Computer System Components

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of a graphics card in a computer?

To render graphics and reduce processing strain (correct)
To manage power consumption
To store data permanently
To provide volatile memory

What type of memory is RAM classified as?

Volatile memory (correct)
Nonvolatile memory
Magnetic memory
Optical memory

How does flash-based memory in an SSD differ from that in an HDD?

SSD memory uses flash memory without moving parts (correct)
SSD memory is slower than HDD memory
SSD memory uses spinning disks
SSD memory is nonvolatile, while HDD is volatile

What is a notable feature of an HDD?

It is nonvolatile and stores data permanently (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between RAM and the operating system?

The OS is kept in RAM for quick access while running (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of interaction does a touchscreen display allow?

Interaction by touching the screen directly (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about SSDs compared to HDDs?

SSDs have a longer lifespan due to no moving parts (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data in RAM when a computer is turned off?

It is lost and cannot be retrieved (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of user is typically involved in using a computer for personal financial management and entertainment?

Home user (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of small office/home office (SOHO) users?

They access the Internet for information and use basic business software. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Mobile users are best described as individuals who work on computers where?

Away from a main office or school (D) Signup and view all the answers

Power users are known to utilize computers for what main purpose?

Working with industry-specific software (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of some specific versions of Macintosh operating systems?

Mojave, High Sierra, Sierra (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of Linux operating systems?

It is free and open-source. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes enterprise users?

Users processing high volumes of transactions in large organizations (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of application software?

Mozilla Firefox (A) Signup and view all the answers

What key benefit has technology brought to the hospitality industry?

Efficiency in recording transactions compared to manual methods (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of user can include self-employed individuals working from a home office?

Small office/home office user (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes application software from system software?

Application software performs specific functions for end users. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT characteristic of packaged software?

It is typically free of charge. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes power users from other computer users?

Their use of powerful workstations for specialized tasks. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a mobile application software?

Slack (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options best describes open-source software?

Software that anyone can modify and distribute. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of application software?

Perform specific tasks for the user. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are the main categories of software application defined in the course?

Productivity software, application software, development software, and utility software (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which type of software is specifically designed for a unique user requirement?

Custom software (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of chips and adapter cards in a computer system?

To provide connectivity and additional functionality (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a form of available software mentioned in the course?

Preinstalled software (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do processors commonly cool down during operation?

By relying on airflow and heat sinks (B) Signup and view all the answers

What historical aspect does the course cover regarding computer components?

The history of Intel and AMD microprocessors (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which device is typically categorized under mobile computing?

Notebook computer (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes 'peopleware'?

The responsible role of humans in using technology (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the boot process of a computer system?

Performing the Power-On Self Test (POST) (B) Signup and view all the answers

During which step of the boot process does the BIOS provide control to the operating system?

Loading the boot loader (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which component is primarily responsible for the initial loading of the operating system?

Boot loader (A) Signup and view all the answers

What occurs after the BIOS completes its POST?

Loading the operating system (D) Signup and view all the answers

What happens during the final stage of the boot process?

The login screen appears (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the boot process?

Executing application programs (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does the operating system play after the boot process is completed?

Managing hardware resources (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which step ensures that the RAM is functioning correctly during the boot process?

Performing the Power-On Self Test (POST) (C) Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Components of a Computer System

Hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, peripherals and internal components.
Software dictates how the hardware functions.
Peopleware: refers to the human element involved in IT, including users and developers.

Hardware

System Units: Desktop computers, notebooks, and mobile devices have different chassis styles.
Motherboard: Contains the CPU, RAM, and other components connected through a chipset.
Processor: Chips like Intel and AMD are responsible for executing instructions, their performance is measured by factors such as clock speed and core count.
Cooling: Processors generate heat and require cooling systems like heat sinks and fans.

Memory Devices

RAM: Volatile main memory used to store data and instructions for the processor.
HDD: Nonvolatile storage device, storing data persistently even when the system is off.
SSD: Nonvolatile storage device, faster than HDD, using flash memory and offering better power efficiency, ideal for laptops.

Software

Application Software: Designed for specific tasks and user needs, examples include Microsoft Office, web browsers, mobile apps.
Categories of Application Software:
- Productivity Software: For general tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations.
- Communications Software: For interacting with others, including email clients and chat applications.
- Graphics Software: For image editing, design, and video editing.
- Entertainment Software: For games, movies, and music.
Forms of Software Availability:
- Packaged Software: Mass-produced, commercial software sold in retail settings.
- Custom Software: Developed specifically for a particular organization or user.
- Web Application: Accessed through a web browser, hosted online.
- Open Source Software: Free to use, modify, and distribute.
- Shareware: Trial version, users pay after a trial period.
- Freeware: Free to use but may not be free to modify or distribute.
- Public-Domain Software: Free for any use, modification, or distribution.

Peopleware

Computer Users:
- Home User: Uses computer for personal tasks like finances, browsing, and entertainment.
- Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): Small business owners or self-employed individuals, using computers for business-related activities.
- Mobile User: Employees or students using computers on the go.
- Power User: Professional users in various industries requiring specific software and high-performance computers.
- Enterprise User: Part of a large organization with a complex network and high transaction volume.

Boot Process

The boot process is a series of steps that start a computer.
The boot process is initiated by turning on the power supply.
The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is loaded and performs a self-test.
The operating system (OS) is loaded from storage.
The OS initializes devices, loads drivers, and starts application programs.
The user interface is displayed, allowing the user to interact with the system.

References

The reading material includes a list of various websites for further research and understanding.

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