Class: IX(General) Page 1 of 3 Computer Studies

Fatimiyah Education Network

Fatimiyah Girls’ School
History and Development of Computer

Q1. Why is Charles Babbage known as the “father of computer”?

Ans. He was the first person to present the idea of a fully automatic programmable calculating machine
having architecture with the four separate units which are:
ALU : Arithmetic Logic Unit
CU : Control Unit
MU : Memory Unit
I/O Unit : Input Output unit
These all units are common in modern computer.
However, his machine was entirely mechanical and was not built. He just dreamed about a computer.
Q2. What is a computer?
Ans. Computer is an electronic machine that accepts data and instructions in the form of program as input
then processes data according to given instructions and produces result as output.
Computer is an extremely efficient and reliable machine. It helps us to solve wide variety of
problems related to fields such as industry, commerce, engineering and education.
Q3. What are the advantages of computer?
Ans. There are many advantages of computer, some are defined below:
1. Speed: A computer can process data faster than any other machine designed to perform a
similar task.
2. Repetition: A computer can tirelessly perform the same operation millions of times in the same way
without getting bored and tired.
3. Accuracy: It can produce accurate results at a very high speed.
4. Logical Operation: The computer can make decisions based on some conditions and take
alternatives course of action accordingly.
5. Self-Checking: Computer can verify the accuracy of its own work.
6. Store and Recall information: A computer can store and process large amount of data at very high
speed, and can recall information when needed.
Q4. What are the dis-advantages of computer?
Ans. i. A computer cannot generate information on its own.
ii. Wastage of time and energy in useless computer activities.
iii. A computer cannot correct wrong instructions.
iv. Lack of physical activities.
v. Eye sight gets weak.
vi. It cannot come up with original decision.
Q5. Write a short note on abacus.
Ans. Abacus: It is a manual calculating device. It can add large numbers easily.
It consists of beads that can be moved up and down on a series of strings with the wooden frame.
The Abacus itself does not calculate. It can help humans perform calculations. It was developed by
Chinese in 3000 BC and is still widely used in china.
Class: IX(General) Page 2 of 3 Computer Studies

Q.6 Define the types of computers according data handling/function.

Ans. There are three types of computers according to data handling or functions.
i. Analog Computers
ii. Digital Computers
iii. Hybrid Computers
i. Analog Computers:
Analog computer is actually a measuring device. It measures continuous type of data and
uses physical quantities, such as electric current, speed, temperature etc.
They are commonly used for scientific and engineering problems. They are particularly used
in chemical industry, electric power plants, and petroleum industries to use processed
analog data.
Examples:
Thermometer, Speedometer of car, Mechanical Watch, Barometer etc.
ii. Digital Computers:
Digital computers are specialized in counting. They can process both numeric and non-
numeric data. It is an automatic, electronic and reprogrammable digital data processor.
A digital computer represents data in terms of discrete numbers and digits. These numbers
are used to perform arithmetic calculations and also make logical decisions to reach a
conclusion depending on the data they receive from the user. They are easy to program and
are used for general purpose. Digital technology is more popular than analog technology for
mainly following reasons:
i. Cost
ii. Data Integrity
iii. Utilization
iv. Integration of data
v. Applications are faster, accurate and easier to program.
iii. Hybrid Computers:
This computer combines the Analog and Digital computer capabilities in the same computer
system. They have speed of analog computer, while accuracy of digital computers. A
hybrid computer uses input or output either analog or digital data.
These computers are equipped with special conversion device. It can convert the input data
derived from measurement into digital.
Examples:
Used as controlling device. Used in petrol pumps, in Hospitals etc.
Q7. Explain the classification of computer according to size and memory or capacity.
Ans. The classification of computer according to size and memory or capacity is follows:
i. Micro Computer
ii. Mini Computer
iii. Mainframe Computer
iv. Super Computer
v. Laptop
i. Micro Computers:
Micro computers are powered by microprocessor. Sometimes they are referred as a single
chip processor or system on a chip. A microcomputer is the smallest and least expensive. They are
also known as Personal Computer (PC).Home computer, Desktop computer, and laptop computer
are the examples of microcomputer.
 Class: IX(General) Page 3 of 3 Computer Studies

Micro computers have multiuser, multitasking capabilities. Personal computer are interconnected
with each other and with large computers in networks for the purpose of gathering, sending and
sharing information.
ii. Mini Computers:
Mini computers are smaller than the mainframe computers. They are used in medium size
business and can serve users simultaneously. Scientific laboratories, research groups, engineering
firms, and even industrial and manufacturing plants also use minicomputer. The capacity of main
memory is 10 to 30 MB with storage devices. The speed is 1000 to 5000 MHz between 10,000 MHz.
iii. Mainframe Computers:
They are less powerful, not so fast, and are less expensive than super computers. Mainframe
computer may have over 100 MB for main storage. Processing speed is measured in nanosecond or
Picosecond. They are generally found in computer room, where environmental factors such as
temperature, humidity and dust are closely monitored.
A mainframe (macro) computer might support thousands of users such as worldwide airline
reservation system. A number of programs may be run on it at a time for different users located in
various departments of an organization.
iv. Super Computers:
Super computer is the most powerful and most expensive computer as well as the fastest
one. It has limited use because of its high price and, a limited market. These are very sophisticated
machines, designed to perform complex calculations at the fastest speed. Limited organizations can
afford super computers because of its high price.
v. Laptop Computers:
The smallest computer in size looks like an office briefcase are called Laptop. They are
portable computers due to the small size and light weight.
Businessman found it very useful during travelling when they are far away from desktop
computers. A typical laptop have all the facilities available in desktop computers. The smaller
laptops are called Palm top.
Q8. Describe the classification of computer according purpose.
Ans. There are two types of computers by purpose.
i. General Purpose Computers:
These computers are designed to handle a variety of different problems and to meet different
needs. General purpose computers are strong and versatile but normally slow in speed and have low
efficiency as compared to special purpose computers. They can be used for applications such as pay
roll, account, and inventory control etc.
ii. Special Purpose Computers:
These computers are designed to handle specific problems or to perform a specific task. The
computer program for solving a specific problem is built right into computer. Most analog
computers are special purpose computers. These computers are widely used in industrial robotics.