Introduction to Computers and Technology

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary function of a computer?

To process data according to specified rules (correct)

To act as a stationary device without memory

To operate solely on external commands

To only accept data without processing it

Which component is typically classified as an input device?

External hard drive

Keyboard (correct)

Printer

Monitor

What distinguishes a desktop computer from a laptop computer?

A desktop computer is exclusively used for gaming.

A desktop computer has a built-in battery.

A desktop computer is built for stationary use. (correct)

A desktop computer is always portable.

What is required for a desktop to be functional besides the main computer unit?

External components such as a keyboard and mouse Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes digital literacy?

Understanding computers, mobile devices, and the web Signup and view all the answers

What term is often used to describe the case that contains the internal components of a desktop computer?

System unit Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary advantage of a laptop over a desktop computer?

Portability for easy transport Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical component found within a desktop computer's system unit?

Keyboard Signup and view all the answers

What type of user includes employees of companies with fewer than 50 employees?

Small/home office user Signup and view all the answers

Which type of server is housed in a slot on a metal frame?

Rack server Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines a power user?

A user needing high-performance computing capabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a server in a network?

To manage network resources and provide data connectivity Signup and view all the answers

Which user is likely to use mobile devices while away from a main office?

Mobile user Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a small/home office user?

A graphic artist working in a large firm Signup and view all the answers

What defines an enterprise user?

Companies with hundreds or thousands of employees Signup and view all the answers

What is considered input in the context of a computer?

Information or data sent to a computer for processing Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of using a mouse as an input device?

It allows for quicker cursor movement compared to keystrokes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a trackball?

Fine control is needed for operation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a touchpad?

It contains two keys that function like mouse buttons. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major benefit of using a graphics tablet?

It enables manual drawing with a stylus. Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is described as a pen-like device used with handheld computers?

Light Pen Signup and view all the answers

What common issue can arise from repeated motion with input devices?

Carpal tunnel syndrome. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage commonly associated with using a touchpad?

It can be less responsive compared to a mouse. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the movement of a trackball?

The user rolls the ball to control the cursor. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of using OCR for text entry?

It is faster than manual text entry. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a disadvantage of OCR technology?

Errors are likely in the transcription process. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use for barcode scanners in retail?

To track inventory and retrieve item details. Signup and view all the answers

What technology do barcode scanners use to read barcodes?

Laser beams. Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical environment where a flatbed scanner is used?

In retail outlets for product scanning. Signup and view all the answers

Why might OCR not be worth implementing for small amounts of text?

The setup costs outweigh the benefits. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of barcode scanner is commonly used by courier and delivery agents?

Hand Held Scanner. Signup and view all the answers

What information is typically provided by barcodes?

Manufacturer, product code, and price. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two primary components of an RFID system?

Integrated circuit and antennas Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a typical application of RFID technology?

Reading magnetic stripes on credit cards Signup and view all the answers

What does the magnetic stripe on a credit card typically NOT contain information about?

User's social security number Signup and view all the answers

What technology is used by a MICR reader?

Magnetic ink Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic enhances the reading accuracy of MICR?

Stability of magnetic ink under various conditions Signup and view all the answers

How does an RFID reader communicate with an RFID tag?

Through radio waves Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT part of the information encoded in the magnetic stripe of a card?

User's fingerprint Signup and view all the answers

What special feature allows MICR to read characters accurately despite potential damages?

Magnetic properties of the ink Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of primary memory in a computer system?

To store data temporarily for processing Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is designed for long-term data storage?

Secondary memory Signup and view all the answers

What role does cache memory play in a computer system?

It serves as a buffer for frequently accessed data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of storage in a computer system?

Data is temporarily stored for processing Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an example of secondary memory?

USB flash drive Signup and view all the answers

What process involves transferring data from memory to a storage medium?

Writing process Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between internal and external storage?

Internal storage is located within the computer, while external storage connects via ports. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a temporary storage type used during data processing?

RAM Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Today's Technologies, Input, Output and Digital Storage

Computers are integral parts of daily life, used for tasks like completing assignments, streaming videos, accessing news, and managing memories.
Technology facilitates efficient and effective information access and self-improvement.
'Digital literacy' involves understanding computers, mobile devices, the web, and related technologies.

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic device that accepts input, processes data, produces output, and stores information.
Computer components (hardware) include electrical, electronic, and mechanical parts.
Desktops are stationary personal computers with components fitted on or under a desk.

Desktop Computers

Designed to be stationary, with all components within or near the work surface.
Peripheral devices like keyboards, mouses, and printers are commonly used with desktops.
The system unit may contain the motherboard, internal hard drive, memory, and more for protection from damage.
A monitor is a separate component from external devices.

