Computer System Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental representation of facts and observations in a computer system?

Software

Instructions

Data (correct)

Hardware

Which component of the computer system is primarily responsible for processing data and executing commands?

Software

Primary Storage

Microprocessor (correct)

Secondary Storage

What type of storage is most often used for temporary storage of processed data and running applications?

HDD

Non-volatile Storage

Flash Drive

Primary Storage (correct)

Which of the following is an example of application software?

Google Chrome Signup and view all the answers

What kind of storage media is a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) classified as?

Non-volatile Storage Signup and view all the answers

Which part of software contains the most crucial operating system processing functions?

Kernel Signup and view all the answers

In what form does a computer ultimately process and represent all data?

Numbers Signup and view all the answers

What does software consist of that defines the instructions executed by the hardware?

Both System and Application Programs Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of an SSD?

It is known for its portability. Signup and view all the answers

Which device is primarily used for input in a computer system?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a mouse classified as?

Input device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of non-volatile storage?

SSD Signup and view all the answers

What factor distinguishes computers by structure and size?

Design by form Signup and view all the answers

Which type of computer is most typically used in a multiuser environment?

Minicomputer Signup and view all the answers

What role does a printer serve in a computer system?

Representing data on paper Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a communication channel?

Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of data in computer systems?

To act as a representation of facts or information Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'File Type'?

It is a unique identifier for a specific kind of file Signup and view all the answers

How is data primarily entered into a computer from human form?

Using a keyboard, mouse, or input device Signup and view all the answers

What is represented by the binary system in computers?

The electrical pulses as ones and zeros Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a file type?

Physical hardware types Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'File Name' signify within data management?

A unique identifier for a specific file Signup and view all the answers

Which type of file is characterized as an 'Executable file'?

A file that can be run as a program or application Signup and view all the answers

What can users do to data that is stored in a computer system?

They can manipulate it by editing, storing, and deleting Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a file extension?

To serve as a unique identifier for the specific file type Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes file format?

The layout and organization of how data is structured in a file Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of file attribute?

Executable Signup and view all the answers

What role does metadata play in file management?

It provides additional information about the file's content Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is commonly used to enter alphanumeric characters?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the end-of-file (EOF) marker in a file?

It signifies where the data within the file ends Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic that distinguishes the Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code from ASCII?

It primarily supports IBM and IBM-compatible computers Signup and view all the answers

Which type of data can be classified as internal computer data?

Numeric calculations Signup and view all the answers

How many characters does Unicode support approximately?

1 million characters Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of bitmap objects?

They are characterized using image scanners or digital cameras. Signup and view all the answers

What is a well-known compressed alternative to GIF?

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) Signup and view all the answers

Which format employs a compression algorithm that can reduce image resolution?

Joint Photographers Expert Group (JPEG) Signup and view all the answers

What do video containers serve as in the context of video data?

For video and audio encoding and streaming Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) in sound digitization?

To convert analog values to digital equivalents Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the concept of sampling in sound digitization?

It measures analog signals at regular intervals. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes graphical objects from bitmap objects?

Graphical objects are defined geometrically with shapes. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer System

A computer processes data and instructions to provide desired information.
A computer system consists of elements that work together to process raw data.

Elements of a Computer System

Data: Fundamental representation of facts; can be numeric, text, images, or sounds.
Software: Consists of system and application programs controlling hardware functions; includes:
- System software (e.g., Operating System like Windows 10)
- Application software (e.g., web browsers like Google Chrome)
Hardware: Physical devices that execute instructions and manage data transfer; includes:
- Microprocessor: Central component that processes data and instructions.
- Primary Storage: Temporary storage for active applications (e.g., RAM, cache memory).
- Secondary Storage: Long-term storage for files (e.g., HDD, SSD, Flash Drives).
Input Devices: Tools for data entry (e.g., Keyboard, Mouse).
Output Devices: Tools for data display (e.g., Monitor, Printer).
Communication: Hardware and software that facilitate data transfer between systems (e.g., copper, fiber-optic, and wireless channels).

Architecture in Computer Systems

Architecture refers to the design of components and the data flow within the system.
Two design classifications:
- By Form: Refers to structure and size, including:
  - Microcomputers: Designed for individual use (e.g., PCs, game consoles).
  - Minicomputers: Support multiple users.

Data Formats

Data represented in bits (0s and 1s); machine-readable format.
Input to computers via devices like keyboards or mice, converted to binary.

General Considerations for Data Processing

File Type: Classifies types of files (e.g., audio, image, executable).
File Format: Structure of files, including components like header and metadata.
Metadata: Additional descriptive information about the file (e.g., JPEG dimensions).
File Attributes: Permissions and settings related to file accessibility (e.g., read-only, hidden).

Classifications of Data

Alphanumeric Characters: Data entered as symbols, letters, and numbers.
- Examples:
  - ASCII: 7-bit standard for text.
  - Unicode: Supports around a million characters across multiple encoding formats.
Visual Data: Images categorized into bitmap and graphical objects.
- Formats include:
  - GIF: Allows animation and stores images in 256 colors.
  - PNG: Compression format supporting transparency.
  - JPEG: Compression algorithm suitable for high-detail photographs.
Audio Data: Sound in digital form, requiring analog-to-digital conversion through sampling, quantization, and encoding processes.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential elements of a computer system, including data, software, hardware, and input/output devices. Understand how these components work together to process information and manage data. Test your knowledge on the foundational aspects of computer systems.