COMP1236 Midterm Chapters 3-4
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the purpose of initial computers?

  • To simplify calculations (correct)
  • To send spacecrafts into space
  • To play games
  • To screen movies
  • What is the role of binary codes in computers?

  • To send spacecrafts into space
  • To screen movies
  • To process data (correct)
  • To show output
  • What is the main function of output devices in computers?

  • To send spacecrafts into space
  • To play games
  • To reflect or show processed data (correct)
  • To screen movies
  • Which of the following is NOT one of the three necessary steps in computing?

    <p>Storage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of input devices in computers?

    <p>To provide data to the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where does the processing of data take place in a computer?

    <p>Central Processing Unit (CPU)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the data once it is processed by the CPU?

    <p>It is converted into meaningful information</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an output device?

    <p>Printer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system is responsible for all the functions of the computer?

    <p>Control Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system is considered the main memory of the computer and is a part of the CPU?

    <p>Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system is responsible for prompt computer actions, such as the quick delivery of complex calculations or animations, video and audio merging, etc.?

    <p>Central Processing Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system comprises the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and the memory?

    <p>Central Processing Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory in a computer system is the main memory of the computer and is a part of the CPU?

    <p>Primary Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory in a computer system is used to store files permanently or in a portable format?

    <p>Secondary Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component of a computer system is responsible for providing information to the user after the raw data has been processed?

    <p>Output Unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of hardware stores the operating system in a computing device?

    <p>Internal hardware</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of external hardware in a computing device?

    <p>To display execution results</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the two categories of hardware in a computing device?

    <p>Internal and external</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software is designed to manage the computer and act as a platform for developers to design applications?

    <p>System Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software helps the user perform tasks like surfing the web, graphic designing, playing games, or doing calculations?

    <p>Application Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software is used for analyzing and maintaining the computer, focusing on the working of the operating system and enabling smooth functioning of the system?

    <p>Utility Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software is available to the user without any cost by simply downloading it from the internet?

    <p>Free Distribution Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of software is free to download but comes with an inbuilt time limit, after which it requires purchasing?

    <p>Commercial Software</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component acts as the backbone for connectivity within a computer and contains important computing components such as the CPU, RAM, power supply, sound card, and graphics card?

    <p>Motherboard</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the motherboard in a computer?

    <p>To facilitate communication between components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the main components of a motherboard?

    <p>CPU, RAM, power supply, sound card, and graphics card</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is volatile and stores data only as long as the computer is switched on?

    <p>Random Access Memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is non-volatile and retains information or programs needed for the computer's smooth operation?

    <p>Read-Only Memory (ROM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer system?

    <p>To store all programs and data required by the CPU for program execution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operating systems are popular in the market?

    <p>Windows, macOS, and Linux</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the basic tasks performed by an operating system?

    <p>Process management and memory management</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an operating system?

    <p>To manage hardware components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of operating system can handle any memory greater than 4 GB?

    <p>64-bit operating system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of the problem-solving process involves finding and considering multiple alternatives for solving the problem?

    <p>Generating Alternative Solutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What considerations do skilled problem solvers take into account when evaluating and selecting an alternative?

    <p>The alternative must solve the problem efficiently without creating other unanticipated issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can involving other members in the implementation process minimize resistance against the proposed solution?

    <p>By increasing the likelihood of successful implementation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of problem solving involves trying different methods until a solution is found?

    <p>Trial and Error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of problem solving provides a step-by-step guide for finding the solution?

    <p>Algorithm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of problem solving involves mental shortcuts for solving problems?

    <p>Heuristic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is considered the father of modern problem-solving?

    <p>George Polya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an operating system?

    <p>To manage computer hardware and software resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of Random Access Memory (RAM) in a computer system?

    <p>To temporarily store data and instructions that the CPU needs to process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes computation?

    <p>Any calculation, including non-arithmetical and arithmetical steps following a well-defined model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are computers?

    <p>Mechanical devices that carry out computations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can computers do?

    <p>Solve mathematical problems, interpret data, and build engineering systems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which branch of mathematics and computer science includes the logic of computation to simple machines?

    <p>Automata theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is another name for the theory of computation?

    <p>Automata theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the theory of computation study?

    <p>Simple machines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Purpose of Early Computers

    • Early computers were primarily used for scientific and mathematical calculations.

    Binary Codes in Computers

    • Binary code is used in computers to represent data and instructions as a series of 0s and 1s.
    • It is used to facilitate the electronic communication within a computer, using the on-off signals of electricity.

    Output Devices in Computers

    • Output devices are used to display or present information after it has been processed by the computer.

