Chapter

4 Computer
Software
Computer Programs are called as Computer software, or just software. A computer Software is set of programs
that guides the hardware through its job. The computer program is the non-tangible component of a computer
system. A Computer software is different from computer hardware, that is the physical component of a computer
system. Computer hardware and software work hand in hand cannot function without the other.

Types of Software
Computer softwares are mainly divided into two parts:
(a) System Software (b) Application Software

(A) System Software

System software is the software which manages and controls the hardware components and allows interaction
between the hardware and the other different types of software. The computer’s operating system is a type of
system software. Device drivers are also a part of this category.
System software can be separated into two different categories: Operating systems and Utility software.

Operating System
A program that acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware is called
an operating system. The operating system is an essential component of the system software in a computer
system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function.
Operating systems can be found on almost any device that contains a computer—from cellular phones and video
game consoles to supercomputers and web servers. For example: UNIX, MS-DOS,WINDOWS, 98/2000/xp/7.
Functions of an operating system –
The basic functions of an operating system are:
I. Booting the computer
II. Performs basic computer tasks eg managing the various peripheral devices eg mouse, keyboard
III. Provides a user interface, e.g. command line, graphical user interface (GUI)
IV. Handles system resources such as computer’s memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU)
time by various applications or peripheral devices
V. Provides file management which refers to the way that the operating system manipulates, stores, retrieves
and saves data.
I. Booting the computer : The process of starting or restarting the computer is known as booting. A cold
boot is when you turn on a computer that has been turned off completely. A warm boot is the process of
using the operating system to restart the computer.
II. Performs basic computer tasks : The operating system performs basic computer tasks, such as managing
the various peripheral devices such as the mouse, keyboard and printers. For example, most operating
systems now are plug and play which means a device such as a printer will automatically be detected and
configured without any user intervention.
III. Provides a user interface : A user interacts with software through the user interface. The two main types
of user interfaces are: command line and a graphical user interface (GUI). With a command line interface,
the user interacts with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific tasks. An example
of a command line interface is DOS (disk operating system). With a graphical user interface, the user
interacts with the operating system by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example
of a graphical user interface is Windows Vista or Windows 7.
IV. Handles system resources : The operating system also handles system resources such as the computer’s
memory and sharing of the central processing unit (CPU) time by various applications or peripheral
devices. Programs and input methods are constantly competing for the attention of the CPU and demand
memory, storage and input/output bandwidth. The operating system ensures that each application gets
the necessary resources it needs in order to maximise the functionality of the overall system.
V. Provides file management : The operating system also handles the organisation and tracking of files
and directories (folders) saved or retrieved from a computer disk. The file management system allows
the user to perform such tasks as creating files and directories, renaming files, coping and moving files,
and deleting files. The operating system keeps track of where files are located on the hard drive through
the type of file system. The type two main types of file system are File Allocation table (FAT) or New
Technology File system (NTFS).
File Allocation table (FAT) : It uses the file allocation table which records, which clusters are used and unused
and where files are located within the clusters.
NTFS : It is a file system introduced by Microsoft and it has a number of advantages over the previous file
system, named FAT32 (File Allocation Table).NTFS also allows permissions (such as read, write, and execute)
to be set for individual directories and files.
The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X,
and Linux.

Types of Operating System

There are different types of operating system to support the computer system. Each type of operating system
offers distinct facilities that are appropriate to the computer system in which it is used.
The operating systems are of mainly following types:
• Single-user, single task Operating System - This operating system is designed to manage the computer
so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a
good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system.
• Single-user, multi-tasking Operating System- This operating system mostly used by people which are
using desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s MacOS platforms are both
examples of operating systems that will let a single user have several programs in operation at the same
time. For example, it’s entirely possible for a Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while
downloading a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e-mail message.
• Multi-userOperating System : A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take
advantage of the computer’s resources simultaneously. The operating system must make sure that the
requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of the programs they are using has sufficient
and separate resources so that a problem with one user doesn’t affect the entire community of users. Unix,
VMS and mainframe operating systems, such as MVS, are examples of multi-user operating systems.
• Real Time operating System : Real time operating system controls the environment as they have a data
processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to inputs is very small. The
time taken by the system to respond to an input and display the result of the required inputted information
is termed as response time.A key characteristic of an RTOS is the level of its consistency concerning
the amount of time it takes to accept and complete an application’s task; the variability is jitter.A hard
real-time operating system has less jitter than a soft real-time operating system. The chief design goal
is not high throughput, but rather a guarantee of a soft or hard performance category. An RTOS that can
usually or generally meet a deadline is a soft real-time OS, but if it can meet a deadline deterministically
it is a hard real-time OS.
• Time-sharing operating system : Time sharing is a type of operating system that enables many people,
located at various terminals, to use a particular computer system at the same time. Because of the above
feature timesharing operating system is called multitasking operating system. In other words it is a logical
extension of multiprogramming. Processor’s time which is shared among multiple users simultaneously is
termed as [Link] main purpose of Multiprogrammed batch systems, is to maximize processor
use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems the primary objective is to minimize response time.
• Distributed operating System : Distributed systems use a number of central processors to serve multiple
real time application and different users. Data processing jobs are distributed among the processors
accordingly to which one can perform each job most efficiently.
• Network operating System : This operating system runs on a [Link] server is responsible for
managing data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The network operating
system allows shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a network. This can also be
referred as a local area network (LAN), or a private network. Examples of network operating systems
include Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X,
Novell NetWare, and BSD.
• Stand-Alone Operating System : A stand-alone operating system is a complete operating
system that works on a desktop computer, notebook computer, or mobile computing device. Some stand-
alone operating systems are called client operating systems because they also work in conjunction with
a server operating system. Client operating systems can operate with or without a network. Examples of
currently used stand-alone operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
(i) Microsoft Windows : Microsoft developed Windows operating system that has a graphical user
interface. Some of the popular Windows Operating System are Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows
98, Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.
 Windows 8 is the latest Windows operating systems from Microsoft. It is a graphical user interface
(GUI) operating system which is very easy to learn and operate. Windows 7 provides many ways
to manage the files stored on your computer. You can open, rename, print, delete, move and search
for files.
(ii) Mac OS : It is a series of graphical user interface-based operating systems developed by Apple
Inc. for their Macintosh line of computer systems. The Macintosh user experience is credited with
popularizing the graphical user interface.
(iii) Linux : It is a UNIX-based operating system that is available for free on the World Wide Web. Many
companies, such as Red Hat, Corel and Mandrake, create easy-to-use versions of Linux that you can
purchase. Red Hat Linux is a popular version that comes with the GNOME desktop environment.
GNOME displays pictures on the screen to help you perform tasks.
Linux is an open source code operating system. It can be copied, modified and redistributed with
few restrictions. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Linux is so popular among users.
• Embedded Operating System : An embedded system is a computer that is part of a different
kind of machine. Examples include computers in cars, traffic lights, digital televisions, ATMs, airplane
controls, point of sale (POS) terminals, digital cameras, GPS navigation systems, elevators, digital media
receivers and smart meters, among many other possibilities.
In contrast to an operating system for a general-purpose computer, an embedded operating system is
typically quite limited in terms of function – depending on the device in question, the system may only run
a single application. However, that single application is crucial to the device’s operation, so an embedded
OS must be reliable and able to run with constraints on memory, size and processing power.
Thousands of connected embedded devices have been built on Windows Embedded platforms, from
portable ultrasound machines to GPS devices and from ATMs to devices that power large construction
machinery. With comprehensive features, easy-to-use and familiar Microsoft development tools, free
evaluation kits and access to a large network of community support, working with Windows Embedded
Products helps yield faster time to market for your devices and decreased development costs.
• Mobile Operating System : A mobile operating system, also called a mobile OS, is an operating
system that is specifically designed to run on mobile devices such as mobile phones, smartphones, PDAs,
tablet computers and other handheld devices. The mobile operating system is the software platform on
top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile device.
Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS, Windows Phone, and Google Android.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren’t as fully featured as those made for desktop or
laptop computers, and they aren’t able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of
things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play games.

