Digital and

Technological
Solutions
Exploring the foundations of digitization

Faheem Syeed Masoodi

Zubair Sayeed Masoodi
Khalid Bashir Dar

www.bpbonline.com
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Table of Contents

1. Computer System Fundamentals........................................................................................ 1

Introduction............................................................................................................................. 1
Structure................................................................................................................................... 1
Objectives................................................................................................................................. 2
Understanding computers..................................................................................................... 2
Generations of computers.................................................................................................... 3
Computer architecture........................................................................................................... 4
Hardware............................................................................................................................. 4
Input unit............................................................................................................................ 4
Central Processing Unit...................................................................................................... 5
Primary memory................................................................................................................. 5
Secondary memory.............................................................................................................. 8
Output devices.................................................................................................................... 9
Software.................................................................................................................................. 10
Operating system.................................................................................................................. 13
Functions of an operating system..................................................................................... 13
Advantages of operating system........................................................................................ 14
Popular operating systems.................................................................................................. 14
MS-DOS................................................................................................................... 15
Windows................................................................................................................... 16
Mac operating system............................................................................................... 17
Linux......................................................................................................................... 18
Android..................................................................................................................... 18
iOS............................................................................................................................ 19
Algorithm............................................................................................................................... 20
Properties of algorithms.................................................................................................... 21
Flow chart............................................................................................................................... 21
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Conclusion............................................................................................................................. 23
Points to remember............................................................................................................... 23
Key terms............................................................................................................................... 24
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................... 24
Answers............................................................................................................................. 26
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................... 26
True/ False statements......................................................................................................... 27
Match the following.............................................................................................................. 28
Answers............................................................................................................................. 29

2. Digital System Foundations............................................................................................... 31

Introduction........................................................................................................................... 31
Structure................................................................................................................................. 33
Objectives............................................................................................................................... 33
Evolution of digital systems................................................................................................ 33
Role and significance of digital technology...................................................................... 37
Digital technology challenges............................................................................................. 40
Information and Communication Technology................................................................. 41
Emerging trends in ICT and their implications................................................................ 42
ICT tools............................................................................................................................ 43
Limitations of ICT............................................................................................................. 45
Disadvantages of ICT........................................................................................................ 46
Number system..................................................................................................................... 46
Decimal number system.................................................................................................... 47
Binary number system...................................................................................................... 48
Octal number system........................................................................................................ 50
Hexadecimal number system............................................................................................. 51
Conversions....................................................................................................................... 52
Decimal to binary...................................................................................................... 52
Decimal to octal......................................................................................................... 53
Decimal to hexadecimal............................................................................................. 53
Logic gates.............................................................................................................................. 54
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NOT gate........................................................................................................................... 54
AND gate.......................................................................................................................... 55
OR gate.............................................................................................................................. 56
NAND gate....................................................................................................................... 56
NOR gate.......................................................................................................................... 57
XOR gate........................................................................................................................... 58
Conclusion............................................................................................................................. 59
Points to remember............................................................................................................... 59
Key terms........................................................................................................................... 60
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................... 60
Answers............................................................................................................................. 62
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................... 62
True/False statements.......................................................................................................... 63
Match the following.............................................................................................................. 64
Answers............................................................................................................................. 64

3. Data Communication and Networking............................................................................ 65

Introduction........................................................................................................................... 65
Structure................................................................................................................................. 65
Objectives............................................................................................................................... 66
Data communication............................................................................................................ 66
Components of data communication................................................................................. 66
Types of data communication............................................................................................ 67
Communication channels.................................................................................................. 68
Computer network............................................................................................................... 70
Types of computer networks...................................................................................... 71
Network topology................................................................................................................. 74
Bus topology...................................................................................................................... 75
Advantages of bus topology...................................................................................... 75
Disadvantages of bus topology.................................................................................. 76
Ring topology.................................................................................................................... 76
Advantages of ring topology..................................................................................... 78
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Disadvantages of ring topology................................................................................ 78

