Computer Hardware: CPU Basics
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Questions and Answers

What is a characteristic of Open Source Software?

  • Developers can modify, copy, and customize the software. (correct)
  • Users must pay to access and use it.
  • It is typically developed by a single company.
  • It is only available to a select group of users.

    • Which of the following is an example of Application Software?

  • Windows
  • MS Excel (correct)
  • iOS
  • Linux

    • What is the main purpose of Near Field Communication (NFC)?

  • To establish communications over long distances.
  • To enhance computer processing speeds.
  • To enable short-range data exchange between devices. (correct)
  • To protect data stored on devices.

    • What is a key difference between Systems Software and Application Software?

    <p>System software provides instructions for hardware to perform tasks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential benefit of participating in an open-source community?

    <p>Enhancing an organization's public image. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the Control Unit play in the CPU?

    <p>It directs and decodes instructions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which definition corresponds to a Bit?

    <p>The basic unit of digital data, representing 0 or 1. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Registers within the CPU?

    <p>To temporarily store data before and after processing. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step in CPU operation involves translating data to a programming code?

    <p>Step 3: Algorithmic Logic Unit processing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which data unit size is equivalent to one minute of an MP3 song?

    <p>Megabyte (MB) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary storage function of Cache Memory?

    <p>To allow rapid access to frequently used data. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is encoding important in CPU operations?

    <p>It changes instructions into binary format. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes a Terabyte (TB)?

    <p>About 200 FHD movies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of RAM?

    <p>It holds software programs and data for processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about ROM is accurate?

    <p>ROM retains critical instructions even when the power is off. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is the fastest?

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

    What is a distinctive feature of active RFID tags?

    <p>They require a power supply and are more reliable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered secondary storage?

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

    What advantage do barcodes provide for data entry?

    <p>They save labor costs and allow for data automation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which trend is observed in hardware components over time?

    <p>They are getting smaller, faster, cheaper, and more powerful. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes source data automation devices from human data entry devices?

    <p>They can automatically capture data without human intervention. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Central Processing Unit (CPU)

    The main brain of the computer, executing instructions and processing data.

    Control Unit

    Component of the CPU that directs and decodes instructions.

    Algorithmic Logic Unit (ALU)

    Part of the CPU that performs actual computations and processing of instructions.

    Registers

    Small storage areas in the CPU that temporarily hold data and instructions.

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    Encoding

    The process of converting data into a binary format for the computer to understand.

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    Bit

    The smallest unit of data in computing, represented as 0 or 1.

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    Cache Memory

    High-speed memory that temporarily stores frequently accessed data for quicker processing.

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    Primary Storage

    Temporarily stores small amounts of data that the CPU uses immediately.

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    Near Field Communication (NFC)

    A technology that allows devices to communicate wirelessly when close together for payments or data exchange.

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    Systems Software

    Software that includes the operating system needed to run computer hardware and applications.

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    Application Software

    Programs that run on operating systems to perform specific tasks like word processing or browsing.

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    Open Source Software (OSS)

    Software with accessible source code, allowing users to modify and share it freely.

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    Proprietary Software

    Closed-source software that requires payment and restricts access to the source code.

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    Random Access Memory (RAM)

    A type of volatile memory that temporarily holds data and software programs while a computer is in use.

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    Read-Only Memory (ROM)

    A type of non-volatile memory that stores critical instructions, retaining data even when powered off.

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    Secondary Storage

    Storage devices not built into the computer hardware, used for long-term data retention.

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    QR Code

    A two-dimensional barcode that provides quick access to data via scanners or smartphone cameras.

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    Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

    Technology using radio waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects.

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    Passive Tags

    RFID tags that do not have their own power source and are activated by a reader's signal.

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    Study Notes

    Computer Hardware Components

    • Computer hardware comprises the physical components of a computer system
    • CPU (Central Processing Unit): This is the main "brain" of the unit, often called a microprocessor or chip (like core i3)
    • The CPU chip dictates the speed of the laptop and handles computations within the computer.
    • Three main parts of the CPU:
      • Control Unit: Directs instructions
      • Algorithmic Logic Unit: Receives and decodes data/instructions and performs computations
      • Registers: Temporarily store results from the algorithmic logic unit

    How the CPU Works

    • Input: Instructions on what to do with data, often entered through a keyboard.
    • Step 2: Control Unit: Directs the instructions and decodes in the chip.
    • Step 3: Algorithmic Logic Unit: Receives and decodes data & instruction and encodes them for computation. Encoding translates data into programming language.
    • Step 4: Binary Data: Computers understand only binary data (0s and 1s).
    • Encoding: Changing information into a programming code so that the computer understands.
    • Decoding: Process of taking encoded information and converting it back to understandable information.

    Data Representation & Storage

    • Data is translated to binary form (encoded).
    • In a chip, "0" represents no flow of electricity (off) and "1" represents electricity flowing (on).
    • "0" and "1" are called bits.
    • All data types (letters, numbers, music, photos) are changed into binary data to be processed by the CPU.
    • Registers: Temporarily store results computed by the algorithmic logic unit. These results can then be stored in primary or secondary storage.

    Memory Capacity & Data Units

    • Primary Storage (Main Memory): Temporarily stores a small amount of data the CPU will use immediately, built into the hardware.
    • Data Unit: Data units (e.g., Byte, KiloByte, MegaByte, GigaByte, TeraByte) represent increasing multiples of storage space (1024 times the previous unit).
    • Main Types of Primary Storage:
      • Registers: Smallest capacity, store limited amounts of instructions & data immediately before and after processing.
      • Cache Memory: High-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data closer to the CPU.

    Secondary Storage

    • Secondary storage is not built into the hardware. Examples include magnetic tape, DVDs, flash memory.
    • Hardware components are becoming smaller, faster, cheaper, and more powerful over time.

    Input Technologies

    • Two basic ways data is input to a computer:
      • Human Data Entry Devices: Methods involving human input, like keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and voice recognition systems.
      • Source Data Automation Devices: Devices that automatically input data, such as barcodes, which allow for automatic data capture with high accuracy.

    Output Technologies

    • Output technologies present data/information in a form humans can understand/see. Examples include monitors, printers, and projectors.

    QR Codes

    • QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes used for various tasks, like accessing web pages, initiating actions (email, calls), or providing information.

    RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)

    • RFID tags are chips with antennas attached to products for identification and tracking.
    • Passive RFID tags: Inexpensive, rely on external power sources for activation.
    • Active RFID tags: More expensive, have their own power supply.

    Near Field Communication (NFC)

    • NFC involves short-range communication when a cellphone is used for payment, transmitting data, or exchanging other information.

    Computer Software

    • Computer software consists of programs and applications.
    • Two types of software:
      • System Software: Primarily the operating system (OS) which is essential for running applications on a computer (Examples: Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, etc.)
      • Application Software: Software that runs on top of the operating system (Examples: MS Excel, Outlook, browsers, etc.)

    Open Source Software

    • Open-source software is free, accessible for modification, and customizable.

    Proprietary Software

    • Proprietary software is usually closed source and owned by a particular company, and users must pay for use or access.

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    Related Documents

    Lecture 2 (Computer Hard & Software) PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the essential components of computer hardware, focusing primarily on the CPU. You'll learn about its role, structure, and how it processes information. Test your understanding of how the central processing unit operates within a computer system.

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