Computer Systems

Question 1

Name the four key components of a computer system.

Answer 1

The four key components of a computer system are, input, processing in the CPU, storing the information in memory, and producing an output.

Question 2

Hardware and Software

Define hardware and software.

Answer 2

Hardware is the physical aspects of a computer: it consists of the electronic and mechanical parts of the system.
Software is the programmed instructions that make the computer function in a required manner.

Question 3

Hardware and Software

Name and describe the basic three types of Software.

Answer 3

1. Application programs: contain a series of instructions for the computer to follow that apply to a specific situation.
2. Systems Software: The operating system which consists of programs that supervise the way in which the computer handles information, as well as the operation of devices like the printer. It is responsible for enabling the computer to load programs, format disks and arrange files for computer usage, general housekeeping duties.
3. Programming languages: contain a set of terms and rules for these terms. These are used to write application programs (e.g., Pascal, COBOL, C++, and Java).

Question 4

Data

What form can data take on?

Answer 4

Letters, numbers, sound, or images.

Question 5

Types

What are the four main size categories of computers from largest to smallest.

Answer 5

1. Microcomputers
2. Minicomputers
3. Mainframes
4. Supercomputers

Question 6

Types

What type is found in the computer lab?

Answer 6

Microcomputers because they are intended for the use of one single person at a time.

In other words, PCs are Microcomputers.

Question 7

Features of Any Computer System

Name and describe three basic features of any computer system?

Answer 7

Computers display 3 basic features:
* Input: this unit is responsible for accepting information into the computer.
* Processing: the information is processed in the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
* Output: this unit is responsible for displaying the result of work done on the computer.

Question 8

Personal Computer Parts

What are common input devices that are available in the school’s computer lab?

Answer 8

Keyboard, mice, and sound (mics)

Question 9

Personal Computer Parts

What are common output devices that are available in the school’s computer lab?

Answer 9

The screen (monitor) and speakers.

Question 10

Central Processing Unit

Name and describe the three main parts of the central processing unit (CPU).

Answer 10

1. Control unit: responsible for controlling all input and output devices in the computer, controlling the movement of all information into and out of storage.
2. Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU): performs arithmetic functions and uses logical processing to compare data.
3. Main memory: the place where information is stored in the CPU, allowing the computer to access the stored information quickly.

Question 11

Memory

State the difference between RAM and ROM.

Answer 11

Random Access Memory (RAM)
- Stores programs and data in current use.
- Data is lost when the computer is powered off, making RAM volatile.
- Data in RAM can be modified via being read and written to. The more RAM a computer has, the more it can do.
- Used for running applications and temporary storage
- Typically larger (GBs to TBs)

Read Only Memory (ROM)
- Stores permanent instructions for basic computer operations.
- Data remains even when the computer is powered off, making ROM non-volatile.
- Data in ROM cannot be modified (except in special cases like EEPROM)
- Used for storing firmware and essential system instructions
- Typically smaller (MBs)

Question 12

Memory

What are four measurement values used to describe a computer’s memory? (smallest to largest)

Answer 12

1 KB (Kilobyte) of memory is approximately 1,000 bytes
1 MB (Kilobyte) of memory is approximately 1,000,000 bytes
1 GB (Kilobyte) of memory is approximately 1,000,000,000 bytes
1 TB (Kilobyte) of memory is approximately 1,000,000,000,000 bytes

Question 13

Memory

How many characters can 1 GB store?

Answer 13

1, 000, 000, 000 bytes

Question 14

Personal Computer Parts

What are 3 phsyical parts of a personal computer?

Answer 14

Keyboard, systems unit, and monitor

Question 15

Personal Computer Parts

Describe three major components that are likely found inside the systems unit?

Answer 15

The power supply, RAM, ROM, microprocessor, bus ports, and peripheral devices such as DVD, hard drives, and some electronic cards that allow other hardware devices to be connected to the computer.

Question 16

Secondary Storage

Why is auxiliary storage needed?

Answer 16

To hold information for future uses: by storing inactive information and archive data.

Question 17

Secondary Storage

What are the main technologies used today to store data?

