August 2010

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BScIT) – Semester 1/

Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) – Semester 1

BT0062 – Fundamentals of IT – 4 Credits

(Book ID: B0946)

Assignment Set – 1 (60 Marks)

Answer all questions 10 x 6 = 60

1. How computers are useful in data generation?

Answer:- Wrong question (Computer is a data processing machine)

2. Write a note on computer structure.

Answer:- A computer is a fast and accurate device, which can accept data, store data,

process them and give, desired result as output. The computer is organized into four units as

show in the flowing diagram.

Input devices (keyboard, mouse, etc).

Memory board.

Central Processing Unit (processor).

Page | 1

Output devices (video terminal, printer, etc.).

Besides these main components we find slow secondary storing divices, such as floppy disks

and hard disks. These can contain data and programs that can be used as input. They also

can receive output. Further there may be one ore more control units that check and regulates

information-flow (information-traffic).

Figure 1. Von Neumann's computer architecture -- the layout of a typical serial machine.

Except with respect to input and output devices, the information-flow is in a back-and-forth

fashion.

To program such a computer, in order that it will solve a certain problem or generate some

desired result, the programmer first writes an algorithm, which is a solution of the problem in

the form of a sequence of steps, written in ordinary language. This algorithm is then coded into

a suitable programming language that will enable the computer to ' understand ' and

successfully execute the corresponding instructions. Usually, this involves one of the ' higher '

programming languages, so called because they are reasonable close to human language.

But because the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is composed of a set of Boolean logic circuits,

it is capable only of performing elementary arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction,

multiplication, and so on. Thus the original programming language fed into the computer must

be first converted by means of an interpreter (translates one line of code and executes it, then

translates the next line, etc.), or a compiler (translates the whole program and then executes

it) into a machine-readable assembly language (instructions, coded in this assembly language

are then directly translated into machine-code, that consists of the electronical equivalents of

0's and 1's) . Only then the machine is able to execute the fed-in instructions.

The input is coded up in memory, which is a grid of electronic on-off switches. The processor,

which is a chip of integrated circuitry, alters what is in the memory, resulting in a different on-

off pattern of switches, and then the output decodes and displays the new contents of the

memory. So the actual computation consists of the processor's activities on the memory.

Accordingly the processor and the memory stand in mutual contact with each other.

3. Convert the following from binary to decimal:

a. 11111

b. 10110

c. 11001

d. 00101

Answer:- a. 31, b. 22 , c. 25 , d. 5

4. What is real-time operating system?

Answer:- A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an operating system (OS) intended for

real-time applications. Such operating systems serve application requests nearly real-time. A

real-time operating system offers programmers more control over process priorities. An

application's process priority level may exceed that of a system process. Real-time operating

systems minimize critical sections of system code, so that the application's interruption is

nearly critical.In general, an operating system (OS) is responsible for managing the hardware

resources of a computer and hosting applications that run on the computer. An RTOS

performs these tasks, but is also specially designed to run applications with very precise timing

and a high degree of reliability. This can be especially important in measurement and

automation systems where downtime is costly or a program delay could cause a safety

hazard.

To be considered "real-time", an operating system must have a known maximum time for each

of the operations that it performs (or at least be able to guarantee that maximum most of the

time). Some of these operations include OS calls and interrupt handling. Operating systems

that can absolutely guarantee a maximum time for these operations are referred to as "hard

real-time", while operating systems that can only guarantee a maximum most of the time are

referred to as "soft real-time". To fully grasp these concepts, it is helpful to consider an

example.

Imagine that you are designing an airbag system for a new model of car. In this case, a small

error in timing (causing the airbag to deploy too early or too late) could be catastrophic and

cause injury. Therefore, a hard real-time system is needed. On the other hand, if you were to

design a mobile phone that received streaming video, it may be ok to lose a small amount of

data occasionally even though on average it is important to keep up with the video stream. For

this application, a soft real-time operating system may suffice.

The main point is that, if programmed correctly, an RTOS can guarantee that a program will

run with very consistent timing. Real-time operating systems do this by providing programmers

with a high degree of control over how tasks are prioritized, and typically also allow checking

to make sure that important deadlines are met. 

