PreLims Exam

Question 1

refers to all of the physical devices, or components, that a computer is made of

Answer 1

Hardware

Question 2

Major components of a computer system

Answer 2

The central processing unit (CPU)
Main memory (RAM)
Secondary storage devices (SSD)
Input devices
Output devices

Question 3

the part of a computer that actually runs programs.

the most important component in a computer because without it, the computer could not run software

Answer 3

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Question 4

the computer’s work area.

where the computer stores a program while the program is running, as well as the data that the program is working with

a volatile type of memory that is used only for temporary storage while a program is running. When the computer is turned off, the contents are erased.

Answer 4

Main Memory (RAM)

Question 5

a type of memory that can hold data for long periods of time, even when there is no power to the computer

Answer 5

Secondary Storage Devices

Question 6

The most common type of secondary storage device

Stores data by magnetically encoding it onto a circular disk

Answer 6

Disk drive

Question 7

are small devices that plug into the computer’s universal serial bus port

they store data in a special type of memory known as flash memory

Answer 7

USB/Flash drives

Question 8

data storage type that encodes a series of pits on the disc surface

Answer 8

Optical devices (CDs and DVDs)

Question 9

any data the computer collects from people and from other devices

Answer 9

Input

Question 10

The component that collects the data and sends it to the computer

Answer 10

Input Devices (Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, digital camera, etc.)

Question 11

Disk drives and optical devices can also be considered as what type of device because programs and data are retrieved from them and loaded into the computer’s memory?

Answer 11

Input device

Question 12

any data the computer produces for people or for other devices

Answer 12

Output

Question 13

Formats and presents output like sales reports, list of names, graphic images, etc.

Answer 13

Output Devices (Video displays, printers)

Question 14

Disk drives and CD recorders can be considered as what type of device because the system sends data to them in order to be saved?

Answer 14

Output devices

Question 15

Everything that a computer does, from the time you turn the power switch on until you shut the system down, is under the control of what?

Answer 15

Software

Question 16

the two general categories of software?

Answer 16

system software
application software

Question 17

Type of software that include the programs that control and manage the basic operations of a computer

Answer 17

System Software

Question 18

the most fundamental set of programs on a computer.

controls the internal operations of the computer’s hardware, manages all of the devices connected to the computer, allows data to be saved to and retrieved from storage devices, and allows other programs to run on the computer.

Answer 18

Operating systems

Question 19

performs a specialized task that enhances the computer’s operation or safeguards data (I.e., virus scanners, file compression programs, data backup programs)

Answer 19

Utility Programs

Question 20

Programs that make a computer useful for everyday tasks (I.e., MS Word, PowerPoint)

Answer 20

Application Software

Question 21

the storage locations where a computer’s memory is divided into

Answer 21

Bytes

Question 22

Each byte is divided into these smaller storage locations

Are tiny electrical components that can hold either a positive or negative charge

Answer 22

Bits (Binary digit)

Question 23

A set of 128 numeric codes that represent English letters. various punctuation marks, and other characters.

Answer 23

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

Question 24

A list of instructions that cause the CPU to perform operations

Answer 24

Program

Question 25

The entire set of instruction that a CPU can execute

Answer 25

CPU instruction set

Question 26

A process that happens when a CPU executes the instructions in a program

Answer 26

Fetch-decode-execute cycle

Question 27

The step in the fetch-code-execute cycle where it fetches/reads the next instruction from memory into the CPU

Answer 27

Fetch

Question 28

The step in the fetch-code-execute cycle where the CPU decodes the instruction that was just fetched from memory to determine which operation it should perform

Answer 28

Decode

Question 29

The step in the fetch-code-execute cycle where the operation is executed or performed

Answer 29

Execute

Question 30

Was created in the early days of computing as an alternative to machine language It uses short words known as mnemonics (I.e., add, mul, mov, etc.)

Answer 30

Assembly language

Question 31

A language that allows you to create powerful and complex programs w/o knowing how the CPU works and without writing large numbers of low-level instructions

Answer 31

High-level language

Question 32

A set of rules that must be strictly followed when writing a program

Answer 32

Syntax

Question 33

A program that translates a high-level language program into a separate machine language program

Answer 33

Compiler

Question 34

a program that both translates and executes the instructions in a high-level language program

Answer 34

Interpreter

Question 35

The phase of the program development cycle that involves understanding the problem, gathering requirements, and defining objectives. A clear problem statement is crucial for the subsequent phases.

Answer 35

Problem Definition and Analysis

Question 36

The phase of the program development cycle where a blueprint is created for the solution using pseudocode or other design methodologies such as flowchart.

Answer 36

Algorithm Design

Question 37

The phase of the program development cycle that translates the algorithm into a programming language. This is where the solution starts taking shape.

Answer 37

Coding

Question 38

The phase of the program development cycle that involves rigorous testing ensures that the program behaves as intended. Bugs and errors are identified and fixed during this phase

Answer 38

Testing and Debugging

Question 39

The phase of the program development cycle that involves proper documentation records the design, code, and usage instructions. It facilitates understanding and maintenance.

Answer 39

Documentation

Question 40

The phase of the program development cycle that involves updates, improvements, and adjustments based on user feedback and changing requirements due to the dynamic nature of software.

Answer 40

Maintenance and Enhancement