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What are analog and digital computers?

Before we understand the differences between analog and digital computers it is

important to know what they are first.

1. Analog Computer: An analog computer system is a type of computer system that

operates on the mathematical variables that consist of changeable physical quantities
like mechanical, electrical etc.

These computers make use of continuous values in place of discrete values that
generate an analog signal. Analog computers were in use during the 1950s-1960s which
were in itself a successor to code-breaking machines used during World War II. Analog
computers have a limited capacity in accepting and computing problems and may not
always be accurate in their result.

A computer that uses a continuous signal to process is called an analog computer.

2. Digital Computer: Digital computers are machines that employ a binary number
system which has two digits only: 0 and 1. Using this binary system, many complicated
tasks are undertaken.

A computer that uses a discrete signal for its operation is called a digital computer.

What Does Workstation Mean?

A workstation (WS) is a computer dedicated to a user or group of users engaged in business or
professional work. It includes one or more high resolution displays and a faster processor than a
personal computer (PC). A workstation also has greater multitasking capability because of
additional random access memory (RAM), drives and drive capacity. A workstation may also
have a higher-speed graphics adapters and more connected peripherals.

Workstations usually are built with an optimized design for complex data manipulation
and visualization. Examples include image rendering and editing, computer-aided design
(CAD), animations and mathematical plots. Workstations were the first industry
segment to market collaboration tools and advanced accessories and enhancements.
These include 3D mice, multiple displays and high performance/capacity data storage
devices.

Input Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which helps us enter data into a
computer is called an input device. For example keyboard, mouse, etc.
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Output Device Definition: A piece of equipment/hardware which gives out the result of the
entered input, once it is processed (i.e. converts data from machine language to a human-
understandable language), is called an output device. For example printer, monitor, etc.

List of Input Devices

Given below is the list of the most common input devices along with brief information about
each of them.

1. Keyboard

 A simple device comprising keys and each key denotes either an alphabet,
number or number commands which can be given to a computer for various
actions to be performed
 It has a modified version of typewriter keys
 The keyboard is an essential input device and computer and laptops both use
keyboards to give commands to the computer

2. Mouse

 It is also known as a pointing device

 Using mouse we can directly click on the various icons present on the system and
open up various files and programs
 A mouse comprises 3 buttons on the top and one trackball at the bottom which
helps in selecting and moving the mouse around, respectively
 In case of laptops, the touchpad is given as a replacement of the mouse which
helps in the movement of the mouse pointer

3. Joy Stick

 It is a device which comprises a stick which is attached at an angle to the base so

that it can be moved and controlled
 Mostly used to control the movement in video games
 Apart from a computer system, a joystick is also used in the cockpit of an
aeroplane, wheelchairs, cranes, trucks, etc. to operate them well

4. Light Pen

 It is a wand-like looking device which can directly be moved over the device’s
screen
 It is light-sensitive
 Used in conjunction with computer’s cathode ray tube
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5. Microphone

 Using a microphone, sound can be stored in a device in its digital form

 It converts sound into an electrical signal
 To record or reproduce a sound created using a microphone, it needs to be
connected with an amplifier

6. Scanner

 This device can scan images or text and convert it into a digital signal
 When we place any piece of a document on a scanner, it converts it into a digital
signal and displays it on the computer screen

7. Barcode Reader

 It is a kind of an optical scanner

 It can read bar codes
 A source of light is passed through a bar code, and its aspects and details are
displayed on the screen

Scanner, Webcam , Touchpad , Graphic tablet are also input device.

List of Output Device

The commonly used output devices have been listed below with a brief summary of what their
function is and how they can be used.

1. Monitor

 The device which displays all the icons, text, images, etc. over a screen is called the
Monitor
 When we ask the computer to perform an action, the result of that action is displayed on
the monitor
 Various types of monitors have also been developed over the years

2. Printer

 A device which makes a copy of the pictorial or textual content, usually over a paper is
called a printer
 For example, an author types the entire book on his/her computer and later gets a print
out of it, which is in the form of paper and is later published
 Multiple types of printers are also available in the market, which can serve different
purposes
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3. Speakers

 A device through which we can listen to a sound as an outcome of what we command a

computer to do is called a speaker
 Speakers are attached with a computer system and also are a hardware device which can
be attached separately
 With the advancement in technology, speakers are now available which are wireless and
can be connected using BlueTooth or other applications

4. Projector

 An optical device which presents an image or moving images onto a projection screen is
called a projector
 Most commonly these projectors are used in auditoriums and movie theatres for the
display of the videos or lighting
 If a projector is connected to a computer, then the image/video displayed on the screen is
the same as the one displayed on the computer screen

5. Headphones

 They perform the same function as a speaker, the only difference is the frequency of
sound
 Using speakers, the sound can be heard over a larger area and using headphones, the
sound is only audible to the person using them
 Also known as earphones or headset

Difference between RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only
Memory)

RAM ROM

Definition of RAM is Random Access Definition of ROM is Read-only Memory

Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is ROM is cheaper when compared to RAM.

expensive when compared to ROM

The speed of Random Access Memory The speed of Read-only Memory (ROM) is
(RAM) is higher when compared to ROM slower when compared to RAM.
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Random Access Memory (RAM) has a ROM has a lower capacity compared to
higher capacity when compared to ROM RAM

Data in RAM can be modified, erased, or Data in ROM can only be read, it cannot be
read. modified or erased.

The data stored in RAM is used by the The data stored in ROM is used to
Central Processing Unit (CPU) to process bootstrap the computer.
current instructions

Data stored on RAM can be accessed by
the Central Processing Unit.
If the Central Processing Unit (CPU) needs
to access the data on ROM, first the data
must be transferred to RAM, and then the
Central Processing Unit (CPU) will be able
to access the data.

Data present in Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Data of RAM is very volatile ( not is not volatile, it is permanent. Data will
permanent ), it will exist as long as there is remain unchanged even when there is a
no interruption in power. disruption in the power supply.

Difference Between Search Engine and Web Browser

A program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or
characters specified by the user, used especially for finding particular sites on the World Wide
Web is called a search engine.

Whereas, a web browser is a software application that allows you to access information using the
World Wide Web.
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Web Browser Search Engine

A web browser is a software application
used to retrieve data from webpages or
HTML files present in servers.
A web browser used Graphical Interface to
help users experience an interactive online
session on the World Wide Web
Search Engine is kind of a website where a
user can search for information and the
results based on the same are displayed on
the screen.
A search engine has three main components:
 Search index
 Crawler
 Search algorithm

No database of its own. Only comprises a It has its own database

memory to store cache and cookies

Multiple Web Browsers can be installed on You do not need to install a search engine
a single device in your system

Examples of Web Browser are: Examples of Search Engine include:

 Chrome  Google
 Firefox  Yahoo
 Mosaic  Bing
 Internet Explorer  Ask
 Opera

Q 1. Is Web Browser and Search Engine the same thing?

Ans. No, there is a difference between a Web Browser and Search Engine. A website
through which users can search for content on the internet is called a website. A web
browser is a software application for accessing the information on the World Wide Web.
Q 2. Google is an example of a Web Browser or Search Engine?
Ans. Google is an example of a Search Engine. Whereas, Google Chrome is a Web
Browser.
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Q 3. What is a Search Engine?

Ans. A program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to
keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding particular sites
on the World Wide Web.
Q 4. What is a Web Borwser?
Ans. A web browser is a software application for accessing the information on the World
Wide Web. When a user requests a web page from a particular website, the web
browser retrieves the necessary content from a web server and then displays the page
on the user’s device.
First web browser, called WorldWideWeb- Tim Berners-Lee
First ever search engine in the world was Archie which was developed by Alan Emtage

Difference Between Hardware and Software

A computer system is divided into two categories: Hardware and Software. Hardware refers to
the physical and visible components of the system such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard and
mouse. Software, on the other hand, refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to
perform a specific set of tasks. The software must be installed in the hardware to function
properly and similarly, the hardware must be present for the tasks to be performed. Both are
interdependent, yet they are also different from each other.

Hardware Software
Hardware is further divided into four main Software is further divided into two main
categories: categories:

 Input Devices  Application Software

 Output Devices  System Software
 Secondary Storage Devices
 Internal Components

Developed using electronic and other Developed writing using instructions using
materials a programming language
When damaged, it can be replaced with a When damaged it can be installed once
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new component more using a backup copy

Hardware is physical in nature and hence The software cannot be physically touched
one can touch and see hardware but still can be used and seen
Hardware cannot be infected by Viruses The software can be infected by Viruses

Hardware will physically wear out over Software does not wear out but it can be
time affected by bugs and glitches
An example of Hardware is hard drives, An example of software is Windows 10,
monitors, CPU, scanners, printers etc. Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome etc.

Q1
What is an example of Software?
Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an
electronic device which make it run. An example of software is Excel or Windows or
iTunes. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
Q2
What is the example of a hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical elements of a computer. Also referred to as the
machinery or the equipment of the computer. Examples of hardware in a computer are
the keyboard, the monitor, the mouse and the processing unit However, most of a
computer’s hardware cannot be seen; It’s inside the computer case.
Q3
What is the effect of virus on Hardware and Software?
Hardware is not affected by computer viruses whereas Software gets majorly impacted
by the viruses.
Q4
How many types of hardware are there?
Hardware is mainly classified into four main categories that are input devices, output
devices, storage, and internal components.
Q5
What are the different types of software?
It is mainly of two types that is System software and Application software.
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What is an Application Software?

The term “application software” refers to software that performs specific functions for a user.
When a user interacts directly with a piece of software, it is called application software. The
sole purpose of application software is to assist the user in doing specified tasks. Microsoft
Word and Excel, as well as popular web browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome, are
examples of application software.

What is System Software ?

System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's
hardware and application programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered
model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user
applications. The operating system is the best-known example of system software. The
OS manages all the other programs in a computer.
System software is used to manage the computer itself. It runs in the background,
maintaining the computer's basic functions so users can run higher-level application
software to perform certain tasks. Essentially, system software provides a platform for
application software to be run on top of.
Types of system software

System software manages the computer's basic functions, including the disk operating system,
file management utility software and operating systems.

Other examples of system software include the following:

 The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after it's
turned on and manages the data flow between the OS and attached devices, such
as the hard drive, video adapter, keyboard, mouse and printer.
 The boot program loads the OS into the computer's main memory or random
access memory (RAM).
 An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern
of bits that the computer's processor can use to perform its basic operations.
 A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your
computer, such as a keyboard or mouse. The driver program converts the more
general I/O instructions of the OS to messages that the device type can
understand.

Additionally, system software can also include system utilities, such as the disk defragmenter
and System Restore, and development tools, such as compilers and debuggers.
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Difference between system software and application software

System software and application programs are the two main types of computer software. Unlike
system software, application software -- often just called an application or app -- performs a
particular function for the end user. Some examples of application software include the
following:

 web browsers
 email clients
 word processors
 spreadsheets

Application software and system software are coded differently. System software is written in
system programming languages -- such as Executive Systems Problem Oriented Language
(ESPOL) -- designed to provide easy access to the underlying computer hardware. Application
programs are written in general-purpose languages, such as Pascal, that enable the program to
use the same code on different platforms. Some languages, such as C, are used for both system
and application software.

System software and application software are also triggered differently. System software is
generally triggered when a computer or device is turned on, and it remains on until the
device is powered down. Application software is triggered by an end user after the computer is
turned on. Application software needs system software to function, whereas system software can
run independently of application software.

In most cases, end users do not interact with system software because it runs in the background.
By contrast, end users do interact with application software -- installing it, booting it up, using it
to perform certain tasks, booting it down and uninstalling it.

What is Operating System ?

Operating System lies in the category of system software. It basically manages all the
resources of the computer. An operating system acts as an interface between the software and
different parts of the computer or the computer hardware. The operating system is designed in
such a way that it can manage the overall resources and operations of the computer.

Operating System is a fully integrated set of specialized programs that handle all the operations
of the computer. It controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the
computer, which also includes application programs and other system software of the computer.
Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, etc.

An Operating System (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware

resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is the
most important type of system software in a computer system.
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Why Use an Operating System?

The operating system helps in improving the computer software as well as hardware. Without
OS, it became very difficult for any application to be user-friendly. Operating System provides a
user with an interface that makes any application attractive and user-friendly. The operating
System comes with a large number of device drivers that makes OS services reachable to the
hardware environment. Each and every application present in the system requires the Operating
System. The operating system works as a communication channel between system hardware and
system software. The operating system helps interact an application with the hardware part
without knowing about the actual hardware configuration. It is one of the most important parts of
the system and hence it is present in every device, whether large or small device.

Examples of Operating Systems

 Windows (GUI-based, PC)
 GNU/Linux (Personal, Workstations, ISP, File, and print server, Three-tier client/Server)
 macOS (Macintosh), used for Apple’s personal computers and workstations (MacBook,
iMac).
 Android (Google’s Operating System for smartphones/tablets/smartwatches)
 iOS (Apple’s OS for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch)

Difference Between Modem and Router: With the growing use of the internet
for almost everything that we do in our day-to-day life, modem and router are used
for internet connection in our home/office. The ISP(Internet Service Provider) provides
both devices in order to make our internet connectivity possible. The major difference
between modem and router is that modem is used to provide the internet connection
whereas the router will be used to connect the devices to the modem for possible
internet connectivity.

Key Differences Between Modem and Router

Modem
Used to connect the internet to the
house/office from ISP.
Signals are demodulated and modulated
by it.
Operates on datalink layer.
Router
Used to create connections between
devices and modem.
Makes connection possible between WAN
and LAN.
Operates on various layers such as the
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data link layer, physical layer, or network

layer.
Security concerns are less and help in
Security concerns are available.
identifying the threats.
Connected between router and telephone
Connected between modem and computer
line or computer.
Do not establish a wifi connection. Responsible for wifi connection.
Local Area Network is not set up by
LAN is set up by the router.
modem.
WAN is set up by modem. WAN is not set up by a router.

What is a Modem?
The modem is a device that is used to bring the internet to the home/office. It connects the
internet from ISP to your house/office via a coax cable connection. They are used to convert the
signals into the form of usable internet signals for our devices.

A modem is a hardware which connects to a computer, broadband network or wireless router.

Modem converts information between analogue and digital formats in real time making seamless
two-way network communication. The full form of Modem or modem stands for modulator–
demodulator. Modulations is performed to extend the frequency of the signal for propagation at
production purpose, whereas demodulation is performed at receiving purpose to bring down the
signal to its original level.

The WAN or wide area network is formulated when the internet from ISP is connected to the
house/office. An IP address is assigned to the particular modem which is unique and used to
identification of that modem. The types of modem are:

 Analogue modems (dial-up),

 Digital subscriber line (DSL) modems, and
 Cable modems
 Mobile Broadband Modems
 Half Duplex Modem
 Full Duplex Modem
 Four Wire Modem
 Two-Wire Modem

What is a Router?
Similar to the modem, routers are used to make the internet connection possible. They are used
to connect the modem to the devices present in our home/office. Devices are connected using
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routers and the internet connection is made possible with it. Using a router, internet connection is
made with the TV, printers, smartphones, laptops, and a lot more devices easily.

The LAN or local area network is formulated when the connection is made within your house
or for the local area using a router. The router will assign an IP address to all the devices
connected to it individually. The routers help with security breaches as well. The various types of
routers are:

 Wireless Router
 Modem Router
 Bridge Router
 Distribution Router
 Core Router

What is a Computer Virus?

A computer virus is a program which can harm our device and files and infect them for no
further use. When a virus program is executed, it replicates itself by modifying other computer
programs and instead enters its own coding. This code infects a file or program and if it spreads
massively, it may ultimately result in crashing of the device.

A virus is a type of malware that performs specific jobs, including monitoring and stalking user
activities and accumulating personal information. Here are more details about viruses:

 Viruses typically install themselves on the user network and deliver profit to the third
party by gathering the user's information without their knowledge.
 A virus steals the personal information and passwords of the users by operating in the
background of your device.
 Viruses are a type of malware.

What is a Malware?
Malware refers to an umbrella phrase that comprises all kinds of malicious software. Here are
some key details about malware -

 Malware is designed to attack companies, enterprises, and people by eliminating

resources and data, inducing errors, and slowing down system performance.
 Malware enters a networked device through software installations, emails, or Internet
surfing.
 In addition, trojan horses, viruses, spyware, and worms are the kinds of malware, along
with a few other more dangerous malware.
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