    Steps of Computation

    • Three necessary steps in computing are:
      • Inputting data: Receiving data from the user.
      • Processing data: Transforming the received data into meaningful information.
      • Outputting information: Presenting the processed information to the user.

    Input Devices

    • Input devices are used to enter data into the computer.

    Data Processing Location

    • Data processing takes place in the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

    Post-Processing Data

    • After processing by the CPU, data is converted into information and can be stored or displayed.

    Example of an Output Device

    • Monitors, printers, and speakers are examples of output devices.

    Computer System Functions

    • The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is responsible for all the functions of a computer.

    Main Memory

    • The Random Access Memory (RAM) is considered the main memory of the computer and is part of the CPU.

    Prompt Computer Actions

    • The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is responsible for prompt computer actions like complex calculations, animations, video/audio merging, etc.

    CPU Components

    • The Central Processing Unit (CPU) comprises the Control Unit (CU), the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), and the memory.

    Main Memory Type

    • Random Access Memory (RAM) is the main memory of the computer, and it is part of the CPU.

    Permanent Storage Memory

    • Secondary Storage is used for permanent storage of files in a portable format, e.g., using hard disks, flash drives, or cloud storage.

    Information Display

    • Output devices are responsible for providing information to the user after raw data has been processed.

    Operating System Storage

    • Hard disks usually store the operating system of a computing device.

    External Hardware Function

    • External hardware allows for expanding the functionalities and capabilities of a computing device.

    Hardware Categories

    • Hardware is categorized into two types:
      • Internal hardware: Components that work internally within the computer.
      • External hardware: Components connected externally to the computer.

    System Software

    • System Software is designed to manage the computer, act as a platform for application development, and enable smooth system functioning.

    Application Software

    • Application Software assists users in performing various tasks, such as web browsing, graphic design, gaming, or calculations.

    System Utility Software

    • System Utility Software is used for analyzing and maintaining the computer system, focusing on the functioning of the operating system.

    Free Software

    • Free Software is available to the user without any cost, simply by downloading it from the internet.

    Trial Software

    • Trial Software is free to download but comes with an inbuilt time limit, after which it requires purchasing.

    Motherboard Function

    • The motherboard is the backbone of a computer, connecting various components and providing a platform for data communication.

    Motherboard Components

    • The main components of a motherboard include:
      • CPU
      • RAM
      • Power supply
      • Sound card
      • Graphics card

    Volatile Memory

    • RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile and stores data only as long as the computer is switched on.

    Non-Volatile Memory

    • Secondary storage is non-volatile and retains information or programs needed for the computer's smooth operation, even when the computer is turned off.

    RAM Function

    • RAM (Random Access Memory) allows the computer to access data quickly for processing.
    • Popular operating systems in the market include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.

    Operating System Tasks

    • Basic tasks performed by an operating system include:
      • Managing resources (CPU, RAM, etc.)
      • Providing a user interface
      • Running applications
      • Maintaining security

    Operating System Role

    • The operating system acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware, managing all the hardware and software components.

    Operating System Memory Capacity

    • 64-bit operating systems can handle any memory greater than 4 GB.

    Problem-Solving Process

    • Generating alternatives involves finding and considering multiple ways to solve a problem.

    Alternative Evaluation Criteria

    • Skilled problem solvers consider factors like feasibility, effectiveness, and cost when evaluating and selecting an alternative.

    Implementation Involvement

    • Involving others in the implementation process helps minimize resistance as they contribute to the solution and feel a sense of ownership.

    Trial and Error Method

    • Trial and error involves trying different methods until a solution is found.

    Systematic Method

    • Systematic problem-solving provides a step-by-step guide for finding a solution.

    Heuristic Method

    • Heuristic problem-solving uses mental shortcuts to solve problems quickly.

    Father of Modern Problem-Solving

    • George Polya is considered the father of modern problem-solving.

    Operating System Function

    • The operating system manages the computer's resources and provides a platform for applications.

    RAM Function

    • RAM allows for the fast access and storage of data during active computer use.

    Computation

    • Computation is the process of manipulating data according to a set of rules or instructions.

    Computers

    • Computers are electronic devices that can be programmed to perform various tasks.

    Computer Capabilities

    • Computers can process information, store data, communicate with other devices, and perform calculations.

    Theory of Computation

    • Theory of computation is a branch of mathematics and computer science that explores the logic behind computations in machines.

    Alternative Name for Theory of Computation

    • Theory of computation is also known as computability theory.

    Scope of Theory of Computation

    • Theory of computation studies the limits and capabilities of computers and explores the theoretical foundations of computing.

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