Computer Literacy - Chapter 1 Practice Flashcards

Thirty question-and-answer flashcards covering definitions, components, concepts, and roles discussed in Computer Literacy Chapter 1.

1. What is the definition of a computer?

A computer is a powerful, fast calculating device that performs arithmetic and non-arithmetic operations accurately on data or information at very high speed.

2. In computing terminology, what is a program

A program is a set of instructions that directs the computer to produce desired results.

3. Name any three basic applications of computers mentioned in the lecture.

Examples include (any three): schools, banks and insurance, scientific and engineering applications, ticketing, entertainment, meteorology, police work, business and administrative tasks, avionics and space flights, humanities, multimedia and hospital administration.

4. What are the five parts of an information system?

Hardware, software, people, data, and procedure.

5. How is computer hardware defined?

Hardware is the physical (tangible) parts of a computer.

6. Give three examples of basic external hardware components.

Possible answers: monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers, microphone.

7. List four internal hardware components found inside a computer case.

Any four of: RAM, ROM, SSD, HDD, motherboard, CPU, expansion cards, CPU cooler, power supply unit (PSU).

8. What major sections make up the computer system?

Input, the microprocessor (CPU with control unit, ALU, and registers), primary storage, secondary storage, output, and communication devices.

9. What is an input device?

Any hardware device that sends data to the computer.

10. What is an output device?

Any hardware device that receives data from a computer and translates it into another form (e.g., visual, audio, printed).

11. What combined input/output device merges microphone and headphones functionality?

A headset.

12. What do VR controllers do?

They contain sensors that collect data about the user's hand movements.

13. What is the primary role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU)?

To perform the actual computation inside a computer, processing and storing data using digital technology.

14. What three basic components make up a microprocessor?

Control Unit (CU), Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU), and Registers.

15. State one key function of the Control Unit (CU).

It coordinates computer components, reads the next instruction, translates it, and directs execution via the ALU.

16. What kinds of operations does the Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU) perform?

All arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and logical comparisons (equality, less than, greater than).

17. On what technology are modern computers based, and how is data represented?

Integrated circuits containing millions of transistors, each in an on/off state represented by binary digits (bits) 1 or 0.

18. Approximately how many bytes are in a kilobyte, and why?

1 kilobyte ≈ 1,024 bytes because computers use powers of two (2¹⁰).

19. Contrast RAM and ROM with respect to volatility.

RAM is volatile (contents lost when power off), while ROM is non-volatile (contents retained and cannot be changed by users).

20. Where are RAM and ROM chips located within a computer?

Both are mounted on the motherboard.

21. What is the motherboard’s primary role?

It controls all communications in the computer, acting as a data path and traffic monitor for internal and external components.

22. Name three specific components found on or attached to the motherboard.

Sockets (for CPU and memory), slots (for expansion/graphics cards), and bus lines (communication pathways).

23. What is the purpose of a communication device such as a modem?

To transmit analog or digital signals, enabling a computer to communicate with other systems via wires or wirelessly.

24. How is software defined in the lecture?

Programs consisting of instructions that tell the computer how to carry out specific tasks.

25. What three categories make up application software?

General-purpose applications, specialized applications, and mobile apps.

26. What is system software, and what vital role does the operating system (OS) play?

System software is a collection of programs that manage technical tasks; the OS provides the interface between user and computer and is required to run applications.

27. Provide concise definitions of computing, data, and information.

Computing: Using or operating computers. Data: Raw quantities, characters, or symbols processed by computers. Information: Processed data that conveys meaning or facts.

28. What is the main difference between data and information?

Data are raw facts without context; information is processed data that carries exact meaning and context.

29. Who are considered ‘people’ in an information system?

End users who interact with computers directly or indirectly.

30. What is meant by the user interface (UI)?

Everything designed into an information device through which a person interacts with it—such as screens, keyboards, mouse, and on-screen elements.