TyroCity: Computer 11 Notes

Introduction To Computer

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

- Characteristics/Features of Computer

Speed
Accuracy
Reliability
Storage Capacity
Word Length
Diligence
Versatile
Automatic
Electronic
Non-intelligent

- Application Areas of Computer

Education
Communication
Business
Transportation
Banking
Helth
Security
Industry
Scientific Research
Entertainment
Weather Forecasting
Desktop Publishing
Designing
Satellite Controlling

- Aviation

Capabilities & Limitations of Computer
Advantages & disadvantages of Computer
History of Computer

- Mechanical Age

Abacus
Stepped Reckoner (Leibniz Calculator)
Napier Bone
Difference Engine
Slide Rule
Analytical Engine
Pascaline
Tabulating Machine

- Electro Mechanical Age

MARK-I [Also known as ASCC (Automated Sequence Controlled Calculator)
MARK-II
ABC (Atanasoft Berry Computer)

- Electric Age

ENIAC
EDAC
EDVAC
UNIVAC

Some Important Persons
o Joseph Jaquard
o Charles Babbage
o George Boole
o Herman Hollerith
o Lady Augusta Ada Lovelace

Email Service

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Email service is used for transmitting electronic or soft-copy documents, message by using electronic devices like computer, computer network, internet, etc. present e-mail service is based on stored and forward concept i.e. email sent by the sender is stored in email server before forwarding it to the receiver. It doesn’t require the sender and receiver to be connected at the same time. Traditionally, the older concept of email required both sender and receiver to be connected at the same time.
It uses protocols like SMTP, POP, IMAP, etc.

Features of e-mail:

It is faster and cheaper medium of communication.
It is reliable.
It is secured communication.
It can be used for transmitting text, image, audio, video.
Same message can be sent to multiple users at the same time by using CC (Carbon Copy) and BCC (Blind Carbon Copy).
It may or may not use internet directly.

Types:

Web based email
POP email service

1. Web based email:
It is the internet based mailing system. It requires internet connection and a browser to send or receive the message. Email providers like hotmail.com, yahoo.com, gmail.com, etc. provide internet based email. It is the most widely used email service.

2. POP email service:
This email service is provided by local email or network providers. It requires connection to the e-mail provider and email client software like:

Outlook express
Thunderbird
Eudora
Kmail, etc.

It can be used from the system with email client software and proper setting to connect email providers.

Classification of Operating System

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

1. Multiuser OS:
In a multiuser OS, more than one user can use the same system at a same time through the multi I/O terminal or through the network.
For example: windows, Linux, Mac, etc.
A multiuser OS uses timesharing to support multiple users.

2. Multiprocessing OS:
A multiprocessing OS can support the execution of multiple processes at the same time. It uses multiple number of CPU. It is expensive in cost however, the processing speed will be faster. It is complex in its execution. Operating system like Unix, 64 bit edition of windows, server edition of windows, etc. are multiprocessing.

3. Multiprogramming OS:
In a multiprogramming OS more than one programs can be used at the same time. It may or may not be multiprocessing. In a single CPU system , multiple program are executed one after another by dividing the CPU into small time slice.
example: Windows, Mac, Linux,etc.

4. Multitasking OS:
In a multitasking system more than one task can be performed at the same time but they are executed one after another through a single CPU by time sharing. For example: Windows, Linux, Mac, Unix,etc.
Multitasking OS are of two types:

Pre-empetive multitasking
Co-operative multitasking

In the pre-empetive multitasking, the OS allows CPU times slice to each program. After each time slice, CPU executes another task. Example: Windows XP
In co-operative multitasking a task can control CPU as long as it requires . However, it will free CPU to execute another program if it doesn’t require CPU. Exaample: windows 3.x, multifinder,etc.

5. Multithreading:
A program in execution is known as process. A process can be further divided into multiple sub-processers. These sub-processers are known as threads. A multi-threading OS can divide process into threads and execute those threads. This increases operating speed but also increases the complexity. For example: Unix, Server edition of Linux and windows.

