A Brief History of Computers
136 Questions
1 Views

A Brief History of Computers

Created by
@IndebtedOwl

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which operating system is known for its stability and serves as the backbone of the Internet?

  • UNIX (correct)
  • Android
  • Windows
  • Linux

    • Malware includes software such as viruses and worms that can exploit the vulnerabilities of an operating system.

    True

    What is the primary role of application software?

    To utilize the underlying capacity of an operating system.

    The __________ protocol is used by Internet service providers to connect individual computers to the Internet.

    <p>hypertext transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of software with their descriptions:

    <p>Browser = Used to navigate the Internet Anti-virus software = Protects against malware Malware = Malicious software that exploits vulnerabilities Operating System = Software that manages computer hardware and software resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically measures the speed of higher-speed Internet connections?

    <p>Megabits per second</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is associated with a specific domain name.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of a manager in electronic bulletin boards (BB)?

    <p>To manage the posts of others</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) typically involves __________ that allows real-time exchanges.

    <p>chat rooms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following Internet communication methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Electronic bulletin boards (BB) = Managed by a person for posts Internet Relay Chat (IRC) = Real-time exchanges in chat rooms The World Wide Web (www) = Connects Internet sites for commerce URLs = Unique identifiers for Internet sites</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technology evolved from vacuum tubes to solid state processors?

    <p>Computer hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Computers always used graphic user interfaces (GUIs) from the beginning.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of software in a computer system?

    <p>To provide the computer program that processes data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The central processing unit (CPU) is made up of millions of __________.

    <p>transistors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following computer components with their descriptions:

    <p>CPU = Processes data using transistors Motherboard = Connects essential hardware components Peripheral devices = External devices connected to a computer USB = Standardized connection for hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a function of the CPU?

    <p>Storing data indefinitely</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A PC card is typically used only with desktop computers.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of encoding data in binary language for computer processing?

    <p>It allows the computer to effectively process and interpret data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following devices can be used to submit data for processing?

    <p>Scanner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ROM chips are used for volatile data storage.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of boot sequence instructions?

    <p>To instruct the computer how to proceed upon powering on.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _______ connects to the computer via a USB port and is used for portable data storage.

    <p>flash drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following storage types with their descriptions:

    <p>ROM = Permanent data storage RAM = Temporary data storage Hard Drive = Large capacity storage Flash Drive = Portable storage solution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating system feature improved upon DOS?

    <p>Graphic user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Apple's OS utilized the 'point and click' usability from its Macintosh hardware.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of storage is a hard drive classified as?

    <p>Mass storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a router?

    <p>To make connections between networks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cookies are used to store user preferences for future visits to a website.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the unit of data exchanged among computers called?

    <p>Packet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ___ computing defines computing as a service, utilizing a system of servers via the Internet.

    <p>Cloud</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following network types with their definitions:

    <p>Intranet = Local networks limited to a single organization Internet = World-wide network of interconnected systems Peer-to-peer networking = Individual computers connect as client and server Hubs = Devices that pass along or boost communication strength</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a domain name system?

    <p>A group of computers that share a common Internet Protocol</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Intranets are larger than Internets.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of peer-to-peer networking?

    <p>Preservation of user anonymity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following operating systems is an open-source version of UNIX?

    <p>Android</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Malware can include software like viruses, Trojan horses, and worms.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one application software example that fully utilizes the underlying capacity of an operating system.

    <p>Internet Explorer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ served as the foundation for the development of contemporary operating systems.

    <p>UNIX</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of malware with their descriptions:

    <p>Virus = A type of malware that replicates itself and spreads to other files Trojan horse = Malware that disguises itself as a legitimate program Worm = A standalone malware that can self-replicate and spread across networks Logic bomb = Malware that triggers under specific conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?

    <p>Process data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Computer technology evolved from solid state processors to vacuum tubes.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'binary language' refer to in computer processing?

    <p>A system of representing data using two values, typically 0 and 1.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ is the main component that connects all hardware in a computer system.

