computer that can be kept on the desk is Desktop Computer.
f. Pathfinder is the hybrid computer that was sent to Mars.
g. A CPU is a keyboard and monitor connected to the computer.