6. Batch processing:
A batch processing is a group of processing system in which all the required input of all the processing task is provided initially. The result of all the task is provided after the completion of all the processing. Its main functions are:

Multiple task are processed
User cannot provide input in between the processing
It is appropriate only when all the inputs are known in advance
It requires large memory
CPU ideal time is less
Printer is the appropriate output device
It is old processing technique and rarely used at present

7. Online processing:
It is an individual processing system in which the task is processed on individual basis as soon as they are provided by the user. It has features like:

Individual task is processed at a time
User can provide input in between processing
It is appropriate when all inputs ate not known in advance
It doesn’t require large memory
CPU ideal time is more
Monitor is appropriate output device
It is modern processing technique and mostly used in present

Model Question For Computer Science Class 11

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

HSEB question model of computer science

Grade : 11

For : 2070

Time : 3hrs
F.M. : 75
P.M : 27

Group A (long answer question)

Attempt all the questions. [3 X 10 = 30]

1. Draw a well-labeled diagram of typical architecture of a computer system and explain the main function of Control Unit and ALU. [4+3+3]

2.
1. What is an operating system ? Explain any three function of an operating system.
2. The “WiMP” environment is much more user-friendly, why ?
OR
1. What is cell addressing and explain different types of cell addressing used in spreadsheet.
2. Write a tag to design your personal web page to link photo family, background and banner page using frame. [5+5]

Define flowchart and pseudocode. Explain their significance in programming. [5]
Write a pseudocode to accept any three numbers and output the largest among them. [5]

Group B (Short answer questions)

Attempt any **nine questions. [9 X 5 = 45]**

4. Classify the computers according to their generation based on the technology used. [5]

5. Differentiate between analogue and digital computer, explain with examples. [5]

6. What do you mean by number system? Why do digital computers use binary numbers for their operation ? [2 + 3]

7. Convert these numbers. [5]

1. (126)10 = (?)2
2. (11011)2 = (?)10
3. (57)8 = (?)2

Perform following operations.

4. 1011 – 1001
5. 1110 + 1110

8. State the Demorgan’s theorem and verify it. [5].

9. What are logic gates? Construct the truth table of NOR operation. [5]

10. Write short notes on (any two) : [5]

IDE 2. SCSI 3. Wave Camera

11. What are uses of internet ? Write any five search engine name. [5]

12. Differentiate between System Software and Application Software with examples. [5]

13. What are DPT features in MS-Words? Write three features of Presentation Packages. [2 + 3]

14. Write an algorithm and flowchart to print the word “Hello” ten times using “while loop” [5]

Language/Software

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Introduction

In the previous lesson we discussed about the different parts and configurations of computer. It has been mentioned that programs or instructions have to be fed to the computer to do specific task. So it is necessary to provide sequence of instructions so that your work can be done. We can divide the computer components into two major areas, namely, hardware and software. Hardware is the machine itself and its various individual equipment. It includes all mechanical, electronic and magnetic devices such as monitor, printer, electronic circuit, floppy and hard disk. In this lesson we will discuss about the other part, namely, software.

Objectives

After going through this lesson you will be able to

explain the concept of software
distinguish between different types of software
differentiate application software from system software
define a language
differentiate between different types of language
distinguish between compiler and interpreter

What is software?

As you know computer cannot do anything without instructions from the user. In order to do any specific job you have to give a sequence of instructions to the computer. This set of instructions is called a computer program. Software refers to the set of computer programs, procedures that describe the programs, how they are to be used. We can say that it is the collection of programs, which increase the capabilities of the hardware. Software guides the computer at every step where to start and stop during a particular job. The process of software development is called programming.

You should keep in mind that software and hardware are complementary to each other. Both have to work together to produce meaningful result. Another important point you should know that producing software is difficult and expensive.

Software types

Computer software is normally classified into two broad categories.

Application Software
System software

Application software: Application Software is a set of programs to carry out operations for a specific application. For example, payroll is an application software for an organization to produce pay slips as an output. Application software is useful for word processing, billing system, accounting, producing statistical report, analysis of numerous data in research, weather forecasting, etc. In later modules you will learn about MS WORD, Lotus 1-2-3 and dBASE III Plus. All these are application software.

