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Questions and Answers
What is a primary negative impact of increased automation in the workforce?
What is a primary negative impact of increased automation in the workforce?
Which of the following best describes Augmented Reality (AR)?
Which of the following best describes Augmented Reality (AR)?
What is one potential health concern associated with prolonged use of Virtual Reality (VR)?
What is one potential health concern associated with prolonged use of Virtual Reality (VR)?
Which technology is likely to assist healthcare professionals in visualizing patient anatomy for better diagnoses?
Which technology is likely to assist healthcare professionals in visualizing patient anatomy for better diagnoses?
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What is a risk associated with over-reliance on technology, particularly in professional settings?
What is a risk associated with over-reliance on technology, particularly in professional settings?
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Which of the following is NOT a positive impact of Extended Reality (XR)?
Which of the following is NOT a positive impact of Extended Reality (XR)?
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Which application of VR can help users explore complex scientific concepts?
Which application of VR can help users explore complex scientific concepts?
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What effect does de-skilling have on professions due to automation?
What effect does de-skilling have on professions due to automation?
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What is a key advantage of desktop computers over laptops?
What is a key advantage of desktop computers over laptops?
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Which disadvantage is unique to laptops compared to desktop computers?
Which disadvantage is unique to laptops compared to desktop computers?
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What is a common use for smartphones?
What is a common use for smartphones?
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Which advantage do smartphones have over desktops?
Which advantage do smartphones have over desktops?
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Which disadvantage affects smartphones due to their functionality?
Which disadvantage affects smartphones due to their functionality?
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What is a disadvantage of desktops that does not apply to laptops?
What is a disadvantage of desktops that does not apply to laptops?
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Which scenario demonstrates a disadvantage of using a smartphone?
Which scenario demonstrates a disadvantage of using a smartphone?
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Which advantage does a laptop have compared to a smartphone?
Which advantage does a laptop have compared to a smartphone?
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What is the primary purpose of ROM in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of ROM in a computer system?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of backing storage?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of backing storage?
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How does RAM differ from backup storage in terms of data retention?
How does RAM differ from backup storage in terms of data retention?
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What type of software is designed to help users perform specific tasks?
What type of software is designed to help users perform specific tasks?
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Which statement correctly describes the relationship between device drivers and hardware?
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between device drivers and hardware?
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What is the role of an analogue to digital converter (ADC) in computing?
What is the role of an analogue to digital converter (ADC) in computing?
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Which of the following components is considered part of system software?
Which of the following components is considered part of system software?
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What is one of the main functions of utilities in system software?
What is one of the main functions of utilities in system software?
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What is a disadvantage of optical storage devices compared to magnetic and SSD?
What is a disadvantage of optical storage devices compared to magnetic and SSD?
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Which of the following is a use of magnetic storage devices?
Which of the following is a use of magnetic storage devices?
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What is one advantage of using SSDs over magnetic storage devices?
What is one advantage of using SSDs over magnetic storage devices?
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Which characteristic does NOT apply to optical storage devices?
Which characteristic does NOT apply to optical storage devices?
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Which storage device type is best known for its portability and durability?
Which storage device type is best known for its portability and durability?
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What is a common disadvantage of both magnetic storage devices and SSDs?
What is a common disadvantage of both magnetic storage devices and SSDs?
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Which type of storage is typically used for high-performance computing?
Which type of storage is typically used for high-performance computing?
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What factor is primarily responsible for the slower performance of magnetic storage devices over time?
What factor is primarily responsible for the slower performance of magnetic storage devices over time?
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What is a key advantage of using SSDs over HDDs?
What is a key advantage of using SSDs over HDDs?
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Which of the following is a disadvantage of using SSDs?
Which of the following is a disadvantage of using SSDs?
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For which type of storage is magnetic tape considered a viable option?
For which type of storage is magnetic tape considered a viable option?
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Which option is typically used to connect multiple devices within a Local Area Network (LAN)?
Which option is typically used to connect multiple devices within a Local Area Network (LAN)?
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Why might someone prefer using HDDs for general data storage?
Why might someone prefer using HDDs for general data storage?
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What is a feature of Wide Area Networks (WANs)?
What is a feature of Wide Area Networks (WANs)?
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Which type of storage is commonly less effective for data recovery compared to HDDs?
Which type of storage is commonly less effective for data recovery compared to HDDs?
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What is one of the main reasons why SSDs are suitable for laptops?
What is one of the main reasons why SSDs are suitable for laptops?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computer Systems
- ROM stores startup data for computers.
- Input devices allow users to enter data into computers.
- Output devices display computer output in human-readable format.
Backing Storage
- Used for permanent data storage.
- Hard disk drives (HDDs) and Solid-state drives (SSDs) are common backing storage.
Internal Memory vs. Backing Storage
- RAM and ROM are much smaller than backing storage.
- RAM & ROM are significantly faster for accessing data.
- Backing storage is cheaper than internal memory.
