Computers

Describe a super computer

Supercomputers are the most powerful type of computer. They are high-capacity computers used by very large organizations.

What is a graphical user interface?

A GUI is a computer terminal interface, that is based on graphics instead of text. It is an easy to use interface between a computer user and application. It incorporates icons, pull-down menus and a mouse. The mouse controls a pointer on the screen that is used to select items such as icons.

What is a Web-based application?

A Web-based application is an application that is accessed from the World Wide Web, rather than from your computer. Web servers called Application Service Providers allow you to log in and access personalized desktops and to use applications like word processors without the need to install anything. Your files can be kept on the Web server as well. With this method, both the applications and the files are available from anywhere in the world.

What are Applets and what value do they add to a Web site or a Web page?

Applets are special programs, typically written in a programming language called Java. They facilitate quick downloads and run on most browsers. Java applets are predominantly used to present animation, display graphics, provide interactive games etc.

What is the difference between system software and application software

System software works with end users, application software, and computer hardware to handle the majority of technical details. Application software can be described as end user software designed to accomplish a variety of different tasks

Telnet and FTP are Internet standards. Describe each of these concepts.

Telnet is the Internet service that helps you to connect to another computer on the Internet and log on to that computer as if you were on a terminal in the next room. FTP is an Internet service for transferring files. Many computers on the Internet allow you to copy files to your computer, called downloading. You can also use FTP to copy files from your computer to another computer on the Internet - called uploading.

What is the difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web?

The Internet is the globe-spanning network of computers, wires, satellites, and other pieces of hardware and software used to create a central point of data connectivity. The Internet is the world's largest computer network. The World Wide Web is the most popular use for the Internet. The World Wide Web is a system of presenting and processing data and information using a multimedia interface to resources available on the Internet. The Web is one of many uses for the Internet.

What is the difference between a software suite and an integrated package

A software suite is a collection several different programs that have been bundled together and sold as a single unit. You can choose to selectively install programs from the suite. An example is Microsoft Office, which contains the programs Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. An integrated package is a huge program that provides the functionality of several different programs. They are generally not as full-featured as a software suite, but are usually less expensive. An example is AppleWorks.

Describe all the parts of an information system

An information system typically consists of five parts. These are: people, procedures, software, hardware, and data. Information systems are used by people in order to increase productivity. Procedures are rules or guidelines for people to follow when using software, hardware, and data. Software is a program that contains the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to do its work. Hardware consists of the physical equipment. Data consists of raw unprocessed facts.

What is an input device? Give two examples.

An input device is a piece of hardware that allows the user to interact with the computer. They "translate" from human to computer. Two of the most common input devices are the keyboard and the mouse. Other examples include digitizer and stylus, light pen, barcode reader, scanner, camera, microphone, MIDI synthesizers, and digital microscopes

What is application software? Give 3 examples of application software.

Application software is a type of software that is used for a specific purpose. It's also called "end-user" software. For example, applications apply the computer's processing power to business tasks such as billing customers or creating a document. Some examples of application software are: word processing (MS Word), spreadsheet (Excel), database (MS Access), presentation (PowerPoint), desktop publishing (Photoshop).

Explain how a chat group differs from instant messaging

Chat groups allow direct "live" communications. To participate, the user joins a chat group, selects a channel (topic) and communicates live with others. Others see the typed message and respond in the same manner. Instant messaging also allows "live" communications. The user has greater flexibility and control, however. The user specifies a list of friends with an instant messaging service. Messages can then be sent back and forth.

Explain the difference between data and information and give an example of each

Data is composed of undifferentiated facts. An example might be a listing of all customer purchases at a bookstore over the last year. Information is processed data that has been rendered usable.

Describe what electronic commerce is, and explain the three basic types.

E-commerce is the buying and selling of goods over the Internet.business-to-consumer, consumer-to-consumer, and business-to-business.

List three common output devices

Examples of the common output devices include monitors, printers, speakers, plotters, and projection units

Explain the difference between general-purpose and special-purpose applications.

General-purpose applications are widely used in nearly every discipline and occupation. They include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation graphics. special-purpose applications are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations, such as graphics programs, audio and video editors,

Describe Main frame computers

Mainframes are not as powerful as supercomputers, but are capable of great processing speeds and high data storage

Describe Micro computers

Microcomputers are the least powerful, but the most widely used.

Describe mini computers

Minicomputers are considered midrange computers that are desk-sized machines. Medium-sized companies or departments of large companies typically use them for specific purposes.

Differentiate between a mailing list and a newsgroup

Newsgroups use a special network of computers called the UseNet. Members of a mailing list communicate by sending e-mail to a list address.

What is an operating system? Give two examples

Operating systems are software that make the computer function. It is the layer that connects the hardware to the applications software. All programs that run on the computer do so in coordination with the operating system. Some examples of operating systems are Windows, Macintosh, O/S, Linux, Unix, Netware, and countless others

Five parts to an information system

People - end users Procedures - rules and guidelines to follow when using software and/or hardware Software - programs that convert data to information Hardware - the equipment used Data - raw unprocessed facts

Differentiate between primary and secondary storage.

Primary storage is temporary; if the electrical power is lost, the data stored is also lost. Primary storage, or memory, stores data and program instructions for processing; an example of this is the RAM. Secondary storage is long-term storage. It holds data and programs even after electrical power has been turned off; an example of this is the hard disk

What are browsers and what do they do

Provide a user interface to the web The most well known browsers Mozilla Firefox.Microsoft Internet Explorer. Allow connections to remote computers Open and transfer files Display text and images

Describe different types of search engines

Search engines, classified as two different things. Keyword search - uses words and phrases to find information Directory search - Also known as an index search organizes information by topic and/or category eg google. Metasearch engines Automatically sends requests to several search engines simultaneously Dogpile, Specialized search engines Focus on a specific subject Infomat.com, Historynet.com,

What are the advantages of having an integrated software package

The primary advantages of an integrated software package are cost and simplicity. The cost of an integrated package is much less than the cost of the individual powerful, professional-grade application programs.

What are the two main types of application software? How do they differ?

The two main types of Application software are: Basic: These Applications are a requirement for the everyday use of a computer. Specialized: These Applications are very specific. They are used in areas like Multimedia, Education etc

Explain the parts of a URL

URLs are addresses of Web resources. The first part is the protocol. The protocol http:// is by far the most common. The second part presents the domain name or the name of the server where the resource is located, and the type of domain (org, net, gov, edu).

Explain what-if analysis as it applies to spreadsheet programs

When you change a value in a spreadsheet program, all formulas and functions that used the value are updated. By changing a value and observing the outcome, you can get a feel for the value's effect on other values. This is known as what-if analysis.