Name: Mohamed Sakhaau Shaheed.

Subject: Operating System.

OPERATING SYSTEM

2011
 Answer the following questions:

1) Define the term “computer” and why it is called as system?

A computer is an electronic device which is used it store data or information under the
control of a sequence of instructions. A system has a set of parts connected together, so it
is called a system.

Technically, a computer is a programmable machine. This means it can execute a

programmed list of instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given. Today,
however, the term is most often used to refer to the desktop and laptop computers that
most people use. When referring to a desktop model, the term "computer" technically
only refers to the computer itself -- not the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. Still, it is
acceptable to refer to everything together as the computer. If you want to be really
technical, the box that holds the computer is called the "system unit."

Some of the major parts of a personal computer (or PC) include the motherboard, CPU,
memory (or RAM), hard drive, and video card. While personal computers are by far the
most common type of computers today, there are several other types of computers. For
example, a "minicomputer" is a powerful computer that can support many users at once.
A "mainframe" is a large, high-powered computer that can perform billions of
calculations from multiple sources at one time. Finally, a "supercomputer" is a machine
that can process billions of instructions a second and is used to calculate extremely
complex calculations.

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2) Draw the block diagram of computer and explain it.

(ALU)
Arithermatic and Logic

Input (CU) Output

Unit Control Unit Unit

(MU)
Memory Unit

 Input Unit.

It is the unit through which the computer user interact with the computer data
and instruction are given to the computer with the help of input unit.

- Input Devices.
Input devises are machines that generate input for the computer. They are
controlled by the user.
E.g.:-keyboard.
-Mouse.
-Web camera…etc…

 Output Unit.

The computer gives the output result to the user through output unit.

- Output Devices.

3 Output Devices are machines that display information from the computer.
These are controlled by the computer.
E.g.:-Monitor.
-Printer.
-Speaker…etc...
 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

This unit controls the computer and execute the gives instruction the (CPU) is a
microchip inside the computer which contains the logic circuitry that responds
the processes instruction that drive the computer.

The CPU Consist of three Units. They are:

 (ALU) Arithermatic and Logic Unit.

This unit is used to perform all arithermatical calculations like addition,

subtraction and Multiplication.

 (CU) Control Unit.

The control unit acts as a central nerve system for the other components of
the computer. It controls and directs the operation whole system.

 (MU) Memory Unit.

It is an important part of all data and instruction are stored in memory

temporary before sending to output unit.

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3) Explain about input device with example.
An input device is any device that provides input to a computer. There are dozens of possible
input devices, but the two most common ones are a keyboard and mouse. Every key you press on
the keyboard and every movement or click you make with the mouse sends a specific input
signal to the computer. These commands allow you to open programs, type messages, drag
objects, and perform many other functions on your computer.

Since the job of a computer is primarily to process input, computers are pretty useless without
input devices. Just imagine how much fun you would have using your computer without a
keyboard or mouse. Not very much. Therefore, input devices are a vital part of every computer
system.

While most computers come with a keyboard and mouse, other input devices may also be used to
send information to the computer. Some examples include joysticks, MIDI keyboards,
microphones, scanners, digital cameras, webcams, card readers, UPC scanners, and scientific
measuring equipment. All these devices send information to the computer and therefore are
categorized as input devices. Peripherals that output data from the computer are called output
devices.

E.g.:
- Mouse.

A mouse is an input device that can be used by clicking on the

buttons provided on it. It can be used to draw, click on
command buttons like close, shut down, click on program icons
and open programs etc. It is shown on the computer’s screen as
a mouse pointer. It is also used to select text and objects for
editing.

- Keyboard.
A keyboard is used to input data by typing. It is the most common
input device found with a computer system. It contains alphabetical
keys, symbols, special function keys (F1, F2, F3….) and other
special keys (control, alternate, backspace…..). This form of input is
also called Manual input data.

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4) Write down the different between input devices and output devices?
  Computing Sequence.

In computing, data input comes before data output. When you play an audio clip stored in disk,
all the processes you carry out, including double-clicking the file, are inputs. You instruct the
computer by using input devices to open a folder, locate the file, load the media player and play
the audio clip. The computer takes in these instructions, executes them and gives you an output
in the form of sound from the speakers. The same sequence is carried out in all computing
processes, whether you edit a word document or browse the Internet.

