REVIEW SUMMARY OF CA-1201 COURSE

Computer Applications-I (CA-1201)

Final Assignment
BA/BSc (Hons) 2019-2023
2nd Semester

Term Paper Title

Submitted to
Miss Asma
Department of Computer Science
GC University, Lahore

Submitted by
Umm-e-Rubab
702-BH-PHY-2019
juttrubab42@gmail.com

Assignment topic
Computer Review Paper

Term Paper Submission

ON 3rd August, 2020.

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Contents

Introduction ...............................................................................................................................3
What is Computer? .....................................................................................................................3
Abstract ......................................................................................................................................4
Characteristics of Computer: .................................................................................................5
Evolution of computers ..........................................................................................................5
Generations of computer ........................................................................................................5
Basic Functions of the computer ............................................................................................6
Structure of the computer system ...........................................................................................7
Function of the processor/ CPU .............................................................................................7
Internal structure of processor ...............................................................................................8
SPEED OF THE PROCESSOR .............................................................................................9
Memory/ Storage Unit: ...........................................................................................................9
Difference between MAIN and Secondary Memory ............................................................. 10
Main memory ....................................................................................................................... 10
RAM: .................................................................................................................................... 10
ROM:.................................................................................................................................... 11
The system concept ............................................................................................................... 12
Secondary storage device ...................................................................................................... 12
Direct Access device ............................................................................................................. 13
Memory storage devices ........................................................................................................ 15
Input Devices............................................................................................................................ 15
Output Unit: ............................................................................................................................. 18
Relationship between hardware and software ...................................................................... 19
Operating systems..................................................................................................................... 20
Basic function of the OS....................................................................................................... 21
Interfaces .............................................................................................................................. 21
Data communication and computer networks .......................................................................... 21
Modulation techniques ......................................................................................................... 22
Data Transmission Ways ...................................................................................................... 23
Network topologies ............................................................................................................... 23
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................... 25
References ................................................................................................................................ 25

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Introduction
Today, we can find computers almost everywhere. Microwaves, automobiles, wristwatches and
even thermostats contain computer chips. Some examples of computer applications are as
follows: Controlling space flight, Landing airplanes, Tracking inventory, Printing books,
Turning on lights at the specified time, Checking out groceries at the counter, in banking and
financial companies are some applications of the computer.

What is Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that processes data1 and converts into information2. It is a
machine that processes calculations and performs different operations based on the instructions
given to it in the form of software and hardware program. Simply, it is just a data processing
machine. It can process data with little assistance. It processes data in the form of binary number
.i.e. 0 and 1. But, it can take data in various types like alphanumeric, numeric, etc. Simply, it is
just a data processing machine

Data
Processing

Information
Figure 1.Basic Working of Computer

As seen, computer is a widely used system. In our course 1201, We studied the whole MS office
that includes MS word, MS PowerPoint and MS excel. In our course, we learnt the basics of all
the applications of the office 2010. I learnt to use the all tabs, file handling, formatting, printing
and the various techniques of the MS word.
We also learnt the MS Power Point that enabled us to make the excellent presentations with the
proper use of animation, effects and also handling it. Then we learnt the MS Excel in which we
learnt now to make the charts, report cards and many other formulas and techniques. We learnt
all the things that will be our need in future.

1
Collection of raw facts and figures
2
Organized form of data

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Abstract

As computer is the widely used system and we can see its applications everywhere. It is an
electronic machine that performs the specific tasks given by the user. This machine, being devoid
of emotions can do any work more efficiently in the better way. The history of computers started
from abacus till today the invention of electronic computer. With every generation, its properties
and functions improved. Its main function is to take the data, process it and convert it into
information.
To perform the basic functions, the computer has the main units like input/output/memory unit
and central processing unit. Input unit stands for the entire input device in the computer. Same
for others. The CPU is considered as the brain of the computer that controls the overall
functioning of the computer. CPU is a highly set of circuitry that is used to executing program
instructions. It is like a really fast calculator that has the ability to recall numbers from various
locations in memory, perform arithmetic and logical operations with them and then storing the
results in the memory unit.
The input devices that are used to enter the data into the computer like the mouse, microphone,
keyboard and output devices that give the user his/her output like the monitor, printer, plotter
must be with the computer. Without the monitor and keyboard, it is impossible to start the
computer. [1]
Many hardware components and software applications are used to make it more efficient. Hard
ware are the components we see and touch while software is the set of instructions. They both
are complementary to each other. The operating system is installed in the computer as system
software for facilitating the users. Many memory storage devices are used like the primary and
the secondary devices. A computer Ram and rom is the primary storage while the access devices
are the secondary storage devices which are magnetic tape, optical disks and the optical devices
like CD, DVD.

