Computer Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What maximum data can a parallel port transmit at one time?

4 bits

16 bits

32 bits

8 bits (correct)

What is the maximum length of a parallel cable?

20 feet

10 feet

15 feet (correct)

25 feet

What transmission speed is characteristic of Fast Ethernet?

1 Mbps

100 Mbps (correct)

1000 Mbps

10 Mbps

Which of the following is NOT considered an input device?

Printer Signup and view all the answers

What role does an Operating System (OS) play in a computer?

Manages hardware and software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an Operating System?

Linux Signup and view all the answers

What type of devices are speakers and headphones categorized as?

Output devices Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum length of network cable permitted in a standard setup?

328 feet Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage hardware and software resources Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a computer is responsible for processing data?

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is not considered a common input device?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is networking primarily used for?

Allowing computers to communicate and share resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of expansion cards in a computer?

To add functionality to the motherboard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about software is true?

Software includes both operating systems and applications Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following defines the term 'program' in computing?

A set of instructions for the computer to perform Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a power supply in a computer?

To convert AC power to DC power Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between a static IP address and a dynamic IP address?

A static IP address is assigned manually, while a dynamic IP address is assigned automatically by a device. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for each computer on a network to have a unique name?

It provides a user-friendly way to connect to shared resources. Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do converged networks have over traditional dedicated networks?

They can deliver voice, video, and data over the same network. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does networking improve business communication?

By enabling faster and cheaper communication compared to traditional methods. Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the term ‘network of networks’ when referring to the Internet?

It connects a variety of thousands of distinct networks together. Signup and view all the answers

What does DHCP stand for, and what is its role in network configuration?

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol; it allows devices to obtain IP addresses dynamically. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of networks?

Networks vary in size, connecting from two to millions of devices. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the configuration of computer names in a network?

Each computer name must be unique within the network. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: CSE 101-Principles of Computing
Institution: Mekelle Institute of Technology
Department: Department of CSE
Date: 12/19/2024

Chapter One Content

Computers, parts of computers, and their roles
Data and Networking
Operating systems
Accounts
Command prompt
Command options and arguments
DOS and Unix common commands
The Job of the Shell

Chapter One Goals

Describe the importance of computers in today's world.
Identify the main parts of a computer.
Identify the primary hardware components of a computer.
Define an operating system and its role.
Define the term program.
Explain what is meant by data.
Define the term network, and identify the benefits of networking.
Define the term Internet.
Exercise common Unix commands

The Role of Computers

Business and Industry
Publication Field
Education Field
Government Organizations
Medical Field
Science Field
Entertainment Field

Parts of a Computer

Input Devices (Keyboard, Mouse, etc.)
Output Devices (Monitor, Speakers, etc.)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory
Motherboard (Circuit Board)
Expansion Cards (Video Card, Sound Card, or NIC)
Hard Drive Ports and Connections (USB, Firewire, etc.)

Basic Personal Computer System

Hardware: Physical equipment (case, storage drives, keyboards, monitors, cables, speakers, printers).
Software: Operating system and programs.
Operating system: Instructs the computer on how to operate.
Programs/applications: Perform different functions.

Computer Cases and Power Supplies

Computer case: Protects and supports internal components, should be durable and easy to service.
Power supply: Converts AC to DC power, must provide enough power for installed components and future additions.

Power Supplies (Detailed)

Converts alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power
DC power is needed for all internal components
Cables, connectors, and components are designed for proper fit
Avoid forcing any connectors or components

Four Basic Units of Electricity

Voltage (V): Force required to push electrons through a circuit, measured in volts (computer power supplies usually have multiple voltages).
Current (I): Amount of electrons flowing through a circuit, measured in amperes (amps), computer power supplies provide different amperages for each output voltage.
Power (P): Product of voltage and current, measured in watts (computer power supplies are rated in watts)
Resistance (R): Opposition to current flow, measured in ohms (lower resistance allows more current to flow).
Formulas: V = IR, P = VI

Power Supplies (Caution)

Electronic capacitors inside a power supply can hold a charge for extended periods.
Do not open a power supply.