• The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages
the data flow between the operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.
• An assembler takes basic computer instructions and converts them into a pattern of bits that the
computer’s processor can use to perform its basic operations.
• A device driver controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer, such as a keyboard
or a mouse. The driver program converts the more general input/output instructions of the operating
system to messages that the device type can understand.
 • Buffering is the pre-loading of data into a reserved area of memory (the buffer). In streaming audio
or video from the Internet, buffering refers to downloading a certain amount of data before starting to
play the music or movie. Having an advance supply of audio samples or video frames in memory at
all times prevents disruption if there are momentary delays in transmission while the material is being
played. Even a live broadcast would have a few seconds of delay built in.
• Spooling is the overlapping of low-speed operations with normal processing. Spooling originated with
mainframes in order to optimise slow operations such as reading cards and printing. Card input was
read onto disk and printer output was stored on disk. In that way, the business data processing was
performed at high speed, receiving input from disk and sending output to disk. Subsequently, spooling
is used to buffer data for the printer as well as remote batch terminals.

GUI (Graphical User Interface)

GUI is a program interface that takes advantage of the computer’s graphics capabilities to make the program
easier to use.
Basic Components of a GUI
Graphical user interfaces, such as Microsoft Windows and the one used by the Apple Macintosh, feature the
following basic components:
• Pointer : A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and commands.
Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow. Text -processing applications, however, use an
I-beam pointer that is shaped like a capital I.
• Pointing device : A device, such as a mouse or trackball, that enables you to select objects on the display
screen.
• Iicons : Small pictures that represent commands, files, or windows. By moving the pointer to the icon
and pressing a mouse button, you can execute a command or convert the icon into a window. You can also
move the icons around the display screen as if they were real objects on your desk.
• Desktop : The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop
because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.
• Windows : You can divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a different
program or display a different file. You can move windows around the display screen, and change their
shape and size at will.
• Menus : Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.

MS DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

Short for Microsoft Disk operating system, MS-DOS is a non-graphical command line operating system
derived from 86-DOS that was created for IBM compatible computers. MS-DOS originally written by Tim
Paterson and introduced by Microsoft in August 1981 and was last updated in 1994 when MS-DOS 6.22 was
released. MS-DOS allows the user to navigate, open, and otherwise manipulate files on their computer from
a command line instead of a GUI like Window.
DOS has a character user interface (CUI) i.e : Communication between a computer and the user can be
done by using characters. In Dos, one has to key in the commands on the prompt. Prompt is a place where
commands are issued. It may look like C:\> or C:\windows\>
 MS DOS Commands
Command Description Type
[Link] Defines functions that change display graphics, control cursor movement, File
and reassign keys.
append Causes MS-DOS to look in other directories when editing a file or running External
a command.
assign Assign a drive letter to an alternate letter. External
assoc View the file associations. Internal
attrib Display and change file attributes. External
call Calls a batch file from another batch file. Internal
cd Changes directories. Internal
chcp Supplement the International keyboard and character set information. External
chdir Changes directories. Internal
cls Clears the screen. Internal
cmd Opens the command interpreter. Internal
color Change the foreground and background color of the MS-DOS window. Internal
comp Compares files. External
convert Convert FAT to NTFS. External
date View or change the systems date. Internal
debug Debug utility to create assembly programs to modify hardware settings. External
delete Recovery console command that deletes a file. Internal
dir List the contents of one or more directory. Internal
disable Recovery console command that disables Windows system services or drivers. Recovery
diskcomp Compare a disk with another disk. External
diskcopy Copy the contents of one disk and place them on another disk. External
echo Displays messages and enables and disables echo. Internal
edit View and edit files. External
erase Erase files from computer. Internal
exit Exit from the command interpreter. Internal
expand Expand a Microsoft Windows file back to it’s original format. External
extract Extract files from the Microsoft Windows cabinets. External
find Search for text within a file. External
format Command to erase and prepare a disk drive. External
ftp Command to connect and operate on an FTP server. External
fType Displays or modifies file types used in file extension associations. Recovery
goto Moves a batch file to a specific label or location. Internal
help Display a listing of commands and brief explanation. External
if Allows for batch files to perform conditional processing. Internal
 Command Description Type
ipconfig Network command to view network adapter settings and assigned values. External
keyb Change layout of keyboard. External
label Change the label of a disk drive. External
lock Lock the hard drive. Internal
logoff Logoff the currently profile using the computer. External
logon Recovery console command to list installations and enable administrator login. Recovery
map Displays the device name of a drive. Recovery
mem Display memory on system. External
mkdir Command to create a new directory. Internal
move Move one or more files from one directory to another directory. Internal
ping Test and send information to another network computer or network device. External
power Conserve power with computer portables. External
print Prints data to a printer port. External
rd Removes an empty directory. Internal
rename Renames a file or directory. Internal
rmdir Removes an empty directory. Internal
share Installs support for file sharing and locking capabilities. External
shift Changes the position of replaceable parameters in a batch program. Internal
shutdown Shutdown the computer from the MS-DOS prompt. External
set Change one variable or string to another. Internal
start Start a separate window in Windows from the MS-DOS prompt. Internal
sys Transfer system files to disk drive. External
telnet Telnet to another computer or device from the prompt. External
time View or modify the system time. Internal
Type Display the contents of a file. Internal
undelete Undelete a file that has been deleted. External
unformat Unformat a hard drive. External
unlock Unlock a disk drive. Internal
ver Display the version information. Internal
xcopy Copy multiple files, directories, or drives from one location to another. External

Utility Software
Utility software is software that helps to maintain and protect the computer system. It does not directly interface
with the hardware. Examples include anti-virus software, firewalls, disk defragmenters and so on .
System utilities are the core software functions that allow you to manage your computer in ways that you
would find it inconceivable to be without.
Functions of System Utility:
I. Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is a function that comes with all versions of Windows Operating Systems. Disk Cleanup
allows for you to scan your entire hard drive to search for extra room by deleting any unneccessary files
such as temporary files from the Internet and cookies that are downloaded when you visit webpages. You
can find Disk Cleanup in Windows XP by going to the Start menu → All Programs → Accessories →
System Tools → Disk Cleanup.
II. Disk Defragmentation
Defragmentation is the process of locating the noncontiguous fragments of data into which a computer
file may be divided as it is stored on a hard disk, and rearranging the fragments and restoring them into
fewer fragments or into the whole file.
III. System Restore
System Restore is a Windows utility that allows a user to restore their computer data to a specific former
state (known as a restore point), undoing changes made since that time. System Restore can be found by
going to Start → All Programs → Accessories → System Tools → System Restore
IV. Disk Compression
Disk compression is a type of function that allows for a program to search your hard drive and compress
files, particularly old or unused files. It also serves to free up space, which is the main function of disk
compression software.
V. Antivirus
It is used to scan computer for viruses and prevent the computer system files from being corrupt.

(b) Application software

(Also known as ‘apps’) are designed to achieve a complete task or a set of tasks. Application software
consists of the programs for performing varied tasks particular to the machine’s utilization. There are various
examples of application software that include MS Word, MS Excel, a console game, database systems,
desktop publishing systems, program development software, a library management system etc.
Table shows difference between System software and Application software :
System Software Application Software
Enable the computer to function Usage E n a b l e u s e r t o w o r k e ff i e n t l y w i t h
documentation
Compulsory Need Optical depends on usage and needs
Each computer need one system system Number Software Each computer cna have more than one
software application
Independent–can use without application Dependency Depende – application software cannot work
software without Applicaiton software
Provide environment in which the Function Provides the environment to enable user to
applicaiton run accomplish specific task

Following is a brief definition of different examples of softwares available in the market and the
differences between them.
• Retail software: This type is sold off the shelves of retail stores. It involves expensive packaging that
are designed to appeal customers .These are high on cost .
• OEM software: OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” and refers to that sold in bulk to
resellers, designed to be bundled with hardware.
 • Shareware : It is a software that can be downloaded from the Internet. There is a license period in
which the user is allowed to try the program for free .After the stipulated period (in the license usually
thirty days), it must be purchased or uninstalled.
• Adware: This software has advertisements built into the program [Link] is a free [Link]
softwares use a live Internet feed and constant bandwidth to upload new advertisements..
• Spyware: Spyware is normally free. These can be shareware. For example, a multimedia player might
profile what music and video the user wants to [Link] such a case the software files the program whenever
it is called upon to play
• Freeware: Freeware is also downloadable off the Internet and is free of [Link] is only free
for personal use. A paid license is required for commercial use. Freeware does not contain spyware or
adware. If it is found to contain either of these, it is reclassified as such.
There are various types of application software :
I. Word Processing : The most important computer application is that they are most commonly used to create,
edit, and print documents. Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents
that contain text and graphics. With word processing software, you can insert clip art into a document;
change margins; find and replace text; use a spelling checker to check spelling; place a header and footer at
the top and the bottom of a page; and vary font (character design), font size (character scale), and font
style (character appearance).
E.g. Microsoft Word, Google Docs, AppleWorks, [Link] etc.
II. Spreadsheet : A spreadsheet is a type of document that stores the entire data in a grid form consisting of
horizontal rows and vertical columns. This row/column structure allows the analysis of data using formulas
and calculations. With spreadsheet software, data is organized in rows and columns, which collectively
are called a worksheet. The intersection of a row and column, called a cell, can contain a label (name of
cells), a value (number), or aformula or function that performs calculations on the data and displays the
result.
E.g. Microsoft Excel, Correl Quattro Pro etc
III. Presentation Graphics : Presentation Graphics also called as the presentation software is a type of
application program that helps you to create different timing and organized sequence of information
and pictures that present a story or help in giving a public presentation of information through a slide
show.
[Link] PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, OpenOffice Impress, Corel Presentations, Adobe Persuasion etc.
IV. Multimedia authoring : Multimedia authoring software helps you to create a a presentation that has a
variety of feature such as the audio and video sequences. Business presentation software usually enables
you to include images and sometimes audio and video developed with other tools.
V. Database software : Database software allows you to create and manage a database. A database is a
collection of data organized to allow access, retrieval, and use of that data. A query is used to retrieve
data according to specifiedcriteria, which are restrictions the data must meet.
[Link] Access, Corel Paradox, Lotus Approach etc.
VI. Desktop publishing(DTP) : Desktop publishing(DTP) software is used to design and produce sophisticated
documents. DTP is developed specifically to support page layout, which is the process of arranging text
and graphics in a document. Complete DTP involves combination of type setting, graphic design, page
layout and printing the document.
[Link] InDesign,Adobe PageMaker,Corel Ventura,Coreldraw,Microsoft Office Publisher etc.
A videoconference is a meeting between two or more geographically separated people who use a network
or the Internet to transmit audio and video data.
Programming Languages
A programming language is a set of commands, instructions, and other syntax use to create a software program.
Languages that programmers use to write code are called “high-level languages.” This code can be compiled
into a “low-level language,” which is recognized directly by the computer hardware.
(a) Low Level Languages : Low level computer languages are machine codes or close to it. Computer cannot
understand instructions given in high level languages or in English. It can only understand and execute
instructions given in the form of machine language i.e. language of 0 and 1. There are two types of low
level languages:
I. Machine Language : The set of instructions executed directly by a computer’s central processing
unit (CPU) is called Machine code .In machine language each and every instruction performs specific
operation. The machine code is in the form a numerical code (i.e. not assembly code) and is the
lowest-level representation of a compiled and/or assembled computer program .Machine language
is also called as a primitive and hardware-dependent programming language. Writing programs
directly in numerical machine code is tedious task.
II. Assembly Language : A personal computer has a microprocessor of its own that manages the
computer’s arithmetical, logical and control activities. All these operations are managed through
a set of instructions by each family of processors. These operations are handled by getting input
from keyboard and displaying information on screen and performing various other jobs. These set
of instructions are called machine language instructions.
Machine language instructions are in the form of strings of 1’s and 0’s. Machine language is quite
obscure and complex for using in software development. For this very reason low-level assembly
language is designed for representation of all the instructions in a symbolic code yet in a more
understandable form for a specific family of processors.
(b) High-Level Language : Writing programs was made easier with time. Earlier languages that were
developed ,during the development of computers required knowledge of the internal workings of the
computer,hence attempts were made to ease the programming where the knowledge on the the internal
workings of the computer was not required . High-level programming languages allowed the specification
of writing a program closer to those used by human beings. With the advent of high level languages
,programming became far easier, less error-prone and also removed the programmer from having to know
the details of the internal structure of a particular computer. Fortran II was one of the first high level
language introduced in about 1958.
• Assembler : It is used to convert the assembly language into machine language (i.e. 0 or 1). This language
consists of mnemonic codes which are difficult to lean and is machine dependent.
• Compiler - Compiler is a special program which reads a program in source language and translates into
an equivalent other language. Also it reports the errors in the source program to its user, if there are any.
Types of Error. Errors are either syntactic or semantic:
Syntax errors are errors in the program text.
Semantic errors are mistakes concerning the meaning of a program construct.
• Interpreter : A high-level programming language translator that translates and runs the program at the
same time. It converts one program statement into machine language, executes it, and then proceeds to
the next statement. This differs from regular executable programs that are presented to the computer as
binary-coded instructions. Interpreted programs remain in the source language the programmer wrote
in, which is human readable text.
 • Loader : In loading, a routine of a program is not loaded until it is called by the program. All routines
are kept on disk in a re-locatable load format. The main program is loaded into memory and is executed.
Other routines methods or modules are loaded on request. Dynamic loading makes better memory space
utilization and unused routines are never loaded.
• Linker : Linking as the name suggests is the process of combining various pieces of code and data
together to form a single executable that can be loaded in memory. Linking can be done at compile time,
load time (by loaders) and at run time (by application programs) too.
• Debugging : In computers, debugging is the process of locating and fixing or bypassing bugs (errors)
in computer program code or the engineering of a hardware device.
Many high level languages were developed since Fortran II (and many have also disappeared!), among the
most widely used have been:
Language Application Area Developer
COBOL(Common Business
Oriented Business Oriented Business applications Grace Hopper in 1959
Language)
FORTRAN Engineering & Scientific
IBM in 1957
(Formala Translation) Applications
PASCAL General use and as a teaching tool Niklaus wirth in 1972
General Purpose - currently most C/C++ Bjarne Stroustrup in 1983.
C & C++
popular Dennis Ritchie in 1972
LISP (List Processing) Artificial Intelligence John Mc carthy in 1958
General Purpose - Internet
JAVA James gosling in 1995
Oriented Programming