Another example of application software is programming language. Among the programming languages COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is more suitable for business application whereas FORTRAN (Formula Translation) is useful for scientific application. We will discuss about languages in next section.

System software: You know that an instruction is a set of programs that has to be fed to the computer for operation of computer system as a whole. When you switch on the computer the programs written in ROM is executed which activates different units of your computer and makes it ready for you to work on it. This set of program can be called system software. Therefore system software may be defined as a set of one or more programs designed to control the operation of computer system.

System software are general programs designed for performing tasks such as controlling all operations required to move data into and out of the computer. It communicates with printers, card reader, disk, tapes etc. monitor the use of various hardware like memory, CPU etc. Also system software are essential for the development of applications software. System Software allows application packages to be run on the computer with less time and effort. Remember that it is not possible to run application software without system software.

Development of system software is a complex task and it requires extensive knowledge of computer technology. Due to its complexity it is not developed in house. Computer manufactures build and supply this system software with the computer system. DOS, UNIX and WINDOWS are some of the widely used system software. Out of these UNIX is a multi-user operating system whereas DOS and WINDOWS are PC-based. We will discuss in detail about DOS and WINDOWS in the next module.

So without system software it is impossible to operate your computer.

In-text questions 1

1. What are program, programming and software?

2. Differentiate between system software and application software.

3. Write True or False

The set of instructions given to the computer is called programming.
Application Software is a set of programs to carry out operations for a specific application.
UNIX is a multi-user operating system.

What is language?

You are aware with the term language. It is a system of communication between you and me. Some of the basic natural languages that we are familiar with are English, Hindi, Oriya etc. These are the languages used to communicate among various categories of persons. But how you will communicate with your computer. Your computer will not understand any of these natural languages for transfer of data and instruction. So there are programming languages specially developed so that you could pass your data and instructions to the computer to do specific job. You must have heard names like FORTRAN, BASIC, COBOL etc. These are programming languages. So instructions or programs are written in a particular language based on the type of job. As an example, for scientific application FORTRAN and C languages are used. On the other hand COBOL is used for business applications.

Programming languages

There are two major types of programming languages. These are Low Level Languages and High Level Languages. Low Level languages are further divided in to Machine language and Assembly language.

Low Level Languages

The term low level means closeness to the way in which the machine has been built. Low level languages are machine oriented and require extensive knowledge of computer hardware and its configuration.

Machine Language

Machine Language is the only language that is directly understood by the computer. It does not needs any translator program. We also call it machine code and it is written as strings of 1’s (one) and 0’s (zero). When this sequence of codes is fed to the computer, it recognizes the codes and converts it in to electrical signals needed to run it. For example, a program instruction may look like this: 1011000111101

It is not an easy language for you to learn because of its difficult to understand. It is efficient for the computer but very inefficient for programmers. It is considered to the first generation language. It is also difficult to debug the program written in this language.

Advantage

The only advantage is that program of machine language run very fast because no translation program is required for the CPU.

Disadvantages

It is very difficult to program in machine language. The programmer has to know details of hardware to write program.
The programmer has to remember a lot of codes to write a program which results in program errors.
It is difficult to debug the program.

Assembly Language

It is the first step to improve the programming structure. You should know that computer can handle numbers and letter. Therefore some combination of letters can be used to substitute for number of machine codes.

The set of symbols and letters forms the Assembly Language and a translator program is required to translate the Assembly Language to machine language. This translator program is called `Assembler‘. It is considered to be a second-generation language.

Advantages:

The symbolic programming of Assembly Language is easier to understand and saves a lot of time and effort of the programmer.
It is easier to correct errors and modify program instructions.
Assembly Language has the same efficiency of execution as the machine level language. Because this is one-to-one translator between assembly language program and its corresponding machine language program.

Disadvantages:

One of the major disadvantages is that assembly language is machine dependent. A program written for one computer might not run in other computers with different hardware configuration.