In contrast to real-time operating systems, the most popular operating systems for personal

computer use (such as Windows) are called general-purpose operating systems. While more

in-depth technical information on how real-time operating systems differ from general-purpose

operating systems is given in a section below, it is important to remember that there are

advantages and disadvantages to both types of OS. Operating systems like Windows are

designed to smoothly run many programs and services at once, while real-time operating

systems are typically designed to run one application very reliably and with precise timing.

Important Terminology and Concepts

Determinism: An application (or critical piece of an application) that runs on a hard real-time

operating system is referred to as deterministic if its timing can be guaranteed within a certain

margin of error.

Soft vs Hard Real-Time: An OS that can absolutely guarantee a maximum time for the

operations it performs is referred to as hard real-time. In contrast, an OS that can usually

perform operations in a certain time is referred to as soft real-time.

Jitter: The amount of error in the timing of a task over subsequent iterations of a program or

loop is referred to as jitter. Real-time operating systems are optimized to provide a low amount

of jitter when programmed correctly; a task will take very close to the same amount of time to

execute each time it is run.

5. Define OS.

Answer:- An operating system provides a way for you to communicate with your

computer.

Among other things, an operating system is an interface for you to communicate with your

computer. An operating system lets you give your computer commands, typically using a

Graphical User Interface, or GUI. GUIs are much more user-friendly than requiring users to

learn computer languages to communicate with computers. Even if you knew a computer

language, though, your computer would still need an operating system to understand you.

An operating system tells your computer hardware what to do…………………………….

An operating system uses drivers to communicate with the different pieces of hardware in your

system and tell it what to do. Drivers govern the functionality of computer hardware and

peripherals, and they are an integral part of an operating system. Without drivers, you wouldn't

be able to print, scan or even view images on your monitor. Some systems, such as the Unix

operating system, give you a high degree of access and control over your system hardware.

Operating systems provide tools and run applications……………………………….

Operating systems provide system tools that you can use to monitor and effectively utilize

system tools. They also make it possible for you to run applications. Without operating

systems, you wouldn't be able to run any of your programs, including Word, a Web browser or

the other programs you run on a daily basis.

The operating system manages processes and memory………………………………..

In addition to telling your computer hardware what to do, an operating system manages

system resources, including processes and memory. At any given time, most operating

systems are running tons of processes simultaneously. It's the operating system's job to keep

all the processes sorted out and running smoothly. When an operating system fails to manage

processes and memory effectively, your system may crash, or you can run into other

problems.

The operating system manages workflow………………………………………………...

Because so many things are happening simultaneously on your computer, there may be times

when there aren't enough system resources to go around. An operating system manages

priority and tells your computer which tasks to focus on first. Without priority, some of the

necessary background processes might get booted by a memory-hungry application, and your

whole computer could crash.

Your operating system handles file and data management…………………………...

Different operating systems utilize different file systems. File systems determine data flow and

storage options, and they tell your computer how to store and retrieve files. Otherwise, it might

take a lot longer for you to open up the files you need.

Operating systems help maintain your security………………………………………...

Your operating system controls everything from whether or not you need a password to log on,

to preventing intrusion attempts from outside sources. Different operating systems have

different security options, so read an operating system review to determine whether or not the

operating system you're considering has sufficient security functionality.

6. Explain the concepts of headers and footers.

Answer:- Headers and footers are typically used in printed documents. You can create

headers and footers that include text or graphics- for example, page numbers the date, a

company logo, the document’s title or file name, or the auther’s name- that are usually printed

at the top or bottom of each page in a document. A header is printed in the top margin; footer

is a printed in the bottom margin.

You can use the same header and footer throughout a document or change the header and

footer for part of the document. For example, use a unique header or footer on the first page,

you can also use different header and footer on odd and even pages or for part of a document.

7. Briefly explain the formatting tool bar.

Answer:- Explain of the formatting toolbar:- 1-Font: this helps in changing the style of the

text typed in the work sheets. You can select a required font from the available font list and

change the style of the text which is inside the selected blok.

