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Questions and Answers
What does EDP stand for in the context of computer processing?
What does EDP stand for in the context of computer processing?
Which of the following characterizes Personal Computing?
Which of the following characterizes Personal Computing?
What is meant by Cloud Computing?
What is meant by Cloud Computing?
Which phase of the digital revolution is characterized by computers becoming networked?
Which phase of the digital revolution is characterized by computers becoming networked?
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The World Wide Web is primarily described as:
The World Wide Web is primarily described as:
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Which statement accurately describes data?
Which statement accurately describes data?
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What does the term 'convergence' refer to in the context of cloud computing?
What does the term 'convergence' refer to in the context of cloud computing?
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What is a key characteristic of computers mentioned in the content?
What is a key characteristic of computers mentioned in the content?
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What unit is commonly used to measure computer processing speed?
What unit is commonly used to measure computer processing speed?
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Which statement accurately describes the accuracy of computers?
Which statement accurately describes the accuracy of computers?
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What is a key feature of a computer that allows it to perform numerous operations without losing concentration?
What is a key feature of a computer that allows it to perform numerous operations without losing concentration?
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Which capability expands the functionalities and reach of computers by connecting them to one another?
Which capability expands the functionalities and reach of computers by connecting them to one another?
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What distinguishes computers from other calculating devices?
What distinguishes computers from other calculating devices?
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Which type of computer is classified as having extremely high processing power and speed?
Which type of computer is classified as having extremely high processing power and speed?
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What term describes the trend where various types of computers and devices share similar technologies?
What term describes the trend where various types of computers and devices share similar technologies?
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How does secondary or auxiliary storage benefit computers?
How does secondary or auxiliary storage benefit computers?
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What distinguishes a notebook computer from a netbook?
What distinguishes a notebook computer from a netbook?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of a mobile device?
Which of the following is a characteristic of a mobile device?
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How does a tablet PC primarily differentiate itself from a traditional notebook computer?
How does a tablet PC primarily differentiate itself from a traditional notebook computer?
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What describes a personal digital assistant (PDA) compared to a smartphone?
What describes a personal digital assistant (PDA) compared to a smartphone?
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What is a key feature of e-book readers?
What is a key feature of e-book readers?
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Which of the following correctly defines a desktop computer?
Which of the following correctly defines a desktop computer?
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What feature is commonly found in smart phones but not in PDAs?
What feature is commonly found in smart phones but not in PDAs?
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What term refers to personal computers based on the original IBM design?
What term refers to personal computers based on the original IBM design?
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What is the primary function of a handheld computer?
What is the primary function of a handheld computer?
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Which device is primarily designed for capturing images digitally?
Which device is primarily designed for capturing images digitally?
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What defines a supercomputer?
What defines a supercomputer?
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How does a mainframe computer primarily function?
How does a mainframe computer primarily function?
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What characteristic is true for all embedded computers?
What characteristic is true for all embedded computers?
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What is the role of input in the computer's basic functions?
What is the role of input in the computer's basic functions?
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Which of the following is NOT a typical application of an embedded computer?
Which of the following is NOT a typical application of an embedded computer?
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What is the function of a game console in mobile computing?
What is the function of a game console in mobile computing?
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What is the primary function of a dot matrix printer?
What is the primary function of a dot matrix printer?
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Which type of memory must be continually refreshed to maintain its data?
Which type of memory must be continually refreshed to maintain its data?
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Which type of secondary storage is known for its speed and large storage capacity?
Which type of secondary storage is known for its speed and large storage capacity?
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What is a distinguishing feature of laser printers compared to other printer types?
What is a distinguishing feature of laser printers compared to other printer types?
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Which type of printer utilizes a revolving drum to print lines of characters?
Which type of printer utilizes a revolving drum to print lines of characters?
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Which kind of storage can retain its data without a power supply?
Which kind of storage can retain its data without a power supply?
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Which storage device is known for being a flexible and removable option?
Which storage device is known for being a flexible and removable option?
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What main technology do graphic plotters utilize?
What main technology do graphic plotters utilize?
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Study Notes
Computer Fundamentals
- A computer is an electronic device that processes data based on input, processing, and output.
