Basics of ICT

Assignment No 2

Course code #5403

Dated : Oct 2024

To Tutor :

Submitted by: Azmat Ali

ID No :0000225308

Question #. 1

a) What is meant by computer software? Differentiate between system software

and application software?

b) What is meant by word processing? List key features provided by word processor.

Ans.

a) Computer Software:

Computer software refers to the programs, operating systems, and applications that run
on computer hardware, enabling it to perform various tasks.

*System Software vs. Application Software:*

*System Software:*

1. Manages computer hardware resources.

2. Provides a platform for running applications.

3. Examples: Operating Systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), Device Drivers, Firmware.

*Application Software:*

1. Performs specific tasks for users.

2. Runs on top of system software.

3. Examples: Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop.

Key differences:

- System software focuses on hardware management, while application software

focuses on user tasks.

- System software is essential for computer operation, whereas application software is

optional.

b) Word Processing:

Word processing refers to the creation, editing, and manipulation of text documents
using software.

*Key Features of Word Processors:*

1. Text Editing: Insert, delete, cut, copy, paste, and format text.

2. Document Formatting: Adjust margins, font, alignment, spacing, and layout.

3. Font and Style Options: Choose fonts, sizes, colors, and styles (bold, italic, underline).

4. Document Organization: Create headings, paragraphs, sections, and tables.

5. Spell Checking and Grammar Checking: Identify and correct errors.

6. Printing and Sharing: Print or export documents to various formats (PDF, DOCX, TXT).

7. Image and Object Insertion: Add images, charts, tables, and other objects.

8. Collaboration Tools: Track changes, comments, and real-time co-authoring.

Popular word processors include:

- Microsoft Word

- Google Docs

- LibreOffice Writer

- Apple Pages

These features enable efficient creation, editing, and sharing of text documents.

Question #.2

a) What is meant by operating system? Define it in detail with the help of different
examples.
b) Write shot notes on the following topics:

Popular Operating Systems, Network Connection and IP-Setting.

Ans.

a) Operating System (OS):

An Operating System is software that manages computer hardware resources and

provides a platform for running applications.

An OS is a set of programs that:

1. Manages hardware resources (CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices)

2. Provides a user interface (command-line, graphical)

3. Manages files and directories

4. Controls input/output operations

5. Manages security and access control

6. Enables communication between hardware and software

*Examples:*

1. Windows (10, 8, 7, XP)

2. macOS (Catalina, Mojave, High Sierra)

3. Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora)

4. Android (mobile OS)

5. iOS (mobile OS)

*Types of Operating Systems:*

1. Single-user, single-tasking (old systems)

2. Multi-user, multi-tasking (Unix, Linux)

3. Real-time (embedded systems, robotics)

4. Mobile (Android, iOS)

*OS Functions:*

1. Process Management

2. Memory Management

3. File Management

4. Input/Output Management

5. Security and Access Control

6. Networking

b) Short Notes:

*Popular Operating Systems:*

1. Windows

2. macOS

3. Linux

4. Android

5. iOS

6. Chrome OS

7. Ubuntu

*Network Connection:*

1. Wired (Ethernet)

2. Wireless (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth)

3. Network Types: LAN, WAN, MAN

4. Network Protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP

*IP-Setting:*

1. IP Address: unique identifier for devices

2. IPv4 vs. IPv6

3. Subnet Mask: determines network scope

4. Default Gateway: router's IP address

5. DNS (Domain Name System): translates domain names to IP addresses

Additional IP-Setting terms:

1. Static IP: manually assigned

2. Dynamic IP: automatically assigned (DHCP)

3. Public IP: accessible from the internet

4. Private IP: local network only

Question #.3

a) Identify the basic elements of a communication system.

b) What are important types of communication media? Differentiate between

analog and digital transmission.

Ans.

a) Basic Elements of a Communication System:

1. Sender (Source): Originates the message.

2. Encoder: Converts message into signal.

3. Modulator: Prepares signal for transmission.

4. Channel (Medium): Path through which signal travels.

5. Receiver (Destination): Gets the signal.

6. Decoder: Converts signal back to message.

7. Feedback: Receiver's response to sender.

b) Important Types of Communication Media:

*Wired Media:*

1. Twisted Pair Cable

2. Coaxial Cable

3. Fiber Optic Cable

*Wireless Media:*

1. Radio Waves

2. Microwaves

3. Satellite

4. Infrared

*Analog Transmission:*

1. Continuous signal

2. Uses modulation (AM, FM, PM)

3. Prone to interference and noise

4. Examples: Radio, TV, Telephone

*Digital Transmission:*

1. Discrete signal (0s and 1s)

2. Uses coding and modulation

3. Less prone to interference

4. Examples: Internet, Mobile Phones, Satellite

Key differences:

Analog:

- Continuous signal

- Prone to interference

- Lower bandwidth

Digital:

- Discrete signal
- Less interference

- Higher bandwidth

*Hybrid Transmission:*

Combines analog and digital transmission methods.

