Components and Functions of Computer Systems

Question 1

What is a computer?

Answer 1

-A Computer consists of two main components: Hardware and Software.
-A Computer processes data into information
-Can be defined as a programmable, electronic device that:
*accepts data
*performs operations
*presents the results
*stores the results (or information)

Question 2

What is Hardware?

Answer 2

The physical parts of a computer (the parts you can touch)

Question 3

What is software?

Answer 3

-The instructions or programs used to tell the computer hardware what to do.
-You can not touch or feeel
-There are two types: System software and Operating System.

Question 4

Data consist of:

Answer 4

-Raw facts
-Figures

Question 5

Information is data that has been:

Answer 5

-Summarised
-Transformed

Question 6

What are the four basics of computers?

Answer 6

-Input
-Processing
-Output
-Storage

Question 7

What is Input?

Answer 7

Entering data into a computer

Question 8

What is Processing?

Answer 8

Manipulating operations performed on the data

Question 9

What is output?

Answer 9

Presenting results

Question 10

What is storage?

Answer 10

Saving data, programs, or output for future use

Question 11

Types of hardware components?

Answer 11

-Internal (motherboard, RAM, hard drive,…)
-External (mouse, keyboard,…)

Question 12

What are Input devices?

Answer 12

Any piece of equipment that is used to input data into the computer.

Examples:
-Keyboard
-Mouse
-Gamepad

Question 13

What are Output devices?

Answer 13

Accepts processed data from the computer and presents the results to the user or to another machine.

Examples:
-Monitor
-Printer

Question 14

What is Processing device?

Answer 14

-The main processing device for a computer is the central processing unit (CPU) often considered the “brain” of the comtercompuute.
-Performs calculations, comparisons needed for processing
-Controls the computer´s operations

Question 15

What is a storage device?

Answer 15

-Is a non-volatile storage. Data is stored in files.
-Is used to save data, program settings,…
-Can be install inside, attached as external device or access remotely.

Examples:
*Hard drive
*CD/DVD
*USB flash drive

Question 16

What is a communication device?

Answer 16

Allows users to communicate electronically with others and access remote information like internet, company network,…

Examples:
-Modems
-Network adapters
-Routers

Question 17

What is System Software?

Answer 17

The programs that allow a computer to operate are collectively referred to as system software. The main system software is the operating system

Question 18

What is Operating System (OS)?

Answer 18

-Is the most important program that runs on a computer.
-A computer must have an OS to run the programs.
-Provides user interface
-Manage applications

Examples:
*Windows
*Linux
*Android
*MacOS

Question 19

What does OS?

Answer 19

-Starts up the computer and controls its operation
-Sets up new hardware
-Allows users to run other software
-Allows users to manage the documents stored on their computers

Question 20

What are the basics tasks of OS

Answer 20

-Manage files
-Manage memory
-Look after security
-Manage input and output hardware.

Question 21

What is Application software?

Answer 21

Consists of programs designed to allow people to perform specific tasks using a computer.

Examples:
-Word processing
-Gaming
-Multimedia
-Image editing
-Email

Question 22

What is user interface?

Answer 22

-An interaction method by which a user and the computer exchange information and instructions
-There are two types: CLI and GUI

Question 23

What is CLI?

Answer 23

-Command Line Interface
-Allows the user to interact with the computer by typing in commands i.e. set of instructions
-The user would have to learn a whole set of commands so that they could make use of the computer system

Example:
*MS-DOS

Question 24

What is GUI?

Answer 24

-Graphical User Interface
-Is built around visual, graphical display
-Use things like icons, menus, windows…

Examples:
*Windows
*Ubuntu
*Apple OSX

Question 25

Why are we switching to computers?

Answer 25

Because of their data processing speeds, accuracy, storage capacity, and ability to work for longer periods

Question 26

Hardware is a set of instructions called programs that computer uses to carry out tasks while Software are all parts of the computer you can see and touch.
a. True
b. False

Answer 26

b. False

Question 27

With regards to the components, the hardware component used for temporary storage of data applications for processing is

Answer 27

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Question 28

The CPU stands for

Answer 28

Central Processing Unit

Question 29

The hardware component used to control the operation of a computer system is

Answer 29

Processor

Question 30

Which of the following are components of CPU?
a. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Keyboard
b. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit
c. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Integrated circuits
d. Control Unit and Monitor

Answer 30

b. Arithmetic Logic Unit and Control Unit

Question 31

Where is RAM located in the computer?

Answer 31

Motherboard

Question 32

Which of the following is an example of an output device?
a. Scanners
b. Keyboards
c. Projectors
d. Joystick

Answer 32

c. Projectors

Question 33

Fill in the blank. Pointing devices, such as the mouse and _______, work by moving a pointer on the screen
a. Laser
b. Scroll wheel
c. Joystick
d. Touchpad

Answer 33

d. Touchpad

Question 34

To accomplish a task a computer has to process data in three different stages, known as:

Answer 34

Input→Process→Output

Question 35

Where are saved files stored in computer?
a. RAM
b. Hard Disc
c. Cache
d. All of the above

Answer 35

b. Hard drive

Question 36

Which of the following is an example of secondary storage device?
a. RAM
b. ROM
c. Magnetic Tape
d. All of the above

Answer 36

c. Magnetic Tape

Question 37

Operating system is an example of System software.
a. True
b. False

Answer 37

a. True

Question 38

Which of the following is an example of Command Line Interface (CLI)?
a. Windows
b. Apple OSX
c. MS-DOS
d. Ubuntu

Answer 38

c. MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)