End User Computing Unit 1
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of processing data?

  • To communicate with the recipient
  • To accept input from the user
  • To produce information for a specific purpose (correct)
  • To store it in memory

    • What is the primary function of a computer's memory?

  • To store data and instructions (correct)
  • To process data
  • To generate output
  • To control the computer's operations

    • What are the lists of instructions called that are stored in a computer's memory?

  • Information
  • Data
  • Programs (correct)
  • Instructions

    • How many primary functions does a computer perform?

    <p>5</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for information that meets certain criteria?

    <p>Real Info</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the output stage of a computer?

    <p>To produce the output</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a minicomputer?

    <p>To act as a small or mid-range server</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of computer is commonly used in engineering applications?

    <p>Work station</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the control unit in a computer?

    <p>To coordinate the actions of the other units</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the input unit?

    <p>To accept coded information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe memory that can be accessed in a short and fixed amount of time?

    <p>Random-access memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe memory that is only readable by the user and cannot be altered?

    <p>Read-only memory (ROM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of secondary memory?

    <p>To store large amounts of data and programs infrequently accessed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the time required to access one word in memory?

    <p>Memory access time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a super computer?

    <p>To perform large-scale numerical calculations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Output Unit in a computer system?

    <p>To send processed results to the outside world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between the Control Unit and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>The ALU performs arithmetic and logic operations, while the Control Unit sends signals to other units</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the registers in a computer's processor?

    <p>To temporarily hold operands and store results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) responsible for?

    <p>Carrying out instructions of a computer program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a secondary memory device?

    <p>CD-ROM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the control unit in a computer system?

    <p>To generate timing signals to control the transfer of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of information?

    <p>Data processed for some purpose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a computer?

    <p>To process data and generate information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the five primary functions of a computer?

    <p>Input, processing, output, storage, and control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the internal storage of a computer?

    <p>Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a list of instructions stored in a computer's memory?

    <p>Program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a computer defined as?

    <p>A fast electronic calculating machine that accepts digitized input information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of computer is commonly used in homes and offices?

    <p>Personal computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the control unit in a computer?

    <p>To coordinate the actions of other units</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of memory is used to store programs and data temporarily?

    <p>Random Access Memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of secondary memory?

    <p>To store large amounts of data and programs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a computer that possesses most of the features of a large computer but is smaller in physical size?

    <p>Minicomputer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the input unit?

    <p>To accept coded information as source program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the time required to access one word in memory?

    <p>Memory Access Time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a workstation?

    <p>To be used in engineering applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a supercomputer?

    <p>To perform large scale numerical calculations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the processor in a computer system?

    <p>Control the activities of the computer system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of an expansion card?

    <p>Sound card</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) in a processor?

    <p>Clock speed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a computer processor?

    <p>To perform basic arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between system software and application software?

    <p>System software is used for system-based tasks, while application software is used for non-system based tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the main working memory of a computer system?

    <p>Primary storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of dynamic random access memory (DRAM)?

    <p>It uses a transistor and a capacitor to store one bit of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the control unit in a computer system?

    <p>To generate timing signals to govern the transfer of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a peripheral device?

    <p>Monitor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the electronic and mechanical equipment in a computer system?

    <p>Hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Output Unit in a computer system?

    <p>To send the processed results to the outside world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a feature of multi-core processors?

    <p>They have multiple processor cores on a single chip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe computer programs that perform a task or tasks on a computer system?

    <p>Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the contents of RAM when the computer is turned off?

    <p>The contents are erased</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of autosave features in software programs?

    <p>To prevent the total loss of work</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of a device driver in a computer system?

    <p>To allow the hardware to communicate with the operating system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a computer's processor?

    <p>To perform basic arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which companies produce almost all the processors used in desktop and notebook computers?

    <p>Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a program that manages the computer memory, manages storage, and provides networking and internet facilities?

    <p>System software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the system unit in a computer system?

