Microcomputer Applications Chapter 1 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What is Computer Literacy?

To be successful in today's world, you must have a current knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses.

What is Data?

A collection of unorganized facts that are manipulated and processed to create information.

What is Information?

Organized useful data.

What is a Computer?

An electronic machine operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data, manipulate the data according to specific rules, produce results, and store the results for future use. Signup and view all the answers

What is Hardware?

The electronical and mechanical equipment that makes up a computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is Software?

The series of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is System Software?

Consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. Signup and view all the answers

What is Application Software?

Programs designed to perform specific tasks. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Operating System?

Contains the instructions that allow you to run application software. Signup and view all the answers

What is the System Unit?

A box-like case that houses and protects the electrical components of the computer used to process data, connected to the motherboard. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

Carries out the instructions that operate the computer and impacts overall computing power. Signup and view all the answers

What does Memory (RAM) do?

Temporarily holds data and instructions that operate the computer. Signup and view all the answers

What is Microsoft Windows?

Uses a graphical user interface (GUI) allowing interaction with software using visual images. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of Networks? (Select all that apply)

Wide Area Network (WAN) Signup and view all the answers

What is an Internet Service Provider (ISP)?

Offers internet access and provides specialized content and services. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term Portable refer to in computers?

Mobile devices that meet the computing needs of business travelers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Minicomputer?

Can support 2-4000 users connected at once. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Supercomputer?

Processes more than 64 billion instructions per second. Signup and view all the answers

What does Pipelining mean in computing?

The CPU begins executing a second instruction before the first instruction has completed the machine cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is Clock Speed?

The speed at which a processor executes instructions, measured in gigahertz (GHz). Signup and view all the answers

What is a Bit?

The smallest unit of data a computer can handle. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Byte?

8 bits together to represent 256 individual characters. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are used to access the internet? (Select all that apply)

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Computer Literacy

Essential understanding of computers and their applications for success in modern society.

Data and Information

Data: Unorganized facts collected for processing.
Information: Organized and useful data.

Computer Definition and Components

Computer: An electronic device that processes data, involving input, processing, output, and storage.
Hardware: The physical components of a computer.
Software: Instructions that dictate hardware tasks.
System Software: Programs managing computer operations, acting as the interface.
Application Software: Programs designed for specific tasks.

System Unit and CPU

The System Unit: Houses electrical components, connected primarily via the motherboard.
CPU (Central Processing Unit): The brain of the computer, managing operations and instruction execution.

Memory

RAM (Random Access Memory): Temporary storage for data and instructions, volatile in nature.
Storage Units: Commonly measured in bytes (e.g., KB, MB, GB, TB).

Operating Systems and Interfaces

Microsoft Windows: Utilizes GUI for user interaction via visual elements.
Operating System: Critical for running application software.

Networking

Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN): Types of networks used for connecting computers.
Internet: A global network linking devices, institutions, and individuals.

Types of Computers

Personal Computers: Includes desktops and towers.
Minicomputer: Supports 2-4000 users simultaneously.
Mainframe: Handles millions of instructions per second.
Supercomputer: Processes over 64 billion instructions per second.

Output Devices

Printers: Produce hard copies of documents, display soft copies on-screen.

Processors and Cache Memory

Intel Processors: Differing power levels (i3, i5, i7).
AMD: Known for manufacturing compatible processors.
Cache: Stores frequently used data to accelerate processing speed.

Binary System

Binary: Only uses digits 0 and 1; fundamental to computing.
Bit: Smallest data unit; represents on/off states.

Memory Types

Volatile Memory: Data erased when powered off (e.g., RAM).
Non-volatile Memory: Retains data when turned off (e.g., ROM).
Flash Memory: Erasable and reprogrammed electronically.

Internet History

ARPANET: The precursor to the internet, initiated in 1969 for connecting researchers.
NSFNET: Backbone network until 1995, further developing internet connectivity.
World Wide Web Consortium (W3C): Oversees research and establishes guidelines for internet standards.

Internet Services

Various services available: Cable, DSL, fiber optic for high-speed access, and wireless connectivity options like Wi-Fi and satellite.
Access Providers: Businesses offering internet access for a fee.

Domain and IP Addressing

Each internet-connected device has a unique IP address for identification.
Domain Names: Text identifiers for easier access versus numeric IP addresses.

Web Technologies

Web 2.0: Describes user-interactive websites.
Home Page: Starting page of a website.
Hyperlink: Connects to related web pages for easy navigation.

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Description

Test your knowledge on microcomputer applications with these flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Chapter 1. Enhance your understanding of computer literacy, data, information, and more essential concepts. Perfect for exam preparation!