Introduction to Computer Systems

What is the primary function of a computer?

To perform computations and make logical decisions

What is Firmware?

A low-level software that is embedded in a hardware device

What is the term for the devices that make up a computer?

Hardware

What is the primary input method for tablet computers?

Touch-sensitive screen Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a special-purpose device that is a type of computer?

Microwave oven Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a server?

To serve up information to other computers on a network Signup and view all the answers

What is the ability of a computer to store, retrieve, and process data?

Data manipulation ability Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a computer being used in everyday life?

Withdrawing cash from an ATM Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of a computer that carries out commands?

CPU Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of expansion slots on a motherboard?

To add various types of expansion cards Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary component of a computer that connects directly or indirectly to every part of the computer?

Motherboard Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a tablet computer?

iPad Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of modern motherboards?

They have built-in video, sound, network, and other capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What type of software includes compilers, interpreters, and preprocessors?

System Software Signup and view all the answers

What services are provided by an operating system?

Processor, memory, device, I/O, and storage management Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary language used for programming in the 1940s?

Machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a 4th generation language?

Python Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 5th generation languages?

They have visual tools to develop a program Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the one-to-one correspondence in assembly language?

Each line of assembly code produces one machine instruction Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Assembler in assembly language?

To translate mnemonics into machine language Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between high-level language and machine language?

Machine language is only understood by computers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Compiler or Interpreter in high-level language?

To convert high-level language to low-level language Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of programming in assembly language?

Slow and error-prone but more efficient in terms of hardware performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the representation of data in machine language?

Binary format, hexadecimal and octadecimal Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a linker in the compilation process?

To combine object files and libraries into a single executable file Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the relocation process in linking?

Revising code and data to reflect new addresses Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of the linking process?

An executable file Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a loader in the program execution process?

To load the executable file into memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the CPU in program execution?

To execute machine language instructions Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a compiler without an Integrated Development Environment (IDE)?

Windows Notepad with a command-line C compiler Signup and view all the answers