    <p>To protect the delicate electronic and mechanical devices from damage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a transistor in a computer system?

    <p>To act as a switch to allow the capacitor's state to be changed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the name of the 25-pin port used to connect printers, scanners, and external hard disks to a computer?

    <p>Parallel Port</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum number of devices that can be connected to a single USB port?

    <p>127</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the collection of physical parts of a computer system?

    <p>Computer hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the motherboard in a computer system?

    <p>To act as the main circuit board</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the power supply in a computer system?

    <p>To convert normal household electricity into electricity that a computer can use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a space inside the computer case where a hard drive, floppy drive, or CD-ROM drive can be installed?

    <p>Bay</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer system?

    <p>To process data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe an electronic line that allows data to move from one place to another in a computer system?

    <p>Bus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a sound card in a computer system?

    <p>To let a computer play and record high-quality sound</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of DVD-RW discs over DVD-R discs?

    <p>They can be rewritten multiple times</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of system software?

    <p>To operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between a DVD-R disc and a DVD-RW disc?

    <p>The ability to rewrite the disc</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Flash Drive?

    <p>A small storage device that can hold between 256 MB and 8 GB of material</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Removable Hard Drive?

    <p>A disk drive surrounded by a plastic or metal case that can be inserted and removed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?

    <p>RAM can be read and written, while ROM can only be read</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a PC Card?

    <p>A thin credit card-sized device that fits into a PC card slot</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of the control system in a computer?

    <p>To decode instructions and turn them into control signals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the keyboard?

    <p>To allow the entry of data into the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a CD that can be used to record data?

    <p>CD+R</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the mouse?

    <p>To control the movement of the insertion point on the screen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main advantage of using computer storage devices?

    <p>They reduce the amount of space used on the computer's hard drive</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU) responsible for?

    <p>Following instructions from ROM or RAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the internal storage of a computer?

    <p>Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of output devices?

    <p>To make information available for use or viewing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of processing data?

    <p>To produce information for a specific purpose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of information?

    <p>It must be in a language that is understood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the computer's memory?

    <p>To store data and instructions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of processing data in a computer?

    <p>Output</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of the control unit in a computer?

    <p>To control all the functions of the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a computer?

    <p>To process data and produce information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of computer is used for large scale numerical calculations?

    <p>Supercomputer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of the processor in a computer system?

    <p>To control the activities of the computer system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Input Unit?

    <p>To accept coded information as source program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of instructions can the processor execute?

    <p>Arithmetic, Logical, and Move Operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the unit of measurement for the speed of a processor?

    <p>Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between Primary Memory and Secondary Memory?

    <p>Primary Memory is used for temporary storage, Secondary Memory is used for permanent storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Minicomputer?

    <p>A type of computer that possesses most of the features of a large computer but is smaller in physical size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the main working memory of a computer system?

    <p>Random Access Memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What category of software includes programs that control the operation of a computer system?

    <p>System Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Control Unit?

    <p>To control the flow of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of dynamic random access memory (DRAM)?

    <p>A transistor and a capacitor are paired to store one Bit of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Random-Access Memory (RAM)?

    <p>A type of memory that can be accessed in a short and fixed amount of time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the control unit in a computer system?

    <p>To send signals to other units and sense their states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for devices that connect to the system unit using cables or wireless technologies?

    <p>Peripherals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Output Unit?

    <p>To send output to the outside world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the latest trend in processor manufacture?

    <p>Essentially putting more than one processor on a silicon chip</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the electronic and mechanical equipment in a computer system?

    <p>Hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of Caches?

    <p>To speed up the processing of data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a computer processor?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logical operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two companies produce almost all the processors used in desktop and notebook computers?

    <p>Intel and AMD</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a Workstation?

    <p>A type of computer used for engineering applications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What category of software includes programs that perform specific tasks, such as business software or games?

    <p>Application Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the contents of RAM when the computer is turned off?