The computer is used for the communication purpose too. The messages are sent through t hr
transmitter to the receiver by the various methods. But the signals are passed through the
modulation and demodulation station before going into the receiver.
Now , when all the computer is set up, many computers are interconnected with the network
system of we want the interconnectivity of the computers. For this purpose, networks like lan
and wan are used. Wireless networks are also used with the computer system to connect it to
internet.

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Characteristics of Computer:
Given a job, a computer can work on it automatically without having interventions. It can
process data processing jobs very fast, usually in Nano seconds and micro seconds. The accuracy
of calculations made by the computer is very high that depends upon the design of it. It takes the
computer errors as the garbage in garbage out (GIGO). They are diligent and versatile. It can
continuously work on the large calculations without even getting tired. It cannot take its own
decision based on the instructions given to it in the form of program.
Evolution of computers
The development of computer started from the mechanical devices then gradually it converted
from electro mechanical to electronic device. In 3000BC, it started with the birth of abacus that
was in the form of beads and used for performing arithmetic operations. Then in 1617, it was
modified to Napier’s bones by using bones for repeated calculations. In 1642, the device called
Pascaline calculator was developed that used wheels and gears for performing calculations. Then
in 1822, a big stepping stone was made by Charles Babbage in the form of the difference engine.
In 1837, the device called “Analytical Engine” was discovered. This engine is the basis of all the
modern computers. [2]

Generations of computer

In computers, generations are in the sense of the advancement in the hardware and software
technologies of the computer that happened with the advent of time. Till today, there are five
computer generations.

1. First generation – Vacuum tube

It was large size, unreliable, commercial production was difficult, and it used to produce
the large amount of heat. It used the low level languages that are machine and assembly
language.e.g. ENIAC, UNIVAC I
2. Second generation- Transistors
It was small in size as compared to above. It was faster, reliable, easy to give instructions.
But still it was not commercially productive. It used the batch operating system.
3. Third generation- Integrated circuits
It is smaller in size than above, reliable, easy to use and commercially productive. It used
the timesharing operating system and standardization of the high level programming level
languages.

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4. Fourth generation – Microprocessor Chips

Basically, the personal computers we used to have. It was much reliable, cost effective.
Mainframe and super computers are the types of this generation. It had the high level
language like C and also supported the network based system.
5. Fifth generation-
It is basically the IC’s with the ULSI technology. It is very reliable, uses many high
programming languages like R, C++,C# and has complex programming and software
applications. It has the graphic interface having the multimedia, internet based and World
Wide Web applications.
Basic Functions of the computer
In the general terms, the computer performs the following five major functions:
1. Data inputting
2. Data processing
3. Data storing
4. Outputting
5. Controlling data

We give the any data that is sent to a computer for processing is considered as input. Input is
given to the computer using the input device. Whenever we work on the computer the computer
data stores in memory temporarily. Technically speaking, the computer memory is the platform
where the instructions execute, the processor or CPU does its work, and the temporary info
stores while its being worked on. Processes data as required by the user. [3]

Figure 2/Basic Functioning of the Computer

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This is done according to the program or instructions given to them. The process of
producing useful information or results for the user such as a printed report or visual display. It
is done by using output devices. Directing the manner and sequence in which all of the above
operations are performed.

Structure of the computer system

We now look at the internal structure of the computer.to perform all the all above mentioned
functions or operations , the computer is divided into two to three units. These are :
➢ Central processing unit
➢ Memory unit
➢ Input / Output unit
Input Unit:
Input unit of a computer system consists of input devices only. Due to diverse nature of the data,
varieties of input devices exist to input data in different forms .e.g. keyboard, mouse,
microphone, scanner, etc.
Output Unit:
Output unit of a computer system consists of output devices only. It is also a generalized term of
for all the output devices for the sake of our convenience. Its main function is to generate output
data which has been processed. As data presented to user can take variety of forms, therefore
different output devices are attached to computer.
Central Processing Unit:
It is generally referred to as the brain of the computer. The main work of CPU is to convert data
from input. Process the data and output in useful information that can either be used by a user or
the other computer programs.
It has further some parts. Each part has a specific function.
Function of the processor/ CPU
CPU is a highly set of circuitry that is used to executing program instructions. It is like a really
fast calculator that is used has the ability to recall numbers from various locations in memory,
perform arithmetic and logical operations with them, such as addition or multiplication, and then
store the results we got from this.

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Figure 3/Components of CPU

1. Arithmetic and Logic Unit:

It is used to perform all the arithmetic and logical operations. The ALU is further divided into
two parts:
o Addition
o Subtraction
o Multiplication
o Division
o Logical operations of the computer.
A logical operation is usually a comparison of the numbers, letters, or special characters.
Logical operation can test for three conditions:
• Equal to condition: compare two values to determine if they are equal
• Less than condition: compares two values if one value is less than other
• Greater than condition: compares two values if one value is greater than the other

2. .Control Unit:
The control unit consists of circuitry that generates signals to direct the computer system to
carry out or execute the programs. The control unit does not execute the program instructions
rather, it directs other parts of computer to do so. It also controls the flow of information
through the processor, and coordinates the activities of the other units.

Internal structure of processor

No other part of the computer determines the overall power of the computer as much as the
CPU. The computer has some special purpose registers and decoders in the computer to perform
these activities.

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In addition to ALU and CU, the processor has a number of storage locations to store information
that is currently being processed. These are called Registers.

Registers are the part of the CPU and the size of the register is determined by the number of bits
that is stored in the CPU. If all the other parameters and the components in the processor are
same then the 32 bit register CPU process the data twice faster than the 16 bit register CPU.
These are temporary storage area for instructions or data. Registers are managed by the control
unit to accept, hold, and transfer instructions or data and perform arithmetic and logic operations
at great speed.
CPU has some built in ability to take the instructions by the user in the form of programs. This
capacity is different in different computers set by the manufacturers.

SPEED OF THE PROCESSOR

Computer has some built in clock system that
determine the timing of its task functioning. It
emits million of the electrically shaped pulses that
are called the clock cycle. The less the clock style
is , the more better you processor is.
It is measured in gigahertz and megahertz.
Usually 3.5hz or 4.0 hertz is considered good as
speed.

Some types of the processor like CISC( complex

instruction set computer) that is mostly used in the
personnel computers and the RISC, microprocessor
, etc. is used in the power stations and places where
multiple programming is not required.

Memory/ Storage Unit:

Computer storage is also known as computer memory. Computer memory is used to store
programs and instructions. There are two types of memory:
1. Main storage or Main memory
2. Secondary storage or Secondary memory

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Difference between MAIN and Secondary Memory

Main memory Secondary memory

Expensive Low in cost

Small capacity Very large capacity of several bytes like kilo,

giga

Fast access Slow access to the computer

Directly connected to the processor It is not directly connected to the processor.

This is the reason it has slow access.

Examples: Ram and ROM Example: SD cards, USB’s, CD, Floppy disk

Main memory
Main memory or primary memory is accessible directly by the processing unit. Digital
computers are stored program computers that mean a program to be executed is first loaded in
the memory and then instructions are executed one by one. The data and results of calculations
are also stored in the computer. In this sense, main memory is the working area of the computer.
It is very fast but limited in capacity. . You can store or retrieve your data much faster with main
memory as compared to the secondary memory. The reason is that it is present on the
motherboard.

