Physical Science Chapter 16

What type of computer memory is used to temporarily store information?

RAM (random-access memory)

Define modem.

a device that converts digital data into analog data and back again

Define modem.

device that converts digital data into analog data and back again

What is a computer?

device that processes information using electronic circuits

Name the most common method of mass storage.

hard disk drive

Identify the three common forms of mass storage.

hard disk drive, optical disc, flash memory

What are large computers designed to store and retrieve vast amounts of information?

mainframes

How many bytes are needed to represent a character in ASCII?

one

How are binary numbers represented in the circuits of a computer?

presence or absence of pulses of electricity

What is a personal computer?

small, relatively inexpensive computers designed for use by one user at a time

Identify the two main types of software.

system software, application software

What are the two main types of computer software?

system software, application software

What is a robot?

versatile, computer-directed machine that can be programmed to do different tasks

List the three basic systems of a computer.

*processing *memory *input and output

What is the binary equivalent of the number 237?

11101101

How is ASCII used to represent letters and symbols?

ASCII uses numbers 0 to 127 to represent English upper- and lowercase letters, decimal digits, and common English punctuation.

Explain the difference between analog and digital data.

Analog data can have any possible value within a specified range. Digital data can have only certain values within a range.

What are some of the advantages modern computers have over early electronic computers such as ENIAC and UNIVAC I?

Answers should include some of the following ideas: *smaller size *faster *cheaper *more memory