    <p>They are lost</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) in a computer processor?

    <p>To make decisions by comparing data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Output Unit in a computer system?

    <p>To output processed results to the outside world</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between system software and application software?

    <p>System software controls the operation of a computer system, while application software performs specific tasks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe the collection of electronic and mechanical devices operating as a unit?

    <p>Computer System</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the registers in a computer's processor?

    <p>To store data temporarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a secondary memory device?

    <p>Hard Disk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a transistor in a computer?

    <p>To act as a switch to allow the capacitor's state to be changed as required</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>To perform arithmetic and logic operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a serial port?

    <p>To connect mice and external modems to the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the data transfer rate of a USB 3 port?

    <p>600MBps</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between RAM and ROM?

    <p>RAM can be read and written anytime, while ROM is preloaded and only readable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Control Unit?

    <p>To decode instructions in a program</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the control unit in a computer?

    <p>To direct the various components of a computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a computer's memory?

    <p>To store and retrieve data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a bay in a computer?

    <p>A space inside the computer case where a hard drive, floppy drive or CD-ROM drive sits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Mouse?

    <p>To control the movement of the insertion point on the screen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a motherboard?

    <p>To act as the main circuit board of a microcomputer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a parallel port used for?

    <p>To connect printers, scanners, and external hard disks to the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Output devices?

    <p>To make information available for use or to view</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a power supply in a computer?

    <p>To change normal household electricity into electricity that a computer can use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Floppy Disks?

    <p>To store data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a USB port?

    <p>To replace serial and parallel ports with a single standard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the CD + RW Disc?

    <p>To write data and erase as many times as needed</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the CPU?

    <p>To follow instructions from ROM or a program in RAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is computer hardware?

    <p>The collection of physical parts of a computer system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Keyboard?

    <p>To enter data into the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a 3D scanner?

    <p>To create a digital copy of an object.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Tinkercad?

    <p>A free online 3D modeling software.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the process of dividing a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers?

    <p>Slicing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of software is often made to suit the functions of the user's industry?

    <p>3D modeling software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the diversification of 3D modeling software?

    <p>The rise of software suited to specific niches.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required to make a 3D model 3D printable?

    <p>Slicing the 3D model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of DVD-RW over DVD-R?

    <p>Ability to erase and rewrite to a DVD-RW disc</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical storage capacity of a flash drive?

    <p>Between 256 MB and 8 GB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a removable hard drive?

    <p>To add storage to a notebook computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of system software?

    <p>It is designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of application software?

    <p>Microsoft's notepad</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a smart card?

    <p>To read and update data when inserted into a smart card reader</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of DVD-R discs?

    <p>They hold the space of about 4.7 GB</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary advantage of using a rewritable disc?

    <p>If there are writing errors, the disc is not ruined and can still store data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a PC card?

    <p>To add storage to a notebook computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of system software?

    <p>To operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the features of application software?

    <p>Close to the user, easy to design, more interactive, slow in speed, generally written in high-level language, easy to understand, easy to manipulate and use, bigger in size and requires large storage space</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a network that is used for communicating amongst computers and computer devices in proximity of around a few meters within a room?

    <p>Personal Area Network (PAN)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a LAN?

    <p>To connect devices in a small geographic area, usually within an office building or home</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the examples of Application software?

    <p>Payroll Software, Student Record Software, Inventory Management Software, Income Tax Software, Railways Reservation Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a WAN?

    <p>Two or more LANs connected together, covering a large geographic area</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a MAN?

    <p>A network that usually spans a city or a large campus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a LAN?

    <p>To share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic communications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term used to describe a network that consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources?

    <p>A network</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the types of networks classified upon the geographical area covered by a network?

    <p>Local Area Network (LAN), Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), Personal Area Network (PAN)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of a 3D model in a computer?

    <p>To create a 3D design in a computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    What is Information?

