BSCM-404 - Computer Applications - Syllabus Topics
Features of computer generations. Importance and advances in 5th generation computers.
Short Notes: “Evolution of Computers”
Features and functions of various categories of computers,
Digital computer, Features and functions of digital computer,
Functional diagram – general computer, Functions and features of – CPU, RAM, ROM,
Number system, Binary number system, Conversions (7878)8 = (x)10 = (y)2, Conversions (988)10 = (x)8 = (y)2
Storage devices, Features and functions of Magnetic Disks, Flash memories and optical disks;
Input and output devices, Multimedia input devices, Popular output devices,
Software, Types of software, Operating system, Types of operating systems, Popular application software,
DOS, DOS commands – internal commands and external commands,
Booting, Booting process, BIOS, POST?
Computer Booting Process and Steps
Network, LAN topologies, Email, Scope & importance of email, Firewall, Threats to cyber security/computer security risk, major computer security risks and their useful prevention or detection tools, cyber laws in India,
Computer language, popular programming languages, Functions of compiler, Object Oriented Language, Terms – class and object,
Advances in 3GL to 4GL and then 5GL languages, 4GL, popular 4GL tools, features of 4GL tools;
Computer Virus and its Types
A computer virus is a kind of malicious computer program, which when executed, replicates itself and inserts its own code. When the replication is done, this code infects the other files and program present on your system.
These computer viruses are present in various types and each of them can infect a device in a different manner.
What is a Computer Virus?
A computer virus is a program which can harm our device and files and infect them for no further use. When a virus program is executed, it replicates itself by modifying other computer programs and instead enters its own coding. This code infects a file or program and if it spreads massively, it may ultimately result in crashing of the device.
Across the world, Computer viruses are a great issue of concern as they can cause billions of dollars’ worth harm to the economy each year.
Since the computer virus only hits the programming of the device, it is not visible. But there are certain indications which can help you analyse that a device is virus-hit. Given below are such signs which may help you identify computer viruses:
- Speed of the System – In case a virus is completely executed into your device, the time taken to open applications may become longer and the entire system processing may start working slowly
- Pop-up Windows – One may start getting too many pop up windows on their screen which may be virus affected and harm the device even more
- Self Execution of Programs – Files or applications may start opening in the background of the system by themselves and you may not even know about them
- Log out from Accounts – In case of a virus attack, the probability of accounts getting hacked increase and password protected sites may also get hacked and you might get logged out from all of them
- Crashing of the Device – In most cases, if the virus spreads in maximum files and programs, there are chances that the entire device may crash and stop working
Types of Computer Virus
Discussed below are the different types of computer viruses:
- Boot Sector Virus – It is a type of virus that infects the boot sector of floppy disks or the Master Boot Record (MBR) of hard disks. The Boot sector comprises all the files which are required to start the Operating system of the computer. The virus either overwrites the existing program or copies itself to another part of the disk.
- Direct Action Virus – When a virus attaches itself directly to a .exe or .com file and enters the device while its execution is called a Direct Action Virus. If it gets installed in the memory, it keeps itself hidden. It is also known as Non-Resident Virus.
- Resident Virus – A virus which saves itself in the memory of the computer and then infects other files and programs when its originating program is no longer working. This virus can easily infect other files because it is hidden in the memory and is hard to be removed from the system.
- Multipartite Virus – A virus which can attack both, the boot sector and the executable files of an already infected computer is called a multipartite virus. If a multipartite virus attacks your system, you are at risk of cyber threat.
- Overwrite Virus – One of the most harmful viruses, the overwrite virus can completely remove the existing program and replace it with the malicious code by overwriting it. Gradually it can completely replace the host’s programming code with the harmful code.
- Polymorphic Virus – Spread through spam and infected websites, the polymorphic virus are file infectors which are complex and are tough to detect. They create a modified or morphed version of the existing program and infect the system and retain the original code.
- File Infector Virus – As the name suggests, it first infects a single file and then later spreads itself to other executable files and programs. The main source of this virus are games and word processors.
- Spacefiller Virus – It is a rare type of virus which fills in the empty spaces of a file with viruses. It is known as cavity virus. It will neither affect the size of the file nor can be detected easily.
- Macro Virus – A virus written in the same macro language as used in the software program and infects the computer if a word processor file is opened. Mainly the source of such viruses is via emails.
How To Protect Your Computer from Virus?
