38 Questions
What is the primary function of a computer?
To process input and produce output
What is the central component of a microcomputer?
Microprocessor
What is a common application of the first computers built?
Solving very large calculations
What is the meaning of the term 'compute'?
To calculate
What is a characteristic of a programmable machine?
It allows the user to store and process information
What is the purpose of a computer's input/output circuitry?
To accept input and display output
What is the significance of the development of microprocessors?
It enabled the development of microcomputers
What is the outcome of learning about computers?
Describe the generation of computers and identify their main components
What is the main reason minicomputers are no longer produced?
Due to the advancement of microcomputers and mainframes
What is the primary advantage of using minicomputers in real-time applications?
They can operate without a special environment
What is a key feature of microcomputers that allows for multi-tasking?
All of the above
What is the primary use of supercomputers?
Nuclear research and weather pattern calculation
What is the main difference between minicomputers and mainframes?
Cost and scalability
What is the primary advantage of microcomputers in small firms?
Low cost and range of software available
What is the primary use of minicomputers in medium-sized organisations?
All processing needs of the organisation
What is a common operating system used with minicomputers?
Time-sharing operating system
What is the primary function of the Input Components in a computer?
To provide a means of inputting data into the computer
What is the main component of the Processing Unit in a computer?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What is the function of the Control Unit (CU) in the CPU?
Issuing control signals to other parts of the computer system
Who developed the first Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
Intel
What is the function of the Arithmetic Logical Unit (ALU) in the CPU?
Performing arithmetic and logical operations
What is the main function of the Processing Unit in a computer?
To execute instructions and produce output
What is the component that is responsible for handling all instructions and calculations in a computer?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
What is the component that is considered one of the processing components in a computer?
Main Memory
What is the primary function of the CPU?
To execute instructions and perform calculations
What is the primary function of BIOS in a computer?
To configure all computer devices
What is the term for the small piece of semi-conducting material that contains an integrated circuit?
CPU chip
What is a characteristic of RAM?
It requires power to function
What is the purpose of secondary storage?
To provide external storage for permanent data
What is the primary function of the primary storage?
To store data temporarily while it is being processed
What is the characteristic of ROM that distinguishes it from RAM?
It is non-volatile and retains its contents when power is off
What happens to data stored in RAM when power is lost?
It is lost
What is the difference between ROM and RAM?
ROM is used for BIOS, while RAM is used for user programs and data
What is the term for the path that electricity flows through in an integrated circuit?
Electric path
What is an example of a secondary storage device?
Hard Disk Drive
What is the purpose of the motherboard?
To hold the CPU, memory, and internal drives
What is an example of a primary storage device?
RAM and ROM
What is the system unit?
The box that contains the essential computer hardware devices
Study Notes
Computers
- A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer with a microprocessor as its central processing unit (CPU), including a microprocessor, memory, and minimal input/output (I/O) circuitry mounted on a single printed circuit board (PCB).
Generation of Computers
- The first computers were built to solve large calculations, and over time, computer functionality was enhanced to incorporate various functions.
- Computers are electronic devices that follow instructions to accept input, process that input, and produce desired output.
Types of Computers
- Minicomputer: A mid-sized computer that fits between microcomputers and mainframes or servers, scaled down version of mainframe computers, used in real-time applications, and can support multiple applications concurrently.
- Microcomputer: The modern day PC (personal computer), used in local networks for sharing disk and printer facilities, and for electronic communications between users (electronic mail).
- Supercomputer: A large computer or collection of computers that act as one large computer, capable of processing enormous amounts of data, used for complex jobs such as nuclear research or collecting and calculating weather patterns.
Main Components of a Computer
- Input Components: Devices used for input of data into the computer, including keyboard, mouse, joystick, touch-pad, track ball, touch-screen, scanners, bar-code reader, and light pen.
- Processing Unit Components: The central processing unit (CPU), which executes data and instructions, and includes the central processing unit (CPU), main memory, and motherboard.
- Output Components: Devices that produce the results of the processing in a human sensible format, including monitor, printer, speakers, and projectors.
- Storage Components: Devices and media for storing data and programs, including primary storage (main memory) and secondary storage (hard disk drives, floppy diskettes, compact discs, etc.).
CPU and Memory
- The CPU (central processing unit) is the main processing component, responsible for handling all instructions and calculations, and includes the control unit (CU) and arithmetic logical unit (ALU).
- The CPU exists as an integrated chip, which is a small piece of semi-conducting material with an integrated circuit embedded.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): A type of memory that is capable of holding data and being read from, but not capable of being written to or having its data modified, used to store start-up programs like BIOS.
- RAM (Random Access Memory): A type of memory that requires power, and loses data when power is lost, used as the working storage of the computer, and is the primary function to store user programs and data.
Learn about the differences between ROM and RAM, including their functions and characteristics in a computer system.
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