    • Information is data processed for a specific purpose.
    • For data to be considered 'real info', it must:
      • Be communicated to the recipient.
      • Be in a language that is understood.
      • Be in a suitable form.
      • Be relevant for achieving some purpose.

    Computer

    • A computer is an electronic device that:
      • Accepts data (input).
      • Processes the data according to specified rules.
      • Produces information (output).
      • Stores the information for future use.

    Functionalities of a Computer

    • A computer carries out five main functions:
      • Takes data as input.
      • Stores data/instructions in its memory.
      • Processes the data and converts it into useful information.
      • Generates the output.
      • Controls all the above four steps.

    Computer Types

    • There are several types of computers, including:
      • Personal computers: most common type, found in homes, schools, and offices.
      • Notebook computers: compact and portable versions of PCs.
      • Workstations: high-resolution input/output (I/O) graphics capability, used in engineering applications.
      • Minicomputers: smaller than mainframes, used as small or mid-range servers.
      • Supercomputers: used for large-scale numerical calculations, e.g. weather forecasting.

    Functional Units

    • A computer consists of five functionally independent main parts:
      • Input unit: accepts coded information as source program.
      • Memory: stores programs and data.
      • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performs arithmetic and logical operations.
      • Output unit: sends processed results to the outside world.
      • Control unit: coordinates actions, sends signals to other units, and senses their states.

    Memory Unit

    • The memory unit stores programs and data.
    • Primary Memory:
      • Is associated with the processor.
      • Programs must be stored in this memory during execution.
      • Divided into two types: Random-Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM).
    • Secondary Memory:
      • Used for storing large amounts of data and programs.
      • Examples include magnetic disks, tapes, optical disks, and floppies.

    Central Processing Unit (CPU)

    • The CPU carries out instructions of a computer program by performing arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output operations.
    • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
      • Performs arithmetic and logical operations.
      • Operands are brought into the ALU from memory and stored in high-speed storage elements called registers.

    What is Information?

    • Information is data processed for a specific purpose.
    • To be considered "real Info", it must meet certain criteria:
      • Communicated to the recipient
      • In a language that is understood
      • In a suitable form
      • Relevant for achieving a purpose

    Computer Basics

    • A computer is an electronic device that:
      • Accepts data (input)
      • Processes the data according to specified rules
      • Produces information (output)
      • Stores the information for future use
    • A computer carries out five functions:
      • Takes data as input
      • Stores data/instructions in memory
      • Processes data
      • Generates output
      • Controls all the above steps

    Types of Computers

    • Personal computers (PCs):
      • Most common type of computer
      • Used in homes, schools, and business offices
      • Subtypes:
        • Notebook computers
        • Workstations
    • Minicomputers:
      • Smaller than mainframes
      • Larger than microcomputers
      • Used for small to mid-range servers
      • Examples: mobile devices, PDAs
    • Supercomputers:
      • Used for large-scale numerical calculations
      • Examples: weather forecasting

    Functional Units of a Computer

    • Input Unit:
      • Accepts coded information (source program)
      • Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanners
    • Memory Unit:
      • Stores programs and data
      • Divided into two types:
        • Primary Memory (RAM)
        • Secondary Memory (e.g. hard disks, CD-ROMs)
    • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
      • Performs arithmetic and logic operations
      • Examples: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
    • Output Unit:
      • Sends processed results to the outside world
      • Examples: printer, speakers, monitor
    • Control Unit:
      • Coordinates the activities of the computer system
      • Generates timing signals to control data transfer

    Hardware and Software

    • Hardware:
      • All the electronic and mechanical equipment in a computer
      • Examples: hard disk, RAM, power supply, processor, case
    • Software:
      • Computer programs that perform tasks
      • Types:
        • System software (e.g. operating systems, utility programs)
        • Application software (e.g. business software, engineering software, games)

    PC Components

    • System Unit:
      • Main container for system devices
      • Protects delicate electronic and mechanical devices
      • Examples: motherboard, CPU, memory, disk drives, expansion cards, power supply
    • Peripherals:
      • Devices that connect to the system unit
      • Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, plotter, scanner