Types of main memory

RAM:
It is an example of main memory. As soon as the computer is switched off, the contents
of the main memory are lost. It takes the same amount of time to access any location in RAM.
CPU can perform two types of functions on random access memory. These are READ and
WRITE. During read operation, the contents of memory locations are copied to the CPU register.
While during write operation, the contents of the CPU register are copied to the memory
location. The CPU cannot perform any other operations on the RAM. Its types are:
SRAM, DRAM

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Figure 4/Memory Unit

ROM:

As it is obvious from the name, the contents of rom can be read but new data cannot be
written on it. So , it is called read only memory. The manufacturer of ROM writes the data and
instructions permanently into it and this data cannot be changed afterwards. Rom is used to save
frequently used data and instructions. Its types are

PROM the user can read the data and instructions in it but cannot change it.

EPROM in which the user can erase the stored information

EEPROM in which the user can erase the programmed stored information with the help of
. high voltage electrical pulses

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RAM ROM

Temporary storage Permanent storage

Store data in MBs Store data in GBs

Volatile Non-volatile

Used in normal operation Used for start up process of computer

Writing data in faster Writing data is slower

The system concept

A computer is a complex system; contemporary computer contains millions of the electronic

components. The only way to recognize them is to recognize the hierarchical3 nature of the most
complex systems, including the computers. A hierarchical system is a system that is a set of
interrelated subsystems, each subsystem in turn, is hierarchical in structure until we reach some
lowest level of the subsystem. A system is a device that has more than one element. All these
elements are logically related and they are controlled in the manner that they work to achieve
the same goal.

Secondary storage device

The data saved here is permanent saved for saving the files and folders on long time basis. Due
to the limited capacityof the promary memory, the secondary storage devices were introduced.

1. Sequential access device

2. Direct access device

1. Sequetial access device

In this device, Data is to be retrived in the same sequence as it was saved. The preecedings of the
data are done by the various steps. The Access time varies according to the storage location of
the file. It is made contrasted to the RAM. [4]

3
A hierarchical arrangement is that in which items are arranged as order of rank (the first one that is the top person
or thing) Examples are computer system, human body, political systems.

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Example : Magnetic Tape

Magnetic tape

It is the most commonly used sequential access storage device. It is the plastic ribbon which is
coated with the magnetizable coating, ususlly half or one inch wide and 50-2400 feet long.data is
recorded on the tape magnetizable ribbon that is enclosed in the cassete. The amount of data it
stores epend upon the data recording density and length of the tape.

Storage capacity= data recording density * length

The typical value of the data transfer rate is 7.7

MB/second that depends upon the data recording density
and the speed with which the tape travells.It has the tape
drives that is controlled by tape controllers that interprets
the ccommands for operating the tape drive like read ,
write, erase, back space, forward space, etc.

Some of the types are Half inch tape reel , Half inch tape
cartridge, Quarte inch streamer tape and 4-mm Digital Figure 5Magnetic Tape
Audio Tape

Its storage capacity is as seen unlimited but it is very cost effective and easy to handle. Due to
the small reel sizes, it is portable and can be used for transferring data from one computer to
other. But it also has some disadvantages like the twisting of the tape may loss of data , data can
only be accessed sequentially. The data must be saved in the dust free environment because of
the magnetic coating. They are used for transferring data from one computer to other , archiving
infrequently used data and backing up of data for off-line storage.

2. Direct Access device

All data items can be accessed randomly. You don’t need to follow the sequence for doing the
write and read operation. Bits of data are stored at different locations and the CPU based on your
command can retrieve it directly. If you want to play the fifth song saved on your hard disk then
you can just go to that song directly by driving command. But in sequential access mode, you
have to play the first four songs to get the fifth one.

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Magnetic disks

The magnetic disk has the disk drive which is controlled by the disk controller that interprets the
commands for operating the disk drive. Its types are
Hard disk primary round disc storage device mostly used in present computers.
Floppy disks for storing the little amount of data permanently used in small computers

Figure 6/Secondary Storage Devices

They are more suitable than magnetic tapes because they have direct access to data and cost
efficient. Moreover they are very light in weight. They are easily portable and very large amount
of data can be stored on it. Data transfer rate is normally higher than the tape device. Although
very efficient for the random accessing but cannot work better for sequential accessing. Disk
crash can occur easily and they are somewhat expensive than the magnetic tapes.