The most suitable way of making your computer virus-free is by installing an Anti-virus software. Such software help in removing the viruses from the device and can be installed in a computer via two means:
- Online download
- Buying an Anti-virus software and installing it
Further below, we bring to you details as to what anti-virus is and what are its different types along with a few examples.
What is an Anti-Virus?
An anti-virus is a software which comprises programs or set of programs which can detect and remove all the harmful and malicious software from your device. This anti-virus software is designed in a manner that they can search through the files in a computer and determine the files which are heavy or mildly infected by a virus.
Given below is a list of few of the major antivirus software which is most commonly used:
- Norton Antivirus
- F-Secure Antivirus
- Kaspersky Antivirus
- AVAST Antivirus
- Comodo Antivirus
- McAfee Antivirus
These are few of the many anti-virus software widely used to remove viruses from a device.
Frequently Asked Questions on Computer Virus and its Types
Q 1. What is the definition of a computer virus?
Q 2. What are the main computer viruses?
Ans. The main types of computer virus are as follows:
- Boot Sector Virus
- Direct Action Virus
- Multipartite Virus
- Polymorphic Virus
- Resident Virus
- File Infector Virus
Q 3. What is the Creeper Virus?
Q 4. What are the examples of a computer virus?
Ans. Given below are a few examples of a computer virus:
- Storm Worm
- CryptoLocker
- Slammer
- Creeper
- Netsky
Q 5. How to secure a computer system from a virus attack?
Multimedia Introduction
Multimedia is an interactive media and provides multiple ways to represent information to the user in a powerful manner. It provides an interaction between users and digital information. It is a medium of communication.Some of the sectors where multimedias is used extensively are education, training, reference material, business presentations, advertising and documentaries.
Definition of Multimedia
By definition Multimedia is a representation of information in an attractive and interactive manner with the use of a combination of text, audio, video, graphics and animation. In other words we can say that Multimedia is a computerized method of presenting information combining textual data, audio, visuals (video), graphics and animations. For examples: E-Mail, Yahoo Messenger, Video Conferencing, and Multimedia Message Service (MMS).
Multimedia as name suggests is the combination of Multi and Media that is many types of media (hardware/software) used for communication of information.
Components of Multimedia
Following are the common components of multimedia:
Text– All multimedia productions contain some amount of text. The text can have various types of fonts and sizes to suit the profession presentation of the multimedia software.
Graphics– Graphics make the multimedia application attractive. In many cases people do not like reading large amount of textual matter on the screen. Therefore, graphics are used more often than text to explain a concept, present background information etc. There are two types of Graphics:
Bitmap images– Bitmap images are real images that can be captured from devices such as digital cameras or scanners. Generally bitmap images are not editable. Bitmap images require a large amount of memory.
Vector Graphics– Vector graphics are drawn on the computer and only require a small amount of memory. These graphics are editable.
Audio– A multimedia application may require the use of speech, music and sound effects. These are called audio or sound element of multimedia.Speech is also a perfect way for teaching. Audio are of analog and digital types. Analog audio or sound refers to the original sound signal. Computer stores the sound in digital form. Therefore, the sound used in multimedia application is digital audio.
Video– The term video refers to the moving picture, accompanied by sound such as a picture in television. Video element of multimedia application gives a lot of information in small duration of time. Digital video is useful in multimedia application for showing real life objects. Video have highest performance demand on the computer memory and on the bandwidth if placed on the internet. Digital video files can be stored like any other files in the computer and the quality of the video can still be maintained. The digital video files can be transferred within a computer network. The digital video clips can be edited easily.
Animation– Animation is a process of making a static image look like it is moving. An animation is just a continuous series of still images that are displayed in a sequence. The animation can be used effectively for attracting attention. Animation also makes a presentation light and attractive. Animation is very popular in multimedia application
Applications of Multimedia
Following are the common areas of applications of multimedia.
Multimedia in Business– Multimedia can be used in many applications in a business. The multimedia technology along with communication technology has opened the door for information of global wok groups. Today the team members may be working anywhere and can work for various companies. Thus the work place will become global. The multimedia network should support the following facilities:
Voice Mail
Electronic Mail
Multimedia based FAX
Office Needs
Employee Training
Sales and Other types of Group Presentation
Records Management
Multimedia in Marketing and Advertising– By using multimedia marketing of new products can be greatly enhanced. Multimedia boost communication on an affordable cost opened the way for the marketing and advertising personnel. Presentation that have flying banners, video transitions, animations, and sound effects are some of the elements used in composing a multimedia based advertisement to appeal to the consumer in a way never used before and promote the sale of the products.
