Introduction to Computers

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Questions and Answers

Which of these options describes the ENIAC computer?

  • Invented by Apple in 1984
  • Weighed 50 tons and used 18,000 vacuum tubes (correct)
  • Designed for personal use
  • The first computer used in the White House

What is a key characteristic of a computer, according to its definition?

  • Its use of mechanical components exclusively
  • Its inability to process complex operations
  • Its reliance on human intervention for calculations
  • Its ability to store and retrieve vast amounts of data (correct)

What was the defining technology of the first generation of computers (1950-1959)?

  • Vacuum tubes (correct)
  • Microprocessors
  • Transistors
  • Integrated circuits

What advancement is characteristic of the second generation of computers (1959-1965)?

<p>The introduction of transistors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which technology defines the third generation of computers (1965-1975)?

<p>Integrated circuits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is the technology associated with the fourth generation of computers (1975-1980)?

<p>Microprocessors (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the defining characteristic of the fifth generation of computers?

<p>The emergence of smart mobile devices (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a supercomputer primarily known for?

<p>Its large size, storage capacity, and processing speed (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what setting are mainframe computers typically used?

<p>In universities, banks, and large corporations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a micro-computer from other types of computers?

<p>Its designation as a small-sized computer with a microprocessor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options represents a device that combines features of a computer, a media player, and a camera?

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

What is the primary function of the CPU (Central Processing Unit)?

<p>To process data and manage computer operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Control Unit within the CPU?

<p>Sending control signals to other units (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data stored in RAM (Random Access Memory) when the computer is turned off?

<p>The data is lost (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is associated with Read Only Memory (ROM)?

<p>It retains its data even without power (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which input device allows users to select icons and give commands?

<p>Mouse (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a keyboard?

<p>To input text and characters (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a scanner?

<p>To create digital copies of physical documents (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of output devices?

<p>To display or produce information (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of an output device?

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

Which storage device is characterized by its large storage capacity and is typically installed inside the computer?

<p>Hard disk (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following has generally replaced the floppy disk?

<p>Flash memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes how computers use the binary digit system?

<p>They use two states, usually represented by 0 and 1. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'byte' in the context of data representation?

<p>A group of eight bits (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is a use of a computer network?

<p>To allow computers to share resources and exchange data (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a server in a network?

<p>To provide services and resources to other computers (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does LAN stand for?

<p>Local Area Network (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a local area network (LAN)?

<p>It covers a limited geographical area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a 'web browser'?

<p>To enable users to access and view web pages (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which option reflects the role of a web browser?

<p>It is a software application that allows you to access the Internet (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When typing a website address, what does 'HTTP' usually stand for?

<p>Hypertext Transfer Protocol (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the acronym 'URL' stand for?

<p>Universal Resource Locator (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What function does the protocol component ('http://' or 'https://') serve in a URL?

<p>It specifies the communication method used to access the resource. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which is a common top-level domain used for commercial sites?

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

What type of website is often associated with the '.edu' domain?

<p>Educational (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The '.gov' domain is typically used for which type of entities?

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

Typically, which type of organization uses the '.org' domain?

<p>Non-profit organizations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What statement best describes the 'Star Topology' network configuration?

<p>Each device connects to a central hub. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a Ring Topology network, how is data transmitted if one connection fails?

<p>Data is rerouted via an alternate path. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic describes 'Bus Topology' networks?

<p>Low cost (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options is the original purpose of the Internet?

<p>Military communications (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the World Wide Web (WWW)?

<p>A collection of interconnected documents and other resources, linked by hyperlinks and URLs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these options describes E-mail?

<p>A way to send electronic messages (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of the computers developed during the first generation (1950-1959)?

<p>Reliance on vacuum tubes resulting in large size and high energy consumption. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why were first-generation computers primarily used by specialists in large companies?

<p>Their high cost, resulting from expensive components, limited their availability to larger companies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notable change characterized the second generation of computers (1959-1965)?

<p>Reduced size and energy consumption due to the use of transistors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which programming languages became accessible for specialists to use during the second generation of computers?

