Flashcards: Computer System Fundamentals — 75 cards

What is a computer?

An electronic device that processes data into useful information under programmed control.

How do digital computers represent information?

As separate numerical values processed in strict sequence.

How do analog computers represent data?

As variable points along a continuous spectrum.

On what bases can computers be categorized?

Intended users, operating power, price, hardware, and software.

What are the six primary types of computers for individual users?

Desktop computers, workstations, notebook computers, tablet computers, handheld computers, and smart phones.

What is a personal computer?

A computer system designed for use by a single person, also called a microcomputer.

What distinguishes a workstation from a standard desktop PC?

It is a specialized single-user computer with more power and features.

For what tasks are workstations commonly used?

Advanced design, modeling, animation, and video editing.

How do notebook computers differ from desktop computers?

Notebooks are portable and can run on batteries or AC, desktops are full-size and designed to stay near a desk.

What input methods do tablet PCs accept?

Stylus or digital pen input, and many support voice input.

What functionalities do tablet PCs provide besides input?

Networking, keyboards, and full-size monitor support.

What is a network server in a computer network?

A powerful personal computer with specialized software and equipment.

What type of organizations commonly use mainframe computers?

Banks and insurance companies.

What is the primary purpose of a dumb terminal?

To provide input and output for a remote computer.

How does an intelligent terminal differ from a dumb terminal?

It can perform some processing but usually has no storage.

What is another name for a minicomputer?

A midrange computer.

What user capacity does a minicomputer support?

It can serve the input and output needs of hundreds of users.

What distinguishes supercomputers from other computers?

They are the most powerful and fastest computers made.

How many calculations per second can the fastest supercomputers perform?

More than one trillion calculations per second.

What types of content does Information include for computers?

Information includes facts, formulas, plans, recipes, pictures, songs, addresses, games, menus, lists, and resumes.

Why are computers important to people?

They help people work with and create new information.

What are common uses of home computers?

Communication, business work, schoolwork, entertainment, and personal finances.

What tasks do small businesses use computers for?

Accounting, inventory management, marketing, payroll, and other tasks.

How do computers benefit small businesses regarding specialists?

They reduce the need to hire outside specialists.

For what purposes does industry use computers?

Computer-aided design and manufacturing, shipping management, and process control.

What are some government uses of computers?

Population statistics, taxes, military operations, and police work.

Name three medical uses of computers in health care.

Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and laser eye surgery.

How do computers assist in surgical procedures?

They enable robotic surgery and surgeon training.

What administrative tasks in health care use computers?

Patient records, scheduling, billing, and transactions with insurers and pharmacies.

What components make up a complete computer system?

Hardware, software, data, and a user.

What is hardware in a computer system?

Any tangible part of a computer including electronic devices for control, input, and output.

What is software in a computer system?

A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do and enables tasks.

How does data differ from information?

Data are individual facts lacking meaning alone; information is data in a useful context.

Why are people essential to computer systems?

They design, build, program, repair, start, and direct computers even without constant supervision.

What are the four stages of the information processing cycle?

Input, processing, output, and storage.

What happens during the input stage in computing?

A computer accepts data for processing.

What distinguishes output from storage in information processing?

Output displays or transfers results and is optional, storage saves results permanently and is optional.

Into how many categories are computer hardware devices divided?

Four categories.

What are the four categories of computer hardware devices?

Processor, memory, input and output, and storage.

What is another name for the processor?

Central processing unit (CPU).

What is the role of the processor in a computer?

It organizes and carries out instructions from the user or software.

What is the motherboard in a computer?

The main circuit board connecting the processor and other hardware components.

What does RAM temporarily hold during CPU use?

Data and program instructions.

What does ROM permanently store in a computer?

Instructions needed to start and operate the computer.

What happens to RAM contents when power is lost?

RAM loses its contents.

Name common units for measuring computer memory and storage.

Byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte.

What do input devices accept?

Data and instructions.

What do output devices present?

Processed data to users or other computer systems.

How does magnetic storage read or write data?

Using read/write heads on magnetic disks.

How does optical storage read or write data?

Using lasers on reflective discs.

What does system software control and maintain?

Hardware and the computer system.

What is the role of application software?

To help users perform specific tasks.

What are the three basic types of system software?

Operating systems, network operating systems, and utilities.

What does an operating system do?

It interprets requests between hardware, applications, and users.

Name three examples of application software types.

Word processors, spreadsheets, and database management software.

What is the difference between data and programs?

Data is for people to use; programs are instructions for computers.

What is a file?

A named set of data.

What is a document in computing terms?

A file that a user can open and use.

Why is a user essential in a personal computer system?

Because the user provides interaction, instructions, and management the computer cannot perform itself.

What distinguishes personal computers from userless computers?

Personal computers are designed for human interaction, unlike userless computers.

How are operating systems typically installed in userless computers?

They are installed on special memory chips.

What is the role of the operating system in a userless computer?

To monitor a function or check for a failure.

What tasks may a personal computer user perform?

Set up or configure the system, install software, run programs, manage files, and maintain the system.

Which managers use computer systems to monitor inventories and track transactions?

Restaurant, grocery-store, and retail managers.

What do courier dispatchers use computerized terminals for?

To schedule deliveries, locate pickup and drop-off points, generate invoices, and track packages.

What software do construction managers and estimators use?

Specialized software to analyze construction documents and calculate materials and time required.

How do automotive mechanics use computer systems?

To measure vehicle performance, diagnose mechanical problems, and determine maintenance or repair strategies.

How many keys does a standard IBM-compatible keyboard have?

About 100 keys.

Into how many groups are the keys on a standard IBM keyboard arranged?

Five groups.

Name one group of keys on a standard IBM-compatible keyboard.

Alphanumeric keys.

What do modifier keys like SHIFT, ALT, and CTRL do?

They change the input or action produced by another key.

What does the NUM LOCK key on the numeric keypad do when activated?

It makes numeric keys enter numbers.

What happens to numeric keypad keys when NUM LOCK is deactivated?

They perform cursor-movement and other functions.

What is the first step in keyboard input processing?

A pressed key sends input to the keyboard controller.

After the keyboard buffer, where does keyboard input go next?

To system software and then to the CPU.