COURSE: BASICS OF ICT

ASSIGNMENT NO : 01

NAME Subhana nazak

STUDENT ID 0000467228

COURSE CODE 5403

PROGARAME B.Ed

SEMESTER SPRING 2023

Q.1 a) List the software components of a computer. Explain at least ten
of them in detail.
b) Write down the importance of ICT in daily life use.

Ans
a) List the software components of a computer. Explain at least ten of
them in detail.
There are various software components that contribute to the functioning and
operation of a computer. Here are ten important software components and a
brief explanation of each:

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Operating System (OS): The operating system is the core software that
manages and controls the computer's hardware and software resources. It
provides a user interface, manages memory, handles file systems, and allows
communication between hardware and software.

Device Drivers: Device drivers are software programs that facilitate

communication between the operating system and hardware devices such as
printers, scanners, graphics cards, and network adapters. They enable the OS
to control and interact with these devices.

File
System: A file system organizes and manages the storage of files and
directories on a computer. It provides a structure for storing, accessing, and
retrieving data from storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives
(SSDs), and flash drives.

Software Libraries: Software libraries are collections of pre-written code that

provide reusable functions and procedures for developers. They simplify the
development process by providing ready-made solutions for common
programming tasks, such as graphics rendering, database connectivity, or
encryption.

Application Software: Application software refers to programs designed to

perform specific tasks or applications for end-users. Examples include word
processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, multimedia players, and graphic
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design tools. These programs are built on top of the operating system and
utilize its services.

Compilers and Interpreters: Compilers and interpreters are software tools used
in programming. Compilers translate source code written in programming
languages (such as C++, Java) into machine code that the computer can
execute directly. Interpreters, on the other hand, translate and execute the code
line by line.

Utilities: Utilities are software programs that perform specific tasks to enhance
computer performance, manage resources, or provide additional functionality.
Examples include antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, system optimization
utilities, backup software, and compression tools.

Text
Editors: Text editors are software tools used for creating and editing plain text
files. They provide basic functionalities such as text formatting, search and
replace, syntax highlighting, and line numbering. Examples include Notepad,
Sublime Text, and Visual Studio Code.

Virtual Machines: Virtual machines (VMs) are software emulations of

physical computers. They allow multiple operating systems to run
simultaneously on a single physical machine. VMs are commonly used for
software development, testing, and running multiple environments in isolation.

Database Management Systems (DBMS): DBMS software enables the

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creation, organization, and management of databases. It provides tools for
defining database structures, storing and retrieving data, and managing data
integrity and security. Examples include MySQL, Oracle Database, and
Microsoft SQL Server.

These software components work together to provide a comprehensive

computing environment, enabling users to perform various tasks and run
different applications on their computers.

b) Write down the importance of ICT in daily life use.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role

in daily life use, impacting various aspects of our lives. Here are some of
the key reasons why ICT is important in our day-to-day activities:

Communication: ICT has revolutionized communication by enabling

instant and global connectivity. Through tools like emails, instant
messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms, people can
easily communicate and collaborate with others regardless of
geographical boundaries.

Access to Information: The internet and ICT have made access to

information easier and faster than ever before. With a few clicks, people
can search for and find a vast amount of information on virtually any
topic, ranging from news updates, educational resources, research
papers, and tutorials, enhancing learning and knowledge acquisition.

Education: ICT has transformed the education sector, making learning

more interactive and engaging. It provides access to online courses,
virtual classrooms, educational apps, and multimedia resources, enabling

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students to learn at their own pace and explore a wide range of
educational materials.

Work and Business: ICT has become an integral part of the modern
workplace. It has streamlined business processes, enhanced productivity,
and facilitated remote work through technologies like cloud computing,
project management tools, video conferencing, and online collaboration
platforms. Additionally, e-commerce platforms have made it easier for
businesses to reach customers and conduct transactions online.

