Q&A.lec1.pdf

1. What is the difference between data and information? - Data is unorganized facts, while information is data that has been processed into a meaningful form. 2. How is information processing defined? - Information processing is the act of converting data into information. 3. What are the characteri...

1. What is the difference between data and information? - Data is unorganized facts, while information is data that has been processed into a meaningful form. 2. How is information processing defined? - Information processing is the act of converting data into information. 3. What are the characteristics of each generation of computers? - Each new generation of computers is characterized by a major technological development. 4. Name some precomputers and early computers before 1946. - Abacus, slide rule, mechanical calculator, Punch Card Tabulating Machine, and Sorter. 5. What characterized first-generation computers from 1946-1957? - Enormous size, powered by vacuum tubes, used a lot of electricity, and generated heat. 6. What technological advancement was seen in second-generation computers from 1958-1963? - They used transistors, were smaller, more powerful, cheaper, energy-efficient, and reliable. 7. What was the key feature of third-generation computers from 1964-1970? - They used integrated circuits (ICs) and introduced keyboards and monitors. 8. How are fourth-generation computers, from 1971 to the present, different from previous generations? - They use microprocessors, keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, magnetic disks, flash memory, optical disks, computer networks, wireless technologies, and the Internet. 9. What is the current stage of fifth-generation computers? - They are in the infancy stage and may be based on artificial intelligence (AI), voice and touch input, and optical computers utilizing nanotechnology. 10. Define hardware in the context of computers. - Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer, including internal and external components. 11. What are the different types of hardware associated with computer operations? - Input devices, processing devices, output devices, storage devices, and communications devices. 12. Give examples of input devices used in computers. - Keyboards, mice, scanners, cameras, microphones, joysticks, touch pads, touch screens, fingerprint readers, etc. 13. What are processing devices responsible for in a computer? - Processing devices perform calculations and control the computer's operation, including the central processing unit (CPU) and memory. 14. Name some output devices used in computers. - Monitors, printers, speakers, projectors, etc. 15. How do storage devices function in a computer system? - Storage devices are used to store data on or access data from storage media, such as hard drives, CD/DVD discs and drives, USB flash drives, etc. 16. What is the role of communications devices in a computer setup? - Communications devices allow users to communicate with others and access remote information electronically, including modems, network adapters, etc. 17. Define software in the context of computers. - Software refers to the programs or instructions used to tell the computer hardware what to do. 18. What is system software responsible for in a computer? - System software, such as the operating system, starts up the computer, controls its operation, and allows users to interact with the computer via a GUI. 19. Give examples of system software. - Windows, Mac OS, Linux, etc. 20. What is application software used for? - Application software performs specific tasks or applications, such as creating letters, budgets, managing databases, editing photographs, etc. 21. Who are considered computer users or end users? - Computer users are people who use a computer to obtain information. 22. Name some computer professionals. - Programmers, systems analysts, computer operations personnel, security specialists. 23. Which of the following was not a first-generation computer? - IBM PC 24. True or False: A window displayed when the computer needs more information from the user is called a dialog box. - True 25. What type of device are speakers considered? - Output 26. What is the purpose of a dialog box in a computer system? - A dialog box is displayed when the computer needs more information from the user. 27. How do speakers function in a computer setup? - Speakers are output devices used to present audio information to the user. 28. What is the primary function of an operating system in a computer? - The operating system starts up the computer, controls its operation, and allows users to interact with the computer via a GUI. 29. Give examples of tasks that application software can perform. - Creating letters, budgets, managing databases, editing photographs, scheduling appoin viewing web pages, sending and receiving emails, etc. 30. Who falls under the category of computer professionals? - Programmers, systems analysts, computer operations personnel, security specialists.