    <p>motherboard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following computer components with their descriptions:

    <p>CPU = Processes data Motherboard = Connects all components Peripheral device = Additional hardware USB = Standardized connection interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is primarily responsible for user input in a computer system?

    <p>Peripheral devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Vacuum tubes are no longer used in modern computer systems.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of software in a computer?

    <p>To provide programs and instructions that enable the hardware to perform tasks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is used for frequently used, permanent data?

    <p>ROM chips</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Firmware is the primary software that instructs a computer on booting procedures.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What device is commonly used to submit printed information for digital processing?

    <p>Scanner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ connects to a computer via a USB port and is often used for portable data storage.

    <p>thumb drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following storage types with their descriptions:

    <p>ROM = Permanent data storage RAM = Temporary data storage Hard Drive = Large capacity mass storage USB Drive = Portable data storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating system feature was NOT originally a part of DOS?

    <p>Graphic user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The operating system is responsible for running user applications and providing a graphical user interface.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What advancement did Microsoft Windows OS offer over DOS?

    <p>Graphic user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unit is commonly used to measure the speed of higher-speed Internet connections?

    <p>Megabits per second</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) allows users to remain completely anonymous.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does URL stand for?

    <p>Uniform Resource Locator</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Electronic bulletin boards (BB) commonly rely on a __________ to manage posts.

    <p>manager</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following digital communication methods with their characteristics:

    <p>Electronic bulletin boards (BB) = Managed posts by a manager Internet Relay Chat (IRC) = Real-time exchanges using nicknames World Wide Web (WWW) = Connects Internet sites for commerce Email = Asynchronous communication via messages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a router in a network?

    <p>To make connections between networks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cloud computing is defined as a product rather than a service.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do cookies typically reflect about a user?

    <p>User preferences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ is a unit of data exchanged among computers.

    <p>packet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following network types with their definitions:

    <p>Intranet = Local computer networks with limited access Internet = World-wide network of networks Peer-to-peer = Individual computers connecting as clients and servers Domain Name System = Group of computers sharing common IP addresses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of hubs?

    <p>They boost the strength of a communication signal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Internet is smaller in scope than an intranet.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of cloud computing?

    <p>To provide computing as a service.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does binary language play in computer processing?

    <p>It encodes data for efficient processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The central processing unit (CPU) is an example of peripheral hardware.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a motherboard in a computer?

    <p>To connect and communicate between various hardware components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The CPU processes data using __________, which consists of millions of transistors.

    <p>integrated circuits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following hardware components with their functions:

    <p>CPU = Processes data Peripheral devices = Connect to the CPU USB = Standardized connection interface PC card = Expansion for portable devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key benefit of using a graphic user interface (GUI)?

    <p>Provides a simpler way to interact with the computer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Solid state processors are an advancement over the traditional vacuum tubes.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a modem do in the computer network?

    <p>It modulates and demodulates signals for communication over the internet.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following operating systems is noted for being a free, open-source version derived from UNIX?

    <p>Linux</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Smartphones only use the Android operating system.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of malevolent application software?

    <p>malware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ protocol is used by Internet service providers to connect individual computers to the Internet.

    <p>hypertext transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of software with their functions:

    <p>Antivirus software = Protects against malware Web browser = Accesses and displays web content Malware = Exploits vulnerabilities in systems Firewall = Monitors and controls network traffic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an input device?

    <p>Keyboard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ROM chips are used for volatile data storage.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the operating system?

    <p>To run user applications and provide a graphical user interface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ connects to a computer via a USB port and is used for portable data storage.

    <p>flash drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following storage types with their descriptions:

    <p>RAM = Temporary storage that can change ROM = Permanent storage for frequently used data Hard drive = Large capacity mass storage device Flash drive = Portable media for data storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature of Microsoft Windows OS improved upon DOS?

    <p>Graphic user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Macintosh operating system did not utilize 'point and click' usability.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of data is stored on RAM chips?

    <p>Data that can change and is temporarily stored.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary measure of speed for higher-speed Internet connections?

