Rizwan Ahmed

Reg 2312129

THEORY ASSIGNMENT ICS

1. Major categories of software and explain the purpose of each

1. Operating System (OS) - This is like the brain of your computer that manages all your software and
hardware. It provides an interface for you to interact with your computer and is responsible for making
sure everything runs smoothly.

2. Productivity Software - This type of software includes tools that help you create and manage
documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and emails. It is designed to improve your efficiency and
productivity when working on computer-related tasks.

3. Multimedia Software - This type of software includes tools for editing photos, videos, and music. It
allows you to create and edit multimedia content for personal or professional use.

4. Internet Software - This type of software includes tools that allow you to browse the internet,
communicate with others online, and consume digital media such as music and videos.

5. Security Software - This type of software helps protect your computer and data from viruses,
malware, and other online threats. It includes firewalls, antivirus software, and other tools that ensure
your digital safety.

6. Gaming Software - This type of software includes games that can be played on your computer or
mobile device. It provides entertainment and allows you to escape into different virtual worlds.

2. Major types of storage devices

1. Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Like a filing cabinet for your computer, HDDs stock all your files, photos,
videos, and software in one place.

2. Solid State Drives (SSD): SSDs work like HDDs, but instead of spinning disks, they usage flash memory
to store data. They're faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives.

3. USB Flash Drives: These are small, portable devices that you can use to store and transfer files
between computers. They're like little briefcases for your data, easy to carry around with you.

4. Memory Cards: Memory cards work like USB flash drives, but they're smaller and typically used in
cameras, smartphones, and other portable devices. They're like a little suitcase for your photos and
videos.

5. Optical Discs: CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs are all examples of optical discs. They work like old-
school records, using a laser to read information stored on the disc. They're great for storing large files,
like movies or music.

3. Impact and Non-impact Printers difference

Impact printers work by bodily striking a ribbon in contradiction of the paper, leaving an ink impression.
Non-impact printers, on the other hand, use various methods such as heat or electrostatic charges to
transfer ink or toner onto the paper without any physical impact.

To put it in simpler terms: impact printers hit the paper to make words, while non-impact printers use
other techniques to create the text. So next time you hear the sound of an old dot matrix printer
churning away, you'll know it's an impact printer.

4. What is data representation? Discuss the major difference between binary

and digital number systems?

Data representation mentions to the methods used to represent information in digital form so that it
can be processed by a computer. It involves encoding information using a set of symbols or codes that
can be interpreted by digital devices such as computers, mobile phones and other electronic devices.
The major difference between binary and digital number systems lies in the number of symbols used to
represent information. Binary is a base-2 system, meaning it only uses two symbols, usually represented
as 0 and 1. Digital, on the other hand, is a base-10 system, meaning it uses ten symbols (0-9) to
represent information.

Binary is used extensively in digital electronics, and computers use binary to represent information such
as numbers, text, and images. Each digit in a binary number is known as a bit (short for binary digit). The
value of each bit is either 0 or 1, representing the presence or absence of an electrical charge or signal.

Digital, however, is used in everyday life to represent information. For example, we use decimal
numbers (base-10 system) to represent values such as money, measurements, and time. Each digit in a
decimal number represents a specific value, based on its position in the number. For example, in the
number 123, the first digit represents 1 hundred, the second digit represents 2 tens, and the third digit
represents 3 ones.

In summary, binary is a base2 system that uses only 2 symbols (0 and 1) to represent information, while
digital is a base10 system that uses ten symbols (0-9). These representations are used in different areas
of computing and electronic systems, and understanding their differences is essential to working with
digital data.

5.Difference between single tasking and multi-tasking

Single tasking operating system is a type of operating system that can perform only one task at a time. It
means that the system can only run a single application or program at a time and the remaining apps or
programs remain inactive until the first task is completed. However, once the first task is completed, the
system moves to the next task.

On the other pointer multitasking operating system is capable of running multiple programs or
applications at the same time. It means that the system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. In
such operating systems, the switching between the tasks is done very quickly, and the user may not
even notice it. This system can run several applications in the background while the user is actively
working on a program or task.

The main difference between single tasking and multitasking operating system is the ability to handle
multiple tasks simultaneously. While single tasking can handle only one task at a time, the multitasking
operating system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Multitasking operating systems are more
efficient and convenient for users who need to switch between applications quickly and frequently.
However, single tasking operating system can be useful in some situations, where the user needs to
focus on only one task at a time.