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Questions and Answers
Which of the following correctly defines computer hardware?
Which of the following correctly defines computer hardware?
What is meant by 'data' in the context of a computer system?
What is meant by 'data' in the context of a computer system?
Which of the following components is not classified as computer hardware?
Which of the following components is not classified as computer hardware?
What term is used to describe the users associated with a computer system?
What term is used to describe the users associated with a computer system?
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Which procedure involves a step by step series of instructions specifically for achieving output?
Which procedure involves a step by step series of instructions specifically for achieving output?
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What is the primary function of connectivity in a computer system?
What is the primary function of connectivity in a computer system?
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Which of the following is considered a type of system software?
Which of the following is considered a type of system software?
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Which component acts as the outer structure for many computer parts?
Which component acts as the outer structure for many computer parts?
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What is the main function of a Bar Code Reader?
What is the main function of a Bar Code Reader?
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Which of the following best describes the function of an Optical Mark Reader (OMR)?
Which of the following best describes the function of an Optical Mark Reader (OMR)?
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What is the role of pixels in monitors?
What is the role of pixels in monitors?
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Which of the following is considered a non-impact printer?
Which of the following is considered a non-impact printer?
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What distinguishes SRAM from DRAM in terms of data retention?
What distinguishes SRAM from DRAM in terms of data retention?
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Which type of printer uses a hammer mechanism to print?
Which type of printer uses a hammer mechanism to print?
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Which device is primarily used as an output device in a computer system?
Which device is primarily used as an output device in a computer system?
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What is the main characteristic of RAM as a primary storage device?
What is the main characteristic of RAM as a primary storage device?
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What differentiates PROM from EPROM?
What differentiates PROM from EPROM?
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Which of the following is a removable storage device?
Which of the following is a removable storage device?
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How is EEPROM different from traditional EPROM?
How is EEPROM different from traditional EPROM?
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Which statement about fixed and removable secondary memory is true?
Which statement about fixed and removable secondary memory is true?
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Which type of EPROM can be erased using UV rays?
Which type of EPROM can be erased using UV rays?
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What is the main advantage of handling electrical signals over UV rays for erasing EPROM?
What is the main advantage of handling electrical signals over UV rays for erasing EPROM?
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What is the primary function of the power supply unit (PSU)?
What is the primary function of the power supply unit (PSU)?
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What category does a Flash Disk fall under?
What category does a Flash Disk fall under?
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Which component is often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer?
Which component is often referred to as the 'brain' of the computer?
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How is a PROM specifically programmed?
How is a PROM specifically programmed?
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What is the purpose of the CMOS battery on the motherboard?
What is the purpose of the CMOS battery on the motherboard?
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What does the Read-Only Memory (ROM) typically store?
What does the Read-Only Memory (ROM) typically store?
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Which of the following statements about expansion cards is true?
Which of the following statements about expansion cards is true?
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Which input device is considered the most popular for data entry?
Which input device is considered the most popular for data entry?
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How does the motherboard interact with the CPU?
How does the motherboard interact with the CPU?
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What is the typical function of output devices?
What is the typical function of output devices?
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What is the primary function of a mouse?
What is the primary function of a mouse?
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How does a joystick operate?
How does a joystick operate?
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What device is primarily used for drawing or selecting items on a computer monitor?
What device is primarily used for drawing or selecting items on a computer monitor?
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Which device is specifically known for converting analog signals from a television or camera into digital form?
Which device is specifically known for converting analog signals from a television or camera into digital form?
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What is the primary use of a scanner?
What is the primary use of a scanner?
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Which input device uses magnetic ink to process bank cheques?
Which input device uses magnetic ink to process bank cheques?
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What type of input does a microphone capture?
What type of input does a microphone capture?
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What is the role of an Optical Character Reader (OCR)?
What is the role of an Optical Character Reader (OCR)?
