Answer key

Chapter: 01. Categories Of Computers And Computer Languages

Application Based Answers

A laptop or a tablet would be most suitable for this student. Both are microcomputers, designed for personal use, and offer the portability needed to move between rooms or take to a friend’s house. They are general-purpose devices capable of handling school projects, video playback, and light gaming effectively. ​

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As a programmer, I would choose a high-level language because it is user-friendly and resembles human languages like English, making the code much easier to read, write, and maintain. This significantly reduces development time and effort compared to machine language, which consists only of complex binary digits (0s and 1s) and is extremely difficult to work with directly. ​

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A typical family wouldn’t need a supercomputer or mainframe at home due to their extreme cost, massive physical size, and complex operational requirements. These machines are designed for highly specialized, large-scale tasks like weather forecasting or managing vast organizational data, which far exceed common home computing needs. Microcomputers (like laptops and desktops) are perfectly sufficient and far more practical for everyday home activities like browsing, entertainment, and personal tasks. ​

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A mainframe computer would be most appropriate for a bank’s operations. These computers are very large, fast, and powerful, specifically designed to handle immense amounts of data and process a high volume of transactions concurrently. Their robustness and reliability are crucial for critical applications like banking where data integrity and continuous operation are paramount. ​

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To explain language evolution by generations: For 1GL (Machine Language), I’d highlight its direct use of binary (0s and 1s), which is machine-understandable but incredibly hard for humans. For 3GL (Third Generation Languages), I’d emphasize the shift to English-like words and mathematical operators, making them much more human-friendly and easier to write. Lastly, for 5GL (Fifth Generation Languages), I’d point out their advanced use of visual tools and association with AI, aiming for very high ease of use or even natural language interaction. ​

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When you use an ATM, it behaves like an embedded computer because it has a specialized computer system inside. This system processes your inputs (like PIN and withdrawal amount), communicates with the bank’s central server to verify your account and balance, and then controls the dispensing of cash. Its specialized task is to facilitate automated financial transactions, specifically allowing users to withdraw money from their bank accounts anytime and anywhere. ​

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A language translator is essential because computers only understand machine language (binary code), not human-like high-level languages. The translator converts the entire program (or line by line) from the human-like language into machine language. This translation process allows the same high-level program to be executed on different computer systems, as long as each system has its appropriate translator to convert the code into its native machine language. ​

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Yes, Mini is correct. The washing machine has an embedded computer because it’s a specialized microprocessor-based system developed to perform specific tasks within the appliance. It controls functions like water temperature, level, and washing modes, ensuring the machine operates automatically and efficiently without needing to be a general-purpose computer. ​

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