Multimedia in Entertainment– By using multimedia marketing of new products can be greatly enhanced. Multimedia boost communication on an affordable cost opened the way for the marketing and advertising personnel. Presentation that have flying banners, video transitions, animations, and sound effects are some of the elements used in composing a multimedia based advertisement to appeal to the consumer in a way never used before and promote the sale of the products.
Multimedia in Education– Many computer games with focus on education are now available. Consider an example of an educational game which plays various rhymes for kids. The child can paint the pictures, increase reduce size of various objects etc apart from just playing the rhymes. Several other multimedia packages are available in the market which provide a lot of detailed information and playing capabilities to kids.
Multimedia in Bank– Bank is another public place where multimedia is finding more and more application in recent times. People go to bank to open saving/current accounts, deposit funds, withdraw money, know various financial schemes of the bank, obtain loans etc. Every bank has a lot of information which it wants to impart to in customers. For this purpose, it can use multimedia in many ways. Bank also displays information about its various schemes on a PC monitor placed in the rest area for customers. Today on-line and internet banking have become very popular. These use multimedia extensively. Multimedia is thus helping banks give service to their customers and also in educating them about banks attractive finance schemes.
Multimedia in Hospital– Multimedia best use in hospitals is for real time monitoring of conditions of patients in critical illness or accident. The conditions are displayed continuously on a computer screen and can alert the doctor/nurse on duty if any changes are observed on the screen. Multimedia makes it possible to consult a surgeon or an expert who can watch an ongoing surgery line on his PC monitor and give online advice at any crucial juncture.
In hospitals multimedia can also be used to diagnose an illness with CD-ROMs/ Cassettes/ DVDs full of multimedia based information about various diseases and their treatment.Some hospitals extensively use multimedia presentations in training their junior staff of doctors and nurses. Multimedia displays are now extensively used during critical surgeries.
Multimedia Pedagogues– Pedagogues are useful teaching aids only if they stimulate and motivate the students. The audio-visual support to a pedagogue can actually help in doing so. A multimedia tutor can provide multiple numbers of challenges to the student to stimulate his interest in a topic. The instruction provided by pedagogue have moved beyond providing only button level control to intelligent simulations, dynamic creation of links, composition and collaboration and system testing of the user interactions.
Communication Technology and Multimedia Services– The advancement of high computing abilities, communication ways and relevant standards has started the beginning of an era where you will be provided with multimedia facilities at home. These services may include:
Basic Television Services
Interactive entertainment
Digital Audio
Video on demand
Home shopping
Financial Transactions
Interactive multiplayer or single player games
Digital multimedia libraries
E-Newspapers, e-magazines
Syllabus
UNIT I: Computer Fundamentals & Data Representation Introduction to Computers: Characteristics of Computers, Uses of computers, Types and generations of Computers. Basic Computer Organization – Units of a computer, CPU, ALU, Memory hierarchy, registers, I/O devices, User Interface with the Operating System, System Tools, Introduction to personal computer, Types of computers, History and generation, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Power Point, Excel & introduction to ERP.
Binary representation of integers and real numbers, 1’s Complement, 2’s Complement, Addition and subtraction of binary numbers, BCD, ASCII, Unicode.
UNIT II: Networks & Multimedia terminology
Introduction, E Mail Accounts, Search Engines, Surfing Web Pages, Types of networks, Router, switch, Server-client architecture, Virus: General Introduction
Multimedia- Introduction, Characteristics, Elements & Applications.
UNIT III: Computer Applications Component of computer system, computer language, PC, An introduction to DOS and Windows, Application package for report generation and presentation, MS-office-introduction to MS-word, document and manipulations, Saving and printing, Incorporation of graphs, Tables, Pictures and chemical structures into the document,
Excel: Spreadsheets, Report generation, Data base management and graphical representation of tabulated data,
Power Point: application of power point, Introduction to Chemsketch, Chemdraw and other software related with Chemistry.
UNIT IV: Use of Computer Programmes- I
Execution of linear regression, X-V plot, Numerical integration and differentiation as well as differential equation solution programmes, Monte –Carlo and Molecular dynamics,
UNIT IV: Use of Computer Programmes- II
Introduction to MS Office (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint), Lab sessions based on MS Office package, Introduction to Internet Explorer.