Computer Basics Quiz
48 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a computer mouse?

The primary function of a computer mouse is to move the mouse pointer on the screen.

How can a mouse be used to select multiple files?

A mouse can select multiple files by highlighting them and using the drag-and-drop method.

Describe the drag-and-drop method in relation to a computer mouse.

The drag-and-drop method involves selecting an object and moving it to a different location using the mouse.

What actions can be performed by clicking or double-clicking an icon on a computer screen?

<p>Clicking or double-clicking an icon opens a document or executes a program.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of the mouse wheel.

<p>The mouse wheel is used to scroll through long documents or web pages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What alternative input device can serve the same function as a computer mouse on laptops?

<p>A touchpad can serve the same function as a computer mouse on laptops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a scanner in computing?

<p>A scanner optically reads an image and converts it into a digital signal.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does 'hovering' play when using a mouse?

<p>'Hovering' allows the user to discover the function of an object by moving the cursor over it without clicking.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do output devices play in computing?

<p>Output devices convert binary code into human-readable form.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the CPU often referred to as a microprocessor?

<p>The CPU is called a microprocessor because it is an electronic device built on a microchip, which is a tiny silicon-based chip.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main functions of the Control Unit (CU)?

<p>The CU fetches, decodes, and executes instructions while issuing control signals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What two main functions does the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) perform?

<p>The ALU performs arithmetic operations and logical operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What purpose do registers serve in the CPU?

<p>Registers store small amounts of high-speed data needed during processing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the program counter in the CPU?

<p>The program counter keeps the address of the next command to be processed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the ALU described as a gateway between primary memory and secondary storage?

<p>The ALU acts as a gateway because it handles data transfers between primary memory and secondary storage.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the memory address register (MAR) do?

<p>The MAR maintains the address of items going to be written to or read from memory.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a magnetic card reader?

<p>To retrieve information from a magnetic card.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a graphic tablet work for artists?

<p>It converts hand drawings into digital images using a stylus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of input does a microphone primarily handle?

<p>Sound input, which is then stored digitally.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes voice recognition technology from traditional input methods?

<p>It interprets spoken commands and dictation instead of manual input.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are graphic tablets preferred by professionals over traditional methods?

<p>They offer greater control and flexibility in the drawing process.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a magnetic card reader to function?

<p>A magnetic card must be physically close to or swiped through it.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does voice recognition play in modern technology?

<p>It allows machines to understand and execute spoken instructions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What output does a graphic tablet provide during the drawing process?

<p>It displays the drawing on a computer screen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the control unit during the fetch stage of the machine cycle?

<p>The control unit requests instructions from the main memory based on the current location indicated by the program counter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the decode stage of the machine cycle operate?

<p>In the decode stage, received instructions are broken down into components based on the operation code (opcode) in the instruction register.</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the execute phase, what role does the program counter play?

<p>The program counter indicates the next instruction to be executed and increments after each instruction is processed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of storing the result in the main memory after an operation?

<p>Storing the result in main memory allows it to be accessed later by other instructions or processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the motherboard play in a computer system?

<p>The motherboard connects the CPU, memory, storage drives, and other components, serving as the backbone of the computer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of layer is used in a resistive touch screen to detect pressure?

<p>A metallic electrically conductive and resistive layer.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the function of the address bus in computer architecture.

<p>The address bus is used by the CPU to send memory addresses or I/O port locations, operating in a unidirectional manner from CPU to the specified location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one disadvantage of a resistive touch screen compared to capacitive touch screens?

<p>It can be damaged by sharp objects touching the screen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the maximum number of memory locations that can be accessed in a system?

<p>The maximum number of accessible memory locations is determined by the number of lines in the address bus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technology does a surface acoustic wave touch screen utilize?

<p>It uses ultrasonic waves to detect touches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the CPU to perform operations in sequence based on the program counter?

<p>Executing instructions in sequence as indicated by the program counter ensures that programs run correctly and logically.</p> Signup and view all the answers

List one advantage that surface acoustic wave technology has over resistive touch screens.

<p>It is more advanced and can detect lighter touches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is a resistive touch screen considered a more affordable option?

<p>It generally has lower manufacturing costs compared to capacitive touch screens.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What external factor can affect the performance of surface acoustic wave touch screens?

<p>Outside elements, such as dust or water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does a resistive touch screen function?

<p>It detects the pressure of a finger or object on the screen surface.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary limitation of surface acoustic wave technology?

<p>It does not work well with hard materials.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a data bus in a computer system?

<p>The data bus carries data and instructions between the CPU, memory, and peripheral devices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the data bus affect computer architecture?

<p>The size of the data bus influences parameters such as word size and the amount of data that can be processed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of signals are carried by the control bus?

<p>The control bus carries synchronizing signals for operations like memory read, memory write, and I/O operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the keyboard's role as an input device.

