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Questions and Answers
What is the role of the Control Unit in the CPU?
What is the role of the Control Unit in the CPU?
How many bits constitute one byte?
How many bits constitute one byte?
Which of the following is true about Secondary Memory?
Which of the following is true about Secondary Memory?
What is the equivalent denary value of 1 Terabyte (1 TB)?
What is the equivalent denary value of 1 Terabyte (1 TB)?
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Which of the following defines a Kilo Byte (KB) in denary values?
Which of the following defines a Kilo Byte (KB) in denary values?
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What is the alternative term used for 1 Gibi Byte in binary measurements?
What is the alternative term used for 1 Gibi Byte in binary measurements?
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Which unit follows Mega Byte (MB) in the series of bigger memory units?
Which unit follows Mega Byte (MB) in the series of bigger memory units?
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What is the smallest unit of memory in a computer system?
What is the smallest unit of memory in a computer system?
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Which component of the CPU is responsible for controlling the execution of programs?
Which component of the CPU is responsible for controlling the execution of programs?
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What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)?
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Which of the following statements is true about Random Access Memory (RAM)?
Which of the following statements is true about Random Access Memory (RAM)?
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What distinguishes Read-Only Memory (ROM) from Random Access Memory (RAM)?
What distinguishes Read-Only Memory (ROM) from Random Access Memory (RAM)?
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Which part of the CPU coordinates the routing of information between the Memory Unit and the ALU?
Which part of the CPU coordinates the routing of information between the Memory Unit and the ALU?
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What type of memory is referred to as 'firmware'?
What type of memory is referred to as 'firmware'?
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What is the primary function of the input unit in a computer system?
What is the primary function of the input unit in a computer system?
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Which of the following tasks is NOT performed by the Control Unit (CU)?
Which of the following tasks is NOT performed by the Control Unit (CU)?
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Which of the following correctly defines a computer system?
Which of the following correctly defines a computer system?
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What happens to the data in RAM after the power is switched off?
What happens to the data in RAM after the power is switched off?
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What is the purpose of the CPU in a computer system?
What is the purpose of the CPU in a computer system?
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Which of the following is NOT one of the main blocks of a computer?
Which of the following is NOT one of the main blocks of a computer?
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What is the role of the output unit in a computer system?
What is the role of the output unit in a computer system?
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Which of the following components is considered the hardware of a computer?
Which of the following components is considered the hardware of a computer?
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What is the output of a computer after processing data?
What is the output of a computer after processing data?
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Which term best describes the collection of facts and figures that a computer processes?
Which term best describes the collection of facts and figures that a computer processes?
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What is considered the biggest disadvantage of a computer?
What is considered the biggest disadvantage of a computer?
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Which statement best describes the limitation related to data storage in computers?
Which statement best describes the limitation related to data storage in computers?
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What does the requirement of details imply when using a computer?
What does the requirement of details imply when using a computer?
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Why is machine dependency considered a limitation of computers?
Why is machine dependency considered a limitation of computers?
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Which of the following is NOT a limitation of computers?
Which of the following is NOT a limitation of computers?
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What is a consequence of needing specialist users to operate computers?
What is a consequence of needing specialist users to operate computers?
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Which intangible benefit of computers can enhance a business's competitiveness?
Which intangible benefit of computers can enhance a business's competitiveness?
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How can a computer's inflexibility affect its operation?
How can a computer's inflexibility affect its operation?
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What is the primary purpose of RAM in a computer system?
What is the primary purpose of RAM in a computer system?
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Which of the following best describes the function of ROM?
Which of the following best describes the function of ROM?
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Which of the following statements about data is correct?
Which of the following statements about data is correct?
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What is meant by 'information' in the context of computer processing?
What is meant by 'information' in the context of computer processing?
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What additional measure must be taken due to the security risks associated with computers?
What additional measure must be taken due to the security risks associated with computers?
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Which of the following is stored in RAM while the computer is running?
Which of the following is stored in RAM while the computer is running?
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Which type of data is typically processed to yield information?
Which type of data is typically processed to yield information?
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Why are computers considered expensive investments?
Why are computers considered expensive investments?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computers
- A computer is a combination of electromechanical components.
- A computer system includes hardware, software, people, procedures, data, and information.
- The hardware is the physical part of the computer.
- Software is the instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
- People operate the computer and create the software.
- Procedures are the steps for managing the computer and files.
- Data is the raw facts and figures that the computer processes.
- Information is the processed or meaningful result that the computer outputs.
Definition of a Computer
- A computer is an automatic electronic device.
- It receives data, processes it according to instructions, and outputs information.
Main Blocks of a Computer
- Input Unit: Takes data from the user and converts it into a form the computer can understand. The keyboard is the main input unit.
- Output Unit: Shows the processed information to the user. The VDU (Visual Display Unit) is the main output unit.
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Central Processing Unit (CPU): Controls all the functions and processing within the computer.
- Control Unit (CU): Coordinates all computer activities, including controlling input/output devices, managing data storage, and directing operations.
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical operations (comparison, true/false checks).
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Memory Unit: Stores data, instructions, and information.
- Random Access Memory (RAM): Temporary storage for actively used data and programs, volatile (erased when power is off), offers fast access to data.
- Read-Only Memory (ROM): Stores permanent instructions required for booting up the computer, non-volatile (data remains even when power is off), contains firmware.
Block Diagram of a Computer
- Shows the data flow from Input Unit -> CPU -> Output Unit.
- The CPU receives data/instructions from the Input Unit through the Control Unit.
- The CU transfers this data to the Memory Unit for storage.
- The data is then processed in the ALU.
- The CU retrieves the processed results and stores them back in the Memory Unit.
- The results are then output to the user or peripheral devices.
Memory Measurement Units
- Bit: Single binary digit (0 or 1) representing the smallest unit of information.
- Byte: Contains 8 bits, used to store one character of human language.
- Larger units: Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte (GB), Terabyte (TB), Petabyte (PB), Exabyte (EB).
Intangible Benefits of Computers
- Offer flexibility, growth scalability, and competitive advantage to businesses.
Limitations of Computers
- Inflexibility: Require precise instructions and cannot interpret vague commands.
- Requirement of Details: Precise information is needed; processes are not intuitive like human interaction.
- Machine Dependency: Relies on hardware for functioning; system errors or power failures can halt operations.
- Specialist Users: Effective operation requires specific knowledge and training for personnel.
- Loss of Data: Electronic storage is susceptible to corruption or loss, potentially unrecoverable.
- Expensive: Purchasing and maintaining computer systems and peripherals require significant investment.
- Security and Control: Vulnerable to malicious use, requiring additional security measures.
Use of RAM
- Stores operating systems, application software, input data for processing, output data, and temporary data for ongoing operations.
Use of ROM
- Stores permanent instructions, such as the boot strap program, which initializes the computer when powered on.
Terms to Know
- Data: Raw facts and figures provided to the computer for processing.
- Information: The meaningful and processed output from the computer.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computers, including their components, systems, and definitions. Explore the roles of hardware, software, procedures, data, and information in computing. Understand how different units like input and output work together in a computer system.