Computers Basic MCQs Set-16

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition.

OCR is a technology that is used to convert printed or handwritten text into machine-readable text. It involves the use of optical scanners or specialized software to analyze the shapes and patterns of characters in a scanned document or image.

The OCR process involves several steps:

1. Scanning: The document or image containing the text is scanned using an optical scanner or a digital camera. This creates a digital image of the text.

2. Preprocessing: The digital image is processed to enhance the quality and clarity of the text. This may involve adjusting brightness, contrast, and removing any noise or distortion.

3. Character Recognition: The OCR software analyzes the digital image, identifying individual characters or groups of characters. It compares the shapes and patterns of these characters to a database of known characters to determine their corresponding text representation.

4. Text Extraction: The recognized characters are converted into machine-readable text and extracted from the digital image. The resulting text can then be edited, searched, or processed using computer applications.

OCR technology has various applications, such as digitizing printed documents, converting paper-based content into electronic formats, automated data entry, and enabling text searchability in scanned documents. It simplifies the conversion of printed text into editable and searchable digital text, saving time and effort in manual transcription or typing tasks.

The output quality of a printer is typically measured by resolution and print quality.

1. Resolution: Resolution refers to the level of detail and clarity in the printed output. It is usually measured in dots per inch (dpi) and indicates the number of dots or pixels that can be printed per inch. A higher resolution means more dots per inch, resulting in sharper and more detailed prints.

2. Print Quality: Print quality encompasses various factors that determine the overall appearance and accuracy of the printed output. It includes aspects such as color accuracy, color vibrancy, sharpness of text and images, smoothness of gradients, and absence of artifacts like banding or pixelation. Print quality can be subjective and may vary depending on the printer technology, ink or toner quality, and the media being printed on (e.g., plain paper, photo paper).

Additional factors that can contribute to the output quality of a printer include the type of printer technology used (e.g., inkjet, laser), the color gamut (range of colors) supported, the ink or toner formulation, and the printer's ability to reproduce accurate colors and gradients.

It's important to note that the output quality of a printer can vary between different models and brands, so it's advisable to consider reviews, sample prints, and specifications to determine the desired level of quality for a specific printing application.

Analog computers work with continuous physical quantities and use analog signals to represent and process data. The output quality of an analog computer is influenced by factors such as the accuracy of components (e.g., resistors, capacitors), the stability of signal sources, the linearity of amplifiers, and the overall design and calibration of the analog system.

Unlike digital computers, analog computers do not suffer from issues related to quantization or discrete values, but they may be affected by noise, drift, and limitations in the accuracy and precision of the analog components. Achieving high accuracy and precision in analog computing can be challenging and may require careful design, calibration, and maintenance of the analog system.

In the latest generation of computers, instructions are primarily executed using a combination of pipelining and parallel processing techniques.

1. Pipelining: Pipelining is a technique that allows multiple instructions to be overlapped in execution, improving overall performance and efficiency. In pipelining, the execution of instructions is divided into several stages, and each stage handles a specific task. Multiple instructions can progress through different stages simultaneously, increasing the throughput of the processor.

2. Parallel Processing: Parallel processing involves the simultaneous execution of multiple instructions or tasks by multiple processing units or cores. Modern computers often feature multicore processors, which contain multiple independent processing units on a single chip. These cores can execute instructions independently, allowing for parallel execution of multiple tasks or threads. This parallel processing capability enhances the overall performance and multitasking capability of the computer.

In addition to pipelining and parallel processing, the latest generation of computers also employs various optimization techniques, such as branch prediction, cache memory, and instruction-level parallelism, to further improve instruction execution and overall system performance.

It's important to note that the specific techniques and technologies employed for instruction execution can vary depending on the architecture and design of the computer processor. The latest generation of computer processors, such as those based on x86, ARM, or RISC-V architectures, utilize a combination of pipelining, parallel processing, and other optimization techniques to deliver high-performance computing capabilities.

The first electronic computer, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was designed by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert. They were both American engineers and inventors who worked at the University of Pennsylvania's Moore School of Electrical Engineering.

John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert began working on the design of ENIAC during World War II with the goal of creating a machine that could perform complex calculations and solve mathematical problems. ENIAC was intended to aid in military calculations, particularly for ballistic trajectory calculations.

ENIAC was completed in 1945 and was one of the earliest general-purpose electronic computers. It utilized vacuum tubes for its electronic components and was a massive machine, occupying a large room. ENIAC was programmed by physically connecting cables and switches, and it performed calculations using decimal arithmetic.

ENIAC played a significant role in the advancement of computer technology, demonstrating the potential of electronic computing and paving the way for further developments in the field. Mauchly and Eckert's work on ENIAC laid the foundation for subsequent generations of electronic computers.

The high-level programming language "C" was developed by Dennis Ritchie.

Dennis Ritchie, an American computer scientist, created the C programming language in the early 1970s at Bell Laboratories. C was initially designed to support the development of the Unix operating system, which Ritchie also contributed to. It quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, efficiency, and portability, becoming one of the most widely used programming languages in the world.

C provided a higher level of abstraction compared to assembly language, making it easier to write and understand programs. It introduced features like structured programming constructs, variable types, and control flow statements, enabling programmers to write efficient and modular code. C also provided low-level access to memory and hardware, making it suitable for systems programming and embedded applications.

The development of C had a significant impact on the field of computer science and software development. It influenced the design of subsequent programming languages, including C++, Java, and many others. C remains popular today, particularly in systems programming, embedded systems, and operating systems development.

Personnel who design, program, operate, and maintain computer equipment are typically referred to as "computer professionals" or "IT professionals."

Computer professionals are individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to work with computer systems and technology. They play a crucial role in various aspects of computer operations, including designing computer hardware and software, programming applications, managing networks and systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the smooth operation and maintenance of computer equipment.

Common job titles and roles within the realm of computer professionals include:

1. Computer programmers: They write, test, and maintain computer programs and software applications.
2. Systems analysts: They analyze an organization's computer systems and requirements, and design or modify systems to meet their needs.
3. Network administrators: They manage and maintain computer networks, ensuring connectivity, security, and performance.
4. Database administrators: They manage and maintain databases, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance.
5. IT support technicians: They provide technical support and assistance to computer users, troubleshooting issues and resolving problems.
6. IT managers: They oversee the planning, implementation, and management of IT systems and projects within an organization.
7. Hardware engineers: They design and develop computer hardware components and systems.
8. Software engineers: They design, develop, and maintain software applications and systems.

These are just a few examples of the diverse roles and responsibilities of computer professionals. The specific tasks and responsibilities may vary depending on the organization, industry, and specialization within the field of computer technology.

IBM and Apple Computers Inc. joined hands in the year 1991.

In July 1991, IBM and Apple announced a historic collaboration known as the "Apple-IBM Alliance." The partnership aimed to combine their respective strengths and technologies to develop and market personal computer products for business customers.

Under this alliance, IBM agreed to use Apple's Macintosh operating system (at that time, System 7) in their line of personal computers, known as the IBM PS/1 and IBM PS/2. This move allowed IBM to offer a user-friendly graphical interface and software compatibility with Macintosh applications.

On the other hand, Apple agreed to adopt IBM's PowerPC processor architecture as the foundation for their future Macintosh computers. The PowerPC processors, jointly developed by IBM, Motorola, and Apple, offered improved performance and power efficiency compared to the previous generation of processors used in Macintosh computers.

The collaboration between IBM and Apple was seen as a significant development in the computer industry, as it brought together two prominent companies that were previously considered rivals. The partnership aimed to leverage their complementary strengths and resources to compete more effectively against other industry players, such as Microsoft and Intel.

However, it's worth noting that this alliance was not a merger or acquisition between IBM and Apple. Rather, it was a strategic partnership focused on specific areas of collaboration while maintaining their separate corporate identities and product lines.

The term "Silicon sapiens" is not commonly used or recognized in reference to a specific device. "Silicon sapiens" is not an established term or designation in the field of technology or computer science.

"Homo sapiens" is the scientific name for the modern human species, reflecting our classification as a biological species. The term "Homo sapiens" is Latin for "wise man" or "knowing man" and is used to distinguish us from other species.

Silicon, on the other hand, is a chemical element widely used in the production of semiconductor materials, such as silicon chips or integrated circuits, which are fundamental components of various electronic devices like computers, smartphones, and many other technological devices. However, the term "Silicon sapiens" does not have a specific meaning or association with a particular device or technology.

It's important to note that while there is ongoing research and development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, there is currently no device or technology that is commonly referred to as "Silicon sapiens" in the context of being a silicon-based counterpart or equivalent to human beings.

The alternative computer jargon for an error in software or hardware is a "glitch."

The term "glitch" is often used in the context of technology to refer to a temporary or transient malfunction or problem. It can describe unexpected behavior, a minor flaw, or a brief disruption in the normal operation of a system, software, or hardware component.

While "bug" and "glitch" are often used interchangeably to refer to software or hardware issues, "glitch" may sometimes imply a more temporary or intermittent problem, while a "bug" could refer to a broader range of issues, including more persistent or systematic errors.

Both terms are widely understood and used within the computer and technology industry to describe issues or malfunctions in software, hardware, or computer systems.