4GL and 5 GL
4GL and 5GL represent the leaps or the “generations” in the evolution of programming languages.
• 1GL or first-generation language was (and still is) the machine language [Link] refers to the level
of instructions and data that is fed to the processor of a computer. (which in conventional computers is a
string of 0s and 1s).
• 2GL or second-generation language is the assembly language generation. An assembler converts the
assembler language statements into machine language.
• 3GL or third-generation language is a “high-level” programming language, such as C /C ++or Java.
• A 4GL or fourth generation (programming) language is a grouping of programming languages that attempt
to get closer than 3GLs to human language, form of thinking and conceptualisation. 4th generation language,
is known as the domain specific language, or a high productivity language.
4GLs are the programmer-friendly generation of programming. They are easier to write and hence improve
the programming efficiency by using words and phrases close to the English language, with appropriate,
use of icons, graphical interfaces and symbolical representations. 4GLs have also increased the number of
professionals to be able to develop skills set in software development.
• 5GL or fifth-generation language is a programming language that has a visual or graphical development
interface to develop the source code but compiled with a 3GL or 4GL language compiler. There are several
business corporations that make these languages such as the Microsoft, Borland, IBM, etc.
Number System
In general, in any number system there is an ordered set of symbols known as digits with rules defined for
performing arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. A collection of these
digits makes a number which in general has two parts-integer and fractional.
The digits in a number are placed side by side and each position in the number is assigned a weight or index.
Table below gives the details of commonly used number systems.
Table
Number Base or Symbol used Weight assigned example
System radix (b) (di or d–f) to position
Binary 2 0,1 2–i 2–f 1011.11
Octal 8 0,1,2,3,4 8–i 8–f 3567.25
Decimal 10 0,1,2,3,4,5 10–i 10–f 3974.57
Hexadecimal 16 0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 16–i 16–f 3FA9.56
A,B,C,D,E,F
1. Binary Number System
The number system with base (or radix ) two is known as the binary number system. Only two symbols
are used to represent numbers in this system and these are 0 and 1, these are known as bits. It is also
known as base 2 system. It is a positional system, that is every position is assigned a specific weight
left - most bit is known as Most Significant Bit (MSB) and the right - most bit is known as the Least
Significant Bit (LSB). Any number of 0s can be added to the left of the number without changing the
value of the number. A group of four bits is known as nibble and a group of eight bits is known as a byte.
Table shows binary numbers and their equivalent decimal numbers.
Table : 4-bit binary numbers and their corresponding decimal numbers.
Binary Number Hexa decimal Decimal Number
B3 B2 B1 B0 H D1 D0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 1 0 1
0 0 1 0 2 0 2
0 0 1 1 3 0 3
0 1 0 0 4 0 4
0 1 0 1 5 0 5
0 1 1 0 6 0 6
0 1 1 1 7 0 7
1 0 0 0 8 0 8
1 0 0 1 9 0 9
1 0 1 0 A 1 0
1 0 1 1 B 1 1
1 1 0 0 C 1 2
1 1 0 1 D 1 3
1 1 1 0 E 1 4
1 1 1 1 F 1 5
2. Decimal Number System
It consists of ten digits from 0 to 9. These digits can be used to represent any numeric value. It is also
known as Base 10 System.
3. Octal Number System
It is one of the popular number system. It consists of 8 digits from 0 to 7. It is also known as Base 8
system.
4.
Hexadecimal Number System
Hexadecimal means 16. These are 16 combinations of 4-bit binary numbers and sets of 4-bit binary
number can be entered in the microprocessor in the form of hexadecimal digits.
Since 16 digits are used, the heights are in powers of 16. The decimal equivalent of a hexadecimal string
equals sum of all hexadecimal digits multiplied by their weights.
e.g., (F 8 E · 2 B)16 = F × 162 + 8 × 161 + E × 160 + 2 × 16–1 + B × 16–2
= 15 × 162 + 8 × 161 + 14 × 16 + 2 × 16–1 + 11 × 16–2
2 11
= 3840 + 128 + 14 + + = (3982.16796875)10.
16 256
Number Conversions

Binary-Decimal Conversion
Any binary number can be converted into its equivalent decimal number using the weights assigned to each bit
position. Since only two digits are used, the weights are powers of 2. These weights are 20 (Units), 21 (twos),
22 (fours) 23 (eights) and 24 (sixteen). If longer binary number involved, the weights continue in ascending
powers of 2.
The decimal equivalent of a binary number equals the sum of all binary number equal the sum of all binary
digits multiplied by their weights.
Example : Find the decimal equivalent of binary number 11111.
Solution: The equivalent decimal number is,
= 1 × 24 + 1 × 23 + 1 × 22 + 1 × 21 + 1 × 20
= 16 + 8 + 4 + 2 + 1 = ( 31 )10

Decimal-to Binary Conversion

Any decimal number can be converted into its equivalent binary number. For integers, the conversion is obtained
by continuous division by 2 and keeping track of the remainders, while for fractional parts, the conversion is
effected by continuous multiplications by 2 and keeping track of the integers generated.
Example : Express the 25.5 decimal number in the binary form.
Solution: Integer Part:
Thus, (25)10 = (11001)2
2 25
2 12 —1
2 6 —0
2 3 —0
2 1 —1
2 0 —1

 Read down to up
Fraction part
0 . 5
× 2
1 . 0

i.e., 0.510 = 0.12
Therefore 25.510 = 11001.12

Decimal-Octal Conversion
This can be achieved by dividing the given decimal number repeatedly by 8, until a quotient of 0 is obtained.
Example : Convert conversion (444.499)10.
Solution :
Division Generated Remainder
444 / 8 →
55/ 8 → 4
6/8 → 7
0/8 → 6
On reading the remainders from bottom to top, the decimal (444)10(674)8. Now, fractional conversion
Division Generated Remainder
Multiplication Generated Integer
0.499 × 8 = 3.992 3
0.992 × 8 = 7.936 7
0.936 × 8 = 7.488 7
0.488 × 8 = 3.904 3
The process gets terminated when significant digits are acquired. Thus, octal equivalent is (444.499) 10 =
(674.3773)8

Octal-Binary Conversion
It can be explained through the following example: To convert (377)8 into binary, replace each significant
digit by its 3-bit binary equivalent.
(377)8 = 3 7 7
= 011111 111
Thus, (377)8 = (011111111)2

Binary-Hexadecimal Conversion
e.g., (10100110111110)2 = (0010 1001 1011 1110)2 = (2 9 B E)16 × 1

