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Questions and Answers
Which type of secondary memory is faster than a disk drive and has no moving parts?
Which type of secondary memory is faster than a disk drive and has no moving parts?
What is an example of an input device?
What is an example of an input device?
Which category of software controls and manages the basic operations of a computer?
Which category of software controls and manages the basic operations of a computer?
How is data stored in a computer?
How is data stored in a computer?
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What coding scheme is commonly used to convert characters to numeric code for storage in memory?
What coding scheme is commonly used to convert characters to numeric code for storage in memory?
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Which component of a computer is responsible for actually running programs?
Which component of a computer is responsible for actually running programs?
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What is the term commonly used to refer to a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task?
What is the term commonly used to refer to a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task?
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What is the term for the physical devices that make up a computer?
What is the term for the physical devices that make up a computer?
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What is the term for the temporary storage used by a computer while a program is running?
What is the term for the temporary storage used by a computer while a program is running?
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What is the term for a person who can design, create, and test computer programs?
What is the term for a person who can design, create, and test computer programs?
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Which type of language uses short words (mnemonics) for instructions instead of binary numbers?
Which type of language uses short words (mnemonics) for instructions instead of binary numbers?
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What is the purpose of an assembler?
What is the purpose of an assembler?
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What are key words in programming?
What are key words in programming?
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What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
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What is the purpose of the IDLE programming environment?
What is the purpose of the IDLE programming environment?
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True or false: A computer can only perform tasks that it is programmed to do?
True or false: A computer can only perform tasks that it is programmed to do?
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True or false: The CPU is the most important component of a computer?
True or false: The CPU is the most important component of a computer?
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True or false: RAM is a type of secondary storage device?
True or false: RAM is a type of secondary storage device?
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True or false: Secondary storage holds data for short periods of time.
True or false: Secondary storage holds data for short periods of time.
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True or false: Disk drives can be considered input devices.
True or false: Disk drives can be considered input devices.
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True or false: ASCII is a coding scheme that defines codes for all characters in the Unicode standard.
True or false: ASCII is a coding scheme that defines codes for all characters in the Unicode standard.
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True or false: Assembly language uses binary numbers instead of short words (mnemonics) for instructions?
True or false: Assembly language uses binary numbers instead of short words (mnemonics) for instructions?
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True or false: High-level languages allow simple creation of powerful and complex programs?
True or false: High-level languages allow simple creation of powerful and complex programs?
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True or false: The Python interpreter can be used in both interactive mode and script mode?
True or false: The Python interpreter can be used in both interactive mode and script mode?
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True or false: The IDLE programming environment is automatically installed when Python language is installed?
True or false: The IDLE programming environment is automatically installed when Python language is installed?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Computers and Programming
- Computers are programmable devices that perform tasks based on provided instructions.
- A program is a set of instructions executed by the computer, commonly referred to as software.
- Programmers, also known as software developers, design, create, and test these programs.
Hardware and Software
-
Hardware: Refers to the physical components of a computer, including:
- Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- Main Memory (RAM)
- Secondary Storage Devices
- Input Devices
- Output Devices
-
Software: Involves all the instruction sets for functioning, categorized into:
- Application Software: Tools for everyday tasks (e.g., word processors, web browsers).
- System Software: Control the hardware operations (e.g., operating systems, utility programs).
The CPU
- The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, executes programs and is essential for running software.
- Historically large, modern CPUs are typically microprocessors located on small chips.
Main Memory
- Main Memory (RAM) temporarily stores programs and data while in use.
- It is volatile, meaning its contents are cleared when powered off.
Secondary Storage Devices
- Secondary storage retains data long-term and includes:
- Disk Drives: Use magnetic encoding.
- Solid State Drives (SSD): Faster with no moving parts.
- Flash Memory: Portable storage without disks.
- Optical Devices: Use optical encoding for data storage.
Input and Output Devices
- Input Devices: Gather data from users (e.g., keyboards, mice, scanners).
- Output Devices: Present processed data (e.g., monitors, printers).
- Some devices, like disk drives, function as both input and output.
How Computers Store Data
- Data is stored as binary (0s and 1s).
- Byte: A collection of 8 bits, representing data such as characters or small numbers.
- ASCII: A coding scheme for 128 characters; limited compared to Unicode, which supports multiple languages.
- Different schemes (two's complement for negatives, floating-point for reals) are used for various data types.
How a Program Works
- Programs execute through a cycle: Fetch (load instruction), Decode (interpret instruction), and Execute (perform action).
- Each CPU brand has a unique instruction set that guides its operations.
From Machine Language to High-Level Languages
- For ease, assembly language uses mnemonics instead of binary for commands.
- High-Level languages simplify programming without needing low-level machine knowledge.
-
Compilers and Interpreters are tools to translate high-level code to machine language.
- Compiler: Creates a separate machine language file.
- Interpreter: Executes code in real-time, translating it line by line (used in Python).
Using Python
- Requires installation and setup for the Python interpreter.
- Operates in two modes:
- Interactive Mode: Direct input of statements with immediate feedback.
-
Script Mode: Save and execute pre-written code files with a
.pyextension.
- IDLE: An integrated development environment that provides a platform for writing and testing Python programs.
Summary
- Covered the main hardware components, types of software, methods of data storage, basic CPU functions, programming environments, and Python installation and usage.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the basics of computer programming with this quiz. Explore topics such as hardware, software, data storage, and how programs work using Python. Challenge yourself and assess your understanding of computer programming concepts.
