Chapter 1
Fundamentals of Computer
Short and Long Questions
Q.1 Briefly describe the working of computer processing system.
Ans: Working of Computer processing system:
A computer is a general-purpose programmable machine.
Computer:
Computer is an advanced electronic device that takes raw data as input from the user and processes it
under the control of set of instructions (called program), gives the result (output), and saves it for the
future use.
Function of Computer:
Computer has the ability to store, retrieve and process data. It processes data at very high speed
according to the instructions given to it and produces accurate results.
Computer program:
The instructions given to a computer to perform a particular task is known as computer program.
Computer processing system is shown in Fig.
Q.2 Highlight various stages in evolution of computers.
Ans: Evolution of Computer:
Evolution of computers means how the computers evolved from the first mechanical device abacus to
electromechanical and then to the modern electronic digital computers.
Q.3 What are the tasks performed by Abacus?
Ans: Abacus:
Abacus was the earliest calculating device most probably invented in China.
Construction:
Abacus consisted of a wooden frame having parallel rods as shown in Fig.
These rods had a number of wooden beads which could slide freely along the length of rods. While
performing calculations, beads were moved up and down with fingers.
Tasks performed by Abacus:
Abacus was used to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It has been used in China
and some other Asian countries till the end of 20th century.
Titbits
Abacus is still seen at some toy shops, made of plastic or wood for small children.
Q.4 What are the tasks performed by Pascaline?
Ans: Pascaline:
Blaise Pascal, a French mathematician invented a calculating machine called Pascaline in 1642 when he
was only 19 years old.
Construction:
Pascaline used rotating wheels. Each wheel had ten parts having digits from 0