Computer Fundamentals Revision Notes

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a basic action performed by a computer?

  • Input
  • Sorting (correct)
  • Processing
  • Output

What technology was used in the second generation of computers?

  • Transistors (correct)
  • Integrated Circuits
  • Microprocessors
  • Vacuum tubes

Which term describes the first generation of computers?

  • Integrated Circuit
  • Vacuum tube (correct)
  • Transistor
  • Microprocessor

What significant advancement characterizes the sixth generation of computers?

<p>AI-powered technologies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of computers features the use of logic programming and parallel computing?

<p>Fifth Generation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

<p>To execute instructions from software (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a basic element of a computer?

<p>Network (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory allows data to be read and written quickly in a computing system?

<p>RAM (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the Von Neumann architecture, which component is crucial for processing data?

<p>CPU and main memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which software type is responsible for controlling the execution of hardware components?

<p>System software (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU?

<p>Perform arithmetic and logic operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What describes the function of an output device in a computer system?

<p>Displays or communicates processed data (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following file extensions is associated with Microsoft Word documents?

<p>.docx (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'ROM' in computer memory?

<p>Read Only Memory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which software category includes programs such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux?

<p>System software (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which layer in a computing system is responsible for representing information?

<p>Information layer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which program from Microsoft Office 365 is specifically used for data manipulation in tables?

<p>Excel (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'CPU' stand for?

<p>Central Processing Unit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a computer?

A machine that can change information from one form to another by performing basic actions like input, processing, storage, and output.

What was used in 1st generation computers?

Computers used vacuum tubes as their primary electronic technology, which were bulky and generated a lot of heat.

What technology powered 2nd generation computers?

Computers using transistors were smaller, faster, and more reliable than their vacuum tube predecessors.

What were 3rd generation computers based on?

The use of integrated circuits (ICs) allowed for miniaturization and further increase in computational power.

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What is the key technology of 4th generation computers?

The use of microprocessors led to the development of personal computers, making computing accessible to the general public.

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CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The main processing component of a computer, responsible for executing instructions from software.

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RAM (Random Access Memory)

A type of memory that allows data to be accessed quickly, regardless of its physical location.

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ROM (Read Only Memory)

A type of memory that stores permanent data and instructions that the computer needs to boot up.

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Motherboard

A printed circuit board that connects and controls all the components of a computer.

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Input Device

A device that allows users to input data or commands into the computer.

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Output Device

A device that displays or outputs information from the computer.

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Operating System

A collection of programs that allow the user to interact with the computer's hardware and software.

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Development Software

A type of software designed to create and run other programs.

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Application Software

Software used for specific tasks, such as web browsing, games, or word processing.

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Random Access

The ability for the CPU to access data and instructions quickly regardless of their order.

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Computing System

A collection of hardware and software components that together perform a specific task.

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Binary Digit System

A way to represent information using only two digits, 0 and 1.

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Von Neumann Architecture

A type of computer architecture where data and instructions are stored in the same memory location.

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Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU)

Part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations.

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Memory Access Time

The speed of memory access, which determines how quickly the computer can perform tasks.

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Study Notes

Computer Fundamentals Revision Notes

  • Computer (Definition 1): An electrical device operating under instructions stored in its memory.
  • Computer (Definition 2): A machine that changes information from one form to another through basic actions.
  • Basic Computer Actions:
    • Input
    • Processing
    • Storage
    • Output
  • Computer Components (Referencing):
    • Common (C)
    • Operating (O)
    • Machine (M)
    • Purposely (P)
    • Used for (U)
    • Technology (T)
    • Education (E)
    • Research (R)
    • Common operating machine purposely used in technology, education and research.
  • Computer Generations:
    • First Generation: Used vacuum tubes as electronic technology.
    • Second Generation: Used transistors as electronic technology.
    • Third Generation: Used integrated circuits as electronic technology.
    • Fourth Generation: Used microprocessors as electronic technology.
    • Fifth Generation: Used logic programming and parallel computing.
    • Fourth Generation Evolution: PCs emerged, Microsoft launched.
    • Fifth Generation Evolution: Internet existed, AI introduced.
    • Sixth Generation: AI-powered technologies integrated into various aspects of life.

Basic Computer Elements

  • User
  • Software
  • Hardware
  • Electricity

Hardware Components

  • Software: Programs running the computer.
  • CPU: Central Processing Unit (brain of the computer)
  • Monitors
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Printer
  • Speakers
  • Computer Case Components:
    • CPU
    • Motherboard
    • RAM (Random Access Memory)
    • Hard Drive
  • Hardware Memories (2 Types):
    • ROM (Read Only Memory)
    • RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM Function

  • Allows data items to be read and written in equal time, regardless of order.

Computing System

  • Used to solve problems and interact with its environment.
  • Includes input, processing, and output.

Computing System Layers

  • Each layer plays a specific role in the overall system design.

Innermost Computing Layer

  • Information

Information Representation in Computers

  • Binary digits (0 and 1)

Computer Architecture

  • Von Neumann Architecture
    • Input
    • CPU and main memory
    • Output

ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)

  • Performs arithmetic and logic operations.

RAM Function (Speed)

  • Determines how fast the computer performs tasks.

Input Device

  • Any device that enters data and programs into the computer.

Output Device

  • Any device that displays data stored in the computer.

System Software (Layer)

  • Operating System: Program controlling hardware component execution.
    • Examples: Windows, Mac OS, Linux
    • Function: Allows application software to access system resources; manages computer resources.
  • Development Software: Tools for development and programming
    • Examples: Microsoft .Net, Java
  • Application Software: All other software performing various tasks.
    • Examples: Web browsers, games
    • Specific Examples: • Microsoft Edge (Internet Browser from Windows) • Cortana (Virtual Assistant from Windows)
  • Word Processor: Creating and printing text documents
    • Element within Word: Page
    • File Extension: doc & docx
    • Online Source: Google Docs
  • PowerPoint: Organizing and displaying information visually
    • Element within PowerPoint: Slide
    • File Extension: ppt & pptx
    • Online Source: Google Slides
  • Excel: Processing information in tables
    • Element within Excel: Worksheet
    • File Extension: xls & xlsx
    • Online Source: Google Sheets
  • Microsoft Office 365 Applications:
    • Word
    • Excel
    • PowerPoint
  • Excel Functions: Formulas built-in for calculations.
  • Microsoft Office Short Cuts:
    • Ctrl + C: Copy
    • Ctrl + X: Cut
    • Ctrl + V: Paste
    • Ctrl + S: Save
    • Ctrl + P: Print

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