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Introduction to Computers and Programming

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What is the final step in producing an executable file from a high-level program?

Run the linker to connect hardware-specific library code to machine instructions

What is the primary function of a compiler?

To translate high-level program code into machine code

What is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) composed of?

A text editor, compiler, debugger, and other supporting utilities

What are the common elements found in most programming languages?

Language elements, including keywords, programmer-defined identifiers, operators, punctuation, and syntax

What is the purpose of the #include statement in the example program?

To include a header file

What is the data type of the variable num1 in the example program?

Double

What is the purpose of the using namespace std; statement in the example program?

To specify the standard namespace

What is the function of the cout statement in the example program?

To write the output to the screen

What happens if an error occurs during any step in producing an executable file?

The execution of the following steps will be prevented

What is the purpose of a debugger in an IDE?

To identify and fix errors in the program

A digital camera is an example of an output device.

False

The CPU retrieves and decodes program instructions.

True

Main Memory is non-volatile, meaning it retains its data even when the computer is turned off.

False

The Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical operations.

True

A printer is a type of input device.

False

The CPU retrieves and encodes program instructions.

False

Main Memory is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

True

The Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) only performs logical operations.

False

A printer is an output device.

True

A keyboard is an output device.

False

The CPU is responsible for storing program instructions.

False

A keyboard is an example of an output device.

False

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.

True

Main Memory is volatile, meaning it retains its data even when the computer is turned off.

False

A printer is an example of an input device.

False

Match the following devices with their functions:

Keyboard = Input device Printer = Output device Monitor = Output device Mouse = Input device

Match the following devices with their classification:

Keyboard = Input Device Printer = Output Device Microphone = Input Device Monitor = Output Device

Match the following components of a computer with their functions:

CPU = Retrieves and decodes program instructions Main Memory = Volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off ALU = Performs arithmetic and logical operations Compiler = Translates high-level program into machine code

Match the following components with their functions:

Control Unit = Retrieves and decodes program instructions Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) = Performs mathematical and logical operations Main Memory = Holds program instructions and data CPU = Runs programs

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Input device = A device that sends data to the computer Output device = A device that receives data from the computer Volatile = Loses its data when the computer is turned off Non-volatile = Retains its data even when the computer is turned off

Match the following components of a computer with their characteristics:

CPU = Stores program instructions Main Memory = Volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off ALU = Performs only logical operations Compiler = Produces an executable file

Match the following steps with their descriptions:

Fetch = Get the next program instruction from main memory Decode = Interpret the instruction and generate a signal Execute = Route the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation Encode = Not a valid step in the CPU's cycle

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

Volatile = Erased when the computer is turned off Non-Volatile = Retains data even when the computer is turned off RAM = Random Access Memory IDE = Not related to memory

Match the following devices with their functions:

Monitor = Output device Mouse = Input device Printer = Output device Scanner = Input device

Match the following components with their functions:

CPU = Runs programs and performs operations Main Memory = Holds program instructions and data ALU = Performs arithmetic and logical operations Keyboard = Provides input to the computer

Match the following computer components with their functions:

CPU = Retrieves and decodes program instructions Main Memory = Stores program instructions Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) = Performs mathematical and logical operations Printer = Output device

Match the following devices with their classification:

Keyboard = Input device Printer = Output device Mouse = Input device Monitor = Output device

Match the following computer components with their characteristics:

Main Memory = Volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) = Performs arithmetic and logical operations CPU = Retrieves and decodes program instructions Keyboard = Input device

Match the following computer components with their roles:

CPU = Executes program instructions Main Memory = Stores data temporarily Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) = Performs mathematical operations Monitor = Displays output

Match the following computer components with their functions:

Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) = Performs arithmetic and logical operations Main Memory = Stores program instructions temporarily CPU = Retrieves and decodes program instructions Keyboard = Sends input data to the computer

What is the primary function of input devices in a computer system?

To send information to the computer from outside

What is the main difference between output devices and input devices?

Output devices send information from the computer to the outside, while input devices send information to the computer from outside

What are the three stages involved in the CPU's role in running a program?

Fetch, Decode, and Execute

What is the characteristic of Main Memory in a computer system?

Volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off

What operation does the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) perform?

Mathematical operations

What is the primary function of the CPU in a computer?