Star topology..................................................................................................................... 79
Advantages of star topology...................................................................................... 80
Disadvantages of star topology................................................................................. 80
Mesh topology................................................................................................................... 81
Advantages of mesh topology.................................................................................... 81
Disadvantages of mesh topology............................................................................... 82
Tree topology...................................................................................................................... 82
Advantages of tree topology...................................................................................... 83
Disadvantages of tree topology................................................................................. 83
Network devices................................................................................................................... 84
OSI model................................................................................................................. 88
TCP/IP model....................................................................................................................... 90
Internet................................................................................................................................... 90
History of the Internet....................................................................................................... 92
Stages of Internet...................................................................................................... 92
Uses of the Internet................................................................................................... 93
World Wide Web....................................................................................................... 94
Working of the WWW.............................................................................................. 95
Components of the web............................................................................................. 96
Domain Name System.......................................................................................................... 96
Search engine......................................................................................................................... 98
Working of search engines................................................................................................. 98
Components of a search engine......................................................................................... 99
Popular search engines.............................................................................................. 99
Advantages of the Internet.............................................................................................. 100
Disadvantages of the Internet......................................................................................... 100
Web browsers....................................................................................................................... 100
Messaging............................................................................................................................ 101
Instant messaging........................................................................................................... 101
Chat................................................................................................................................. 102
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Voice over telephony................................................................................................ 102
Video conference.............................................................................................................. 103
Collaboration tools........................................................................................................... 103
Email............................................................................................................................... 104
Structure of email.................................................................................................... 105
Social networking................................................................................................................ 106
Benefits of social networking........................................................................................... 107
Popular social media platforms....................................................................................... 107
Facebook.................................................................................................................. 107
X ........................................................................................................................... 107
LinkedIn.................................................................................................................. 108
Instagram................................................................................................................ 108
Privacy and security consideration in social networking....................................... 108
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 109
Points to remember............................................................................................................. 109
Key terms............................................................................................................................. 110
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 110
Answers........................................................................................................................... 112
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 113
True/ False statements....................................................................................................... 113
Match the following............................................................................................................ 115
Answers........................................................................................................................... 115

4. Computer Based Information System............................................................................ 117

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 117
Structure............................................................................................................................... 118
Objectives............................................................................................................................. 118
Computer-based information systems............................................................................. 118
Types of computer-based information systems.............................................................. 119
Transaction Processing Systems..................................................................................... 119
Management information system................................................................................... 120
Decision support systems................................................................................................ 121
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Office automation systems.............................................................................................. 122

E-commerce.......................................................................................................................... 123
Working of e-commerce................................................................................................... 124
Types of e-commerce................................................................................................ 126
Digital marketing................................................................................................................ 129
Importance of digital marketing...................................................................................... 129
Types of digital marketing............................................................................................... 130
Content marketing.................................................................................................. 130
Search engine optimization..................................................................................... 131
Social media marketing........................................................................................... 132
Affiliate and influencer marketing.......................................................................... 133
Email marketing...................................................................................................... 134
Mobile marketing.................................................................................................... 135
Video marketing...................................................................................................... 135
Audio marketing..................................................................................................... 136
Chatbot marketing.................................................................................................. 137
Benefits and challenges.................................................................................................... 138
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 138
Points to remember............................................................................................................. 139
Key points............................................................................................................................ 139
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 139
Answers........................................................................................................................... 141
True/False statements........................................................................................................ 142
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 143
Match the following............................................................................................................ 144
Answers........................................................................................................................... 144

5. Digital India........................................................................................................................ 145

