Computer Science Basics Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Fourth Generation computers introduced ______ circuits, making them more compact and affordable.

Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI)

Fifth Generation computers are characterized by the introduction of ______ technology.

Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI)

A computer processes raw data into meaningful ______.

information

The component of a computer that performs calculations and processing is called the ______.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

Data is defined as raw facts and figures that are ______ and lack inherent meaning.

unorganized Signup and view all the answers

Common programming languages in the Fifth Generation include Java and ______.

C++ Signup and view all the answers

One key function of a computer is to ______ data based on provided instructions.

process Signup and view all the answers

Examples of output devices include printers and ______.

scanners Signup and view all the answers

Digital computers process information in discrete form, often represented as ______

binary Signup and view all the answers

Analog computers are suitable for ______ simulation tasks.

real-time Signup and view all the answers

Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computers used for complex scientific ______.

calculations Signup and view all the answers

Personal computers are affordable and designed for ______ use.

individual Signup and view all the answers

Mini computers are typically used by small to medium-sized ______.

businesses Signup and view all the answers

Embedded systems are specialized computers that perform specific ______ functions.

control Signup and view all the answers

Hybrid computers combine the speed of ______ and the accuracy of digital technology.

analog Signup and view all the answers

Mainframe computers are used in sectors such as banking and ______ for large-scale data processing.

government Signup and view all the answers

A ______ intentionally steals information without user knowledge.

cracker Signup and view all the answers

Booting up includes running checks to ensure all ______ is functioning properly.

hardware Signup and view all the answers

Once logged in, you can launch various ______ such as web browsers.

programs Signup and view all the answers

Regularly saving and backing up data helps avoid ______.

loss Signup and view all the answers

To troubleshoot issues, you might need to perform updates or reinstall ______.

drivers Signup and view all the answers

Malware can infect computers, causing problems such as data ______.

loss Signup and view all the answers

Properly shutting down ensures that all programs and files are ______ before exit.

saved Signup and view all the answers

Users can ______ to the internet to access websites and download files.

connect Signup and view all the answers

Social media platforms can facilitate negative behavior, including ______ and harmful comments.

bullying Signup and view all the answers

______ is the most popular high-speed connection offered by cable or phone companies.

Broadband Signup and view all the answers

Mobile phones enable internet access through data packs without ______.

wires Signup and view all the answers

Instant communication can occur globally through ______, a widely used method for sharing information.

email Signup and view all the answers

Digitization involves converting information into ______ data for manipulation by devices.

digital Signup and view all the answers

The basic unit of digital data is called a ______, represented as 0s and 1s.

bit Signup and view all the answers

The ______ system is used by digital devices to represent numbers using 0 and 1.

binary Signup and view all the answers

Character data is composed of letters, symbols, and ______ not used in calculations.

numerals Signup and view all the answers

The commonly referred to encoding scheme that uses 7 bits for each character is called ______.

ASCII Signup and view all the answers

Unicode uses ______ bits and supports a large number of characters from multiple languages.

16 Signup and view all the answers

Formatted text files often require embedded ______ codes for various styles.

formatting Signup and view all the answers

A group of eight bits is referred to as a ______.

byte Signup and view all the answers

Kilobyte is equivalent to ______ bytes.

1,024 Signup and view all the answers

Lossless ______ compresses data without losing any information.

compression Signup and view all the answers

The text file format often labeled as 'Plain Text' on Apple devices is an example of ______ text files.

ASCII Signup and view all the answers

The abbreviation for bit is lowercase ______.

b Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Generations

Fourth Generation (1971-1980)
- Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuits were introduced, making computers more compact and affordable.
- Real-time, time-sharing, and distributed operating systems were commonly used.
- Popular programming languages included C and C++.
Fifth Generation (1980–Present)
- Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) technology was introduced.
- Microprocessors contained millions of components.
- Parallel processing and AI software became prominent.
- Programming languages: C, C++, Java, and .Net.
- Devices: Desktop, Laptop, Notebook, and Ultrabook.

Computer Basics

A computer is an electronic device that processes raw data into meaningful information.
It executes instructions (programs) to perform tasks.
The full form of "computer" is "Commonly Operated Machine Particularly Used for Training, Education, and Research."

Computer Components

Hardware:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Memory (RAM/Storage devices)
- Input/Output devices (keyboard, mouse, etc.)
- Peripherals (printers, scanners)
Software:
- Operating system (OS)
- Applications (software programs)

History of Computers

Early developments: Analytical Engine and tabulating machines in the 19th century.
Modern computers emerged in the mid-20th century with transistors and integrated circuits.

Importance and Uses of Computers

Widely used in industries like education, finance, healthcare, and entertainment.
Enabled advancements such as the internet, cloud computing, and mobile devices.

Computer Functions

Accepts data
Stores data
Processes data based on instructions
Retrieves stored data
Outputs results in a desired format

Data and Information

Data: Raw facts and figures entered into a computer, unorganized and without inherent meaning. Examples: numbers, words, images, sounds.
Information: Data that has been processed, organized, and given context to become meaningful and useful. Example: Sales figures processed into a graph showing trends over time, which can aid in decision-making.

Classification of Computers

Based on Design and Technology

Digital Computers: Process information in discrete (binary) form (0s and 1s). Common in industrial, business, and scientific applications. Suitable for large-volume data processing.
Analog Computers: Process continuous data, often from physical processes. Example: Thermometers, simulations in aircrafts and nuclear power plants. Suitable for real-time simulation tasks.
Hybrid Computers: Combine analog and digital technology. Provide the speed of analog and accuracy of digital. Common in complex simulations.

Based on Functionality and Size

Supercomputers: Most powerful, used for complex scientific calculations. Examples: Weather forecasting, cryptography, nuclear research.
Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful systems for organizations. Used in banking, airlines, and government sectors for large-scale data processing.
Mini Computers: Smaller than mainframes, used by small to medium businesses. Handle tasks like accounting and inventory management.
Personal Computers: Affordable, designed for individual use. Used for personal productivity, entertainment, and communication.
Workstations: High-performance computers for professionals (architects, engineers). Used for 3D modeling, animation, scientific visualization.
Embedded Systems: Specialized computers within other devices (e.g., cars, appliances). Perform specific control functions.
Mobile Devices: Portable, designed for on-the-go use. Examples: Smartphones, tablets, laptops.

Classification of Digital Computers

Microcomputers: Also known as Personal Computers (PCs). Use a microprocessor (CPU on a single chip). Include desktops, laptops, PDAs, and tablets. Handle small volumes of data; versatile for tasks like CAD, multimedia, and workstations.
Minicomputers: Support multiple users simultaneously. Used in organizations where departments are interconnected. Suitable for small businesses.
Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful with high memory capacity. Process huge databases (e.g., census) at high speed. Used by big organizations, banks, and industries; support hundreds of users on a network.
Supercomputers: Fastest and most expensive. Perform billions of instructions per second. Multiprocessor systems used for complex scientific applications like weather forecasting.

Hackers & Crackers

Hacker: Warns users about potential malicious activities. Often aims to improve security.
Cracker: Intentionally steals information without user knowledge. Engages in malicious activities for personal gain.

Basic Computer Operations

Booting Up: Starting the computer and loading the operating system (OS) into memory. Includes running checks to ensure all hardware is functioning properly.
Logging In: Entering your username and password to access your user account after booting up.
Running Programs: Launching various programs such as web browsers, office applications, and media players.
Accessing Data: Retrieving data stored on your computer or connected devices (e.g., external hard drives, cloud storage). Includes files, documents, photos, and media.
Connecting to the Internet: Use a web browser to access websites, download files, and communicate online.
Communicating with Other Devices: Interact with connected devices like printers and scanners to print documents or scan images.
Saving and Backing Up Data: Regularly save and back up data to avoid loss. Save to local hard drives, external drives, or cloud storage.
Shutting Down: Properly close all programs and files before shutting down the OS to ensure data is saved.
Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve issues related to hardware or software, perform updates, or reinstall drivers as needed.
Security: Keep your computer secure with antivirus software, firewalls, and other measures to protect data and prevent unauthorized access.

### Issues with Basic Computers and Computer Operations

Slow Performance: Computers can become sluggish due to insufficient storage space, outdated hardware, or malware.
Malware and Viruses: Malicious software can infect computers, causing problems such as data loss, system crashes, and identity theft.
Hardware Failures: Hardware components can fail over time, resulting in system crashes, data loss, and display issues.
Software Glitches: Software applications may malfunction or crash, leading to data loss or unresponsive programs.
Bullying and Spreading Negativity: Social media platforms can facilitate negative behavior, including bullying and harmful comments, which have a detrimental effect on society.

Different Ways to Connect to the Internet

Dial-Up: Connects via phone line to access the Internet. Cannot make or receive calls while connected.
Broadband: The most popular high-speed connection. Offered by cable or phone companies.
Wireless Connection: Includes mobile and Wi-Fi services, allowing Internet access via radio waves.
- Wi-Fi: Provides high-speed connectivity without cables.
- Mobile Phones: Smartphones enable Internet access through data packs without wires.
Satellite: Used for wireless Internet in areas without broadband.
Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN): Allows audio and video data transmission using telephone lines.

Other Things You Can Do on the Internet

Instant Communication: Communicate globally through email and social media platforms.
Stay Informed: Access news updates from various sources.
Online Shopping: Shop for goods and services from anywhere.
Manage Finances: Handle banking and financial affairs online.
Socialize: Meet new people and build relationships.
Entertainment: Watch TV shows and movies online.
Skill Enhancement: Learn new skills or take online courses.

Data Representation

Data: Symbols representing people, events, things, or ideas.
Data Representation: Form in which data is stored, processed, and transmitted.
Digitization: Converting information into digital data for manipulation by devices.
Digital Revolution: Evolved from large, expensive computers to ubiquitous digital devices.
Bits: The basic unit of digital data, represented as 0s and 1s.
Digital File: A named collection of data on a storage medium (e.g., hard disk, CD, flash drive).

Representing Numbers

Numeric data: Numbers used in arithmetic operations.
Binary System (Base 2): Digital devices use this system, where numbers are represented using 0 and 1. Example: Decimal number 2 is represented as "10" in binary.

Representing Text

Character Data: Composed of letters, symbols, and numerals not used in calculations (e.g., name, address, hair color). Commonly referred to as "text."
Encoding Schemes:
- ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Uses 7 bits for each character. Example: Uppercase "A" is represented as 1000001.
- Extended ASCII: A superset of ASCII using 8 bits per character. Provides codes for 256 characters (e.g., "A" is 01000001).
- Unicode: Uses 16 bits and supports 65,000 characters, accommodating multiple languages.
- UTF-8: A variable-length encoding that uses 7 bits for ASCII characters and 16 bits for others as needed.
Text File Formats:
- ASCII Text Files: Unformatted and typically have a.txt extension. Apple devices label them as "Plain Text," while Windows calls them "Text Document."
- Formatted Text: Requires embedded formatting codes for styles. Common formats:
  - DOCX: Produced by Microsoft Word.
  - PAGES: Produced by Apple Pages.
  - PDF: Produced by Adobe Acrobat.
  - HTML: Used for web pages via markup language.

Bits and Bytes

Data Encoding: All data in digital devices is encoded as bits (binary digits).
Byte: A group of eight bits.
Terminology: Terms like kilo, mega, giga, and tera quantify digital data and are commonly used to describe storage capacity and network speeds.
Usage:
- Bits: Used for data rates (e.g., Internet speeds, download speeds).
- Bytes: Used for file sizes and storage capacities.

Common Measurements

Kilobyte (KB or Kbyte): 1,024 bytes. Often used for small files (e.g., 104 KB).
Kilobit (Kb or Kbit): 1,024 bits. Used for slow data rates (e.g., 56 Kbps for dial-up connections).
Megabit (Mb or Mbit): 1,048,576 bits. Used for faster rates (e.g., 50 Mbps for Internet connections).
Megabyte (MB or MByte): 1,048,576 bytes. Typically used for files like photos and videos (e.g., 3.2 MB).
Gigabit (Gb or Gbit): 1,073,741,824 bits. Used for very fast network speeds (e.g., 100 Gbit).
Gigabyte (GB or GByte): 1,073,741,824 bytes. Commonly refers to storage capacity (e.g., 16 GB).

Data Compression

Purpose: Reduces file size and transmission times by recoding data to contain fewer bits.
Types of Compression:
- Lossless Compression: Compresses data without losing any information.

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Description

Test your knowledge about the evolution and components of computers from Fourth Generation to Fifth Generation. This quiz covers basic concepts such as data processing, programming languages, and the types of computers. Ideal for students learning computer science fundamentals.