The CPU retrieves and decodes program instructions.

What is the characteristic of Main Memory in a computer?

Main Memory is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

What is the role of the Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) in a computer?

The Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) performs arithmetic and logical operations.

What is an example of an output device?

A printer is an output device.

What is an example of an input device?

A keyboard is an input device.

What is the main function of an application software, and provide an example of one?

The main function of an application software is to make the computer useful for everyday tasks. An example of an application software is a word processing program.

What is an algorithm, and what is important to note about its steps?

An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to perform a task or to solve a problem. It is important to note that the order of the steps is important, and they must be performed sequentially.

What are the two main types of programming languages, and how do they differ?

The two main types of programming languages are low-level and high-level languages. Low-level languages are used for communication with computer hardware directly, whereas high-level languages are closer to human language and are easier to read.

What is the purpose of the compiler in the process of creating an executable file from a high-level program?

The compiler converts source program statements into machine instructions (machine code), which is stored in an object file.

What is the characteristic of main memory, and what happens to its data when the computer is turned off?

Main memory is volatile, meaning it loses its data when the computer is turned off.

Study Notes

Introduction to Computers and Programming

  • A computer is a programmable machine designed to follow instructions
  • A program/software is a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task
  • A programmer is a person with the right skills who designs, creates, and tests programs for computers

Why Program?

  • Programming is both an art and a science
    • Artistry in programming involves organizing tasks, displaying information, and user interaction
    • Science in programming involves understanding the language used to write the program, testing, and changing it if it doesn't work as intended

Computer Systems: Hardware and Software

  • Hardware: physical components of a computer
  • Main hardware component categories:
    • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
    • Main memory (RAM)
    • Secondary storage devices
    • Input Devices
    • Output Devices
  • CPU: runs programs, retrieves and decodes program instructions, and coordinates computer operations
  • Main memory: holds both program instructions and data, volatile, and also called Random Access Memory (RAM)
  • Secondary storage: non-volatile and permanent, holds data when the program is not running or when the computer is turned off

Input and Output Devices

  • Input devices: used to send information to the computer, examples include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, scanner, and digital camera
  • Output devices: used to send information from the computer, examples include computer screen, printer, speakers, and disk drive

Programs and Programming Languages

  • A program is a set of instructions directing a computer to perform a task
  • A programming language is a special language used to write programs
  • Algorithm: a set of well-defined steps to perform a task or solve a problem
  • Types of programming languages: low-level and high-level
  • From a high-level program to an executable file:
    • Create a file containing the program with a text editor
    • Run the preprocessor to convert source file directives to source code program statements
    • Run the compiler to convert source program statements into machine instructions
    • Run the linker to connect hardware-specific library code to machine instructions, producing an executable file

What Is a Program Made Of?

  • Common elements in most programming languages:
    • Language elements: keywords, programmer-defined identifiers, operators, punctuation, and syntax
    • Example program: includes headers, using namespace, main function, variables, and operations

Main Hardware Component Categories

  • Input Devices: used to send information to the computer from outside, examples include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, scanner, digital camera, disk drive, CD/DVD drive, and USB flash drive.

Output Devices

  • Used to send information from the computer to the outside, examples include computer screen, printer, speakers, disk drive, CD/DVD recorder, and USB flash drive.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • CPU is a hardware component that runs programs.
  • Includes Control Unit, which retrieves and decodes program instructions, and coordinates computer operations.
  • Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical operations.

The CPU's Role in Running a Program

  • The CPU follows a cycle of: Fetch (get the next program instruction from main memory), Decode (interpret the instruction and generate a signal), and Execute (route the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation).

Main Memory

  • Holds both program instructions and data.
  • Volatile, meaning it is erased when the program terminates or computer is turned off.
  • Also called Random Access Memory (RAM), because the CPU can access data and instructions from any memory location.

From a High-level Program to an Executable File

  • Steps to create an executable file: a) create a source file with a text editor, b) run the preprocessor to convert source file directives, c) run the compiler to convert source program statements into machine instructions, and d) run the linker to connect hardware-specific library code to machine instructions.

Software Development

  • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides a text editor, compiler, debugger, and other supporting utilities.
  • A user interface ties all these components together.

