MLII-103: Fundamentals of Information Communication Technologies

Course Code:MLII-103

Assignment Code: AST/TMA/Jul. 2024-Jan. 2025

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1.2 Enumerate different categories of input and output devices. Explain the characteristics of different input devices.

Answer:  Categories of Input and Output Devices

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components that allow users to enter data and commands into a computer system. They can be categorized as follows:

1. Text Input Devices – Used to enter text and commands.

1. • Example: Keyboard

2. Pointing Devices – Used to control the pointer on a screen.

1. • Examples: Mouse, Trackpad, Joystick

3. Audio Input Devices – Used to capture sound.

1. • Examples: Microphone, MIDI keyboard

4. Visual Input Devices – Used to capture images and videos.

1. • Examples: Webcam, Digital Camera, Scanner

5. Touch-Based Input Devices – Used to interact directly with a screen.

1. • Examples: Touchscreen, Stylus

6. Biometric Input Devices – Used for security and authentication.

1. • Examples: Fingerprint Scanner, Iris Scanner

7. Gaming Input Devices – Designed for gaming interaction.

1. • Examples: Game Controller, VR Motion Controller

8. Sensor-Based Input Devices – Used for detecting environmental changes.

1. • Examples: Temperature Sensor, Gyroscope, Accelerometer

Output Devices

Output devices display or convey processed data to users. They can be categorized as follows:

1. Visual Output Devices – Used for displaying images, videos, and text.

1. • Examples: Monitor, Projector, VR Headset

2. Audio Output Devices – Used to produce sound.

1. • Examples: Speakers, Headphones

3. Printing and Hard Copy Output Devices – Used for producing physical copies of data.

1. • Examples: Printer, Plotter

4. Tactile Output Devices – Used for feedback through touch or vibration.

1. • Examples: Braille Display, Haptic Feedback Devices

5. Multifunctional Output Devices – Devices that combine multiple output functions.

1. • Examples: All-in-One Printer, Smart Display

Characteristics of Different Input Devices

1. Keyboard

1. • Standard input device for text and commands.
   • Comes in different layouts (QWERTY, AZERTY, etc.).
   • May include additional function keys for shortcuts.

2. Mouse

1. • Used for pointing, clicking, and dragging objects on the screen.
   • Can be wired or wireless.
   • Variants include optical and laser mice.

3. Touchscreen

1. • Allows direct interaction with the display.
   • Used in smartphones, tablets, and kiosks.
   • Supports multi-touch gestures like pinch and swipe.

4. Joystick

1. • Used for gaming and simulations.
   • Provides directional control with an analog stick.

5. Scanner

1. • Captures documents and images for digital storage.
   • Types include flatbed, handheld, and sheet-fed scanners.

6. Microphone

1. • Converts sound waves into digital signals.
   • Used for voice input, communication, and speech recognition.

7. Fingerprint Scanner

1. • Captures unique fingerprint patterns for authentication.
   • Used in smartphones, security systems, and attendance tracking.

8. Webcam

1. • Captures real-time video and images.
   • Used for video conferencing and live streaming.

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2.2 What is a library network? Discuss the important activities of INFLIBNET.

Answer:  Library Network

A library network is a system that connects multiple libraries to facilitate resource sharing, information exchange, and cooperative activities. It enables libraries to share digital and physical resources, such as books, journals, and research materials, through a common platform. Library networks can be local, regional, national, or international.

Objectives of a Library Network

• Promote resource sharing among libraries.
• Provide access to digital databases, e-journals, and repositories.
• Facilitate interlibrary loan and document delivery services.
• Support library automation and modernization.
• Encourage collaboration in research and academic activities.

INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network Centre)

INFLIBNET is an autonomous inter-university centre of UGC (University Grants Commission), India, established in 1991. It focuses on modernizing university libraries in India and promoting information exchange across educational institutions.

Important Activities of INFLIBNET

1. Shodhganga

1. • A digital repository for Ph.D. theses and dissertations.
   • Provides open access to research work from Indian universities.

2. ShodhSindhu

1. • Merges three previous consortia (UGC-INFONET Digital Library Consortium, N-LIST, and INDEST-AICTE).
   • Provides access to e-journals, e-books, and online databases to universities and colleges.

3. N-LIST (National Library and Information Services Infrastructure for Scholarly Content)

1. • Provides e-resources to colleges, particularly in rural and remote areas.
   • Offers access to e-books and journals for students, researchers, and faculty members.

