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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of a computer?
What is the primary function of a computer?
Which of the following components is typically not part of a standard desktop personal computer?
Which of the following components is typically not part of a standard desktop personal computer?
What feature distinguishes laptops from desktop computers?
What feature distinguishes laptops from desktop computers?
What type of computer is typically used by large organizations for high-speed processing of large amounts of data?
What type of computer is typically used by large organizations for high-speed processing of large amounts of data?
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Which of the following best describes hardware in a computer system?
Which of the following best describes hardware in a computer system?
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What are the two main categories of software?
What are the two main categories of software?
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Which component is primarily responsible for processing data in a computer?
Which component is primarily responsible for processing data in a computer?
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Which of the following is a function of the keyboard?
Which of the following is a function of the keyboard?
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What is the purpose of a mouse in a computer system?
What is the purpose of a mouse in a computer system?
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What is the function of a monitor?
What is the function of a monitor?
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Which of the following describes the characteristic of picture quality in monitors?
Which of the following describes the characteristic of picture quality in monitors?
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What type of input device is a graphic tablet?
What type of input device is a graphic tablet?
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Which type of printer uses powdered ink to produce documents?
Which type of printer uses powdered ink to produce documents?
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What is the smallest unit of computer storage?
What is the smallest unit of computer storage?
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Which technology is used in memory sticks for read/write data?
Which technology is used in memory sticks for read/write data?
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How many bits are there in one Byte?
How many bits are there in one Byte?
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Which of the following is an example of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
Which of the following is an example of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)?
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What factors can affect the performance of a computer?
What factors can affect the performance of a computer?
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Which of these services is classified as Software as a Service (SaaS)?
Which of these services is classified as Software as a Service (SaaS)?
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What does ICT stand for, in the context of technology?
What does ICT stand for, in the context of technology?
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Which of the following best describes cloud storage?
Which of the following best describes cloud storage?
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What is the primary function of a modem?
What is the primary function of a modem?
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Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations?
Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logic operations?
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Why is Random Access Memory (RAM) termed as volatile memory?
Why is Random Access Memory (RAM) termed as volatile memory?
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Which port is the most common serial port used to connect external devices?
Which port is the most common serial port used to connect external devices?
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What type of memory is Cache memory classified as?
What type of memory is Cache memory classified as?
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Which statement correctly describes a hard disk drive (HDD)?
Which statement correctly describes a hard disk drive (HDD)?
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What differentiates Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) from Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)?
What differentiates Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) from Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)?
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Which of the following statements about ROM is true?
Which of the following statements about ROM is true?
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What is the role of the Control Unit within the CPU?
What is the role of the Control Unit within the CPU?
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Which type of port is typically used to connect printers?
Which type of port is typically used to connect printers?
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Flashcards
Computer
Computer
An electronic device used to process data.
Personal Computer (PC)
Personal Computer (PC)
A small computer used for individual tasks, like a desktop or laptop.
Laptop Computer
Laptop Computer
A portable computer with capabilities similar to a desktop.
Handheld Devices
Handheld Devices
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Mainframe Computers
Mainframe Computers
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Software
Software
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Operating System
Operating System
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Applications
Applications
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Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
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Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
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Monitor
Monitor
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Printer
Printer
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Touch Screen
Touch Screen
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Bit
Bit
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Byte
Byte
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Kilobyte (KB)
Kilobyte (KB)
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Memory Stick
Memory Stick
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Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
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SaaS
SaaS
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CPU Speed
CPU Speed
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ICT
ICT
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Stylus
Stylus
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Scanner
Scanner
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CD/DVD/BluRay Drive
CD/DVD/BluRay Drive
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Modem
Modem
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Serial Ports
Serial Ports
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Parallel Ports
Parallel Ports
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USB Port
USB Port
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Read Only Memory (ROM)
Read Only Memory (ROM)
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Study Notes
Lecture 1: Basic Concepts of Information Technology: Computer Hardware
- A computer is an electronic device used to process data.
- It stores, retrieves, and processes data according to instructions (a program).
- The computer has input and output devices.
Types of Computers
- Computers are categorized as:
- Personal computers (e.g., laptops, desktops)
- Handheld devices (e.g., smartphones)
- Personal computers (PCs) are used for small computers.
- A standard desktop PC includes a casing/box, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other devices.
- Laptops are portable computers carried in a bag/case, and powered by batteries. They have similar computing capabilities to desktop computers.
- Cell phones are handheld computers with advanced features and capabilities.
- Mainframe computers are powerful computers performing many tasks at high speed. They are used by large organizations (e.g., banks, postal services). They require large space and are expensive.
Hardware
- Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer.
- Examples include the processor, memory, keyboard, monitor, etc.
Software
- Software is a set of instructions that make the computer work.
- Software can be divided into operating systems and applications.
- Software is stored on the hard disk or a portable storage device (e.g., CD-ROM).
