Micro Computers and Input Devices

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the numeric keypad?

To generate shortcuts in software applications

To move the cursor up, down, left, and right

To type alphanumeric characters

To enter mathematical signs and numbers quickly (correct)

Which function key is used to print what is currently displayed on the screen?

PRINT SCREEN (correct)

ESC

F12

What does the INSERT key do?

It generates keyboard shortcuts

It negates the current command

It moves the cursor to the next position

It enters text between existing characters (correct)

What is the purpose of the ALT and CTRL keys?

To expand keyboard functionality and create shortcuts Signup and view all the answers

Which key is used to toggle the numeric keypad on or off?

NUMLOCK Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the arrow keys?

Entering text Signup and view all the answers

Which special key is used to type all inputted text in capital letters?

CAPSLOCK Signup and view all the answers

Which function key set consists of keys labeled F1 through F12?

Function keys Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes micro computers from larger computers?

They are small enough to fit on a desk. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a micro computer?

Mainframe Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of input devices?

To enter data into the computer system Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a general-purpose keyboard?

Contains enough keys for all types of applications Signup and view all the answers

Which part of a general-purpose keyboard includes letters and numbers?

Alphanumeric keypad Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is used for entering data through spoken commands?

Microphone Signup and view all the answers

What is one key feature of the standard general-purpose keyboard?

It commonly contains 101 keys. Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is primarily used for capturing images or documents?

Scanner Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the ENTER key on a special purpose keyboard?

To generate output and execute commands Signup and view all the answers

Which action is performed by the BACKSPACE key?

Removes the character to the left of the cursor Signup and view all the answers

What movement does the PAGE UP key facilitate?

Moves the screen up to the previous page Signup and view all the answers

How does a mouse primarily interact with the computer system?

By detecting two-dimensional motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the right button on a mouse?

To generate a context menu Signup and view all the answers

In what way does a joystick operate compared to a mouse?

The cursor moves continuously while the joystick is held Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of a trackball?

To move the cursor without moving the device Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates a trackball from a standard mouse?

It uses finger or thumb movements to control the cursor Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a touch screen?

To detect touch and allow for direct interaction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a graphics tablet?

An input device allowing hand-drawn images with a stylus Signup and view all the answers

What significant invention replaced the vacuum tube in the second generation of computers?

Transistor Signup and view all the answers

What is a supercomputer primarily used for?

Performing complex calculations quickly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes an integrated circuit?

A system of interrelated circuits on a single silicon chip Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the first large-scale electronic digital computer, ENIAC, introduced?

1946 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about touch screens?

They allow users to select options by touching the display. Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of computers introduced the concept of integrated circuits?

Third generation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a microprocessor?

To serve as a Central Processing Unit on a single chip Signup and view all the answers

Which company introduced the first microprocessor chip?

Intel Corp. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a mainframe computer from other types of computers?

It is a large, powerful computer capable of processing vast amounts of data simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a minicomputer?

It is a smaller, less powerful version of a big computer used in businesses. Signup and view all the answers

When did IBM release its first personal computer, the IBM PC?

1981 Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a microcomputer?

It is what most people consider a standard personal computer. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mainframe computers typically fulfill in industries like banking and government?

They handle and process vast amounts of information securely and efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following developments occurred first in the history of computing?

The invention of the first microprocessor chip Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Micro Computers

Term “micro” signifies small size, suitable for desk use, in contrast to large computers occupying entire rooms.
Common uses include internet browsing, gaming, document writing, and video watching.
Examples: laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones.

Standard Input Devices

Keyboard: Most frequently utilized input device; functions similarly to a typewriter.
Contains keys for letters, numbers, and special characters.

Types of Keyboards

General Purpose Keyboard: Standard for personal computers; includes approximately 101 keys common across applications.
Special Purpose Keyboard: Designed for specific applications requiring faster data entry.

Functions of Input Devices

Input devices accept data from the external environment and convert it into computer-readable format.
The processed data is sent to the Central Processing Unit (CPU) for further operations.

Keyboard Layout

Alphanumeric Keypad: Central part of the keyboard containing letters, numbers, and special signs.
Numeric Keypad: Rightmost section with digits (0-9) and mathematical symbols, primarily used for quick data entry.
Arrow Keys: Facilitate cursor movement; also called cursor-control keys.

Function Keys

First row consists of 12 function keys (F1 to F12) to generate shortcuts in software.

Special Keys

Print Screen: Captures the current screen display.
Insert: Allows text insertion between characters.
Esc: Cancels commands.
Caps Lock: Types capital letters.
Tab: Moves the cursor to the next predefined position.
Space: Creates a blank space between words.
Delete: Deletes characters at the cursor position.

Pointing Devices

Computer Mouse: Hand-held device sensing 2D motion to navigate the cursor on screen.
Trackball: Stationary device with a rotating ball controlled by fingers.
Joystick: Contains a stick for cursor movement; useful in gaming.
Touch Screen: Interactive display allowing users to select options by touch.

Graphics Tablet

Input device enabling hand-drawn graphics creation using a stylus, similar to pencil drawing.

Computer Generations

First Generation (1946): ENIAC, the first large-scale electronic digital computer.
Second Generation (1947): Introduction of transistors replacing vacuum tubes for better efficiency.
Third Generation (1959): Development of integrated circuits, paving the way for microchips.
Fourth Generation (1971): Introduction of microprocessors, with Intel 4004 hosting 2300 transistors.

Classification of Computers

Supercomputers: Highly powerful, used for complex calculations and simulations in research fields.
Mainframe Computers: Large, powerful systems used by organizations to manage massive data volumes.
Minicomputers: Smaller, less powerful alternatives to mainframes, often used in companies.
Microcomputers: Common personal computers typically used by individuals.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential concepts of microcomputers and various input devices, primarily focusing on keyboards. Participants will dive into the features, types, and functionalities of different keyboards. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of computer hardware and input systems.