Computer Keyboards and Printers Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following keyboard types was the first to include a System Request key?

Enhanced

PC/AT (correct)

Windows

PC/XT

What is the key difference between PC/XT and PC/AT keyboards?

PC/XT keyboards have a wireless connection.

PC/AT keyboards have a dedicated multimedia button.

PC/XT keyboards are not compatible with PC/AT systems. (correct)

PC/AT keyboards have more keys.

Which keyboard type is most commonly used in modern systems?

USB (correct)

PC/XT

PC/AT

Enhanced

What is the main benefit of a multimedia keyboard?

It includes dedicated buttons for controlling multimedia functions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of a wireless keyboard?

A built-in trackpad Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a virtual keyboard?

It provides a temporary keyboard that appears on the screen, primarily used on touchscreens. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of keyboard typically has a limited number of keys, focusing on the essential functions?

Virtual Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of a USB keyboard?

It is compatible with a wider range of operating systems than older keyboard types. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes dot-matrix printers from non-impact printers?

The method of transferring ink to paper Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of non-impact printer?

Dot-matrix printer Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using a laser printer over a dot-matrix printer?

Higher print quality Signup and view all the answers

How does a laser printer transfer toner to paper?

Using a drum that rotates and deposits toner onto the paper Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a plotter?

Creating high-quality graphs and drawings Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between a drum plotter and a flatbed plotter?

The method of moving the pen across the paper Signup and view all the answers

Which types of documents are typically printed on plotters?

Construction maps and engineering drawings Signup and view all the answers

What type of data format is required by plotters to produce drawings?

Vector graphics Signup and view all the answers

What type of data do analogue computers process?

Continuous data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an analogue computer?

Speedometer Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental basis for data representation in digital computers?

Binary number system Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hybrid computers from analogue and digital computers?

They combine both analogue and digital processing Signup and view all the answers

How do digital computers generally compare to analogue devices in terms of accuracy?

More accurate Signup and view all the answers

What was a major reason for the popularity of analogue computers in the 1950s and 1960s?

Analogue computers were cheaper than digital counterparts Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of analogue data?

It changes continuously Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about digital computers is true?

They rely on precise calculations using discrete states Signup and view all the answers

What technology is used by MICR to identify text?

Magnetic ink Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is correct?

OCR compares scanned patterns to stored patterns. Signup and view all the answers

How does a MICR reader detect characters on a check?

By magnetizing the writing and scanning it. Signup and view all the answers

What types of sensors can detect humidity changes?

Humidity sensors Signup and view all the answers

What is a common application of audio-input devices?

Translating spoken words into text Signup and view all the answers

What does a sensor typically produce as an output?

Electrical or optical signals Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is essential for MICR technology?

Presence of iron particles in ink Signup and view all the answers

Which type of sensor is not commonly used?

Color sensors Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a sound card in a computer?

To convert analog audio signals to digital codes and vice versa Signup and view all the answers

What component is essential for a speech recognition system to function?

Voice recognition software Signup and view all the answers

Which type of camera is typically used to capture full-motion video images?

Webcam Signup and view all the answers

How can you transfer images from a digital camera to a computer?

Using FireWire, USB ports, or external storage devices Signup and view all the answers

What do the terms 'CRT' and 'flat panel display' refer to?

Two categories of output devices Signup and view all the answers

In terms of monitor display, what does a resolution of 1024 x 768 indicate?

The number of dots per line and the number of lines on the screen Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of output devices in a computer system?

To convert CPU information into a readable format for users Signup and view all the answers

What is a pixel in relation to computer monitors?

The smallest unit on the screen that forms images Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a feature of an ergonomic keyboard?

Affordable for common people Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mouse utilizes laser technology to detect movement?

Optical mouse Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between opto-mechanical and mechanical mice?

Opto-mechanical mice use optical sensors instead of balls. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of mouse connection is considered the simplest?

Serial Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic feature of a trackball?

A rolling ball on the top that controls cursor movement Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a type of mouse connection?

Bluetooth Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a gaming keyboard?

To offer dedicated keys for gaming functions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Computing Devices

Computers have been classified since their invention, categorized by how they operate (input, processing, output).
Computers are also grouped into categories based on their electronic nature and function.
Key computer types include: Analog, Digital, and Hybrid.

Analog Computers

Designed for processing analog data.
Analog data is continuous and does not have discrete values.
Analog computers directly accept data from measuring devices, measuring continuous changes.
Examples include speedometers, and mercury thermometers.
These devices monitor changes in continuous electrical states (pressure, temperature, voltage, length, volume, shaft rotation).
A petrol pump and speedometer are analog examples.
Analog computers offer limited accuracy compared to digital devices.

Digital Computers

Perform calculations precisely by counting numbers.
Data is represented by discrete states ("on" and "off", yes/no, conducting/non-conducting) of electronic circuitry.
Represented by binary numbers (1s and 0s) in the number system.
The binary system efficiently depicts the on/off electric current states.
All data is converted into binary form before processing.
Generally yield more accurate results than analog devices.

Hybrid Computers

Combine analog and digital components.
Some units function as analog devices, requiring analog quantities.
Other units are digital, requiring digital quantities.
Hybrid computers offer the speed of analog computers and the memory and accuracy of digital computers.
Used mainly in specialized applications that need to process both types of data (continuous and discrete).