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 145
Structure............................................................................................................................... 146
Objectives............................................................................................................................. 146
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Digital India......................................................................................................................... 146
Vision and objectives of Digital India............................................................................. 147
Advantages of Digital India.................................................................................... 149
Challenges of Digital India..................................................................................... 149
Digital infrastructure development initiatives............................................................... 149
Impact of Digital India campaign........................................................................... 150
Pillars of Digital India.................................................................................................... 151
Broadband highways............................................................................................... 151
Universal access to mobile connectivity................................................................. 153
Public internet access.............................................................................................. 154
E-governance........................................................................................................... 156
e-Kranti................................................................................................................... 157
Information for all................................................................................................... 158
Electronics manufacturing..................................................................................... 159
IT for jobs................................................................................................................ 161
Early Harvest Program........................................................................................... 162
Key principles of E-governance implementation............................................................. 164
Challenges and opportunities in E-governance.............................................................. 165
Digital governance models.............................................................................................. 166
Empowering citizens through digital literacy................................................................ 169
Bridging the digital divide................................................................................................. 170
The digital divide............................................................................................................. 171
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 171
Points to remember............................................................................................................. 172
Key terms............................................................................................................................. 172
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 173
Answers........................................................................................................................... 174
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 175
True/False statements........................................................................................................ 176
Match the following............................................................................................................ 177
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Answers........................................................................................................................... 177
Join our book’s Discord space.................................................................................. 178

6. Digital Payments System.................................................................................................. 179

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 179
Structure............................................................................................................................... 180
Objectives............................................................................................................................. 180
National Payments Corporation of India........................................................................ 180
Understanding NPCI.......................................................................................................... 181
NPCI security measures..................................................................................................... 182
NPCI services....................................................................................................................... 183
Unified Payments Interface............................................................................................. 184
UPI features and benefits........................................................................................ 184
UPI registration and usage process........................................................................ 185
UPI security and precautions................................................................................. 186
Popular UPI-enabled applications.......................................................................... 188
Key features of UPI-enabled applications............................................................... 189
Aadhaar Enabled Payment System......................................................................... 189
Unstructured Supplementary Service Data........................................................... 191
Credit/debit cards.................................................................................................... 195
Type of cards............................................................................................................ 196
Tips for secure card usage....................................................................................... 197
E-wallets.................................................................................................................. 198
Internet banking...................................................................................................... 200
Online bill payments............................................................................................... 203
Point of Sale............................................................................................................ 204
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 206
Points to remember............................................................................................................. 206
Key terms............................................................................................................................. 207
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 207
Answers........................................................................................................................... 209
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Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 209
True/False statements........................................................................................................ 210
Match the following............................................................................................................ 211
Join our book’s Discord space.................................................................................. 212
Answers........................................................................................................................... 212

7. Cybersecurity...................................................................................................................... 213
Introduction......................................................................................................................... 213
Structure............................................................................................................................... 213
Objectives............................................................................................................................. 214
Cybersecurity....................................................................................................................... 214
Importance of cybersecurity............................................................................................ 215
Common cybersecurity threats and incidents................................................................. 215
Malware.................................................................................................................. 215
Identifying malware................................................................................................ 219
Phishing.................................................................................................................. 220
Risks associated with phishing attacks................................................................... 221
Ransomware............................................................................................................ 221
Cybercrimes......................................................................................................................... 223
Categories of cybercrime.................................................................................................. 224
Types of cybercrime......................................................................................................... 224
Cyberstalking.......................................................................................................... 224
Cyber bullying........................................................................................................ 226
Financial scams....................................................................................................... 229
Impact of cybercrime on society....................................................................................... 230
Measures to prevent cybercrimes..................................................................................... 230
Cyber hygiene...................................................................................................................... 231
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 233
Points to remember............................................................................................................. 233
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 234
Answers........................................................................................................................... 235
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True or false.......................................................................................................................... 236

Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 236
Match the following............................................................................................................ 237
Answers........................................................................................................................... 238

8. Emerging Technologies..................................................................................................... 239

