Computer Hardware Basics Quiz

Introduction to Computer Studies

• Computer Studies is a complex system using elementary electronic components to process data.
• Two main types exist: digital computers (operating on discrete data) and analog computers (operating on continuous data). Examples of digital computers include PCs, workstations, minicomputers, mainframes, and supercomputers. Examples of analog computers include thermometers, speedometers, gasoline pumps, and electric watt meters.

Functions of Computers

• Data processing
• Data storage
• Data movement between the computer and the outside world (input-output devices)
• Control of input-output devices
• Communication

Characteristics of Computers

• Automatic: Computers operate independently without human intervention. They cannot start themselves.
• Accuracy: Computers are highly accurate, but errors can occur due to human factors (e.g., incorrect data input) rather than technological issues. The degree of accuracy depends on the computer's design.
• Speed: Computers are very fast, capable of completing tasks within seconds.

Characteristics of Computer (Additional)

• Storage: Computers have built-in memory to store large amounts of data.
• Diligence: Computers are not affected by tiredness or fatigue and can operate continuously without error.
• Versatility: Computers can perform various types of work.
• Power of Remembering: Computers are capable of storing large amounts of information.
• No IQ: Computers require instructions from the user to operate; they cannot initiate tasks independently.
• No Feeling: Computers do not exhibit emotions, tastes, or knowledge as humans do.

Categories of Computers

• Supercomputer: The fastest and most powerful, used for complex mathematical calculations. Measurements of speed are given in terms of Gigaflops (10⁹ operations/second), Teraflops (10¹²), and Petaflops (10¹⁵).
• Mainframe: Large, expensive, but powerful computers capable of handling hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
• Minicomputer: A computer of medium size, intermediate between a microcomputer and a mainframe.
• Workstation: A computer designed for individual use, faster and more capable than a personal computer.
• Microcomputer: A small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU).

Generations of Computers

• First Generation (1942-1955): Vacuum tube technology
• Second Generation (1955-1964): Transistor technology
• Third Generation (1965-1975): Integrated Circuit (IC) chip technology
• Fourth Generation (1975-1989): Microprocessor chip technology

Main Structural Components

• Input (taking in data)
• Processing (performing operations on data)
• Output (delivering results)
• Feedback (data used for revision/improvement)
• Information (result of processing)

Computer System Hierarchy

• Hardware: Central Processing Unit (CPU), Peripherals (input/output devices), File (database), Auxiliary Equipment
  • CPU: ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit), Control Unit (CU), Memory (RAM)
• Software: Application Software, System Software
  • System Software: Operating System, Language Translator (compilers, interpreters), Utility programs

System Configuration Components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Control Unit (CU)
• Primary Storage
• Secondary Storage
• Input Devices
• Output Devices
• Communication Devices

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• CPU is the "brain" of the computer system where data manipulation occurs.
• It controls computer operations and executes instructions.
• Consists of:
  • Control Unit (CU): Coordinates and controls other computer components.
  • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
  • Registers: Temporary storage for data.
• Connection buses connect different components of the CPU.

Primary Storage

• Stores data and programs during processing, including the operating system.
• Key characteristics:
  • Capacity: Measured in bytes or words.
  • Unit of Transfer: Word length, equal to the number of data lines in/out of the memory module
  • Access Time: Time taken to read or write data.
  • Transfer Rate: Speed of data transfer in/out of the memory

Types of Internal Memory

• ROM (Read Only Memory): Non-volatile memory. Preprogrammed data, cannot be changed.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory. Data is temporarily stored for processing, can be read from and written to. There are sub-types, such as DRAM and SRAM.
• PROM (Programmable ROM): Programmed once, then fixed.
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM): Programmed and erased, reprogrammed.
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM): Programmed and erased electrically.

Secondary Storage Devices

• Long-term storage of data outside the CPU.
• Types include:
  • Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): Traditional magnetic storage. Slower and less expensive; offer large capacities.
  • Solid State Drives (SSDs): Use flash memory. Faster access speeds and longer life spans than HDDs; generally more expensive
  • Hybrid Drives: Combine HDD and SSD technologies (larger capacity, faster access)

Other Storage Devices

• USB Flash Drives: Portable storage.

Input Devices

• Devices for entering data into the computer system from the outside world; they convert that data into computer coded information and send it to the CPU
  • Keyboard, Mouse, Scanner, Microphone, Light Pen, Touch Screen

Output Devices

• Converts binary data from the CPU to human-readable formats (e.g., display on a screen or print on paper)

Paraphiles Devices

• Power Supply Unit: Converts wall outlet power to the types that the computer requires and routes it to other components
• Video Card: Controls video output to the monitor.
• Sound Card: Handles audio output (speakers/headphones).
• Network Card: Allows computer communication over networks, including wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi).
• Bluetooth Card (or Adapter): Enables short-range wireless communication for devices.

What is a Laptop Computer?

• A portable personal computer with almost all of the functionality of a desktop.