Answer 17

Magnetic-Storage: Information is stored when a magnetic sensitive material reacts to a magnetic field.
- Magnetic Tape: a tape is a long strip of magnetic material. Data is stored in a serial pal tern in the same way songs are stored on a cassette so tapes are slow to use. Because they are inexpensive, have a high capacity but are slow, they are good as a backup medium.
- Magnetic Disks: these are the most common. There are Hard disks that store at least 500 GB, Disks do not have to be read in sequence like tapes. They direct (random) access to information so they are faster but they are more expensive.

Optical Storage: Information is stored on this medium using optical (laser) technology.

Solid State Drive: No moving parts, information is stored in microchips. Conversely, a hard disk drive uses a mechanical arm with a read/write head to move around and read information from the right location on a storage platter. This difference is what makes SSD so much faster.

Question 18

Optical Storage

What are the primary types of optical storage medium?

Answer 18

Compact Disk (CD-ROM): technology that music CD utilizes, and a laser reads information on the surface.
Digital Video Disk (DVD): It is the same size of a standard compact disk but it can store upwards to an entire full-length movie (holding 4.7 GB).
Blu Ray Disk: A newer technology that holds approximately 20 GB.

Question 19

Communication

What are peripheral devices?

Answer 19

Peripheral devices are computer devices that are attached to the computer.

Question 20

Communication

What are examples of peripheral devices?

Answer 20

• Keyboard
• Printer
• Mouse

Question 21

Communication

What is a modem used for?

Answer 21

Allows computers to communicate over telephone lines.

Question 22

Networks

What is a netword and why are they used?

Answer 22

Networks allow individual computers to communicate with each other through cables, telecommunications, satellites, and modems.

Question 23

Networks

What are two basic types of networks?

Answer 23

There are two basic types of networks: Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN):
1. LAN is a network of computers located relatively near TO each other.
2. WAN is a network that usually connects 2 or more LANs together over a broader geographical area.

Question 24

Operating systems

What is the purpose of a fileserver?

Answer 24

A fileserver is a main computer to which everyone is connected to, so files can be saved, shared, and printed.

Question 25

# Operating systems What is an operating system?

Answer 25

A series of programs or instructions which allows communication between user and the computer, the disk drives, the printer, and other devices. These instructions allow management of information and hardware resources. An operating system is essential to the operation of the personal computer. Application programs communicate with the operating system in a manner invisible to the operator.

Question 26

# Operating systems What are the functions of an Operating System?

Answer 26

* controls and manages the information put in to the computer and as well as the results of processing the information in the form of an output from the computer * controls and manages the storage space on disks and the storing and retrieving of files provided information to the user about the input and output devices and files on the disks prepares new disks to receive data * allows the operator to copy, display, rename, and delete disk files * communicates with application programs to begin execution * use application programs e.g. Word, Adobe Photoshop * manage files * use your various peripherals (devices that attach to computer) e.g. printers, monitors

Question 27

# Operating Systems Examples of operating systems?

Answer 27

Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS.

Question 28

# Filenames State the rules governing the creation of a filename in DOS.

Answer 28

* Each file stored must have a unique filename. A filename is made up of two parts: the actual name of the file and the extension with the extension being optional. * The filename is made up of several characters, and the extension may be 1 to 4 characters in-length. * The extension is separated from the filename by a period or dot.

Question 29

# Is this really important? State the rules governing the creation of a filename in windows 95 or higher?

Answer 29

A filename in Windows 95 or higher can be up to 255 characters long and may contain letters, numbers, and underscores. It is case-insensitive, meaning FILEA and filea are treated as the same file. Filenames should be descriptive and meaningful. Certain special characters (*, ?, <, >, |, etc.) are not allowed. Hidden files begin with a dot (.), but this is primarily a Unix/Linux convention.

Question 30

# Filenames Why are subdirectory needed?

Answer 30

Subdirectories help organize files by grouping related data, making it easier to manage and locate information. They also improve system performance and security by preventing clutter and allowing access control.

Question 31

# Filenames What is a path and why is it used?

Answer 31

A path is the specific location of a file or directory within a filesystem. It is used to navigate and access files efficiently by providing a clear structure and hierarchy.

Question 32

# Filenames For the path f:\pets\dog\rusty.wps, Name the filename, subdirectory (folder), main directory, and drive.

Answer 32

1. Filename: rusty.wps 2. Subdirectory: dog 3. Main directory: pets 4. Drive: F:\

Question 33

# Memory: Solid State Drive What is the cost of SSD per GB?

Answer 33

$ 0.25 per GB