 Common Input Devices.

Common input devices include mouse, keyboard, scanner, microphone and web-cam. The mouse
and the keyboard are the most important input devices as all programs, including the operating
system (OS), are designed to be navigated through and controlled with these devices. The mouse,
a pointing device, is a small hemispherical object with a flat bottom; the contours fit into the
palm of the hand, translating physical motions of the operator to cursor movement on the screen.
In laptop computers, the mouse has been replaced with a flat, pressure-sensitive panel, operated
by a finger. Another critical input device, the keyboard is a flat panel with rows of alphanumeric
keys and other special keys with unique computing functions.

 Common Output Devices.

The most common output devices in modern computers are the display monitor, speaker, printer
and the sound and video cards. The monitor works in conjunction with the video card, sometimes
referred to as the graphics adapter, to generate and display images. The display monitor in a
modern computer is flat-panel LCD screen able to display bright images with full clarity. Size of
the display unit may vary, depending on computer function and setting---usually it is between 14
and 21 inches. Computer speakers play sounds, based on signals from the audio card. In a
modern computer, the speakers can either be integrated into the hardware or added as a
peripheral device.

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 Accessibility.
Accessibility is a point of difference between input and output devices. An input device is used
to take instructions from a user and give it to the computer and therefore has to be easily
accessible to the user. If the mouse, instead of being on top of the table, was inside the
computer's tower casing, it would be cumbersome (and dangerous) to operate the device. Output
devices, on the other hand, do not rely on any form of physical contact with the computer user
and may be present as an internal component. Examples are the expansion cards (sound and
video) that are fitted into slots in the motherboard.

5) Write about the word “DILIGENCE”.

The DILIGENCE of a computer system means that it can work full day
continuously. They also work at same rate throughout the day.

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 6) Explain about the application of the computer.

- Application software.

 Application software is developed for a particular type of programs

that process on the data for user application. These are two types:
 Special purpose software.
This software is developing for a specific application of the
particular organization.
E.g.: -Medical purpose
- Banking software.

 General purpose software.

This software is developing for packages.
E.g.: -MS-Word
-MS-Excel...etc…

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 7) Write about the history of the computer.

 1st Generation (1940-1956).

+ Technology: Vacum Tube.

+size is big.
+Memory is low.
+input: Punch card.
+Language: - Machine Language.
+Output: Printed display.

 2nd Generation (1956-1963).

+ Technology: Transistors.
+Size is reduced than the previous generation.
+Speed and memory are increased.
+Input: Punch card.
+Language: - Machine Language.
-Assemble Language.
+Output: Printed display.

 3rd Generation (1964-1971).

+ Technology: Integrated circuits.

+Size is reduced than the previous generation.
+Speed and memory are increased.
+Character User Interface technology.
+Input: Keyboard.
+Output: Monitor.
+Language: - Machine Language.
-Assemble Language.

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 4th generation (1971- Present).

+ Technology: Micro Processor.

+Size is reduced than the previous generation.
+Speed and memory are increased.
+Graphical User Interface.
+Input: Keyboard, Mouse…etc...
+Output: Monitor, Printer…etc…
+Language: - Machine Language.
-Assemble Language.
-High level language.

 5th Generation (Present-Beyond).

+ Technology: Artificial intelligence.

+Nano Technology
+Parallel Processing.
+Molecular Technology.

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 8) Differentiate between Analog and Digital.

Analog Components
Analog components are used continuously variable electric currents and voltages to reproduce
data being transmitted. Since data is sent using variable currents in an analog system, it is very
difficult to remove noise and wave distortions during the transmission. For this reason, analog
signals cannot perform high-quality data transmission.

Digital Components

On the other hand, digital signals use binary data strings (0 and 1) to reproduce data being
transmitted. Noise and distortions have little effect, making high-quality data transmission
possible.

9) Write the difference between the task bar properties and desktop properties.
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Desktop properties.
 Desktop properties or Display Properties is to adjust settings such as desktop color and
background, use your right mouse button click anywhere on the desktop, and then click
properties.

Taskbar properties.

