24 Questions
What is the primary function of the motherboard in a computer system?
To connect and support various components
What is the unit of measurement for storage capacity that represents over 1 trillion characters?
Terabyte
What type of software enables the computer to perform essential operating tasks and makes it possible for application software to run?
System software
What is the term for the primary storage of a computer system?
Random access memory (RAM)
What is the function of a modem in a computer system?
To connect to the internet
What is the term for the device that provides power to the computer system?
Power supply
What is the central processing unit (CPU) also known as?
Processor chip
What type of software is specific to the system software you use and won't work on other system software?
Application software
What is the primary function of a computer?
To process data into information
What is the main difference between primary and secondary storage?
Primary storage is temporary, while secondary storage is permanent
What is the term for the electronic instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task?
Software
What is the term for the raw facts and figures that are processed into information?
Data
What is the purpose of the input operation in a computer?
To receive data from the user
What is the term for the results of processing, such as on the screen or printouts?
Output
What is the term for the machinery and equipment in a computer system?
Hardware
What is the term for sending and receiving data?
Communications
What type of computer is used for scientific, mathematical, engineering, and computer-aided design applications?
Workstation
What is the primary function of a server in a client-server network?
To hold data and programs for clients to access
Which type of microcomputer is commonly used for mobile purposes?
Notebook
What is the term for tiny, specialized microprocessors inside appliances and automobiles?
Microcontrollers
What type of computer is used by individuals as well as businesses, and can be connected to networks of larger computers?
Microcomputer
Which type of microcomputer is also known as an e-reader?
E-reader
What is the term for a network of computers where one central computer holds data and programs for clients to access?
Client-server network
What type of computer is used for designing cars, drugs, and movie special effects?
Workstation
Study Notes
Inside the System Cabinet
- The system cabinet contains:
- Case and power supply
- Processor chip (Central Processing Unit/CPU)
- Memory chips (Random Access Memory/RAM or primary storage)
- Motherboard (system board with expansion slots)
Storage Hardware
- Storage capacity is measured in bytes
- 1 byte = 1 character of data
- 1 kilobyte = 1,024 characters
- 1 megabyte = 1,048,576 characters
- 1 gigabyte = over 1 billion characters
- 1 terabyte = over 1 trillion characters
- 1 petabyte = about 1 quadrillion characters
- Storage hardware includes hard drives, CD/DVD drives, and more
Output Hardware
- Output hardware includes:
- Video
- Sound cards
- Speakers
- Monitor
- Printer
Communications Hardware
- Communications hardware includes:
- Modem
Software
- There are two types of software:
- System software (enables computer to perform essential tasks)
- Application software (enables specific tasks and problem-solving)
- System software includes:
- Operating system (OS)
- Examples: Windows, Unix, Linux, Mac OS
- Application software is specific to the system software used
How Computers Work
- Three key concepts:
- Data is turned into information
- Hardware and software have specific functions
- All computers involve input, processing, storage, output, and communications
- Computer purposes:
- Turning data into information
- Data: raw facts and figures
- Information: data summarized or transformed for decision-making
- Hardware vs. software:
- Hardware: machinery and equipment in a computer system
- Software: electronic instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task
Basic Operations of a Computer
- Input: what goes into the computer system
- Processing: manipulation of data to turn it into information
- Storage:
- Primary storage (memory): temporary storage for data waiting to be processed
- Secondary storage (hard disk, DVDs, CDs): permanent storage
- Output: results of processing, such as on the screen, printouts, sound
- Communications: sending and receiving data
This quiz covers the internal components of a computer system, including the case, power supply, processor, memory chips, and motherboard. Learn about the different parts that make up a computer's processing and memory hardware.
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