- Backing storage can be fixed or portable.
- Internal memory can be directly accessed by the CPU, while backing storage needs to be transferred to RAM first.
Software
- A set of instructions guiding device operations.
- Divided into application software (for specific tasks) and system software (for overall computer functionality).
Application Software Examples
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Word processors
System Software Examples
- Compilers: translate high-level languages into machine code.
- Linkers: connect language processors for executable solutions.
- Device drivers: enable communication between devices and hardware.
- Utilities: maintenance tools like antivirus programs and disk management tools.
- Operating Systems (OS): manage computer functionality and user interaction.
Analogue to Digital Conversion
- Computer systems need to convert real-world data into digital form.
- Analogue to Digital Converters (ADCs) convert analog data to digital signals.
- Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) convert digital signals back to analog form.
Desktop Computers
- Uses: Office work, education, entertainment, gaming.
- Advantages: Easy and affordable to upgrade/expand, standardized and cheap spare parts, good specifications for the price, fixed power consumption, less likely to be damaged or stolen, more stable internet access with wired connections.
- Disadvantages: Not portable, more complicated setup due to wiring, files need transferring to portable devices for work elsewhere.
Laptop Computers
- Uses: Office work, education, gaming, entertainment.
- Advantages: Highly portable, minimal wiring, small footprint, full Wi-Fi functionality.
- Disadvantages: Easier to steal, limited battery life, awkward keyboards/pointing devices, difficult to upgrade components.
Smartphones
- Uses: Email, apps, photos/videos, music/video playback.
- Advantages: Very portable, on-the-go internet connectivity, usable almost anywhere, integrated apps for location tracking, reasonable battery life for mobile devices.
- Disadvantages: Small screens/keyboards can hinder usability, slower typing, battery quickly drains with intensive tasks, limited memory, compatibility issues with some websites, easier to lose/steal, slower data transfer rates on mobile networks.
Automation & Robots
- Potential for enhanced safety
- Potential for unemployment
- Potential for dependency on technology
- Potential for de-skilling
Extended Reality (XR)
- AR (Augmented Reality): Integrates virtual elements into the real world, enhancing real-time experiences. Example: Pokémon GO.
- VR (Virtual Reality): Creates entirely new environments separate from the physical world, requiring specialized equipment (headsets, controllers).
AR Positive Impacts
- Training: Realistic simulations enhance preparedness and response capabilities.
- Retail: Offers customers a virtual look at products.
- Healthcare: Assists healthcare professionals in visualizing a patient's anatomy.
VR Positive Impacts
- Military training: Immersive simulations without real-world risks.
- Education: Enables historical visualization and complex scientific concept understanding.
- Media and Entertainment: Engaging interactive experiences.
- Scientific Visualization: Understanding complex structures.
XR Negative Impacts
- AR & VR: Prolonged use may lead to social isolation and distraction.
- VR: Extended use can cause physical discomfort/vision problems.
Chapter 2: Input and Output Devices (Review)
- Accuracy: OMR and MICR are generally accurate for their specific use cases, but OCR accuracy depends on input data quality.
- Efficiency: All three methods enhance data collection/processing efficiency but are suited for different applications.
Chapter 3: Storage Devices (Review)
- Optical Storage Devices: CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs.
- Magnetic Storage Devices: Hard disk drives (HDDs), magnetic tape.
- Solid-State Drives (SSDs): SATA SSDs, NVMe SSDs.
Optical Storage Devices
- Uses: Media storage, backup, archival storage, bootable media.
- Advantages: Portability, durability, cost, read-only options.
- Disadvantages: Limited capacity, slower speed, physical damage, compatibility.
Magnetic Storage Devices
- Uses: General data storage, backup, archiving.
- Advantages: Capacity, cost-effectiveness, established technology.
- Disadvantages: Speed, durability, power consumption, fragmentation.
Solid-State Drives (SSDs)
- Uses: Primary storage for operating systems, applications, high-performance computing.
- Advantages: Speed, durability, power efficiency, form factor.
- Disadvantages: Cost, limited lifespan, data recovery difficulties.
Storage Device Selection
- General Data Storage: Magnetic (HDD) is often preferred due to capacity and cost-effectiveness.
- Media Distribution: Optical storage can be used for bulk distribution, but this is less common in the digital age.
- Performance-Intensive Applications: SSDs are ideal due to their speed.
- Archival Storage: Magnetic tape remains viable due to cost-effectiveness and longevity.
Chapter 4: Networks (Review)
- Network: A collection of interconnected devices for communication and resource sharing.
- WAN (Wide Area Network): Formed by connecting several LANs using a router. More expensive but offers enhanced security.
- LAN (Local Area Network): Networks contained typically within a single building. Made using hubs/switches.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the fundamentals of computer systems, including internal memory, backing storage, and software types. This quiz covers essential concepts like ROM, RAM, HDDs, and SSDs. Perfect for students learning about computer architecture!
