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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the ALU in a computer's CPU?
What is the primary function of the ALU in a computer's CPU?
Which of the following describes a feature of third-generation computers?
Which of the following describes a feature of third-generation computers?
In which generation of computers were transistors first used?
In which generation of computers were transistors first used?
Which of the following statements about computer hardware is correct?
Which of the following statements about computer hardware is correct?
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What is a major disadvantage of computers related to employment?
What is a major disadvantage of computers related to employment?
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Which generation of computers is characterized by the use of optical computers?
Which generation of computers is characterized by the use of optical computers?
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Which of the following correctly identifies a function of the storage component in a computer?
Which of the following correctly identifies a function of the storage component in a computer?
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What was the primary input method introduced in fourth-generation computers?
What was the primary input method introduced in fourth-generation computers?
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Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of computers?
Which of the following is NOT considered an advantage of computers?
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What best describes the role of software in a computer system?
What best describes the role of software in a computer system?
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Study Notes
Computer Science Part 1
- A computer is an electronic machine performing mathematical and non-mathematical operations.
- Computer operations include:
- Input: Entering data into the computer.
- Processing: Performing operations on the data.
- Output: Presenting the results.
- Storage: Saving data, programs, or output.
- Advantages of computers: Speed, reliability, consistency, storage, communication.
- Disadvantages of computers: Privacy violation, impact on the labor force, health risks, impact on the environment.
Computer History
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First Generation: Used vacuum tubes (1950s). Notable examples include ENIAC (developed during World War II) and UNIVAC (released in 1951).
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Second Generation: Used transistors, small semiconductor devices. Programming languages like FORTRAN and COBOL were developed during this time.
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Third Generation: Integrated circuits (ICs) were introduced. Keyboards and monitors as input/output were common, along with magnetic disks for storage. These computers were reasonably priced, fast, and reliable.
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Fourth Generation: The invention of the microprocessor. Components included keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, magnetic and optical disks. This generation saw the development of computer networks, wireless technologies, and the internet.
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Fifth Generation: Based on AI. Computers can learn, think, reason. Voice recognition and optical computers are features of this generation. Data is processed using light instead of electrons.
Main Components of a Computer
- Hardware: The physical parts of a computer (internal and external).
- Software: Programs or instructions to guide the hardware.
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Computer Hardware includes:
- Input: Mouse, keyboard, microphone.
- Output: Monitor, printer.
- Storage: Hard drive, flash memory, USB.
- Processing: CPU (Central Processing Unit).
- CPU Components:
- ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit)
- Memory (Register)
- Control Unit
- CPU Components:
- Storage Unit: Stores data and information. Types of Storage include:
- Secondary Storage: Hard drives, USB, CDs, DVDs.
- Primary Storage: RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory).
Categories of Computers
- Personal Computers: Designed for use on/under a desk/table.
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Mobile Computers:
- Notebook: Portable, laptop, often more expensive than desktops.
- Tablet PC: Resembles a letter-sized slate; digital pen input.
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Mobile Devices:
- PDA (Personal Digital Assistant): Provides an organizer (calendar, appointment book, address book, calculator, notepad).
- Smartphones: Internet-enabled telephones with PDA capabilities.
Other Computer Types
- Mainframe: Very powerful and expensive computers supporting many other computers.
- Supercomputer: The fastest and most powerful computers, typically used for complex mathematical calculations.
Computer Applications in Society
- Computers are used in many areas, including: Education, Finance, Government, Healthcare, Science, Publishing, Travel, and Manufacturing.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of computer science including operations such as input, processing, output, and storage. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of computers, as well as a brief history of their development from the first to third generation. Test your knowledge with this quiz covering essential concepts.