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Study Notes
Overview of Computer Systems
- A computer system comprises hardware, software, users (live-ware), procedures, and data.
- Key components include the CPU, memory, input/output devices, and storage.
Hardware
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, including:
- Monitor, mouse, keyboard, HDD, graphic cards, sound cards, memory, and motherboard.
- All hardware elements are tangible objects essential for computer functionality.
Software
- Software classifications include:
- System Software: Manages hardware and system resources.
- Application Software: Allows users to perform specific tasks.
- Operating Systems: Facilitates user interaction with computer hardware.
- Utility Software: Provides maintenance and system management.
- Language Processors: Translates programming code to machine language.
- Connectivity Software: Enables network connections.
Users (Live-ware)
- Users are critical, serving roles such as:
- System Analysts: Analyze and design computer systems.
- System Programmers: Write and maintain software.
- System Operators: Manage hardware and software operations.
Procedures
- Procedures are systematic instructions for performing tasks, categorized into:
- Hardware-oriented procedures.
- Software-oriented procedures.
- Internal procedures.
Data
- Data is raw facts processed into information used for decision-making.
- The computer interprets data using machine language and stores it in memory.
Connectivity
- Enables computers to share resources like files and printers through various means:
- Wires, cables, satellites, infrared, Bluetooth, and microwave transmission.
Computer Case
- The computer case is an enclosure made of plastic or metal housing key components.
Power Supply
- The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts AC to low-voltage DC power for internal components, with laptops utilizing built-in batteries.
Motherboard
- The motherboard connects all computer parts, including CPU, RAM, and disk drives, through integrated circuitry.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- The CPU, known as the "brain" of the computer, performs calculations and is cooled by heat sinks and fans.
- Often includes an on-die Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- RAM temporarily stores data and code actively accessed by the CPU.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
- ROM stores BIOS firmware necessary for booting the computer and management tasks during startup.
Buses
- Buses facilitate communication between the CPU and other internal components.
CMOS Battery
- Powers the CMOS memory on the motherboard to store system settings.
Expansion Cards
- Inserted into the motherboard to enhance functionality not provided by the motherboard.
Input Devices
- Allow user input into the system:
- Keyboard: Common input device for data entry.
- Mouse: Pointing device for cursor navigation.
- Joystick: Pointing device for gaming and graphical applications.
- Light Pen: Used to select items and draw on screens.
- Trackball: Ball-based pointing device for navigation.
- Scanner: Converts physical documents into digital form.
- Digital Digitizer: Converts analog signals to digital data.
- Microphone: Captures audio input for digital use.
- MICR: Reads magnetic ink from bank cheques.
- OCR: Converts printed text into digital format.
- Bar Code Readers: Reads barcoded data for inventory and sales.
- OMR: Recognizes marks made by pen on forms.
Output Devices
- Display processed information in a human-readable format:
- Monitors: Main output device forming images from pixels.
- Types of Monitors: CRT and Flat-Panel Display.
-
Printers: Produce hard copies of documents; includes:
- Impact Printers: Dot Matrix and Daisy Wheel.
- Non-Impact Printers: Laser and Inkjet.
- Speakers and Headsets: Output audio signals.
Primary Storage Devices
- Types of primary memory:
- RAM: DRAM (dynamic) loses charge and needs refreshing; SRAM (static) retains data without refreshing.
-
ROM:
- PROM: Programmable once.
- EPROM: Erasable and reprogrammable using UV light or electrical signals.
Secondary Storage Devices
- Classifications based on fixed or removable:
- Fixed Devices: Hard Disk Drive, CD/DVD Drive.
- Removable Devices: Pen Drives, Blu-ray Disks.
Conclusion
- Each hardware and software component plays a vital role in the functionality of a computer, highlighting the importance of understanding how they work together effectively.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the essential components of computer systems with this quiz. You'll identify key elements and describe the functions of basic computer components. Perfect for beginners looking to reinforce their understanding of computer architecture.