Internal Components (Image)

Motherboards

The main printed circuit board in a computer.
Contains buses (electrical pathways) for data travel between components.
Also known as the system board, backplane, or main board.
Houses the CPU, RAM, expansion slots, heat sink/fan, BIOS chip, chip set, sockets, internal/external connectors, and various ports.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The "brain" of the computer, also referred to as the processor.
Most important element of a computer system.
Executes programs (sequences of stored instructions).
Major brands: Intel, AMD
Examples: Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Turion X2

Cooling Systems

Electronic components generate heat, excessive heat can damage components.
Case fans, heat sinks, and fans on top of heat sinks are used to draw heat away from CPU and GPU

Parts of a Computer Memory

Memory stores and retrieves information for the CPU.
Two main types:
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary storage for commands and data
- Read Only Memory (ROM): Retains content even after power off

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM chips contain basic instructions for booting and loading the operating system .
Different ROM types:
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Information written during manufacture, cannot be erased or rewritten
- PROM (Programmable ROM): Information written after manufacture, cannot be erased or rewritten
- EPROM (Erasable PROM): Information written after manufacture, erasable with UV light
- EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM): Information written after manufacture, erasable and rewritable without removing the chip

Serial Ports and Cables

Serial ports transmit one bit of data at a time.
Connect serial devices (modems or printers) with serial cables.
Maximum cable length: 50 feet (15.2 m).

Parallel Ports and Cables

Parallel ports transmit 8 bits of data at a time (uses IEEE 1284 standard).
Connect parallel devices (printers) with parallel cables.
Maximum cable length: 15 feet (4.5 m).

Network Ports and Cables

Network ports (RJ-45) connect computers to networks.
Standard Ethernet transmits up to 10 Mbps.
Fast Ethernet transmits up to 100 Mbps.
Gigabit Ethernet transmits up to 1,000 Mbps.
Maximum cable length: 328 feet (100 m).

Input Devices

Mouse, Keyboard
Digital camera, digital video camera
Biometric authentication device
Touch screen
Scanner

Output Devices

Printers, scanners, fax machines (create hard copies of computer files)
Speakers, headphones (output devices for audio signals)
Most computers have audio support either integrated into the motherboard or on an adapter card.
Audio support includes ports that allow input and output of audio signals

Operating System Overview

What is an OS?
What does an OS do?
Structure of OS
Storage structure
Multiprogramming
OS services
User OS interfaces
Computing environment

What is an OS?

Software that makes a computer work.
Enables all programs to function.
Organizes and controls hardware.
Acts as an interface between application programs and hardware.
Examples: Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS

What does an OS do?

Controls and allocates memory
Prioritizes system requests
Controls input/output devices
Facilitates networking
Manages file systems

Structure of Operating System

Application programs
System programs
Software (Operating system)
Hardware

Additional OS Components (Layers)

Hardware: Provides basic resources (CPU, memory, I/O devices).
Software (OS): Controls and coordinates hardware use among applications and users.
System programs: Programs that enable computer hardware to run (e.g., operating system, device drivers, compilers, assemblers, linkers).
Application programs: Programs written to perform specific tasks (e.g., word processors, web browsers, database systems, video games).

Open vs Closed Source Operating Systems

Linux: Open source OS, developed by many people and organizations, many different versions (distributions) exist, Android uses Linux code
Windows: Closed source OS, developed by a single company

Homework 1

Define utility software and give examples.
Define the purpose and functionality of translator software (Assembler, Compiler, Interpreter, Linker, Loader).
Which programs are System Programs or Application Programs?
Definition of a program (a,b,c,d).

Homework 2

Detailed note, description, and differences for each Networking Device (Router, Switch, Hub, Bridge).
Differences between MAC address and IP address.
Differences between physical and logical network topologies.
Comparisons (with advantages and disadvantages) of wired and wireless network media.
Situations favoring GUI vs CLI.

