Chapter No.
1
Computer Systems
Exercise
Short Q/Ans
Q13: How does asynchronous transmission differ from synchronous
transmission?
Ans:
Asynchronous Transmission Synchronous Transmission
1. Data is sent at irregular time. 1. Data is sent at regular, fixed time
2. Uses start and stop bits with each intervals.
character. 2. Data is sent in continuous blocks.
3. Slower and less efficient due to 3. Faster and more efficient for large
extra bits. data transfer.
Q14: Give three limitations of peer-to-peer network compared to
client/server network.
Ans:
1. Low security: There is no central control, so data and resources are less
secure.
2. Poor performance: As the number of users increases, network performance
decreases.
3. Difficult management: Data backup and network administration are hard to
manage without a central server.
Q15: What is the role of Application layer in OSI model?
Ans:
1. It provides services to the end user.
2. Users can send files and read messages.
3. It interacts with OS and application software.
Long Q/Ans
Q1. Describe the evolution of computer generations from the first
generation to the fifth generation, highlighting the key technological
developments and their impact on computing.
Ans:
1. First Generation (1940s–early 1950s)
Used vacuum tubes; machines were very large and unreliable.
Key technological development: ENIAC
Impact: Laid the foundation of electronic digital computing and proved that complex
calculations could be automated.
2. Second Generation (late 1950s–mid-1960s)
Introduced transistors; computers became smaller and faster.
Key technological development: IBM 1401
Impact: Improved reliability and made high-level programming languages like COBOL
and FORTRAN possible.
3. Third Generation (mid-1960s–mid-1970s)
Used integrated circuits (ICs); systems were more powerful.
Key technological development: IBM System/360
Impact: Enabled operating systems and multitasking, making computers more
efficient and user-friendly.
4. Fourth Generation (mid-1970s–present)
Based on microprocessors; led to personal computers, laptops, and smartphones.
Impact: Made computing affordable and accessible to the general public and
connected the world through the Internet.
5. Fifth Generation (1980s–present)
Focused on artificial intelligence and parallel processing.
Impact: Enabled smart systems such as expert systems, neural networks, and
natural-language processing, shaping modern intelligent computing.
Q2. Discuss the importance of both natural and artificial systems by
providing examples of each type.
Ans:
Natural Systems:
Ecosystems: Ecosystems are natural systems of living organisms (biotic) and their
physical
environment (abiotic) as a unit.
Example: a forest ecosystem.
Climate System: The climate system consists of various elements such as the
atmosphere,
oceans, ice, and land interacting to determine Earth's climate patterns.
Artificial Systems:
Transportation Systems: Transportation systems involve vehicles, roads and laws
to
facilitate the movement of people and goods.
Example: a subway system in a city.
Information Systems: Information systems manage, process, and distribute data to
support decision-making and operations.
Example: a school's student information system.
Understanding systems is crucial for comprehending their complexity, functions, and
interconnections. By recognizing the types of systems, we can better analyze, design,
and
manage them for various purposes in our daily lives and the broader environment.
Q3. Explain the fundamental components of network communication, and
how do they work together to facilitate data transfer?
Ans: Fundamental components of network communication are:
1. Sender: It is also called transmitter. It is the device which sends the message.
It can be a computer workstation, cellphone or camera.
2. Receiver: It is the device which receives the message. It can be a computer
workstation, telephone handset or television set.
3. Message: Message is the data to be transmitted. It can be text, graphics,
image, sound or video.
4. Medium: It is the physical pathway over which the message is sent from
sender to receiver. Medium can be wired or wireless.
5. Protocol: A set of rules governing communication, ensuring devices
understand and interpret data correctly.
Working of Components: These components work together by the sender encoding
the message, which is then transmitted through the medium following the protocol
rules. The receiver decodes the message for successful transmission
Q4. Describe the roles of common communication devices like hubs,
switches, routers, and gateways in data communication. How do they
contribute to the functionality of a network?
Ans: Roles of Network Communication Devices:
Hubs: Connect multiple devices and broadcast data to all connected devices.
Switches: Connect devices and send data only to the intended device. Operate at the
data link layer.
Routers: Connect different networks and route data to the best path. Operate at the
network layer.
Gateways: Connect networks using different protocols and translate data between
them.
How They Contribute to Network Functionality:
• Hubs: Their broadcast nature limits their effectiveness in larger networks.
• Switches: It reduces network congestion, and improve data transfer speeds.
• Routers: Enable communication between different networks, making it possible to
connect to the internet.
• Gateways: Facilitate communication between networks with different protocols,
expanding network capabilities.
Q5. Discuss the advantages and limitations of different network topologies,
including bus, star and ring. When should each topology be used in a
network design?
Ans:
Bus Topology:
Advantages:
1. Lowest cost topology to implement due to short cable length.
2. Easy to add new computers.
Limitations:
1. If a bus is damaged at any point, the entire network stops working.
2. Difficult to detect and fix faults.
Ring Topology:
Advantages:
1. Server or switch is not required to manage the network.
2. All the computers have an equal opportunity to transmit data.
Limitations:
1. If ring is broken at any point, the entire network stops functioning.
2. Detection of fault is difficult.
Star Topology:
Advantages:
1. Easy to connect new devices to the network.
2. Easy to detect and fix faults.
Limitations:
1. At least one switch/hub is required for connecting two computers.
2. A lengthy cable is required to connect all the computers to the switch.
Network topologies should be selected based on how devices are connected and how
data flows. In a bus topology, all nodes connect to a single linear cable called a bus.
In a ring topology, nodes are connected in a circular cable forming a ring. In a star
topology, all nodes connect to a central hub or switch.
Q6. What is the OSI model, and how does it help in understanding the
process of data communication? Give the purpose of each OSI layer.
Ans: OSI model:
The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model is a framework used to
understand how networks communicate. It divides communication into seven layers,
each with a specific function. This layered approach makes network operations easier
to understand and helps with troubleshooting.
The Seven Layers of the OSI Model are:
Layer 7 – Application Layer:
It provides services to the user. Users can send files and read messages. It interacts
with OS and application software.
Layer 6 – Presentation Layer:
This layer converts data into a standard format before sending it and translates it
back into a user-readable form when received.
Layer 5 – Session Layer:
Session layer enables two processes to communicate across the network. It
establishes, maintains and ends communication with the receiver.
Layer 4 – Transport Layer:
It establishes connection between two devices. It maintains quality control by
ensuring that the data received is in the proper format.
Layer 3 – Network Layer:
It decides the pathway to be used. Router works in this layer.
Layer 2 – Data Link Layer:
It defines the format of the data. Data is converted into packets and checked before
sending in this layer. Switch works in this layer.
Layer 1 – Physical Layer:
Physical layer consists of Cables and signals. It provides hardware. Cables, hub, and
power supply are in this layer.
Q7. Discuss any three common applications of the Internet and their impact
on various aspects of society, including communication, education, business,
entertainment, and research.
Ans:
Applications of the Internet and Their Impact:
Communication:
The Internet enables quick contact through emails, messages, and video calls, helping
people and businesses stay connected.
Education:
Online learning resources allow students and teachers to study and share knowledge
from anywhere.
Business:
The Internet supports online sales, payments, and remote work, saving time and
money.
Entertainment:
People use the Internet for movies, music, games, and social media for relaxation.
Research:
It helps users find information and research materials quickly, supporting learning and
innovation.
These applications have greatly improved daily life by making communication,
learning, and business faster and easier.