Computer Basics and Types
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Questions and Answers

What is a computer's ability to take in information and store it for future retrieval or use known as?

  • Data analysis
  • Data storage (correct)
  • Data manipulation
  • Data processing

    • 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?

  • Mainframe, Supercomputer, Microcomputer
  • Supercomputer, Minicomputer, Mainframe
  • Minicomputer, Mainframe, Supercomputer
  • Microcomputer, Mainframe, Minicomputer (correct)

    • What type of computer is tailored for very fast processing of number crunching applications?

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

    Supercomputers can carry out trillions of operations per second.

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

    ______ is a handheld computer, also known as small or palmtop computers.

    <p>Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used for a class of multi-user computers lying in the middle range between mainframes and microcomputers?

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

    What is the function of a server computer?

    <p>Storing and retrieving large amounts of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which computer type is intended to serve one user?

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

    Embedded computers generally run programs stored in read-only memory (ROM).

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

    _______ are used to record or capture data away from the mainframe they are linked to.

    <p>Portable data entry terminals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the computer sizes with their respective categories:

    <p>Supercomputer = Larger Workstation = Micro Desktop = Micro Laptop = Cart/Portable/Desktop replacement computer Tablet = Mobile computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between memory and storage?

    <p>Memory is where the actual work is done, while storage is used for finished products.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is RAM? Explain its function.

    <p>Random Access Memory is the memory that the computer uses to temporarily store information as it is being processed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    One kilobyte is equal to 1000 bytes.

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

    A byte is made up of _ bits.

    <p>8</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the storage device with its capacity:

    <p>CD = 650 Mb DVD dual layer = 8 Gb Tape = 50Mb upwards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    List 5 types of computer input devices.

    <p>Possible answers could include: keyboard, mouse, touchpad, microphone, webcam, scanner, joystick, etc.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Briefly discuss tape storage.

    <p>Tape storage is a method of data storage that uses magnetic tape as a storage medium. It is commonly used for long-term archival storage due to its low cost and high capacity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the three major classes of software systems as mentioned in the content?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High-level languages are easier for humans to use compared to machine language.

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

    Which type of recognition technology scans characters using magnetized ink?

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

    Barcode scanners are a form of Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

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

    What does MICR stand for?

    <p>Magnetic Ink Character Recognition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Printers take the information on the screen and transfer it to _?

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

    Match the following types of cards with their functionalities:

    <p>Sound Cards = Produce sound like music and voice Color Cards = Allow computers to produce color on a monitor Video Cards = Enable computers to display video and animations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the four basic cycles the computer undergoes during data processing?

    <p>Input, Output, Processing, Storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component of the computer temporarily stores information (files and programs) while you are using them?

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

    What is the purpose of a directory or folder on a computer?

    <p>To keep like files in a common area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    It is important to Exit or Quit a program before shutting off the computer.

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

    _______ allow computer users to select different options.

    <p>Dialog boxes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of loading computer software into the computer's storage?

    <p>To enable the computer to execute the software.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software license grants the recipient the rights to modify and redistribute the software?

    <p>Open Source License</p> Signup and view all the answers

    System software, programming software, and application software are distinct categories with clear boundaries.

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

    The idea of what rights software users should have is not very __________.

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

    What is the purpose of a software license?

    <p>To give the user the right to use the software in a licensed environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can you access a particular command in a menu?

    <p>Simply click the left mouse button over the menu item</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of toolbars that allows the user to customize them?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Right-clicking in Windows activates a context-sensitive menu.

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

    What is a common action in the installation process to register a program with the operating system?

    <p>updating the registry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one simple way to backup your files?

    <p>Copy them to a disk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    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

    • Desktop computer: intended for regular use at a single location

    • Laptop: portable computer

    • Microcomputer: once-common term for small computers### Storage Devices

    • Floppy disks come in two basic sizes: 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch, with high and low density versions.

    • 3.5 inch high density disks are the most common.

    • A 3.5 inch high density disk can store approximately 1.44 Mb of data, equivalent to 720 pages of text.

    • CD (Compact Disk) can store approximately 650 Mb of data, equivalent to a small library.

    • DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) can store approximately 4.5 Gb of data, equivalent to a feature-length movie.

    • 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.

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