Act 1-Comprog

1. Define a System. What constitutes a computer system?
 A system, in general terms, is a collection of interrelated components that work

together to achieve a specific goal or function. These components can be physical
objects, software programs, or even living things. The key is that they interact and
depend on each other in some way.
When it comes to computers, a computer system is more than just the computer
itself. A computer is a complex system consisting of many different components.
 A complete computer system consists of four parts: hardware, software, users, and
data.
 Hardware - the physical parts that make up the computer are called
hardware.
 Software - the set of instruction that makes the computer perform tasks.
 Users - people are the computer operator, also known as users.
 Data - data consist of individual facts or bits of information, which by
themselves may not make sense to a person.
2. Write short notes on First up to Forth Generation of Computers, Limitations of

computers.
 First Generation (Vacuum Tubes) 1939-1954
 Computer in this generation was expensive and bulky. They used machine
language for computing and could solve problem at a time. Computers
during this phase could not support multitasking activities.
 Second Generation (Punched card/transistor) 1954-1959
 Transistor made computers smaller and cheaper. They made computers
energy efficient. But transistors were responsible for the emission of large
amount of heat from the computer.
 Third Generation (Chip/Integrated Circuit (IC)) 1959-1971
 The semiconductors increased the speed and efficiency of the computer.
Operating systems were the human interface to computing operations and
keyboards and monitors became the input and output devices.
 Fourth Generation (Microprocessor) 1971-1991
 Intel produced large-scale integration circuits in 1971.
 1972, Intel introduced the 8080 microprocessor
 Fifth Generation (Under the Development) 1991 – beyond
 Computer system under fifth generation are going to be based on
principles of Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language recognition.
3. Explain the classification of computers on the basis of their capacity to access memory
and size.
1. Supercomputers:
Size: Largest and most expensive
Memory: Massive RAM and storage capacity
Access: Fastest possible access to memory for complex calculations
These are the titans of computing, used for scientific research, weather forecasting, and
other tasks requiring immense processing power. They can access vast amounts of
memory very quickly.
2. Mainframe Computers:
Size: Large and powerful, but smaller than supercomputers

Memory: Very large RAM and storage capacity
Access: High-speed access to memory for centralized data processing
Mainframes are still used by large organizations for large-scale data processing, like
banking transactions or airline reservations. They can handle many users simultaneously
and have robust security measures.
3. Minicomputers:
Size: Medium-sized, historically filled the gap between mainframes and microcomputers
Memory: Large memory capacity for their time
Access: Fast access to memory for smaller-scale multi-user environments
While not as common today, minicomputers were once popular for businesses needing
multi-user capabilities without the size and expense of a mainframe.
4. Microcomputers (Personal Computers - PCs):
Size: Small and relatively inexpensive

Memory: Varied memory capacity depending on user needs
Access: Slower access to memory compared to larger systems, but sufficient for most
tasks
This is the category most people encounter daily. PCs come in various shapes and sizes,
from desktops to laptops, with memory capacities tailored to different tasks.
5. Embedded Systems:
Size: Very small, often part of a larger device

Memory: Limited memory capacity for specific functions
Access: Memory access speed depends on the specific system
These are specialized computers designed for a single task, often with very limited
memory but efficient access for that specific purpose. Examples include smartwatches,
calculators, and controllers in appliances.
4. List the applications of computers.

Uses of Computer
The use of computer is classified into six categories:
1. Personal Computing
2. Science and Research
3. Information System/Data Processing
4. Education
6. Artificial Intelligence

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1. Define a System. What constitutes a computer system?

 A system, in general terms, is a collection of interrelated components that work

2. Write short notes on First up to Forth Generation of Computers, Limitations of

Size: Large and powerful, but smaller than supercomputers

4. Microcomputers (Personal Computers - PCs):

Size: Small and relatively inexpensive

Size: Very small, often part of a larger device

4. List the applications of computers.

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