- It can capture, store, retrieve, and process data in various forms like numbers, characters, audio, video, and images.
- Data is raw, unprocessed information.
- Information is processed data that conveys meaning and is useful.
Key Characteristics of Computers
- Speed: Modern computers process data incredibly fast, measured in milliseconds, microseconds, nanoseconds, and picoseconds.
- Accuracy: Computers ensure high accuracy in computations, provided the input data and procedures are correct.
- Huge Storage and Fast Retrieval: Computers use secondary or auxiliary storage for permanent storage of large amounts of data, with relatively fast retrieval speeds.
- Versatility: Computers can perform various tasks with a series of logical steps, beyond basic arithmetic operations.
- Fatigue-Free: Computers do not get tired and can perform tasks continuously without losing efficiency.
- Programmable: Computers can be programmed to function automatically, differentiating them from other calculating devices.
- Networking Capability: Computers can be connected to networks, which extend their capabilities and provide infrastructure for communication, commerce, and online services.
Categories of Computers
- Personal Computers (Desktop): Designed for individual use with integrated input, processing, output, and storage functionalities.
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Mobile Computers and Mobile Devices: Portable computers like laptops and tablets, offer a range of computing capabilities.
- Notebook (Laptop): Portable, thin, and lightweight computers with processing power comparable to desktops.
- Netbook: Smaller and lighter notebooks, often less powerful than traditional laptops.
- Tablet PC (Tablet Computer): Notebook computers using touchscreens for interaction.
- Mobile Devices: Compact devices, typically without disk drives, rely on internal memory or memory cards for storage.
- Smart Phone: Internet-enabled phones providing functions like a calendar, address book, and more.
- PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Similar to smart phones, but usually without phone capabilities and internet connectivity, often lacking voice input, cameras, or media player functions.
- E-Book Reader: Handheld devices specializing in reading electronic books (e-books), digital versions of printed books.
- Handheld Computer (UMPC): Computers small enough to fit in one hand, often with wireless communication and digital pen input.
- Portable Media Player: Mobile devices for storing, organizing, and playing digital media.
- Digital Camera: Devices that capture images digitally, storing them electronically instead of on film.
- Game Console: Mobile computing devices designed for single-player or multiplayer video games, using controllers, televisions, and storage media like hard disks or optical discs.
- Mainframe Computer: Large, powerful computers with a high capacity for users and complex operations.
- Supercomputer: The fastest and most powerful computers, capable of processing quadrillions of instructions per second, used for demanding tasks.
- Embedded Computer: Special-purpose computers integrated into various products, found in everyday devices like consumer electronics, home automation systems, automobiles, process controllers, and office machines.
Computer Functioning: The Input-Processing-Output Cycle
- Input: Data entered into the computer system, provided by a person or another device.
- Processing: Manipulation of data by the computer using a systematic series of actions.
- Output: Processed data presented to the user or another system.
Storage Devices
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Primary Memory (Main Memory):*
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Used for storing programs and data the computer is actively using.
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Random Access Memory (RAM): Allows access to any memory location with equal speed.
- Static RAM (SRAM): Retains data as long as power is supplied.
- Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Requires constant refreshing to maintain data.
- Read-Only-Memory (ROM): Stores essential programs for computer operation, non-volatile (data persists without power).
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Random Access Memory (RAM): Allows access to any memory location with equal speed.
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Secondary Memory (Storage Devices):*
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Used for larger, more permanent storage, with slower access times than primary memory.
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Magnetic Disks: Rigid or flexible disks coated with magnetic material for data storage.
- Hard Drive (Hard Disk): Internal storage within the computer, offering large storage capacity.
- Diskette (Floppy Disk): Small, removable, flexible disks with magnetic coating.
- Magnetic Tape: Serial access storage medium, capable of storing large volumes of data at low cost.
- Optical Storage: Uses light to represent data.
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Magnetic Disks: Rigid or flexible disks coated with magnetic material for data storage.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the basic concepts of computer fundamentals, including data processing, characteristics, and storage methods. This quiz covers essential definitions and functionalities of computers to enhance your understanding of their operations.