    <p>Megabits per second</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is a unique identifier that is separate from a domain name.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are electronic bulletin boards (BB) primarily managed by?

    <p>A manager</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) typically involves __________ that allows real-time exchanges.

    <p>chat rooms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following Internet communication methods with their descriptions:

    <p>BB = A platform managed by an individual to oversee posts IRC = An environment for real-time conversations WWW = A system connecting Internet sites for commerce URL = A unique identifier for a specific domain name</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of a router in network technology?

    <p>To connect different networks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cookies are used to store large amounts of data on a user's hard drive.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the unit of data exchanged among computers?

    <p>Packet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ______ is a model that defines computing as a service using a system of servers via the Internet.

    <p>Cloud computing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following network types with their definitions:

    <p>Intranets = Local computer networks limited to a single organization Internets = Networks larger than intranets The Internet = The world's largest computer network</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement most accurately describes the domain name system?

    <p>A set of computers sharing common IP addresses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Peer-to-peer networking allows individual computers to connect without a server.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What purpose does a hub serve in network technology?

    <p>To pass along or boost signals in a communication network</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following operating systems is known for its free, open-source nature?

    <p>Linux</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Application software is designed to exploit the vulnerabilities of an operating system.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a web browser?

    <p>To access and display web content.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ has a user interface known as a shell.

    <p>UNIX operating system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of malware with their descriptions:

    <p>Virus = A program that replicates itself and spreads to other computers Trojan horse = Malicious software disguised as legitimate software Worm = A self-replicating program that spreads without user intervention Logic bomb = A piece of code that triggers under specific conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main components that make up the CPU?

    <p>Transistors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Peripheral devices are only used for inputting data into the computer.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technology allows for a standardized connection of hardware like flash drives?

    <p>USB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ is a physical component of a computer that contains essential circuits.

    <p>motherboard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components to their functions:

    <p>CPU = Processes data Peripheral devices = Support user interactions Memory chips = Store data temporarily USB = Connects external devices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of data input was commonly used before graphic user interfaces became popular?

    <p>Paper tape</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The evolution of computer technology began with solid state processors.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary function does the motherboard perform in a computer system?

    <p>Connects all hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT an input device for submitting data for processing?

    <p>Monitor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    RAM chips are used for storing frequently used, permanent data.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What function does an operating system perform?

    <p>It runs user applications and provides a graphical user interface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ is typically used for portable data storage and connects via a USB port.

    <p>flash drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following components with their respective storage types:

    <p>ROM chips = Permanent data storage RAM chips = Temporary data storage Hard drive = Mass storage Flash drive = Portable storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which feature distinguishes Microsoft Windows OS from DOS?

    <p>Graphic user interface</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The boot sequence instructions are unnecessary for a computer to start.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Name one type of mass storage device mentioned.

    <p>Hard drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a unique identifier for an Internet site?

    <p>Uniform Resource Locator (URL)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Internet Relay Chat (IRC) enhances user anonymity by allowing users to use real names.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of Internet connection typically measures speed in megabits per second?

    <p>High-speed connections (e.g., cable, DSL, satellite)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Electronic bulletin boards (BB) typically require a __________ to manage posts.

    <p>manager</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following Internet communication methods with their descriptions:

    <p>Electronic Bulletin Boards (BB) = Requires a manager to oversee posts Internet Relay Chat (IRC) = Allows real-time exchanges in chat rooms World Wide Web (WWW) = Connects Internet sites for commerce Email = Allows sending messages between users</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a router?

    <p>Make connections between networks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Cloud computing defines computing as a product rather than a service.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are cookies used for?

    <p>Storing user preferences for future visits to a website</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A __________ network allows individual computers to connect with one serving as the client and the other as the server.

    <p>peer-to-peer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following network types with their descriptions:

    <p>Intranet = Local computer network with limited access Internet = The largest computer network worldwide Extranet = Access to a specific group of external users</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the domain name system?

    <p>A group of computers sharing common IP addresses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Hubs can both pass along and boost the strength of communication.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a packet in computer networking?

