Inkjet printers, laser printers, thermal printers, and dye-sublimation printers.
Noise
Impact printers are loud due to the physical contact between the print head and the paper.
Non-impact printers are typically quieter, as they don't require any physical contact with the paper.
Print Quality
Impact printers can produce high-quality text and graphics, but tend to be limited in terms of color and resolution.
Non-impact printers can produce high-quality text, graphics, and photographs, with higher resolution and color options.
Maintenance
Impact printers require frequent replacement of the inked ribbon and print head, and may also require manual adjustments to maintain print quality.
Non-impact printers typically require less maintenance, with ink or toner cartridges being the primary consumable item.
Speed
Impact printers tend to be slower than non-impact printers due to the physical mechanism required to print.
Non-impact printers can be much faster, especially laser printers that can produce high volumes of pages quickly.
(b) Hard Copy and Soft Copy
Difference
Hard Copy
Soft Copy
Definition
Hard copy refers to a physical printout or paper copy of a document or image.
Soft copy refers to a digital or electronic version of a document or image that can be viewed on a computer or other electronic device.
Examples
Printed documents, photographs, books, magazines, and newspapers.
Word processing files, PDFs, digital images, email messages, and web pages.
Tangibility
Hard copies are tangible and can be held, touched, and physically transported.
Soft copies are intangible and cannot be physically held or transported.
Storage
Hard copies, such as filing cabinets or shelves, require physical storage space and may be susceptible to damage or loss.
Soft copies can be stored on electronic devices or in the cloud and easily duplicated or backed up for safekeeping.
Accessibility
Hard copies may be less accessible, as they must be physically located and transported to the user.
Soft copies can be easily accessed and shared via electronic devices or the internet.
Editing
Hard copies are generally more difficult to edit or change, as they require manual alterations or reprints.
Soft copies can be easily edited or revised using software programs and saved as a new version.
Environmental impact
Hard copies require paper, ink, and other resources to produce, which can have negative environmental impacts.
Soft copies are more environmentally friendly, as they do not require physical materials to produce.
(c) High-Level Language and Low-Level Language
Criteria
High-Level Language
Low-Level Language
Definition
A programming language designed to be easier to read, write, and understand for humans, with a focus on abstraction and simplicity.
A programming language closer to the hardware and machine language, focusing on direct hardware control and optimization.
Examples
C, C++, Java, Python, Ruby, etc.
Assembly language, machine language, etc.
Abstraction
Higher level of abstraction and focus on the problem domain.
The lower level of abstraction and focus on the hardware and system details.
Ease of Use
Easier to read, write, and maintain.
More difficult to read, write, and maintain.
Compiler/Interpreter
Requires a compiler or interpreter to translate the code into machine language.
Does not require a compiler or interpreter as the code is already in machine language.
Portability
More portable across different platforms and architectures.
Less portable across different platforms and architectures.
Performance
Generally slower in terms of execution speed and memory usage.
Generally faster in terms of execution speed and memory usage.
Uses
Used for application development, web development, scientific computing, etc.
Used for device drivers, operating systems, embedded systems, etc.
(d) System Software and Application Software
Aspect
System Software
Application Software
Definition
A collection of programs that manages and controls the computer hardware and other system resources.
Programs designed to perform specific tasks for end-users.
Example
Operating systems, device drivers, firmware, and utility programs.
Word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, and multimedia players.
Uses
Enables the computer system to function and provide services to application software.
Provides a platform for end-users to perform specific tasks.
Development
Developed by computer system manufacturers or independent software vendors.
Developed by independent software vendors or end-users.
Customizability
Less customizable.
Highly customizable.
Compatibility
Required for the proper functioning of application software.
Dependent on the system software being used.
(e) Volatile and Non Volatile memory
Aspect
Volatile Memory
Non-Volatile Memory
Definition
Memory that loses its contents when power is removed.
Memory retains its contents even when power is removed.
Example
RAM (Random Access Memory), Cache Memory.
ROM (Read-Only Memory), Flash Memory, Hard Disk Drive (HDD), SSD (Solid State Drive).
Uses
Used for the temporary storage of data and programs that are currently in use.
Used for permanent storage of data and programs that need to be retained even when power is off.
Speed
Provides fast access to data, as the memory can be read and written too quickly.
Provides slower access to data, as the memory may require more time to access the stored data.
Size
Typically has a smaller storage capacity compared to non-volatile memory.
Typically has a larger storage capacity compared to volatile memory.
Data Retention
Does not retain stored data when power is turned off, which may cause data loss if the system crashes or loses power.
Retains stored data when power is turned off, making it a more reliable option for long-term data storage.
Sensitivity
Volatile memory is more sensitive to environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, which can affect the reliability and stability of stored data.