Computer Startup

System BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) program on the motherboard.
BIOS contains low-level I/O software: (e.g., keyboard reading, screen writing, RAM checking).
Bootstrap program (firmware) is loaded at startup/reboot.
Initialises system aspects and loads OS kernel for execution.

Computer System Organization (Diagram)

Multiple CPUs, devices connect through a common bus to access shared resources.

Computer System Operation

I/O devices and the CPU can operate concurrently.
Each device controller is responsible for a specific device type.
Device controllers have local buffers for data transfer.
CPU moves data to/from main memory and device buffers.
Device controller informs CPU when its operation is completed (interrupt).

Storage Structure

Main memory: Only storage medium CPU can access directly.
Secondary storage: Extends main memory, large nonvolatile storage capacity.
Magnetic disks: Rigid metal/glass platters with magnetic recording material.

Storage Hierarchy

Storage systems are organized to maximize speed, minimize cost, and balance volatility.
Caching: Copies information from slower to faster storage temporarily, checking faster storage first.

Storage-Device Hierarchy (Diagram)

Caching

Important principle in many levels of computer systems (hardware, OS, software).
Copies information in storage from slower to faster storage regions.
Fastest storage (cache) checked first to determine if the information is present.
If present, used directly from cache.
If not present, copied into cache to use.

Performance of Various Levels of Storage (Table)

Shows various levels of computer storage, categorized by name, implementation technology, access time, bandwidth, and management responsibilities

Multiprogramming

Executing multiple programs simultaneously using a single processor.
Multiple processes reside in memory at one time.
OS selects a job from memory to execute, allowing CPU to be active while waiting for I/O operations.
CPU switches jobs as needed, preventing idle periods.

Multiprogramming (Advantages)

Efficient memory utilization.
Throughput (system's output rate) increases.
CPU is never idle (leads to better performance).

Logical extension of multiprogramming.
Multiple jobs executed by switching the CPU between them.
CPU time shared among processes.
Time slice defined by the OS.

Operating System Services (Overview)

User interface (UI): How the user interacts with the OS (e.g., command-line, graphical user interface)
Program execution: Loading, running, and ending programs.
I/O operations: Handling input/output operations (files, devices).
File system manipulation: Managing files and directories (creating, deleting, searching, listing).
Communications: Allowing processes to exchange information (shared memory, message passing).
Error detection and response: Detecting and handling errors (CPU, memory, I/O, programs).
Resource allocation: Assigning resources to users and jobs.
Accounting: Monitoring resource usage by users.
Protection and security: Protecting system resources and preventing unauthorized access.

User Operating System Interface (CLI)

Allows direct command entry.
Often implemented in the kernel or as a system program.
Fetches and executes user commands.
Built-in commands and names of programs.

User Operating System Interface (GUI)

User-friendly desktop metaphor.
Common components: mouse, keyboard, monitor.
Icons represent files, programs, actions.
Mouse actions initiate various actions (e.g., open directory, execute function).
Invented at Xerox PARC.

User Operating System Interface (Overview)

Command Line Interface (CLI): User types commands at the prompt
Graphical User Interface (GUI): User interacts with menus and icons

Most operating systems include both GUI and CLI

Compare Operating Systems

Multi-user: two or more users can work simultaneously.
Multi-tasking: allows the execution of several programs concurrently.
Multi-processing: use multiple CPUs.
Multi-threading: a single program can be split into smaller tasks. Multi-tasking is enabled

Operating System Requirements

Specific amount of hardware resources required (RAM, disk space, processor type/speed, video resolution).
Manufacturer specifies requirements.
Additional hardware (sound cards, NICs, modems) may be needed based on OS features.
Hardware compatibility verification by OS developers.

Installing an OS

Installing in a disk partition.
Various methods for installation (clean install, upgrade, multi-boot, virtualization).
Selection based on hardware, OS, and user requirements.

Clean Install

Deleting all data in the selected partition; reinstalling the OS and application software.
Performed when installing a new OS on a fresh system, or when the current OS installation is damaged.
All prior configuration settings , applications and data are deleted

Upgrade

Replacing the old files of previous OS with the new OS files.
Preserves data, prior settings, applications.