Laptop Computers

Portable computers with built-in screens and keyboards.
Offer input devices like keyboards, touchpads, and webcams; output devices like screens and speakers.
Can run similar software and operate on batteries or power supplies.
More expensive than comparable desktops, but designed for portability, typically have fewer ports or expansion options.

Tablet Computers

Portable computers without physical keyboards/keypads usually.
Entire screen is touch-sensitive for input; no physical keyboard or mouse,
Less versatile than desktops, but good for second computers or casual use.

All-in-One Computers (AiOs)

Combine the components of a desktop computer in a single unit.
More portable than typical desktops.
Difficult to repair as parts are enclosed.
Potentially higher long-term costs.

Supercomputers

Extremely powerful computers for scientific and engineering calculations.
Used for complex simulations of physical phenomena.

Embedded Computers

Computers embedded within other devices.
Designed for specific functions within devices, like calculators, cars, planes, and washing machines.

Computer Software

Programs that tell computerized equipment how to operate, essential for hardware to function.
Three types of software:
- System software controls hardware including operating systems, translators, and utilities.
- Application software performs specific tasks for users.
- Utility software performs maintenance functions

Technology Uses

Computers are widely used in various aspects of daily life, impacting areas like airline booking, business (accounting, communication), banks, cinemas, cartoons, education, and home entertainment.
They are used for defense and research, in medicine, and for maintaining records in libraries, in managing and controlling satellites.

Input Devices

Information or data inputted to a computer for operations.
Include keyboards, pointing devices (e.g., mouse), pen-based input (stylus, tablets), voice input, and scanners (various kinds).

Keyboard

One of the earliest input devices.
A collection of keys representing various commands, functions, or characters.
Arranged into groups such as alphanumeric keys, number keys, cursor keys, and function keys to perform specific tasks.

Pointing Devices (e.g., Mouse)

Devices used for moving the cursor or pointer on the screen for pointing or selecting.
Actions include clicking, double-clicking, dragging and dropping objects on the screen to operate software.
Types include mechanical, optical, and wireless mouses.

Pen Input (e.g., Stylus)

Devices that function like a pen or stylus enabling the user to interact with the computer screen directly.

Voice Input

Input method using speech to enter data, instructions into a system via a microphone or headset.

Scanners and Reading Devices

Input devices used for entering or digitizing visual data like photos, drawings, or documents into computers (optical scanners, bar code readers, and other types)

Library, Medicine, and Space Technology Uses

Computers and digital tools have revolutionized information management.
Medical research and human body studies leverage digital technology.
Satellites, spacecraft, and space technologies rely on computers

Other Output Devices

Primarily visual display units.
CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) are two main categories.
Monitor screens, or displays, display information and output.

Data Projectors

Project visual content onto a screen.
Useful for presentations, classes, and demonstrations that use video or computer graphics.
LCD and DLP projection systems are the most common.

Printers

Produce hard copies of output.
Impact printers use a mechanical striking or hammering method to create output.
Non-impact printers use methods like ink jets or lasers to create a non-mechanical output that's more silent.

Memory

A computer component used to store data, instructions, and programs.
Volatile memory (like RAM) is erased when the device is turned off.
Non-volatile memory (like ROM, Flash memory, CMOS) retains data even when off.

Storage Devices

Devices that allow for long-term storage of files and data.
Examples include hard disks, SSDs (Solid State Drives), memory cards, USB drives, optical discs, and cloud storage.

Cloud Storage

An internet-based data storage service.
Data stored remotely & accessible from various devices.

Optical Readers (OCR)

Read and convert images of text into editable machine-readable documents
Used to process printed documents faster and automatically, with lower error rates and manually enter text or data from printed material.

Barcode Readers

Reads data encoded in barcodes.
Used frequently in retail settings for inventory management and for tracking products and data.

Magnetic Stripe Card Readers

Read data from magnetic stripes on cards and devices.
Used for credit card transactions and other applications.

MICR

Reads data written with special magnetic ink (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) common in checks
used for processing financial documents.

Storage Capacity (and Access)

Storage capacity refers to the amount of data a device or system can hold and store
Access time refers to the speed with which data can be retrieved and read from a variety of storage media & devices.

Additional Storage Devices (USB Flash Drive, External Hard Drives, Optical Discs, Card Readers/Writers)

USB Flash Drives
External Hard Drives
Different optical discs

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamentals of computers, including their functions, components, and the concept of digital literacy. Additionally, it explores the integral role technology plays in our daily lives and how desktop computers are designed for efficiency.