2-Fint Size: this helps in hanging the size of the text. You can select a required size for the

font from the available list and change the size of the text which is inside the selected block.

3-Bold: this helps in making the selected text look bolder than the other text.

4-Italic: this helps to make the text in the selected block tilted or slanted.

5-Underline: this helps in getting a underline to the selected text.

6-Align Left: this helps to left justify the content of cell which is inside the selected block.

7-Center: this helps to enter justify the content of cell which is inside the selected block.

8-Aign right: this helps to right justify the content of cell which is inside the selected blok.

9-Formua bar:

10-Status Bar

8. Explain common Excel functions.

Answer:- (): it is a mathematical function used to add the numeric value in a range of cells.

The format of the function is:

= SUM(Starting cell address: Ending cell address)

For example, if you want to add the content of cell C7,C8, C9 and C10 and store the result in

cell C11, follow the step given below.

1) Take the mouse pointer to cell addressed as C11.

2) Click the left mouse button (this is how select a cell).

3) Now type =SUM (C7:C10) and press enter.

9. Discuss slide transition.

Answer:- Side Transition:- During the side show if you want to give different kind of transition

to the sides oow the steps given below.

1) Click on to slide show option present on the menu bar you wi get a drop down menu.

2) Click on to slide transition option you wi get a menu as shown. This menu has

different options. Let us see each of these options.

a) Effect: by default it is no transition. You can select different kinds of effects for

transition by clicking on the arrow as shown and clicking on the required effect. The

effect of your section is shown in the box of the menu immediately the effect can be

made slow, medium or fast.

b) Advance: this is used to move from on slide to another slide in a presentation during

slide show. You can select the option on mouse click or automatically after. You can

select both the option also. On mouse click: when you select this option you are

required click the mouse button to advance to the next side.

c) Sound: now you can apply this slide transition feature to all the slide of the

presentation or the current side. You can also cancel the menu.

10. Write a note on various Internet Service Providers.

Answer:- An Internet service provider (ISP), also sometimes referred to as an Internet

access provider (IAP), is a company that offers its customers access to the Internet.[1] The

ISP connects to its customers using a data transmission technology appropriate for delivering

Internet Protocol packets or frames, such as dial-up, DSL, cable modem, wireless or dedicated

high-speed interconnects.

ISPs may provide Internet e-mail accounts to users which allow them to communicate with one

another by sending and receiving electronic messages through their ISP's servers. ISPs may

provide services such as remotely storing data files on behalf of their customers, as well as

other services unique to each particular ISP.

ISPs employ a range of technologies to enable consumers to connect to their network.

For users and small businesses, the most popular options include dial-up, DSL (typically

Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, ADSL), broadband wireless, cable modem, fiber to the

premises (FTTH), and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) (typically basic rate

interface). For customers with more demanding requirements, such as medium-to-large

businesses, or other ISPs, DSL (often SHDSL or ADSL), Ethernet, Metro Ethernet, Gigabit

Ethernet, Frame Relay, ISDN (BRI or PRI), ATM, satellite Internet access and synchronous

optical networking (SONET) are more likely to be used.

Internet connectivity options from end-user to Tier 3/2 ISP's

Typical business-type connection

DSL

Ethernet technologies

Leased line

SHDSL

Locality

When using a dial-up or ISDN connection method, the ISP cannot determine the caller's

physical location to more detail than using the number transmitted using an appropriate form

of Caller ID; it is entirely possible to e.g. connect to an ISP located in Mexico from the USA.

Other means of connection such as cable or DSL require a fixed registered connection node,

usually associated at the ISP with a physical address.

ISP interconnection

Just as their customers pay them for Internet access, ISPs themselves pay upstream ISPs for

Internet access. An upstream ISP usually has a larger network than the contracting ISP and/or

is able to provide the contracting ISP with access to parts of the Internet the contracting ISP by

itself has no access to.

In the simplest case, a single connection is established to an upstream ISP and is used to

transmit data to or from areas of the Internet beyond the home network; this mode of

interconnection is often cascaded multiple times until reaching a Tier 1 carrier. In reality, the

situation is often more complex. ISPs with more than one point of presence (PoP) may have

separate connections to an upstream ISP at multiple PoPs, or they may be customers of

multiple upstream ISPs and may have connections to each one of them at one or more point

of presence.

