Questions and Answers
What is a computer?
What is a Personal Computer?
A small, single-user computer that is used in homes and businesses; based on a microprocessor.
What defines a Work Station?
A powerful, single-user computer with a more powerful microprocessor than PCs.
What is a Microprocessor?
Signup and view all the answers
Define Minicomputer.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Mainframe?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe a Supercomputer.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the purpose of an Operating System?
Signup and view all the answers
Define Hardware.
Signup and view all the answers
What is Software?
Signup and view all the answers
What are Real-time Operating Systems used for?
Signup and view all the answers
Define Single-user Single-task Operating Systems.
Signup and view all the answers
What are Single-user Multi-tasking Operating Systems?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Graphical User Interface (GUI) enable?
Signup and view all the answers
What are Multi-user Operating Systems?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Unix?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is a Computer Programmer?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Linux?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Source Code?
Signup and view all the answers
Define a Network.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Wireless Connection?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe Electromagnetic Waves.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Local Area Network?
Signup and view all the answers
Define a Wide Area Network.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Metropolitan Area Network?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Controlled Area Network?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Personal Area Network?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the Internet?
Signup and view all the answers
Define Network Messaging.
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Server?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a Firewall?
Signup and view all the answers
What is Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol used for?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Computer Systems
- A computer is a programmable machine capable of controlling symbols.
- Personal computers are small, single-user machines designed for home and business use, utilizing microprocessors.
- Workstations are advanced, single-user systems that feature more powerful microprocessors than standard PCs.
- Microprocessors are integrated circuits that serve as the main control unit of a computer.
- Minicomputers accommodate multiple users and can handle hundreds of simultaneous users.
- Mainframes are powerful multi-user systems capable of supporting hundreds to thousands of users at once.
- Supercomputers represent the fastest computing technology, executing hundreds of millions of instructions per second.
Operating Systems
- An operating system provides a layer of interaction between the user and the computer hardware.
- Real-time operating systems are utilized in applications requiring immediate processing, such as thermostats or spacecraft.
- Single-user single-task systems allow one action at a time, while single-user multi-tasking systems enable running multiple applications simultaneously.
- Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) facilitate user interaction without requiring knowledge of system communication languages.
- Multi-user operating systems support simultaneous program usage by multiple users.
Software and Programming
- Hardware encompasses all physical components, including monitors, mice, keyboards, and circuitry.
- Software consists of programs that guide computer operations by providing relevant instructions.
- Unix is designed to be a compact and adaptable system primarily for programmers.
- Linux is a version of Unix known for its open-source model, allowing users to modify the software.
- Source code refers to the foundational scripts and commands developed by creators that guide software functionality.
- A computer programmer is responsible for designing, writing, and installing applications.
Networking Concepts
- A network facilitates communication between two or more computers.
- Wireless connections allow for computer networking without physical cables.
- Electromagnetic waves transmit information across networks using light, radio, and microwaves.
- Local Area Networks (LAN) are privately owned networks confined to a limited geographic area.
- Wide Area Networks (WAN) connect computers across broader geographic locations.
- Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN) are high-speed networks linking areas like campuses or large districts.
- Controlled Area Networks are designed for immediate control operations.
- Personal Area Networks (PAN) operate in the small vicinity around a user’s workspace.
- The Internet serves as a global publicly accessible network.
Network Services and Security
- Network messaging enables message exchange between computers via the Internet.
- A server facilitates resource sharing, allowing equipment like printers or files to be accessed by multiple users.
- A firewall acts as a protective barrier between computers and external Internet sites or networks.
- Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) uniquely identifies each computer among millions connected to the Internet.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz features flashcards on key terms related to Operating Systems and Networking. Each card includes a word and its definition, providing a concise overview of essential concepts in computer technology. Test your knowledge and enhance your understanding of computing fundamentals.