Optical disks

It consists of a disk coated with the thin metal highly reflective metal layer
It uses the laser beam technology for reading and writing data on the disk. Its track is divided
into sectors that tell the storage capacity o optical disk.it has large accesss time than the magnetic
disks. Some used today are
CD-ROM these are prerecorded and the information stored on them cannot be altered and are
pre stamped by their suppliers. Mostly for the games and office software’s

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CD-R information on them can e read by any CD drive. They are used for making the
permanent record of the data like they are mostly used in the banks. Data is written once on them
but can be read by many times
CD-RW same as above.it allows the user by attaching the regular peripheral device using the
CD-recordable drive. Data can be read and written on it too
DVD looks same as CD-ROM. But it has very large storage capacity. Mostly used for storing
the large files of movies and films

They are very cost effective per but storage of data.it is reliable storage medium as data cannot
be removed on it by any physical means. They have data storage life in excess of 30 years.
Moreover they are very thin and light weight so easy to portable and handle .
But they cannot be reused because the data once written on them cannot be removed and its data
access speed is lower than the magnetic disks. They must require a complicated drive mechanism
for driving them. But still, it has many uses like storing large amounts of data at low cost and fir
the distribution if the new upgraded versions of the software products by software vendors. For
archiving of the data that is not used frequently but is useable

Memory storage devices

They are much effective than all above. The data on it can be read, write and changed and
accessed randomly without any problem. Data loss chance is very low. Their size is like of the
pen, very small and their storage capacities are very high.
Memory card It is used in most of the mobiles that enables us to save large amount of data
permanently. It is in small card shape. It can be simply be plugged into a port of computer or the
mobile

USB flash drive It is relatively new secondary storage device based on flash memory that
enables us easy transferring of the data, in the size of pen and it has many large storage capacity
like 1,2, 4,8 GB’s.

Input Devices
The main function of input devices is to give commands and the instructions to the computer by
the use of input devices. These peripheral devices connect the CPU and memory of computer
system and connect the outside world with the primary storage

Examples of Input devices and their functions:

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Point and draw devices

It is used for rapidly pointing out an icon in the graphical user interface. Some common devices
are below.

Joystick:
It is a pointing device used for games, computer aided
designs or simulations. It is like a lever that moves in all
directions and controls the movement of pointer in the screen.
It is just like a mouse.

Trackball

it is appointing device having a ball on its surface that can be rotated by palm for scrolling the
documents. Most commonly used in the laptop computers

Touch screen

It is the most best and, simple easiest and intuitive way of entering data. It works by sensing the
signals of our hands. You can choose any application or the desired icon by simply touching it.

Image scanner

It translates paper documents into the an electronic format for storing in the computer. The stored
image can be changed with the image editing software.

Optical mark reader

Scanner capable of recognizing a pre-specified type of mark by pencil or pen, mostly used for
checking the multiple based papers checking

Bar code reader

Scanner used for decoding the bar code on the card. In most banks and big malls this technology
is mostly used.it uses laser beam to stroke across pattern of the bar code and every bar code
reflect the beam in different ways that is sensed by the light sensitive detector.

Vision input systems

It allows computers to accept the input just by seeing an object. Input data is normally an object
shape or feature in the form of image. It is used in the malls and for designing industrial robots.

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Keyboard:
It is used for entering the textual data into the computer by
pressing the set of labelled keys. The most common type is
QWERTY style

Trackball:
It is also a pointing device that works like a mouse. It has a ball on it. To control the movement
of pointer on the screen, you move the ball with your palm.

Figure 7/ Some examples of Input Devices

Scanner:
It is a device that is capable to convert the hard copy to soft copy. It interprets all the information
present on the piece of paper and stores it in the computer where we can see it like a graphic
image and not in the form of text.
Microphone:
It is used to enter audio data into the computer. This device can easily be plugged into the
system.
Digitizer
input device that is used to convert the pictures maps and drawings int the digital form that can
be stored in computer. This device is mostly used in the architecture and design fields to design
cars, robots and the mechanical parts.