    System Unit Devices

    • Processor (CPU):
      • Integrated circuit (IC) supplied on a single silicon chip
      • Controls the activities of the computer system
      • Executes instructions in an orderly fashion
      • Examples: Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
    • Memory (RAM):
      • Primary storage
      • Holds data and programs currently in use
      • Volatile (loses data when turned off)
      • Examples: dynamic random access memory (DRAM)

    Ports and Connectors

    • Serial Port:
      • Obsolete, but still included in new systems
      • Used for mice and external modems
      • Turquoise in color
    • Parallel Port:
      • Used for printers, scanners, external hard disks, and zip drives
      • Burgundy in color
    • USB Port:
      • Replaces serial, parallel, and PS/2 ports
      • Hot swappable
      • Examples: USB 1, USB 2, USB 3

    Motherboard and Expansion Cards

    • Motherboard:
      • Main circuit board of a microcomputer
      • Also known as system board
    • Expansion Cards:
      • Allow for additional features to be added to the computer
      • Examples: sound card, graphics card, network card

    Computer Hardware

    • Collection of physical parts of a computer system
    • Examples: computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, motherboard, CPU, memory, video card, etc.

    How Computers Work

    • Four main sections:
      • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
      • Control Unit
      • Memory
      • Input and Output Devices (I/O)
    • Control Unit:
      • Directs the various components of a computer
      • Reads and interprets instructions
      • Decodes instructions and turns them into control signals
    • Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU):
      • Performs arithmetic and logic operations
      • Examples: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and logical operations
    • Memory:
      • Viewed as a list of cells that can store numbers
      • Information stored in memory can represent anything
    • Input and Output Devices:
      • Allow for data entry and output
      • Examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer### Storage Devices
    • Storing data in external storage devices helps avoid using too much space on the computer's hard drive and prevents it from crashing
    • Common storage devices include floppy disks, zip disks, compact discs (CD), digital video discs (DVD), flash drives, and removable hard drives

    CD Types

    • CD + RW (Compact Disc Rewriteable) holds about 650 MB and allows data to be written and erased multiple times
    • CD + R (Compact Disc Recordable) holds various sizes, is mostly used for audio recording, and cannot be rewritten or erased once written

    DVD Types

    • DVD – R (Digital Video Disc - Recordable) holds about 4.7 GB and is used for recording movies
    • DVD + RW (Digital Video Disc Rewriteable) can be written to about 1,000 times before replacement and is commonly used for volatile data and home DVD video recorders

    Flash Drive

    • A small storage device that comes in various colors and holds between 256 MB and 8 GB of material

    Other Storage Devices

    • Removable hard drive: a disk drive surrounded by a plastic or metal case that can be inserted and removed like a floppy disk
    • PC Card: a thin, credit card-sized device that fits into a PC card slot on a notebook computer and adds storage
    • Smart Card: a card the size of an ATM card that reads and updates data when inserted into a smart card reader
    • Storage Tapes: a type of storage device
    • Memory Sticks: a type of storage device
    • Smart Media: a type of storage device

    Software

    • Definition: a set of programs designed to perform a well-defined function
    • Types of software: system software and application software

    System Software

    • A collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself
    • Examples: operating system, compilers, interpreter, assemblers
    • Features:
      • Close to the system
      • Fast in speed
      • Difficult to design
      • Difficult to understand
      • Less interactive
      • Smaller
      • Difficult to manipulate
      • Generally written in low-level language

    What is Information?