: Peering

ISPs may engage in peering, where multiple ISPs interconnect at peering points or Internet

exchange points (IXs), allowing routing of data between each network, without charging one

another for the data transmitted—data that would otherwise have passed through a third

upstream ISP, incurring charges from the upstream ISP.

ISPs requiring no upstream and having only customers (end customers and/or peer ISPs) are

called Tier 1 ISPs.

Network hardware, software and specifications, as well as the expertise of network

management personnel are important in ensuring that data follows the most efficient route,

and upstream connections work reliably. A tradeoff between cost and efficiency is possible.

: VISP

A Virtual ISP (VISP) is an operation which purchases services from another ISP (sometimes

called a "wholesale ISP" in this context)[2] which allow the VISP's customers to access the

Internet using services and infrastructure owned and operated by the wholesale ISP.

Free ISP

Free ISPs are Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which provide service free of charge. Many

free ISPs display advertisements while the user is connected; like commercial television, in a

sense they are selling the users' attention to the advertiser. Other free ISPs, often called

freenets, are run on a nonprofit basis, usually with volunteer staff.

August 2010

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BScIT) – Semester 1/

Diploma in Information Technology (DIT) – Semester 1

BT0062 – Fundamentals of IT – 4 Credits

(Book ID: B0946)

Assignment Set – 2 (60 Marks)

Answer all questions 10 x 6 = 60

1. Briefly explain the classification of the computers.

Answer:- Computers are available in different shapes, size and weights. Due to these

different shapes and sizes, they perform different sorts of jobs from one another. They can

also be classified in different ways. All the computers are designed by the qualified computer

architectures that design these machines as their requirements. A omputer that is used in a

home differs in size and shapes from the computer being used in a hospital. Computers act as

a server in large building, while the computer also differs in size and shape performing its job

as a weather forecaster. A student’s laptop is different in shape and size from a the computers

mentioned above.

2. Briefly explain the computer hardware.

Answer:- This comprises the electronically, and mechanical components of the machine. The

physical parts, which can be seen, touched and felt about. Our PC is a system, consisting of

many components. Some of those components, like window XP, and a your other programs,

are software. The stuff you can actually see and touch, and would likely break if you threw it

out of a fifth-story window, is hardware. Not everybody has exactly the same hardware. But

those of you, who have a desktop system. Probably have most of the hardware components.

Those of you with notebook computers probably have most of the same components. Only in

your case the components are a integrated in to a single book-sized portable unite.

3. Write the truth tables of OR, AND, NOT gates.

Answer:- The following table gives the combinations of input and the output for each of the

combinations. This table as also called as truth table of OR gate.

Inputs

X

Y

Output

Z

0 0 0

1 0 1

0 1 1

1 1 1

AND Gate: The flowing table gives the combinations of input and the output for each of the

combinations. This table is also called truth table AND Gate.

Inputs

X Y

Output

Z

0 0 0

1 0 0

0 1 0

1 1 1

NOT Gate:- Singular or unary operations define an operation on a single variable. The familiar

example of of unary operation is -, so we can write -7, -9 or –z, that means we are to take the

negative of these values. The operation complementation means inversion of a quantity and

this operation is defined by the following table.

Input

x

Output

Z

0 1

1 0

4. How do you install a new printer?

Answer: When installing new devices onto a computer, like a printer, you will need a driver to

run it. Luckily all new printers you buy nowadays come with an installation disc. This makes it

very easy to install your new printer. If you insert this printer installation disc the process

should start automatically. There will be step by step instructions on how to install your new

printer. Putting the installation disc in first will not only tell you when to plug your printer in, but

it will also install extra software for scanning, printing, and copying.

If the cd does not start automatically you can go to my computer and double click on the disc

icon.

In this case your computer will automatically find anything new that is attached to your

computer. Then you will see it finding a driver for your printer. If it cannot find a driver for your

printer in Windows it will ask you to insert the printer installation disc.