Entertainment and Leisure: ICT has revolutionized entertainment and

leisure activities. Through streaming services, online gaming, social
media, and digital content platforms, people have access to a wide range
of entertainment options, including movies, music, games, and virtual
experiences, providing relaxation and amusement.

Healthcare: ICT has had a significant impact on the healthcare industry,

improving patient care and access to medical services. Electronic health
records, telemedicine, wearable health devices, and health apps have
made it easier for healthcare professionals to monitor patients, provide
remote consultations, and deliver personalized healthcare services.

Personal Organization: ICT tools such as calendars, task management

apps, and personal organizers help individuals manage their daily
schedules, appointments, and tasks efficiently. These tools facilitate time
management, reminders, and organization, increasing productivity and
reducing stress.

Social Connections: Social media platforms and online communities have

transformed the way people connect and interact with others. ICT has
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made it easier to stay in touch with family and friends, share experiences,
join interest groups, and build communities, regardless of physical
distance.

Financial Management: ICT has simplified financial transactions and

management. Online banking, mobile payment apps, budgeting tools,
and investment platforms provide convenience, security, and real-time
access to financial information, empowering individuals to manage their
finances effectively.

Empowerment and Inclusion: ICT has the potential to bridge the digital
divide and promote inclusivity. It provides opportunities for
marginalized communities, enables access to education and employment
opportunities, and empowers individuals with knowledge, skills, and
resources to participate in the digital age.

In summary, ICT has become an integral part of our daily lives,

impacting various aspects such
as communication, education, work, entertainment, healthcare, personal
organization, social connections, financial management, and promoting
inclusivity. Its widespread use continues to shape and transform how
we live, work, and interact in the modern world.

Q.2 a)
Explain some important applications of computer.
b) Elaborate the evolution of computer system.

Ans:
Important applications of computer:

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Computers have become an integral part of our lives and have
revolutionized various aspects of society. Here are some important
applications of computers:

Communication: Computers facilitate communication through email,

instant messaging, video conferencing, and social media platforms. They
enable people from different parts of the world to connect and exchange
information in real-time.

Education: Computers play a vital role in education. They provide access

to vast amounts of information through the internet, allowing students to
conduct research, access online courses, and collaborate with peers.
Educational software and applications also help in interactive learning
and skill development.

Business and Finance: Computers are extensively used in business and

finance sectors. They help in managing and analyzing large amounts of
data, processing transactions, maintaining records, and automating
various tasks. Computer software like accounting systems, customer
relationship management (CRM) tools, and enterprise resource planning
(ERP) systems are widely used in businesses.

Healthcare: Computers have transformed healthcare by improving the

efficiency and accuracy of medical processes. Electronic Health Records
(EHR) store and manage patient data, medical imaging systems aid in
diagnosis, and computer-assisted surgeries enhance precision and safety.
Additionally, computers are used in medical research, drug discovery,
and data analysis.

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Entertainment: Computers have revolutionized the entertainment
industry. They are used in the creation, editing, and distribution of music,
movies, and video games. Streaming platforms and online content
providers have become increasingly popular, providing access to a wide
range of entertainment options.

Scientific Research: Computers play a crucial role in scientific research

and discovery. They are used for modeling and simulations, data
analysis, and computational research in various fields such as physics,
chemistry, biology, and astronomy. Supercomputers are particularly
valuable for complex calculations and simulations.

Transportation: Computers are integral to modern transportation

systems. They are used in navigation systems, traffic control, and
management systems, as well as in-flight control systems for aircraft.
Computers also enable the development of autonomous vehicles,
improving safety and efficiency.

Weather Forecasting: Weather prediction heavily relies on computer

models that process large amounts of data from weather satellites, radars,
and weather stations. Computers analyze this data to generate forecasts,
helping in disaster preparedness and planning.

Design and Engineering: Computers are indispensable in design and

engineering fields. Computer-aided design (CAD) software allows
engineers and designers to create and visualize complex models.
Additionally, computers are used for simulations, prototyping, and
testing in various engineering disciplines.

