Computer Storage and Speed Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What unit represents one billionth of a second?

Microsecond

Millisecond

Picosecond

Nanosecond (correct)

Which storage device is typically used for faster access of data?

Optical Drive

Hard Drive

Flash Drive

Solid State Drive (correct)

What is the speed ability of computers compared to humans?

Humans and computers perform calculations at similar speeds.

Computers are slower but more efficient.

Computers can perform billions of calculations in a second. (correct)

Humans are faster in complex calculations.

What is the equivalent of 1 picosecond in fractions of a second?

1/1,000,000,000,000 of a second Signup and view all the answers

How do computers store large amounts of data for future use?

Using secondary storage devices like Hard Drives Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a PROM chip once instructions are written onto it?

It becomes a ROM chip and instructions cannot be changed. Signup and view all the answers

How can instructions on an EPROM chip be modified?

Using ultra violet rays to erase and rewrite. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of EEPROM compared to EPROM?

EEPROM is updated using electrical signals. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes RAM?

RAM is volatile memory that loses its content when powered off. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes ROM from RAM?

ROM retains data when the computer is off, while RAM does not. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of magnetic disk is known for its large storage capacity compared to floppy disks?

Hard Disk Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of floppy disks?

Data transfer between computers Signup and view all the answers

What technology is used to read and write data on optical disks?

LASER technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about CD-ROM?

It is a portable storage device Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym WORM stand for in relation to CD-R?

Write Once Read Many Signup and view all the answers

How does a Zip disk compare to a floppy disk in terms of data storage?

It typically stores 100 MB or more data Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices is NOT a type of magnetic disk?

CD-ROM Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a laser beam strikes the surface of an optical disk?

It creates small holes representing binary data Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of language translators like compilers and interpreters?

To convert high-level programming languages into machine code Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes firmware?

Firmware is permanently attached software stored in hardware devices. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to hardware devices without firmware?

They become non-functional. Signup and view all the answers

How is firmware typically stored in a hardware device?

In flash ROM Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of firmware?

Compiling high-level programming languages Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

To manage data processing and overall operations of the computer Signup and view all the answers

Which type of RAM is known to require frequent refreshing?

Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes Read Only Memory (ROM)?

It retains its contents even when the computer is turned off. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) from Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)?

SRAM retains data without refreshing, while DRAM needs constant refreshing. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between RAM and data accessibility?

Data can be accessed directly from any location in RAM simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)?

It can only have instructions stored once during its manufacturing. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the function of CACHE memory?

It is a very fast memory built using SRAM. Signup and view all the answers

Why might DRAM be considered slower than SRAM?

DRAM requires frequent refreshing, making access times longer. Signup and view all the answers

What does CD-R stand for?

Compact Disk - Recordable Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly describes CD-R?

CD-R allows writing data only once and reading it many times Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates DVD-ROM from other types of DVDs?

It is pre-recorded and data cannot be changed or deleted. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using CD-RW over CD-R?

Data can be rewritten on CD-RW. Signup and view all the answers

How much data can a DVD typically store?

Approximately 17 GB or more Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of DVD-RW?

Data can be written and erased multiple times. Signup and view all the answers

Which device is typically used to write data on CD-RW?

CD Writer or CD Burner Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Fundamentals

A computer is an electronic device that takes raw data, processes it, and produces meaningful information for the user.
It operates based on instructions from software or hardware programs, designed to execute applications and provide various solutions through integrated hardware and software components.
Computers are categorized into hardware and software.
- Hardware: Physical components that can be touched, like the mouse, monitor, and keyboard.
- Software: Programs that work together to perform specific tasks, such as Microsoft Office, Photoshop, and operating systems like Windows.
Hardware functions with software programs for reading, interpreting, and execution.
The combination of hardware and software is a computer system.
The IPO cycle describes the working principle of a computer system.
- Input: Data entered using input devices.
- Processing: Data is processed by the processor.
- Output: Meaningful data is produced using output devices.

History of Computers

ENIAC, the first electronic computer was invented by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly at the University of Pennsylvania in 1943 and completed in 1946.
The first computer in Nepal used IBM 1401, a second-generation mainframe computer, in the 1971 AD census.

Computer Generations

Computer generations refer to changes in computer technology.
Initially, generations differentiated hardware technologies; now, it involves both hardware and software.
There are five recognized computer generations with approximate dates included in the text.

Computer Characteristics

Speed: Computers are significantly faster than humans, performing billions of calculations per second.
Accuracy: Computers process data accurately with minimal errors.
Cost reduction: Computers minimize time and cost of completing tasks.
Versatility: Computers perform diverse tasks across different sectors.
Diligence: Computers perform tasks repeatedly at a consistent speed and accuracy.

Computer Components

Input Unit: Devices that input data and instructions to the computer, such as the keyboard and mouse.
Output Unit: Devices that display or output the results of processing, like printers and monitors.
Central Processing Unit (CPU): The 'brain' of the computer responsible for data processing and overall operations.
Memory Unit: Memory devices that store data and instructions for the computer. RAM and ROM are examples of these devices. RAM is volatile memory, which loses data when power is off, and ROM is non-volatile, retaining data when power is on.

Storage Unit

The storage unit comprises storage media used to store data permanently.
- Examples include hard disks, CDs, DVDs, and zip disks.

Types of Computers

Analog Computers: Measure continuous values, such as temperature or pressure.
Digital Computers: Use binary numbers (0s and 1s) for data.
- Supercomputers: Fastest and most powerful computers, used for complex calculations and tasks.
- Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful computers designed to handle many users simultaneously.
- Mini Computers: More powerful than personal computers, and handle more users.
- Microcomputers (Personal Computers): Smaller computers for individual use, such as desktops, laptops, handheld computers.
Hybrid Computers: Combine analog and digital features, capable of handling both analog and digital input and output.

Software

System Software: Programs that control how computers function, such as operating systems (Windows, Linux, Unix).
Application Software: Programs dedicated to perform specific tasks like word processing or spreadsheets.

Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile, fast memory for storing data and programs currently running.
ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores permanent instructions for starting up the computer.
Cache Memory: Extremely fast memory that acts as a buffer between RAM and the CPU to speed up access to frequently used data.

Units of Frequency

Units measuring the frequency of operations per second.
- Hertz (Hz).
- Kilohertz (KHz).
- Megahertz (MHz).
- Gigahertz (GHz).

Importance of ROM

ROM contains startup instructions to guide and check computer components, ensuring proper functioning.
It also checks for other devices and loads the operating system.

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Description

Test your knowledge about computer storage devices, speed comparisons, and memory types. This quiz covers various concepts related to data storage, processing speeds, and the characteristics of different memory types. Challenge yourself and see how well you understand these crucial computing terms!