In-text questions 2

1. What is the difference between FORTRAN and COBOL?

2. Differentiate between machine language and Assembly language.

3. Write True or False

Low level language and High level language are two major types of programming languages.
Machine language is the only language that is indirectly understood by the computer.
Assembly language is second generation language.

High level language

You know that assembly language and machine level language require deep knowledge of computer hardware where as in higher language you have to know only the instructions in English words and logic of the problem irrespective of the type of computer you are using.

Higher level languages are simple languages that use English and mathematical symbols like +, -, %, / etc. for its program construction.

You should know that any higher level language has to be converted to machine language for the computer to understand.

Higher level languages are problem-oriented languages because the instructions are suitable for solving a particular problem. For example COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is mostly suitable for business oriented language where there is very little processing and huge output. There are mathematical oriented languages like FORTRAN (Formula Translation) and BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) where very large processing is required.

Thus a problem oriented language designed in such a way that its instruction may be written more like the language of the problem. For example, businessmen use business term and scientists use scientific terms in their respective languages.

Advantages of High level languages

Higher level languages have a major advantage over machine and assembly languages that higher level languages are easy to learn and use. It is because that they are similar to the languages used by us in our day to day life.

Compiler

It is a program translator that translates the instruction of a higher level language to machine language. It is called compiler because it compiles machine language instructions for every program instructions of higher level language. Thus compiler is a program translator like assembler but more sophisticated. It scans the entire program first and then translates it into machine code.

The programs written by the programmer in higher level language is called source program. After this program is converted to machine languages by the compiler it is called object program.

Higher level language

———————————- ® (Compile) ® Program Machine Language Program

A compiler can translate only those source programs, which have been written, in that language for which the compiler is meant for. For example FORTRAN compiler will not compile source code written in COBOL language.

Object program generated by compiler is machine dependent. It means programs compiled for one type of machine will not run in another type. Therefore every type of machine must have its personal compiler for a particular language. Machine independence is achieved by using one higher level language in different machines.

Interpreter

An interpreter is another type of program translator used for translating higher level language into machine language. It takes one statement of higher level languages, translate it into machine language and immediately execute it. Translation and execution are carried out for each statement. It differs from compiler, which translate the entire source program into machine code and does involve in its execution.

The advantage of interpreter compared to compiler is its fast response to changes in source program. It eliminates the need for a separate compilation after changes to each program. Interpreters are easy to write and do not require large memory in computer. The disadvantage of interpreter is that it is time consuming method because each time a statement in a program is executed then it is first translated. Thus compiled machine language program runs much faster than an interpreted program.

In-text question 3

1. What is the difference between interpreter and compiler

2. Give some examples of high level language.

3. Write True or False

High level languages are problem-oriented language.
Object program generated by compiler is machine independent.
The disadvantage of interpreter is that it is time consuming.

What you have learnt

In this lesson we discussed about two types of software, namely, system software and application software. System software controls the hardware part of the computer. It is designed for performing tasks such as controlling all operations required to move data into and out of the computer. It communicates with printer, card reader, disk, tapes, etc. and monitors the use of various components like memory, CPU, etc. DOS, Unix and Windows are three important system software. Application software is a set of programs written for specific purpose. Examples of application software are Microsoft Word, Lotus 1-2-3, COBOL, BASIC and FORTRAN. We have discussed about levels of computer language.

Terminal questions

What is software and hardware?
What is computer Language?
Name the three different categories of computer languages.
What is machine language? Why is it required?
What are advantages and disadvantages of machine language?
What is assembly language? What are its advantages over machine languages?
What is the difference between source program and object program?
What is higher level languages? Why are higher level languages are easier to use.
What is compiler? Why is it required?
What is interpreter? How does it differ from compiler?

Feedback to in-text questions

In-text questions 1

1. Program is a set of instructions given to the computer by the user. Software is a set of computer programs and procedures that describe the programs. Programming is the process of software development.

2. Application Software is a set of programs to carry out operations for a specific application. System software is a set of programs written for performing tasks such as controlling all operations required to move data into and out of the computer.

