1
Q
What is a computer?
A
- An electronic device
- Operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory
- Can accept data (input)
- Process data arithmetically and logically
- Produce output from the processing
- Store the results for future use
Generally, the terms used to describe a collection of devices that function together to process data.
2
Q
Who laid out the ideas of the stored program in 1945?
A
John von Neumann
The stored program concept is fundamental to modern computer architecture.
3
Q
How do modern computers execute instructions?
A
- Read the program one instruction at a time
- Execute the instruction
- Read the next instruction
This sequential processing is a key characteristic of traditional computing.
4
Q
True or false: Today, computers work in parallel on the same problem at the same time.
A
TRUE
Parallel processing allows for more efficient problem-solving.
5
Q
What has enabled the distribution of programs and data over a network?
A
The advent of the internet and higher bandwidth data transmission
This development has transformed how software and data are accessed and utilized.
6
Q
True or false: Computers are classified according to their size, speed, processing capabilities, and price.
A
True
These classifications help in understanding the different types of computers available.
7
Q
What are the four categories of computers in descending hierarchy of size?
A
- Microcomputer
- Minicomputer
- Mainframe computer
- Supercomputer
Rapid changes in technology make firm definitions of these categories difficult.
8
Q
Define a microcomputer.
A
Personal computer
Microcomputers are typically used by individuals for personal tasks.
9
Q
What is a minicomputer?
A
Midrange server
Minicomputers serve as a bridge between microcomputers and mainframe computers.
10
Q
What does a mainframe computer serve as?
A
Enterprise server
Mainframe computers are used by large organizations for critical applications.
11
Q
What is a supercomputer?
A
High-performance computing system
Supercomputers are used for complex simulations and calculations.
12
Q
What are workstations?
A
Expensive high-end personal computers
They have powerful calculating and graphics capabilities as well as large disk drives.
13
Q
What is the typical setup of a desktop computer?
A
Desktop case and a display, put under and on a desk
Desktop computers are commonly used in office and home environments.
14
Q
Define embedded computers.
A
Built into devices
These computers are designed to perform dedicated functions within larger systems.
15
Q
What are game consoles?
A
Fixed computers specialized for entertainment
Game consoles are designed primarily for playing video games.
16
Q
What characterizes laptop computers?
A
Portable and all in one case
Laptops combine the components of a desktop computer into a portable format.
17
Q
What distinguishes tablet computers from laptops?
A
Touch-screen interface, replacing a physical keyboard
Tablets are designed for touch interaction and often have a more streamlined design.
18
Q
Define smartphones.
A
Small handheld computers with limited software
Smartphones combine mobile phone capabilities with computing functions.
19
Q
What are handheld game consoles?
A
Small and portable game consoles
These devices are designed for gaming on the go.
20
Q
What is a minicomputer?
A
A computer smaller than a mainframe but bigger than a microcomputer
Typically sold to small and mid-size businesses for general applications and to large enterprises for department-level operations.
21
Q
Minicomputers are now referred to as ________.
A
mid-range servers
They are part of a network and are smaller and more affordable than enterprise servers.
22
Q
What is a mainframe?
A
A large computer for commercial applications of Fortune 1000 businesses
Historically associated with centralized computing rather than distributed computing.
23
Q
Mainframes are now called ________.
A
enterprise servers
They provide computing for distributed users in a computing network.
24
Q
What defines a supercomputer?
A
A computer that performs at or near the currently highest operational rate for computers
Typically used for scientific and engineering applications that handle very large databases and require extensive computation.
25
Most **supercomputers** are collections of ________ performing parallel processing.
microprocessors
## Footnote
They operate at incredible speeds and are usually well-publicized.
26
What is the **Motherboard**?
The main circuit board of a microcomputer
## Footnote
It contains connectors for attaching additional boards.
27
Typically, the motherboard contains which components? List them.
* CPU
* BIOS
* Memory
* Mass storage interfaces
* Serial and parallel ports
* Expansion slots
## Footnote
Collectively, all the chips that reside on the motherboard are known as the motherboard's Chipset.
28
What does **CPU** stand for?
Central Processing Unit
## Footnote
The CPU is often referred to as the processor or central processor.
29
What is the role of the **CPU** in a computer?
It is where most calculations take place
## Footnote
In terms of computing power, the CPU is the most important element of a computer system.