<p><code>Fortran</code> and <code>Cobol</code>. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key feature defined the third generation of computers?

<p>Introduction of integrated circuits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What product was developed during the third generation of computing?

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

A key development characterized the fourth generation of computers, that allowed them to become smaller with greater possibility for data storage , what was the key development?

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

What significant product emerged from the collaboration between Philips and Sony during the era of the fourth generation of computers?

<p>The Compact Disc. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments is most characteristic of the fifth generation of computers?

<p>The emergence of Artificial Intelligence. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following appeared during the fifth generation of computers?

<p>Apple's first GUI-based computer. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features is most indicative of supercomputers?

<p>Large data storage and exceptionally high processing speed. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What application is most likely to require the use of a supercomputer?

<p>Performing complex tasks such as weather forecasting or oil exploration. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is typically associated with mainframe computers?

<p>Use in large organizations such as banks and universities. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What capability is most indicative of a mainframe computer?

<p>Executing millions of operations per second. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following features best describes a minicomputer?

<p>Able to support service for tens to hundreds of users concurrently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are minicomputers not widely used today?

<p>Microcomputers offer superior speed and functionality. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of a microcomputer?

<p>They contain a small size processor for daily tasks. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What feature is characteristic of both a laptop and a notebook computer?

<p>They are small, lightweight, and have a screen and keyboard integrated into a single unit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between notebook computers and laptops?

<p>Notebooks are generally smaller, lighter, and less powerful than laptops. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do tablets primarily differ from traditional computers in terms of data input?

<p>Tablets primarily use touch input on a screen, instead of a mouse and keyboard. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component is considered the brain of the computer?

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

What determines the overall performance of a CPU?

<p>The speed and processing capacity of the CPU. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be the result if the CPU was not connected to the Motherboard?

<p>The computer would no longer function. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) serve within the CPU?

<p>Performing mathematical calculations and logical operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Registers in a computers CPU?

<p>To store the inputs and outputs of calculations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Temporarily holds data and instructions for quick access by the CPU. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the data stored in ROM when the computer loses electricity?

<p>The data is unaffected. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What statement correctly describes a computer's use of binary?

<p>Computers use the binary digit system with 0 and 1 to represent electrical signals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many bits are contained in a byte?

<p>8 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When referring to the size or amount of space available what would be bigger?

<p>Terabyte. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be considered a physical part of a typical computer setup?

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

What is the function of the 'Scanner'?

<p>To copy something on a physical paper and place it on the computer. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What item could be used to enter information into a spreadsheet program?

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

What is the purpose of a plotter device?

<p>To produce architectural or engineering drawings. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which storage medium is an example of flash memory?

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

Which of the following is an example of a network hardware component?

<p>Network card. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most likely to lead to wider adoption of computer networks?

<p>The ability to easily connect to other networks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines if a network is considered a LAN?

<p>If it connects computers in a limited area such as a building. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the WAN network?

<p>It connects devices over a region such as a city. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a star topology, what happens if the central hub fails?

<p>The entire network becomes inoperable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is a computer?

An electronic device that receives, processes, stores, and outputs data.

What is computer science?

The science and technology of designing, building, operating, and using computers.

What is RAM (Random Access Memory)?

Stores data temporarily for quick access by the CPU.

What is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?

Stores data permanently, even when the power is off.

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What are input devices?

Devices used to input data into a computer.

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What are output devices?

Devices that output data from a computer.

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What is the CPU?

Central Processing Unit. The brain of the computer.

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What is Hertz (Hz)?

A measure of CPU speed.

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What is GHz?

Gigahertz. Billions of cycles per second.

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What is a Byte?

Unit for the amount of computer data

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What is a Kilobyte (KB)?

Approximately one thousand bytes.

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What is a Megabyte (MB)?

Approximately one million bytes.

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What is a Gigabyte (GB)?

Approximately one billion bytes.

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What is a Terabyte (TB)?

Approximately one trillion bytes.

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What is a computer network?

A system where computers are connected to share resources.

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What is a server?

A computer that provides services to other computers on a network.

