Introduction To Computers Quiz - Business

Where we find microprocessors today:

- Cars - telephones - videogames - toys - microwaves - calculators - appliances

Gigahertz (ghz.)

1 billion cycles/pulses per second

Megahertz (mhz.)

1 million cycles/pulses per second

A computer is an electronic device that can:

1. Do Arithmetic 2. Follow Instructions 3. Store and Retrieve Information

What are the 4 basic features of a computer?

1. Input 2. Processing 3. Output 4. Storage

kilobytes

1000 bytes

megabyte

1024 kilobytes. Refers to main memory or disk storage capacity. Is equivalent to storing 125 one-page business letters.

Input Device

A general name for any hardware device that can be used to enter information into a computer system example: keyboard

Output Device

A general name to describe any hardware device, which can be used to display answers or information generated by a computer. Examples: printer and monitor

Server

A more powerful computer containing programs and information that can be shared by multiple users and computers on a network.

Ink Jet Printer

A print head moves across the page spraying fine jets of ink to form the image.

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

A section on the microprocessor chip. The logic circuitry is designed to perform operations such as +,-,x, and ÷. Also, it can perform logical comparisons such as Is A > B?

Network

A system of interconnected computers that communicate with one another and share applications, data, and hardware components.

Pointing Devices

Also used as input devices for communicating with computers are: Mouse, Joystick

Manufacturers of computers:

Apple IBM Dell MDG Hewlett Packard

Memory found outside the processor unit is called:

Auxiliary storage

Low Level Language

Computer Language close to what the computer understands Examples: -Binary

High Level Language

Computer language that is like English Examples: -Visual Basic -Java

Modem

Input/Output Device that allows computers to communicate through telephone lines or cable.

Microcomputer Systems have two storage areas:

Internal and External

Scanner

Is an input device used to copy a printed page into the computer's memory and transform the image into digital data. Various scanners can read text, images, or bar code.

Internal Memory

Is found inside the processor unit and is called main memory

Read Only Memory (ROM)

Is used for the permanent storage of system software provided by the manufacturer like the language processor and the bios (basic input/output system). This memory cannot be modified or erased by the user. It remains intact even when the power is shut off. (nicknamed firmware)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

It is an erasable memory chip which is used to temporarily store computer programs. Nicknamed user memory. When the power is shut off, all information contained in ram vanishes.

Language Processor (Computer Language)

Manufacturers Software used to translate instructions the programmer provides into electrical impulses that the computer can understand. Examples: -Visual Basic -Fortran -Java -C

Personal Computer (PC)

Most common type of computer. It is found in offices, classrooms, or your homes. It is designed to fit on a desk and be used by one person at a time; also called a microcomputer.

laser printer

Most expensive printer capable of reproducing fine quality graphics, scanned photographs, and textual material. It works with a combination of laser light and a photocopying process, and is well suited for printing professional-looking flyers, newsletters, newspapers and magazines. (some can print over 200 pages per minute)

Supercomputers

Most powerful computers available today. They are used by large organizations (such as banks, research labs, NASA) to solve complex mathematical problems and rates exceeding 3 trillion operations per second.

Laptop

Portable computers that weigh less than 5 kg. They possess all the key components that PC's have and perform the same functions.

USB

Ram memory devices integrated with a usb (universal serial bus) connector. They are typically small, lightweight, removable and rewritable.

Mainframe Computers

Second most powerful computer, a large, multiuser computer system designed to handle massive amounts of input, output, and storage. They are usually composed of one or more powerful CPU's connected to many terminals.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The brain of the computer. It is the main component of the computer. It is the computer. It controls the operation of all computer equipment. It makes it possible for the computer to do arithmetic, make decisions, and store and manipulate information. The cpu is all contained within a tiny electronic circuit called a chip. The cpu of a modern computer is a tiny device, not much larger than a thumbnail. Manufacturers include Intel and Motorola

Resolution

The clarity and amount of detail that a monitor can project.

Operating System

The computer manufacturer must include a program with the machine to make the computer function. Must be present before any other software can be run. Examples include: - DOS - Windows - Linux - Unix - OS Provides the intelligence that allows the microprocessor to act as the "traffic cop" controlling the peripherals and the flow of information.

Input Medium

The material on which information is stored before it is entered into a computer system. examples: -Floppy Disk -Hard Disk -CD ROM -DVD -Blu Ray -USB drives/Flash Memory sticks

Application Software

The software that we load into the computer to make the computer do what we want it to do.

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)

Tiny computers that fit into the palm of the user's hand. They are lightweight and portable, but have limited storage space.

Printout or Hardcopy

When the information appears on a piece of paper.

gigabyte

a billion bytes. Usually refers to the memory capacity of some auxiliary storage medium.

BIT

a binary digit. One storage position in a computer circuit that can be either electrically "on" or "off".

terabyte

a trillion bytes

Floppy Disk

are inexpensive, low-volume storage media for microcomputers. Used to load new programs or data onto the hard disk, trade data, make backup copies, save files and programs for moving from one computer to another. They are becoming obsolete.

DVD

digital versatile disk) has revolutionized Home entertainment. Using new compression technologies, a single dvd (which is the same size as a standard compact disk) can store an entire full-length movie.

K

greek letter for 1000

Hard Disk

high-volume storage media for microcomputers and mainframes. The drives spin at 150 km./hr., providing fast response. The storage capacity ranges from 1 to 200 gigabytes and more. The computers primary filing cabinet.

BYTE

the number of bits which are needed to code one character (a letter, number, or symbol) in a particular computer. 8 bits = BYTE

CD-ROM

which stands for "compact disk-read only memory" are high-volume storage media that can store "still" photographs or motion pictures and sound tracks as well as normal computer output. The unit can randomly locate any frame in five seconds or less. The name implies that you cannot change the information on the disk, just as you cannot record over an audio cd. Can store about 650 mb, or about 450 times as much information as a diskette.

These devices can store information on reusable, long-lasting media such as:

▪ Floppy disk ▪ Hard disk ▪ Cd rom ▪ Dvd ▪ Usb drives / flash memory ▪ External hard drives