Topic: What is a Computer?

1. What is a computer? Explain with examples.

A computer is an electronic device that takes input (data), processes it, and gives output (results).
It works very fast and can store a large amount of information.

Examples:

 Your mobile phone is a type of computer.

 A desktop computer you use at school or home.
 An ATM that gives you money is also a computer.

It follows the IPO cycle:

 Input → Processing → Output

2. How is a computer different from a calculator?

A calculator can only do simple math (add, subtract, multiply, divide). It has a small memory
and can’t store programs.

A computer can do many types of tasks:

 Run software like MS Word, games, or browsers.

 Store pictures, videos, files.
 Connect to the internet.
 Do complex calculations.

Example:

 A calculator can solve 23+45.

 A computer can write a report, edit photos, and also do math.

3. Describe the characteristics of a computer.

Main characteristics:

1. Speed – Computers work very fast.

2. Accuracy – They give correct results if the input is correct.
3. Automation – Once started, they work automatically.
4. Storage – They can store lots of data.
5. Multitasking – Can do many jobs at once.
6. Diligence – Never gets tired like humans.
7. Communication – Can share data through the internet.
4. Define and differentiate between data and information.

 Data is raw facts and figures. Example: 80, 90, 75.

 Information is when data is organized or processed to give meaning.
Example: "Student's marks are 80 in Math, 90 in English, 75 in Science."

In short:
👉 Data = raw
👉 Information = processed, meaningful

Topic: Components of a Computer System

1. What are the main components of a computer system?

The main parts are:

1. Hardware – Physical parts (monitor, keyboard, mouse).

2. Software – Programs inside the computer (Windows, MS Word).
3. Users – People who use the computer.

2. Explain the role of input, output, and processing devices in a computer.

 Input devices give data to the computer.

Example: Keyboard (type), Mouse (click), Scanner.
 Processing device is the CPU (brain of the computer).
It processes the input.
 Output devices show the result.
Example: Monitor (see result), Printer (get printout), Speakers (hear sound).

3. What is the difference between hardware and software?

Hardware Software
Physical parts you can touch Programs you can't touch
Example: keyboard, CPU Example: Windows, MS Paint
Tells hardware what to do
Needed to operate the computer

4. Define the term peripheral and give examples.

Peripheral means extra devices connected to the computer but not part of the main system.

Examples:

 Input peripheral: Mouse, Keyboard

 Output peripheral: Printer, Speaker
  Storage peripheral: USB drive, External hard disk

Topic: Categories of Computers

1. List and describe the different types of computers based on size and power.

1. Microcomputers – Small, for personal use.

Example: Laptops, desktops.
2. Minicomputers – Medium-sized, used in small companies.
3. Mainframe computers – Very powerful, used in banks, airlines.
4. Supercomputers – Fastest, used in weather forecasting, space research.
5. Embedded computers – Built into devices like washing machines or cars.

2. Compare microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframe computers.

Feature Microcomputer Minicomputer Mainframe

Size Small (PC/laptop) Medium Large

Users 1 person 10–100 people 100s to 1000s

Use Home, school Small business Banks, government

Power Low Medium Very high

3. What are supercomputers and where are they used?

A supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful computer. It can process huge amounts of
data quickly.

Used in:

 Space research (NASA)

 Weather forecasting
 Earthquake studies
 Scientific research
 Nuclear tests

Topic: Applications of Computers

1. Mention at least five fields where computers are used and how.

1. Education – Online classes, presentations, learning software.

2. Medicine – Patient records, diagnosis machines (X-ray, MRI).
3. Business – Emails, online sales, account management.
4. Banking – ATM services, online banking, customer data.
 5. Entertainment – Games, movies, music, editing videos.

2. How has the use of computers transformed education/medicine/business?

 Education:
o Online classes, e-books, digital exams, and smartboards.
o Students can learn anytime from anywhere.
 Medicine:
o Doctors use computers for reports, surgeries, and prescriptions.
o Machines help in checking blood, heart, and brain.
 Business:
o Saves time by using accounting software.
o Easy communication via email, Zoom, WhatsApp.
o Helps in data storage and customer tracking.

Chapter 2: Generations of Computers

Topic: Computer Generations Overview

1. What is meant by the term “generation” in computer history?

A generation in computer history means the stage of development of computers over time.
Each generation is marked by:

 New technology
 Faster speed
 Smaller size
 More power
 In short, "generation" = step-by-step improvement in computers.

2. Why are computer generations important to understand?

It is important because:

 We can see how computers have improved.

 It helps us understand old vs. modern technology.
 We learn what made computers cheaper, faster, and smaller.
 It shows how computer science has grown over time.