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What are workstations?

Individual computers connected to a network.

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What are network interface cards (NICs)?

Devices that enable computers to connect to a network.

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What is a modem?

A device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission.

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What are communication lines?

The physical pathways for transmitting data.

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What are routing units?

Allows sharing to the internet.

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What is a LAN (Local Area Network)?

A network limited to a small area.

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What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?

A network covering a large area.

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What is a Star Topology

Computers connect to a central device.

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What is a Ring Topology

Internetwork connection where data moves one device to another.

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What is a Bus Topology

Linear connection to a single cable.

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What is the Internet?

A global network for information.

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What are web browsers?

Used to look at web page.

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What is a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)?

Browser feature for access a destination on a network.

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What is HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)?

Protocol for transferring web pages.

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What is HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)?

A secure version of HTTP.

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What is a .com domain?

Ending of some websites.

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What is a .edu domain?

Ending of some websites.

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What is a .gov domain?

Ending of some websites.

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What is a .net domain?

Ending of some websites.

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What is a .org domain?

Ending of some websites.

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What is num lock?

Used to input numbers.

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What are navigation keys?

To move.

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What is the delete key?

Delete command.

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What is the space bar?

Gaps between words.

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First Generation Computers (1950-1959)

First generation of computer that used vacuum tubes.

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Second Generation Computers (1959-1965)

Second generation of computers used transistors.

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Third Generation Computers (1965-1975)

Third generation of computers which used integrated circuits.

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Fourth Generation Computers (1975-1980)

Fourth generation of computers using microprocessors.

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Fifth Generation (1980-Present)

The latest generation using AI and mobile tech

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Supercomputer

A very powerful computer used for complex calculations.

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Mainframe Computer

A large computer used in organizations for critical applications.

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Minicomputer

A smaller computer once bridging the gap that is not often used now.

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Microcomputer

A small computer typically used by one person.

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Control Computer

Computer that controls machines.

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Notebook

A small, portable computer for basic tasks.

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Workstation

Powerful single-user computer for demanding tasks.

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Tablets and Smartphones

Computing done by phones or tablets.

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Hardware

The physical components of a computer.

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Software

Instructions that tell a computer what to do.

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Basic Computer Functions

Input, Processing, Output , Storage

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Input Devices

Devices for putting info into the computer.

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Output Devices

Provide output information.

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Processing

Processes information and performs functions.

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Storage

Used to hold or maintain data.

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Control Unit

The main processing component.

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Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)

Performs arithmetic and logical operations.

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Registers

Used for temporary storage during processing.

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Computer Memory

The computer parts that store or keep information for access in the future.

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RAM

Volatile memory that needs power to maintain data.

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ROM

Non-volatile, cannot be easily changed or reprogrammed.

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Cache Memory

High-speed part of a memory that directly connects to the CPU.

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Computer Mouse

A pointing device that selects items.

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Keyboard

Inputting words and commands.

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Digital Camera

Adds images to a digital device.

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Scanner

Helps import images digitally.

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Webcam

Video calls and online meeting.

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Light Pen

Used in the testing of systems with touch screens.

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JoyStick

Moves pointer for PC games.

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Monitors

Outputs visuals on a screen.

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Computer Printer

Creates hard copies of documents.

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Plotters

Expensive devices using plotting boards of hard copies of graphics.

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Computer Speakers

An output device. Sends audio.

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Hard disk

Magnetic media for storing digital data.

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Flash Drive

Is more efficient than other versions.

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Study Notes

Internet Addresses:

  • Every website has a unique address so browsers can find it
  • An address consists of 2 main parts
    • The first part is the protocol: The communication standard ex. HTTP It directs connection from web browser over the internet
    • Newer standard is HTTPS: a safer more secure way to transfer data via encryption
  • The second part is the domain name, It indicates the destination spot that contains 2 components
    • The first one is the website name
    • The second one is the type of domain, with general standard guidelines

Domain Types

  • Commercial (.com)
  • Educational (.edu)
  • Governmental (.gov)
  • Network (.net)
  • Organization (.org)

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