Components of a Computer System

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary disadvantage of handheld scanners compared to desktop scanners?

They are more expensive.

They are less accurate in scanning.

They have a larger physical size.

They require user dexterity for operation. (correct)

Which type of scanner captures the highest resolution images?

Handheld scanner

Sheet-fed scanner

Flatbed scanner

Drum scanner (correct)

What type of device is a monitor classified as?

Input device

Storage device

Output device (correct)

Processing device

Which statement is true regarding laser printers?

They utilize toner and an internal laser. Signup and view all the answers

How does a dot-matrix printer create characters?

By striking pins against an ink ribbon. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as primary storage?

Hard Disk Drive Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential function of output devices?

To present or alter data after processing. Signup and view all the answers

Inkjet printers primarily function by:

Spraying ink onto the medium. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a light pen in computer systems?

To manipulate information on a display Signup and view all the answers

Which device is specifically used for recording sound?

Microphone Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a flatbed scanner from a sheet-fed scanner?

Sheet-fed scanners exclusively scan paper Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is used to capture images for transmission over the Internet?

Digital camera Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a barcode reader?

To read texts encoded in barcodes Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following input devices can be used to create a computerized version of a photo?

Scanner Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of a handheld scanner?

It requires manual movement across the image Signup and view all the answers

Which device is similar to a whiteboard but uses a specialized pen and connects to the computer?

Drawing tablet Signup and view all the answers

Which component is considered the 'brain' of the computer system?

Central Processing Unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of input devices in a computer system?

Allow data entry and command execution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an input device?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes primary storage (like RAM) from secondary storage (like a hard disk)?

RAM allows for faster access to running programs Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the computer system connects and communicates between the various components?

Circuit Board Signup and view all the answers

Which device was pioneered by Douglas Engelbart in 1963?

Mouse Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic best describes a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?

Processes graphical data for output Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer system is typically considered as storage with larger capacity?

Hard Disk Drive Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory is RAM classified as?

Temporary memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of primary storage?

It retains information without power. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary example of secondary storage?

Hard Disk Signup and view all the answers

How does a CD-ROM store information?

By creating circular pits with light Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hard disks is true?

They are both internal and external memory devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate diameter of a standard CD-ROM?

4.75 inches Signup and view all the answers

In what way is RAM different from storage devices like hard disks?

It is temporary and loses data when powered off. Signup and view all the answers

Which laser process is used in CD-ROMs for reading data?

It reads the light reflected from pits. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

To process, control, and store data internally Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of application software in a computer system?

To execute commands for task completion Signup and view all the answers

Which component connects peripheral devices to the main circuit board?

Ports Signup and view all the answers

What do expansion slots allow for in a computer system?

Adding functionality through expansion cards Signup and view all the answers

What type of software would a word processor be classified as?

Application software Signup and view all the answers

Which function does a spreadsheet program primarily serve?

It presents data in a grid format Signup and view all the answers

What is a flash drive often compared to in terms of functionality?

Portable hard drive Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an expansion card?

A printed circuit card for added capabilities Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Scanners Overview

Handheld scanners are compact and cost-effective but require user skill for operation.
Drum scanners provide the highest resolution by using a clear cylinder and a focused light source that scans one pixel at a time.
Flatbed scanners utilize a flat glass surface to scan various media, with a scan head moving beneath the glass.
Sheet-fed scanners are designed for scanning paper only, moving it across a stationary scan head.
Types of handheld scanners allow manual movement across the image to be captured for scanning.

Output Devices

Output devices are hardware components that display, alter, or record information processed by a computer.
Monitors provide graphical or textual displays by receiving signals from the video card.
Printers create images on various materials, including plastic and cloth, utilizing technologies like ink transfer and heat transfer.

Printer Types

Laser printers use toner and a laser to print documents.
Inkjet (or Bubble Jet) printers utilize ink for printing and commonly offer color options.
Dot-matrix printers generate text and images by striking pins against an ink ribbon, forming characters with dot patterns.

Storage Devices

Primary storage refers to a computer's main memory, such as RAM, where data and programs are temporarily stored.
Secondary storage includes devices like hard disks and CD-ROMs, used for long-term data storage.
Flash drives serve as portable storage options, allowing data transport and retrieval.

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components enabling users to enter data into a computer.
Common examples include keyboards, mice, and joysticks, each facilitating different user interactions.
Additional input devices:
- Light Pen: Photographic input device used on display screens.
- Microphone: Captures sound for voice recognition and recording.
- Webcam: Digital camera for image capture and transmission online.
- Barcode reader: Scans special bar codes.
- Drawing Tablet: Allows users to draw directly on the surface.

Computer System Components

The system unit, often referred to as the computer's core, includes essential parts such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage components.
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is known as the computer's brain, handling processing, control, and storage tasks.
Ports connect the main circuit board to peripheral devices (like keyboards and monitors) via special cables.
Expansion slots facilitate additional capability through expansion cards, enhancing the computer's functions.

Software

Software consists of programs and data directing hardware operations, including command execution for tasks.
Application software helps users complete specific work-related tasks.
- Word processors focus on the editing and formatting of documents.
- Spreadsheets present data in grid formats for calculations and analysis.
- Graphics and presentation software are designed for visual information display, often in slideshow formats.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key components of a computer system, highlighting the essential hardware and their functions. Understand the physical equipment and how they interact within the system. Perfect for beginners looking to grasp the basics of computer hardware.