Questions and Answers
What is a computer?
A computer is any machine that can be programmed to carry out a set of algorithms and arithmetic instructions.
Which of the following are input devices? (Select all that apply)
What does the Control Unit do?
The Control Unit extracts instructions, performs execution, maintains, and directs operations of the entire system.
The Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) is where all types of processing occur.
Signup and view all the answers
The unit of memory is called a __________.
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is an example of hardware?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the most common input device used to input data?
Signup and view all the answers
Which device is used to control the movement of the cursor on the screen?
Signup and view all the answers
What does a scanner do?
Signup and view all the answers
Monitors are commonly referred to as __________.
Signup and view all the answers
The CRT display provides better image clarity with larger pixels.
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Computer System Modules and Operations
- A computer is a programmable machine capable of executing algorithms and arithmetic instructions.
- Key components of a computer system include the Central Processing Unit (CPU), input devices, output devices, and memory.
- Input devices send data to the CPU for processing, while output devices display information to the user.
- Data processed in the CPU is temporarily stored in Random Access Memory (RAM).
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Comprises three main parts: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), Control Unit, and memory.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Handles all types of processing including comparisons, decision-making, and non-numeric data processing.
- Data is initially sent to RAM and then transferred to the ALU for detailed processing.
Control Unit
- Extracts instructions, performs execution, and manages operations of the entire computer system.
- Functions include:
- Controlling all computer activities
- Supervising and directing data flow within the CPU
- Moving data between the ALU and memory
- Fetching results from memory to output devices
Memory Unit
- Stores data, instructions, and results.
- Basic unit of memory is called a "Byte".
Input/Output Devices
- Peripheral devices allow communication between users and the computer.
Input Devices
- Keyboard: Primary input device, designed similar to a typewriter layout.
- Mouse: Common pointing device which controls the cursor; features movement detection with buttons.
- Joystick: Pointing device that enables cursor movement in four directions.
- Light Pen: Used for selecting options on the screen, includes a photocell and optical system.
- Track Ball: Ball-based input device for controlling cursor movement, preferred in laptops.
- Scanner: Digitizes paper information, functioning like a photocopier.
- Microphone: Captures sound and stores it in digital form for multimedia and music applications.
- Bar Code Readers: Reads data from barcodes, used for labeling and inventory tracking.
Output Devices
-
Monitors (Visual Display Units): Main output device that creates images from pixels.
- Image clarity is defined by the number of pixels.
- Types of monitors include:
- Cathode-Ray Tube (CRT): Made of pixels, clearer images with smaller pixel sizes.
- Flat-Panel Display: More modern and compact display technology.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the fundamental modules of computer systems including the Central Processing Unit, input and output devices, and the Arithmetic Logic Unit. This quiz will test your understanding of how these components operate together to process data and generate information. Dive into the essentials of computer architecture and functionality.