Classification of Computer: Supercomputer

A supercomputer is the most powerful computer currently available.
Designed for processing massive amounts of information rapidly.
Used for tasks like weather forecasting, climate research, scientific simulations, oil and gas exploration, quantum mechanics, and cryptanalysis.
Useful in fields like nuclear research because of precision in predicting events happening on a millisecond level.

Classification of Computer: Mainframe

The largest computers commonly used.
Designed for processing large volumes of data at high speed.
Commonly used by large organizations (power companies, research institutions, telecommunication companies).
Typically used by corporations for transactions, data storage (e.g. census) and reliability in handling massive amounts of input, output, and storage.
Accessed through terminals with a keyboard and monitor.
These computers are located in dedicated computer rooms.
Examples: IBM, Burroughs, BINAC, CBC Cyber series, Univac.

Classification of Computer: Minicomputer

Mid-range computers located between mainframes and microcomputers.
A minicomputer has all the features of a larger computer, but in a smaller physical size.
Often multi-user systems.
Examples: IBM's AS/400e, Honeywell 200, TI-990.

Classification of Computer: Personal Computer (PC)

PCs are used on desks and are categorized as Desk and Tower Units (larger and can be carried; fitted on desks).
Includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, and tower/system unit.
Laptops/Notebooks are portable computing devices designed for easy transportation that include a screen and keyboard.
Pocket PCs are also mobile devices, small enough to fit in a pocket or hand.

Classification of Computer: Electronic Organizers

Electronic gadgets for managing schedules.
Save important data like names, contact information, addresses and meeting dates.

Classification of Computer: Palmtop Computers

Highly compact mobile devices.
Contain many of the same components as desktop and laptop computers, however, they are designed for compact size and energy efficiency.

Classification of Computer: Personal Digital Assistants (PDA)

Compact handheld computers with touch screens.
Operated with a stylus, though also feature a virtual keyboard for text input.
Used as personal organizers but have expanded to include features like internet connectivity, GPS navigation, and multimedia support.

Components of a Computer System

A computer system consists of hardware and software that must work together.
Hardware: physical components (CPU, keyboard, printer).
Software: set of instructions that informs the computer what to do

Hardware: Internal Components

Motherboard
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Random-access memory (RAM)
Hard Drive
Optical Drive
Network Interface Card (NIC)
FireWire/USB Expansion Card.
Power Supply
Sound Card
Analog Modem

Hardware: External Components

Keyboard
Mouse
Printer
Scanner
Speakers
Monitor
Modem

Input Devices

Bring data and instructions to the computer.
Commonly include keyboards, mice, lightpens, joysticks, graphic tablets, touch screens.

Input Devices: Keyboard

Electromechanical components.
Create specialized electronic codes when keys are pressed.
Codes transmitted to computer units or terminals creating computer usable code.
Common keyboard types: PC/XT, PC/AT, Enhanced, Windows, USB, Virtual keypads.

Input Devices: Other Common Examples

Trackballs
Pointing sticks, including touchpads.
Light pens.
Scanners, with varied technologies like OCR, OMR, BCR, and MICR.
Barcode Readers, with varied widths of bars to identify items.

Output Devices

Send information out of the computer.
Examples include monitors, plotters, printers, projectors, and speakers.
Can output readable data.

Output Devices: Monitors

Display screens that produce images or text using pixels, each dot in the display screen.
Two main types: Cathode-ray tube (CRT) - using electron beam and flat panel displays such as LCD and LEDs.
Common types: Monochrome, Color (RGB color model), and various enhanced types (EGA, VGA, Super VGA).

Output Devices: Printers

Produce hard copies of data.
Categorized by print methods such as impact (makes direct contact) and non-impact ( uses other technologies, like xerographic, chemical, electrostatic, or laser).
Common types: Dot-matrix, Laser, Plotters (like drum plotters and flatbed plotters, useful for engineering drawings; generate documents that can have a series of lines.

Output Devices: Microfilm Storage Devices

Store and compress documents for a small footprint.
Including microfiche, a flat sheet, and microfilm, a roll of images.

Input/Output Devices: Audio Input Devices

Speech or human voice is used as input for the computer.
Audio and video conferences are handled by these types of devices.
Conversion of audio signals from microphone are transformed to digital code before being stored by computer; conversely, digital sound is converted to an analog signal in sending sound to speakers.

Input/Output Devices: Video Input Devices

Computer receives input data from video cameras and digital cameras
Still photos can be captured by digital cameras and video images can be from video cameras; these may be saved and compressed from an external device
Webcams and video capture cards

Input/Output Devices: Electronic Cameras

Can capture still images from digital cameras
Images can be moved from the camera to an external source
Uses ports on computers for downloading images to make changes

Input/Output Devices: Sensors

Detect changes and output to signal the recognition of the change.
Sensors convert electrical, physical, and other characteristics into electrical or optical signals

Input/Output Devices: Speech Recognition

Processes spoken words into written format.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the evolution and types of computer keyboards and printers. This quiz covers key features, differences among various keyboard types, and the printing technologies available today. Suitable for anyone interested in computer hardware.