Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is a computer's ability to take in information and store it for future retrieval or use known as?
What is a computer's ability to take in information and store it for future retrieval or use known as?
Define a computer based on the provided content.
Define a computer based on the provided content.
A computer is a fast operating machine that can be used for home and business productivity. It consists of electronic hardware and software instructions to store and manipulate information.
Which types of computers were classified as mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer in the past?
Which types of computers were classified as mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer in the past?
What type of computer is tailored for very fast processing of number crunching applications?
What type of computer is tailored for very fast processing of number crunching applications?
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Supercomputers can carry out trillions of operations per second.
Supercomputers can carry out trillions of operations per second.
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______ is a handheld computer, also known as small or palmtop computers.
______ is a handheld computer, also known as small or palmtop computers.
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What is the term used for a class of multi-user computers lying in the middle range between mainframes and microcomputers?
What is the term used for a class of multi-user computers lying in the middle range between mainframes and microcomputers?
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What is the function of a server computer?
What is the function of a server computer?
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Which computer type is intended to serve one user?
Which computer type is intended to serve one user?
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Embedded computers generally run programs stored in read-only memory (ROM).
Embedded computers generally run programs stored in read-only memory (ROM).
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_______ are used to record or capture data away from the mainframe they are linked to.
_______ are used to record or capture data away from the mainframe they are linked to.
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Match the computer sizes with their respective categories:
Match the computer sizes with their respective categories:
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What is the difference between memory and storage?
What is the difference between memory and storage?
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What is RAM? Explain its function.
What is RAM? Explain its function.
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One kilobyte is equal to 1000 bytes.
One kilobyte is equal to 1000 bytes.
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A byte is made up of _ bits.
A byte is made up of _ bits.
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Match the storage device with its capacity:
Match the storage device with its capacity:
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List 5 types of computer input devices.
List 5 types of computer input devices.
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Briefly discuss tape storage.
Briefly discuss tape storage.
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What are the three major classes of software systems as mentioned in the content?
What are the three major classes of software systems as mentioned in the content?
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High-level languages are easier for humans to use compared to machine language.
High-level languages are easier for humans to use compared to machine language.
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Which type of recognition technology scans characters using magnetized ink?
Which type of recognition technology scans characters using magnetized ink?
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Barcode scanners are a form of Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
Barcode scanners are a form of Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
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What does MICR stand for?
What does MICR stand for?
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Printers take the information on the screen and transfer it to _?
Printers take the information on the screen and transfer it to _?
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Match the following types of cards with their functionalities:
Match the following types of cards with their functionalities:
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What are the four basic cycles the computer undergoes during data processing?
What are the four basic cycles the computer undergoes during data processing?
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What component of the computer temporarily stores information (files and programs) while you are using them?
What component of the computer temporarily stores information (files and programs) while you are using them?
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What is the purpose of a directory or folder on a computer?
What is the purpose of a directory or folder on a computer?
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It is important to Exit or Quit a program before shutting off the computer.
It is important to Exit or Quit a program before shutting off the computer.
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_______ allow computer users to select different options.
_______ allow computer users to select different options.
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What is the purpose of loading computer software into the computer's storage?
What is the purpose of loading computer software into the computer's storage?
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Which type of software license grants the recipient the rights to modify and redistribute the software?
Which type of software license grants the recipient the rights to modify and redistribute the software?
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System software, programming software, and application software are distinct categories with clear boundaries.
System software, programming software, and application software are distinct categories with clear boundaries.
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The idea of what rights software users should have is not very __________.
The idea of what rights software users should have is not very __________.
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What is the purpose of a software license?
What is the purpose of a software license?
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How can you access a particular command in a menu?
How can you access a particular command in a menu?
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What is a common feature of toolbars that allows the user to customize them?
What is a common feature of toolbars that allows the user to customize them?
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Right-clicking in Windows activates a context-sensitive menu.
Right-clicking in Windows activates a context-sensitive menu.
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What is a common action in the installation process to register a program with the operating system?
What is a common action in the installation process to register a program with the operating system?
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What is one simple way to backup your files?
What is one simple way to backup your files?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computer
- A computer is a fast operating machine that can be used for home and business to enhance productivity.