- It is loaded into the computer's RAM (Random Access Memory) to be processed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
Von Neumann Computer Architecture
- A diagram showing input, central processing unit (CPU), control unit, arithmetic/logic unit, memory unit, and output devices. The CPU, control unit, and arithmetic/logic unit are all part of the CPU.
Main Parts of a PC
- Main components of a personal computer:
- Keyboard
- Monitor
- Mouse
- Speaker
- Modem
- Case/Box
- Mainboard (Motherboard)
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Memory (RAM)
- Hard disk drive (HDD)
- CD-ROM Drive
- Wireless connectivity chips
Keyboard and Mouse
- Keyboards are used for inputting information into the computer.
- QWERTY keyboards are common types.
- Mice control the computer.
- Types include ball (obsolete), optical, wired, and wireless.
Monitor
- Monitors display computer information.
- They come in different sizes.
- Picture quality is measured by resolution and pixel number.
System Case/Box
- A plastic or metal box housing essential computer components such as the CPU, motherboard, HDD, and CD drive
Printers
- Used to print text, pictures, or documents.
- Examples include inkjet and laser printers.
Touch Screens
- Special monitors that provide both display and input options.
Graphic Tablet
- Touch-sensitive pads used for drawing or writing with a stylus (digital pen).
Scanner
- Used to convert printed documents into digital files.
CD-ROM/DVD/Blu-Ray Drive
- Used for reading or storing information on optical disks.
Modem
- A device that converts digital computer data into analog signals for network transmission and vice-versa.
- Modems can be internal or external.
Input and Output Ports
- Ports are connection points for external devices.
- Serial ports connect devices like mice and keyboards; transmitting data in a single stream.
- Parallel ports connect devices and transmit data in multiple streams simultaneously.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port
- The most common serial port for connecting external devices; lacking physical pins.
Network (Ethernet) Port
- Used to connect to a network with other devices or computers
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Known as the brain of the computer.
- Processes data and performs calculations.
- Popular manufacturers include Intel and AMD.
- Speed is measured in GHz (gigahertz).
Central Processing Unit (CPU) - Components
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): performs calculations and logical operations.
- Control Unit: manages the execution of instructions.
- Registers: small storage units within the CPU for temporary data storage.
- Cache memory: a fast, small memory that functions as a buffer between the CPU and the RAM.
- Clock: measures processing speed in cycles per second (Hz).
Memory
- Stores program data temporarily during processing.
- Random Access Memory (RAM) allows for data storage and retrieval.
- Data is lost when the power is off (volatile).
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
- Stores data permanently.
- Can be internal or external.
- Data is not lost when power is off (non-volatile).
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- The main working memory for the processor.
- Temporary storage.
- Data is loaded into the RAM when a program is used.
- Lost when the computer is shut down.
- Larger RAM sizes improve computer performance.
Memory (DRAM)
- Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) is used to hold programs and data in the main memory, requiring periodic refresh cycles to maintain the memory content.
Memory (SRAM)
- Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is a faster form of memory, used for the cache memory within the CPU. It's faster than DRAM, but generally smaller in capacity.
Memory Hierarchy
- Multi-layered memory system, prioritizing speed and access time, with different memory types (SRAM, DRAM, magnetic disk).
Memory Hierarchy - Table View
- Speed, size, cost per bit, and technology of different memory types, such as SRAM, DRAM, and magnetic disks. Processor speed is at the top of the hierarchy.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
- Special memory holding important software and data necessary for the computer system start up.
- Data on ROM is read-only; unable to be altered.
- Non-volatile memory, meaning data is retained when the power is turned off.
Storage Areas Inside the Computer
- HDDs can be divided into (drive) sections that are named with a character (E:).
- System files are often stored on drive C.
Opening the computer box
- Images of the iPad 2 with component details and associated parts (e.g., screen, camera, memory chip).
Storage in Computer
- Bit is the smallest unit of storage, either 1 or 0.
- Byte is 8 bits.
- Prefixes for measuring computer storage (e.g., KiloByte (KB), MegaByte (MB)) are used in decimal, with conversion factors.
Memory Sticks/Flash Memory
- Portable memory devices that can be directly plugged in.
- Fast access.
- Store large amounts of data.
- Uses EEPROM technology.
Online (Cloud) File Storage
- Many websites provide online storage for files.
- Accessed from anywhere, anytime.
- Services like SaaS, PaaS, IaaS are examples.
Factors Affecting Computer Performance
- Factors that affect a computer's speed and performance.
- CPU speed, RAM size, and hard disk capacity need to be considered.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- ICT combines information and telecommunication technologies.
- Examples of ICT technologies: cellular networks (4G, 5G), IoT, robotics.
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Description
This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of information technology with a focus on computer hardware. It discusses different types of computers, including personal computers, laptops, and mainframes, along with their components and features. Test your knowledge on the essentials of computer hardware and understand how they operate in processing data.