Hexadecimal-Binary Conversion
It can be explained through an example. To convert (1D5)16 into binary, replace each significant digit by
its 4-bit binary equivalent.
(1D5)16 = 1 D 5
= 0001 1101 0101
Thus, (1D5)16 = (000111010101)2
Some important terms in computer software –
Kernel: The nucleus of an operating system. It is the closest part to the machine level and may activate the
hardware directly or interface to another software layer that drives the hardware. The kernel orchestrates
the entire operation of the computer by slicing time for each system function and each application as well
as managing all the computer’s resources. It typically resides in memory at all times.
Shell: The outer layer of a program that provides the user interface, or way of commanding the computer.
The term originally referred to the software that processed the commands typed into the Unix operating
system . For example, the Bourne shell was the original command line processor, and C shell and Korn shell
were developed later. In DOS, the default shell was [Link]
Fork: fork() creates a new process by duplicating the calling process. The new process, referred to as the child,
is an exact duplicate of the calling process, referred to as the parent, except for the following [Link]
child has its own unique process ID, and this PID does not match the ID of any existing process group .The
child’s parent process ID is the same as the parent’s process ID.
Thread: thread of execution is the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed
independently by a scheduler (typically as part of an operating system). The implementation of threads
and processes differs from one operating system to another, but in most cases, a thread is a component of
a process. Multiple threads can exist within the same process and share resources such as memory, while
different processes do not share these resources.
Deadlock: A condition that occurs when two processes are each waiting for the other to complete before
proceeding. The result is that both processes hang. Deadlocks occur most commonly in multitasking and client/
server environments. Ideally, the programs that are deadlocked, or the operating system, should resolve the
deadlock, but this doesn’t always happen.
Multiprocessing: Multiprocessing is the use of two or more central processing units (CPUs) within a single
computer system. The term also refers to the ability of a system to support more than one processor and/or
the ability to allocate tasks between them.
 Past Exercise
1. _______ is a set of keywords, symbols, and (a) Fetching (b) Storing
a system of rules for constructing statements (c) Executing (d) Decoding
by which humans can communicate the
(e) None of these
instructions to be executed by a computer.
8. Processing involves [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(a) inputting data into a computer system
(a) A computer program
(b) A programming language (b) transforming input into output
(c) An assemble (c) displaying relevant answers
(d) Syntax (d) providing relevant answers
(e) None of these (e) None of these
2. This can be another word for program 9. Which of the following controls the manner of
[SBI Clerk, 2009] interaction between the user and the operating
system? [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(a) software (b) disk
(a) user interface
(c) floppy (d) hardware
(b) language translator
(e) None of these
(c) platform
3. A(n) _______ is device that electronically
processes data, converting it to information. (d) screensaver
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) algorithm (b) computer 10. Computer language used on the Internet is
(c) software (d) program —— [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(e) None of these (a) BASIC (b) COBOL
4. The secret code that restricts entry to some (c) Java (d) Pascal
programs is [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) password (b) passport 11. A compiler translates a program written in a
(c) entry-code (d) access-code high-level language into — [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(e) None of these (a) Machine language (b) an algorithm
5. The person who writes and tests computer (c) a debugged program (d) Java
programs is called a [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of the above
(a) programmer
12. What is correcting error in a program called?
(b) computer scientist
[SBI Clerk, 2009]
(c) software engineer
(a) Compiling (b) Debugging
(d) project developer
(c) Grinding (d) Interpreting
(e) None of these
6. An error is also known as [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) bug (b) debug 13. The ————— of a system includes the
programs or instructions. [SBI Clerk, 2009]
(c) cursor (d) icon
(a) hardware (b) icon
(e) None of these
7. _____ is the process of carrying out commands. (c) information (d) software
[SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
14. The primary purpose of software is to turn data 21. _________is the process of carrying out
into——— [SBI Clerk, 2009] commands. [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) Websites (b) information (a) Fetching (b) Storing
(c) programs (d) objects (c) Decoding (d) Executing
(e) None of these (e) None of these
15. A ————— contains specific rules and 22. The operating system, that is self-contained in
words that express the logical steps of an a device and resident in the ROM .is
algorithm. [SBI Clerk, 2009]
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) programming language
(a) Batch Operating System
(b) syntax
(b) Real-time Operating System
(c) programming structure
(c) Embedded Operating System
(d) logic chart
(d) Mutli-Processor Operating System
(e) None of the above
(e) None of these
16. A (n) –– is a program that makes the computer
easier to use. [SBI Clerk, 2009] 23. Information that comes from an external source
and fed into computer software is called
(a) utility (b) application
[IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(c) operating system (d) network
(e) None of these (a) Output (b) Input
17. The ––– tells the computer how to use its (c) Throughput (d) Reports
components [SBI Clerk, 2009] (e) None of these
(a) utility (b) network 24. To be able to “boot”, the computer must have
(c) application program a(n) [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(d) operating system (a) Compiler (b) Loader
(e) None of these (c) Operating System (d) Assembler
18. Which of the following is a programming (e) None of these
language for creating special programs like 25. The binary system is a number system to the
applets? [SBI PO, 2011] base [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) Java (b) cable (a) 2 (b) 4
(c) domain name (d) Net (c) 8 (d) 10
(e) COBOL (e) 16
19. System software [SBI PO, 2011] 26. Assembly language is [IBPS Clerk, 2011]
(a) allows the user to diagnose and troubleshoot (a) Machine Language
the device
(b) High-level programming language
(b) is a programming language
(c) A low-level programming language
(c) is part of a productivity suite
(d) Language for assembling computers
(d) is an optional form of software
(e) helps the computer manage internal (e) None of these
resources 27. The simultaneous processing of two or more
20. Linux is a type of ________ software. programs by multiple processors is
[IBPS Clerk, 2011] [IBPS PO, 2011]
(a) Shareware (b) Commercial (a) multiprogramming (b) multitasking
(c) Proprietary (d) Open Source (c) time-sharing (d) multiprocessing
(e) Hidden type (e) None of these
28. _________are words that a programming (a) application suite (b) compiler
language has set aside for its own use. (c) input/output system (d) interface
[IBPS PO, 2011] (e) operating system (OS)
(a) Control words (b) Control structures 35. In the absence of parentheses, the order of
(c) Reserved words (d) Reserved keys operation is __________. [IBPS PO, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) Exponentiation, addition or subtraction,
multiplication or division
29. What is the process of copying software
programs from secondary storage media to the (b) Addition or subtraction, multiplication or
hard disk called? [IBPS PO, 2011] division, exponentiation
(a) configuration (b) download (c) Multiplication or division, exponentiation,
addition or subtraction
(c) storage (d) upload
(d) Exponentiation, multiplication or division,
(e) installation addition or subtraction
30. Which of the following can only have sequential (e) Addition or subtraction, exponentiation,
access? [SBI Clerk, 2011] Multiplication or division
(a) Disk (b) Tape 36. An _____ program is one that is ready to run
(c) CD-ROM (d) DVD-ROM and does not need to be altered in any way.
(e) None of these [IBPS PO, 2012]
31. An error is also known as [SBI Clerk, 2011] (a) interpreter (b) high-level
(a) bug (b) debug (c) compiler (d) COBOL
(c) cursor (d) icon (e) executable
(e) None of these 37. A(n) __________ language reflects the way
32. A set of rules for telling the computer what people think mathematically. [IBPS PO, 2012]
operations to perform is called a __________. (a) cross-platform programming
[IBPS PO, 2012] (b) 3GL business programming
(a) procedural language (c) event-driven programming
(b) structures (d) functional
(c) natural language (e) None of these
(d) command language 38. Which of the following software could assist
someone who cannot use their hands for
(e) programming language
computer input ? [IBPS PO, 2012]
33. A detailed written description of the
(a) Video conferencing
programming cycle and the program, along with
the test results and a printout of the program is (b) Speech recognition
called __________. [IBPS PO, 2012] (c) Audio digitizer
(a) documentation (b) output (d) Synthesizer
(c) reporting (d) spec sheets (e) None of these
(e) Directory 39. ___________ software creates a mirror image
of the entire hard disk, including the operating
34. A(n)_________is a set of programs designed to
system, applications, files, and data.
manage the resources of a computer, including
starting the computer, managing programs, [IBPS PO, 2012]
managing memory, and coordinating tasks (a) Operating system (b) Backup software
between input and output devices. (c) Utility programs (d) Driver imaging
[IBPS PO, 2012] (e) None of these
40. Which of the following information systems 47. The errors that can be find out by a compiler are
focuses on making manufacturing processes [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
more efficient and of higher quality ? (a) Logical errors (b) Internal errors
[IBPS PO, 2012] (c) Semantic errors (d) Syntax errors
(a) Computer-aided manufacturing (e) Execution errors
(b) Computer-integrated manufacturing 48. The process that deals with the technical and
(c) Computer-aided software engineering management issues of software development is
(d) Computer-aided system engineering ______ [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) None of these (a) Delivery process
41. A mistake in an algorithm that causes incorrect (b) Control process
results is called a __________. (c) Software process
[IBPS PO, 2012] (d) Testing process
(a) logical error (b) syntax error
(e) Monitoring process
(c) procedural error (d) compiler error
49. Android is ______ [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(e) machine error
(a) Operating system
42. ______ is a feature for scheduling and
(b) Application
multiprogramming to provide an economical
interactive system of two or more users (c) Interface (d) Software
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (e) A collection of all these
(a) Time sharing (b) Multitasking 50. Devices that enter information and let you
(c) Time tracing communicate with the computer are called
_______. [SBI Clerk, 2012]
(d) Multiprocessing
(a) Software (b) Output devices
(e) None of these
43. A programming language having a ______ is (c) Hardware (d) Input devices
slow in execution [IBPS Clerk, 2012] (e) Input/Output devices
(a) Interpreter (b) Compiler 51. In electronic device, operating under the control
(c) Assembler (d) Linker of information, that can accept data, process the
data, produce output and store the results for
(e) none of these
future use _______ [SBI Clerk, 2012]
44. The word processor used by DOS to write the
(a) Input (b) Computer
programs or instructions [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(a) WordStar (b) WordPad (c) Software (d) Hardware
(c) Notepad (d) MS-Word (e) None of these
(e) EDIT 52. By firmware we understand _______
45. Decimal equivalent of (1111)2 [SBI Clerk, 2012]
[IBPS Clerk, 2012] (a) physical equipment used in a computer
(a) 11 (b) 10 system
(c) 1 (d) 15 (b) a set of instructions that causes a computer
to perform one or more tasks.
(e) 13
(c) the people involved in the computing
46. System proposal is prepared in ______ phase
process.
of SDLC [IBPS Clerk, 2012]
(d) a set of programs that is pre-installed into
(a) Conception (b) Initiation
the read only memory of a computer during
(c) Analysis (d) Design the time of manufacturing
(e) construction (e) None of these
53. The basic computer processing cycle consists of 55. A pixel is [IBPS PO, 2013]
_______ [SBI Clerk, 2012] (a) a computer program that draws picture
(a) input, processing and output (b) a picture stored in the secondary memory
(b) systems and application (c) the smallest resolvable part of a picture
(c) data, information and applications (d) a virus
(d) hardware, software and storage (e) None of the above
(e) None of these 56. Which switch should be used in the DIR
54. One of the following statements is not true for command to view files in a directories ?
BUFFERS command [IBPS PO, 2013] [IBPS PO, 2013]
(a) increasing numbers of BUFFERS can (a) /P (b) /W
speed program execution, but only to a (c) /S (d) /L
certain extent
(e) None of these
(b) the more buffers that exist the more sectors
57. Which of the following uses a handheld
can be stored In memory; hence fewer
operating system? [SBI PO, 2013]
accesses of disk are necessary
(a) A supercomputer
(c) The BUFFERS command is used to
establish the number ol disk buffers set up (b) A personal computer
by MS-DOS during booting (c) A laptop
(d) All of the above (d) A mainframe
(e) None of the above (e) A PDA

