Computer Hardware and Software

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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'hardware' refer to in a computer system?

The internet connection used by the computer

The instructional information for users

The physical components of a computer (correct)

Software applications that run on a computer

What significant technology was introduced in the 19th century for data processing?

Punch card technology (correct)

Integrated circuits

Personal computers

Microcontrollers

What is the primary function of system software?

To control and manage hardware components (correct)

To convert data from one format to another

To perform specific tasks for users

To provide free access to software applications

Which of the following was the first electronic programmable computer?

ENIAC Signup and view all the answers

What kind of memory is referred to as volatile memory?

Temporary memory requiring power to store data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of application software?

Office 365 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of RAM in a computer?

To speed up loading times of software applications Signup and view all the answers

What does the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS) do?

It locates and loads the operating system into memory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following software classifications is typically free to use but comes with limitations?

Shareware Signup and view all the answers

Which storage medium can store the most data among the following options?

Blu-Ray disc Signup and view all the answers

What does a microchip primarily consist of?

Integrated circuits with transistors Signup and view all the answers

In which classification of cloud computing do you access software applications remotely through a browser?

Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage drive uses magnetic tape for recording data?

Tape Drive Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of firmware in a computer system?

It can be embedded into hardware to perform low-level tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes software that is openly provided for potential modification and redistribution?

Open Source Software Signup and view all the answers

What does executable data mean?

Data that can be activated and run Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Evolution of Computer Hardware

Hardware encompasses the physical and mechanical components of a computer system, while software consists of instructions that guide these components.
Shickard’s Mechanical Calculator, invented in 1623, utilized cogs and gears similar to clocks.
The 19th century saw the invention of punch cards by Herman Hollerith, which were lightweight cardboard used for data processing.
ENIAC, designed by John Presper Eckert and John William Mauchly, was the first electronic programmable computer and symbolized the First Generation of computers.
The invention of the transistor in 1947 transitioned computers into the Second Generation, utilizing semiconductor devices for voltage stabilization.
Microchips include integrated circuits with interconnected transistors, while microprocessors serve as advanced circuits and are known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Functions of Computer Hardware

Storage allows computers to retain data in various forms, typically using bytes (groups of eight bits).
Volatile Memory relies on electric power to store data temporarily; Non-volatile Memory retains data without power.
RAM speeds up loading times for applications, while hard disks store the operating system and personal files.
Optical discs include CDs (up to 650 MB), Blu-ray discs (25 to 50 GB), and DVDs (4 to 8 GB), used for data storage.
USB Flash Drives can be erased and reprogrammed, while tape drives utilize magnetic tape, offering storage capabilities of up to 500 GB.
Data processing involves converting data formats, and microprocessors function as the brain of the computer.

Software Overview

Software refers to the instructional information that directs hardware activities and includes system and application software.
System Software manages hardware components and runs computer systems; it includes the Operating System (OS) and firmware.
The Operating System ensures that software can access hardware components effectively.
BIOS is essential for locating and loading the OS into memory on startup, while device drivers facilitate communication between the OS and hardware.

Application Software

Application software enables users to perform specific tasks, such as productivity suites like Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Software classifications include Freeware (available for free), Commercial Software (requires purchase), Shareware (free temporarily), and Open-source Software (modifiable and redistributable).

Uses of Software

Software is utilized in numerous areas, including publishing, design, research, product integration, business solutions, and cloud computing.

Classifications of Cloud Computing

Cloud Software as a Service (SaaS) allows access to software applications remotely via the Internet, typically through a web browser.

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Description

Explore the evolution of computer hardware and the significance of software in directing computer operations. This quiz covers historical inventions, including Shikcard's Mechanical Calculator and Hollerith’s Punched Card Tabulator. Test your knowledge on these foundational concepts of computing.