3. 1. False 2. True 3. True

In-text questions 2

1. FORTRAN is used for scientific applications whereas COBOL is used for business applications.

2. Machine Languages are the only language that is directly understood by the computer. It is written in binary form that is 0 and 1. The set of symbols and letters forms the Assembly Language.

3. 1. True 2. False 3. True

In-text questions 3

1. Both compiler and interpreter are program translators used for translating higher level language into machine language. While compiler scans the entire program first and then translates it into machine code, an Interpreter translates the program line by line.

2. FORTRAN (Formula Translation) and BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) are some of the high level languages.

3. 1. True 2. False 3. True

Types Of Computers

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Super Computers
Main Frame Computers
Mini Computers
Micro Computers

Example of Super Computer:
CRAY Research :- CRAY-1 & CRAY-2, Fujitsu(VP2000), Hitachi (S820), NEC (SX20), PARAM 10000 by C-DAC, Anupam by BARC, PACE Series by DRDO

Memory

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Memory is mainly divided into two types. They are:

Classification of Memory

Computer Architecture

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Computer architecture can be defined as the arrangement or construction or design of different components of a computer. It defines how the different components of the computer are connected with each other.

Different components of the computer are given below:

Input unit
Memory unit
CPU
Output unit

1. Input unit
Input Unit is responsible for providing data and instructions to the CPU. It accepts input, converts it into computer’s format and provides it to system memory.
Keyboard is the most common input device. Some other input devices include mouse, joystick, light pen, touch screen, scanner, webcam, and microphone, touch pad and so forth.

2. Memory unit
Memory unit is responsible for storing data and instructions either for a short or longer period of time. Memory is of two types:

Primary Memory/Main memory
Secondary Memory/Auxiliary memory

- Primary memory
Primary memory is used for storing data and instructions during processing. It is the only memory which is directly accessible to CPU. It is expensive, faster and used in small capacity.
Examples:
· RAM
· ROM
· Cache memory

- Secondary memory
It is the additional memory used for storing huge amount of data for a longer period of time. It is also used for transferring data from one computer to another. It is usually cheaper, slower and used in larger capacity. It is not directly accessible to CPU.
Examples: CD, DVD, Hard disk, pen drive, etc.

3. CPU (Central processing unit)
CPU is responsible for processing the inputs for generating the outputs. It controls all the component of the computer. CPU contains three sub-components. They are:

ALU
CU
Set of Registers

- ALU (Arithmetic and logic unit)
It performs arithmetic and logical operations. It performs all its task according to the control signal from CU.

- CU (Control unit)
CU is responsible for controlling all the components of the computer including input devices, output devices, memory devices and other components of CPU. It uses control signal for controlling.

- Set of registers
Register is a temporary memory present in CPU. It is used for storing data instructions while it is being processed by CPU. CPU contains registers like MAR, MBR, TR, etc.

4. Output unit
Output unit is responsible for providing the result after processing. It converts the output from computer’s format into user understandable format before providing it to the user. The outputs generated by the computer are of two types:

Soft copy output
Hard copy output

- Soft copy output

The output from monitor, speaker, projector, etc. is termed as soft copy output. User cannot touch or feel this output. This output remains with the user till the computer is in ON state. User can modify the output is required.

- Hard copy output
The output from printer and plotter is termed as hard copy output. User can touch or feel this output. After the output is generated, it remains with the user even if the computer is in OFF state. User cannot modify the output.

Classification Of Computer

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Classification of computer

1. On the basis of Purpose of Use

General Purpose Computer
Special Purpose Computer

2. On the basis of speed/size

Super Computer
Mainframe Computer
Mini Computer
Micro Computer: Portable micro computer and non-portable micro computer

3. On the basis of Working Principle

Analog Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer

4. On the basis of Brand

IBM Computer: IBM computer and IBM compartable
Apple Computer

5. On the basis of Model

XT Computer
AT Computer
PS/2 Computer

& Difference Between Digital and Analog Computer

Programming Concept | Computer Science | HSEB Notes

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Detailed notes to follow:

- Types of programming language

1. Low level language

Machine Language (1GL)
Assembly Language (2GL)

2. High level language

Procedural-Oriented Language (3GL)
Problem-Oriented (Fourth Generation) Language (4GL)
Natural (Fifth Generation) Language (5GL)

- Language translator

Assembler
Compiler
Interpreter

- Syntax and semetics

Syntax Error
Sematic Error
Run-Time Error

- Flowchart

System Flowchart
Program Flowchart

On The Basis Of Working Principle

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Types of computers on the basis of working principle:

Analog Computer
Digital Computer
Hybrid Computer

Comparison Table

Analog Computer	Digital Computer	Hybrid Computer
Analog computer operates on continuous data like temperature, pressure, speed, voltage, etc.	Digital computer operates on discontinuous or discrete data (0 and 1).	Hybrid computer is the combination of analog and digital computer. It can operate on both continuous and discontinuous data.
It operates by measuring and comparing.	It operates by counting and calculation.	It can convert analog data to digital and vice versa.
It has low accuracy.	It has higher accuracy.	In a hybrid computer, analog component is used for measuring and comparing, and digital component is used for controlling.
It usually contains either no any or limited storage capacity.	It usually contains larger storage capacity.	Its storage capacity varies from the application area.
It is special purpose computer.	It is a general purpose computer.	It is a special purpose computer.
It cannot be reprogrammed.	It can be reprogrammed.
It can be operated only by skilled manpower.	It can be operated by general users.	It can be operated only by skilled manpower.
Devices like thermometer, speedometer, pressure gauge, voltmeter, etc. are the examples of analog devices.	Devices like digital watch, digital speedometer, etc. are the examples of digital devices.
‘Presley’ is an example of analog computer.	IBM desktop PC, Dell laptop, Acer notebook are the examples of digital computers.	Super computers are usually hybrid computer.

The wave form of analog computer is

The wave form of digital computer is

Major application areas of hybrid computers are:

Weather forecasting
Automated industry control
Automated vehicles
Rocket launching system
Diagnosis in hospital

File Handling In Windows 3.1

Computer 11 Notes — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 05:41:42 +0000

Introduction to file handling

Windows being a GUI, gives better flexibility and easier to use for file management. Using the File Manager feature of Windows, one can easily copies, move, delete, rename files and also create and remove directory. This avoids the painful task of remembering all the file management DOS commands.
Windows can run two types of applications, standard DOS based applications and Windows based applications. DOS based applications are standard DOS programs such as WordStar, dBase etc. developed to run in DOS environment, and not specifically meant for windows. Whereas a windows application is specifically developed to run under Windows environment which support GUI.

Objectives

At the end of this lesson you would be able to:

Appreciate the GUI feature of windows
Understand the file and directory handling in windows
Use file manager for file handling in windows
Sort file using file size, name, type
Search and locate file(s)
Do file copy, move from floppy disk to hard disk drive and vice versa.

Directory and file management in windows

Windows provides file manager for manipulating directory and files of a system. It is an essential part of Windows and run like any other windows program. Main program consists the icon for file manager. Double clicking on the file manger icon activates it from the Main program group. Other way of activating it is to highlight the file manager icon and hit the return key.
File manager can be closed like any other windows program. File manager can be minimized while running some other application and expanded once the execution is over. The total amount of diskspace, free diskspace available, the size of the selected file is shown for the currently open directory on the status bar, which appears at the bottom of the file manager.

1. Drive window
Currently selected drive is displayed as another windows within the File Manager window. The command to resize, move or minimize is same as that of any other window. The only difference is that it is divided in two parts; right one displays the directory structure of the currently selected drive and the left part displays the contents (such as files, sub-directory etc.) of the currently selected directory.

2. Directory operations
File Manager provides the features to manage all the drives in your system and/or connected to your system through network. It allows to copy, move or delete files within a drive, between drives of the system and systems connected through network. Once the drive is changed, directory and files under the newly selected drive will be displayed in the current directory window.

3. Changing disk drives
To change drive, click on the desired drive icon or press and the designated drive letter such as C, D E etc. Other way of selecting a drive is to click on the Disk option of the File Manager menu bar, and select the desired drive letter.

4. Creating a new directory
A new directory or sub-directory under an already existing directory can be created using File Manager. First click on the File menu option of the File Manager. This will bring up the pull down menu having Create Directory. Selecting this option will activate the Create.
Directory dialog box with current directory path. To create a sub
directory under the current directory, type down the new sub-directory name in the text box. To create a sub-directory under some other directory, type the entire path in the name text box. To finish the entry and create the new sub-directory, click on the OK button.

5. Changing directory
To go to the desired directory under the currently selected drive, double click on the directory name. This will make the selected directory as the currently active directory and all the sub-directory and files under this directory will be displayed at the right pane of the document window.
File manager has the flexibility of displaying different groups of files in the currently selected directory. Click on the View option of the File Manager menu bar, which will activate the pull-down menu with option ‘by file type’. Selecting this will bring up the ‘by file type’ dialog box. Use the wild card characters to enter inn the name text box, the desired file type you want to see.
In file manager, it can also be specified what all information for files can be displayed. In addition to the file name, file path one can display file size, date and time it was created/or last modified etc. To display all file information, select the view option on the file manager menu bar and activate the option ‘all file details’.
In file manager, sub-directory and file under the currently selected directory are displayed in alphabetical order. However they can also be displayed in order of file type, date or file size. To change the displays option, select the VIEW option on the menu bar and selected the desired option. Available options are:

Sort by name: Displays all files in alphabetical order of file name.
Sort by type: Displays all files in alphabetical order of extension name
Sort by Date: Displays File in order of creation/last modification date.
Sort by Size: Display all files in order of File Size.

File operations

File Manager provides tools such as copy, rename, move, rename for management of files within directory, between directories and also between drives.

1. Copying a diskette
Like Disk copy of DOS, windows also have the tool in File Manager for making copies of disk. The source disk replaces the content of the target. However the target disk type and size should same as that of source disk. If an unformatted disk is used in target drive, the target disk is formatted as that of source disk type and size while copying the files. This copy option is very useful for making back-up copy.
Insert the source disk into the drive and select the DISK option of the file manager menu bar, and activate the ‘Copy Disk’. This will copy the files from the source disk into the memory. Now select the target drive from the copy dialog box and click on OK button. This will start the coping process from the source to target disk.

2. Copying/moving directory or files

In file Manager, one or more files or Directory can be copied or moved into different location using two different methods; Drag-and-Drop method and Keyboard method.

1. Drag-and-Drop method
File Manager has the capabilities of copying or moving files and directories in more interactive and visual ways as compared to MS-DOS. Open the source directory select the files to be copied and then drag them in to the desired target directory, another drive icon, another directory window or to a file list in a different directory window and drop them. Confirm the copying operation, by clicking on the OK button of the dialog box. This will copy the selected files in to the target drive. If the file(s) to be copied is/are already presents on the destination directory or drive, confirm replace message by clicking on the yes button of the dialog box.

2. Using Keyboard
Instead of using mouse for the above operation, one can alternatively use the keyboard to select copy and move command. As in the case of drag-and-drop method, the destination can be a directory window, directory icon or drive icon. Click on the desired file name to be copied or use the direction key to highlight it. Select the COPY or MOVE option from the File menu bar of File Manager as per the requirement.
Alternatively press f8 for copy or f7 for move operation to start. As in the case of drag-and-drop method, copy or move dialog box appears on the screen. Enter the destination path or drive. If the destination directory does not exist, it will ask whether to create a new one. To start the operation, click on the OK button or press enter key ().

Deleting files and directories

File manager provides greater flexibility in deleting files and directories. However in the case of network drive, one cannot delete files or directories if he has not the privilege or permission of doing so. File Manager allows to delete an entire directory including all its files and subdirectory in a single command. However, in DOS, one first need to delete all the files and sub-directory of the desired directory to be deleted.

Select the file(s) or directory to be deleted (alternatively use tab to move the cursor to the desired location and use direction keys to select the files). Activate the Delete option from the File menu bar of File Manager and the delete dialog box appears on the window desktop. To delete the already select files or directory, click on the OK button. To delete other files or directory, enter the file name or path and click on the OK button.

This will activate directory delete dialog box. Click on yes button to confirm the deletion. Click on yes to all to delete all selected files or click on Cancel button to cancel the delete operation.

File renaming

File Manager allows changing the name of a file with a restriction that the new file name should follow the DOS file naming conventions. The new file name should not be more than eight characters long with an optional three characters extension or secondary name with permissible set of characters.

First select the file to be renamed, and then chose the Rename option from the File menu bar of File manger. The Rename dialog box appears with name of the currently selected file in the From text box. Now enter the new name for the file in the To text box and click OK button or press Enter key. This completes the renaming process.
Note: One can use wild card characters for renaming files.

Searching for files and directories

File manager provides the tool to search a file, a group of files or subdirectories. This is particularly helpful, if you know a particular file is on your disk, but you don’t remember where the file exists. Here you can conduct a search on your disk, directory to locate the file. The result is displayed in Search Result window, which can be resized, minimized or maximized, closed the same way as other window.

Click or select the directory to be searched and then choose search option from the file menu. Specify the filename, or use wildcard character (such and * or?) in the search for text box to search for a group of files or directories that have related file names or extensions. The Search Result windows will contain all the files that meet the search criteria. To cancel the search operation, press esc key.

Working with floppy disks

At times one need to copy files onto a floppy as backup or copy file from floppy to hard disk for further processing of files. File manager provides tools to work with floppy disks.

1. Formatting a floppy
Before using a new floppy to receive data, it has to be prepared for that. File Manager format command allows you to prepare a new/old floppy to receive data. The format command has three options, which are optional.

Label
As the name suggests, it is a name for the formatted disk to identify it. A label or volume label should not more than 11 characters long.

System disk
While formatting a disk, it can be opted to make the disk a system or startup disk. System disk is used to boot the system from a floppy drive. When opted, all the system files are copied into the specified area called system area or boot sector of the floppy drive. System disk comes handy, in case the hard disk is not working or one needs to bypass booting from hard disk for any reason.

Quick format
This option is available for disk that has already been formatted. When selected, file Manager just removes all information about directory and files from disk, making it faster as compared to standard format procedure. However Quick Format does not check the disk for bad sectors.
To format a disk or floppy using file manager, insert the disk into the drive and select format disk option from disk menu bar. From the list of drives, select the appropriate drive letter. All the required parameters are adjusted according to the selected drive.

Choose the option such as label, system disk or quick format. In case of Label option, specify the volume label name for the disk. Complete the other areas of the dialog box and click on ok button. This completes the entry and file manager starts formatting the disk according to the specification given.

In-text questions 1
Choose the best answer for each of the following questions.
1. Windows is a

System Software
Database Software
GUI based Software
None of the Above

2. Which are the following types of Icons used by Windows

Database, operating system
Program, document, application
Only program
None of the above

3. Which of the following on a command button indicates a link to another dialog box

/
*
..
None of the above

4. File manager is a part of which group of Windows
Program Manager

Main
Application
None of the above

5. Which of the following groups of Windows contain all executable software found on your hard disk.

Main
Print Manager
Application
None of the above

6. Which of the following allows all types of file manipulation such a copy, move etc.

Print Manager
File Manager
System setup
None of the above

What you have learnt

This lesson discussed Windows's graphical user interface (GUI) in a great length. In the beginning it discussed what is directory and file management. Then with examples it explained how to do directory maintenance in-terms of create, delete and change directory. It also discussed how to sort files by name, type, size and dates. Here you learned how to file operation in windows using File manager and what is drag and drop method. At last it explained how to search for file and directory and how to work using a floppy diskette in windows.

Feedback to in-text questions 1
1. 3
2. 2
3. 3
4. 2
5. 3
6. 2