What is a Mobile Device? –

• A general term for handheld computers, including tablets, e-readers, and smartphones

Numbering Systems

• Decimal (Base 10): Uses digits 0 through 9.
• Binary (Base 2): Uses digits 0 and 1. Represents all data and instructions in computer systems through codes.
• Octal (Base 8): Uses digits 0 through 7.
• Hexadecimal (Base 16): Uses digits 0-9 and letters A-F.

Binary Arithmetic

• Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division
• Rules need to be followed when carrying out arithmetic operations. (e.g. in binary, 1+1 = 0 with a carry of 1)

Units of Information

• BCD (Binary Coded Decimal): Used to represent decimal numbers in binary form.
• ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Represents characters using 7 bits, enabling data transfer between computers;
• EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code): Used in IBM mainframes and other similar machines using 8 bits.
• Unicode: Represents characters in numerous languages with 16-bit code; handles a large range of characters and provides a more standardized approach to data representation (across many languages)

Software

• Software: Detailed instructions controlling computer operation.
• Functions of Software:
  • Managing computer resources
  • Providing tools for users
  • Acting as intermediary between organizations and information
• Software Program: A series of statements/instructions to a computer.
• Programming: The process of writing programs.
• Programmers: Individuals who specialise in programming

Types of Software

• System Software: Manages computer resources, such as the CPU and peripherals, (operates in the background): includes the operating system and other supporting programs. Examples include compilers and interpreters.
• Application Software: Programs written for a specific task (applications that users interact with directly, performing various tasks)

System Software (Components)

• Operating System: Manages computer activities and resources (e.g. Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Language Translators: Convert programming language to machine language.
• Utility Programs: Perform common processing tasks (e.g. file management)

Languages

• Machine Language: The language directly understood by the computer; a sequence of binary 1s and 0s.
• Assembly Language: Uses symbolic codes (e.g., letters and numbers) instead of binary; Requires an assembler program to translate to machine language.
• High-level Languages: Use English-like terms and symbols. Compiled (or interpreted) to machine language by programs.

Program Translators

• Assembler: Translates an assembly language program into machine language instructions. There is a one to one correspondence.
• Compiler: Translates a high-level language program into machine language instructions in one process (without necessarily immediately executing it). There can be more than one machine instruction per high level instruction and the process of translating is separately from executing the program.
• Interpreter: Translates and executes high-level language instructions one at a time.

Operating System

• A key software program managing computer resources and communication between hardware and users.
• Functions: Process management, Memory management, File management, Security, Command interpretation

Types of Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows
• macOS (Macintosh OS)
• Linux
• Mobile Operating Systems

Logic Gates

• Basic building blocks of digital logic. Perform Boolean operations
• Basic Gates: AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, XNOR
• Each gate is represented as a graphical symbol, an algebraic function, and a truth table.

Flowcharts

• Graphical representations of algorithms or processes.
• Different symbols (e.g., rectangles for processes, diamonds for decisions) have specific meanings to clarify the steps.

Data Communications

• The process of sending data electronically between computers or similar devices.
• Important devices: Modems, Infrared devices, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

Computer Virusses

• A program that replicates to another program, computer boot-sector or document.
• Types: File Infectors, Boot Sector Virus, Multipartite Viruses, Macro Viruses, Stealth Viruses
• Protection measures to prevent viruses:
  • Write-protect floppy disks when using them on a different computer
  • Remove floppies while booting up a computer
  • Install software only from trusted and trusted sources that are written-protected

File Management

• Refers to the way data is stored and organized within files; efficient organization and access. Examples include: sequential, index sequential, and random access methods.

Database

• Database: A structured assembly of related information managed independently.
• Data field: Smallest unit of information;
• Database record: A complete set of information fields about a data item

Database Types

• Hierarchical
• Network
• Object-Oriented
• Relational

Information system

• Combination of information technology, processes, and people to achieve a business objective

Internet

• Collection of linked networks delivering data/processing tasks.
• Access through Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

World Wide Web

• Computer network system for accessing and displaying information globally.
• Components: Links, Web browsers, URLs, Home pages, Websites

Electronic Mail

• Sending messages electronically via computer networks.
• A method for communicating messages electronically through networks

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Mimics human intelligence in machines for tasks that typically require human intelligence.
• Examples: Advanced web search engines, natural language processing, self-driving cars, automated decision-making, strategic games

Machine Learning (ML)

• Computer algorithms that improve through experimentation with data. ML constructs models for predictions and decisions.
• Examples: Computer vision, sketch recognition, speech recognition

Digital Media

• Includes various forms of digitized content
• Types of digital media include audio, video, social media, advertising, news, etc.
• Why is it important?/Uses of Digital Media: Conversion of paper documents to digital form, GPS navigation, entertainment, brand awareness • Different technologies for digital transmission and storage (e.g. cables, satellites).

Desktop and Mobile Applications

• Desktop applications: Software programs developed and used mainly on desktop/laptop computers
• Mobile applications: Software programs primarily designed for use on mobile devices