CS001 – Introduction to Computers (Module 1, Topic 1)

50 question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions, components, devices, software types, advantages/disadvantages, and key data concepts from the Introduction to Computers lecture.

What is a computer?

An electronic device that accepts data, processes it under the control of programmed instructions, stores the results, and produces output.

What four basic operations make up the information processing cycle?

Input, Process, Storage, and Output.

What is an Information Processing System (IPS)?

The overall system—hardware, software, networks, and people—used to capture, manipulate, store, and communicate digitized information.

What are the three major components of an IPS?

Hardware, Software, and Peopleware.

In computing terms, what is hardware?

The tangible, physical components of a computer system—everything you can see and touch.

In computing terms, what is software?

The intangible set of instructions or programs that tell the computer how to perform tasks.

What does peopleware refer to?

People who design, use, manage, and maintain computer systems and software.

State the four primary functions of an IPS.

Accepts data, processes data into information, stores data/information, and presents information.

List the stages in the information processing cycle in correct order.

Input → Processor → Storage → Output → Information.

Give three examples of input data a computer can receive.

Words/symbols, audio signals, sensor readings (e.g., temperature).

Define DATA in computing.

A collection of independent, unorganized facts or raw symbols.

Define INFORMATION in computing.

Processed, organized data presented in a meaningful form for decision making.

What is data processing?

A sequence of steps that manipulates raw data to produce information.

Name three common processing tasks a computer performs.

Arithmetic calculations, sorting lists, modifying images.

What is output in computing?

The results produced by a computer after processing data.

Give three examples of computer output.

Images on a monitor, printed pages, audible sounds.

What is computer storage?

An area where data can be kept permanently (or long-term) when it is not actively being processed.

Provide four examples of storage media.

Hard-disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), flash drive, optical discs (CD/DVD).

List three major fields that use computers extensively.

Personal/Home, Business, and Education.

State three advantages of using computers.

Speed, Accuracy, Multitasking (others include Cost efficiency, Data security, Versatility, Consistency).

State three disadvantages of using computers.

Loss of privacy, Health risks, Potential job reduction (others include cybercrime, environmental impact, viruses).

Into which four categories do computer hardware devices fall?

Processor, Memory, Input & Output, and Storage.

What is the primary role of the processor (CPU)?

Acts as the computer’s ‘brain,’ organizing and executing instructions to manipulate data.

Compare RAM and ROM in one sentence.

RAM is volatile, temporary working memory; ROM is non-volatile, permanent memory that stores essential instructions.

Why is RAM called “random” access memory?

Any memory location can be reached directly and in the same amount of time.

Why is ROM considered non-volatile?

Its contents are retained even when power is switched off.

What is an input device?

Hardware that lets users or other systems enter data and instructions into a computer.

What is an output device?

Hardware that conveys processed information from a computer to users or other systems.

Define a peripheral device.

Any auxiliary hardware that connects to and works with the computer, expanding its capabilities.

Name five types of computer keyboards.

Traditional, Flexible, Ergonomic, Wireless, and PDA keyboards.

Differentiate between a mechanical and an optical mouse.

Mechanical mice use a rolling ball to detect motion; optical mice use a laser/LED sensor with no moving ball.

Give two pointing devices other than a mouse.

Joystick and Stylus (Light pen is another example).

What is the main purpose of a scanning device?

To convert external images or marks into a digital format for display or processing.

Name two common communication devices.

Modem and Network Interface Card (NIC).

What is the function of a computer monitor?

An output device that visually displays text, graphics, and video generated by the computer.

How do impact and non-impact printers differ?

Impact printers strike the paper (e.g., dot-matrix); non-impact printers form images without physical contact (e.g., laser, inkjet).

Define secondary storage.

Non-volatile, long-term data storage that is external to primary memory and retains data when power is off.

Contrast HDD and SSD technology briefly.

HDDs store data on spinning magnetic platters with moving heads; SSDs store data on non-moving flash memory chips, offering faster access.

What is computer software?

A collection of programs/instructions that direct a computer’s hardware to perform tasks.

What is system software?

Software designed to control, maintain, or manage computer hardware so it operates efficiently.

Identify the three basic types of system software.

Operating Systems, Network Operating Systems, and Utility programs.

What is application software?

Programs that tell the computer how to perform specific user-oriented tasks such as word processing or graphic design.

What distinguishes basic from specialized application software?

Basic applications are broadly useful across careers (e.g., spreadsheets); specialized applications target specific disciplines or occupations.

What was Disk Operating System (DOS)?

An early, command-driven operating system for personal computers, notably MS-DOS.

What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?

A user interface that lets people interact with the operating system via visual elements like icons, menus, and dialog boxes.

Define data in the context of computing.

Raw words, numbers, symbols, and graphics describing people, events, or things before processing.

When does data become information?

When it is processed and used as a basis for action or decision making.

What are a file and a folder?

A file is a named collection of data; a folder is a container used to group and organize files or other folders.

What is a filename extension? Give two examples.

A suffix that identifies a file’s type; examples: .doc for Word documents, .xls for Excel spreadsheets.

Differentiate between data files and executable files.

Data files store text, images, or other user data; executable files contain programs or instructions that the computer can run.