<p>A keyboard allows users to input letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer, functioning similarly to an electric typewriter.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the QWERTY keyboard layout?

<p>The QWERTY layout, designed by Christopher Sholes, became the official standard for computer keyboards and is named after the first six letters in the top row.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What connection methods were used for keyboards before USB?

<p>Before USB, keyboards commonly used PS/2, serial port, or AT (Din5) interfaces.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main components of a keyboard as an input device?

<p>A keyboard comprises buttons for letters, numbers, symbols, and additional function keys.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain how control signals differ between various types of microprocessors.

<p>Different microprocessors have distinct control signals designed to meet the requirements of their specific architectures and connected devices.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Hardware - Note 01

  • Diploma in Information Technology
  • Computer Hardware, Note 01
  • Lecturer: Akila Jayasanka
  • ICT Center, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

Generations of Computers

  • ENIAC (1940s) was a large, early computer, equivalent in size to 3-4 double-decker buses
  • ENIAC used vacuum tubes as electronic components.
  • First Generation (Mid 1940s):
    • Used vacuum tubes (valves)
    • Used machine language
    • Input via punch cards, paper tapes
    • Output in printout form
    • Large size
    • Very high cost
  • Second Generation (1958):
    • Replaced vacuum tubes with transistors
    • Smaller size than vacuum tubes
    • Used assembly language
    • Lower power consumption, faster, and more reliable
    • Reduced size and price
  • Third Generation (1964):
    • Used Integrated Circuits (ICs)
    • Faster and more efficient
    • Used structured programming languages like C and COBOL
    • Input via keyboards, output via monitors
    • Reduced size, power consumption, heat generation, and cost.
  • Fourth Generation (1971 and present):
    • Used Microprocessors (thousands of integrated circuits on a single silicon chip)
    • Used Object-Oriented programming languages and database languages (e.g., SQL)
    • High processing speeds, high reliability, and low power consumption
    • Further size and cost reductions
  • Fifth Generation (Present and future):
    • Focuses on Artificial Intelligence (AI), expert systems, and robotics
    • Still in development phase

Block Diagram of a Computer

  • Computer system consists of:
    • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
    • Input Devices
    • Output Devices
  • CPU:
    • Has an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and Control Unit (CU).
    • CPU is the "heart/brain" of the computer.
    • Processes instructions given by the user
  • Data is stored via primary and secondary storage.
    • Input is received via input devices (e.g., keyboard).
    • Data is processed by the CPU.
    • Output is displayed via output devices (e.g., monitor).

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • The "brain" of the computer, responsible for processing instructions.
  • Consists of:
    • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations
    • Control Unit (CU): Controls all activities in the computer system, retrieves and executes instructions.
  • Data is transferred between primary and secondary memory through the ALU.

Storage Unit

  • Stores information and instructions
  • Divided into primary and secondary storage.

Primary Memory (Main Memory)

  • RAM (Random Access Memory):
    • Stores frequently used programs
    • High-speed memory
    • Read-write memory

Secondary Storage

  • Stores data and programs for long durations
  • Includes hard disks, optical disks

Input Devices

  • Accept data from the user
  • Convert data to machine-readable form.
  • Include keyboards, mice, scanners, etc.

Output Devices

  • Produce results according to input
  • Convert binary code to a human-readable format
  • Include printers, monitors, etc.

Computer Input Devices

  • Keyboard:
    • Used for entering text and commands
  • Mouse:
    • For controlling cursor movement and selecting objects

Scanner

  • Optical input device
  • Converts images/documents into digital format
  • Types include card scanners, handheld scanners, pen scanners, and sheetfed scanners

Microphone

  • Converts sound waves into digital signals
  • Input device for sound

Voice Recognition

  • Software can interpret and process spoken words
  • Useful for converting spoken commands into actions.

Gesture Acquisition Technologies

  • Examples of input devices include:
    • Gloves with sensors
    • Cameras
    • Thermal imaging

Touch Screen

  • Displays on which the user interacts with their fingers or stylus
  • Types include:
    • Capacitive touchscreens
    • Resistive touchscreens

Surface Acoustic Wave

  • Advanced touch screen technology
  • Uses ultrasonic waves

Magnetic Card Reader

  • Input device for retrieving information from magnetic cards

Graphic Tablet

  • For converting hand-drawn sketches and diagrams into digital format
  • Also called Digitizer

Brain Controlled Inputs

  • Input devices that use brain signals to control actions and operations on the computer.

Motherboard Bus Structure

  • Motherboard: Central connection point for all components
  • Buses:
    • Address Bus: Transfers addresses of memory locations
    • Data Bus: Transfers data
    • Control Bus: Carries control signals

Studying That Suits You

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

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Generations of Computers PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the fundamental functions of computer components, including the computer mouse, CPU, and output devices. This quiz covers a range of topics from input methods to the roles of various units in computing.

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser