Computer Hardware Fundamentals

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of a server?

To host data and programs for a large group of users

To function as a portable computer for a single user

To host data and programs available to a small group of users (correct)

To perform complex computations and processing

Which component is known as the main circuit board in a personal computer?

The processor

The power supply

The expansion card

The motherboard (correct)

What is the role of the power supply in a computer system?

To enhance the cooling system of the computer

To maintain the computer's data storage

To provide electrical power to the computer (correct)

To connect all external devices

What distinguishes multi-core CPUs from single-core CPUs?

Multi-core CPUs contain multiple independent processing units Signup and view all the answers

Where are external devices commonly connected in a personal computer?

To the motherboard via ports Signup and view all the answers

What is typically found inside a system unit to facilitate cooling?

Fans and heat sinks Signup and view all the answers

What type of computers are designed for extremely complex computations?

Supercomputers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a personal computer?

A computer used by a single individual at a time Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a smart card?

To perform identification and transaction processing. Signup and view all the answers

How much data can a typical smart card store?

64 KB or less Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical use of smart cards?

Networking multiple devices Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of storage systems used for large computer systems?

They operate at a much larger scale than personal computer storage. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of RAID in storage systems?

To provide a backup of data through redundancy. Signup and view all the answers

In a large storage system, what is a common configuration?

Multiple high-speed hard drives integrated in a server. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these technologies can be combined with magnetic drives in large storage systems?

SSD drives Signup and view all the answers

What function do NAS and SAN serve in relation to large storage systems?

They facilitate data storage and access across networks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of data archiving?

To enhance the performance of regular storage systems. Signup and view all the answers

How do archival storage systems typically affect backup times?

They decrease backup times by reducing the amount of active data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following storage systems is generally more cost-effective?

Data archival systems. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of devices are considered multifunction devices?

Devices that can copy, scan, fax, and print documents. Signup and view all the answers

What role does software play in relation to computer hardware?

It provides essential instructions for the hardware to function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT typically a function of input devices?

Printing documents. Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage options are cloud providers likely to use for data archiving?

A variety of options including hard drives, optical discs, or tape. Signup and view all the answers

What advancement has influenced businesses to consider cloud storage for archival needs?

The growth of cloud storage options. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of network attached storage (NAS)?

It provides high-performance storage connected individually to a network. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a typical use case for cloud storage?

Sharing files with others through a link or email. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of cloud storage compared to traditional storage methods?

It allows access to files from any Internet-enabled device. Signup and view all the answers

How do cloud storage sites typically ensure the security of shared files?

Through password protection and user-specific access settings. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a storage area network (SAN) from network attached storage (NAS)?

SANs consist of a network of hard drives separate from the main network. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is TRUE regarding free cloud storage providers?

They typically offer a restricted amount of storage at no cost. Signup and view all the answers

What is often charged by business cloud storage services like Amazon S3?

A monthly fee based on storage used plus data transfer costs. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cloud storage is FALSE?

Cloud storage typically requires a permanent physical installation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of proprietary software?

It is developed and sold by companies that keep the source code private. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary benefit of open-source software according to the content?

It provides flexibility to change code to meet user needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which company is mentioned as a major vendor of solutions related to open-source technology?

Red Hat Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'core developers' refer to in the context of open-source software?

Developers who can directly modify the open-source code. Signup and view all the answers

Why do companies often face fines related to proprietary software?

For failing to pay for necessary licenses. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes system software?

It includes the operating system and utility programs. Signup and view all the answers

How do bugs in open-source software get addressed?

They are fixed quickly due to broad community involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason organizations are moving towards open-source software?

It generally allows for more customization. Signup and view all the answers

What is system software primarily responsible for?

Mediating between application software and hardware Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes 'off-the-shelf' software?

Standardized software available for mass purchase Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of mobile software?

It is designed for specific mobile devices and operating systems Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software must be installed on the device before it can be used?

Installed software Signup and view all the answers

What best exemplifies a software suite?

An integrated group of programs like Microsoft Office Signup and view all the answers

How can software be categorized based on user access?

As installed or cloud software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about mobile apps is false?

They can only be used on laptops and desktops. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is available as shareware or freeware?

Software that can be used for free or at a cost Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course Title: COM 101 - Information Systems Technology
Unit: Computer Hardware and Software
Instructor: Bibhu Ratna Tuladhar
Instructor Email: [email protected]

Information Systems

An Information System (IS) is an organized combination of people, hardware and software, communication networks, data resources, and policies and procedures.
These components are used to store, retrieve, transform, and disseminate information within an organization.

Information Technology (IT)

IT is the application of technology to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale.
This includes the use of computers, storage, networking, physical devices, infrastructure, and processes to create, process, store, and exchange electronic data.
IT also encompasses using physical devices to manage, exercise, store, and retrieve data transmitted electronically.

