Computer Fundamentals - Unit I

Flashcards covering Unit-I Basics of Information Technology & Computer Systems, including data processing, hardware/software, computer classifications, generation evolution, I/O devices, and storage media.

What does Information Technology (IT) refer to?

It refers to the use of computers, software, networks, databases, and other digital technologies to create, collect, store, process, retrieve, transmit, and protect information.

How is Data defined in computer fundamentals?

Raw facts and figures that have not yet been processed or organized.

What is Information?

Processed, organized, and meaningful data that helps us understand something or make a decision.

What are the key differences between Data and Information in terms of state, meaning, and process role?

Data consists of unorganized raw facts used as input that may not have meaning, whereas Information consists of organized processed facts produced as output with a meaningful interpretation.

What is Processing in computing?

The process of converting raw data into meaningful information, generally performed by a computer's CPU with the help of software and other components.

What are the four major stages of the basic information processing cycle?

Input, Processing, Output, and Storage.

What is the complete modern model of the data processing cycle?

$$\text{Input} \rightarrow \text{Processing} \rightarrow \text{Output} \rightarrow \text{Storage} \rightarrow \text{Feedback}$$

What are the major elements of a computer system?

Hardware, Software, Data, People / Users, Procedures, and Communication / Network.

How do Hardware and Software differ in a computer system?

Hardware refers to the physical parts of a computer system that can be seen and touched (e.g., keyboard, CPU), whereas Software is a collection of programs and instructions that tell the computer how to perform tasks and cannot normally be physically touched.

How are computers classified based on purpose?

General-Purpose Computers (designed to perform many different types of tasks, such as laptops and desktops) and Special-Purpose Computers (designed to perform a specific task or limited set of tasks, such as ATM controllers and traffic signal controllers).

Which classification of computers includes traffic light controllers, MRI scanners, and ATM machines?

Special-Purpose Computers.

What type of data does an Analog computer process compared to a Digital computer and a Hybrid computer?

Analog computers work with continuous data or continuously varying physical quantities (e.g., temperature, pressure), Digital computers process data in discrete form using binary digits ($0$ and $1$), and Hybrid computers combine characteristics of both analog and digital computing.

What defines Supercomputers and what are their typical applications?

They are the most powerful computers in terms of processing power, used for extremely complex computations requiring massive data processing, such as scientific simulations, weather forecasting, and modelling natural phenomena.

What are Mainframe Computers and where are they primarily used?

Mainframe computers are large and powerful systems designed to handle and process vast amounts of data quickly, used by large organizations like banks, insurance companies, and government institutions for transaction processing and database management.

What is a Microcomputer and what component serves as its central unit?

It is a personal computer designed for general-purpose tasks (like web browsing and word processing) based on a microprocessor, which integrates CPU functions onto a single chip.

What are Embedded Computers?

Specialized computers designed to perform specific tasks that are built into other devices or everyday objects (such as household appliances or industrial machines) rather than operating as separate units.

How do Workstations and Servers differ based on performance classification?

Workstations are high-performance single-user computers designed for demanding technical/scientific tasks (such as 3D graphics rendering and CAD), whereas Servers manage, store, and provide resources or services to client computers over a network.

What technology was used in First Generation computers (1940-1956) and what are two examples?

Vacuum tubes were used for circuitry and memory storage; examples include ENIAC and UNIVAC.

What hardware component replaced vacuum tubes in Second Generation computers (1956-1963)?

Transistors.

What technological advancement defined Third Generation computers (1964-1971)?

Integrated Circuits (ICs), which allowed multiple transistors to be integrated onto a single chip.

What core component introduced in Fourth Generation computers (1971-Present) combined all CPU functions onto a single chip?

The microprocessor.

What advanced technologies characterize Fifth Generation computers?

Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing.

How does a Light Pen work as an input device?

It is a light-sensitive pen used to draw or select objects on a CRT screen by detecting raster patterns.

What is the function of an Optical Character Reader (OCR)?

It scans printed or handwritten text and converts it into digital data by detecting reflected light from the characters.

What is a Plotter used for?

It is an output device similar to a printer used to generate large, high-quality drawings and architectural blueprints on paper.

What are the storage capacity and physical dimensions of a standard Compact Disc (CD)?

A CD has a storage capacity of about $600\text{--}700 proposal memory capability/MB$, measures $12 proposal size diameter/cm$ in diameter, has a $1.5 proposal center hole/cm$ center hole, and is around $1.2 proposal thickness/mm$ thick.

What are the storage capacities of single-sided single-layer, double-layer, and double-sided DVDs?

A single-sided single-layer DVD stores about $4.7 proposal capacity/GB$, a single-sided double-layer stores $8.5 proposal capacity/GB$, and double-sided versions store up to $9.4 proposal capacity/GB$ and $17 proposal capacity/GB$.

What are the standard physical platter sizes of hard drives used in desktops and laptops?

$3.5 proposal inches/inches$ in desktops and $2.5 proposal inches/inches$ in laptops.

What memory technology does a Solid State Drive (SSD) use instead of magnetic disks?

Flash memory.