Unit1 ICS.pdf

1.Define the difference between hardware, firmware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a device. Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used t...

1.Define the difference between hardware, firmware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components of a device. Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. 2.What is the syntax of a language? the set of rules that define what the various combinations of symbols mean in a programming language, in order words the grammar : correct ordering and use of symbols and words 3.What are semantics? -The meaning of the associated line of code in the programming language -describes the processes a computer follows when executing a program in that specific language. 4.What is the concept of a message? the basic unit of communication and can literally be anything: an ID, a string, an object, a command, an event or whatever. It has no intent. 5.Why do computers need an operating system? -it allows interaction between a user and the computer hardware -it provides an interface -runs applications -controls the hardware 6.All digital data stored on the computer is saved as? Binary 7.Where is Firmware usually stored? ROM- read-only memory 8.What is the basic data storage system? Binary numbering system 9.What does the CPU do? It interprets, processes and executes instructions in a computer. 10.Define the difference between messages, events and commands. The difference lies in the intent, whereby messages have no intent, events inform about something which happened and is already completed and commands trigger an action that should happen in the future. 11.What is a programming language? A set of instructions written by a programmer which comprises of words and symbols that translate directly to binary commands 12.Explain Bootstrapping. Bootstrap: Program in ROM (example of firmware) o run by the CPU when power is turned on o transfers operating system from mass storage to main memory o executes jump to operating system 13.Explain the Bootup Process. o Once a computer is switched on , it executes the first set of instructions which is found in the BIOS which is stored in a BIOS ROM. o The Power-On-Self-Test (POST) is next to make sure all components are working properly o The Operating system loads o System Configuration occurs o Then the system utility loads and user authentication 14.State and explain the 4 eras of computing. 1. Behemoths : huge machines used mostly by government ▪ 1940s to 1960s 2. Business : computers used by individuals in business ▪ 1960s to 1980s 3. Graphical : the dawn of the graphical user interface and digital imagery ▪ 1980s to 2000s 4. Portable : miniaturization of computers: laptops, tablets, smartphones ▪ 2000s until today