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Centre for Distance and Online Education
Online BBA Program
Semester- I
(COMPUTER APPLICATIONS)
ASSIGNMENT
Prepared by
Name of the Student: PRACHI MANIK
Enrollment no: 2501J00100046
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1. What are the main components of a computer system? Explain the roles of the CPU,
memory unit, input devices, and output devices.
ANS- A computer system is made up of different hardware components that work
together to perform tasks. Each part has a specific role, and the overall performance of a
computer depends on how efficiently these components communicate.
The main components of a computer system include the CPU, memory unit, input
devices, output devices, and storage units. Among these, the CPU and memory unit are
considered the central parts of processing, while input and output devices help in
interaction.
1. Central Processing Unit (CPU):
The CPU is known as the brain of the computer. It performs all calculations, logical
operations, and controls the flow of data within the system.
The CPU has two main parts:
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs mathematical and logical operations.
Control Unit (CU): Manages and coordinates all activities inside the computer.
The CPU takes instructions from memory, processes them, and sends back results for
output or storage.
2. Memory Unit:
The memory unit temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU needs. It includes:
Primary memory (RAM): Stores data temporarily and is fast but volatile.
Secondary memory (HDD/SSD): Stores data permanently.
Memory plays a crucial role because the CPU cannot work directly with slow
storage devices; therefore, RAM acts as a temporary workspace.
3. Input Devices:
Input devices allow the user to enter data into the computer. Examples include keyboard,
mouse, scanner, microphone, etc.
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Without input devices, the computer would not be able to receive commands or process
user data.
4. Output Devices:
Output devices present the processed information to the user. Common examples are
monitors, printers, speakers, and projectors.
They help convert digital information into human-understandable form.
2. Describe how the CPU and memory work together to process data in a computer.
ANS- Data processing in a computer is mainly handled by two key units: the CPU and
memory. Their coordination ensures smooth execution of programs and efficient results.
The CPU works closely with the memory unit through a series of steps in which,
When you open a program or run a command, the CPU needs instructions to act. These
instructions are stored in RAM.
The CPU fetches the instruction from memory using the program counter, which keeps
track of the next instruction to execute.
Once instructions reach the CPU, the Control Unit (CU) decodes them.
Decoding means identifying what type of operation needs to be performed whether it is
an addition, comparison, or data movement
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical and logical operations.
If the instruction requires data, the CPU again interacts with memory to fetch values from
RAM.
After execution, the output may need to be stored temporarily in RAM or permanently in
storage devices.
The CPU sends results back to the memory before they are displayed as output.
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3. Define the term Operating System (OS). Briefly explain the generations of operating
systems and list different types of operating systems.
ANS- An Operating System (OS) is the most important system software that manages
hardware resources and enables communication between the user and the computer.
It is a program that controls the execution of applications, manages hardware, and
provides an environment for users to interact with the computer.
Generations of Operating Systems:
1. WINDOWS 1.0 1985- PROVIDED A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE
2. WINDOWS 2.0 1987- WITH MICROSOFT’s NEW GRAPHICAL APPLICATION
3. WINDOWS 3.0 1990- ALLOWED USERS TO BETTER MULTITASK
4. WINDOWS 3.1 1993- A MULTIMEDIA VERSION
5. WINDOWS 3.11 1993
6. WINDOWS NT 194
7. WINDOWS 95 1995
8. WINDOWS CE 1995
9. WINDOWS 98 1998
10. WINDOWS 2000
11. WINDOWS ME 2000
12. WINDOWS XP 2001
13. WINDOWS SERVER 2003
14. WINDOWS HOME SERVER 2007
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15. WINDOWS VISTA 2007
16. WINDOWS SERVER 2008
17. WINDOWS 2007 2009
18. WINDOWS 8 2012
19. WINDOWS 10 2015
TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM:
CLASSIFIED BY ITS USERS
1. SINGLE USER OPERATING SYSTEM
2. MULTI USER OPERATING SYSTEM
CLASSIFIED BY ITS PROCESSOR
1. SINGLE PROCESSING OPERATING SYSTEM
2. MULTI PROCESSINGG OPERATING SYSTEM
CLASSIFIED BY ITS JOBS
1. MULTI TASKING OS
2. MULTI PROGRAMMING OS
3. TIME SHARING OS
4. MULTI THREADING OS
5. BATCH OS
6. REAL TIME OS
7. NETWORK OS
8. DISTRIBUTION OS
4. What are the main services provided by an Operating System? Give examples of typical
system calls.
ANS- Operating systems provide essential services that make a computer easy and safe
to use. These services help in program execution, resource allocation, security, and
communication with hardware.
Main Services Provided by an OS:
1. PROGRAM EXECUTIO
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2. FILE SYSTEM MANIPULATION
3. I/O OPERATIONS
4. COMMUNICATION SERVICES
5. ERROR DETECTION AND HANDLING
6. RESOURCES ALLOCATION
7. SECURITY AND PROTECTION
8. USER INTERFACE
9. JOB ACCOUNTING
10. NETWORKING SERVICES
Examples of System Calls:
System calls allow user programs to request services from the OS.
Common examples include:
open – Opens a file
read – Reads data from a file
close – Closes a file
These system calls act as a bridge between user applications and the operating system.
Operating systems offer a wide range of services that make computing efficient and
secure. System calls enable programs to access OS functions, allowing smooth interaction
with hardware and other resources.
5. What is a Database Management System (DBMS)? Compare the advantages and
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disadvantages of file processing systems with those of a DBMS.
ANS- A Database Management System (DBMS) is a software tool used to store, organize,
and manage large amounts of data efficiently. It supports multi-user environments and
ensures secure, accurate, and fast data handling.
Examples include MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, and MongoDB.
File Processing System:
Before DBMS, data was stored in separate files created by individual programs.
Although simple, this method had many limitations.
Advantages of File Processing System:
Easy to use for small applications
Less complex and does not require advanced hardware
Suitable for single-user systems
Disadvantages of File Processing System:
1. Data Redundancy: Same data stored in multiple files.
2. Inconsistency: Data may become mismatched across files.
3. No Data Sharing: Difficult for multiple users to access data.
4. Poor Security: No proper access control.
5. Difficult to Update: Changes must be made manually in each file.
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Advantages of DBMS over File System:
1. Reduced Data Redundancy: Data stored centrally avoids duplication.
2. Improved Data Consistency: Updates are reflected everywhere.
3. Better Security: Access rights and authentication make data safe.
4. Data Sharing: Multiple users can access the database simultaneously.
5. Backup & Recovery: DBMS automatically manages data recovery.
6. Efficient Querying: SQL makes data retrieval fast and easy.
7. Data Integrity: Ensures accuracy and reliability.
Disadvantages of DBMS:
Requires powerful hardware
More expensive than file systems
Complex to set up and manage
Regular maintenance needed
HENCE,While file processing systems are simple, they are outdated for modern
applications. DBMS offers more efficient, secure, and organized data management,
making it the preferred solution for businesses and organizations.
6. Explain the basic terms related to DBMS and describe common database applications
in business.
ANS - A DBMS uses several important terms that define how data is stored, organized,
and accessed. Understanding these basic terms helps in understanding how databases
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work in real-life applications.
Concepts & Explanation:
Basic Terms Related to DBMS:
1. Database:
A structured collection of related data stored in an organized manner.
2. Table (Relation):
A set of rows and columns used to store data.
3. Field / Column:
A single category of data in a table, such as Name, Age, or Salary.
4. Record / Row:
One complete set of fields in a table.
5. Primary Key:
A unique identifier for each record in a table.
6. Foreign Key:
A field in one table that links it to another table.
7. Schema:
The structure or design of the database.
8. Query:
A request to retrieve specific data using SQL.
9. Data Integrity:
Ensuring accuracy and consistency of data.
10. Normalization:
A method of organizing data to reduce redundancy.
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Common Database Applications in Business:
1. Banking:
Databases store customer accounts, transactions, and loan records.
2. Retail:
Used for inventory management, billing, and customer data.
3. Healthcare:
Manages patient records, appointments, and billing information.
4. Education:
Colleges maintain student details, attendance, fees, and exam records.
5. Airlines:
Used for ticket booking, scheduling flights, and passenger management.
6. E-commerce:
Manages product details, orders, customer accounts, and payments.
SSS
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