30
On large machines, CPUs require what?
One or more circuit boards
## Footnote
On personal computers and small workstations, the CPU is housed in a single chip called a micro-processor.
31
What does **RAM** stand for?
Random Access Memory
## Footnote
RAM is often referred to as 'memory'.
32
What is the function of **RAM**?
Where programs must be loaded so that the processor can execute them
## Footnote
Unlike disks, RAM cannot keep its contents if the computer is switched off and is only used for short-term storage.
33
Why is **Memory Important**?
Main memory is the bottleneck due to faster processor performance
## Footnote
Processor performance has increased at a much faster rate than memory performance.
34
What is **Machine Language**?
* The lowest-level programming language
* Only language understood by computers
* Consists entirely of numbers
## Footnote
Machine languages are almost impossible to use; programmers use high-level or assembly languages instead.
35
True or false: **Machine languages** are easy to use because they are human-readable.
FALSE
## Footnote
Machine languages consist entirely of numbers, making them difficult for programmers.
36
What is an **Assembly Language**?
* One step away from machine language
* Same structure and commands as machine language
* Uses mnemonics instead of numbers
## Footnote
Assembly languages are more human-readable than machine languages.
37
Fill in the blank: Each type of CPU has its own unique **_______** language.
machine
## Footnote
Programs must be rewritten or recompiled for different types of computers.
38
Why do programmers still use **Assembly Language**?
* When speed is essential
* When an operation is not possible in a high-level language
## Footnote
Assembly language allows for more control over hardware.
39
What is a key characteristic of **Assembly Languages**?
They enable the use of mnemonics instead of numbers
## Footnote
This makes assembly languages more accessible than machine languages.
40
True or false: An assembly language program written for one type of CPU will run on another type of CPU.
FALSE
## Footnote
Each CPU has its own machine language and assembly language.
41
What are **high-level programming languages**?
* C
* FORTRAN
* COBOL
* C++
* Java
## Footnote
High-level languages allow programmers to write programs that are more or less independent of a particular type of hardware.
42
High-level languages are considered **high-level** because they are closer to _______ and further from machine languages.
human languages
## Footnote
In contrast, assembly languages are considered *low-level* because they are very close to the hardware.
43
What is the main **advantage** of high-level languages over low-level languages?
Easier to read, write, and maintain
## Footnote
Programs written in a high-level language must be translated into machine language by a compiler or interpreter.
44
What is the role of a **compiler** in programming?
Translates code in a high-level language (source code) to machine-specific assembly language
## Footnote
The compiler is designed for a specific CPU and defines which instructions are acceptable.
45
What does **object code** add to the program?
Utility code needed to interact with the operating system
## Footnote
It produces executable machine language.
46
True or false: Every high-level programming language comes with a **compiler**.
TRUE
## Footnote
Each compiler is designed for a specific CPU.
47
Fill in the blank: **High-level programming languages** must ultimately be translated into _______ by a compiler or interpreter.
machine language
## Footnote
This translation is necessary for computers to run the code.
48
DELETE
* Fetch
* Execute
## Footnote
The Fetch - Execute cycle is fundamental to how a computer processes instructions.
49
In the Fetch phase, what does the computer check?
The program counter
## Footnote
This step is crucial for determining the next instruction to execute.
50
What does the computer do after checking the program counter in the Fetch phase?
Fetch the instruction from memory
## Footnote
The instruction is retrieved from the location indicated by the program counter.
51
What is the second part of the **Fetch - Execute** cycle?
Execute
## Footnote
This phase involves decoding the instruction and performing the specified operation.
52
What is the role of the **operating system**?
Acts as the intermediary between the user and the hardware
## Footnote
The operating system manages computer resources and facilitates user interaction with hardware.
53
What are the two kinds of **software** mentioned?
* System software
* Application software
## Footnote
System software manages computer resources at a low level, while application software performs specific tasks for users.
54
What does **system software** include?
* Operating system
* Utility programs
* Compilers
* Loaders
* Linkers
* Debuggers
* Monitors
* Managers
## Footnote
System software is essential for managing and facilitating the operation of computer hardware.
55
Fill in the blank: Executing a single instruction is called an _______.
instruction
## Footnote
This term refers to the basic operation that a computer performs.
56
What is the primary role of an **Operating System**?