Introduction......................................................................................................................... 239
Structure............................................................................................................................... 239
Objectives............................................................................................................................. 240
Cloud computing................................................................................................................ 240
Introduction to cloud computing.................................................................................... 240
Benefits and challenges of cloud computing.................................................................... 242
Applications of cloud computing in business and society............................................... 243
Big data................................................................................................................................. 245
Understanding big data and its characteristics.............................................................. 246
Big data analytics: Techniques and tools......................................................................... 247
Types of big data analytics...................................................................................... 248
Big data analytics tools........................................................................................... 249
Applications of big data in various industries................................................................ 249
Internet of Things................................................................................................................ 250
Introduction to IoT and its components.......................................................................... 250
IoT components....................................................................................................... 251
IoT applications....................................................................................................... 252
Challenges in IoT implementation.................................................................................. 257
Virtual reality....................................................................................................................... 258
Overview of virtual reality technology........................................................................... 259
Types of VR............................................................................................................. 261
Applications of VR.......................................................................................................... 261
Challenges and future developments in VR.................................................................... 262
Blockchain technology....................................................................................................... 263
Understanding blockchain and distributed ledger technology........................................ 263
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Applications of blockchain............................................................................................... 265
Blockchain security and privacy considerations............................................................. 266
Robotics................................................................................................................................ 267
Introduction to robotics and robotic systems.................................................................. 267
Applications of robotics................................................................................................... 268
Ethical and social implications of robotics...................................................................... 269
3D printing........................................................................................................................... 270
Overview of 3D printing technology.............................................................................. 270
Applications of 3D printing............................................................................................ 271
Impact of 3D technology on industries................................................................... 272
Ethical concerns...................................................................................................... 272
Challenges and future developments in 3D printing...................................................... 273
Future developments............................................................................................... 274
Artificial Intelligence.......................................................................................................... 275
Overview of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning............................................ 275
AI applications in various industries.............................................................................. 275
Conclusion........................................................................................................................... 278
Multiple choice questions.................................................................................................. 278
Answers........................................................................................................................... 280
Fill in the blanks.................................................................................................................. 280
True or false.......................................................................................................................... 281
Match the following............................................................................................................ 281
Answers........................................................................................................................... 282

Index..............................................................................................................................283-291
 Chapter 1
Computer System
Fundamentals

Introduction
Computer science is a field that deals with the study of computers and how they work.
It involves learning how to create programs that can solve problems and make things
easier. The field of computer science emerged during the mid-20th century with the
development of the first electronic computers. Back then, computer science was closely
linked to math, and people like Alan Turing, John von Neumann, and Grace Hopper made
important contributions to both fields.
During the 1960s and 1970s, computer science experienced rapid expansion, leading to the
development of fresh computer designs, programming languages, and innovative software
creation methods. As time passed, computer science kept changing and improving.
Personal computers, the internet, and mobile devices were created. Today, computer
science is a diverse field and affects many parts of modern life, including science, business,
entertainment, and social media.

Structure
In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:
• Understanding computers
• Computer architecture
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• Software
• Operating system
• Algorithm
• Flow chart

Objectives
Upon completion of this chapter, students should be able to understand the generations
of computers and their advancements from generation I to V. They will also be able to
comprehend computer architecture, including hardware components like CPU, RAM,
and storage devices. Further, students will recognize the significance of output units and
their role in information display and distinguish between system software and application
software, focusing on operating systems. Along with that, students will explore the
fundamental aspects of algorithms, including their properties and representation, using
flow charts.

Understanding computers
The computer is a machine that can handle and store information, and perform different
tasks according to the commands it receives. It is made up of several parts that work
together to make it function, such as CPU, memory, solid-state drive, or hard drive
(storage), input devices like a keyboard and mouse, and output devices like a screen or
speakers. The following figure illustrates parts of a computer system:

Figure 1.1: Components of a computer

 Computer System Fundamentals  3

Computers can perform a wide range of tasks, from simple operations like typing and
calculating to complex ones like analyzing large sets of data or running simulations.
They can be used for various purposes like creating documents, editing photos or videos,
browsing the internet, playing games, and much more. Computers have become an
essential part of our lives and are used in many industries and fields, including education,
healthcare, finance, engineering, and entertainment. They have made many tasks faster,
easier, and more efficient than they used to be, and have enabled us to accomplish things
that were once impossible.

