Questions and Answers
What are the five components of an information system?
Hardware, software, data, people, and process.
Which of the following correctly defines a computer?
The main case of a computer which houses the processing hardware is called the ______.
System Unit
The CPU can be referred to as a processor.
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Which piece of hardware temporarily holds data while it is being processed?
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What type of memory is RAM?
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Which of the following describes flash memory?
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Which of the following types of processors contains two separate processing units?
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What is the purpose of the CPU's cache memory?
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Buses in a computer refer to the physical connectors for peripherals.
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What is the main function of input devices?
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Match the following types of computers with their descriptions:
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The read/write head of a hard drive touches the surface of the disc.
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Which of the following statements about Solid State Drives (SSDs) are true? (Select all that apply)
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What are Solid-State Hybrid Drives (SSHDs)?
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Which is a type of remote storage?
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Which of the following is an example of cloud storage? (Select all that apply)
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What is a key advantage of network storage compared to cloud storage?
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What is Source Data Automation?
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Which of the following are considered automatic input devices? (Select all that apply)
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What is the primary function of output devices?
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Match the units of digital data with their values:
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1 _____ = 1024 Megabytes
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Which of the following file formats are used for audio data compression? (Select all that apply)
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Study Notes
Computer Hardware Overview
- An information system comprises five components: hardware, software, data, people, and process.
- Hardware refers to the tangible parts of computing devices.
Computer Definition and Functions
- Computers are programmable electronic devices that accept, process, and store data.
- Basic operations of a computer include:
- Input: Entering data
- Processing: Performing operations on data
- Output: Presenting results
- Storage: Saving data for future use
- Communications: Sending or receiving data
Computer System Architecture
- Includes system and application software, users, and various hardware components.
- Block diagram of a computer: CPU, RAM, input, output, memory, and storage.
Types of Computers
- Categories include:
- Embedded computers
- Mobile devices
- Personal computers
- Midrange servers
- Mainframe computers
- Supercomputers
System Unit
- The system unit houses processing hardware, memory, power supply, and storage device bays.
Motherboard
- The main circuit board connecting all computer components.
- External devices connect through ports on the motherboard.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- The CPU, or processor, performs most of the computer's processing tasks.
- Types:
- Dual-core CPU: two processing units
- Quad-core CPU: four processing units
- Major manufacturers: Intel and AMD, with varying performance and prices.
CPU Performance Factors
- Clock speed: Measured in GHz, indicates processing cycles per second.
- Number of cores: More cores enable better multitasking.
- Cache memory: Holds frequently accessed data for quicker processing.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Handles image processing for display.
- Can be integrated into the CPU or exist on a separate graphics board.
Computer Memory
- Memory types include:
- RAM: Temporary, volatile memory used for active tasks.
- Registers: High-speed memory within the CPU.
- Cache memory: Speed increases with more cache.
- ROM: Non-volatile memory containing firmware.
- Flash memory: Erasable and reprogrammable non-volatile memory.
Ports and Connectors
- Types of ports include USB, HDMI, RJ45 (network), and audio ports.
- Different types of computers have varying port availability.
Secondary Storage
- Storage mediums (e.g., DVDs, flash cards) hold data; storage devices (e.g., DVD drives) facilitate data access.
- Storage can include:
- Internal
- External
- Remote storage options
Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) vs. Solid State Drives (SSD)
- HDDs: Magnetic discs used in most computers, prone to head crashes.
- SSDs: Use flash memory, no moving parts, and suitable for portable devices.
Cloud and Network Storage
- Network storage: Accessed through a local network.
- Cloud storage: Internet-based storage services (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox).
- Advantages of network storage include no monthly fees and independence from internet reliance, whereas cloud storage offers scalability and less maintenance.
Data Capture vs. Data Entry
- Data capture is quick and accurate but may be costly; it's the preferred method when feasible.### Source Data Automation
- Collects data in digital form at the point of origin, reducing duplication and errors.
- Streamlines data entry by minimizing the need for extra handling and personnel.
Input Devices
Automatic Input Devices
- Devices used for data capture, including scanning, audio, biometric, and RFID technologies.
- Examples:
- Scanners (e.g., Optical, Barcode, QR Code)
- Magnetic Ink Readers
- Biometrics (e.g., Fingerprint, Iris)
Non-Automatic Input Devices
- Traditional data entry methods that require manual input.
- Examples:
- Keyboard, Mouse, Trackball
- Joystick, Light pen, Touch Screen
Output Devices
- Classified into softcopy and hardcopy devices.
-
Softcopy Devices:
- Monitors, Projectors, Speakers
-
Hardcopy Devices:
- Printers (Dot Matrix, Laser, Ink Jet) and Plotters
Advantages and Disadvantages of Soft Copy vs Hard Copy
-
Soft Copy:
- No per-copy costs, temporary, flexible, environmentally friendly.
-
Hard Copy:
- Incur per-copy costs, permanent, not flexible.
Digital Data Representation
- Bit: Smallest unit of data, represents a single binary digit (0 or 1).
- Byte: Consists of 8 bits; used to measure size of files (e.g., documents, images).
-
Data Size Hierarchy:
- 1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes
- 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 Kilobytes
- 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 Megabytes
- Continues up to Geopbyte (1024 Brontobytes).
Coding Systems for Different Data Types
- Text-Based Data: Encoded in various coding systems suitable for digital processing.
- Audio Data: Must be digital; often compressed formats like MP3 used.
- Video Data: Composed of frames; various MPEG standards (e.g., MPEG-2 for digital television, MPEG-4 for HD content) utilized for storage and transmission.
Recommended Self-Study Resources
- Video on "How Computers Work" for foundational IT concepts with visual illustrations.
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Description
This quiz covers Chapter 02 of the ITC 1370 course, focusing on computer hardware. It addresses the identification of system architecture, trends in hardware, and how data is represented within computer systems. Additionally, you'll learn to prepare specifications for personal computers.
