Module 02: Computer Hardware and Software

Question 1

What is hardware?

Answer 1

All the physical components of a computer

Hardware includes any tangible parts of a computer system.

Question 2

What is the main function of the motherboard?

Answer 2

It is the main circuit board that holds the CPU, memory, connectors for storage, and ports for peripherals

The motherboard serves as the backbone of a computer, connecting all components.

Question 3

What does the CPU stand for?

Answer 3

Central Processing Unit

The CPU is often referred to as the brain of the computer.

Question 4

What is the role of the CPU in a computer?

Answer 4

It executes instructions in response to commands

The CPU processes data and performs calculations necessary for running applications.

Question 5

What factors determine the performance of a CPU?

Answer 5

Model, version, and speed

Higher-end models typically offer better performance.

Question 6

How is the speed of a CPU measured?

Answer 6

In Megahertz (MHZ) or Gigahertz (GHZ)

1 GHz equals 1,000 MHz, indicating the number of cycles per second.

Question 7

What are the required hardware components of a computer?

Answer 7

Motherboard, Processor (CPU), memory, connectors for hard drive and optical drives, various external ports and peripherals

These components are essential for a computer to function effectively.

Question 8

What is memory in the context of computers?

Answer 8

Electronic storage devices or chips on the motherboard of a computer

Memory is essential for data storage and processing in a computer system.

Question 9

List the types of memory.

Answer 9

• RAM
• ROM
• Cache

These types serve different purposes in computer operations.

Question 10

What does RAM stand for?

Answer 10

Random Access Memory

RAM is crucial for temporary data storage during processing.

Question 11

What is the function of RAM?

Answer 11

Stores data and instructions currently being processed by a computer’s CPU

Data in RAM is temporary and lost when power is off.

Question 12

True or False: Data in RAM is erased when power is switched off.

Answer 12

True

This characteristic distinguishes RAM from other memory types.

Question 13

What does ROM stand for?

Answer 13

Read Only Memory

ROM is used for storing critical startup instructions.

Question 14

What is the main feature of ROM?

Answer 14

Contains permanently recorded instructions vital for starting up a computer

Instructions in ROM can be read but not modified.

Question 15

True or False: Instructions in ROM can be changed.

Answer 15

False

ROM is designed to be non-volatile and unchangeable.

Question 16

What is the purpose of cache memory?

Answer 16

To speed up processing by storing frequently called items in a small, rapid access memory location

Cache is typically smaller than RAM but much faster.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Cache is a _______ version of RAM.

Answer 17

smaller

The size difference allows cache to operate at higher speeds.

Question 18

What are input devices?

Answer 18

Input devices convert data and instructions into a pattern of electrical signals that correspond to binary code processed by a digital computer.

Examples include Keyboard, Mouse, and Web camera.

Question 19

What are output devices?

Answer 19

Output devices translate digitized signals into a form intelligible to the user, such as text, data files, sounds, or graphics.

Examples include Screen, Printer, and MP3 Players.

Question 20

What are the required hardware components for storage media?

Answer 20

Storage media includes external devices on which programs and data are stored. Examples include Hard Drive, Flash Drive, Optical Storage Media (DVD and CD), and cloud storage.

Question 21

This is the data center or main storage device of the computer where the operating system, software, and user-created content are stored until deleted.

Answer 21

HARD DISK DRIVE

Question 22

A small, removable hard drive also known as a pen drive, jump drive, thistle drive, or pocket drive, used for data back-up, sharing, and transfer.

Answer 22

USB FLASH DRIV

Question 23

These are rigid disks such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu Ray that can hold a higher density of information and have a higher speed for data back-up, sharing, and transfer.

Answer 23

OPTIC DISKS

Question 24

A model of computer data storage in which the digital data is stored in logical pools, said to be on “the cloud”.

Answer 24

Cloud Storage

Question 25

Explain the physical storage in cloud.

Answer 25

The physical storage spans multiple servers (sometimes in multiple locations), and the physical environment is typically owned and managed by a hosting company.

Question 27

What is a Network Adapter?

Answer 27

A circuit board that is installed on the computer to connect to the network.

Question 28

What is another name for a Network Adapter?

Answer 28

Network Interface Card (NIC).

Question 29

What role does a Network Adapter play in a computer?

Answer 29

It acts as a middleman between a computer/server and a data network.

Question 30

Why is a Network Adapter considered indispensable?

Answer 30

It is essential for connecting a computer to a network.

Question 31

What is a Communications Medium?

Answer 31

Refers to the physical channel through which data is sent and received.

Question 32

How is data sent in a Communications Medium?

Answer 32

Data is sent in the form of voltage levels which make up the digital signal.

Question 33

What factors affect the Communications Medium?

Answer 33

Depended on the distance, amount of data transfer, frequency of transfer and availability.

Question 34

Enumerate the phases of hardware components in action.

Answer 34

INSTRUCTION PHASE Step 01: Fetch Instruction Step 02: Decode Instruction EXECUTION PHASE Step 03: Execute the instruction Step 04: Store the results

Question 35

Based on the processing characteristics and functions, this is known as the time to execute the instruction phase.

Answer 35

Machine Cycle time

Question 36

Based on the processing characteristics and functions, this is the rate at which electronic pulses are produced.

Answer 36

Clock Speed (Measured in MHz)

Question 37

What is wordlength?

Answer 37

Number of bits a CPU can process in a unit of time.

Question 38

What is a bit?

Answer 38

Bit (Binary digiT): 0 or 1.

Question 39

What is the unit for moving data?

Answer 39

Bit.

Question 40

What are common processor sizes?

Answer 40

32-64 bit processors.

Question 41

This is known as the ability of different systems, devices, applications or products to connect and communicate in a coordinated way, without effort from the end user.

Answer 41

INTEROPERABILITY

Question 42

This is known as the extent of protecting digital information from unauthorized access, corruption, or theft throughout its entire lifecycle.

Answer 42

DATA SECURITY

Question 43

This is a set if instructions telling the hardware what needs to be done with the input.

Answer 43

SOFTWARE (In computer terminology, this set of instructions is called a program and one or more programs is termed as software).

Question 44

This is known as the low level program designed to provide an interface to manage and control hardware components.

Answer 44

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Question 45

What are common types of system programs?

Answer 45

Utility Software, Hypervisors, Bootloaders, GNU, BIOS, Multi-threading.

Question 46

What types of software fall under system programs?

Answer 46

Operating System, Device Drivers, Anti Virus Software, Compilers & Interpreters, Firmware BIOS set-up, System Utility Software, Assemblers, System Cleaning Software.

Question 47

What is the primary function of an operating system?

Answer 47

Perform common computer hardware functions. ## Footnote Example: Getting input from the keyboard.

Question 48

What types of user interfaces do operating systems provide?

Answer 48

Command-based user interface (e.g., MS-DOS) and graphical-user interface (e.g., Windows).

Question 49

What is one of the roles of an operating system in relation to hardware?

Answer 49

Provide a degree of hardware abstraction.

Question 50

How does an operating system manage system memory?

Answer 50

It converts logical view to physical view.

Question 51

This provides an interface for the user to communicate with the system to perform various tasks.

Answer 51

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Question 52

What is a key characteristic of user experience in a good application?

Answer 52

A clean user interface (UI) for users to navigate easily and smoothly, and effortlessly use the features of the application.

Question 53

What defines the performance of a good application?

Answer 53

The application must be fast, frictionless, and error-free in both functions and interface.

Question 54

What is the importance of security in a good application?

Answer 54

Ensure the confidentiality, authentication, and integrity of user data and mitigate the risk of external attacks.

Question 55

What does accessibility mean for a good application?

Answer 55

The application must be compatible with any operating system and easily accessible to the widest range of users.

Question 56

What is scalability in the context of a good application?

Answer 56

An application must be capable of handling increasing or decreasing volumes of data operations, transactions, and services.