    <p>A unit of data exchanged among computers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    A Brief History of Computers

    • Calculating machines are precursors to computers.
    • Computers encode data in binary language.
    • Computer technology has evolved from vacuum tubes to solid state processors.
    • Data input has evolved from using paper tape to using graphic user interfaces (GUIs).

    Computer Language

    • Software programs are encoded in binary language and used by computers to process data.

    Computer Hardware

    • Millions of transistors in the central processing unit (CPU) use electricity to contain the values 1 or 0.
    • The CPU is embedded in a circuit board, or motherboard, and can connect to other hardware.
    • A PC card, or plug-in board, is typically used with laptops.
    • Wires link the CPU to other data sources, like memory chips and buses, and can connect to peripherals, a universal serial bus (USB), and data sources.
    • Input devices include a keyboard, a modem connected to a network, and a scanner.
    • Memory storage includes ROM chips for permanent data and RAM chips for data that changes.
    • Other mass storage devices include hard drives, flash drives, and thumb drives.

    Computer Software

    • Key software components include boot sequence instructions and an operating system.
    • The operating system runs user applications, provides a graphical user interface, and manages the computer's resources.

    Beyond DOS: Contemporary Operating Systems

    • Microsoft Windows OS improved upon DOS by adding a GUI, plug and play features, a central registry, and 32-bit and 64-bit computing.
    • Apple’s OS exploited the ease of use of the Macintosh hardware.
    • Upgrades to Apple's computers included more sophisticated graphics and folder storage.
    • The UNIX OS has a kernel, shell, tools, and applications and forms the foundation of the internet.
    • Free, open-source versions of UNIX OS include LINUX and Android.
    • Smartphones use a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iPhone.

    Application Software

    • Application software, like web browsers, use an OS's underlying capabilities.
    • Malware, such as viruses, Trojan horses, and worms, can exploit OS vulnerabilities.
    • Anti-virus software and firewalls help limit the undesirable use of computers.

    A Brief History of the Internet

    • The internet began as a communications network.
    • The advent of the graphical browser, internet service providers, and the hypertext transfer protocol led to widespread internet use.

    Network Language

    • Routers connect different networks.
    • Hubs are switching devices that forward communication.
    • Packets are the units of data exchanged between computers.
    • Cookies are small pieces of data sent by a server that store user preferences.
    • The domain name system uses computers with shared network connections and Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
    • Peer-to-peer networking involves connections between computers where one acts as a client and the other as a server, potentially preserving user anonymity.
    • Cloud computing provides computing as a service, using a system of servers for data and software storage over the internet.

    Realms of the Cyberworld

    • Intranets are local networks often limited to a single organization.
    • Internets are larger networks composed of several networks.
    • The internet is the largest computer network.

    Data Bandwidth Transfer Rates

    • Dial-up internet connections measure transfer speed in bands.
    • Higher-speed connections use megabits per second.

    Categorizing Internet Communications

    • The World Wide Web (www) connects internet sites and uses unique Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) associated with a domain name.
    • Electronic bulletin boards (BBs) rely on managers to manage user posts and can better mask the identity of users.
    • Internet Relay Chat (IRC) uses chat rooms for real-time exchanges and uses user nicknames associated with IP addresses, limiting anonymity.

    A Brief History of Computers

    • Early computers used vacuum tubes and processed data using paper tape.
    • Computers evolved to solid state processors and graphic user interfaces (GUI).
    • Encoding data in binary language optimizes computer processing.

    Computer Language

    • Software programs, written in binary language, process data.

    Computer Hardware

    • The central processing unit (CPU) is an integrated circuit comprised of millions of transistors.
    • The CPU is embedded on a motherboard and connects to essential computer hardware.
    • Essential hardware includes PC cards, memory chips, and buses.
    • Peripheral devices, like speakers or modems, are connected via a universal serial bus (USB).
    • Input devices are used to submit data for processing, like the keyboard, modem, and scanner.

