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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of an assembler in programming?
What is the primary function of an assembler in programming?
Which of the following best describes assembly language?
Which of the following best describes assembly language?
When is the conversion of assembly code to machine code referred to as?
When is the conversion of assembly code to machine code referred to as?
What is a disadvantage of using machine language programming for programmers?
What is a disadvantage of using machine language programming for programmers?
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Which programming languages are classified as high-level languages (HLL)?
Which programming languages are classified as high-level languages (HLL)?
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What is the role of a compiler when working with high-level languages?
What is the role of a compiler when working with high-level languages?
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Why are high-level languages considered more user-friendly than machine language?
Why are high-level languages considered more user-friendly than machine language?
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Which statement is true about programs written in machine language?
Which statement is true about programs written in machine language?
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What is the primary role of machine language in computing?
What is the primary role of machine language in computing?
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Which of the following best describes machine language?
Which of the following best describes machine language?
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Which of the following programming languages directly translates to machine language?
Which of the following programming languages directly translates to machine language?
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What is a major limitation of directly programming in machine language?
What is a major limitation of directly programming in machine language?
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How are high-level programming languages related to machine language?
How are high-level programming languages related to machine language?
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Which operation would be difficult to perform directly in machine language?
Which operation would be difficult to perform directly in machine language?
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Why is machine language considered challenging for programmers?
Why is machine language considered challenging for programmers?
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What constitutes a primary function of an assembler in programming?
What constitutes a primary function of an assembler in programming?
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What is the primary function of an assembler?
What is the primary function of an assembler?
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What is produced as the output of an assembler?
What is produced as the output of an assembler?
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How does an assembler assist software developers?
How does an assembler assist software developers?
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What is the key difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
What is the key difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
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What occurs when an error is encountered during the execution of code by an interpreter?
What occurs when an error is encountered during the execution of code by an interpreter?
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Why is it important to translate high-level programming languages into machine code?
Why is it important to translate high-level programming languages into machine code?
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What role does a linker play in program execution?
What role does a linker play in program execution?
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Study Notes
Orientation to Computing-I (LTP: 200)
- This course covers fundamental computer concepts.
- The course covers 200 hours (Lecture + Practical).
- The course material is organized into various units and topics. The first unit is focused on computer systems.
Unit-1 (Computer Systems)
- The basic structure of a computer and its working.
- Computer peripherals: input, output, and storage devices.
- Primary and secondary memories.
- System configuration: hardware, software, and their interactions.
- BIOS configuration and its function.
- PC connection interfaces: various types and standards.
- RAID, GPU basics, and CPU-GPU interactions.
1-1 Digital Computers
- Digital computers: limited discrete values, using bits (binary digits).
- Programs are sequences of instructions.
- Computer = Hardware (H/W) + Software (S/W).
- Software includes programs and data. Application software, operating systems, system software.
Computer Hardware
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): the 'brain' of the computer.
- Memory (RAM and ROM): storage for data and instructions.
- Input/Output (I/O) Devices: interface between the computer and the external world (Keyboard, Mouse, Printer, etc.)
- Storage Devices: long-term storage (Hard Disk Drive, SSD, etc.)
1-1 Digital Computers (Point of View)
- Computer Organization: how components work together.
- Computer Design: detailed hardware design implementation.
- Computer Architecture: the structure and behavior as viewed by the programmer. (Instruction set architecture - ISA).
Structure of Computer
- CPU: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Main Memory (RAM, Cache, Registers), Hard disk.
- Input: devices provide data to the computer.
- Output: devices display or present results to the user.
Computer Associated Peripherals
- Peripherals are devices that connect to and extend the functionality of the core computer.
- Examples: Monitors, keyboards, mouse, printers, microphones, webcams.
- Peripherals enhance the core computer by adding new functionalities and support tasks.
Main Categories of Computer Peripherals
- Input devices: receive data from the user. (Keyboard, mouse, scanner.)
- Output devices: send processed data towards user or external system. (Monitor, printer, speaker.)
- Input/output and storage devices: perform both input and output functions or handle storage for data. (e.g. hard drives)
Input Devices
- Input devices transmit information to the computer.
- Examples: Mouse, keyboard, microphone.
Output Devices
- Output devices receive information from the core computer.
- Examples: Speakers, monitors, printers.
Memories
- Memory is essential for the computer's operation.
- Types of computer memory: Primary (RAM, ROM) and Secondary (Hard drives, CDs, etc.)
- RAM is volatile; data is lost when power is off.
- ROM is nonvolatile; data persists.
Classification of Memory
- RAM (Random Access Memory) comprises several types; SRAM and DRAM are essential types.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory) comprises several types, like MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- RAM is temporary storage, primarily for programs and data the CPU needs.
- It's volatile, meaning data is lost if power is cut off.
- Types of RAM: SRAM and DRAM.
DRAM vs SRAM
- DRAM is cheaper, slower, and uses less power but has lower storage capacity per chip, and requires periodic refreshing of data.
- SRAM is more expensive, faster, has higher storage capacity per chip. Less susceptible to data loss.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
- ROM holds essential data for computer operation.
- Stores instructions for starting up.
- Data in ROM remains even if power is off (nonvolatile).
- Several types of ROM memory: MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
RAM vs ROM
- RAM: temporary storage, stored in MBs.
- ROM: permanent storage, stored in GBs.
- RAM is volatile, losing data when power is off.
- ROM is nonvolatile, retaining data even when the power is off.
Mask Read Only Memory (MROM)
- MROM is a type of read-only memory implemented via hardwiring.
- MROM is cost effective, however, altering data within this type is not possible.
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
- PROM is a type of read-only memory in which data is programmed after the manufacturing process using an electronic programmer device.
Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
- EPROM data can be altered using an ultraviolet (UV) light source.
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM)
- EEPROM allows in-situ alteration/modification of memory data without having to use a special electrical programmer device, nor any special type of light source.
- Flash memory is a type of EEPROM.
Secondary Storage Devices
- Secondary storage (auxiliary storage, external storage) complements primary memory.
- It provides permanent data storage externally or internally beyond RAM, ROM, or cache memory.
- Different types of secondary storage include: Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), Solid-State Drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and optical disks (CDs, DVDs).
Secondary Storage Devices (Use Cases)
- Secondary storage holds programs and data while not being actively used.
- Used for backup storage, long-term data storage, and/or when faster primary storage is not available or for archiving/backup of non-critical data.
Forms of Backup Storage
- Common forms of secondary storage include solid-state drives, hard disk drives, cloud storage.
- Older types such as tapes and floppy disks are often obsolete or less commonly used.
System Configuration
- System configuration encompasses the hardware components, processes, and their interactions within a computer system.
- It features the settings to ensure interactions among software, hardware, and various processes are optimized.
Activity-1 for System Configuration
- Instructions on finding system configuration information from Windows PC settings, such as CPU type, RAM, and operating system (OS).
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- HDD, being commonly referred to as hard drive. Primary, older storage for laptops and desktops.
- Modern HDDs have advanced features and higher performance than older models.
Hard Disk Drives (HDD)
- Enterprise-grade HDDs with large storage capacities using stacks of hard drive platters and helium for cooling are also present.
- Newer, improved technology like energy-assisted magnetic recording further enhance the performance of HDDs.
Solid-State Drives (SSD)
- SSDs, using nonvolatile NAND flash memory, avoid the moving parts of HDDs.
- SSDs present faster read/write speeds.
HDD vs SSD
- SSDs are faster than HDDs.
- SSDs are more expensive than HDDs.
- HDDs offer more storage space at a lower cost.
- SSDs are better for tasks needing rapid information access.
Processor
- Processor, or CPU, is the brain of the computer, executing instructions.
- It includes the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) that performs arithmetic operations.
- GPUs are also processors, specializing in graphics and image processing.
Threads in Computer Processor
- Threads divide the CPU's core into virtual cores to execute multiple tasks at once.
Activity-2 Example of Smartphone application
- Threads are used to process multiple tasks concurrently. (This relates to how threads are used within graphics user interface operations, loading, and display.)
BIOS Configuration
- BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, is a firmware program, primarily a piece of software, housed in non-volatile memory.
- It manages computer hardware startup and initial testing.
- The BIOS is the first program to load when a computer starts.
- BIOS identifies, configures, tests, and connects hardware to the operating system
Activity-3 How to Enter BIOS on Windows PCs
- Methods to enter BIOS setup on Windows PCs through specific hotkeys or using Windows advanced start menu recovery settings.
Methods to enter in BIOS in Windows
- Different keyboard shortcuts used to enter the BIOS setup menu on various brands and models of laptops and desktops.
PC Connection Interface
- Several types of interfaces connect devices to the computer.
- USB is common for its ease of use and device compatibility.
- PCI Express (PCIe) is an internal card bus for connecting devices.
- IEEE 1394, eSATA, and other interfaces serve specific roles, including video connectors such as VGA, HDMI, and DVI for connecting monitors.
Types of Connection Interfaces (VGA, HDMI)
- VGA is an older analog video interface.
- HDMI is a digital video and audio interface.
NFC
- Near Field Communication is a short-range wireless technology used to exchange data between devices, commonly used to connect and transfer information.
SATA
- Serial ATA is a serial interface for transferring data between a computer's central circuit board and storage devices.
- It replaced the older, parallel ATA (PATA) interface.
- SATA offers higher data transfer speeds.
Activity-4 How to Pair Bluetooth Device to Laptop
- Instructions for pairing a Bluetooth device with a laptop in a Windows operating system.
RAID
- RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a system using two or more disks to improve performance and/or data reliability.
RAID 0
- RAID 0, or Striping, combines data from multiple hard drives for quicker performance, but offers no redundancy (safety) against data loss, failure, or corruption.
RAID 1
- RAID 1, or Mirroring, duplicates data on multiple hard drives to ensure that a failure in one drive will not lead to data loss or corruption.
RAID 3
- RAID 3 (Stripping + Fault Tolerance): Data is divided across multiple drives, plus a parity drive that allows the reconstruction of any lost data.
RAID 5
- RAID 5 (Stripping + Fault Tolerance): Combines data striping with parity data distributed across all drives.
GPU Basics
- GPUs are specialized processors for performing graphical calculations.
- GPUs are used in gaming, content creation, 3D graphics, and AI applications.
- Integrated GPUs are part of the computer's CPU.
- Discrete GPUs are separate cards with dedicated memory.
What Does a GPU Do?
- GPUs are increasingly used in various applications beyond graphics rendering.
Unit-1 (Computer Languages)
- Topics include machine languages, assembly languages, high-level languages, and steps in program development.
Machine Language
- Machine language comprises binary code instructions.
- It is the language directly understood by the computer.
- It's very difficult for humans to read or write.
Assembly Language
- Assembly language uses mnemonics to represent machine instructions.
- It's easier to understand than machine language.
- An assembler translates assembly language into machine language.
High-Level Languages
- High-level languages, like C, Java, or Pascal, are more user-friendly programming languages.
Steps in Development (of a Program)
- Preprocessor, Compiler, Assembler, Linker, and Loader stages of program conversion to executable machine code.
Compiler
- A compiler performs translation of high-level programming language source code to corresponding low-level (machine) code.
Interpreter
- Interpreter translates instructions one at a time in high-level programming languages.
Assembler
- Assembler translates assembly language into machine language.
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