Answer Key

1. (a) 13. (d) 25 (a) 37. (d) 49 (e)

2. (a) 14. (c) 26 (c) 38. (b) 50 (e)
3. (b) 15. (c) 27. (d) 39. (b) 51. (d)
4. (d) 16. (a) 28. (d) 40. (a) 52 (d)
5. (a) 17. (d) 29. (e) 41. (b) 53 (a)
6. (a) 18. (a) 30. (b) 42. (a) 54. (d)
7 (c) 19. (e) 31. (a) 43. (a) 55. (c)
8. (b) 20 (a) 32. (e) 44. (e) 56 (c)
9. (b) 21 (d) 33. (a) 45. (d) 57. (e)
10. (c) 22 (c) 34 (c) 46. (b)
11 (e) 23 (b) 35. (d) 47. (d)
12. (b) 24. (c) 36. (e) 48. (c)
 Practice Exercise
1. Modern Computers represent characters and 8. The two major categories of software include
numbers internally using one of the following (a) operating system and utility
number systems __________.
(b) Personal productivity and system
(a) Penta (b) Octal
(c) system and application
(c) Hexa (d) Septa
(d) system and utility
(e) Binary
2. Which of the following is NOT a computer (e) None of these
programing language? 9. A program that works like a calculator for
(a) C (b) C++ keeping track of money and making budgets
(c) Java (d) COBOL _________.
(e) Microsoft (a) calculator (b) scholastic
3. To prepare a presentation/slide show which (c) keyboard (d) spreadsheet
application is commonly used? (e) None of these
(a) Photoshop (b) Power Point 10. To take information from one source and
(c) Outlook Express (d) Internet Explorer bring it to your computer is referred to as
(e) All of these __________.
4. Which of the following is NOT a famous (a) upload (b) download
operating system?
(c) transfer (d) de-link
(a) Windows Vista (b) Mac OS X
(e) None of these
(c) Linux (d) Sun OS
(e) Virtual Box 11. Which is the best definition of a software
package?
5. What kind of software would you most likely
use to keep track of a billing account? (a) An add-on for your computer such as
(a) Word processing additional memory
(b) Electronic publishing (b) A set of computer programs used for a
(c) Spreadsheet certain function such as word processing
(d) Web authoring (c) A protection you can buy for a computer
(e) None of these (d) The box, manual and license agreement
6. Special effect used to introduce slides in a that accompany commercial software
presentation are called __________. (e) None of these
(a) Effects 12. __________ is the process of finding errors in
(b) Custom animation software code.
(c) Transition (a) Debugging (b) Compiling
(d) Animation (c) Interpreting (d) Testing
(e) Preset animation
(e) None of these
7. A compiler translates higher-level programs
into a machine language program, which is 13. Which of the following is not a common feature
called- of software applications?
(a) source code (b) object code (a) Menus (b) Windows
(c) compiled code (d) beta code (c) Help (d) Search
(e) None of these (e) None of these
14. A __________ contains specific rules and 22. __________ processing is used when a large
words that express the logical steps of an mail-order company accumulates orders and
algorithm. processes them together in one large set.
(a) programming language (a) Batch (b) Online
(b) programming structure (c) Real-time (d) Group
(c) syntax (e) None of these
(d) logic chart 23. The __________ primarily take(s) of the
(e) None of these behind-the-scenes details and manage(s) the
15. For seeing the output, you use hardware.
(a) Monitor (b) Keyboard (a) operating system
(c) Mouse (d) Scanner (b) application software
(e) None of these (c) peripheral devices
16. The software tools that enable a user to interact (d) hard disk
with a computer for specific purposes are
(e) None of these
known as -
24. Documents converted to __________ can be
(a) Hardware
published to the Web.
(b) Networked Software
(a) a doc file (b) http
(c) Shareware
(d) Applications (c) machine language (d) HTML
(e) None of these (e) None of these
17. A __________ shares hardware, software, 25. Only __________ program(s) become(s)
and data among authorized users. active even though we can open many programs
(a) network (b) protocol at a time.
(c) hyperlink (d) transmitter (a) four (b) three
(e) None of these (c) two (d) one
18. Computer programs are written in a high-level (e) None of these
programming language; however, the human- 26. All of the followings are included in typical
readable version of a program is called - computer programming language which are in
(a) cache (b) instruction set use currently Except
(c) source code (d) word size (a) C++
(e) None of these (b) Java
19. Software for organizing storage and retrieval of (c) Visual Basic NET
information is a(an) - (d) Machine language
(a) operating system (b) database (e) None of these
(c) database program (d) data warehouse
27. The ability of an OS to run more than one
(e) None of these application at a time is called _________.
20. While running DOS on a PC, which command
(a) multitasking
would be used to duplicate the entire diskette?
(b) object-oriented programming
(a) COPY (b) DISKCOPY
(c) CHKDSK (d) TYPE (c) multi-user computing
(e) None of these (d) time-sharing
21. Data representation is based on the _________ (e) None of these
number system, which uses two numbers to 28. __________ is the process of carrying out
represent all data. commands.
(a) binary (b) biometric (a) Fetching (b) Storing
(c) bicentennial (d) byte (c) Decoding (d) Executing
(e) None of these (e) None of these
29. __________ is a set of computer program that (a) debugging (b) bugging
runs or controls computer hardware and acts (c) rectifying (d) modifying
as an interface with application programs and (e) None of these
users. 37. An assembler is used to translate a program
(a) Object code written in __________.
(b) A compiler (a) a low level language
(c) An operating system (b) machine language
(d) The CPU (c) a high level language
(e) None of these (d) assembly language
30. Errors in a computer program are referred to as (e) None of these
__________. 38. The capability of the operating system to enable
(a) bugs (b) mistakes two or more than two programs to execute
(c) item overlooked (d) blunders simultaneously in a single computer system by
(e) None of these using a single processor is _________.
31. A compiler is used to translate a program (a) Multiprocessing (b) Multitasking
written in __________. (c) Multiprogramming (d) Multiexecution
(a) a low level language (e) None of these
(b) a high level language 39. Instructions that tell the computer what to do.
(c) assembly language Another name for software.
(d) machine language (a) programs (b) CPU
(e) None of these (c) options (d) folder
32. Computer programs are also known as (e) None of these
__________. 40. A program that works like a calculator for
(a) operating systems (b) documents keeping track of money and making budgets.
(c) peripherals (d) applications (a) calculator (b) spreadsheet
(e) None of these (c) budgeter (d) financier
33. Information that comes from an external source (e) None of these
and is fed into computer software is called 41. Programs designed specifically to address
__________. general purpose applications special purpose
(a) Input (b) Output applications are called –
(c) Throughput (d) Reports (a) operating system
(e) None of these (b) system software
34. A repair for a known software bug, usually (c) application software
available at no charge on the internet, is called (d) management information systems
a(n) __________. (e) None of these
(a) version (b) patch 42. A series of instructions that tells a computer
(c) tutorial (d) FAQ what to do and how to do it is called a ________.
(e) None of these (a) program (b) command
35. The operating system is the most common type (c) user response (d) processor
of __________ software. (e) None of these
(a) Communication (b) Application 43. Programs or a set of electronic instructions that
(c) System (d) Word-processing tell a computer what to do _________.
(e) None of these (a) Menu (b) Monitor
36. Correcting errors in a program is referred to as (c) Hardware (d) Software
__________. (e) None of these
44. The ability of an OS to run more than one 51. A set of step-by-step procedures for accomplishing
application at a time is called – a task is known as a(n) __________.
(a) multitasking (a) algorithm
(b) object-oriented programming (b) hardware program
(c) multi user computing (c) software bug
(d) time-sharing (d) firmware program
(e) None of these (e) None of these
45. Coded entries which are used to gain access to 52. Compilers and translators are one form of
a computer system are called its – __________.
(a) Entry codes (b) Passwords (a) ROM (b) RAM
(c) security commands (d) code words (c) hard disk (d) software
(e) None of these
(e) None of these
53. Data representation is based on the ________
46. What is the name for the process that is
number system, which uses two numbers to
used to convert a series of instructions, or
represent all data
program, written in a high-level language into
instructions (or a program) that can be run on a (a) binary (b) biometric
computer? (c) bicentennial (d) byte
(a) Assembling (b) Compiling (e) None of these
(c) Translating (d) Uploading 54. The __________ primary take(s) care of the
behind-the-scenes details and manage(s) the
(e) None of these
hardware.
47. __________ is the process of carrying out (a) operating system
commands.
(b) application software
(a) Fetching (b) Storing (c) peripheral devices
(c) Decoding (d) Executing (d) hard disk
(e) None of these (e) None of these
48. The software tools that enable a user to interact 55. When a file contains instructions that can be
with a computer for specific purposes are carried out by the computer, it is often called
known as __________. a(n) __________ pile.
(a) Hardware (a) data (b) information
(b) Networked Software (c) executable (d) application
(c) Shareware (e) None of these
(d) Applications 56. A software which you can use to create a budget
(e) None of these is called
(a) Word processing software
49. Computer programs are written in a high-level
programming language; however, the human- (b) Graphics software
readable version of a program is called ______. (c) Utility software
(a) cache (b) instruction set (d) Spreadsheet software
(e) None of these
(c) source code (d) word size
57. Which device uses a hand-held operating
(e) None of these
system?
50. Software for organizing storage and retrieval of (a) PDA
information is a(n) __________.
(b) A personal computer
(a) operating system (b) database (c) A laptop
(c) database program (d) data warehouse (d) A mainframe
(e) None of these (e) None of these
58. What is Software? (a) hardware (b) software
(a) A type of computer code (c) data input (d) people
(b) A computer language (e) mobiles
(c) A set of instructions for your computer 66. Specialised programs that allow particular input
(d) A cover for the computer or output devices to communicate with the rest
(e) None of these of the computer system are called _________.
59. Computers process binary numbers, which are (a) operating systems
composed of __________. (b) utilities
(a) 1s and 2s (b) 2s and 4s (c) device drivers
(c) 1s and 10s (d) 2s and 3s (d) language translators
(e) 0s and 1s (e) connectors
60. A __________ contains specific rules and 67. The primary purpose of a software is to turn
words that express the logical steps of an data into __________.
algorithm. (a) Web sites (b) graphs
(a) programming language (c) programs (d) objects
(b) syntax (e) information
(c) programming structure 68. You must instruct the __________ to start the
