Introduction to Computers

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Questions and Answers

How do programs relate to the actions a computer performs?

  • Programs enhance the computer's processing speed but do not dictate specific tasks.
  • Programs follow the instructions called computers.
  • Programs are a suggestion to a computer, but the computer decides what to do.
  • Programs dictate the specific tasks a computer will perform. (correct)

Which sequence accurately represents the IPOS cycle?

  • Storage, Input, Processing, Output.
  • Input, Output, Processing, Storage.
  • Processing, Input, Storage, Output.
  • Input, Processing, Output, Storage. (correct)

What distinguishes information from data?

  • Information is used for storage, whereas data is for communication.
  • Data includes audio and video, while information is only text.
  • Information is raw and unorganized, while data is structured.
  • Data is processed to become information. (correct)

Which of the following is the best description of 'hardware'?

<p>The physical and tangible components of a computer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

System software's primary function is to do what?

<p>Control the hardware. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered application software?

<p>Microsoft Office. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where would internal hardware typically be located?

<p>Inside the main box, the system unit. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a user is creating a report, which type of software would they use?

<p>Application Software. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of an input hardware?

<p>Printer. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of System Software?

<p>Adobe Photoshop. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where might you find an embedded computer?

<p>In a household appliance like a washing machine. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is most indicative of mobile devices?

<p>Their portability and built-in internet connectivity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is another common name for personal computers (PCs)?

<p>Microcomputers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of servers in a network environment?

<p>To store data and programs accessible by multiple users. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best characterizes mainframe computers?

<p>They are powerful computers used by large organizations for centralized data management. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What makes supercomputers stand out from other types of computers?

<p>They are the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive computers, designed for complex calculations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following uses an embedded computer?

<p>Thermostats (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is the definition of mobile devices?

<p>Very small handheld or wearable devices with some built-in computing and/or Internet connectivity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not an example of the Personal Computer?

<p>Midrange Computers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is another name which Mainframe Computers are called?

<p>High-end servers or enterprise-class servers. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a computer?

An electronic device programmable to accept data (Input), save data (Storage), convert data (Processing), display results (Output), and communicate.

IPOS Cycle

The basic operations of a computer: Input, Processing, Output, Storage and Communication.

What is data?

Raw unorganized collection of facts.

What is Information?

Data transformed into a meaningful and useful form.

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What is hardware?

Tangible components of a computer. Examples: CPU, Hard drive.

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What is Software?

Non-physical components, such as programs and instructions, that control the hardware.

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System Software

Software used to operate the computer system. Example: Windows 10.

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Application Software

Software that allows users to perform specific tasks.

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Personal Computers (PCs)

Small computers designed for one person at a time.

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What are Servers?

Computers providing services to multiple users simultaneously.

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Mainframe Computers

Powerful computers managing large centralized data amounts.

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What are Super Computers?

The fastest and most powerful type of computers, for complex calculations.

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What are Embedded Computers?

Computers performing specific tasks within a device.

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What are Mobile Devices?

Small, hand-held computers with computing and internet connectivity.

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Internal hardware

Physical hardware located inside the computer's system unit.

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External hardware?

Physical devices connected externally to the system unit. Examples include: keyboard, mouse

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Study Notes

Basic Terminology

  • The key topics covered include basic terminology, data and information, key components of a computer, and major computer types.

Computer Definition

  • A computer is an electronic device programmable to accept data as input.
  • It saves data and information (storage), and converts data into useful information (processing).
  • The computer displays results (output) and sends data/info to others (communication).
  • Computers follow instructions called programs that determine tasks.

Basic Computer Operations

  • Input, Processing, Output, Storage, and Communication make up the basic operations.
  • These operations are known as the IPOS Cycle.

Data and Information

  • Data is a raw, unorganized collection of facts.
  • Information is the result of processing data into a meaningful form.
  • Both data and information can be in the form of text, sound, graphics, or video.
  • The processing converts data into information.

Key Computer Components - Hardware

  • Hardware includes the physical, tangible components.
  • Internal hardware is located inside the system unit of the computer.
  • External hardware exists outside the system unit.
  • It connects via wired or wireless connections.
  • All five computer operations require such hardware.

Key Computer Components - Software

  • Software is non-physical and intangible.
  • Software includes the programs or instructions that control the hardware.
  • System Software is utilized to operate the computer.
  • Application Software allows users to perform specific tasks.

Hardware Examples

  • Input devices: keyboard, mouse, microphone
  • Processing: CPU, GPU
  • Output devices: Screen, Printer, Speakers
  • Storage: Flash Disk, Hard Disk, DVD Drive
  • Communication: Router, Modem

Software Examples

  • System Software: Microsoft Windows 10, iOS, Android
  • Application Software: Microsoft Office 2016, Adobe Photoshop, Real Player, WhatsApp

Major Computer Types

  • Computers are classified as embedded computers, mobile devices, personal computers, servers, mainframe computers, and supercomputers.

Embedded Computers

  • Embedded computers perform specific tasks within a device.
  • They are found in household appliances, thermostats, treadmills, answering machines, and cars.

Mobile Devices

  • Mobile devices are small, handheld or wearable with built-in computing and/or internet.
  • Examples include smartphones, handheld gaming devices, mini tablets, and smart watches.

Personal Computers (PCs)

  • PCs are small computers designed for one person's use at a time.
  • Also known as microcomputers, and come in different shapes and sizes.
  • Examples include desktop computers, laptops/notebooks, and hybrid notebooks/tablets.

Servers

  • Servers are midrange computers that provide services to a group of users.
  • These services include data storage and accessible programs.
  • Users connect to servers using other computers.
  • Servers are used by almost all organizations.

Mainframe Computers

  • Mainframe computers are powerful and used by large organizations to manage centralized data.
  • They are also called high-end or enterprise-class servers.

Supercomputers

  • Supercomputers are the fastest, most expensive, and most powerful computers.
  • Supercomputers generally run one program at a time, as fast as possible.
  • The TITAN supercomputer contains over 300,000 processors.
  • TITAN has a peak speed of 17.59 quadrillion calculations per second.

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