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Security and Defense: Computers are crucial for maintaining security
and defense systems. They are used for encryption, surveillance,
intelligence gathering, and analysis. Additionally, computers are
employed in military simulations, virtual training environments, and
controlling advanced weapon systems.

These are just a few examples of the many important applications of

computers. As technology continues to advance, computers are likely to
play an even more significant role in various domains, shaping our future.

b) Elaborate the evolution of computer system.

Evolution of computer system:

The evolution of computer systems can be traced back to the early 20th
century when the concept of a programmable machine was first
envisioned. Over the years, computer systems have gone through
significant advancements and transformations, leading to the powerful
and sophisticated machines we use today. Here is an elaboration on the
evolution of computer systems:

Mechanical Computers: The earliest computers were mechanical

devices designed to perform specific calculations. One notable example
is the Analytical Engine proposed by Charles Babbage in the 1830s.
Although it was never built, it laid the foundation for future computing
machines.

Vacuum Tube Computers: In the 1940s, vacuum tube-based computers

were developed. These large machines utilized vacuum tubes for
computation and data storage. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and

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Computer (ENIAC) and the Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC)
are prominent examples of this era.

Transistor-based Computers: The invention of the transistor in 1947

revolutionized computer technology. Transistors replaced vacuum tubes,
making computers smaller, more reliable, and faster. This led to the
development of second-generation computers in the late 1950s and early
1960s.

Integrated Circuits: The next major breakthrough came with the

invention of integrated circuits (ICs) in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
ICs allowed multiple transistors and electronic components to be
integrated onto a single chip, significantly reducing the size of computers
while improving performance and reliability.

Microprocessors: The introduction of the microprocessor in 1971 by

Intel marked a significant milestone in computer system evolution. A
microprocessor is a complete central processing unit (CPU) on a single
chip, combining arithmetic, logic, and control functions. This
development led to the emergence of personal computers (PCs) and the
popularization of computing.

Personal Computers: The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the rise of

personal computers. Companies like Apple and IBM introduced
affordable and user-friendly machines, enabling individuals to have
computing power at home and in the workplace. This era also saw the
development of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and the mouse, making
computers more accessible.

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Networking and the Internet: In the 1990s, computers became
interconnected through networks, leading to the widespread adoption of
the Internet. The internet revolutionized communication, information
sharing, and access to resources. It also facilitated the development of
web-based applications and e-commerce.

Mobile Computing: The 21st century saw the proliferation of mobile

computing devices, such as smartphones and tablets. These devices
combined computing, communication, and portability, transforming the
way people access information and interact with technology. The
evolution of mobile computing also led to advancements in touch
interfaces, mobile apps, and wireless connectivity.

Cloud Computing:
With the growth of internet infrastructure and high-speed connectivity,
cloud computing emerged as a paradigm shift in computer systems. It
enables users to store and access data, run applications, and utilize
computing resources over the internet, reducing the reliance on local
hardware.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Recent years have

witnessed a surge in the development and application of artificial
intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques. These
technologies enable computers to learn, reason, and make decisions,
expanding the capabilities of computer systems in various domains,
including natural language processing, image recognition, and
autonomous systems.

The evolution of computer systems has been driven by continuous

advancements in hardware, software, and networking technologies.
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These advancements have led to smaller, faster, more powerful, and
increasingly interconnected machines, empowering individuals and
transforming industries across the globe.

Q.3: Clearly differentiates between Drum Printer and Chain

Printer? Discuss it with proper examples.
Ans: Drum Printer and Chain Printer are two types of impact printers
that were commonly used in the past for printing documents. While they
share some similarities in terms of their mechanism, they also have
distinct features that set them apart. Let's explore the differences between
these two printers with proper examples:

Drum Printer:
A drum printer consists of a cylindrical drum that rotates horizontally.
The drum has raised characters or symbols on its surface, which are used
for printing. To print a character, the drum rotates and aligns the desired
character with the paper.
Examples of drum printers include the IBM 1403 and the IBM 1443.
These printers were widely used in mainframe computer systems and
were known for their high-speed printing capabilities. The IBM 1403, for
instance, could print at a rate of 1,100 lines per minute.

Chain Printer:
A chain printer, as the name suggests, uses a chain of characters or
symbols for printing. The chain is a loop of characters that rotates
vertically. When a character needs to be printed, it is selected from the
chain and pressed against the paper.
One of the notable examples of a chain printer is the Diablo 630. This
printer was commonly used in early computer systems and offered a

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lower cost alternative to drum printers. The Diablo 630 had a printing
speed of around 30 characters per second.

Differences between Drum Printer and Chain Printer:

Printing Mechanism:
The drum printer uses a horizontally rotating drum to print characters,
while the chain printer uses a vertically rotating chain.

Printing Speed:
Drum printers generally offer higher printing speeds compared to chain
printers. Drum printers like the IBM 1403 could achieve speeds of over
1,000 lines per minute, while chain printers typically had slower printing
speeds, around 30 to 100 characters per second.

Noise Level:
Drum printers tend to produce more noise during operation due to the
rotating drum, whereas chain printers are relatively quieter.

Print Quality:
Drum printers typically provide better print quality compared to chain
printers. The raised characters on the drum result in sharper and clearer
prints, while the chain printer's characters may be less precise and prone
to wear.

Maintenance:
Chain printers require more frequent maintenance due to the continuous
movement of the chain, which can lead to wear and tear. Drum printers,
on the other hand, are relatively easier to maintain.

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In conclusion, drum printers and chain printers are two different types of
impact printers with distinct characteristics. Drum printers offer higher
printing speeds, better print quality, and were commonly used in
mainframe computer systems. Chain printers, although slower and with
lower print quality, provided a more affordable printing option for early
computer systems.

Q.4: Compare features of Windows Operating System on your

computer with other Operating Systems.
Ans: As an AI language model, I don't have direct access to the
information about the specific operating system running on your
computer. However, I can provide a general comparison of the features
found in Windows operating systems with other popular operating
systems such as macOS and Linux. Keep in mind that this comparison
may not be exhaustive and can vary depending on the specific versions
and distributions of each operating system. Here's a comparison of some
key features:

User Interface:

Windows: Windows operating systems offer a graphical user interface

(GUI) with a start menu, taskbar, and a variety of windows and icons for
navigation.
macOS: macOS provides a similar GUI experience but with a dock and
a menu bar at the top of the screen.
Linux: Linux distributions offer various desktop environments, such as
GNOME, KDE, or XFCE, each with its own interface style and
customization options.
Software Compatibility:

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Windows: Windows has a vast software library and is compatible with a
wide range of applications, including popular commercial software and
games.
macOS: macOS supports a significant number of applications,
particularly those developed specifically for the macOS platform.
Linux: Linux has a growing software ecosystem, with many open-source
applications and tools available. However, certain proprietary software
and games may have limited support on Linux.
Hardware Compatibility:

Windows: Windows has extensive hardware compatibility and supports

a wide range of devices and peripherals, often providing plug-and-play
functionality.
macOS: macOS has a more limited hardware selection as it is designed
to run exclusively on Apple's hardware, such as Mac computers and
laptops.
Linux: Linux supports a broad range of hardware, including both older
and newer devices, and is known for excellent driver support.
Customization and Flexibility:

Windows: Windows provides a fair amount of customization options,

allowing users to personalize the desktop, taskbar, and system settings.
However, the level of customization may vary between different
versions.
macOS: While macOS offers some customization options, it generally
provides a more consistent and streamlined user experience, with limited
customization compared to Windows and Linux.
Linux: Linux is highly customizable, with the ability to change desktop
environments, themes, and various settings. It allows users to tailor their
experience to a great extent.
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Security:
Windows: Windows has made significant improvements in security over
the years, with features like Windows Defender antivirus, built-in
firewall, and regular security updates.
macOS: macOS is known for its strong security architecture, including
features like Gatekeeper, FileVault encryption, and regular security
updates from Apple.
Linux: Linux, by design, has a robust security model. It benefits from its
open-source nature, with many eyes scrutinizing the code for
vulnerabilities. Linux distributions also provide timely security updates.
These are just a few aspects of a broader comparison. Each operating
system has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice often depends
on personal preferences, specific use cases, and compatibility
requirements.

Q.5 Write short notes on the following topics:

a) Concepts of Assembler
b) Interpreter
c) Compiler
d) Linker
Ans:
a) Concepts of Assembler:
An assembler is a program that translates assembly language code into
machine code. Assembly language is a low-level programming language
that uses mnemonic instructions and symbolic names to represent
operations and memory addresses. Here are some key concepts related to
assemblers:

Assembly Language: Assemblers work with assembly language, which

is specific to a particular computer architecture. It provides a human-
readable representation of machine code instructions.

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Mnemonics: Assembly language instructions use mnemonic codes to
represent specific operations. For example, "ADD" represents the
addition operation, and "MOV" represents the move operation.

Directives: Assemblers also support directives, which are instructions to

the assembler itself rather than the CPU. Directives provide information
about data allocation, program organization, and other aspects of the
assembly process.

Symbolic Names: Assemblers allow programmers to use symbolic

names instead of memory addresses for variables, labels, and constants.
These names make the code more readable and maintainable.

Assembling Process: The assembler performs a two-pass or multi-pass

process to translate assembly code into machine code. In the first pass, it
resolves symbolic names and builds a symbol table. In the second pass, it
generates the actual machine code.

b) Interpreter:
An interpreter is a program that executes code directly without prior
compilation. It reads the source code line by line and translates each line
into machine code or bytecode, executing it immediately. Here are some
key points about interpreters:

Source Code Execution: Interpreters execute the source code directly,

line by line. They read each line, parse it, and execute the corresponding
instructions.

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Dynamic Translation: Interpreters typically translate and execute code
on the fly. They do not produce a separate executable file like compilers
do. Instead, they translate each line just before executing it.

Immediate Feedback: Since interpreters execute code interactively, they

provide immediate feedback. Programmers can quickly see the output or
errors as they write and run the code.

Slower Execution: Interpreted code usually runs slower than compiled

code because of the need for translation during runtime. Interpreters
sacrifice execution speed for ease of development and flexibility.

Platform Independence: Interpreters are often designed to be platform-

independent. The same interpreter program can execute code on different
operating systems or architectures, as long as the interpreter is available
for that platform.

c) Compiler:
A compiler is a program that translates source code written in a high-level
programming language into machine code that can be directly executed
by a computer. Here are some important aspects of compilers:

Source Code Translation: Compilers take the entire source code as input
and perform a translation process that involves lexical analysis, syntax
analysis, semantic analysis, and code generation.

Compilation Process: The compilation process consists of several

stages. In the lexical analysis stage, the source code is broken down into
tokens. In the syntax analysis stage, the code's structure is analyzed based
on the language's grammar rules. In the semantic analysis stage, the
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compiler checks for semantic correctness and performs type checking.
Finally, in the code generation stage, the compiler generates the target
machine code.

Optimization: Compilers often include optimization techniques to

improve the efficiency of the generated code. These optimizations can
include eliminating redundant code, rearranging instructions for better
performance, and utilizing hardware-specific features.

Standalone Executable: Compilers produce a standalone executable file

that can be executed directly by the target computer. This eliminates the
need for the compiler once the compilation process is complete.

Faster Execution: Compiled code generally executes faster than

interpreted code because it is already translated into machine code and
does not require runtime translation.

d) Linker:
A linker is a program in a system, also known as a link editor and
binder,which combines modules into a single object file.There Are two
types of linker
1: Linkage editor
2: Dynamic linker

1: Linkage editor: The linkage editor is a processing program that

accepts object modules, load modules, control statements and options as
input.
2: Dynamic linker: Dynamic linker means that the code for some
external routines is located and loaded when the program is first run.

The End….
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