Digital Technology and Computers Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the two discrete values used in binary numbers?

On and off

Zero and one (correct)

True and false

Positive and negative

Which component of a computer is most similar to the human brain?

Central Processing Unit (CPU) (correct)

Memory

Input/output devices

Transistor

What is the primary function of digital devices like LED TVs and monitors?

To store digital information

To process digital signals

To record audio information

To display visual information or data (correct)

Which of the following best describes a digital device?

An electronic device that can create, generate, send, share, communicate, receive, store, display, or process information Signup and view all the answers

How does the text characterize computers' ability to process information?

They can only respond to questions for which they have been programmed Signup and view all the answers

What are transistors used for in digital systems?

To act as electrical switches representing binary values Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical function of an electronic camera compared to a conventional camera?

Record audio alongside visual information Signup and view all the answers

How are computer memory and human memory conceptually similar?

They both serve as storage locations for information accessible to them Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT identified as a consequence of addiction to online platforms?

Increased social interaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason that data must be converted to a binary form for computer processing?

Because computers understand only machine-readable binary code. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'digital' mean in the context of data representation, based on its etymology?

It is derived from the same source as 'digit' and 'finger' Signup and view all the answers

How does media manipulation use digital editing tools, according to the text?

To alter information for an intended effect on public perception. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes analog data according to the text provided?

Represented by a value from a continuous range of real values. Signup and view all the answers

What was George Stibitz's purpose in using the term 'digital' in 1942?

To describe electrical pulses in a calculating device. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text indicate about the nature of the physical world?

It is typically considered to be analog. Signup and view all the answers

What is the common representation of digital data in most information systems?

A string of binary digits (bits). Signup and view all the answers

Which of these accurately describes how numeric data is represented?

Using the binary number system (base 2 with 0s and 1s). Signup and view all the answers

How many bytes are in a kilobyte?

1000 bytes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between numeric data and character data?

Numeric data is used in arithmetic operations, while character data is not used in arithmetic operations. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of digital devices what is the smallest unit of data called?

Bit Signup and view all the answers

What is the significant impact of the Internet on media in the 1990s?

It changed media from production to reception by users Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a characteristic of digital media?

Data is represented using analog signals Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'digital' signify in the context of digital media?

All data is converted into numeric form. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options best describes the shift in media from analog to digital?

A shift leading to the convergence and divergence of different media. Signup and view all the answers

Why is expressing symbols digitally more complex than converting analog information?

Symbols are discrete, requiring polling and encoding rather than just sampling and quantization. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main risk associated with polling switch states at regular intervals?

The risk of multiple switch presses between polling intervals not being detected. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a dedicated processor for switch polling and encoding?

To avoid overloading the main CPU with input processing. Signup and view all the answers

How are switch states typically represented in devices with a few switches?

As a single word of bits, with 0 representing 'released' and 1 representing 'pushed'. Signup and view all the answers

Why is a keyboard matrix used to identify the pressed key?

To reduce the number of switches the keyboard has and therefore the number of bit required to represent the switches. Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a keyboard processor detects a key change?

It sends a signal containing the key's scan code and new state to the CPU. Signup and view all the answers

Why might using a bespoke character encoding be more appropriate than ASCII for a specific application?

To accommodate the specific functionalities of the application. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary distinction between analog and digital data representation?

Analog data uses an infinite scale of values, while digital data is stored as discrete digits. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a potential main cause of significant governmental surveillance, according to industry experts?

The absence of constitutional mechanisms that allow monitoring of governmental activities. Signup and view all the answers

What term is often used interchangeably with 'online hate'?

Cyberbullying Signup and view all the answers

Which activity is NOT typically associated with cyberbullying?

Sharing positive comments about someone's achievements on social media. Signup and view all the answers

What effects are demonstrated by victims of cyberbullying?

Increased suicidal thoughts, emotional breakdowns, and lower self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

Why are discussions about what constitutes hate speech and where to identify racism important in digital media?

Because these are critical aspects of online engagement and interaction, especially for young users. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'interactivity' in the context of digital media?

The user's capacity to influence the context and form of mediated communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of hypertext in digital media?

It combines traditional text with interactive linking for a non-linear structure. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'dispersion' relate to the nature of digital media?

It describes the spread of digital media in terms of consumption and production. Signup and view all the answers

The concept of 'virtuality' in digital media is primarily associated with which aspect?

The immersive and interactive experiences, often involving the Internet, 3D, and multimedia. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'telepresence' refer to when discussed in the context of digital media?

The feeling of simultaneously existing in a physical and a digital environment. Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is credited with conceptualizing codes to be machine-calculated in the early 1800s?

Charles Babbage Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the first instructions for calculating numbers using machines?

Ada Lovelace Signup and view all the answers

In what year did the effective timeline of digital media begin with the invention of an electromechanical machine?

1941 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer and Digital Basics

Information exists digitally, stored, processed, and transmitted through digital tech.
Digital systems include consumer goods, communication, and process control.
Computers manipulate binary information (0s and 1s).
Transistors represent binary states (OFF/ON).
Binary numbers represent decimal numbers.
Computer components: CPU (central processing unit), memory, and I/O (input/output).
CPU functions analogously to the human brain.
Computers respond to programmed instructions, unlike independent thought.
Digital devices encompass desktops, laptops, phones, and storage devices.
Digital devices create, generate, send, share, communicate, receive, store, display, or process information.

LED Televisions

LED TVs are digital devices used for visual and data display.
They are operated using digital signals.

Electronic Cameras

Electronic cameras are more adaptable than conventional cameras.
They include digital technology for storage, arrangement, editing, sending, and printing images.
Some cameras can record video.

Smartphones

Smartphones have transformed communication (both verbal and text-based).
They integrate multiple functionalities, like cameras, calculators, and mapping apps.

Alarm Clocks

Digital clocks offer advantages over analog clocks concerning ease of use (readable in dark) and precise timing.
Digital clocks can be combined with radios.

Printers

Printers are digital devices that store information electronically and print it.
Devices are becoming more compact, connected, and autonomous.
Connectivity improves social connectedness and enables real-time communication.
Automation boosts production and allows for increased worker multitasking.
Quick data transfer is facilitated by advanced technology (internet).
Drawbacks of digital devices include complexity, work overload, information security concerns, addiction, and media manipulation.

Digital Processing

Data represents people, events, things, and ideas.
Data is usually stored and processed digitally (0s & 1s).
Analog data is represented by a continuous range of values.
Humans understand data through numerical or symbolic means.
Computers must translate data to electrical signals (binary code).

Data Representation

Digital data is composed of discrete digits (0s and 1s).
Analog data is represented by continuous values.
Binary systems comprise 0s and 1s (e.g., numeric data, character data). Various digital codes exist (ASCII, EBCDIC, Unicode).

Digital Media

Digital media incorporates print and electronic media.
Digital media has transformed communication, production, and distribution processes.
Characteristics of digital media: digital, interactive, hypertextual, dispersed, virtual, and telepresent.
Effects: cybercrime, security, privacy, surveillance, online hate, and disinformation.

Digital Media Evolution

Digital media significantly changed the media industry in the 1990s.
Key advancements include the internet, social media, and technological innovations.
Digital media has impacted various aspects of society and personal lives.
Digital media is continuously evolving and impacting how individuals engage and interact in society.

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Description

Test your knowledge on digital technology and its comparison to human cognition. This quiz covers topics such as binary numbers, computer components, and the characteristics of digital devices. Explore how digital systems function and their similarities with human memory.