5. Distinguish between compiler and interpreter.

Answer: A compiler compiles the source code in a form that can be used directly by the

computer. At run time the code is to run the programme is already there.

An interpreter reads each line of the source code and Converts it to machine code on the fly.

This happens every time the programme is run. Consequently it is very slow as

it is converting source code to machine code while the Programme is running.

6. Briefly explain basic units of MS-Word.

Answer:

1) Title Bar:- Display the application name, file name and various window control like

minimize button, maximize button and close button.

2) Menu Bar:- Different options for selection.

3) Standard too bar:- Displayed by default, allows to give common commands like saving the

file, opening a file, printing itc.

4) Formatting toolbar:- Allows the user to give command related to formatting text\data ike

bold, under line, font style, font size, color etc.

5) Editing area:- Here you can type and edit the text.

6) Scroll bars:- Used to scroll through different parts of current documents.

7) Drawing tool bar:- This is used to draw different shapes, arrow, itc.

8) Status bar:- The status bar, which is a horizontal area at the bottom of the document

window in Microsoft word, provides information’s about the current state of what you are

viewing in the window and any other contextual information. To display the status bar, click on

the Tools menu then click on to option then click the view tab, and then select the status bar

check box under show.

7. How do you navigate worksheets?

Answer: To move any cell of any open worksheet, the mouse can be used.

*) To scroll through different parts of the worksheet, drag the scroll box in the scroll bars or

click on the arrow marks in the scroll bars.

*) To go to different sheets in the worksheet, click on the desired sheet name in the sheet tab.

*) To go to a desired cell, click inside the cell, or select Edit > go to type the desired cell

address in the Reference box and click on OK.

Or

*) Click on the name box, type the desired cell address and press enter. To move from one

cell to another, the keyboard can also be used.

8. Give the syntax of if(), sumif(), countif().

Answer: To work around this behavior, use a combination of the SUM and IF functions

together in an array formula.

Examples

Note You must enter each formula as an array formula. To enter a formula as an array formula

in Microsoft Excel for Windows, press CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER.

IF():

The function is used to determine whether a condition is true or false. Value one is returned if

the condition is true and different value is returned if the condition is false.

Syntax: = (condition, true action, false action)

SUMIF()

SUMIF is used to total a range of numeric cells based on a condition.

Syntax: = SUMIF (RANGE TO CHECK, CRITERIA, RANGE TO TOTA)

COUNTIF()

This function gives the count of number of cell which satisfies the condition.

Syntax: =COUNTIF ([Source] Sheet1!$A$1:$A$8,"a")

9. Explain different basic parts of Power Point window.

Answer: Parts of the PowerPoint screen:

Title bar - displays the document name

Menu bar - click on a menu option to see a list of commands

Standard toolbar - frequently used menu options

Formatting toolbar - displays formatting commands

Placeholder - click or double-click to add an element to a slide

Outline view button - displays document in outline form

Slide view button - displays slides one at a time

Slide Sorter view button - displays all slides in a single screen

Slide show button - displays slide show

Drawing toolbar - displays drawing tools

Status bar - shows the current page number and position of the insertion point in the

document

Office Assistant - quick help when you need it.

10. Explain different types of media with examples.

Answer: In general, "media" refers to various means of communication. For example,

television, radio, and the newspaper are different types of media. The term can also be used

as a collective noun for the press or news reporting agencies. In the computer world, "media"

is also used as a collective noun, but refers to different types of data storage options.

Different Types of Media are ………………………………..………………………………-

Advertising media, various media, content, buying and placement for advertising Electronic

media, communications delivered via electronic or electromechanical energy Digital media,

electronic media used to store, transmit, and receive digitized information Electronic Business

Media, digital media for electronic business Hypermedia, media with hyperlinks Multimedia,

communications that incorporate multiple forms of information content and processing Print

media, communications delivered via paper or canvas Published media, any media made

available to the public Mass media, all means of mass communication Broadcast media,

communications delivered over mass electronic communication networks News media, mass

media focused on communicating news News media (United States), the news media of the

United States of America New media, media that can only be created or used with the aid of

modern computer processing power Recording media, devices used to store information

Social media, media disseminated through social interaction.