Cont. (Multi-boot)

Allows installing more than one OS on a single computer.
Each OS is in its own partition.
On startup, the user chooses the OS to use

Cont. (Virtualization)

Enables Multiple copies of an OS to run on a single hardware configuration.
Treated as separate computers.
Enables a single physical resource to appear as multiple logical resources.

Preparing for OS Installation

Pre-installation checklist.
Verify all hardware meets the minimum requirements/is certified.
Availability of installation medium (e.g., CD, DVD).
System diagnostic tools and utilities.
Data backup.
Verify if the necessary application software is available to install.

Cont. (Before Installation)

Determine the ideal partition structure.
Selecting the right file system to use (FAT 16/32, NTFS, HPFS, ext2, ext3).

Prepare a Computer to Participate in a Network

Configuring a computer for network participation after installation.
Understanding of networks as groups of connected devices for resource sharing.
Information and resources examples: Printers, documents, Internet access.

Cont. (Network Connection)

Network Interface Card (NIC): Hardware component for network connection.
Internet Protocol (IP) address, subnet mask, and default gateway are needed for proper network communication.
Configuration options: manual or dynamic (DHCP).

Computer Naming

Using computer name in addition to IP addresses, for user friendliness.
Computer name essential for ease of access to shared resources (folders, printers).

Networking and Its Benefits

Converged networks: Deliver voice, video, and data services over the same communication channel.
Benefits: Efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional communication methods.
Network sizes: Simple networks (two computers) to large networks (millions of devices).

Components of a Network

Hosts: Devices that send and receive messages directly across the network.
Shared peripherals: Not directly connected to the network; hosts manage their access.
Networking devices: Interconnect hosts and manage network communication (e.g., routers, switches, hubs, bridges).
Networking media: Physical connections (cables, wireless).

Cont. (Network Components)

Hosts: Devices send and receive messages.
Shared peripherals: Connected to hosts.
Network devices: Interconnect hosts.

The Role of Host Computers

Host computers can be clients or servers.
Software determines the role (e.g., client software for web browsing).
Servers provide information to other hosts. (e.g., web server software).
Clients request and display information obtained from servers.

Peer-to-Peer Networks

One computer can act as both client and server.
Simplest arrangement of computers.
Multiple PCs can be linked to create larger peer-to-peer networks using a networking device(e.g., hubs).

Network Topologies

Physical topology: Records the location and connections of each host.
Logical topology: Groups hosts based on how they use the network (independent from physical location).
- The topology map shows the wiring and locations of the network devices.

The Message Concept (source, destination and channel)

Source (sender): Initiates the transmission.
Destination (receiver): Receives the message.
Channel: Pathway for message transmission.

What is the Internet?

Network of networks connecting users globally.
Millions of devices connected.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Any entity that provides connectivity to the Internet.
Large range of sizes (small to large-scale).
Offers various connection technologies and speeds.
Provide additional services such as email and web hosting.

Cont. (ISP Relation to the Internet)

ISPs connect through point of presence (POP) points.
POPs are the connection point between the networks and the geographical area.
Interconnection of POPs and ISPs creates the backbone of the Internet

Connecting to the ISP

Multiple connection technologies (e.g., dial-up, DSL, satellite, cable modem, leased line).
Choices depend on location, speed requirement, and cost.
Network access devices (e.g., modem) needed for ISP connection.

Cont. (ISP connections)

Internet access technologies use network access devices (e.g., modems, built in your computer or by ISPs) to connect to the ISP
Other devices like switches or routers may be needed for multiple computers.

Homework 2 (Specific questions)

Descriptions of Networking Devices (Router, Switch, Hub, Bridge)
Difference between hardware (MAC) and IP address.
Physical vs Logical Network Topologies.
Comparison of wired and wireless network media.
Situations where using GUI or CLI is preferable.

End of Chapter One

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