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Output Unit:
Output unit of a computer system consists of output devices only. It is also a generalized term of
for all the output devices for the sake of our convenience. Its main function is to generate output
data which has been processed. As data presented to user can take variety of forms, therefore
different output devices are attached to computer. A computer must have the at least moniter to
be able to work. [5]

Some Examples of Output devices and their functions:

Monitor:
It is called a screen or display. You look at your computer whether you are typing, watching a
movie, playing games, issuing commands and surfing on the internet. The quality of the image
you see the screen depends on the resolution of the screen which refers to the number of pixels
on the screen. Its types are
Cathode ray tube
They are like televisions and large in size. They are used with
the non-portable computers. They occupy very large space .
Flat panel computers
They are thinner, light weight and widely used now. They
were made to use as the portable computer but now they are
also being used with the non-portable computers because of
their size, efficient cost and reliability.

Printer:
It is a device that produces hardcopy on the paper. It is commonly used in the business purposes
to get the documents printed on the paper. It has two main types:
• Impact printers
• Non-impact printers

Speaker:
Its functioning is to produce the audio output that can be heard by the listener. There are some
speaker that can be attached to any system with audio files depending upon the lead of the
speaker. [2]

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Figure 8/ Some Examples of Output Devices

What is Software?
Software are the set of instructions given to the computer to perform a specific task .
It is basically the collection of programs. The program is written in the computer based language
like nowadays we use JAVA, C,C+, C#

Hardware
The hardware are the pats of the computer that we can see and touch. Like the input and the otput
device of the computer

Relationship between hardware and software

Both hardware and software are the necessary parts to do the useful job. They are bith relative
important relative to each other. The hardware components are not upgraded from time to tiem
but the software is a continuing expense because there is always new versions ciming in the
market [6]

Types of software

• System software
• Application software

System software

The software that facilitates the use of computer . It contains the operating system. They are
designed to control the operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system like
operating systems like windows, Linux, utility programs

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Application software

They are deigned to solve a specific problem or to do a special task. It includes the application
programs. Like games, MS office, Excel

You can get the software by buying or ordering the customized software, developing the
customized and downloading the public domain software. You can develop your own software
and use it that involves following steps:

❖ Analyzing problem and planning the program

❖ Test, 4debugging the program
❖ Documenting and implementing he program
❖ Evaluating and maintaining the program

Firmware
Is the program that is attached with the hardware permanently such as hard disk. It is
programmed to giving instructions and perform the basic input and output tasks.

Middleware

It is a computer software for providing the software applications maximum services. It is often
described as the “software glue “. It provides the programming abstraction that encourages the
three tier software architecture

Operating systems
“ An operating system is the set of the programs running on the
computer system, and provide an environment in which the other
programs can be executed and the computer system can work
effectively.”

To solve any program, a user has to write the programs even the read , write operations requires
the complex programs that only the expert programmers can do i. so these all basic programs are
provided in the operating system.

4
Debugging means to remove the errors from the program

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Basic function of the OS

➢ Manage hardware resources
➢ Load and execute programs
➢ Memory management
➢ Secondary memory store management
➢ Providing interface to the users.

It manages the time for the task submission to the system in less time and do the multi
programming, multi-tasking and the multithreading. Then it manages the memory by keeping
tracks of parts of memory and for accessing the file, two methods are used, the the security check
up is being done by the OS. Files are managed by its extensions.

Interfaces
Command line by typing commands using the keyboard example MS-DOS
Graphical interface by giving its users the icons, menus and pointers.
Example MS windows, Linux

Data communication and computer networks

It is basically the system that sends the signals from the source to the receiver. There is a
medium between the source and the receiver that carries the message.
The data transmission is done in three modes like simplex, half – duplex and full-duplex. In
simplex, the receiver cannot act as the sender. But in half duplex, the receiver can act as sender.
In full duplex, the receiver can act as both simultaneously.

Figure 9/Transmission of Signals

The data transmission speed depends upon the range of frequencies available and on the unit of
measurement.

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It is done by using the various mediums like

✓ Twisted pair cable

✓ Coaxial cable
✓ Microwave system
✓ Communications satellite
✓ Optical fibres

The analog telephone signals are first converted into the digital signals which is computer
generated. This process is repeated called the modulation that is the conversion from digital
analog and analog to digital form.

