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Fundamentals of Computer Systems
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Fundamentals of Computer Systems
Fundamentals of Computer Systems
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1
Question
What is a computer?
Answer
A device that follows instructions to perform arithmetic/logical operations.
2
Question
Define computer system.
Answer
A computer plus other equipment to carry out desired functions.
3
Question
What is hardware?
Answer
The physical parts of a computer you can touch.
4
Question
Name some hardware components.
Answer
Motherboard, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.
5
Question
What is software?
Answer
Programs that tell the computer what to do.
6
Question
What is a component?
Answer
A part that makes up a whole; internal parts vs peripherals.
7
Question
What is the CPU?
Answer
The processing unit that performs most processing inside the computer.
8
Question
What are thin lines of metal on surfaces used for?
Answer
They create electrical circuits.
9
Question
What is a motherboard also called?
Answer
The system board.
10
Question
What is the function of the motherboard?
Answer
Main printed circuit board; hosts other circuit boards via connectors.
11
Question
What is internal memory?
Answer
Data storage spaces accessible to the CPU.
12
Question
What does a graphics card do?
Answer
Controls the output to a display screen.
13
Question
What does a sound card do?
Answer
Controls output to speakers and headphones.
14
Question
What is a NIC?
Answer
Network Interface Card; allows communication over a network.
15
Question
What is applications software?
Answer
Programs for specific applications like word processing, spreadsheets, presentations.
16
Question
Can applications software run without system software?
Answer
No; it requires system software.
17
Question
What is system software?
Answer
Software that provides services for the computer to operate.
18
Question
What is an operating system?
Answer
A collection of programs to control/manage hardware and software.
19
Question
What are utilities in computing?
Answer
Tools to analyse, configure, optimise and maintain a computer.
20
Question
What is a compiler?
Answer
Converts high-level language programs to machine code.
21
Question
What is a linker?
Answer
Combines compiler outputs into an executable program.
22
Question
What are device drivers?
Answer
OS components that let the processor communicate with devices.
23
Question
What is a process in computing?
Answer
Carry out or execute computer instructions.
24
Question
What is a transistor?
Answer
A switch/regulator for electronic signals.
25
Question
What does digital mean?
Answer
Data represented by fixed values, typically 0 and 1.
26
Question
What does analogue mean?
Answer
Information that varies continuously, e.g., voltage.
27
Question
What is a bit?
Answer
Binary digit; smallest data unit, 0 or 1.
28
Question
What is sampling in signals?
Answer
Measuring a wave at intervals and converting to digital values.
29
Question
What is a D/A converter?
Answer
Converts digital signals to analogue signals.
30
Question
What is an actuator?
Answer
Device that makes a machine operate.