Chapter 1: Computer System: Types of Computer
Book’s exercise page number 41
a)Which
of the following is not a type of computer on the basis of operation?
i.Remote
ii.Hybrid
iii.Analog
iv.Digital
b)
A computer that operates on discret data.
i.remote
ii.
hybrid
iii.
analog
iv digital
c)
Which of the following computer is mostly used for automatic operations?
i.remote
ii.hybrid
iii.
analog
iv. digital
d)
Forecasting. are used for solving complex application such as Global Weather
i.Super
Computers
ii.
Public computers
iii.Mobile
computers
iv.
Hybrid computers
f)
The invention of……………..gave birth to the much cheaper microcomputers.
i.
Mainframes
ii.
Microcomputers
iii.Microprocessors
iv.
PDAs
g)
Which of the following computers can operate on batteries and hence are very
popular with travelers?
i.
Mainframes
ii. Laptops
iii.Microprocessors
iv.
Hybrid
h)PDA
stands for.......
i.
personal digital applications
ii.private
digital applications
iii. personal
digital assistants
iv.
private digital assistants
i)
……………computers are lower to mainframe computers in terms of speed and storage
capacity.
i. Mini
ii.
Super
iii.Mainframes
iv.
Hybrid
j)
An analog computer operates on
i.
Text Files
ii. Analog data
iii.Digital
Data
iv.
None of these
k)
…….are involved in mobile computing.
i.
Mobile communication
ii.
Mobile hardware
iii.Mobile
software
iv. All of them
2.
Short Answer Questions:
a)
What is an analog computer? Where is it used?
Answer:
An analog computer is a type of computer that represents data in a continuous
physical form, such as electrical voltage, fluid pressure, or mechanical
motion. It performs calculations using continuously changing values rather than
discrete numbers.
Uses:
Analog
computers are mainly used in:
·
Scientific
and engineering applications
·
Process
control systems
·
Simulation
of aircraft and missiles
·
Measurement
of physical quantities such as temperature, speed, and pressure
b)
What is a digital computer? Write its types.
Answer:
A digital computer is a computer that processes data in discrete (binary) form,
i.e., 0s and 1s. It performs arithmetic and logical operations using digital
signals.
Types
of digital computers:
1.
Microcomputer
2.
Minicomputer
3.
Mainframe computer
4.
Supercomputer
c)
Classify computers on the basis of size.
Answer:
On the basis of size, computers are classified into:
1.
Microcomputers – Smallest in size, used by individuals (e.g., PCs, laptops)
2.
Minicomputers – Medium-sized computers used by small organizations
3.
Mainframe computers – Large computers used by big organizations for centralized
data processing
4.
Supercomputers – Fastest and most powerful computers used for scientific
research and complex calculations
d)
What is a mainframe computer and what are its typical applications?
Answer:A
mainframe computer is a large, powerful, and high-capacity computer designed to
handle and process large volumes of data simultaneously. It supports multiple
users and applications at the same time.
Applications:
·
Banking
and financial institutions for transaction processing
·
Airlines
for ticket reservations and scheduling
·
Government
and census departments for data management
·
Large
organizations for enterprise-level applications
e)
Define supercomputers and list its applications.
Answer:A
supercomputer is the fastest and most powerful type of computer capable of
performing trillions of calculations per second. It is used for highly complex
and computation-intensive tasks.
Applications:
·
Weather
forecasting and climate modeling
·
Scientific
research and space exploration
·
Nuclear
simulations
·
Advanced
engineering design
·
Artificial
intelligence and machine learning
f)
What is a microcomputer? Write its types.
Answer:
A microcomputer is a small, low-cost digital computer that uses a microprocessor
as its central processing unit (CPU). It is designed for individual users and
is commonly used in homes, schools, and small offices.
Types
of microcomputers:
1.
Desktop computers
2.
Laptop computers
3.
Notebook computers
4.
Tablet computers
5.
Handheld computers (PDAs, smartphones)
g)
What is a hybrid computer? How is it used in hospitals?
Answer:
A hybrid computer combines the features of both analog and digital computers.
It can process both continuous (analog) and discrete (digital) data.
Use
in hospitals:
Hybrid
computers are used in hospitals for monitoring patients’ vital signs such as
heartbeat, blood pressure, and temperature. The analog signals from sensors are
converted into digital form for processing and analysis.
h)
Define mobile computing with its application.
Answer:
Mobile computing refers to the process of using computing devices while being
mobile, allowing users to access data and applications without being connected
to a fixed physical location.
Applications:
·
Mobile
banking and online payments
·
GPS
navigation systems
·
Wireless
internet access
·
Online
shopping and communication apps
·
Fieldwork
data collection
i)
Differentiate between the following:
i.
General-purpose computers and Special-purpose computers
|
Basis |
General-purpose
computer |
Special-purpose
computer |
|
Definition |
Designed
to perform a variety of tasks. |
Designed
to perform a specific task. |
|
Flexibility |
Can
run many types of programs. |
Can
run only one type of program. |
|
Example |
Personal
computers, laptops. |
ATMs,
traffic control systems. |
ii.
Analog computer and Digital computer
|
Basis |
Analog
computer |
Digital
computer |
|
Data
type |
Works
on continuous data. |
Works
on discrete (binary) data. |
|
Accuracy |
Less
accurate due to physical measurements. |
Highly
accurate. |
|
Speed |
Fast
in solving real-time problems. |
Slightly
slower for continuous problems. |
|
Example |
Thermometer,
speedometer. |
Laptop,
desktop computer. |
j)
Write short notes on:
i.
Mainframe computer
Mainframe
computers are large, powerful systems capable of handling and processing large
amounts of data. They support hundreds of users simultaneously and are used by
banks, government offices, and large organizations for centralized data
processing.
ii.
Supercomputer
Supercomputers
are the fastest and most powerful computers designed to perform complex
scientific calculations at very high speeds. They are used in weather
forecasting, nuclear research, space exploration, and climate modeling.
---
iii.
Desktop computer
A
desktop computer is a personal computer designed for regular use at a single
location. It consists of separate components such as a monitor, CPU, keyboard,
and mouse. It is used in offices, schools, and homes for general computing
tasks.
iv.
Hybrid computer
A
hybrid computer combines the properties of analog and digital computers,
allowing it to handle both continuous and discrete data. It is used in
scientific applications, hospitals, and industrial control systems.
v.
Analog computer
An
analog computer processes data that varies continuously and represents
information using physical quantities such as voltage or temperature. It is
used in engineering, simulations, and measuring real-world parameters.
3.
Long Answer Questions:
a.
What is a microcomputer? Explain its types.
A
microcomputer is a small, low-cost digital computer that uses a microprocessor
as its Central Processing Unit (CPU). It is designed for individual use, and
all its components such as input, output, storage, and processing units are
housed in a single unit. Microcomputers are used in homes, schools, small
offices, and business organizations for general-purpose tasks such as word
processing, internet browsing, and data management.
Types
of microcomputers:
1.
Desktop Computer:
A personal computer designed to be used on a
desk. It consists of separate parts like a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and CPU.
It is used in homes, offices, and schools.
2.
Laptop Computer:
A portable computer that combines all
components (monitor, keyboard, CPU, and battery) into one compact unit. It can
operate on battery power and is ideal for mobile users.
3.
Notebook Computer:
A smaller and lighter version of a laptop
with similar features. It is easy to carry and often used by travelers and
students.
4.
Tablet Computer:
A touch-screen based portable device
operated using fingers or a stylus. It is used for reading, browsing, and
multimedia tasks.
5.
Handheld or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant):
A small pocket-sized computer used for
managing personal information such as schedules, contacts, and emails. Modern
smartphones also fall into this category.
b.
How are computers classified on the basis of size?
Computers
can be classified into four major categories on the basis of their size,
processing power, and storage capacity.
1.
Microcomputer:
Smallest in size and cost, designed for
single users. Examples: Desktop, Laptop, Tablet.
2.
Minicomputer:
Medium-sized computer capable of supporting
multiple users at once. It is used by small to medium organizations for data
processing and departmental work. Examples: DEC PDP series.
3.
Mainframe Computer:
Large, powerful computers used by big
organizations for processing massive amounts of data and supporting hundreds of
users simultaneously. Examples: IBM zSeries, Hitachi mainframes.
4.
Supercomputer:
The fastest and most powerful type of
computer used for scientific research, weather forecasting, and complex
mathematical simulations. Examples: PARAM, Summit, Fugaku.
c.
Explain different classifications of computer based on data handling.
On
the basis of data handling or mode of operation, computers are classified into three
types — Analog, Digital, and Hybrid computers.
1.
Analog Computer:
Analog computers process continuous data
that vary over a range. They represent information using physical quantities
such as voltage, temperature, or pressure. They are mainly used in scientific
and engineering fields for process control and simulation.
Example: Speedometer, thermometer, or flight
simulator.
2.
Digital Computer:
Digital computers process discrete data,
usually in binary form (0s and 1s). They perform arithmetic and logical
operations with high accuracy. They are used in business, education,
engineering, and personal computing.
Example: Desktop computers, laptops, and
calculators.
3.
Hybrid Computer:
A hybrid computer combines the features of
both analog and digital computers. It processes both continuous and discrete
data simultaneously. These computers are used in specialized applications where
both speed and accuracy are required.
Example: Patient monitoring systems in
hospitals, missile control systems.