(d) logic chart application software.
(e) graph (a) utility program (b) memory
61. __________ is the process of finding errors in (c) operating system (d) processor
software code. (e) user
(a) Hacking (b) Compiling 69. Professional designers can create sophisticated
(c) Testing (d) Running documents that contain text, graphics, and
(e) Debugging many colours, using __________ software.
62. Most application softwares today come with an (a) computer aided design (CAD)
interface called a(n) _________. (b) illustration
(a) graphical user interface (c) image editing
(b) character user interface (d) desktop publishing (DTP)
(c) icon user interface (e) PowerPoint
(d) button user interface 70. Oracle is an example of __________
(e) voice instruction system application software.
63. _________ are bundles of related software (a) database
packages that are sold together. (b) word processing
(a) Personal productivity tools (c) project management
(b) Word and PowerPoint (d) presentation graphics
(c) Screen savers (e) desktop
(d) Excel and WordPerfect 71. A collection of programmes which determines
(e) Software suites and controls how your computer system works
64. The __________ manual tells you how to use and process information is called
a software program. (a) Interpretor (b) Computer
(a) documentation (b) programming (c) Office (d) Compiler
(c) technical (d) user (e) Operating system
(e) dictionary 72. An error in a computer program is called
65. The __________ is an information system (a) Crash (b) Power failure
that must be reliable and capable of handling (c) Bug (d) Virus
the expected workload. (e) Bugger
73. The real business and competitive value of 78. The __________ mainual tells you how to use
information technology lies in a software program.
(a) The software applications that are used by (a) documentation (b) programming
many companies (c) technical (d) user
(b) The capabilities of the software and value (e) None of these
of the information a business acquires and 79. The __________ tells the computer how to
uses use its components.
(c) The infrastructure of hardware, networks, (a) utility
and other IT facilities that are commonly (b) network
used by many companies (c) operating system
(d) The capabilities of the hardware and the (d) application program
speed at which it processes information (e) None of these
(e) None of these 80. The process of writing out computer instructions
74. Companies use which of the following vendors is known as
to provide access to software and services (a) assembling (b) compiling
rather than purchasing the applications and (c) executing (d) coding
maintaining the applications themselves? (e) None of these
(a) Open source vendors 81. Multiprogramming systems:
(b) Alliances (a) are easier to develop than single programming
(c) Application service providers systems.
(d) All of the above (b) execute each job faster.
(e) None of these (c) execute more jobs in the same time period.
75. In the information systems concept, the output (d) use only one large mainframe computer.
function involves (e) None of these
(a) Capturing and assembling elements that 82. A __________ contains specific rules and
enter the system to be processed words that express the logical steps of an
(b) Transformation processes that convert algorithm.
input into output (a) programming language
(c) Transferring elements that have been (b) programming structure
produced by a transformation process to (c) syntax
their ultimate destination (d) logic chart
(d) Monitoring and evaluating feedback to (e) None of these
determine whether a system is moving 83. _________ is a set of keywords, symbols, and
toward the achievement of its goal a system of rules for constructing statements
(e) None of these by which humans can communicate the
76. Which of the following is a popular programming instructions to be executed by a computer.
language for developing multimedia web pages, (a) A computer program
websites, and web-based applications? (b) A programming language
(a) COBOL (b) Java (c) An assembler
(c) BASIC (d) Assembler (d) Syntax
(e) None of these (e) None of these
77. Compiling creates a(n) __________ 84. A program that converts a high-level language
(a) program specification source file into a machine-language file is
(b) algorithm called as
(c) executable program (a) translator (b) assembler
(d) subroutine (c) compiler (d) linker
(e) None of these (e) None of the above
85. Housing all hardware, software, storage, and 91. Which of the following is not a type of computer
processing in one site location is called ______. software which can be bought?
(a) time-sharing (a) Off-the-shelf
(b) a distributed system (b) Tailor-made
(c) centralized processing (c) Custom-developed
(d) a host computer (d) Off-the-shelf with alterations
(e) None of the above (e) All of these can be purchased
86. Computer programs are written in a high- 92. Computer software can be defined as
level programming language; however, the __________.
human-readable version of a program is called (a) the computer and its associated equipment.
__________.
(b) the instructions that tell the computer what
(a) cache (b) instruction set to do.
(c) source code (d) word size (c) computer components that act to accomplish
(e) None of these a goal.
87. The operating system determines the manner in (d) an interface between the computer and the
which all of the following occur except network
(a) user creating of a document (e) the interaction between the computer and
(b) user interaction with the processor its database.
(c) printer output 93. The operating system called UNIX is typically
(d) data displayed on the monitor used for
(e) None of these (a) Desktop computers (b) Laptop computers
88. What are the two examples of freeware? (c) Super computers (d) Web servers
(a) WinZip and Linux (e) All of these
(b) Shareware and file sharing 94. An error in a computer program is called a
(c) Microsoft Word and the Google toolbar __________.
(d) Instant messaging and the Google toolbar (a) crash (b) power failure
(e) Microsoft Power Point and Microsoft (c) bug (d) virus
Excel (e) fatal error
89. Vendor-created program modifications are 95. Executing more than one program concurrently
called by one user on one computer is known as
(a) patches (b) antiviruses (a) multi-programming (b) multi-processing
(c) holes (d) fixes (c) time sharing (d) multi-tasking
(e) overlaps (e) multi-action
90. A sales clerk at a checkout counter scanning 96. Which of the following controls the manner of
a tag on an item rather than keying it into the interaction between the user and the operating
system, is using __________. system?
(a) input automation (a) Language translator
(b) item data automation (b) Platform
(c) scanning automation (c) User interface
(d) source data automation (d) Icon
(e) None of these (e) None of these
97. Collecting personal information and effectively 104. Which of the following is not true about
posing as another individual is known as computer files?
(a) spooling (b) spoofing (a) They are collections of data saved to a
(c) hacking (d) identity theft storage medium.
(e) None of these (b) Every file has a filename.
98. A(n) __________ contains text as well as (c) A file extension is established by the user
information about the text. to indicate the date it was created
(a) annotated language (b) browser language (d) Usually files contains data.
(c) markup language (d) protocol language (e) None of these
105. How many kilobytes make a megabyte?
(e) machine language
(a) 128 (b) 1024
99. An operating system that can do multitasking
means that (c) 256 (d) 512
(e) 64
(a) the operating system can divide up work
between several CPUs. 106. In a computer, how many bits does a nibble
signify?
(b) multiple people can use the computer
concurrently. (a) 4 (b) 8
(c) 16 (d) 32
(c) several programs can be operated concurrently.
(e) 64
(d) All of these
107. Which of the following is not true about a
(e) None of these
compiler?
100. Compilers and translators are one form of –
(a) Translate instruction of a high level language
(a) ROM (b) RAM into machine language
(c) hard disk (d) software (b) Translates entire source program into
(e) None of these machine language program
101. The capability of the operating system to enable (c) It is involved in program’s execution
two or more than two programs to execute (d) Is a translating program
simultaneously in a single computer system by (e) Is useful to run program
using a single processor is _________. 108. When machine instructions are being executed
(a) Multiprocessing (b) Multitasking by a computer, the instruction phase followed
(c) Multiprogramming (d) Multiexecution by the execution phase is referred to as
(e) None of these __________.
102. The simultaneous execution of two or more (a) program cycle
instructions is called (b) machine instruction
(a) sequential access (c) execution cycle
(b) reduced instruction set computing (d) task cycle
(c) multiprocessing (e) machine cycle
(d) disk mirroring 109. Which language is directly understood by the
(e) None of these computer without translation program?
103. Which of the following is an example of a (a) BASIC language
binary number? (b) Assembly language
(a) 6AH1 (b) 100101 (c) High level language
(c) 005 (d) ABCD (d) C language
(e) 23456 (e) Machine language
110. The translator program used in assembly (c) The secondary storage
language is called _________. (d) The printer
(a) Compiler (b) Assembler (e) The processor
(c) Intepreter (d) Translator 116. Which of the following is not a binary number?
(e) Operating System (a) 001 (b) 101
111. A set of instructions telling the computer what (c) 202 (d) 110
to do is called __________.
(e) 011
(a) mentor (b) instructor
117. Large transaction processing systems in
(c) compiler (d) program
automated organisations use
(e) None of these
(a) Online processing
112. Which of the following is not true about
(b) Batch Processing
computer files?
(c) Once-a-day Processing
(a) They are a collection of data saved in a
storage medium. (d) End-of-day processing
(b) Every file has a filename. (e) Once-a-week processing
(c) A file extension is established by the user 118. Which of the following is true for the octal
to indicate the computer on which it was system?
created. (a) It needs less digits to represent a number
(d) All files contain data. than in the binary system.
(e) None of these (b) It needs more digits to represent a number
113. Which of the following is not a software? than in the binary system.
(a) Excel (b) Printer-Driver (c) It needs the same number of digits to
(c) Operating System (d) Powerpoint represent a number as in the binary system
(e) Mouse (d) It needs the same number of digits to
114. ASCII is a coding system that provides represent a number as in the decimal
system.
(a) 256 different characters
(e) None of these
(b) 512 different characters
119. The language used in a computer that is similar
(c) 1024 different characters
to the language of humans and is easy to
(d) 128 different characters
understand is referred to as
(e) 1000 different characters
(a) Source Code
115. Which part of the computer is directly invoked
(b) Machine Language
in executing the instructions of the computer
program? (c) High Level Language
(a) The scanner (d) Object Code
(b) The main storage (e) Assembly language
 Answer Key

