Computer Hardware, Memory, and Database Fundamentals Quiz

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Bit

The smallest unit of data a computer can process.

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

CPU

The device that executes instructions and controls other hardware components.

ALU

The CPU component responsible for performing calculations and logical operations.

Control Unit

The unit that directs and coordinates all processing activities in a CPU.

Cache

Temporary high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data.

RAM

Main memory used to store data for immediate CPU access.

Non-volatile

Memory that retains data when power is turned off.

ROM

Permanent instructions for startup stored on a chip.

Gigahertz

A measure of processing speed in billions of cycles per second.

Machine cycle time

The time required to execute one instruction.

Supercomputer

A computer designed for rapid, complex calculations with parallel processing.

Client/server computing

The architecture that splits processing between clients and servers.

Grid computing

Connecting geographically distant computers to combine processing power.

Sequential access

A storage method that requires data to be retrieved sequentially.

Magnetic tape storage

Primarily used for backup and archival storage.

Magnetic disk

A storage device that uses magnetized spots to represent data.

Solid-state drive (SSD)

Stores data using flash memory chips.

Optical discs

Like DVDs, store data using laser beams.

SAN (Storage Area Network)

Connects multiple storage devices.

Coding schemes

Examples include ASCII and Unicode.

Database

A collection of related files.

Field

Represents an attribute about an entity in the data hierarchy.

Primary key

A unique identifier for a record.

Foreign key

Used to link related tables.

DBMS

Software that allows users to create, manage, and query databases.

Logical view of a database

Refers to how users perceive data.

Physical view of a database

Defines the actual data storage structure.

SQL

The language used to manipulate and retrieve data in databases.

Data dictionary

Stores definitions and attributes of data elements.

Relational DBMS functions

Include performing select, project, and join operations.

GIGO

The principle that 'good decisions depend on good information.'

Data hierarchy

Begins with a bit.

Data model

Used to design the logical structure of a database.

Redundant data

Can lead to faulty business decisions.

Database management

The main purpose is to reduce redundancy and ensure consistency.

Hardware

The physical components of a computer system.

Bit

The smallest unit of data a computer can process.

Byte

A group of 8 bits.

CPU

The device that executes instructions and controls other hardware components.

ALU

The CPU component responsible for performing calculations and logical operations.

Control Unit

The unit that directs and coordinates all processing activities in a CPU.

Cache

Temporary high-speed memory used to store frequently accessed data.

RAM

Main memory used to store data for immediate CPU access.

Non-volatile

Memory that retains data when power is turned off.

ROM

Permanent instructions for startup stored on a chip.

Gigahertz

Measures processing speed in billions of cycles per second.

Machine cycle time

The time required to execute one instruction.

Supercomputer

A computer designed for rapid, complex calculations with parallel processing.

Client/server computing

The architecture that splits processing between clients and servers.

Grid computing

Connecting geographically distant computers to combine processing power.

Sequential access

A storage method that requires data to be retrieved sequentially.

Magnetic tape storage

Primarily used for backup and archival storage.

Magnetic disk

A storage device that uses magnetized spots to represent data.

Solid-state drive (SSD)

Stores data using flash memory chips.

Optical discs

Like DVDs, store data using laser beams.

SAN (Storage Area Network)

Connects multiple storage devices.

Coding schemes

Examples include ASCII and Unicode.

Database

A collection of related files.

Field

Represents an attribute about an entity.

Relational model

Organizes data into two-dimensional tables.

Primary key

A unique identifier for a record.

Foreign key

Used to link related tables.

DBMS software

Allows users to create, manage, and query databases.

Logical view

Refers to how users perceive data.

Physical view

Defines actual data storage structure.

SQL

The language used to manipulate and retrieve data in databases.

Data dictionary

Stores definitions and attributes of data elements.

Relational DBMS functions

Include performing select, project, and join operations.

GIGO

The principle that 'good decisions depend on good information.'

Data hierarchy

Begins with Bit.

Data model

Used to design the logical structure of a database.

Data hierarchy order

Organized as Bit, byte, field, record, file, database.

Database management purpose

To reduce redundancy and ensure consistency.