The taskbar is the bar on your desktop that has start button on it. Every time you start a
program or open a window a button representing that window on the taskbar. To switch
between windows, just click on the button for the window you want. When you close a
window its button disappears from the taskbar.
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Depending on what task you are working on, other indicators can appears in the
representing power on your portable computer.
At the one end of the taskbar is the clock. To view or change settings just double click,
the clock or any of the indicator.
 Taskbar properties help us to edit the taskbar. We can lock the task bar in the desk top so
it does not move. We can also auto hide it so it will disappear from the desktop. When we
move the mouse pointer nearby than the taskbar will show up. Start menu can be change
to different modes like classic menu bar that the menu bars of the old windows.

10) Write the procedure to change your folder icon picture.

1. Select the folder which you want to change the icon.

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 2.Than right click on to the folder and select properties.

3. Then click on to Customize.

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 4. Then Select any Icon you like and set ok.

5.Close the folder properties window or just click on to OK.

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 2

11) Explain about types of software.

Software refers to the set of instructions used to perform a particular task.

Software is instructions for the computer. Software tells the hardware how to
process the data.

Software can be divided in to two types:

- System software.

 System software consist set of program which run a computer itself,

like the software that is used by machine when it is switched “ON”.

16  System software is responsible for controlling, managing and

integrating of a computer system.

- Application software.
  Application software is developed for a particular type of programs
that process on the data for user application. These are two types:
 Special purpose software.
This software is developing for a specific application of the
particular organization.
E.g.: -Medical purpose
- Banking software.

 General purpose software.

This software is developing for packages.
E.g.: -MS-Word
-MS-Excel...etc…

Answer all the question:

1) Write down the different between computer and human being?

HUMAN.

 Have natural intelligence.

 Have good thinking power.
 Have common sense.
 Performs arithermatic calculations in minutes or hours.

17 


Have memory power.
Have learning power.
It gives approximate solution.
 Due to tiardness.
 COMPUTER.

 Have artificial intelligence.

 No thinking power.
 No common sense.
 Performs arthermatic calculation in second or mili seconds.
 Have very good memory power.
 No learning power.
 All time give accurate solution.
 No tiadness “DILIGENCE”

2) Explain about storage devices.

STORAGE

SECONDARY
PRIMARY MEMORY

FLOPPY DISK DRIVE HARD DISK DRIVE CD-ROM FLASH MEMORY

RANDOM ACESS READ ONLY (HDD) (HDD)
MEMORY (RAM) MEMORY (ROM)

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ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE
READ ONLY MEMORY PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY
(EPROM) MEMORY (EEPROM)

STATIC RAM DYNAMIC

(SRAM) RAM
SECONADARY MEMORY
Although main memory holds data programs, we know it is not enough for our needs. So we
need a secondary storage device, which can store data permanently i.e., even when the power is
off.
Uses:
Secondary storage devises are use to store:

 Operating system files, application software and the user’s data.

1. Floppy Disk Drive.(FDD)

A floppy disk drive is a single flexible disk held in a protected
plastic case coated with magnetic material.
Features:
It is a plastic disk coated with magnetic material on both sides; it is
small and light weight and its capacity is 1.44MB; they are mainly
used to have backup and transfer data between computers.

2. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Hard drives is usually consisting of several disk on a single spindle

(rod). The disk is made of hard metallic material and comes in an
aluminum case. Now a day’s every computer comes with a hard drive in
it as a backing storage device.

3.FLSH MEMORY

It is a non-versatile ROM otherwise called as EEPROM. Store data permanently. A

technology used in memory card, internal memory devices like pocket pc phone and pen
drive. Also called solid state memory.

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 3) Explain briefly about the classification of computer.

 Micro computer.

The most familiar kind of computer is micro

computer.
In these computer easy to use but only one user
can use at a time.
E.g.: Home PC.

 Minicomputer.
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It is small general purpose computer. These are
costlier/expensive than micro computer.
 Storage capacity and speed are more than home PC. They can also handle
great deal of input and output. More than one person can use at a time.

 Mainframe computer.

Mainframe computers are used by corporate

organization to excess large amount of data base.
The mainframe computer terminals serve as
input or output devices.

 Super computer.

Super computer are largest, fastest and most

expensive computer. They use multiple
processors and are capable of performing
tasks in parallel. They can process huge
amount of data. They are use in the areas
are: Defense application.
E.g.: Cray1,Cray2, PARAM 10000.

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