1. (e) 21. (a) 41. (c) 61. (e) 81. (c) 101. (c)
2. (e) 22. (a) 42. (a) 62. (a) 82. (c) 102. (c)
3. (b) 23. (a) 43. (d) 63. (e) 83. (d) 103. (b)
4. (e) 24. (d) 44. (a) 64. (a) 84. (a) 104. (c)
5. (c) 25. (b) 45. (b) 65. (b) 85. (d) 105. (b)
6. (c) 26. (d) 46. (b) 66. (a) 86. (c) 106. (a)
7. (a) 27. (a) 47. (d) 67. (e) 87. (b) 107. (e)
8. (a) 28. (d) 48. (d) 68. (c) 88. (a) 108. (e)
9. (d) 29. (c) 49. (c) 69. (a) 89. (a) 109. (e)
10. (b) 30. (a) 50. (c) 70. (a) 90. (a) 110. (b)
11. (a) 31. (b) 51. (a) 71. (e) 91. (b) 111. (d)
12. (d) 32. (d) 52. (d) 72. (c) 92. (b) 112. (c)
13. (b) 33. (a) 53. (a) 73. (b) 93. (e) 113. (e)
14. (a) 34. (b) 54. (a) 74. (c) 94. (c) 114. (d)
15. (a) 35. (b) 55. (c) 75. (a) 95. (d) 115. (e)
16. (d) 36. (a) 56. (a) 76. (b) 96. (c) 116. (c)
17. (a) 37. (d) 57. (a) 77. (c) 97. (b) 117. (b)
18. (c) 38. (c) 58. (e) 78. (d) 98. (c) 118. (b)
19. (d) 39. (a) 59. (e) 79. (c) 99. (c) 119. (c)
20. (b) 40. (b) 60. (b) 80. (d) 100. (d)