Chapter: 01. Categories Of Computers And Computer Languages
One Touch Learn
A. Tick (✓) the correct option.
Which of the following is a microcomputer? Which type of computer operates by measuring instead of counting? Which of the following is an example of an embedded computer? Which of these languages can a computer understand? Which of the following categories does the third generation language belong to? B. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false.
Minicomputers are smaller than microcomputers. A hybrid computer provides the functionality of an analog computer only. ICL-39 is a supercomputer. Assembly language is a first generation language. High-level languages are machine-independent. C. Fill in the blanks using the words given below:
A microcomputer is a small computer that is used by one person at a time. A laptop is a portable and small digital personal computer that is suitable for use while travelling. A computer language is the means by which instructions are transmitted to the computer to perform a specific task. The process of writing a program is called programming. An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language. Let’s Do It
A. Short answer type questions.
A minicomputer, also known as “mini”, is a type of computer that is bigger, more expensive, and more powerful than a microcomputer. It can contain one or more microprocessors as its processing units and is mainly used for scientific and engineering computations, having the capability to serve a number of users simultaneously. What do you mean by an embedded computer? An embedded computer is a special type of microprocessor-based system that is developed for performing a specific task, and it is different from a general-purpose computer. Write the names of any two 3GL. Two examples of Third Generation Languages (3GL) are BASIC and C++. An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language so that the computer can understand it. Define computer language. A computer language is the medium by which instructions are transmitted to the computer to perform a specific task. It is a set of words, symbols, and codes that the computer can understand, and it is used to write computer programs. B. Long answer type questions.
What do you mean by a handheld computer? Write the names of any two handheld computers. A handheld computer is a type of computer that can easily be stored in our pockets and used by holding it in the hand. Most handheld computers have a touchscreen on which data can be input using our fingers. Two commonly used examples of handheld computers are smartphones and smartwatches. Define digital computer. Give any two examples of it. A digital computer refers to a computer that uses digits (binary numbers 0’s and 1’s) to generate, process, and display data. The results produced by digital computers are more accurate than those of analog computers. Two examples of digital computers are desktops and laptops. What is the difference between HLL and LLL? High-Level Language (HLL) is a programming language that enables a programmer to write programs that are machine-independent. These languages are closer to human languages (like English), making them easier to read, write, and maintain. They are problem-oriented and require a language translator to be converted into machine language. Low-Level Language (LLL) is a programming language that is machine-dependent. Programs written in LLL run only on one particular type of computer and are not easily portable. These languages are closer to the computer’s hardware, consisting of either binary digits (machine language) or alphanumeric symbols (assembly language), making them more difficult for humans to use. What are the advantages of High-level languages? The advantages of High-level languages are: They are similar to the English language, making them easier to understand and use. They require less time to write a program. They are easier to maintain. They are problem-oriented rather than machine-based. Programs written in HLL can be translated into machine language and run on any computer with an appropriate translator. They are machine-independent. C. Application-based questions.
Sunita bought a washing machine with features like water heating, water level sensing, and washing mode selection. Mini, her daughter, called it an embedded computer, leaving Sunita confused as it didn’t match her idea of a computer. Can you clarify if Mini is correct and explain why? Yes, Mini is correct. A washing machine with features like water heating, water level sensing, and washing mode selection is an example of a device containing an embedded computer. An embedded computer is a special type of microprocessor-based system that is developed for performing a specific task within a larger mechanical or electrical system. While it doesn’t look like a traditional desktop or laptop computer, it has a specialized computer system inside that controls its various functions, such as temperature, water levels, spin cycles, and washing modes, without being a general-purpose computing device. Ritesh wondered how languages could have generations, so he asked Reena about it. Reena then explained the key points of each generation. What do you think she told him? Reena likely explained that computer languages evolved significantly over time, with each “generation” representing a major step forward in making programming easier and more powerful: First Generation Language (1GL) / Machine Language: This is the most basic language, consisting only of binary digits (0s and 1s), which computers understand directly. It’s very difficult for humans to write. Second Generation Language (2GL) / Assembly Language: This introduced alphanumeric symbols (mnemonics) like “ADD” or “LOAD” to represent operations, making it slightly easier to write programs than machine language, but still very detailed. Third Generation Languages (3GL): These are “high-level languages” that use English-like words and mathematical symbols, making them much easier for humans to read, write, and understand. Examples include BASIC, C, and Java. Fourth Generation Languages (4GL): These are even more user-friendly, allowing programmers to specify “what” they want the computer to do without needing to explain “how” to do it. They are designed for faster development, with SQL being a common example. Fifth Generation Languages (5GL) / Natural Languages: These languages are often associated with artificial intelligence and expert systems. They aim to allow users to interact with computers using natural human language or visual programming tools, further simplifying the programming process. Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Differentiate between a compiler and an interpreter. Why do we not use Mini or Mainframe Computer at home when they are more powerful than microcomputer? We do not use Mini or Mainframe Computers at home despite their power due to several practical reasons: Cost: Mini and Mainframe computers are incredibly expensive, costing hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, which is far beyond the budget of an average household. Size: They are physically very large, often requiring dedicated rooms or even an entire floor of a building, which is impractical for a home environment. Complexity & Maintenance: These systems are highly complex and require specialized technical expertise for installation, operation, and ongoing maintenance. Home users typically lack the skills and resources needed to manage such systems. Purpose & Overkill: The immense processing power and capabilities of Mini and Mainframe computers are designed for very specific, high-demand tasks like managing large corporate databases, processing millions of transactions, or complex scientific simulations. For typical home use (internet browsing, word processing, entertainment, etc.), a microcomputer (like a desktop or laptop) provides more than enough power and functionality at a much lower cost and with greater convenience. Crack The Code
Across:
Down:
2. DIGITAL
3. SMARTPHONE
4. COMPILER
5. DESKTOP
6. INTERPRETER
Answers to textbook exercises
