Computing Fundamentals Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the basic unit of memory?

Kilobyte

Bit

Byte (correct)

Megabyte

How many bytes are equal to 1 kilobyte?

1048576

10240

1000

1024 (correct)

What is the term for an assembly of electronic components, fabricated as a single unit?

Printed Circuit Board

Discrete Component

Integrated Circuit (correct)

Microprocessor

How many bytes are equal to 1 terabyte?

1e12 bytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a binary byte of data?

Byte Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an Integrated Circuit?

To allow for miniaturised active and passive devices Signup and view all the answers

How many kilobytes are equal to 1 megabyte?

1024 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for a device the size of a thumb that can store 1 or 2 terabytes of data?

USB Flash Drive Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To manage the computer's hardware and software resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the CPU of a computer?

A collection of logic circuits Signup and view all the answers

What kind of computers do not necessarily need an operating system?

Simple computers with one set of tasks to perform Signup and view all the answers

What is a common characteristic of operating systems used in aircraft systems?

They are highly customised Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an operating system in managing hardware resources?

To manage the processor, memory, discs space and so on Signup and view all the answers

What is the brain of the computer?

The CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is a common function of an operating system in an aircraft system?

To manage the many functions of the system Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a simple computer that does not need an operating system?

It has one set of relatively simple tasks to perform Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of NAND SSDs?

They retain data even without a constant power supply Signup and view all the answers

Why are NAND SSDs not suitable for long-term data storage?

Due to their slow leakage rate Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of magnetic tape storage?

It uses serial access memory Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of magnetic disc storage devices?

Their direct-access capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the width range of magnetic tape?

0.5 in. to 1 in. Signup and view all the answers

What is the length range of magnetic tape?

600 to 3000 ft Signup and view all the answers

How are 1s and 0s recorded on magnetic tape?

As strings of data Signup and view all the answers

What is the package type used by large computers for magnetic tape?

Open reel Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Read-Only Memory (ROM) in a computer?

To permanently store often-used instructions and programs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main disadvantage of Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)?

Once programmed, it cannot be altered or changed Signup and view all the answers

How is a program entered into a blank Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)?

By using a special device to 'burn' the program into PROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) over traditional PROM?

EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the memory in a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) after it has been programmed?

It will act as ROM, will not be corrupted or inadvertently erased, and will not erase with loss of power Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of programming a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)?

Burning the PROM Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of erasing an EPROM with ultraviolet light?

To clear the EPROM of all data Signup and view all the answers

What is required to program a blank Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)?

A special device called a PROM programmer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a software storage medium?

Flash memory card Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of secondary storage?

It is used to store programs and data for future use Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of using Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) over Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

PROM allows the user to tailor a microcode program Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of software storage medium?

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the fuses in the ROM cells during the programming process of a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)?

They are blown during the programming process Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about flash memory cards?

They are tiny and have no moving parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using EPROM over PROM?

EPROM can be reprogrammed Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of secondary storage in a computer?

To store programs and data for future use Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory

A binary byte of data is the basic unit of memory.
Primary storage capacities are usually specified in number of bytes.
Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 bytes, Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB, Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB, Terabyte (TB) = 1024 GB.
1 terabyte = 1e12 bytes or 1 000 000 000 000 bytes.

Integrated Circuits (ICs)

An IC, also known as a microchip, is an assembly of electronic components fabricated as a single unit.
ICs allow for miniaturized active devices (e.g., transistors and diodes) and passive devices (e.g., capacitors and resistors) to be preconstructed.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A modern computer CPU performs complex calculations using logic circuits configured to produce a desired outcome.
The CPU is the brain of the computer.

Operating System

An operating system is a collection of programs used by the computer to manage its own resources and operations.
Operating systems control the execution of other programs, schedule, assign resources, monitor and control the work of the computer.
Not all computers have operating systems (e.g., simple computers like microwave ovens).

Storage Devices

Magnetic Tape Storage

Magnetic tape is a type of storage device used mainly for secondary storage.
It is made of a Mylar base coated with a magnetic oxide that can be magnetized to store data.
Data is stored as strings of 1s and 0s (serial access memory).
Magnetic tape comes in various lengths (from 600 to 3000 ft) and is packaged in open reels, cartridges, or cassettes.

Magnetic Disc Storage

Magnetic discs are direct-access storage devices.
They are popular due to their direct-access capabilities.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is a type of memory that enables storing often-used instructions or programs permanently inside the computer.
ROM retains data even when the computer is powered down.

Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM)

PROM is an alternative to ROM that can be purchased already programmed or in a blank state.
A PROM can be written into once, but it cannot be altered or changed afterward.
A special device is needed to 'burn' the program into PROM.

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM)

EPROM is a type of memory that can be erased and reprogrammed using ultraviolet light.
EPROMs can be purchased blank and programmed.
Data and programs can be retrieved over and over again without destroying the contents of the EPROM.

Software Storage Mediums

Software storage mediums include reel-to-reel; 8-in., 5 1/4-in., and 3 1/2-in. floppy discs; cassette tapes; CDs and DVDs; portable hard drives; and flash drives.
Flash memory cards are tiny, have no moving parts, and are often used in digital cameras and mobile devices.

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Description

Test your understanding of basic computing concepts including memory units and integrated circuits. Learn about bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and more!