To ensure correct operation of the entire system
## Footnote
It manages resources and provides a high-level abstraction of physical devices.
57
What does an **extended Machine** (or virtual machine) provide to the programmer?
A simple, high-level abstraction of the physical devices
## Footnote
It hides details from the user that are of little interest.
58
What are some examples of details that an Operating System hides from the user?
* File I/O
* Interrupts
* Timers
* Memory management
## Footnote
These details are often not of interest to the user.
59
What is the role of an Operating System as a **resource manager**?
To control allocation of different resources
## Footnote
This is particularly important when there are multiple users.
60
True or false: Without an Operating System, each programmer would have to invent from scratch how to read or write disk files.
TRUE
## Footnote
Programmers would need to develop their own methods for handling various tasks like printing and displaying graphics.
61
What potential issue could arise if there is no Operating System regarding file saving?
Programs may not be able to save files created by two different programs to the same disk drive
## Footnote
Each program might have its own format for how files are stored.
62
What is the primary purpose of an **operating system (OS)**?
Creates a common platform for all software
## Footnote
This allows for standardized tasks such as deleting files and copying programs.
63
What does an OS need to function properly?
* BIOS (Basic Input-Output System)
* Various Device Drivers
## Footnote
The OS is not a stand-alone system; it relies on these components.
64
Name examples of **operating systems**.
* Microsoft DOS
* Windows
* Unix
* BSD
* Linux
* Apple MacOS 14 Sonoma (2023)
* IBM mainframe System/3600 to 2/08
## Footnote
These examples illustrate the variety of operating systems available.
65
True or false: Operating systems can run on different kinds of **hardware**.
TRUE
## Footnote
This flexibility allows for various combinations of OS and hardware.
66
Fill in the blank: You can have an Apple running **_______**.
MS Windows
## Footnote
This indicates the compatibility of different operating systems with various hardware.
67
Fill in the blank: You can have an IBM-compatible machine running **_______**.
OSX
## Footnote
This highlights the interoperability of operating systems across different hardware platforms.
68
What makes OS upgrades easier?
If they are implemented in software
## Footnote
This allows users to upgrade without needing to change hardware.
69
What can users do regarding operating systems and hardware?
Pick and choose their operating system and hardware
## Footnote
This customization allows for tailored computing experiences.
70
Do all **computers** have an **operating system**?
No. Most single-purpose machines do not have an operating system
## Footnote
Examples include: *car*, *refrigerator*, *microwave oven*, *TV*, *toaster*, etc.
71
What is the **advantage** of writing in **high-level languages** for single-purpose machines?
Cost efficiency
## Footnote
Manufacturers find it more cost efficient to write in high-level languages and run even single-purpose machines under the control of an operating system.
72
What does **POST** stand for in the booting process?
Power On Self Test
## Footnote
It is likened to a calm swimming duck, where all is quiet topside but furious activity is really taking place below the surface.
73
During booting, the CPU loads and checks the **________** boot program.
BIOS
## Footnote
The BIOS boot program is essential for the booting process.
74
What are the possible **boot devices** the CPU looks for?
* DVD
* Flash
* Hard disk
## Footnote
These devices are checked by the CPU during the boot process.
75
What does the **boot block** contain?
A loader program
## Footnote
The loader program is responsible for installing the operating system.
76
What does the operating system perform after being installed?
Various initialization procedures
## Footnote
This is part of the booting process where the system prepares for operation.
77
What begins after the operating system performs initialization procedures?
Some form of processes commences
## Footnote
This indicates that the system is ready to execute tasks.
78
What is an **application program**?
Any program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user
## Footnote
Examples include word processors, web browsers, database programs, and all apps on your phone.
79
List examples of **application programs**.
* Word processors
* Web browsers
* Database programs
* All apps on your phone
## Footnote
Application programs use the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting programs.
80
What are **vertical application packages**?
* Assist users in specific industry segments
* Examples: manage construction projects, inventory, hospitals, fast food outlets
## Footnote
Vertical applications are tailored to meet the needs of specific industries.
81
What are **horizontal application packages**?
* Perform a general function
* Examples: accounting, office automation
## Footnote
Horizontal applications are designed to be used across various industries.
82
What does **App** stand for?
Application
## Footnote
An app is software that runs on top of the operating system.
83
What is the technical term for **mobile applications**?
Mobile application software
## Footnote
However, they are more widely known as apps.