    Computer Hardware: Memory and Storage

    • Data is stored in memory, including ROM chips for permanent data and RAM chips for changing data.
    • Mass storage devices store large amounts of data, such as hard drives, flash drives, and thumb drives.

    Computer Software

    • Boot sequence instructions guide the computer's startup process.
    • Operating systems manage user applications, provide a graphic user interface, and enable programs like Microsoft Office.

    Beyond DOS: Contemporary Operating Systems

    • Microsoft Windows OS improved upon DOS by adding a GUI, Plug and Play functionality, a central registry, and 32-bit and 64-bit computing.
    • Apple's OS, used with Macintosh hardware, was known for its user-friendly "point and click" interface.
    • Apple computers continually upgraded to increase storage capacity and sophisticated graphics.
    • Newer operating systems, like UNIX, have a standard kernel, a user interface, numerous tools and applications, and are known for their stability.
    • Free, open-source versions of UNIX include LINUX and Android, which are used on smartphones, along with Windows and iPhone operating systems.

    Application Software

    • Application software, such as Internet Explorer or Safari, utilizes the capabilities of an operating system.
    • Malware, including viruses, Trojan horses, and worms, can exploit vulnerabilities in an OS.
    • Anti-virus software and firewalls mitigate malware threats but newer threats like droppers and logic bombs remain a concern.

    A Brief History of the Internet

    • The Internet transitioned from a communication network to widespread use following the introduction of a graphic interface (browser).
    • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) connect individual computers to the Internet, using rules of the hypertext transfer protocol to link with specific domains.

    Network Language

    • Routers connect networks.
    • Hubs pass along and potentially boost the strength of communication.
    • Packets are units of data exchanged between computers, enabling multiple communications on a single line.
    • Cookies are small data files sent to a browser by a server, reflecting user preferences.
    • The Domain Name System (DNS) is a group of computers that share a network with common IP addresses (ending in .com, .net, or .org).
    • Peer-to-peer networking enables communication between individual computers, with one acting as the client and the other as the server, potentially allowing for user anonymity.
    • Cloud computing uses servers for data and software storage via the Internet, offering computing services.

    Realms of the Cyberworld

    • Intranets are local computer networks often limited to a single organization.
    • Internets are larger networks consisting of several networks.
    • The Internet is the largest computer network, with global reach.

    Data Bandwidth Transfer Rates

    • Dial-up connections measure speed in terms of bands.
    • Higher-speed connections, like cable, satellite, DSL, and dedicated lines, measure speed in megabits per second.

    Categorizing Internet Communications

    • The World Wide Web (WWW) connects Internet sites, often for commerce, with each site having a unique identifier, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), associated with a domain name.
    • Older forms of digital communication, such as Electronic Bulletin Boards (BB), often relied on a manager to manage posts, offering potential anonymity for users.
    • Internet Relay Chat (IRC) commonly involves "chat rooms" where users exchange information in real-time using nicknames associated with IP addresses, offering limited anonymity.

    A Brief History of Computers

    • Calculators and devices for counting have been in use for centuries.
    • Computers employ binary language, which uses base-2 values of 0 and 1, to represent data.
    • Computer technology has advanced with hardware developments:
      • Vacuum tubes were substituted with solid state processors.
      • Paper tape input methods were replaced with graphic user interface (GUI) platforms like Windows.

    Computer Language

    • Computer hardware, such as a computer, and software, such as computer programs, are essential elements.
    • Computer programs are encoded in binary language.

    Computer Hardware

    • The central processing unit (CPU) is an integrated circuit made up of transistors, which use electricity to store binary values of 0 and 1.
    • The CPU connects to essential computer hardware:
      • Peripheral devices, like speakers or a modem.
      • Memory chips and buses, which transfer data.
      • A universal serial bus (USB), which allows connection of additional hardware, such as flash drives.

    Computer Hardware

    • Input devices allow for data submission:
      • Keyboard
      • Modem, for network connection
      • Scanner, to digitize printed information

    Computer Hardware

    • Memory stores data and comprises of:
      • ROM chips, which store frequently-used and permanent data.
      • RAM chips, which store data that can be changed.

