Introduction to Computer Systems
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Questions and Answers

What function does a barcode reader perform?

  • Converts images into digital formats
  • Reads magnetic characters from documents
  • Converts barcode patterns into electrical pulses (correct)
  • Records audio signals and converts them to digital form
  • Which source data automation device is primarily used in the banking industry?

  • Optical Mark Reader
  • Magnetic Ink Character Reader (correct)
  • Digital Camera
  • Optical Character Reader
  • How does an optical mark reader determine if a mark is present on paper?

  • By comparing printed letters against stored patterns
  • By detecting sound frequency variations
  • By measuring the weight of the paper
  • By analyzing the amount of reflected light (correct)
  • What type of device is a digital camera classified as in the context of source data automation?

    <p>Image capturing device</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main use of a microphone in source data automation?

    <p>To convert audio signals into a digital format</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which source data automation device is designed to read magnetic stripes on cards?

    <p>Magnetic Stripe Reader</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process does an optical character reader utilize to convert printed documents?

    <p>Recognizes shapes and identifies characters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a source data automation device mentioned?

    <p>Digital Recorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a computer primarily used for?

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

    Which of the following correctly defines hardware?

    <p>The visible and tangible components of a computer system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What part of the computer system is referred to as the 'brain'?

    <p>The processor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an output device?

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

    What stage follows input in the processing cycle of a computer system?

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

    What does storage refer to in a computer system?

    <p>Media or devices that retain data for future use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is an example of an input device?

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

    Which statement best describes software?

    <p>A set of instructions essential for task execution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

    <p>Converting raw data into information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which unit within the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic functions?

    <p>Arithmetic and Logic Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are Registers used for within the CPU?

    <p>Temporarily holding data and instructions during processing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is processing speed in the CPU measured?

    <p>Megahertz or Gigahertz</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which part of the CPU decides where input data should be sent for processing?

    <p>Control Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what form is output typically displayed to the user?

    <p>Text, graphics or audio</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'data' refer to in the context of computing?

    <p>Raw, unorganized facts and figures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the relationship between data and information?

    <p>Data is processed to create information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes hard copy output from soft copy output?

    <p>Hard copy output is printed on tangible media.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of printer is classified as an impact printer?

    <p>Line Printer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of a dot matrix printer?

    <p>Creates images on paper character by character.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding line printers?

    <p>They print an entire line of text before advancing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to soft copy output when the computer is turned off?

    <p>It is lost unless stored in the computer system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one advantage of using dot matrix printers?

    <p>Low operating cost.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of hard copy printer does NOT require a ribbon or paper to be struck?

    <p>Non-Impact Printer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly defines hard copy output?

    <p>Output printed on a permanent medium.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary characteristic of a daisy wheel printer?

    <p>It has a print mechanism resembling a flower.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key advantage of laser printers over ink jet printers?

    <p>Laser printers are quieter and faster.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding thermal printers?

    <p>They print on special heat-sensitive paper.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context are plotters typically used?

    <p>For creating large architectural and engineering drawings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are ink jet printers a popular choice for home use?

    <p>They use a system of jets to create images.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a disadvantage of ink jet printers?

    <p>They require frequent ink cartridge replacements, which can be costly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What differentiates a laser printer from a daisy wheel printer?

    <p>Laser printers use a laser and toner powder, while daisy wheel printers have a mechanical print mechanism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of output does a monitor provide?

    <p>It displays the tasks being performed on its screen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primary storage primarily used for?

    <p>Storing data and instructions to be executed by the CPU</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding Random Access Memory (RAM)?

    <p>RAM works as the main memory for active data and instructions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM)?

    <p>It retains information even when the computer is turned off</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes secondary storage from primary storage?

    <p>Secondary storage is non-volatile and retains data when powered off</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage?

    <p>Random access memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of a projector as an output device?

    <p>To display images on a larger surface for viewing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly defines volatile memory?

    <p>Memory that requires power to maintain stored information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which output device is primarily used to produce audio from a computer?

    <p>Speaker/Headphones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Introduction to Computer Systems

    • A computer is a programmable electronic device that processes data based on instructions provided by the user or a program.
    • Computers can range from simple calculators to complex desktops or laptops.
    • A calculator, for example, takes input (two numbers), processes it (addition), and produces output (the sum).