84
What are the **three types of apps**?
* Web app
* Native app
* Hybrid app
## Footnote
Web apps run on the web, native apps are installed on devices, and hybrid apps combine elements of both.
85
Define **Web app**.
Web apps run on the web and are accessed via browsers using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
## Footnote
They do not require installation on a device.
86
Define **Native app**.
Native apps are installed and run on mobile devices, programmed in a language specific to the operating system.
## Footnote
Examples include apps developed for iOS or Android.
87
Define **Hybrid app**.
Hybrid apps are web apps inserted into a native app wrapper, appearing and behaving like native apps but functioning as web apps.
## Footnote
They leverage web technologies while being distributed through app stores.
88
What does **NIC** stand for?
Network Interface Card
## Footnote
It provides network communication capabilities to and from a computer system.
89
What is the function of a **Network Interface Card (NIC)**?
It takes data from the PC, formats it, and sends it over the cable to another LAN interface card or device.
## Footnote
It is also referred to as an adapter.
90
What is a **Local Area Network (LAN)**?
A data communications network that spans a limited geographical area, typically a few miles.
## Footnote
LANs are the most prevalent type of network connecting users to resources and the internet.
91
True or false: A **LAN** can span large geographical areas.
FALSE
## Footnote
LANs are designed for limited geographical coverage, usually within a few miles.
92
What are the components of a **network**?
* Applications
* Network protocol software
* Network interface cards
* Patch cables
* Cross connect blocks
* Network hardware
## Footnote
These components work together to facilitate communication and connectivity within a network.
93
What is the function of **LAN switches**?
To connect computers together in a local area network (LAN)
## Footnote
LAN switches are faster and more secure than hubs.
94
How do **switches** manage communication packets?
They check each communication packet as it comes into the input port and directs it to the proper output port
## Footnote
This process reduces collision domains, making the network fast and secure.
95
True or false: Each host connection in a switch becomes its own **collision domain**.
TRUE
## Footnote
This feature enhances the speed and security of the network.
96
What is the role of a **router** in a network?
To determine the optimal route for packets to travel from source to destination
## Footnote
Routers use various metrics and forward packets based on network layer information.
97
What is another name for a **router**?
Gateway
## Footnote
Routers are sophisticated devices that connect different networks.
98
What type of software do **routers** use?
Very sophisticated software
## Footnote
This software enables routers to perform complex routing tasks efficiently.
99
What is a **web page**?
* A simple text file containing text, pictures, sounds, videos, graphics, animation, etc.
* A set of HTML tags
## Footnote
The HTML tags are instructions for the browser on how to display the page.
100
What do **HTML tags** do?
They instruct the browser on how the page should look when displayed
## Footnote
The web browser interprets these tags to format the text on the screen.
101
Define **HTML**.
Hyper Text Markup Language
## Footnote
It is a markup language interpreted by web browsers to format pages.
102
True or false: You need HTML if you only want to display a long string of black and white text with no formatting.
FALSE
## Footnote
HTML is necessary for formatting text, changing fonts, adding colors, and embedding graphics.
103
What does a **web browser** do?
* Goes to a web server on the internet to request a page
* Interprets HTML tags to display the page as intended
## Footnote
The browser ensures the page is shown correctly on your screen.
104
What is a **Web Server**?
A piece of software that responds to a browser's request for a page and delivers the page to the Web browser through the internet.
## Footnote
Web servers are essential for hosting websites and serving content to users.
105
What do **Internet Protocol (IP) Addresses** provide?
* Information on how to locate something
* A routing portion, known as the network part
* A name portion, known as the host part
## Footnote
IP addresses are crucial for identifying devices on a network.
106
What is the length of an **IPv4 address**?
32 bits long
## Footnote
The address space of IPv4 is 2^32, which limits the number of unique addresses.
107
True or false: We are completely OUT of available **IPv4 addresses**.
TRUE
## Footnote
The exhaustion of IPv4 addresses has led to the development of IPv6.
108
What are the two notations for **IPv4 addresses**?
* Binary notation
* Dotted-decimal notation
## Footnote
Dotted-decimal notation is commonly used for ease of reading.
109
What is the length of an **IPv6 address**?
128 bits long (16 bytes)
## Footnote
IPv6 was introduced to address the limitations of IPv4.
110
What notation is used for **IPv6 addresses**?