4. e-ShodhSindhu

1. • A subscription-based platform offering access to high-quality scholarly content.
   • Includes national and international e-resources.

5. IRINS (Indian Research Information Network System)

1. • A research profiling tool for academic institutions and researchers.
   • Helps universities showcase faculty research outputs and collaborations.

6. Vidwan (Expert Database and National Research Network)

1. • A repository of academic and research experts in India.
   • Connects researchers with institutions for collaboration.

7. e-PG Pathshala

1. • A digital learning platform offering postgraduate courses and study materials.
   • Developed under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NME-ICT).

8. SOUL (Software for University Libraries)

1. • A library management software developed by INFLIBNET.
   • Helps automate library functions such as cataloging, circulation, and reports.

9. Interlibrary Loan & Document Delivery

1. • Facilitates sharing of books, journals, and research documents between institutions.
   • Ensures that academic institutions have access to required resources.

10. Library Automation and Training

• Conducts workshops, training programs, and conferences to educate librarians and researchers about modern library practices and technologies.

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3.2 What is convergence? Enumerate its different levels. Discuss any two.

Answer:  Convergence and Its Levels

Convergence refers to the process where different forms of media, communication, or technology merge and integrate, allowing seamless interaction across multiple platforms. It leads to the blending of previously distinct industries, such as telecommunications, broadcasting, computing, and digital media.

Convergence enables information to be accessed, shared, and transmitted more efficiently, fostering innovation, convenience, and accessibility in various fields like media, business, and technology.

Levels of Convergence

Convergence occurs at multiple levels, broadly categorized as follows:

1. Technological Convergence
2. Media Convergence
3. Economic Convergence
4. Cultural Convergence
5. Regulatory Convergence

Discussion of Two Levels of Convergence

1. Technological Convergence

1. • It refers to the merging of different technologies into a single device or platform.
   • Example: Smartphones integrating communication (calls, messages), media (camera, music, videos), and internet access (social media, browsing).
   • It enhances efficiency, convenience, and user experience by providing multiple functionalities within one system.

2. Media Convergence

1. • This involves the fusion of different media formats and platforms, allowing content to be shared across multiple digital and traditional channels.
   • Example: News organizations using television, online websites, and social media to distribute news.
   • It enables a broader audience reach and diverse content delivery methods, breaking barriers between print, digital, and broadcast media.

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4.2 Explain in detail the development in Microprocessor Technology

Answer:  Development in Microprocessor Technology

A microprocessor is the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer, integrated into a single chip. It functions as the brain of computers and other electronic devices, executing instructions and performing calculations. The development of microprocessor technology has been marked by significant advancements in processing power, efficiency, and integration.

Evolution of Microprocessor Technology

The development of microprocessors can be categorized into different generations, each marked by significant improvements in architecture, speed, and capability.

1. First Generation (1971 – 1979) – 4-bit & 8-bit Microprocessors

• Key Microprocessors:
  • Intel 4004 (1971) – First commercially available microprocessor (4-bit).
  • Intel 8080 (1974) – 8-bit processor, used in early computers.
• Features:
  • Built using PMOS and NMOS transistors.
  • Low processing power (~740 kHz to a few MHz).
  • Limited memory addressing capability.
  • Used in basic calculators, simple computing devices.

2. Second Generation (1979 – 1985) – 16-bit Microprocessors

• Key Microprocessors:
  • Intel 8086 and 8088 (1979) – Used in the first IBM PCs.
  • Motorola 68000 (1980) – Introduced advanced addressing modes.
• Features:
  • Improved instruction sets and memory management.
  • Higher processing speeds (5-10 MHz).
  • Could handle more complex computations.
  • Found in early personal computers and gaming consoles.

3. Third Generation (1985 – 1995) – 32-bit Microprocessors

• Key Microprocessors:
  • Intel 80386 (1985) – First 32-bit processor, with multitasking.
  • Intel 80486 (1989) – Integrated FPU (floating-point unit) for better performance.
  • Motorola 68040 (1990) – Advanced RISC-like features.
• Features:
  • Higher speeds (20-50 MHz).
  • Improved memory management and multitasking.
  • Used in personal computers, servers, and industrial applications.