    • Information is data processed for a specific purpose.
    • To be considered "real Info", it must meet certain criteria:
      • Communicated to the recipient
      • In a language that is understood
      • In a suitable form
      • Relevant for achieving a purpose

    Computer Basics

    • A computer is an electronic device that:
      • Accepts data (input)
      • Processes the data according to specified rules
      • Produces information (output)
      • Stores the information for future use
    • A computer carries out five functions:
      • Takes data as input
      • Stores data/instructions in memory
      • Processes data
      • Generates output
      • Controls all the above steps

    Types of Computers

    • Personal computers (PCs):
      • Most common type of computer
      • Used in homes, schools, and business offices
      • Subtypes:
        • Notebook computers
        • Workstations
    • Minicomputers:
      • Smaller than mainframes
      • Larger than microcomputers
      • Used for small to mid-range servers
      • Examples: mobile devices, PDAs
    • Supercomputers:
      • Used for large-scale numerical calculations
      • Examples: weather forecasting

    Functional Units of a Computer

    • Input Unit:
      • Accepts coded information (source program)
      • Examples: keyboard, mouse, scanners
    • Memory Unit:
      • Stores programs and data
      • Divided into two types:
        • Primary Memory (RAM)
        • Secondary Memory (e.g. hard disks, CD-ROMs)
    • Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU):
      • Performs arithmetic and logic operations
      • Examples: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
    • Output Unit:
      • Sends processed results to the outside world
      • Examples: printer, speakers, monitor
    • Control Unit:
      • Coordinates the activities of the computer system
      • Generates timing signals to control data transfer

    Hardware and Software

    • Hardware:
      • All the electronic and mechanical equipment in a computer
      • Examples: hard disk, RAM, power supply, processor, case
    • Software:
      • Computer programs that perform tasks
      • Types:
        • System software (e.g. operating systems, utility programs)
        • Application software (e.g. business software, engineering software, games)

    PC Components

    • System Unit:
      • Main container for system devices
      • Protects delicate electronic and mechanical devices
      • Examples: motherboard, CPU, memory, disk drives, expansion cards, power supply
    • Peripherals:
      • Devices that connect to the system unit
      • Examples: monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, printer, plotter, scanner

    System Unit Devices

    • Processor (CPU):
      • Integrated circuit (IC) supplied on a single silicon chip
      • Controls the activities of the computer system
      • Executes instructions in an orderly fashion
      • Examples: Intel, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
    • Memory (RAM):
      • Primary storage
      • Holds data and programs currently in use
      • Volatile (loses data when turned off)
      • Examples: dynamic random access memory (DRAM)

    Ports and Connectors

    • Serial Port:
      • Obsolete, but still included in new systems
      • Used for mice and external modems
      • Turquoise in color
    • Parallel Port:
      • Used for printers, scanners, external hard disks, and zip drives
      • Burgundy in color
    • USB Port:
      • Replaces serial, parallel, and PS/2 ports
      • Hot swappable
      • Examples: USB 1, USB 2, USB 3

    Motherboard and Expansion Cards

    • Motherboard:
      • Main circuit board of a microcomputer
      • Also known as system board
    • Expansion Cards:
      • Allow for additional features to be added to the computer
      • Examples: sound card, graphics card, network card

    Computer Hardware

    • Collection of physical parts of a computer system
    • Examples: computer case, monitor, keyboard, mouse, motherboard, CPU, memory, video card, etc.

    How Computers Work

    • Four main sections:
      • Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
      • Control Unit
      • Memory
      • Input and Output Devices (I/O)
    • Control Unit:
      • Directs the various components of a computer
      • Reads and interprets instructions
      • Decodes instructions and turns them into control signals
    • Arithmetic/Logic Unit (ALU):
      • Performs arithmetic and logic operations
      • Examples: adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing, and logical operations
    • Memory:
      • Viewed as a list of cells that can store numbers
      • Information stored in memory can represent anything
    • Input and Output Devices:
      • Allow for data entry and output
      • Examples: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer### Storage Devices
    • Storing data in storage devices helps avoid using too much space on a computer's hard drive and prevents the hard drive from crashing.
    • Common storage devices include:
      • Floppy Disks
      • Zip Disks
      • Compact Discs (CD)
      • CD + RW (Compact Disc Rewriteable)
      • CD + R (Compact Disc Recordable)
      • Digital Video Disc (DVD) + RW
      • DVD + R
      • Flash/Pen drive
      • CD + RW Disc
      • Removable Hard Drive
      • Internet Hard Drive
      • Flash PC Cards
      • Smart Cards
      • Storage Tapes
      • Memory Sticks
      • Smart Media

    CD + RW Disc

    • Looks like a regular CD but allows data to be written and erased multiple times.
    • Holds about 650 MB of data.