Topic: First to Fifth Generation

3. Describe the main characteristics and technologies of each computer generation:

🟢 First Generation (1940–1956)

 Technology used: Vacuum tubes

  Programming language: Machine language (0s and 1s)
 Size: Very big (room-sized)
 Speed: Very slow
 Heat: Produced a lot of heat
 Storage: Punched cards

Example: ENIAC, UNIVAC

🟢 Second Generation (1956–1963)

 Technology used: Transistors

 Programming language: Assembly language
 Size: Smaller than 1st gen
 Speed: Faster
 Heat: Less heat than vacuum tubes
 Storage: Magnetic tape, disk

Example: IBM 1401, CDC 1604

🟢 Third Generation (1964–1971)

 Technology used: Integrated Circuits (IC)

 Programming language: High-level (C, COBOL, FORTRAN)
 Size: Much smaller
 Speed: Faster than 2nd gen
 Heat: Low heat
 New features: Keyboard, monitor

Example: IBM 360, PDP-8

🟢 Fourth Generation (1971–Present)

 Technology used: Microprocessors (CPU on a chip)

 Languages: All modern languages (C, Java, Python)
 Size: Very small (laptops, mobiles)
 Speed: Very fast
 Cost: Cheaper
 Use: Home, business, education

Example: Intel 4004, Apple computers

🟢 Fifth Generation (Present and Beyond)

 Technology used: Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics

 Features: Smart machines, voice recognition
 Size: Pocket size (mobiles), wearable
  Speed: Super fast
 Goal: To think like humans

Examples: AI in ChatGPT, self-driving cars, smart assistants (Siri, Alexa)

4. Match each generation to the technology it introduced:

Generation Technology Used

1st Generation Vacuum tubes

2nd Generation Transistors

3rd Generation Integrated Circuits

4th Generation Microprocessor

5th Generation Artificial Intelligence

5. What were the advantages and disadvantages of each generation?

Generation Advantages Disadvantages

1st First computers, faster than manual Very big, slow, lots of heat

2nd Smaller, faster, less heat Still bulky, costly

3rd More compact, cheaper, faster Still not user-friendly

4th Small, very fast, low cost Needs proper cooling

5th Smart, AI-based, powerful Still developing, expensive

6. Trends across generations: Speed, Size, Cost, Energy Efficiency

 Speed: Increased in every generation

 Size: Became smaller
 Cost: Became cheaper
 Energy use: Improved energy efficiency
 Technology: Moved from manual → automatic → intelligent

✅ Chapter 3: Computer Hardware

Topic: Input Devices

1. What is an input device? Give at least five examples with their functions.

Input device = Device that sends data to the computer.

Examples:

1. Keyboard – Used to type letters, numbers.

2. Mouse – Used to point, click, drag.
3. Scanner – Converts paper into digital files.
4. Microphone – Records sound.
5. Webcam – Captures video/images.

Topic: Output Devices

2. Define output devices and give examples.

Output device = Device that shows the result from the computer.

Examples:

1. Monitor – Shows the result visually.

2. Printer – Gives printed copy (paper).
3. Speakers – Play sounds or music.
4. Projector – Displays computer screen on wall.

3. Difference between soft copy and hard copy output:

Type Description Example

Soft copy Seen on screen, temporary Monitor display

Printed page
Hard copy Printed on paper, permanent
from printer

4. What are the different types of monitors?

1. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) – Old, big monitors.

2. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – Slim, used in laptops.
3. LED (Light Emitting Diode) – Bright, energy-efficient.
 4. OLED (Organic LED) – High quality, used in phones.

5. PIXEL, Resolution, Megapixel, Refresh Rate:

 Pixel: Tiny dot that makes the image on screen.

 Resolution: Number of pixels (more pixels = clearer image).
 Megapixel: 1 million pixels (used in camera quality).
 Refresh Rate: Times per second the image updates (higher = smoother video).

Topic: Processing Unit (CPU)

6. What are the components of the CPU?

CPU = Central Processing Unit (brain of computer)

Main parts:

1. ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) – Does calculations.

2. CU (Control Unit) – Controls instructions.
3. Registers – Small memory for fast data access.

Topic: Memory and Storage

7. Differentiate between RAM and ROM.

RAM ROM
Temporary memory Permanent memory
Data lost after shutdown Data stays
Can be changed Can’t be changed easily
Used to run programs Used to boot computer

8. What is the difference between primary and secondary memory?

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

Directly used by CPU Used for long-term storage

Example: RAM, ROM Example: HDD, SSD, USB

9. Compare volatile and non-volatile memory with examples.

 Volatile: Loses data when power is off.

Example: RAM
 Non-volatile: Keeps data even after power off.
Example: ROM, HDD, SSD
10. Describe the different types of storage devices:

1. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) – Large capacity, slower.

2. SSD (Solid State Drive) – Faster, no moving parts.
3. Optical Disc – CD, DVD, stores music, videos.
4. Flash Drives – USB pen drives for file transfer.

11. What is cache memory? How does it affect performance?

Cache memory is a very fast, small memory inside the CPU.

 Stores recently used data.

 Helps the CPU work faster.
 Reduces delay.

In short: More cache = better performance

Topic: Motherboard and Ports

12. What is the motherboard and what are its key components?

The motherboard is the main board inside the computer.

It connects all parts:

 CPU
 RAM
 Hard drive
 Power supply
 Ports (USB, HDMI)
 Key components:

1. CPU socket 2.RAM slots 3.Power connector 4.USB ports 5. SATA ports (for
storage) 6.Expansion slots (for graphics, sound cards)