Computer Hardware Overview

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?

Data encryption (correct)

Process management

File management

Device management

RAM is non-volatile memory, meaning data remains even when the computer is turned off.

False (B)

What is the primary role of the CPU in a computer system?

The CPU is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations.

A ______ is a program designed for specific tasks, like word processing or creating presentations.

application Signup and view all the answers

Match the following computer hardware components with their descriptions:

CPU = Stores data permanently RAM = Used for graphical processing HDD = Used for quick access to data and instructions GPU = The brain of the computer, executes instructions SSD = Offers fast and durable storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are examples of programming languages?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

A data bus carries control signals between computer components.

False (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of system software?

To manage and control computer hardware and other software. Signup and view all the answers

The process of identifying user needs in software development is called ______.

requirement gathering Signup and view all the answers

Match the following software development lifecycle stages with their corresponding activities.

Requirement gathering = Identifying user needs Design = Creating a plan for the software Implementation = Writing and testing the code Testing = Checking the software's functionality Deployment = Making the software available Maintenance = Fixing bugs and performing updates Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of software development lifecycle stage?

Marketing (A) Signup and view all the answers

Drivers are software programs that allow the operating system to communicate with peripherals.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is binary data representation?

Data represented using only 0s and 1s. Signup and view all the answers

ASCII and Unicode are examples of ______ methods, used for representing characters using numerical codes.

character encoding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common number system used in computer science?

Quinary (B) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Hardware

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions.
- Components: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) performs calculations, Control Unit manages instructions.
- Clock Speed: Measures the frequency of the CPU's operations, expressed in Hertz (e.g., GHz).
- Cores: Multiple processing units within a single CPU, enabling parallel processing.
Memory: Stores data and instructions.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): Used to hold data and instructions that the CPU needs quickly, volatile (data lost when power off).
- ROM (Read Only Memory): Holds boot instructions, non-volatile (data retained when power off).
- Cache Memory: Small, high-speed memory that acts as a buffer between the CPU and RAM, improving performance.
Storage: Stores data permanently.
- Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Mechanical storage using spinning disks and read/write heads.
- Solid State Drive (SSD): Electronic storage using flash memory, faster and more durable than HDDs.
- Optical Drive: Uses lasers to read and write data to optical media (CDs, DVDs).
Input Devices: Allow the user to enter data.
- Keyboard: Allows text input.
- Mouse: Allows pointing and clicking.
- Scanner: Scans images and documents.
- Microphone: Captures audio input.
Output Devices: Allow the computer to display information.
- Monitor (Display): Displays visual information.
- Printer: Prints documents and images.
- Speaker: Produces audio output.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles graphical processing, commonly used in video games and image editing.

Computer Software

Operating System (OS): Manages computer hardware and software resources.
- Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Functions: File management, process management, memory management, device management.
Applications Software: Programs designed for specific tasks.
- Word Processors: Creating and editing documents (e.g., Microsoft Word).
- Spreadsheets: Organizing and analyzing data (e.g., Microsoft Excel).
- Database Management Systems (DBMS): Managing large collections of data (e.g., MySQL).
- Presentation Software: Creating presentations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint).
- Web Browsers: Accessing and displaying web pages (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
System Software: Programs that manage the computer's hardware and software resources.
- Utilities: Perform specific tasks like disk cleanup or file compression.
Programming Languages: Used to create applications and systems.
- Examples: Python, Java, C++.
- Purpose: Provide instructions for the computer to perform tasks.
Types of Software:
- System software: Manages and controls computer hardware and other software, e.g., operating systems (OS).
- Application software: Provides tools for users to perform specific tasks
Software Development Lifecycles (SDLC): Different stages involved in developing software.
- Requirement gathering: Identifying user needs.
- Design: Creating a plan for the software.
- Implementation: Writing and testing the code.
- Testing: Checking the software's functionality.
- Deployment: Making the software available.
- Maintenance: Fixing bugs and performing updates.

Hardware and Software Interconnection

Buses: Electrical pathways that allow data to travel between components.
- Data bus: Carries data.
- Address bus: Carries memory addresses.
- Control bus: Carries control signals.
Peripherals: Devices connected to the computer, controlled by the OS.
Drivers: Software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware devices.

Data Representation

Binary: Data represented using 0s and 1s.
Number Systems: Decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal.
Character Encoding: Representing characters using numerical codes (e.g., ASCII, Unicode).

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Description

Explore the fundamental components of computer hardware, including the CPU, memory types, and storage solutions. This quiz covers the roles of various parts, such as RAM and SSDs, and their impact on performance. Test your knowledge on how these components work together in a computer system.