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Questions and Answers
What occurs to the main memory when a program terminates?
What occurs to the main memory when a program terminates?
What is the smallest unit of memory that can hold a value and is represented by either 0 or 1?
What is the smallest unit of memory that can hold a value and is represented by either 0 or 1?
Which type of storage retains data when the computer is turned off?
Which type of storage retains data when the computer is turned off?
Which of the following is an example of system software?
Which of the following is an example of system software?
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In the context of computer hardware, how is each byte in memory identified?
In the context of computer hardware, how is each byte in memory identified?
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Which component of a computer is responsible for coordinating activities of all other parts?
Which component of a computer is responsible for coordinating activities of all other parts?
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Which of the following best describes application software?
Which of the following best describes application software?
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What is the primary function of an algorithm in programming?
What is the primary function of an algorithm in programming?
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What is a program best defined as?
What is a program best defined as?
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Which input device can be categorized as providing information from the outside to the computer?
Which input device can be categorized as providing information from the outside to the computer?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a main hardware component of a computer?
Which of the following is NOT considered a main hardware component of a computer?
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What does the Arithmetic & Logic Unit specifically perform?
What does the Arithmetic & Logic Unit specifically perform?
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How are flash drives classified in the context of data storage media?
How are flash drives classified in the context of data storage media?
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What is the nature of programming as described in the content?
What is the nature of programming as described in the content?
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Which of the following is NOT typically classified as system software?
Which of the following is NOT typically classified as system software?
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Which category of hardware is responsible for the temporary storing of data that is currently in use?
Which category of hardware is responsible for the temporary storing of data that is currently in use?
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Which of the following describes a property of the Main Memory in computer systems?
Which of the following describes a property of the Main Memory in computer systems?
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Which statement about software is accurate?
Which statement about software is accurate?
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What is a characteristic of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
What is a characteristic of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
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What would happen to a computer without any installed software?
What would happen to a computer without any installed software?
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What is the primary function of machine language instructions?
What is the primary function of machine language instructions?
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Which statement correctly describes a source file?
Which statement correctly describes a source file?
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Which step is not part of converting a high-level program into an executable file?
Which step is not part of converting a high-level program into an executable file?
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What distinguishes high-level programming languages from low-level languages?
What distinguishes high-level programming languages from low-level languages?
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What does an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provide for programmers?
What does an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provide for programmers?
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In the process of software development, which error detection step is crucial?
In the process of software development, which error detection step is crucial?
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Which of the following is an example of a high-level programming language?
Which of the following is an example of a high-level programming language?
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What is the role of the compiler in the software development process?
What is the role of the compiler in the software development process?
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What is the result of linking in the software compilation process?
What is the result of linking in the software compilation process?
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Study Notes
Chapter 1: Introduction to Computers and Programming
- This chapter introduces computers and programming.
Marks
- Midterm: 25 marks
- Quiz: 10 marks (5 marks + 5 marks)
- Practical Tasks: 10 marks
- This is likely a grading scheme for a course.
Why Program?
- Computers are programmable machines designed to follow instructions.
- A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a specific task.
- A programmer is a person who writes instructions (programs) to make computers perform tasks.
- Without programmers, there are no programs; without programs, a computer cannot do anything.
- Programs are often referred to as software.
- Software is essential for computers because without software, they cannot perform any tasks.
- Examples of programs include PowerPoint and Word.
- Programming is both an art and a science.
- The art aspect involves careful design of every part of a program.
- The science aspect involves extensive testing, correction, and redesigning.
Computer Systems: Hardware and Software
- The ENIAC computer is an example of an early computer system.
- Microprocessors are critical components of modern computer systems.
Main Hardware Component Categories
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Main Memory (RAM)
- Secondary Memory/Storage
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
CPU Organization
- The CPU consists of an Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU), a Control Unit, and input and output units.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) Comprised of
- Control Unit: Retrieves, decodes program instructions, and coordinates activities of all other computer parts.
- Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU): Optimized hardware for high-speed numeric calculations and true/false/yes/no decisions.
CPU (fetch/decode/execute) cycle
- Fetch: The CPU retrieves the next instruction from memory.
- Decode: The CPU decodes the instruction to determine the specific operation.
- Execute: The CPU performs the specified operation.
Main Memory
- Main memory is volatile; data is lost when the program or computer is turned off.
- Also known as Random Access Memory (RAM).
- Organized as bits (smallest units: 0 or 1) and bytes (8 consecutive bits with addresses).
Addresses
- Each byte in memory is identified by a unique number called an address.
Secondary Storage
- Secondary storage is non-volatile; data is retained even when the program is not running or the computer is turned off.
- Comes in various media (magnetic, optical, flash).
Input Devices
- Devices send information to the computer from outside.
- Examples include keyboards, mouses, scanners, digital cameras, microphones, disk drives, CD drives, and DVD drives.
Software-Programs That Run on a Computer
- Software categories:
- System software manages computer hardware and programs running on it (e.g., operating systems, utility programs, development tools).
- Application software provides services to the user (e.g., word processing, games, problem-solving programs).
Questions
- List the five major hardware components of a computer system.
- Word processing, spreadsheet, email, Web browsers, and game programs are application software.
- A program performing a specialized task (e.g., virus scanner, file compression, data backup) is called specialized application software.
Programs and Programming Languages
- A program is a set of instructions that a computer follows.
- Programming begins with an algorithm, a set of well-defined steps.
Example Algorithm for Calculating Gross Pay
- A six-step algorithm for calculating gross pay based on hours worked and hourly rate.
Machine Language
- Although algorithms define steps for calculations, they are not directly executable by the computer.
- Computers only execute machine language instructions (a series of binary numbers like 1011010000000101).
Programs and Programming Languages
- Types of programming languages:
- Low-level languages (e.g., machine code, binary): used for direct communication with computer hardware
- High-level languages (e.g., Python, C++): closer to human language, requiring translation into machine code (binary).
Some Well-Known Programming Languages
- Numerous programming languages are listed.
Source Code and Source File
- Source code are statements written by a programmer in a text editor.
- A source file is where the programmer saves their source code.
From a High-Level Program to an Executable File
- Steps in converting a high-level program into an executable file:
- Creating the program with a text editor
- Preprocessing steps to prepare the source code
- Compiling the source code into machine code (object code)
- Linking the object code with other libraries and resolving dependencies
- This results in an executable file that the computer can directly run.
Integrated Development Environments (IDEs)
- IDEs combine various tools needed to write, compile, and debug programs into a single software application.
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Description
This quiz covers Chapter 1 of Introduction to Computers and Programming, focusing on the basics of computers, programming, and the importance of software. It also touches upon the roles of programmers and the classification of programming as both an art and a science.