4. Fourth Generation (1995 – 2005) – 64-bit & Multi-Core Processors

• Key Microprocessors:
  • Intel Pentium Series (1993-1999) – Widely used in personal computers.
  • AMD Athlon (1999) – Competed with Intel for desktop CPUs.
  • Intel Core Duo (2006) – Introduced dual-core processing.
• Features:
  • 64-bit architecture for enhanced computing power.
  • Introduction of multi-core processors for parallel processing.
  • Clock speeds reached over 1 GHz.
  • Used in personal computers, gaming, and enterprise applications.

5. Fifth Generation (2005 – Present) – Advanced Multi-Core and AI Processors

• Key Microprocessors:
  • Intel Core i-Series (i3, i5, i7, i9) – Powering modern computers.
  • AMD Ryzen Series – High-performance CPUs for gaming and professional use.
  • Apple M1 & M2 Chips – Integrated ARM-based processors for efficiency.
• Features:
  • Multi-core processing (quad-core, octa-core, and beyond).
  • Increased energy efficiency and reduced power consumption.
  • Integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and machine learning capabilities.
  • High-speed processing with clock speeds exceeding 5 GHz.
  • Found in personal computers, smartphones, AI applications, and cloud computing.

Modern Trends in Microprocessor Technology

1. Increasing Number of Cores

• Processors now feature multiple cores (dual-core, quad-core, octa-core, etc.) for parallel computing.
• Example: AMD Ryzen 9 with 16 cores for high-performance computing.

2. Shrinking Transistor Size (Nanotechnology)

• The shift from 10nm to 5nm and 3nm technology improves performance and reduces power consumption.
• Example: Apple’s M1 chip is based on a 5nm process.

3. Integration of AI and Machine Learning

• AI-driven processors improve tasks like speech recognition and data analysis.
• Example: Google’s Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI workloads.

4. Edge Computing & IoT Integration

• Modern processors are designed for smart devices, IoT, and cloud computing.
• Example: Qualcomm Snapdragon for mobile and IoT applications.

Microprocessor technology has evolved rapidly from simple 4-bit chips to powerful multi-core processors with AI capabilities. Innovations in nanotechnology, efficiency, and speed continue to drive advancements, making microprocessors essential for modern computing, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.

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5.0 Write short notes on any two of the following:

a) Client-Server Architecture

b) Cooperative Cataloguing

c) Operating System (OS)

d) Methods of plate making

e) Adobe Photoshop

Answer:

a) Client-Server Architecture

Client-server architecture is a distributed computing model in which multiple clients request and receive services from a centralized server. This model is widely used in networking, web applications, and enterprise systems.

Components of Client-Server Architecture

1. Client:

1. • The client is a computer or application that initiates requests for services or resources from the server.
   • Examples: Web browsers, mobile apps, email clients.

2. Server:

1. • The server is a central system that processes client requests and provides the requested services or data.
   • Examples: Web servers, database servers, file servers.

3. Network:

1. • The communication channel that connects clients and servers, enabling data transfer.
   • Can be wired (LAN, WAN) or wireless (Wi-Fi, mobile networks).

d) Methods of plate making

Plate making is a crucial process in printing and manufacturing, involving the preparation of plates used for transferring images or text onto a surface. There are several methods of plate making, depending on the type of printing process being used. Here are the main methods:

1. Conventional Plate Making

• Photographic Plate Making: Involves exposing a light-sensitive plate to a film negative or positive, followed by chemical development.
• Hand Engraving: Manual etching of images or text onto a metal plate.
• Mechanical Engraving: Uses machines to engrave designs onto a plate surface.

2. Digital Plate Making (Computer-to-Plate – CTP)

• Thermal CTP: Uses heat-sensitive plates exposed to laser energy to create an image.
• Violet CTP: Uses violet laser exposure on photopolymer plates.
• Inkjet CTP: Uses inkjet technology to directly print onto plates.

3. Electroplating and Etching

• Gravure Plate Making: Involves chemically etching or engraving images onto a metal cylinder or plate.
• Electrolytic Plating: Uses electrical deposition of metal onto a surface to create an image.

4. Flexographic Plate Making (for flexible relief printing)

• Liquid Photopolymer Plates: Uses liquid resin exposed to UV light through a film negative.
• Sheet Photopolymer Plates: Uses solid photopolymer sheets processed under UV light and washed to remove unexposed areas.

5. Screen Printing Plate Making

• Hand-Cut Stencil: Designs are manually cut out and applied to the screen.
• Photographic Stencil (Emulsion Process): A light-sensitive emulsion is exposed to create a stencil.

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