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Questions and Answers
What function does a barcode reader perform?
What function does a barcode reader perform?
Which source data automation device is primarily used in the banking industry?
Which source data automation device is primarily used in the banking industry?
How does an optical mark reader determine if a mark is present on paper?
How does an optical mark reader determine if a mark is present on paper?
What type of device is a digital camera classified as in the context of source data automation?
What type of device is a digital camera classified as in the context of source data automation?
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What is the main use of a microphone in source data automation?
What is the main use of a microphone in source data automation?
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Which source data automation device is designed to read magnetic stripes on cards?
Which source data automation device is designed to read magnetic stripes on cards?
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What process does an optical character reader utilize to convert printed documents?
What process does an optical character reader utilize to convert printed documents?
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Which of the following is NOT a source data automation device mentioned?
Which of the following is NOT a source data automation device mentioned?
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What is a computer primarily used for?
What is a computer primarily used for?
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Which of the following correctly defines hardware?
Which of the following correctly defines hardware?
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What part of the computer system is referred to as the 'brain'?
What part of the computer system is referred to as the 'brain'?
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Which of the following is an example of an output device?
Which of the following is an example of an output device?
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What stage follows input in the processing cycle of a computer system?
What stage follows input in the processing cycle of a computer system?
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What does storage refer to in a computer system?
What does storage refer to in a computer system?
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Which is an example of an input device?
Which is an example of an input device?
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Which statement best describes software?
Which statement best describes software?
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What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
What is the primary function of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
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Which unit within the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic functions?
Which unit within the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic functions?
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What are Registers used for within the CPU?
What are Registers used for within the CPU?
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How is processing speed in the CPU measured?
How is processing speed in the CPU measured?
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Which part of the CPU decides where input data should be sent for processing?
Which part of the CPU decides where input data should be sent for processing?
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In what form is output typically displayed to the user?
In what form is output typically displayed to the user?
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What does the term 'data' refer to in the context of computing?
What does the term 'data' refer to in the context of computing?
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Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the relationship between data and information?
Which of the following statements is accurate regarding the relationship between data and information?
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What distinguishes hard copy output from soft copy output?
What distinguishes hard copy output from soft copy output?
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Which type of printer is classified as an impact printer?
Which type of printer is classified as an impact printer?
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What is a characteristic of a dot matrix printer?
What is a characteristic of a dot matrix printer?
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Which statement is true regarding line printers?
Which statement is true regarding line printers?
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What happens to soft copy output when the computer is turned off?
What happens to soft copy output when the computer is turned off?
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What is one advantage of using dot matrix printers?
What is one advantage of using dot matrix printers?
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What type of hard copy printer does NOT require a ribbon or paper to be struck?
What type of hard copy printer does NOT require a ribbon or paper to be struck?
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Which of the following correctly defines hard copy output?
Which of the following correctly defines hard copy output?
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What is a primary characteristic of a daisy wheel printer?
What is a primary characteristic of a daisy wheel printer?
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What is a key advantage of laser printers over ink jet printers?
What is a key advantage of laser printers over ink jet printers?
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Which statement is true regarding thermal printers?
Which statement is true regarding thermal printers?
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In what context are plotters typically used?
In what context are plotters typically used?
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Why are ink jet printers a popular choice for home use?
Why are ink jet printers a popular choice for home use?
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What is a disadvantage of ink jet printers?
What is a disadvantage of ink jet printers?
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What differentiates a laser printer from a daisy wheel printer?
What differentiates a laser printer from a daisy wheel printer?
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What type of output does a monitor provide?
What type of output does a monitor provide?
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What is primary storage primarily used for?
What is primary storage primarily used for?
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Which statement is true regarding Random Access Memory (RAM)?
Which statement is true regarding Random Access Memory (RAM)?
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Which of the following is a characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM)?
Which of the following is a characteristic of Read-Only Memory (ROM)?
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What distinguishes secondary storage from primary storage?
What distinguishes secondary storage from primary storage?
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Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage?
Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage?
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What is the primary function of a projector as an output device?
What is the primary function of a projector as an output device?
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Which of the following correctly defines volatile memory?
Which of the following correctly defines volatile memory?
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Which output device is primarily used to produce audio from a computer?
Which output device is primarily used to produce audio from a computer?
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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!