Question 57

Why is customer support important for a good application?

Answer 57

A prompt customer service to proactively engage customers and troubleshoot all user queries.

Question 58

What is the first programming language?

Answer 58

Computer interactions written in machine code. ## Footnote Machine language.

Question 59

What is the second programming language?

Answer 59

Abbreviations for common operations. ## Footnote Assembler converts code to machine language (Assembly language).

Question 60

What is the third programming language?

Answer 60

Instructions are English-like. ## Footnote Compilers convert code to machine language.

Question 61

What is Fortran used for?

Answer 61

Good for scientific computing.

Question 62

What is Cobol known for?

Answer 62

Good file handling.

Question 63

What is Java good for?

Answer 63

Good for Web applications.

Question 64

What are Fourth Programming Languages?

Answer 64

Even easy for non-programmers. They tell what to do, not how to do it. Focus, Powerhouse.

Question 65

What are Visual Programming Languages?

Answer 65

They use point-and-click and drag-and-drop interfaces. Useful for user interfaces. ## Footnote Examples include Visual Basic and Visual C++.

Question 66

What are Object-oriented Languages?

Answer 66

Objects contain data and methods to operate on that data. ## Footnote Examples include C++ and Java.

Question 67

These are known to store patients' data, including medical and family history, laboratory and other test results, and prescribed medications history.

Answer 67

EHR systems (Electronic Health Records)

Question 68

How do EHRs benefit patient data management?

Answer 68

EHRs reduce the risk of data replication, losing data, or important information about a patient's health.

Question 69

What is a cost advantage of EHRs compared to paper medical records?

Answer 69

EHRs are cost-efficient compared to paper medical records, which are more likely to be duplicated, illegible, or destroyed over a long period of time.

Question 70

This enables online doctor consultations via web and mobile apps.

Answer 70

Telemedicine software

Question 71

What features are available in telemedicine software?

Answer 71

Telemedicine software offers a variety of features within one platform, including in-app video conferencing, file transfer for patient's test results, and payment options.

Question 72

This allows patient data collection outside of healthcare institutions (clinics or hospitals).

Answer 72

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Question 73

What are some technologies used in Remote Patient Monitoring?

Answer 73

Some of the remote patient monitoring technology includes heart rate and blood pressure monitors, glucose and blood oxygen meters, and wearable ECG monitors.

Question 74

This provides both information and management capabilities to three stakeholder groups: administration, doctors and authorized healthcare professionals, and patients.

Answer 74

Hospital management software (HMS)

Question 75

How many portals does HMS often include?

Answer 75

HMS often includes two separate portals.

Question 76

What are the features of the two portals in HMS?

Answer 76

One portal has management-oriented features, and the other portal is available for patients.

Question 77

These provide data on the clinic's daily work, as they can store clients' data: medical history, visits, bills. They are able to send automated notifications to patients about upcoming checkups or prescription refills visits

Answer 77

Healthcare CRM Software

Question 78

These allow doctors not only to write new prescriptions but also to track the prescriptions history, renew or cancel them if necessary. In some countries, the software enables direct contact with a pharmacy of choice for convenience.

Answer 78

E-prescriptions Software

Question 79

This has the objective to streamline the process of booking a doctor's visit. Patients can easily book an appointment, get notifications about it, provide relevant information to the doctor beforehand, and also reschedule or cancel the appointment.

Answer 79

Appointment Booking Software

Question 80

This is known as the widest group of healthcare software, as they may involve: physical activity tracking and movement tracking, dieting and weight loss, and, the recently very popular type: mental health & wellbeing apps.

Answer 80

Health Tracking Apps

Question 81

What are medical research platforms?

Answer 81

Medical research platforms serve as a database gathering important medical literature, reviews, and journals, all backed by thorough research.

Question 82

What is the main purpose of medical research software?

Answer 82

The main purpose of the software is to educate medical staff and provide them with access to up-to-date information across medical fields.

Question 83

How can doctors use medical research software?

Answer 83

Doctors can share information about unusual symptoms for further research.