Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a computer?
What is the primary function of a computer?
Which type of data is considered processed and meaningful?
Which type of data is considered processed and meaningful?
In the example given, what does the collection of Sally's exam results represent?
In the example given, what does the collection of Sally's exam results represent?
Which component of a computer is responsible for following specified rules to process data?
Which component of a computer is responsible for following specified rules to process data?
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What happens to the data once it has been processed by a computer?
What happens to the data once it has been processed by a computer?
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Which best describes the relationship between data and information in a computer system?
Which best describes the relationship between data and information in a computer system?
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What component of a computer is responsible for displaying text, graphics, and video on a screen?
What component of a computer is responsible for displaying text, graphics, and video on a screen?
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Which device is used to record and retrieve data stored on physical material like CDs and DVDs?
Which device is used to record and retrieve data stored on physical material like CDs and DVDs?
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Which component of a computer is connected to a circuit board known as the 'motherboard'?
Which component of a computer is connected to a circuit board known as the 'motherboard'?
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What is an advantage of using computers related to their speed?
What is an advantage of using computers related to their speed?
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Which device is responsible for producing text and graphics on paper?
Which device is responsible for producing text and graphics on paper?
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What type of device is used to communicate wirelessly with other devices?
What type of device is used to communicate wirelessly with other devices?
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What type of hardware component allows you to enter data/instructions into the computer?
What type of hardware component allows you to enter data/instructions into the computer?
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Which hardware component conveys information to one or more people?
Which hardware component conveys information to one or more people?
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What is the function of the system unit in a computer?
What is the function of the system unit in a computer?
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Which device records and retrieves items to and from storage media?
Which device records and retrieves items to and from storage media?
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What type of hardware component enables a computer to send and receive data to and from other computers?
What type of hardware component enables a computer to send and receive data to and from other computers?
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In the context of the text, what is the purpose of output devices?
In the context of the text, what is the purpose of output devices?
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What type of computers are intended to be used by one person at a time?
What type of computers are intended to be used by one person at a time?
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Which category of computers is designed to be portable and carried from place to place?
Which category of computers is designed to be portable and carried from place to place?
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What type of computing device is small enough to hold in your hand?
What type of computing device is small enough to hold in your hand?
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Which type of computer fits on a desk and is intended for personal use?
Which type of computer fits on a desk and is intended for personal use?
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What size of equipment occupies a partial room to a full room?
What size of equipment occupies a partial room to a full room?
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Which architecture includes popular models from PC and Apple brands?
Which architecture includes popular models from PC and Apple brands?
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What is the main function of servers?
What is the main function of servers?
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How many computers and devices can a server typically support at the same time?
How many computers and devices can a server typically support at the same time?
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What distinguishes a mainframe computer from other types of servers?
What distinguishes a mainframe computer from other types of servers?
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Why do enterprises use mainframes in their operations?
Why do enterprises use mainframes in their operations?
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What makes supercomputers unique compared to other types of computers?
What makes supercomputers unique compared to other types of computers?
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'Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations' are typically run on which type of computer?
'Applications requiring complex, sophisticated mathematical calculations' are typically run on which type of computer?
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Study Notes
What is a Computer?
- A computer is an electronic device that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce results/information, and store the results/information for future use.
Data and Information
- Data is a collection of unprocessed items, which can include text, numbers, pictures, audio, and video.
- Information is processed data that has meaning and is useful.
Components of a Computer
- Input Devices: allow entering data/instruction into the computer (e.g. keyboard, mouse, microphone)
- Output Devices: convey information to one or more people (e.g. printer, monitor, speakers)
- System Unit: contains electronic components used to process data (e.g. motherboard, circuit board)
- Storage Devices: record/retrieve items to/from storage media (e.g. hard disk, USB flash drive)
- Communication Devices: enable sending/receiving data/instructions/info to/from another computer(s) (e.g. modem, router, network card)
Advantages of Using Computers
- Speed: perform billions/trillions of calculations per second
- Reliability: electronic components have a low failure rate
- Consistency: produce consistent results given the same input and process
Categories of Computers
- Personal Computer: designed for individual use, can perform all input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself
- Mobile Computer: a portable personal computer, designed to be carried from place to place (e.g. laptop, tablet)
- Mobile Device: a computing device small enough to be held in one's hand
- Game Consoles: designed for playing games
- Servers: manage access to hardware, software, and resources on a network
- Mainframes: large, powerful servers that can handle hundreds/thousands of connected users simultaneously
- Supercomputers: the fastest, most powerful computers, capable of processing many trillions of instructions per second
- Embedded Computers: specialized computers used in specific devices (e.g. traffic lights, appliances)
- Terminal: a device that allows users to access a remote computer or system
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Description
Test your knowledge on the definition of the term computer, the components of a computer, advantages and disadvantages of using computers, types/sizes/functions of computers, and various applications of computers in society.
