Question: Define Programming language.

Differentiate between low level and high-level

languages with the help of examples.
Ans:
Programming Language:
A programming language is a formalized system designed to communicate instructions to a
computer. It is a set of rules and symbols used to write software programs, allowing humans to
create software that can be executed by a computer. Programming languages provide the necessary
abstraction for expressing algorithms and computational processes in a way that can be understood
by both programmers and computers.
Low-Level Language:
Low-level languages are programming languages that are closer to machine code and hardware.
They provide minimal abstraction from the computer's architecture, and instructions are generally
specific to a particular computer or processor. Low-level languages are considered "closer to the
hardware."
Examples of low-level languages include:
Machine Language:
Machine language consists of binary code directly understood by the computer's central processing
unit (CPU). It represents instructions as sequences of 0s and 1s, corresponding to specific operations.
Assembly Language:
Assembly language uses mnemonics and symbols to represent machine instructions. Each assembly
language instruction directly corresponds to a machine language instruction. Assembly language is
specific to a particular CPU architecture.
High-Level Language:
High-level languages are designed to be more user-friendly and provide a higher level of abstraction
from the hardware. They use natural language elements and are closer to human language, making
it easier for programmers to write code without worrying about the intricacies of the computer's
architecture.
Examples of high-level languages include:
Python:
Python is a high-level, general-purpose programming language known for its readability and
simplicity. It allows for the rapid development of applications and is widely used in various domains,
including web development, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Java:
Java is a versatile, object-oriented programming language that is platform-independent. Once
written, Java code can run on any device that has a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), providing a high
level of portability.
C++:
C++ is an extension of the C programming language and introduces object-oriented programming
features. It is used for developing a wide range of applications, including system software, game
development, and embedded systems.

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JavaScript:
JavaScript is a high-level scripting language primarily used for web development. It enables
interactive and dynamic features within web browsers, making it an essential part of front-end web
development.
C#:
C# (pronounced C sharp) is a programming language developed by Microsoft. It is commonly used
for building Windows applications, web applications, and games using the Unity game development
engine.
Differences Between Low-Level and High-Level Languages:
Abstraction:
Low-level languages provide minimal abstraction, closely reflecting the hardware architecture. High-
level languages offer a higher level of abstraction, making it easier for programmers to write code
without detailed knowledge of the hardware.
Readability and Ease of Use:
Low-level languages are often more challenging to read and write due to their proximity to machine
code. High-level languages are designed to be more readable and user-friendly.
Portability:
Low-level languages are generally less portable since they are tied to specific hardware
architectures. High-level languages, especially those with virtual machines like Java, offer better
portability as they can run on different platforms.
Development Speed:
High-level languages typically allow for faster development due to their abstraction and ease of use.
Low-level languages may require more time and effort for coding, debugging, and maintenance.

QUESTION. What is operating system? Elaborate its functions and responsibilities.

Ans:
An operating system (OS) is a system software that serves as an intermediary between computer
hardware and application software. It provides a set of essential services and functions to manage
and coordinate the hardware components of a computer system and support the execution of
various software applications.
Functions and Responsibilities of an Operating System:
Processor Management:
The operating system allocates and schedules the CPU (Central Processing Unit) for different tasks
and processes. It manages the execution of multiple processes concurrently, ensuring fair and
efficient utilization of the CPU.
Memory Management:
Operating systems are responsible for managing the computer's memory resources. This involves
allocating memory to running processes, deallocating memory when processes are complete, and
optimizing memory usage for overall system performance.

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File System Management:
The operating system provides a file system that organizes and manages data on storage devices. It
includes tasks such as file creation, deletion, organization into directories, and ensuring data
integrity.
Device Management:
The OS manages communication between the computer's hardware devices (such as printers, disks,
and network interfaces) and software applications. It uses device drivers to facilitate interaction and
ensure proper functioning of peripherals.
Input/Output Management:
Operating systems control input and output operations, allowing applications to interact with
devices. This involves buffering data, handling interrupts, and providing a uniform interface for
applications to access input and output functionalities.
Security and Access Control:
OS implements security features to protect the computer system and its data. This includes user
authentication, access control mechanisms, encryption, and protection against malware and
unauthorized access.
User Interface:
The operating system provides a user interface, which can be command-line based (CLI) or graphical
(GUI). The user interface allows users to interact with the computer, run applications, and manage
files.
Networking:
OS facilitates networking capabilities, enabling computers to communicate with each other over
local or wide-area networks. It includes the implementation of network protocols, device drivers,
and services necessary for data exchange.

Error Handling:
Operating systems detect and manage errors that may occur during the execution of programs. They
provide error messages, logs, and mechanisms to recover from failures, enhancing system reliability.
System Performance Monitoring:
The operating system monitors system performance, providing information on resource usage,
errors, and other metrics. This data helps users and administrators optimize system performance.
Load Balancing:
In a multi-user or multi-tasking environment, the OS is responsible for distributing the workload
evenly across the system's resources, ensuring efficient utilization and preventing bottlenecks.
Shutdown and Restart:
The OS manages the safe shutdown and restart of the computer system, ensuring that all processes
and applications are properly closed and that the system can be powered down or rebooted safely.