    Computer Hardware

    • Mass storage devices store data:
      • Hard drives, which can store large amounts of data.
      • Smaller, portable devices such as flash or thumb drives that connect via a USB port.

    Computer Software

    • Software is critical to the computer’s operation:
      • Boot sequence instructions, which direct the computer’s startup process.
      • Operating system (OS), which manages user applications and provides the user interface.

    Beyond DOS: Contemporary Operating Systems

    • Microsoft Windows OS improved upon DOS by:
      • Adding a graphic user interface and features like Plug and Play.
      • Creating a central registry.
      • Upgrading to 32-bit and then 64-bit computing.

    Beyond DOS: Contemporary Operating Systems

    • Apple’s OS leveraged the user-friendliness of the Macintosh hardware through:
      • "Point and click" usability.
      • Frequent OS upgrades that improved capacity, such as graphics for data storage in folders.

    Beyond DOS: Contemporary Operating Systems

    • Newer operating systems derived from the UNIX OS:
      • The UNIX OS has a kernel, a shell (user interface), and tools and applications.
      • The UNIX OS’s stability has made it a core component of the internet.
      • Free, open-source versions include LINUX and Android.
      • Smartphones use a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iPhones.

    Application Software

    • Application software, like Internet Explorer or Safari, utilize the capabilities of an OS.
    • Malevolent application software (malware), like a virus, Trojan horse, or worm, can exploit OS vulnerabilities.
    • Antivirus software and firewalls mitigate malware threats.
    • Newer forms of malware, like droppers and logic bombs, continue to present challenges for users.

    A Brief History of the Internet

    • The widespread use of the Internet took off with the introduction of a graphic interface, known as a browser.
    • Internet service providers (ISPs) connect individual computers to the Internet, using hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) rules to link with domains or locations.

    Network Language

    • Network technology terms:
      • Routers: Connect networks.
      • Hubs: Switch devices that transmit and boost communication strength.
      • Packet: Data unit exchanged among computers, facilitating multiple data transmissions.
      • Cookies: Data pieces sent by a server to a browser, storing user preferences for future visits.
      • Domain name system: A group of computers sharing a network with common Internet Protocol (IP) addresses (.com, .net, or .org).

    Network Language

    • Network technology terms:
      • Peer-to-peer networking: Individual computers connect as client and server, potentially preserving user anonymity.
      • Cloud computing: Defines computing as a service, utilizing servers for data and software storage over the internet.

    Realms of the Cyberworld

    • Networked systems include:
      • Intranets: Local area networks within an organization.
      • Internets: Larger networks, often encompassing multiple intranets.
      • The Internet: The largest global computer network.

    Data Bandwidth Transfer Rates

    • Dial-up Internet connections utilize bandwidth terms to represent speed.
    • Faster connections via cable, satellite, digital subscriber lines (DSL), or dedicated lines use megabits per second (Mbps) to measure speed.

    Categorizing Internet Communications

    • The World Wide Web (WWW) connects internet sites, often for commerce.
    • Each internet site has a unique Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and associated domain name.

    Categorizing Internet Communications

    • Older forms of communication included:
      • Electronic bulletin boards (BBs), often requiring a manager to monitor and control user posts, potentially providing more anonymity to users.
      • Internet Relay Chat (IRC), employing chat rooms for real-time communication using nicknames linked to IP addresses, limiting anonymity.

    Computing History

    • Calculating machines are the predecessors to computers.
    • Computer technology evolved from vacuum tubes to solid-state processors and from paper tapes to GUI interfaces.
    • Encoding data in binary language best uses a computer’s ability to process data.

    Computer Hardware

    • Millions of transistors, which use electricity to contain the value of 1 or 0, make up the central processing unit (CPU).
    • The CPU, an integrated circuit, is embedded in a circuit board, or motherboard.
    • Essential computer hardware connects to the CPU through a PC card, or plug-in board (typically used with laptops).
    • Wires connecting the CPU to other data sources like memory chips and buses can also connect to peripheral devices, USBs, and other hardware.
    • Input devices, such as keyboards, modems, and scanners, submit data for processing.
    • ROM chips store frequently used permanent data.
    • RAM chips store data that can change.
    • Hard drives typically store large amounts of data.
    • Smaller portable media like flash or thumb drives connect to the computer via a USB port.

