Computer Systems and Environments Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the central computer in a client/server environment?

To store personal data only

To provide internet connectivity

To manage all shared resources (correct)

To run all applications for clients

What distinguishes cloud computing from traditional individual computing systems?

Processing is solely done on individual machines

Users do not need to connect to the internet

Computing resources are provided by cloud vendors over a network (correct)

All computing tasks are dependent on physical storage devices

What is meant by 'distributed computing'?

Computing performed only on local machines

A method of running applications on a single computer

Using a single server for all computing tasks

Integration of different clients and servers across the internet (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a service model in cloud computing?

Database-as-a-service (DBaaS) Signup and view all the answers

In cluster computing, what is the main goal of combining independent computers?

To achieve High Availability or High Performance Computing Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the key advantages of a client/server environment over a time-sharing environment?

Faster performance due to shared computing tasks Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about output devices in a shared resource environment is true?

They are shared among all users connected to the central computer Signup and view all the answers

Which environment involves the highest level of integration and connectivity among clients and servers?

Distributed Computing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of system software?

To manage software and hardware resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a category of system software?

General Purpose Software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of application specific software?

AutoCAD Signup and view all the answers

What best describes a personal computing environment?

A single personal computer operates independently. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of a time-sharing environment?

Multiple users simultaneously share computing resources. Signup and view all the answers

Which category of system software is responsible for ensuring error-free programs?

System Development Software Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of application software?

It addresses specific problems for users. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes cloud computing?

Services and resources are accessed over the internet. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the linker in a C program?

To attach library functions and produce an executable file. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the program development process?

Understand the problem. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tools is used to visually represent the functional flow of a program?

Structure Chart. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when errors or warnings are found during the compilation of a program?

The source code needs to be fixed and re-compiled. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the loader in program execution?

To load the program from disk to main memory. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes 'algorithm' in program development?

A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem. Signup and view all the answers

After understanding the problem, what is the next step in developing a solution?

Developing the solution using charts and algorithms. Signup and view all the answers

What must be done after writing a program using a text editor?

Compile the program to convert it to binary code. Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the algorithm to determine a student's final grade?

Input set of 4 marks Signup and view all the answers

What is the output when the average of the marks is below 50?

FAIL Signup and view all the answers

In a flowchart, what does the symbol representing 'Start' indicate?

The initiation of the process Signup and view all the answers

How is the average of four marks calculated in the algorithm?

By summing the marks and dividing by the number of marks Signup and view all the answers

What is the last step in the algorithm for checking if a year is a leap year?

End if statement Signup and view all the answers

Which type of algorithmic operation includes 'if' statements?

Conditional Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a flowchart?

To represent the sequence of operations graphically Signup and view all the answers

In the algorithm for adding two numbers, what is the final output step?

Print the sum Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the algorithm for converting length in feet to centimeters?

Input Lft Signup and view all the answers

Which operation is performed by the algorithm for calculating the area of a rectangle?

Multiplication of width and length Signup and view all the answers

In a sequential operation, which of the following is an essential step?

Accept data values Signup and view all the answers

What characters are used in the hexadecimal number system?

0-9, A-F Signup and view all the answers

What does a conditional statement do after testing a condition?

Executes statement1 if the condition is true Signup and view all the answers

What is the first high level programming language mentioned?

FORTRAN Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in creating and running programs?

Typing and debugging Signup and view all the answers

What is the output of the algorithm that converts feet to centimeters when the input is 5 feet?

150 cm Signup and view all the answers

What does the assembler do?

Translates assembly language to machine language Signup and view all the answers

What type of operation changes the normal flow of control in an algorithm?

Control Operation Signup and view all the answers

What is printed as the final step for both algorithms provided?

Conversion Result Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a purpose of the preprocessor?

To read the source file and process preprocessor commands Signup and view all the answers

What would be the result of using the wrong formula in calculating the rectangle's area?

The area will be miscalculated Signup and view all the answers

In a C program, what file extension is typically used for the source file?

.c Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the compiler in programming?

To convert high-level instructions to machine language Signup and view all the answers

Which option best describes assembly language?

It is a symbolic language that is translated into machine language. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Programming for Problem Solving - Unit 1

A computer system is made up of hardware and software
Computer hardware includes input devices, CPU, output devices, memory, and storage devices (e.g., hard disk, flash, SD, RAM)
Computer software includes system software (operating system, system support, system development) and application software (general purpose, application specific)

Computer Hardware

Hardware refers to physical components
Essential for creation, use, manipulation, and storage of electronic data
Five main parts:
- Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner
- CPU: Central Processing Unit (executes programs)
- Output devices: Monitor, printer, plotter
- Memory: RAM and ROM
- Storage devices: Hard disk, flash drive, SD card, etc

Computer Architecture (Block Diagram)

Shows the relationship between components
Input devices (data) feed to the CPU
CPU includes ALU (arithmetic logic unit) and CU (control unit)
Memory Unit holds data for processing
Output devices (information) receive output from the CPU

Computer Software

Programs to achieve tasks
Programming languages: Set of rules, vocabulary, and syntax
System software: Manages hardware and software resources (operating systems, support software, development tools).
Application software: Solves specific problems (general purpose apps, special purpose software).
- Examples: word processors, web browsers, accounting software.

Computing Environments

Various ways computers work together
Personal computing: Single computer
Time-sharing: Many users share a single CPU
Client-server: Central server and multiple clients (shared resources)
Distributed computing: Integrating multiple clients and servers across networks
Cloud computing: Computing from a cloud of computers (Software as a service, Infrastructure as a service, Platform as a service)
Cluster computing: Multiple computers working together

Data Representation

Bit (binary digit): Smallest data unit (0 or 1).
Bit pattern (sequence of bits).
Byte: 8-bit pattern
Number systems: Decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal

Computer Languages

Machine language (0s and 1s)
Symbolic language: Using symbols (mnemonics) to represent machine instructions
High-level languages: Closer to natural language, require translation (e.g., C++, Java, Python)

Creating & Running Programs

Writing and Editing: Creating the source code.
Compiling: Translating high-level code into machine code.
Linking: Connecting program code with system libraries.
Executing: The program runs.

Program Development

Understanding the problem
Developing a solution:
- Structure chart
- Algorithm/Pseudo code
- Flowchart
Writing the program
Testing the program

Algorithm

A set of steps to solve a problem
Precise definition
Must be unambiguous and clearly defined
Halts in a finite time
Uses ordered sets of steps to solve a well-defined problem.

Flowchart

Graphical representation of an algorithm
Using standardized symbols to represent actions and decisions
Depicts the flow of a process.

Types of Algorithmic Operations

Sequential operations: Process single steps in order.
Conditional operations: Making decisions using "if-then-else" blocks.
Iterative operations: Repeating steps using loops.

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Description

Test your knowledge on various computing environments including client/server and cloud computing. This quiz covers essential concepts such as system software, distributed computing, and the distinctions between different computing models. Perfect for students or professionals looking to refresh their understanding of computer systems.