Generations of computers
It refers to the different stages of development in computer technology. Each generation
represents a significant step forward in the design and functionality of computers.
Typically, each new generation is marked by the introduction of new hardware and
software technologies that enable faster processing, more efficient memory usage, and
increased computing power. Each generation builds on the achievements of the previous
generation, resulting in increasingly powerful and capable computers. Let us briefly
understand each generation:
• Generation I: The first generation of computers was the vacuum tube era, which
spanned from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. These computers used vacuum
tubes to perform calculations. They were very large and expensive, but they were
the first computers capable of performing complex calculations and were a huge
leap forward for computer technology. Examples of first-generation computers are
ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, IBM-701, and IBM-650.
• Generation II: Transistors replaced vacuum tubes during the late 1950s, marking
the emergence of the second generation of computers. Transistors were more
reliable, faster, and smaller than vacuum tubes, and they allowed for the creation of
smaller and more powerful computers. Examples of second-generation computers
are IBM 1620, IBM 7094, CDC 1604, CDC 3600, and UNIVAC 1108.
• Generation III: In the 1960s, the computer industry witnessed the emergence of
the third generation of computers, which marked a significant milestone with
the introduction of Integrated Circuits (ICs). These ICs revolutionized computer
design by enabling the development of more compact and powerful machines.
As a result, mainframe computers and minicomputers became possible, bringing
about a new era of computing with enhanced capabilities and improved efficiency.
Examples of third-generation computers are IBM 370, PDP-11, IBM System/360,
UNIVAC 1108, Honeywell-6000, DEC series, and ICL 2900.
• Generation IV: The fourth generation of computers commenced in the late 1970s
and extended throughout the 1980s saw the development of microprocessors.
Microprocessors made it possible to create personal computers that were affordable
and accessible to individuals and small businesses. Examples of fourth-generation
computers are IBM 4341, DEC 10, STAR 1000, and PUP 11.
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• Generation V: The fifth generation of computers initiated in the 1990s and has
persisted to the present era, featuring significant advancements in technologies
such as artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge innovations. These
technologies have enabled the creation of machines that can learn, reason, and
understand natural language, and they have revolutionized fields like healthcare,
finance, and manufacturing. Examples of fifth-generation computers are Param
1000, Intel P4, IBM laptops, notebooks, and PCs of Pentium. The following figure
illustrates the generations of computer:

Figure 1.2: Generations of computer

Computer architecture
Computer architecture is the design or blueprint that explains how different components
of a computer system like hardware and software, work together to process information
and execute programs. In short, computer architecture refers to how a computer system is
designed and how it works.

Hardware
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched
and seen. Examples of hardware include the computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse,
motherboard, hard drive, and CPU.

Input unit
Input devices enable users to input data and commands into a computer system, allowing
them to provide information in various forms, such as numbers, words, actions, and
commands. Its primary role is to capture and direct these inputs into the computer. For
 Computer System Fundamentals  5

instance, a keyboard serves as an input device for entering numbers and characters, while
a mouse can be used to input directions and commands. Other examples of input devices
include Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), barcode readers, Optical Character
Recognition (OCR) devices, and touch screens.

Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for processing the data and commands
received from users. It is an essential component of a computer system. There are three
elements in the CPU: The control unit, the arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), and the
memory unit. Let us briefly understand each element:
• Arithmetic and logic unit (ALU): It carries out arithmetic operations such as
addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, and more.
• Control unit: This oversees the coordination of tasks among all components
within a computer system. It gathers data from input units and directs it to the
appropriate processing units based on its nature. Ultimately, it transmits processed
data to output units for user accessibility.
• Memory unit: It stores the data entered by users via input devices. This data
remains in memory until other CPU components process it. The memory unit
utilizes a set of predetermined instructions to transmit this data to other sections
of the CPU. Take a look at the following figure:

Figure 1.3: The basic three components

Primary memory
Commonly referred to as main memory, primary memory is the type of memory that the
CPU can directly access. It is also volatile, which means that it requires power to retain its
data. Primary memory is of two types, along with another form called cache memory. Let
us briefly understand each type: