Computer Science Fundamentals Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which type of computer can support 4–200 users simultaneously?

  • Mainframe computer
  • Supercomputer
  • Minicomputer (correct)
  • Microcomputer

What do supercomputers primarily excel in?

  • Performing trillions of calculations per second (correct)
  • Performing a limited number of operations
  • Storing large amounts of data
  • Supporting numerous concurrent users

Which component of a computer processes input data?

  • Memory Unit
  • Input/Output Unit
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU) (correct)
  • Storage Unit

Which computer type is typically used for centralized databases?

<p>Mainframe computer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices qualifies as a microcomputer?

<p>Smartphone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary memory?

<p>Random Access Memory (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what area do computers provide significant assistance for educators?

<p>Preparing notes and presentations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which application demonstrates how computers impact the entertainment industry?

<p>Downloading and viewing movies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are computers utilized in the field of sports?

<p>For training players and creating games (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do computers play in advertising?

<p>They can display advertisements on websites. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a way computers are used for entertainment?

<p>Editing academic papers (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary application of computers in education?

<p>Providing distance education (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best explains the dependence of Google on web advertising?

<p>It generates significant revenues for the company. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Control Unit (CU) within the CPU?

<p>To coordinate the activities of the computer (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is typically faster and is often used by the CPU to enhance performance?

<p>Cache memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the CPU instruction cycle?

<p>Fetching the instructions from the memory (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect differentiates CISC from RISC microprocessors?

<p>Instruction complexity and execution time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a computer is primarily responsible for interfacing the computer with external devices?

<p>Input/Output (I/O) unit (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which microprocessor architecture is characterized by a large and complex instruction set?

<p>CISC (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What connects the CPU, system memory, and other motherboard components?

<p>System Bus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In terms of organization, what is the focus of computer organization compared to computer architecture?

<p>The functional interconnections between components (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component retains system date and time settings when the computer is powered off?

<p>CMOS (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the instruction cycle in a computer?

<p>To execute instructions in a systematic manner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the function of registers in a computer?

<p>Registers hold data temporarily for processing tasks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bus is responsible for connecting external devices to the computer?

<p>Expansion Bus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does BIOS, stored in ROM, primarily serve as?

<p>An interface between the operating system and the motherboard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'system bus' refer to in computer hardware?

<p>The pathways for data transfer within the computer (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines a motherboard's form factor?

<p>Geometry and dimensions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the cache memory in a computer?

<p>Increasing the size of the RAM (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of RAM in a computer system?

<p>To provide fast access to data and instructions for the CPU (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about secondary memory is true?

<p>It stores data permanently unless erased by the user. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the storage capacity of secondary memory compare to primary memory?

<p>Secondary memory has higher storage capacity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'stored program concept'?

<p>Data and program instructions are stored in main memory for processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the operation code in an instruction represent?

<p>The action that the processor must execute. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does secondary memory differ from RAM?

<p>Secondary memory is non-volatile while RAM is volatile. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage device?

<p>RAM (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about accessing data from secondary memory is accurate?

<p>It takes longer to access data than from primary memory. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the control bus in a system bus?

<p>It communicates control signals for coordinating operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the width of the data bus affect computer performance?

<p>It affects the speed at which data can be transferred. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the width of the address bus determine in a computer system?

<p>The maximum number of memory locations that can be addressed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which bus technology is specifically designed for video cards?

<p>AGP bus (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To coordinate the timing of operations within the computer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the motherboard is correct?

<p>It is characterized by its chipset, form factor, and processor socket. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which port is commonly used to connect networking devices?

<p>RJ45 Connector (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does BIOS stand for, and what is its main function?

<p>Basic Input Output System; it initializes hardware during boot. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is secondary memory?

Secondary memory, also known as auxiliary memory, is a type of storage that is not directly accessible by the CPU. It is used to store data and programs for long-term use, acting as a backup for primary memory.

What are some examples of secondary memory?

Examples of secondary memory include magnetic disks (hard drives), optical disks (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray disks), and magnetic tapes.

What is the role of computers in modern life?

Computers have become ubiquitous in various aspects of life, acting as tools for accessing information, performing tasks, and providing entertainment.

How are computers used in education?

Computers have had a significant impact on education, enabling educators to prepare lecture materials, develop online training programs, and conduct online examinations.

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What are some applications of computers in entertainment?

Computers play a major role in entertainment by providing access to movies, games, and music. They are also used for creating and sharing multimedia content.

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How are computers used in sports?

Computers are used in sports for watching games, viewing scores, game improvement, and player training. They are also used to create and play sports-related games.

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What is the role of computers in advertising?

Computers are a powerful advertising medium, allowing businesses to display advertisements on websites, send emails, and post reviews.

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How important is web advertising for businesses?

Google's business model relies heavily on web advertising, demonstrating the significant role of computers in online marketing.

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Microcomputer

A type of computer designed for individual use, characterized by its small size, low cost, and standalone operation. Examples include desktop computers, laptops, and smartphones.

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Minicomputer

A computer system that handles multiple users simultaneously and has a greater processing power and storage capacity compared to microcomputers.

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Mainframe Computer

A powerful computer system used for large-scale data processing, managing multiple users, and handling complex tasks like centralized databases.

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Supercomputer

The most powerful and expensive type of computer, capable of performing trillions of calculations per second. Used for demanding tasks like scientific research and weather forecasting.

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Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of a computer that controls data processing and coordinates other components. Consists of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and Registers

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What is computer architecture?

It refers to a computer's inner structure and how its components work together, including how data is processed and instructions are executed.

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What is computer organization?

It focuses on how the hardware components are arranged and connected, like the motherboard, CPU, and memory.

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What is computer design?

It centers on the physical design of the computer, choosing specific components like processors, memory chips, and connecting them properly.

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What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

It refers to the processing unit within a computer responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It acts as the brain of the computer.

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What are registers?

It is a temporary storage space within the CPU used to hold data and instructions that are currently being processed. It's responsible for quick access during processing.

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What is primary memory?

It is the primary memory in a computer, used to store data and instructions that are actively being used by the CPU. It's known for its high speed and access.

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What is cache memory?

It is a special type of memory that acts as a high-speed buffer between the CPU and the primary memory. It stores frequently accessed data for faster retrieval.

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What is RAM?

RAM is a type of memory that the CPU directly accesses for data and instructions. It's fast but limited in storage capacity, relying on high cost per bit.

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Give examples of secondary memory.

Examples of secondary memory include hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and optical drives (CD, DVD, Blu-ray).

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What is a computer instruction?

A computer instruction is a command telling the processor to perform a specific action. It's like a recipe for the CPU to follow.

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What is instruction format?

An instruction format specifies how each instruction is structured. Common fields include operation code (opcode) and operand code.

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What is opcode?

Opcode tells the CPU the fundamental operation to perform, like 'add' or 'subtract'.

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What is operand code?

Operand code specifies the targets or parameters of the action defined by the opcode. It tells the CPU where to find the data or what to operate on.

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What is the stored program concept?

The stored program concept means that both the program instructions and data are stored in main memory, ready to be accessed and executed by the CPU.

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CPU Instruction Cycle

Fetching instructions from memory, decoding them, executing them, and storing the result back in memory. This cycle repeats continuously to process data.

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CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing)

A type of microprocessor that uses complex instructions to perform operations. Each instruction can perform multiple tasks, leading to fewer instructions overall.

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RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing)

A type of microprocessor that uses a smaller set of simpler instructions. Each instruction performs a specific task, requiring more instructions to execute complex operations.

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Computer Bus

A set of electronic pathways that connect components inside a computer. They transfer data, instructions, and control signals between different parts.

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System Bus

Connects the CPU, memory, and other key components on the motherboard. It's the primary communication pathway for major system elements.

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Expansion Bus

Connects external devices, peripherals, expansion slots, and ports to the rest of the computer. It's the bridge between the computer and external world.

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Chipsets

Components on the motherboard that control various functions of the computer. They act as the central hub for managing resources.

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BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)

A software stored in Read-Only Memory (ROM) on the motherboard. It's used to boot up the computer and manage its basic functions.

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What does the data bus width affect?

The width of the data bus determines the amount of data that can be transferred between the CPU and memory in a single operation. A wider data bus allows for faster data transfer, resulting in a faster computer.

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What does the address bus width affect?

The address bus determines the number of memory locations the CPU can directly access. A wider address bus allows the CPU to access a larger amount of memory, which is important for applications that require more storage space.

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What are the roles of the address bus, data bus, and control bus in a computer system?

Control bus, address bus, and data bus are crucial for communication within a computer. The control bus carries signals that control the flow of data and instructions. The address bus specifies memory locations for data access. The data bus carries the actual data being transferred between components.

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What is an expansion slot?

An expansion slot is a physical connector on the motherboard that allows for the installation of expansion cards, providing additional functionality to the computer system.

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What are the factors that characterize a motherboard?

The motherboard is a central printed circuit board that houses the key components of a computer system. The form factor refers to the physical size and layout of the motherboard. The chipset is a set of integrated circuits that control the flow of data between the CPU, memory, and other peripherals. The processor socket is the connector that holds the CPU onto the motherboard.

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What is a system clock and what does it do?

The system clock is a signal generator that provides timing pulses to synchronize operations within the computer. It determines the speed of data transfer and processing, affecting the overall computer performance.

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What is BIOS?

BIOS is a small program stored in a ROM chip on the motherboard. It is responsible for performing initial hardware checks, loading the operating system into memory, and managing the boot process.

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What is POST?

POST, which stands for Power-On Self-Test, is a series of diagnostic checks performed by the BIOS when the computer is powered on. It checks the integrity of the computer's hardware, including memory, hard drives, and input/output devices.

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Study Notes

Secondary Memory Types

  • Magnetic disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes are examples of secondary memory.

Computer Applications

  • Computers are used extensively in education, providing tools and aids for learning. Educators use computers to create lecture notes and presentations. Computer-based training packages, distance learning software, and online exams are also common applications. Researchers use computers for easy access to academic resources like conferences and journals.
  • Computers play a major role in entertainment, allowing users to download movies, play games, chat, buy tickets, create multimedia content, and listen to and create music.
  • Computers are used in sports for watching games, viewing scores, training players, and designing games.
  • Computers are a powerful advertising platform, used to create, display, and deliver advertisements across websites and email. They are also used to collect customer reviews. Web advertising is a significant part of marketing strategies.
  • Microcomputers are small, affordable standalone machines, encompassing desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablets, handheld computers, and smartphones.
  • Minicomputers are high-speed machines with more storage than microcomputers, supporting 4 to 200 concurrent users.
  • Mainframe computers are multi-user, multi-programming, and high-performance computers with substantial storage and speed, commonly in centralized databases.
  • Supercomputers are the most expensive, high-speed machines capable of performing trillions of calculations per second, measured in FLOPS. They are used in computationally intensive tasks.

Computer Components

  • A computer is an electronic device based on the input-process-output (IPO) concept. The three main components are the Input/Output Unit (I/O), Central Processing Unit (CPU), and Memory unit.
  • The I/O unit receives input from users and provides processed output.
  • The CPU processes input data, manages computer operations, and includes an Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit (CU), and registers.
  • The memory unit stores programs, data, and output temporarily during processing. Secondary memory stores data and instructions permanently.
  • RAM is primary memory with limited, high-cost storage, used for storing data and instructions during processing.
  • Secondary memory stores data permanently, is non-volatile, provides backup, and has higher storage capacity but slower access time than primary memory. Its storage devices include hard disk drives, floppy drives, and optical disk drives.

Instruction Format and Cycles

  • A computer program is a set of instructions for a computational task, stored in main memory.
  • An instruction consists of an operation code (op code) defining the action and an operand code detailing the action's parameters.
  • The CPU instruction cycle has four steps: fetching instructions, decoding instructions (matching them to the CPU's instruction set), executing the decoded instructions, and storing results.
  • RISC and CISC are microprocessor classifications based on instruction sets: RISC has fewer simpler instructions, while CISC has more complex instructions.

Computer Interconnections

  • Computer components are interconnected by buses, including system buses and expansion buses. System buses link CPU, system memory, and other motherboard components. Expansion buses connect external devices, peripherals, and expansion slots.
  • Buses have three parts: data bus (for data transfer), address bus (for specifying memory locations), and control bus (for managing bus operations).

Computer Performance Factors

  • Factors impacting computer performance include register size, RAM size, system clock speed, bus width, and cache size.
  • Inside the computer cabinet are the motherboard, ports/interfaces, expansion slots, ribbon cables, memory chips, storage devices, and processor.
  • Motherboards have form factors (physical dimensions), chipsets (controlling resources), and processor sockets.
  • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is in ROM, acting as an interface between the OS and motherboard. CMOS is a memory chip on the motherboard, storing system time, date, and settings, powered by a battery and retaining data even when the power is off.

Ports and Interfaces

  • Ports and interfaces on the computer case connect external devices: serial port, parallel port, USB port, FireWire, RJ45 connector, VGA connector, audio plugs (line-in, line-out, mic), PS/2 port, and SCSI port.

Expansion Slots

  • Expansion slots on the motherboard connect expansion cards. Common technologies include ISA, PCI, AGP, PCI Express, and PC Card slots.

Other Computer Components

  • Ribbon cables connect components within the computer system.
  • Secondary memory types include magnetic tapes, disk drives, and optical disk drives.

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Test your knowledge on various computer types, their purposes, and functions in different fields. This quiz covers topics such as supercomputers, microcomputers, and applications in education, entertainment, and advertising. Challenge yourself and enhance your understanding of computer science concepts!

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