- It is a collection of electronic parts (hardware) and electronic instructions (software) that perform basic functions such as: • Performing calculations at high speed • Taking in and storing information • Storing and executing program instructions • Making decisions using logical rules • Communicating with other systems • Exploiting internal microelectronics circuitry
Classes of Computers
- Microcomputers: • Small and humble machines • Use 8-bit or 16-bit processors • Have 16Kb to 256Kb of RAM and 5 to 10 Mb of disk storage • Used for games, basic word processing, and other applications
- Minicomputers: • Smaller, less powerful machines than mainframes • Multi-user machines with 8-bit or 16-bit processors • Have smaller address space (8-24 bits) • Used for specific tasks, such as servers or workstations
- Mainframe Computers: • Large, powerful machines • Capable of handling and processing large amounts of data quickly • Measured in millions of tasks per milliseconds (MTM) • Used in large institutions such as government, banks, and corporations
Characteristics of Computers
- Ability to perform calculations at high speed
- Ability to take in and store information
- Ability to store and execute program instructions
- Ability to make decisions using logical rules
- Ability to communicate with other systems
- Ability to exploit internal microelectronics circuitry
Computer Sizes
- Desktop Computers: • Small, compact machines • Have separate screens and keyboards • Used for general-purpose computing
- Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs): • Handheld computers • Have touch screens and audio capabilities • Used for mobile phone, web browsing, and media functions
- Palmtop Computers: • Small, lightweight machines • Have smaller screens and keyboards • Used for basic computing and data entry
- Laptop and Notebook Computers: • Portable, mobile machines • Have liquid crystal displays and keyboards • Used for mobile computing and general-purpose applications### Computer Hardware
Processing Devices
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): determines computer performance, measured by clock speed (MHz or GHz)
- Examples of CPU manufacturers: Intel, Motorola, AMD
- CPU performance is determined by the circuit board (motherboard) and connections that allow components to communicate
Memory
- Random Access Memory (RAM): temporarily stores information being processed
- Chip memory vs. disk storage: RAM is like a worktable, while disk storage is like a filing cabinet
- Typical RAM requirements: 64 Mb (minimum), 128 Mb or more (recommended)
- RAM chips come in various sizes (1 Mb to 4 Gb) and speeds, and can be expanded or replaced
Storage Devices
- Disks: store information in files, measured in bytes (e.g., kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, terabyte, petabyte, exabyte)
- Floppy disks: less useful due to small storage capacity
- Compact Disks (CDs): store 650 Mb of information, used for software distribution and data transport
- Digital Video Devices (DVDs): store 4.5 Gb (standard), 8 Gb (dual layer), or 16 Gb (blue-ray) of information
- Hard disks: store the majority of computer information, with capacities increasing over time (e.g., 30 Gb or more)
Computer Sizes
- Supercomputer: focused on intense numerical calculations, custom-built for one task
- Mainframe: used by large organizations for critical applications, focused on data throughput and reliability
- Server: dedicated to storing and retrieving large amounts of data
- Workstation: serves one user, with special hardware enhancements
- Portable Data Entry Terminals (PDET): handheld devices for data capture
- Embedded computer systems: general-purpose CPUs part of a machine or device
Computer Types
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Desktop computer: intended for regular use at a single location
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Laptop: portable computer
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Microcomputer: once-common term for small computers### Storage Devices
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Floppy disks come in two basic sizes: 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch, with high and low density versions.
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3.5 inch high density disks are the most common.
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A 3.5 inch high density disk can store approximately 1.44 Mb of data, equivalent to 720 pages of text.
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CD (Compact Disk) can store approximately 650 Mb of data, equivalent to a small library.
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DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) can store approximately 4.5 Gb of data, equivalent to a feature-length movie.
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Dual layer DVD can store approximately 8 Gb of data, equivalent to a long feature-length movie with extras.
Removable Storage and Disk Drives
- Disks need a drive to read and write information.
- Each drive is designed for a specific type of disk (CD, DVD, hard disk, floppy).
- The term 'disk' refers to the storage device, while the term 'drive' refers to the mechanism that runs the disk.
USB Flash Drives
- USB Flash Drives, or thumb drives, use memory cards to store information.
- They range in capacity from 512 Mb to 8 Gb.
Tape Storage
- Tape storage is cheap and has a large capacity (e.g. 50Mb upwards).
- Video tapes can store 2Gb to 8Gb of data.
- Disadvantages of tape storage include sequential access, which makes it slow to access.
Input Devices
- Input devices accept data and instructions from the user.
- Common input devices include keyboards, mice, and light pens.
- Keyboards are used to type information into the computer.
- The QWERTY keyboard layout is the most common, but others are available for different languages.
- The keyboard has 101 keys, including special command keys such as Ctrl, Alt, and Shift.
Output Devices
- Output devices return processed data to the user.
- Common output devices include monitors, printers, and modems.
- Monitors display information on the screen.
- Printers transfer information from the screen to paper.
- Modems translate digital information to analog for transmission over telephone lines or cable.
Modems
- Modems modulate and demodulate digital signals to analog signals.
- Analog modems work at speeds of up to 56,000 baud.
- Cable, wireless, or digital subscriber lines (DSL) modems can transfer information at faster speeds.
Scanners
- Scanners transfer pictures and photographs to the computer.
- They use TWAIN software to make the scanner accessible to other software applications.
Digital Cameras
- Digital cameras allow you to take digital photographs.
- Images are stored on a memory chip or disk and can be transferred to the computer.
Case
- The case houses the microchips and circuitry that run the computer.
- There are different types of cases, including desktop, mini, midi, and full tower.
- Cases have slots for adding cards, such as IDE, ASI, USB, PCI, and Firewire.
Cards
- Cards are components added to computers to increase their capability.
- Common types of cards include sound cards, colour cards, video cards, and network cards.
- Sound cards allow computers to produce sound.
- Colour cards allow computers to produce colour.
- Video cards allow computers to display video and animation.
- Network cards allow computers to connect to each other.
Connecting a Printer to a Computer
- Computers are connected to printers by cables using plugs and sockets.
- The sockets are usually called interfaces or ports.
- Serial and parallel cables are used to connect printers to computers.
- The RS232 standard is used for serial interfaces.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computers, including their ability to store information and classification into mainframe, minicomputer, microcomputer, and supercomputers. It also touches on handheld computers and their capabilities.