Non-volatile memory is less sensitive to environmental factors, making it more stable and reliable for long-term data storage.
Example Use Cases
Storing running programs and data, storing data for temporary use.
Storing firmware, operating systems, user data, and files, for long-term use.
(f) Internet and Intranet
Aspect
Internet
Intranet
Definition
A global network of computers and servers connected together, accessible to the public.
A private network of computers and servers within an organization, accessible only to authorized users.
Example
World Wide Web (WWW), email, FTP, social media, etc.
Internal portals, employee directories, HR systems, internal wikis, etc.
Access
Accessible to anyone with an internet connection and the necessary permissions.
Accessible only to authorized users with the necessary permissions.
Security
Security measures must be implemented to protect data and systems from unauthorized access and attacks.
Security measures can be customized and implemented to protect data and systems from unauthorized access and attacks.
Content
Content is typically public-facing and available for anyone to view.
Content is private and internal to the organization, and may require user authentication.
Speed
Internet speed can vary depending on factors such as location and network traffic.
Intranet speed is typically faster and more reliable than internet speed, as external factors do not affect it.
Use Cases
Used for communication, information sharing, e-commerce, social networking, and more.
Used for internal communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and accessing internal systems and resources.
Cost
Access to the internet is often provided through service providers for a fee.
The cost of implementing an intranet may include hardware, software, maintenance, and personnel costs.
Scalability
The internet is highly scalable, as it is accessible to anyone with an internet connection.
The scalability of an intranet depends on the size and complexity of the organization and may require additional resources as the organization grows.
(g) Bridge and Gateway
Criteria
Bridge
Gateway
Definition
A bridge is a networking device that connects two or more local area networks (LANs) together, allowing communication between them.
A gateway is a networking device that acts as a bridge between different networks or protocols, translating the data from one format to another.
Example
Connecting two different LANs that use the same communication protocol (e.g. Ethernet) with a bridge to allow devices to communicate with each other. (Ethernet bridge, wireless bridge)
Translating data between a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN) by converting it from one protocol (e.g. Ethernet) to another (e.g. TCP/IP).Router, firewall, VPN gateway, protocol converter
Uses
Used to extend a network by connecting multiple LANs together, reducing network congestion and improving communication between devices.
Used to connect different networks that use different communication protocols, allowing them to communicate with each other. Also used to provide security and control access to a network.
Layer
Operates at Layer 2 of the OSI Model
Operates at Layer 3 or higher of the OSI Model
Addressing
Uses MAC addresses for forwarding
Uses IP addresses for forwarding
Routing
Does not perform routing
Performs routine between networks
Network
Connects similar networks together
Connects dissimilar networks together
Speed
Operates at wire speed (high speed)
May operate at a slower speed than bridges
Security
Does not provide security features
Provides security features such as a firewall
Complexity
Simple to set up and manage
More complex to set up and manage
(h) Synchronous and Asynchronous transmission
Transmission Type
Synchronous
Asynchronous
Definition
A type of data transmission where the sender and receiver operate in synchronized time with each other.
A type of data transmission where the sender and receiver operate independently of each other, with each transmitting data at its own pace.
Uses
Used for transferring large amounts of data over long distances.
Used for transmitting small amounts of data over short distances.
Examples
Video conferencing, streaming media, and real-time gaming.
Does not require a clock signal as data is transmitted at irregular intervals.
Timing
Requires a clock signal to synchronize data transmission between the sender and receiver
Does not require a clock signal as data is transmitted at irregular intervals.
Bandwidth
Typically has a higher bandwidth as data is transmitted continuously.
Typically has a lower bandwidth as data is transmitted intermittently.
Error Rate
Lower error rate due to synchronization and error-checking mechanisms.
Higher error rate due to lack of synchronization and error-checking mechanisms.
Applications
Used for high-speed data transfer over long distances where timing is critical.
Used for low-speed data transfer over short distances where timing is not critical.
(h) CLI (Command line interface) and GUI (Graphical user interface)
Interface Type
CLI
GUI
Definition
An interface that allows users to interact with a computer system by entering text commands.
An interface that allows users to interact with a computer system using graphical elements such as icons, menus, and windows.
Input Method
Text-based input using the keyboard.
Input using a keyboard and mouse, or touch screen on mobile devices.
Learning Curve
The steep learning curve as commands must be memorized or learned.
The shallow learning curve as graphical elements is often self-explanatory.
Speed
Faster for experienced users who can type quickly and efficiently.
Slower for inexperienced users who may need to navigate menus and windows.
Flexibility
Offers greater flexibility and control over system settings and configurations.
Maybe more limited in terms of the types of operations that can be performed.
Examples
Command prompt in Windows, Terminal in macOS, and Linux.
Windows Explorer, macOS Finder, and desktop and mobile applications.
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