*Communication Media Advantages:*

Wired: Reliability, Security

Wireless: Mobility, Convenience

*Communication Media Disadvantages:*

Wired: Limited range, Installation costs

Wireless: Interference, Security risks

Understanding these basic elements and types of communication media helps facilitate
effective communication.

Question# .4

Write a note (in your own words) on the following:

Multimedia kiosk

Multimedia Software

Multimedia Presentation

Multimedia Conferencing

Ans.

*Multimedia Kiosk*

A multimedia kiosk is an interactive computer terminal that provides information and

services through multimedia content (text, images, audio, video). Kiosks are often used
in public spaces (malls, airports, museums) for:

- Information dissemination
- Self-service transactions

- Entertainment

- Education

Features:

- Touchscreen interface

- Interactive menus

- Audio-visual content

- Internet connectivity

*Multimedia Software*

Multimedia software enables creation, editing, and playback of multimedia content.

Examples include:

- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere Pro)

- Microsoft PowerPoint

- Video editing software (Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve)

- Audio editing software (Audacity, Logic Pro)

Functions:

- Media creation (images, audio, video)

- Editing and enhancement

- Animation and special effects

- Integration with other media

*Multimedia Presentation*

A multimedia presentation combines text, images, audio, and video to convey

information or tell a story. Characteristics:

- Interactive or linear format

- Incorporates multimedia elements (images, audio, video)

- Engaging and immersive experience

- Used in education, marketing, training

Tools:

- PowerPoint

- Google Slides

- Prezi

- Adobe Presenter

*Multimedia Conferencing*

Multimedia conferencing enables real-time communication between remote

participants through:

- Video conferencing (Zoom, Skype)

- Audio conferencing (phone, VoIP)

- Text messaging (chat, instant messaging)

- Screen sharing and collaboration

Benefits:

- Remote collaboration

- Reduced travel costs

- Increased productivity

- Enhanced communication

Tools:

- Zoom

- Skype

- Google Meet

- Cisco Webex
Question #.5

a) What are the important characteristics of a programming language?

b) What are the important parameter that influence the selection of a Programming
language?

Ans.

a) *Important Characteristics of a Programming Language:*

1. Simplicity: Easy to learn and understand.

2. Readability: Clear and concise code.

3. Portability: Runs on multiple platforms.

4. Efficiency: Optimizes resource usage.

5. Reliability: Produces consistent results.

6. Maintainability: Easy to modify and debug.

7. Scalability: Handles large programs and data.

8. Flexibility: Supports various programming paradigms.

9. Security: Protects against vulnerabilities.

10. Standardization: Follows industry standards.

b) *Parameters Influencing Programming Language Selection:*

*Functional Requirements:*

1. Problem domain (e.g., web, mobile, game development).

2. Data processing needs (e.g., numerical, textual).

3. Algorithmic complexity.

*Non-Functional Requirements:*

1. Performance requirements (speed, memory).

2. Development time and cost.

3. Maintenance and support needs.

4. Team expertise and experience.

5. Compatibility with existing systems.

6. Licensing and cost considerations.

7. Community support and resources.

8. Security and reliability requirements.

9. Platform and hardware constraints.

10. Future scalability and adaptability.

*Other Factors:*

1. Customer requirements and preferences.

2. Industry standards and trends.

3. Integration with existing tools and systems.

4. Documentation and support availability.

5. Learning curve and training needs.

*Popular Programming Language Categories:*

1. Procedural (C, Java).

2. Object-Oriented (C++, Python).

3. Functional (Haskell, Lisp).

4. Scripting (JavaScript, Ruby).

5. Declarative (SQL, Prolog).

*Language Selection Framework:*

1. Define project requirements.

2. Evaluate languages against requirements.

3. Consider non-functional factors.

4. Assess team expertise and resources.

5. Choose the best-fit language.

By considering these characteristics and parameters, developers can select the most
suitable programming language for their project's specific needs.