    CD + R Disc

    • Used to record data, mostly used for audio.
    • Once written, it is not possible to rewrite or erase data.
    • Comes in different sizes, usually silver in color, but some are black which are less fragile.

    DVD - R Disc

    • Holds about 4.7 GB of space.
    • Used to record movies.

    DVD + RW Disc

    • Allows erasing and rewriting data.
    • Can be written to about 1,000 times before needing replacement.
    • Used for volatile data, such as backups or collections of files.

    Flash Drive

    • Small storage device that comes in many colors and shapes.
    • Can hold anywhere between 256 MB and 8 GB of material.

    Software

    • A set of programs designed to perform a well-defined function.
    • Two types of software:
      • System Software
      • Application Software

    System Software

    • A collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer.
    • Examples: Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers, etc.
    • Features:
      • Close to the system
      • Fast in speed
      • Difficult to design
      • Difficult to understand
      • Less interactive
      • Smaller
      • Difficult to manipulate
      • Generally written in low-level language

    Application Software

    • Designed to satisfy a particular need of a particular environment.
    • Examples: Payroll Software, Student Record Software, Inventory Management Software, Income Tax Software, Railways Reservation Software, Microsoft Office Suite Software, etc.
    • Features:
      • Close to the user
      • Easy to design
      • More interactive
      • Slow in speed
      • Generally written in high-level language
      • Easy to understand
      • Easy to manipulate and use
      • Bigger in size and requires large storage space

    Information Networks

    • A network consists of two or more computers linked to share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic communications.
    • Types of networks:
      • Local Area Network (LAN)
      • Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
      • Wide Area Network (WAN)
      • Personal Area Network (PAN)

    Local Area Network (LAN)

    • A network used for communicating among computer devices, usually within an office building or home.
    • Enables sharing of resources such as files or hardware devices.
    • Features:
      • Limited in size (typically spanning a few hundred meters)
      • Fast (speeds from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps)
      • Requires little wiring
      • Has lower cost compared to MAN's or WAN's
      • Can be either wired or wireless

    Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

    • A large computer network that usually spans a city or a large campus.
    • Optimized for a larger geographical area than a LAN.
    • Acts as a high-speed network to allow sharing of regional resources.
    • Examples: Telephone company network that provides a high-speed Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) to customers, cable TV network.

    Wide Area Network (WAN)

    • A network that connects two or more LANs together.
    • Covers a large geographic area such as a country, continent, or even the whole world.
    • Uses leased high-speed phone lines or wireless links such as satellites to cover great distances.
    • Examples: The Internet.

    Personal Area Network (PAN)

    • A network used for communicating amongst computers and computer devices in proximity of around a few meters within a room.
    • Can be used for communicating between the devices themselves or for connecting to a larger network such as the internet.
    • Can be wired or wireless.

    3D Printing

    • Involves creating a 3D model in a computer using CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.
    • 3D model is either created from scratch or based on data generated with a 3D scanner.
    • 3D scanners range from expensive industrial grade to DIY scanners.
    • 3D modelling software comes in many forms, including industrial grade and free open-source software like Blender.
    • Once a 3D model is created, it needs to be prepared for 3D printing by slicing it into horizontal layers using slicing software.
    • Slicing software is used to divide a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers.

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    Description

    Learn the fundamentals of information technology, including the definition of information and the basics of computer systems.

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