Computers

A computer is a programmable, electronic device that accepts data, performs operations on that data, presents the results, and stores the data or results.
The primary operations of a computer are input, processing, output, and storage.
Computers also perform communication functions like Internet use, accessing company databases, and exchanging email messages.

Computer Classification

Computers can be classified based on historical development, purpose, technology used, and size/capacity.
Types of general purpose computers include digital computers, analog computers, and hybrid computers.
Special purpose computers are also mentioned, encompassing various categories based on their intended use and performance.
Computer generations (first, second, third, fourth, and fifth) are also mentioned in relation to development.

Computer Systems

Computer systems vary in size and complexity, ranging from personal computers to supercomputers.
Computer systems are categorized into different types including personal information systems, workgroup systems, and organization-wide systems.
Microcomputers (PCs, laptops), mini or midrange computers (workstations), and mainframe supercomputers are specified.

Components of a Computer

Each computer system comprises internal and external hardware components.
Internal hardware includes the motherboard, RAM, hard disk, SSD, and CPU.
External hardware includes the monitor, mouse, keyboard, printer, and speaker.
Additional components such as audio cards, PCI cards, fans, DVD-ROM drives, computer cables, and webcams are also outlined.

CPU, Memory, and Storage Devices

The CPU (central processing unit) is the primary processor, handling most processing operations.
Memory (RAM) is volatile, storing data temporarily while the computer is on.
Storage devices (hard disk, SSD) store data permanently.
Additional components like cache memory and registers also assist with processing speed.

Computer Memory

RAM(random access memory) stores data actively being used by the computer.
Different types of memory include cache memory, registers, ROM (read-only memory), and flash memory.
Characteristics like speed, volatility (whether data is lost when the computer is off), and functions are highlighted for each type.

Computer Buses

Buses are electronic paths in computers.
These paths transfer data between internal CPU/motherboard components (and peripherals).
Types include memory buses and expansion buses, alongside concepts like bus width and speed that impact data transfer.
Additional types of buses include PCI and USB, noting their use in different areas of computers.

Storage Technology

Storage technologies include hard drives (magnetic, solid-state, solid-state hybrid), optical discs (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray), flash memory (cards, USB drives), network and cloud storage, and RAID.
Specific differences (internal vs. external) in hard drives, and standards (SATA, PCIe, SCSI, USB) are mentioned.
Different storage types differ by capacity, speed, and cost, with tradeoffs among these features emphasized.

Network and Cloud Storage

Network attached storage (NAS) devices include multiple hard drives and connect to computer networks.
Cloud storage allows data access via the internet and involves storage on storage servers owned by another provider.
Cloud storage and online storage (like services such as those from Amazon, Google, Facebook and Microsoft) are outlined.

Smart Cards

Smart cards are credit-card sized storage units with computer circuitry that enables functions such as payment or identification.

Storage for Large Computer Systems

Large computer systems (servers, mainframes) often use multiple hard drives or storage systems to enhance data storage capacity and data reliability.

RAID and Archival Storage

RAID (redundant arrays of independent disks) is a storage method using duplicate data in order to improve its reliability.
Archival storage systems move data that is no longer actively used to a dedicated storage system for long-term retention.

Further Exploration

Virtualization, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, and Cloud Storage Systems.

Input and Output Devices

Input devices include keyboards (standard, MIDI, on-screen), pointing devices, scanners, and readers.
Output devices include display devices (flat panel, projectors), printers (laser, inkjet, specialty), and output sounds to devices.

Computer Software

Software instructions for the computer's hardware; often more expensive than hardware.
Various types of software (freeware, shareware, proprietary)
System software and application software

System Software

System software controls the computer's functions as well as the hardware's actions, enabling a system to effectively run. These programs enable the computer to boot, execute application programs, and facilitate various key tasks.

Application Software

Software that carries out specific functionality for the user.
Software may be developed internally or commercially, and may involve a particular package or software suite.

Mobile Software

Software designed for a specific mobile device operating system, and usually offered through an app store like the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Mobile software often incorporates specific functions optimized for easier data input methods.

Software Access

Software can be accessed by the end user through physical installation, via the internet and cloud access, or through specific hardware.

Software Suites

Bundled software packages.

Enterprise Resource Planning

Special system for managing a company's various activities from a single central location, integrating all activities into one package.

Utility Programs

Programs that maintain or manage the computer system. Includes file management, search tools, uninstallation, compression, and security options.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer hardware components and their functions with this quiz. Explore questions related to servers, CPUs, storage systems, and smart cards, and understand the roles these elements play in computing environments. Perfect for students and tech enthusiasts alike!