    Computer System

    • A computer system comprises devices and programs that work together to process data.
    • The main goal is processing raw data (facts, figures) into usable information.
    • This process happens in three stages: input, processing, and output.

    What Computers Do

    • Computer systems typically consist of input devices, a processor (CPU), and output devices.
    • Input devices receive data.
    • The processor (CPU) processes the information.
    • Output devices present the processed information to the user (in various formats).

    The Computer System's Components

    • A computer system requires both hardware and software to function.
    • Hardware refers to the physical components.
    • Software is a set of instructions directing the hardware.

    Computer Hardware

    • Hardware can be classified into groups: input, processing, output, and storage.

    Input Hardware

    • Input is any data or instruction entered into a computer system.
    • Input devices facilitate data entry.
    • Examples include: keyboard, mouse, microphone, scanner, barcode reader, digital camera, joystick, trackball, stylus, touch screen/digitizer, and touch pad.
    • Input devices are categorized into key input, point and draw, and source data automation.

    Key Input Devices

    • Key input devices use keys to enter data.
    • The keyboard is the only key input device, allowing users to enter alphanumeric characters and commands.

    Point and Draw Devices

    • Point and draw devices allow pointing, selection, and drawing.
    • Examples include mouse, touch screen/digitizer, joystick, trackball, touch pad, and stylus.

    Source Data Automation Devices

    • Source data automation devices automatically input data without user intervention.
    • Examples include scanner, barcode reader, microphone, digital camera, magnetic ink character reader (MICR), magnetic stripe reader (MSR), optical mark reader (OMR), and optical character reader (OCR)

    Processing Hardware

    • The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer.
    • It processes data by taking raw data and transforming it into information.
    • CPUs handle calculations and coordinate all activities within the computer.
    • The CPU is made up of smaller units: Control Unit, Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers.

    Data vs. Information

    • DATA is raw facts and figures.
    • INFORMATION is processed data with meaning and context.
    • Data becomes information when provided with context.

    Central Processing Unit (CPU)

    • Processing speed is measured in MHz or GHz (higher numbers indicate faster processing).
    • The CPU contains smaller units: Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic Unit, and Registers.

    Output Hardware

    • Output hardware presents the processed information to the user, in various forms.
    • Output can be categorized as text, graphics, audio, and video.

    Categories of Output

    • Hard copy output is permanent (e.g., printed documents).
    • Soft copy output is temporary (e.g., displayed on a monitor).
    • Examples of hard copy devices include printers (impact and non-impact).
    • Examples of soft copy devices include monitor, speakers/headphones, projector.

    Hard Copy Output Devices

    • Printers are the most common hard copy output devices.
    • Printers are categorized as impact or non-impact.
    • Impact printers create output by physically striking paper. Examples: Line printers, Dot Matrix printers, and Daisy wheel printers.
    • Non-impact printers use methods like heat, ink, or laser to create output.Examples: Laser printers, Inkjet printers, and Thermal printers.
    • Plotters are specialized printers used for large-scale drawings, like blueprints.

    Soft Copy Output Devices

    • Monitors display information on screens (Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)).
    • Projectors display information onto a larger surface for viewing.
    • Speakers and headphones generate output sounds.

    Storage Hardware

    • Storage hardware stores data (instructions and information) for immediate or later use.
    • Storage can be categorized as Primary storage and Secondary storage.

    Primary Storage (Memory)

    • Primary storage holds data currently being used by the computer. It's volatile.
    • Examples include RAM (Random Access Memory).
    • ROM (Read-Only Memory) is also considered primary storage. Information on ROM is permanent.

    Secondary Storage

    • Secondary storage holds data for long term storage. It is non-volatile; data is safe when the device is powered off. Examples: Magnetic Storage (floppy disks, hard drives, magnetic tapes), Optical Storage (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray disks), and Solid-State Storage (USB flash drives, SD cards).

    Comparison of Primary and Secondary Storage

    • Primary storage is expensive but has faster access speeds.
    • Secondary storage is more affordable, has slower access speeds, but stores data permanently unless manually deleted.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the basics of computer systems, including their components and how they function. You'll learn about input, processing, and output stages, as well as the roles of hardware and software. Test your knowledge on fundamental computing concepts!

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