Modulation techniques

Some modulation techniques are

Amplitude modulation the amplitude is modulated by keeping the frequency and phase constant
Frequency modulation the frequency is modulated while the other two kept constant
Phase modulation the phase is modulated by keeping other two constant

Figure 10/Modulation and Demodulation

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Role of modem

Modem is device that is used for the modulation and the demodulation 5process. This is the
essential transmission device when two devices want to communicate over the channel like
telephone line.
The multiplexing device called the frequency multiplexion and the time division that enables the
single transmission medium into multiple channels.

Analog signals Transmitted power varies over the continuous range

Digital signals Sequence of voltage sources represented in power form

The shape of both types of signals can be seen in the above diagram.
The computer can understand only the digital signals. So we need to convert the telephone line
signals which are in the analog form into the digital form by using the modulator/demodulator.
Data Transmission Ways
Synchronous transmission Sender can send data and receiver can take it any time
Asynchronous transmission Both should synchronize each other first before sending or .
. receiving data

Network topologies

It refers to the ways in which the nodes of the network are linked together

I. Star network
II. Ring network
III. Completely connected network
IV. Multi access bus network

Network types

Two types are there if broadly classified. They allow interconnectivity between the computers.
These are given below :

5
Demodulation means conversion of digital signals to analog signals

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• LAN
• WAN

LAN is limited to the small

geographic coverage, and it has
much higher data transmission rate
and owned by the one organization
only. The Local Area Network
or LAN links network devices in
such a way that personal computer
and workstations can share data,
tools, and programs.

Wide Area Network or WAN is a

computer network that spans over
a large geographical area. The
WAN could be a connection of Figure 11/LAN and WAN Networks
LAN connecting to other LAN’s via
telephone lines and radio waves.

There is one more type called MAN that stands for the Metropolitan Area Network that share
some of the characteristics of the LAN and WAN. It has the geographical coverage more than
the LAN but less than the WAN. They are very efficient and provide fast communication via
fiber optic cables.

Routing Techniques

In WAN, when multiple paths exist between the source and destination nodes of a packet, any
one of the paths may be used to transfer the packet. Selection of path to be used for transmitting
a packet is determined by the routing technique used. These are

Source Routing Source node selects the entire path before sending the packet

Hop-by-Hop Routing Each node along the path decides only the next node for the path

Wireless technologies

1. 2G and 3G
2. Wireless LAN

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 REVIEW SUMMARY OF CA-1201 COURSE

3. WiMAX
4. Radio router
5. Multihop wireless network

Conclusion

The computer is the need of the era. One must understand the this and that of the computer
system to excel any career in his life. Computer can perform any type of complex calculations in
seconds. It can store variety of data in it without even disremembering it and we can access it
anytime. The computer can work with internet connections like LAN and WAN. This has made
the life much easier and comfortable than before. Moreover, it is very cost effective now. The
system software and the application software have made the computer more flexible to use.

I used to face difficulty in using the office tools in the past. The university did an effective job by
adding this course in our syllabus. As in covid-19 lockdown, most of our assignments and notes
had to be submitted through the word type’s files. After learning the tools of office 2010, it
became less difficult task for me. As in university, in the coming semesters, there is a lot of
presentations and assignments that we would have to do, this course will prove very beneficial
for me. Every university should teach their students computer as a compulsory course.

References

[1] M. M. Baig, Introduction to Computer Science, 2015.

[2] S. Vaishampayan, Computer for Nursing, First Edition.
[3] J. Rome, "enotes," 2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/4-
basic-functions-computer-system. [Accessed September 2020].
[4] W. Stallings, Computer Organization And Architecture, Tenth Edition.
[5] J. Romans, "UK Essays," July 2014. [Online]. Available: ]
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/computer-science/input-output-devices-computer-
4976.php?vref=1. [Accessed August 2020].
[6] l. Kramer, "blackblaze," 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.backblaze.com/blog/whats-
diff-ram-vs-storage . [Accessed 2020].
[7] J. David, Computer organization and Design, First Edition.
[8] C. 1944-47, "Report on Indian Constitutional Reforms 1918:16," Sitaramarya 1935;44 and
215.

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