Programs and Programming Languages

  • A program is a set of instructions directing a computer to perform a task.
  • A programming language is a special language used to write programs.
  • Application software, also referred to as "Application software" or "Application Programs", makes the computer useful for everyday tasks.

Algorithm

  • An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to perform a task or solve a problem.
  • The order of steps is important, and steps must be performed sequentially.

Types of Languages

  • Low-level languages are used for communication with computer hardware directly and are not easy for humans to read.
  • High-level languages are closer to human language.

Main Hardware Component Categories

  • Input Devices: used to send information to the computer from outside, examples include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, scanner, digital camera, disk drive, CD/DVD drive, and USB flash drive.

Output Devices

  • Used to send information from the computer to the outside, examples include computer screen, printer, speakers, disk drive, CD/DVD recorder, and USB flash drive.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • CPU is a hardware component that runs programs.
  • Includes Control Unit, which retrieves and decodes program instructions, and coordinates computer operations.
  • Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical operations.

The CPU's Role in Running a Program

  • The CPU follows a cycle of: Fetch (get the next program instruction from main memory), Decode (interpret the instruction and generate a signal), and Execute (route the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation).

Main Memory

  • Holds both program instructions and data.
  • Volatile, meaning it is erased when the program terminates or computer is turned off.
  • Also called Random Access Memory (RAM), because the CPU can access data and instructions from any memory location.

From a High-level Program to an Executable File

  • Steps to create an executable file: a) create a source file with a text editor, b) run the preprocessor to convert source file directives, c) run the compiler to convert source program statements into machine instructions, and d) run the linker to connect hardware-specific library code to machine instructions.

Software Development

  • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides a text editor, compiler, debugger, and other supporting utilities.
  • A user interface ties all these components together.

Programs and Programming Languages

  • A program is a set of instructions directing a computer to perform a task.
  • A programming language is a special language used to write programs.
  • Application software, also referred to as "Application software" or "Application Programs", makes the computer useful for everyday tasks.

Algorithm

  • An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to perform a task or solve a problem.
  • The order of steps is important, and steps must be performed sequentially.

Types of Languages

  • Low-level languages are used for communication with computer hardware directly and are not easy for humans to read.
  • High-level languages are closer to human language.

Main Hardware Component Categories

  • Input Devices: used to send information to the computer from outside, examples include keyboard, mouse, touch screen, microphone, scanner, digital camera, disk drive, CD/DVD drive, and USB flash drive.

Output Devices

  • Used to send information from the computer to the outside, examples include computer screen, printer, speakers, disk drive, CD/DVD recorder, and USB flash drive.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

  • CPU is a hardware component that runs programs.
  • Includes Control Unit, which retrieves and decodes program instructions, and coordinates computer operations.
  • Arithmetic & Logic Unit (ALU) performs mathematical operations.

The CPU's Role in Running a Program

  • The CPU follows a cycle of: Fetch (get the next program instruction from main memory), Decode (interpret the instruction and generate a signal), and Execute (route the signal to the appropriate component to perform an operation).

Main Memory

  • Holds both program instructions and data.
  • Volatile, meaning it is erased when the program terminates or computer is turned off.
  • Also called Random Access Memory (RAM), because the CPU can access data and instructions from any memory location.

From a High-level Program to an Executable File

  • Steps to create an executable file: a) create a source file with a text editor, b) run the preprocessor to convert source file directives, c) run the compiler to convert source program statements into machine instructions, and d) run the linker to connect hardware-specific library code to machine instructions.

Software Development

  • An Integrated Development Environment (IDE) provides a text editor, compiler, debugger, and other supporting utilities.
  • A user interface ties all these components together.

Programs and Programming Languages

  • A program is a set of instructions directing a computer to perform a task.
  • A programming language is a special language used to write programs.
  • Application software, also referred to as "Application software" or "Application Programs", makes the computer useful for everyday tasks.

Algorithm

  • An algorithm is a set of well-defined steps to perform a task or solve a problem.
  • The order of steps is important, and steps must be performed sequentially.

Types of Languages

  • Low-level languages are used for communication with computer hardware directly and are not easy for humans to read.
  • High-level languages are closer to human language.

Learn the basics of computers and programming, including what a computer is, what a program is, and the role of a programmer.

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