Computer Basics

Question 1

What is a computer?

Answer 1

An electronic device that manipulates information or data as 1’s or 0’s (binary) and can manipulate that data to create complex things like websites or games.

Question 2

What is Hardware?

Answer 2

Any physical part of a computer.

Examples: fans, keyboards, mouses, monitors

Question 3

What is Software?

Answer 3

Any set of instructions that tells hardware what to do.

Examples: media player, web browser

Question 4

What is an Operating System (OS)?

Answer 4

A program that helps you interact or “communicate” to your computer and determines what your computer can do.

Examples: Windows, macOS, Apple iOS, Google Android

Question 5

What is an Application?

Answer 5

Software programs that help you “do things” from setting alarms, playing video games, finding directions to a location, etc.

Example: web browsers, Microsoft Office

Question 6

What is Source code?

Answer 6

The technical blueprint that tells a program how to function. Almost every piece of a computer software is created using source code!

Question 7

What’s the difference between Open Source and Closed Source?

Answer 7

Open Source software allows public interaction, modification, or viewing of the source code. Tends to be free, difficult to find technical support with, but figures out features and bugs quickly.

Closed Source software does not allow the public to interact, modify, or view the source code. Tends to cost money, easier to find technical support, but tends to take longer to figure out features and bugs.