    Computer Software

    • Boot sequence instructions instruct the computer how to proceed upon powering on.
    • An operating system runs user applications and provides the graphic user interface.
    • Examples of applications include office productivity software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
    • Microsoft Windows OS improved upon DOS by adding a graphic interface, features like Plug and Play, a central registry, and upgrading to 32-bit and then 64-bit computing.
    • Apple’s OS exploited the "point and click" usability of its Macintosh hardware.
    • The UNIX OS has a standard command center (or kernel), a user interface (called a shell), and tools and applications. Its stability has made it the backbone of the Internet.
    • Free, open-source versions of the UNIX OS include LINUX and Android.
    • Smartphones may employ a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Android, and iPhones.

    Application Software

    • Application software, like Internet Explorer or Safari, fully uses the underlying capacity of an OS.
    • Malevolent application software (or malware), such as a virus, Trojan horse, or worm, can exploit the vulnerability of an OS.
    • Anti-virus software and firewalls can limit the undesirable use of a computer, but new malware, like droppers and logic bombs, continue to bedevil users.

    The Internet

    • The Internet began as communication network technology.
    • Widespread use of the Internet took off with the advent of a graphic interface, a browser.
    • Internet service providers (ISPs) connect individual computers to the Internet using the hypertext transfer protocol to link with specific domains or locations.

    Network Language

    • Routers connect networks, or are software packages that enable connections.
    • Hubs are switching devices that can pass along or potentially boost the strength of a communication.
    • A packet is the unit of data exchanged among computers.
    • Cookies are small pieces of data sent by a server to a browser reflecting the user preferences such as address or phone number.
    • The Domain name system is made up of a group of computers that share a network with common Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.
    • Peer-to-peer networking is a network where individual computers connect with one as the client and the other as the server, allowing users to remain anonymous.
    • Cloud computing uses a system of servers via the Internet to store data and software; it treats computing as a service, not a product.

    Realms of the Cyberworld

    • Intranets are local computer networks, with access often limited to a single organization.
    • Internets are larger than intranets, usually consisting of several networks.
    • The Internet, a world-wide network, is the biggest computer network.

    Data Bandwidth Transfer Rates

    • Dial-up connections to the Internet measure speed of data transfer in terms of bands.
    • Higher-speed connections, such as those via cable, satellite, digital subscriber lines or dedicated lines, tend to measure speed in terms of megabits per second.

    Categorizing Internet Communications

    • The World Wide Web (www) connects Internet sites, often for commerce. Each site has a unique identifier, a Uniform Resource Locator (URL), associated with a domain name.
    • Electronic bulletin boards (BB) commonly rely on a manager to manage the posts of others. They can better mask the identity of users, since only the manager typically gathers identifying data.
    • Internet Relay Chat (IRC) typically involves "chat rooms" that allow for real-time exchanges, where people use nicknames associated with their corresponding IP address, which limits anonymity.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Related Documents

    Computer Forensics and Cyber Crime PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers the evolution of computers, from early calculating machines to modern computer hardware and software. Explore how data encoding has changed over time and the significance of components like the CPU and memory. Test your knowledge on key concepts related to computer technology.

    More Like This

    Computer Basics
    8 questions

    Computer Basics

    IntegratedCanto avatar
    IntegratedCanto
    History of Computer Technology and Hardware
    20 questions

    History of Computer Technology and Hardware

    IndebtedOwl avatar
    IndebtedOwl
    History of Computing Technology
    120 questions

    History of Computing Technology

    IndebtedOwl avatar
    IndebtedOwl
    A Brief History of Computers
    34 questions

    A Brief History of Computers

    IndebtedOwl avatar
    IndebtedOwl
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser