QUESTIONS:

1. What is the difference between computer data and information?

2. Can you explain the functional units of a computer system and their roles?

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a computer? Explain each.

4. How have computers evolved over time? Can you describe the different generations of computers?

5. What are the distinctions between hardware, software, firmware, and liveware?

6. What are the functions of computer memory, and what are the units used to measure it?

7. What is an operating system, and can you provide examples of different operating systems?

8. What are the functions of an assembler, compiler, and interpreter?

9. What distinguishes a general-purpose computer from a special-purpose computer?

10. What are the differences between analog, digital, and hybrid computers?

11. Can you describe the various types of digital computers based on their performance?

12. Why is binary language referred to as machine language, and why is it necessary for computers to
use machine language?
Answer in Short:

ANS_1: Computer data is the information processed, stored, and displayed by a computer. It can be
in the form of text, images, audio, or video, and is used by the computer to perform calculations,
make logical decisions, and solve problems. Computer information is the result of processing data
using the computer's hardware and software components. It is the knowledge gained from the data,
which can be used to make decisions, solve problems, or perform tasks.

ANS_2: The functional units of a computer system include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), which is
responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations; the Memory, which stores data and
instructions temporarily while the computer is running; and the Storage, which stores data and
instructions permanently for future use. The CPU is the "brain" of the computer, responsible for
processing information and making decisions based on the data provided. Memory is essential for the
computer to perform tasks, as it allows the computer to store and retrieve data temporarily. Storage
is used to store data and instructions for future use, allowing the computer to save and recall
information as needed.

ANS_3: Strengths of using a computer include their speed and accuracy in processing data, their ability
to handle large amounts of data, and their capacity for complex decision-making and problem-solving.
Weaknesses of using a computer include their reliance on machine language, which can be difficult for
humans to understand, and their limitations in handling certain tasks, such as natural language
processing and real-time decision-making.

ANS_4: Computers have evolved over time through several generations. The first computers were
primarily used for numerical calculations, but as computing technology advanced, computers became
capable of handling general-purpose information processing. The generations of computers are
characterized by improvements in hardware, software, and networking capabilities, as well as
reductions in size and cost.

ANS_5: Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, memory, and
storage devices. Software includes the programs and data that are used by the computer to perform
tasks. Firmware is a combination of hardware and software, which is used to configure and control the
operation of a computer or other device. Liveware is not a common term in computer science, but it
could refer to the users and their interactions with the computer system.

ANS_6: Computer memory is a crucial component of a computer system, as it stores data and
instructions temporarily while the computer is running. Memory is measured in bytes, which are units
of data storage. The more bytes a computer has, the more data it can store and process at once.

ANS_7: An operating system is the software that manages computer hardware, software resources,
and provides services for computer programs. Examples of operating systems include Windows,
macOS, and Linux.

ANS_8: An assembler is a software tool that converts human-readable instructions into machine-
readable instructions, making it easier for the computer to execute tasks. A compiler is a software tool
that converts high-level language instructions into machine-readable instructions, allowing developers
to write programs in a more natural language. An interpreter is a software tool that executes
instructions line by line, making it easier for users to understand the execution of their programs.
ANS_9: A general-purpose computer is designed to perform a variety of tasks, while a special-purpose
computer is designed for a specific task or set of tasks.

ANS_10: Analog computers use continuous physical magnitudes to represent quantitative information,
while digital computers use discrete (binary) values to represent information. Hybrid computers
combine the strengths of both analog and digital computing approaches.

ANS_11: Digital computers can be classified based on their performance into different types, such as
supercomputers, which are capable of handling massive amounts of data and complex tasks;
mainframe computers, which are designed for large-scale data processing and management; mid-
range computers, which offer a balance between power and affordability; and personal computers,
which are designed for individual use and home computing.

ANS_12: Binary language is often referred to as machine language because it is the most basic form of
instruction that a computer can understand. Machine language is necessary for computers to execute
tasks, as it allows the computer to process data and make decisions based on the instructions provided.