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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the processor in a computer?
What is the primary function of the processor in a computer?
What is the term for the parts of a computer that cannot be physically touched?
What is the term for the parts of a computer that cannot be physically touched?
What is the purpose of input devices in a computer system?
What is the purpose of input devices in a computer system?
What is the difference between data and information?
What is the difference between data and information?
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What happens to the contents of memory when you save it?
What happens to the contents of memory when you save it?
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What is the term for the programs that tell the computer what to do?
What is the term for the programs that tell the computer what to do?
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What is the purpose of output devices in a computer system?
What is the purpose of output devices in a computer system?
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What is stored in memory when a program is loaded?
What is stored in memory when a program is loaded?
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What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?
What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?
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What is the difference between storage devices and memory?
What is the difference between storage devices and memory?
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What happens to data saved on storage devices when the power is switched off?
What happens to data saved on storage devices when the power is switched off?
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What is the primary function of input devices?
What is the primary function of input devices?
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What is the difference between data and information?
What is the difference between data and information?
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What is the purpose of system software?
What is the purpose of system software?
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What happens to unsaved work when the power is switched off?
What happens to unsaved work when the power is switched off?
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What is the relationship between memory and processing?
What is the relationship between memory and processing?
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What is a server typically used for in a network environment?
What is a server typically used for in a network environment?
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What is a key factor in determining the processing power of a computer?
What is a key factor in determining the processing power of a computer?
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What is a characteristic of consumer tablets?
What is a characteristic of consumer tablets?
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What type of device is primarily used for mobile access to connectivity and services?
What type of device is primarily used for mobile access to connectivity and services?
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What is a key benefit of having a larger memory size in a computer?
What is a key benefit of having a larger memory size in a computer?
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What type of device is typically used for productive work and creative applications?
What type of device is typically used for productive work and creative applications?
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What is a common feature of portable devices?
What is a common feature of portable devices?
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What type of device is used to supply services to connected computers and users on a network?
What type of device is used to supply services to connected computers and users on a network?
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Study Notes
Computer Hardware and Software
- The processor (Central Processing Unit/CPU) executes instructions, processes data, and manages and controls all other parts of the computer.
- Storage devices allow the computer to keep instructions and data that it is not currently working on, so that they can be accessed and used when needed.
Memory (RAM)
- Memory is the place where the computer temporarily stores sets of instructions and data it is currently working with.
- Programs and data cannot be processed unless they are temporarily loaded into memory.
- Memory loses its content when the power is switched off.
Input and Output Devices
- Input devices allow data to be entered into the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone).
- Output devices allow feedback to be received from the computer (e.g., screen, printer, speaker).
Software
- Software categories:
- System Software
- Application Software (carries out tasks for computer users, such as creating documents, playing games, or updating a database)
Types of Computers
- Classified by:
- Size (portable, small, etc.)
- Processing power
- Examples of types of computers:
- Servers (used in network environments to help 'run' a network of linked computers)
- Consumer Tablets & Tablet PCs (small, portable devices controlled through touch screen interfaces)
- Smartphones (mobile access to connectivity and services)
Computer Performance
- Powerful computers are those with:
- Fast CPU(s)
- Large storage capacity
- Large memory size
- Servers are powerful computers used in network environments to provide services to connected computers and users.
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Description
Learn about the basic components of a computer, including the CPU, storage devices, and memory. Understand the role of each in executing instructions and managing data.
