Information Technology [2 Mark Questions]

(i) programs
(ii) instructions
(iii) entity
(iv) computer
(v) procedures
(vi) documentation
(vii) processing

It is an advanced computer programming language that is not limited to one computer, designed for a specific job and is easier to understand. The main advantage of high level languages over low level languages is that they are easier to read, write and understand, e.g. BASIC, C, FORTRAN, Java and Pascal.

It is a computerised system used to store and retrieve information and conduct transactions related to air travel, hotels, car rental or other activities.
It is an application software which is commonly seen at railway reservation offices, this software helps the concerned department to automatically check the availability of the seats or berths of any train and on any particular date with an incomparable speed.

General purpose application softwares are those
softwares, which are used for any general function. They allow people to do simple computer tasks. It is sometimes referred to as GPS. e.g. graphics, multimedia, presentation software, desktop publishing software etc.

A process to convert a plain text into cipher text is called encryption. Whereas, a process to convert a cipher text into plain text is called decryption.

Difference between machine language and assembly language are as follows:

Machine Language	Assembly Language
Machine language uses binary digits (0s and 1s) to write a program.	Assembly language used mnemonic codes to write a program in place of binary digits.
It is not human readable language.	It is a more human readable language.
It is directly understood by the computer.	It is not directly understood by the computer.
There is no need of any type of language processor.	Assembler is used to translate assembly language into computer understandable language.

It is a software program that provides a user interface to work with file system. It helps a user to manage all the files on its computer system. All file managers allow the user to view, edit, copy and delete the files on its computer system, e.g. Nomad.net, Master Commander, Unreal Commander etc.

Network utility analyses the computer’s network connectivity, configure network settings, check the data transfer or log events. It works for the router to check whether the network is connected or not and other technical issues.

Network utilities provide a way to check the connectivity of a network and log events while using the Internet, ipconfig, ping, spray etc., are some commands to start a network utility.

The four steps in debugging are as follows:

1. Discovering of the bug
2. Isolation of the bug
3. Finding the bug
4. Fixing the bug

The process of searching and correcting bugs (errors) in a program is called debugging and debugger is a program that is used as an aid to remove bugs from program. Bug in a small computer program causing a problem to crash the system or produce an invalid output.

It can detect computer files, whose contents are broken across several locations on the hard disk and move these fragments in a particular location to increase storage efficiency. You can use disk defragmenter to rearrange files and unused space of your hard disk, so that programs run fast, e.g. MyDefrag, PerfectDisk, Diskeeper, Defraggler etc.
You can start Disk Defragmentation process as follows:
Click Start —> All Programs —> Accessories —> System Tools —> Disk Defragmenter.

Backup software is used to make a copy of all the information stored on a disk and restore it when needed.An ideal data backup software provides functionalities beyond simple copying of data files. This software often supports user needs to specifying what is to be backed up and when.

It is a system software designed to help in management and tuning of operating systems, computer hardwares and different application softwares.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility or a tool. Utilities are those application programs that assist the computer by performing house-keeping functions like backing up disk or scanning/cleaning viruses.
A utility program carries out some of the common tasks, while using a computer system. Utility software is also known as service program, service tool or utility routine. It differs from applications mostly in terms of size, complexity and function. Utility programs are bundled with operating systems. However, these programs are also available in a separate package and that’s why they are sometimes considered separate from system software.
Utilities include Disk Compression, Backup, Virus Protection Utilities (Antivirus), Disk Defragmentation Utilities etc.

Interpreter is very useful for debugging and suitable for novice programmer. This is a slow process and consumes less memory space.
Some basic functions of an interpreter are as follows:

• Translates one instruction at a time.
• It checks the execution of the instructions line-by-line.

Compiler is more bent fi cial than an interpreter for translating a high leve, language program into machine language program because compilation process of a compiler is nearly 5 to 25 times faster than interpreter.

The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is commonly known as ; system BIOS. It is a boot firmware or a small program that controls various electronic devices attached to the main computer system. The initial function of the BIOS is to initialise system devices such as RAM, hard disk, CD/DVD drive, video display card and other hardwares. It sets the machine hardware into a known state that helps the operating system to configure the hardware components. This process is known as Booting Up the computer.

There are two types of software, i.e. system software and application software. Language processors (interpreters, compilers and assemblers), operating systems etc., are the examples of system software. Whereas, payroll system, accounting software etc., are the examples of an application software.