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QUESTION. Explain the layers of OSI model in detail.
Ans: The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a conceptual framework that standardizes
the functions of a telecommunication or computing system into seven abstraction layers. Each layer
serves a specific purpose and interacts with adjacent layers to enable communication between
different devices in a network. The OSI model is not an implementation but a guideline for designing
and understanding network architectures. Here are the seven layers of the OSI model, starting from
the lowest layer (Layer 1) to the highest layer (Layer 7):
Physical Layer (Layer 1):
Function: The physical layer deals with the physical connection between devices. It defines the
electrical, mechanical, and procedural aspects of communication, such as cables, connectors, and
transmission rates.
Data Link Layer (Layer 2):
Function: The data link layer is responsible for creating a reliable link between two directly
connected nodes, ensuring error detection and correction. It also manages access to the physical
medium to avoid data collisions.
Sublayers:
LLC (Logical Link Control): Responsible for flow control and error checking.
MAC (Media Access Control): Manages access to the physical network medium.
Network Layer (Layer 3):
Function: The network layer focuses on routing data packets between devices on different
networks. It determines the optimal path for data transmission, handles logical addressing, and
provides error handling.
Transport Layer (Layer 4):
Function: The transport layer ensures reliable data transfer between two devices across a network.
It handles error recovery, flow control, and segmentation and reassembly of data.
Protocols: TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol).
Session Layer (Layer 5):
Function: The session layer manages and controls the sessions or connections between two devices.
It establishes, maintains, and terminates connections, as well as handles synchronization and dialog
control.
Presentation Layer (Layer 6):
Function: The presentation layer deals with the syntax and semantics of data exchanged between
systems. It is responsible for data translation, encryption, and compression to ensure that data is
presented in a readable format.
Application Layer (Layer 7):
Function: The application layer provides network services directly to end-users or applications. It
includes protocols and interfaces for network applications and supports network communication
services.

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QUESTION. Define the input and output module with the help of generic input output model
diagram.
Ans:
Input-Output Interface is used as an method which helps in transferring of information between
the internal storage devices i.e. memory and the external peripheral device . A peripheral device
is that which provide input and output for the computer, it is also called Input-Output devices. For
Example: A keyboard and mouse provide Input to the computer are called input devices while a
monitor and printer that provide output to the computer are called output devices. Just like the
external hard-drives, there is also availability of some peripheral devices which are able to provide
both input and output.

Input-Output Interface
In micro-computer base system, the only purpose of peripheral devices is just to provide special
communication links for the interfacing them with the CPU. To resolve the differences between
peripheral devices and CPU, there is a special need for communication links.
The major differences are as follows:
The nature of peripheral devices is electromagnetic and electro-mechanical. The nature of the CPU
is electronic. There is a lot of difference in the mode of operation of both peripheral devices and
CPU.
There is also a synchronization mechanism because the data transfer rate of peripheral devices
are slow than CPU.
In peripheral devices, data code and formats are differ from the format in the CPU and memory.
The operating mode of peripheral devices are different and each may be controlled so as not to
disturb the operation of other peripheral devices connected to CPU.

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QUESTION. What is meant by Computer Software? Also differentiate between system software
and application software by giving examples.
Ans: Computer Software:
Computer software refers to a set of instructions, programs, or data used to operate and control the
hardware components of a computer. It is a collection of programs and related data that enable a
computer system to perform specific tasks. Software can be broadly categorized into two main
types: system software and application software.
System Software:
System software is a type of computer software designed to provide a platform for other software
to run and interact with hardware. It acts as an intermediary between the hardware and application
software, facilitating communication and managing resources. Key functions of system software
include managing hardware components, providing a user interface, and ensuring the proper
functioning of the computer system.
Examples of System Software:
Operating Systems (OS):
Examples include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Unix. The operating system is the core
system software that manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and facilitates the
execution of application programs.
Device Drivers:
Device drivers are software components that enable communication between the operating system
and specific hardware devices. Examples include drivers for printers, graphics cards, and network
adapters.
Utilities:
System utilities are tools that assist in managing and optimizing the computer system. Examples
include antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, and system monitoring utilities.
Compilers and Interpreters:
Compilers and interpreters are tools used in software development. Compilers translate source code
into machine code, while interpreters execute code directly. Examples include GCC (GNU Compiler
Collection) and Python interpreter.
Application Software:
Application software is designed to perform specific tasks or applications for end-users. Unlike
system software, application software is user-focused and serves the needs and preferences of
individuals or organizations. It utilizes the platform provided by the operating system to execute
tasks and solve particular problems.
Examples of Application Software:
Microsoft Office Suite:
Includes applications like Microsoft Word (word processing), Excel (spreadsheets), and PowerPoint
(presentation software). These applications are used for various office-related tasks.
Adobe Photoshop:
An image editing software used for graphic design, photo editing, and manipulation.

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Web Browsers:
Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. Web browsers allow users
to access and interact with content on the internet.
Video Editing Software:
Applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or iMovie are used for editing and producing videos.
Games:
Video games are a form of application software designed for entertainment. Examples include
Minecraft, Fortnite, and League of Legends.
Accounting Software:
Applications like QuickBooks or Xero are used for financial management and accounting purposes.
Differentiating System Software and Application Software:
Purpose:
System Software: Manages and facilitates the overall operation of the computer system.
Application Software: Performs specific tasks as required by end-users.
Interaction:
System Software: Interacts with hardware components and provides a platform for application
software.
Application Software: Interacts directly with end-users and addresses their specific needs.
Examples:
System Software: Operating systems, device drivers, utilities.
Application Software: Microsoft Office, Photoshop, web browsers, games.
Dependency:
System Software: Essential for the functioning of the computer system.
Application Software: Depends on the platform provided by the operating system.

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