Hexadecimal Colon Notation
## Footnote
This notation allows for a more compact representation of the longer address.
111
What is **noise** in the context of data?
A disturbance that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal
## Footnote
Noise can be random and persistent, affecting the quality of data transmission.
112
Define **data**.
* Elementary descriptions of things, events, activities, and transactions
* May be internal or external
## Footnote
Data serves as the foundational building blocks for information.
113
What is **information**?
Organized data that has meaning and value
## Footnote
Information is derived from data and is essential for decision-making.
114
Define **knowledge**.
Processed data or information that conveys understanding or learning applicable to a problem or activity
## Footnote
Knowledge is often seen as actionable information.
115
What is **wisdom**?
Knowledge used 'the right way'
## Footnote
Wisdom involves applying knowledge in a practical and ethical manner.
116
What is a **DBMS**?
A large piece of software that provides an interface between the user or application program and the database
## Footnote
A DBMS is the database mangement system.
117
What are the key features of the **DBMS approach**?
* Controlled redundancy
* Integration of data
* Data/operation sharing
* Services and controls
* Flexibility and ease of application development
## Footnote
These features enhance data management and application development.
118
What is **noise** in the context of data?
A disturbance that obscures or reduces the clarity of a signal
## Footnote
Noise can be random and persistent, affecting the quality of data transmission.
119
Define **data**.
* Elementary descriptions of things, events, activities, and transactions
* May be internal or external
## Footnote
Data serves as the foundational building blocks for information.
120
What is **information**?
Organized data that has meaning and value
## Footnote
Information is derived from data and is essential for decision-making.
121
Define **knowledge**.
Processed data or information that conveys understanding or learning applicable to a problem or activity
## Footnote
Knowledge is often seen as actionable information.
122
What is **wisdom**?
Knowledge used 'the right way'
## Footnote
Wisdom involves applying knowledge in a practical and ethical manner.
123
What is a **DBMS**?
A large piece of software that provides an interface between the user or application program and the database
## Footnote
A DBMS is developed according to a particular data model.
124
What are the key features of the **DBMS approach**?
* Controlled redundancy
* Integration of data
* Data/operation sharing
* Services and controls
* Flexibility and ease of application development
## Footnote
These features enhance data management and application development.
125
What is a **Data Model**?
A set of concepts to describe the structure of a database, and certain constraints that the database should obey.
## Footnote
Data models are essential for defining how data is organized and manipulated.
126
What are the **Data Model Operations**?
* Operations for specifying database retrievals
* Updates by referring to the concepts of the data model
* May include basic operations and user-defined operations
## Footnote
These operations allow users to interact with the data model effectively.
127
What are the **categories of Data Models**?
* Conceptual (high-level, semantic) data models
* Entity-based or object-based data models
## Footnote
Conceptual data models provide concepts that align closely with user perceptions of data.
128
What is a **Warehouse** in the context of data?
* Large volume of data
* Non-volatile
* Historical
* Time attributes are important
* Updates infrequent
* May be append-only
## Footnote
Data warehouses are used for storing and analyzing large amounts of historical data.
129
Give examples of data that might be found in a **Warehouse**.
* All Walmart transactions
* Complete client histories at an insurance firm
* Stockbroker financial information and portfolios
## Footnote
These examples illustrate the types of data that are typically stored in a data warehouse.
130
What is **Big Data**?
A collection of data sets so large and complex that it's impossible to process with usual databases and tools
## Footnote
Big Data is hard to capture, store, search, share, analyze, and visualize.
131
What has caused the phenomenon of **Big Data** in recent years?
* Sheer amount of machine data generated
* RFID
* Sensor networks
* Social networks
* Internet searches
* Automated record keeping
* Video archives
## Footnote
Analyzing this information creates additional data sets.
132
How do companies use **Big Data**?
* Reveal business trends
* Improve research quality
* Gain insights in various fields
## Footnote
Companies leverage Big Data for strategic advantages.
133
What is an example of a company that utilizes **Big Data**?
Google
## Footnote
Google has 15 exabytes of storage and processes 2.5 exabytes per day across its services.
134
True or false: The **privacy protection** and analysis of personal data is a declining business.
FALSE
## Footnote
Privacy protection, analysis, and sale of personal data is a blooming business.
Computer Information Systems
flashcards
Decks in class (5)
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