All questions of Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies for UPSC CSE Exam

Understanding Malware
Malware, short for malicious software, is a broad term that encompasses various types of harmful software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

Key Characteristics of Malware:

• Types of Malware: Includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and adware.
• Intent: Created with the intent to harm, steal information, or exploit system vulnerabilities.
• Delivery Method: Can be delivered through email attachments, software downloads, or infected websites.

Why Option B is Correct:
When the question refers to "a piece of programming code inserted into another program to cause damage," it describes a specific type of malware.

• Viral Characteristics: While “virus” is indeed a type of malware, it specifically refers to a subtype that replicates itself and spreads to other programs.
• Broad Definition: Malware encompasses all forms of malicious software, including viruses, making it the more comprehensive term.

Conclusion:
In essence, while a virus is a specific kind of malware, the term "malware" includes all malicious software types, making option B the most accurate choice in this context. Understanding malware is crucial for cybersecurity, as it helps in identifying and mitigating potential threats to systems and data.

High level language

Third Generation Computers
Third generation computers, which emerged in the late 1960s to the early 1970s, marked a significant advancement in computing technology. The primary innovation that defined this era was the use of integrated circuits (ICs).
Key Features of Third Generation Computers:
- Integrated Circuits (ICs):
- Third generation computers utilized integrated circuits, which are miniaturized electronic circuits that combine multiple components into a single chip.
- This technology allowed for greater efficiency, higher speed, and reduced size compared to earlier generations.
- Improved Performance:
- The use of ICs led to faster processing capabilities and increased reliability.
- Computers could execute more complex instructions, enhancing overall performance.
- Cost Efficiency:
- Integrated circuits reduced the cost of production and maintenance.
- This made computers more accessible to businesses and educational institutions.
- Operating Systems:
- Third generation computers often ran sophisticated operating systems that facilitated multitasking and improved user interaction.
- This was a step towards user-friendly computing environments.
- Examples:
- Notable examples of third generation computers include the IBM 360 series and the PDP-8.
- These machines set the foundation for modern computing architectures.
In conclusion, third generation computers revolutionized the computing landscape by incorporating integrated circuits, leading to enhanced performance, reduced costs, and improved usability. This era laid the groundwork for the subsequent advancements in computer technology.

Understanding High-Level Languages
High-level languages are designed to be easy for humans to read and write. They abstract away the complex details of the computer's hardware, allowing developers to focus on problem-solving rather than machine-specific instructions.
Characteristics of High-Level Languages
- Human-Readable Syntax: High-level languages, such as Python, utilize syntax that resembles natural language, making it more accessible to programmers.
- Abstraction: They provide a level of abstraction, meaning that programmers do not need to manage memory manually or deal with hardware-specific details.
- Portability: Python code can run on different platforms without modification, making it versatile and widely used across various operating systems.
Python as a High-Level Language
- Ease of Use: Python's syntax is designed to be straightforward, allowing developers to write fewer lines of code compared to other languages, enhancing productivity.
- Rich Libraries: Python comes with extensive libraries and frameworks that simplify complex tasks, such as data analysis, web development, and machine learning.
- Community Support: Python has a large and active community, providing ample resources for learning and troubleshooting, which further enhances its usability.
Conclusion
In summary, Python is categorized as a high-level language due to its human-readable syntax, abstraction from hardware, ease of use, and strong community support. These features make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced developers alike.