Chapter 1 Flashcards

1
Q

What is a Computer?

A

A computer is an electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data. Think of it as a machine that follows instructions (called programs) to help you do tasks like sending emails, watching videos, or playing games.

Example: A laptop you use to browse the web or a desktop computer in an office.

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2
Q

Types of Computers: Personal Computers (PCs)

A

Personal Computers (PCs) are common computers used at home or in small businesses. They are affordable and relatively simple to use.

Example: A desktop PC you might have at home for personal use.

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3
Q

Types of Computers: Laptops

A

Laptops are portable computers that can be carried around easily. They have a built-in screen and keyboard and are powered by a battery.

Example: A MacBook or Dell laptop used for schoolwork.

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4
Q

Types of Computers: Handheld Devices

A

Handheld Devices are smaller devices that can fit in your hand and still perform many of the same tasks as a computer. An example is a smartphone (like an iPhone or Android phone) or a tablet (like an iPad).

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5
Q

Types of Computers: Mainframe Computers

A

Mainframe Computers are large, powerful machines used by big organizations like banks or governments to process large amounts of data very quickly.

Example: The computers that manage credit card transactions or airline bookings.

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6
Q

Computer Networks

A

Networks are groups of computers connected together to share resources like files, printers, or the Internet. Computers can connect using wires or wirelessly.

Example: The computers in a school or office are often connected in a network so they can share a printer.

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7
Q

Hardware

A

Hardware is the physical part of the computer, like the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and the actual computer case. Inside the case, you’ll find components like the processor, memory, and hard drive.

Example: Your computer’s keyboard, the monitor you look at, and the CPU (Central Processing Unit) inside the computer case are all hardware.

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8
Q

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A

The CPU is often called the ‘brain’ of the computer. It processes and calculates data. The speed of the CPU is measured in gigahertz (GHz). A faster CPU can do more work in a shorter amount of time.

Example: An Intel Core i7 processor in a gaming computer.

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9
Q

Memory: RAM

A

RAM (Random Access Memory) is temporary memory where data is stored while you’re using it. When you turn off your computer, the data in RAM is lost. More RAM allows your computer to run more programs at the same time without slowing down.

Example: If your computer has 8 GB of RAM, it can handle more programs at once than a computer with 4 GB of RAM.

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10
Q

Memory: Hard Disk

A

The Hard Disk is permanent storage, like your computer’s long-term memory. It stores all your files, programs, and even the operating system.

Example: Your 1 TB hard drive stores your photos, documents, and applications like Microsoft Word or games like Minecraft.

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11
Q

Storage Units

A

Data is measured in bits and bytes. The smallest unit is a bit (either a 0 or 1). Larger units include kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), and gigabytes (GB).

Example: A typical photo might be 2 MB in size, while a movie could be 2 GB or more.

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12
Q

Software

A

Software refers to programs and instructions that tell the computer what to do. Software can be divided into two main types: Operating System (OS) and Application Software.

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13
Q

Software: Operating System (OS)

A

The Operating System (OS) is the software that manages the entire computer. It handles communication between your programs and the hardware.

Example: Windows 10, macOS, Linux, or Android.

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14
Q

Software: Application Software

A

Application Software are programs designed to perform specific tasks, such as writing a document or editing a photo.

Examples: Microsoft Word (for word processing), Google Chrome (for web browsing), and Adobe Photoshop (for photo editing).

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15
Q

Operating Systems (OS)

A

The Operating System is the software that makes your computer run. It controls everything from managing files to running programs and even how the computer communicates with devices like printers.

Example: If you’re using a PC, you might be using Windows 11. On a Mac, you would use macOS Monterey. On a phone, it could be iOS for iPhones or Android for Samsung phones.

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16
Q

Application Software: Word Processing

A

Word Processing software allows you to type and format text, create documents, and save or print them. These programs help with tasks like writing letters, essays, and reports.

Example: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notepad.

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17
Q

Application Software: Spreadsheet Software

A

Spreadsheets allow you to organize data into tables of rows and columns, do calculations, and create charts. They are especially useful for managing data and performing financial or mathematical calculations.

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18
Q

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A

The GUI is the visual part of a computer that lets you interact with it using icons, windows, and menus instead of typing commands.

Example: When you use your smartphone and tap on an app’s icon to open it, that’s a GUI.

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19
Q

Word Processing software

A

Allows you to type and format text, create documents, and save or print them. Programs like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Notepad help with tasks like writing letters, essays, and reports.

Example sentence: I use Microsoft Word to write my essays.

20
Q

Spreadsheet Software

A

Allows you to organize data into tables of rows and columns, do calculations, and create charts. Programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are especially useful for managing data and performing financial or mathematical calculations.

Example sentence: I use Google Sheets to track my monthly expenses.

21
Q

Database Software

A

Stores large amounts of data that can be managed, searched, and updated. Applications like Microsoft Access or MySQL allow businesses to keep track of customer information, product inventory, or financial records.

Example sentence: Our company uses MySQL to store customer data.

22
Q

Desktop Publishing Software

A

Helps design and create professional-quality documents like newsletters, posters, and brochures by combining text, graphics, and photos. Programs like Adobe InDesign or Microsoft Publisher are commonly used for this purpose.

Example sentence: I created a brochure for our event using Adobe InDesign.

23
Q

Presentation Software

A

Allows you to create slideshows with text, images, and animations. Programs like Microsoft PowerPoint or Google Slides are commonly used for giving lectures or business presentations.

Example sentence: I prepared my presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint.

24
Q

Photo Editing Software

A

Lets you edit and enhance photos by adjusting brightness, contrast, colors, and removing blemishes. Programs like Adobe Photoshop or GIMP are commonly used for this purpose.

Example sentence: I edited my vacation photos using Adobe Photoshop.

25
Q

Web Browsers

A

Applications that allow you to access and navigate the internet. Browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari are used to visit websites, download files, and search for information.

Example sentence: I prefer using Google Chrome for browsing the internet.

26
Q

Email Software

A

Used to send, receive, and manage email messages. Programs like Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, or Thunderbird also allow you to organize contacts and set up calendar events.

Example sentence: I check my emails using Gmail.

27
Q

Compiler

A

Translates code written in programming languages like C++ into machine language that the computer can understand and execute. Tools like GCC or Visual Studio Compiler are examples of compilers.

Example sentence: I compiled my C++ program using GCC.

28
Q

Accessibility Features

A

Designed to help users with disabilities interact with the computer easier. Features like voice recognition, text readers, screen magnifiers, and on-screen keyboards provide assistance.

Example sentence: The voice recognition feature helped my visually impaired friend use the computer.

29
Q

Local Area Network (LAN)

A

A network in a small area, limited to about a 1 km radius. Example: The Wi-Fi network in your house connects your devices like laptop, phone, and smart TV.

Example sentence: The LAN at my office allows us to share files easily.

30
Q

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A

Covers larger distances, connecting offices in different cities or countries. Example: The internet itself is the biggest WAN, connecting computers worldwide.

Example sentence: Our company uses a WAN to connect our offices globally.

31
Q

Network Topology

A

Describes how computers in a network are arranged. Examples include Bus Topology, Star Topology, Ring Topology, and Mesh Topology.

Example sentence: The network topology at our school is a star topology.

32
Q

IP Address

A

A unique identifier for every computer on the internet. Two types include IPv4 (32-bit addresses) and IPv6 (128-bit addresses).

Example sentence: I checked my IP address to troubleshoot my internet connection.

33
Q

Broadband Internet

A

Refers to high-speed internet connections that transmit a lot of data at once. Types include cable internet, DSL, and fiber-optic connections.

Example sentence: I upgraded to broadband internet for faster downloads.

34
Q

Wireless Networks

A

Wi-Fi is a type of wireless network that allows devices to connect to the internet without cables.

Example sentence: I connected to the wireless network at the cafe to check my emails.

35
Q

Data Transfer Rate

A

Refers to the speed at which data is transmitted between computers. Measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Example sentence: The data transfer rate of my internet connection is 100 Mbps.

36
Q

What is Data Transfer Rate?

A

Data Transfer Rate refers to the speed at which data is transmitted from one computer to another. It is usually measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Example: Downloading a file at a speed of 100 Mbps means that 100 megabits of data are transferred every second.

37
Q

What is the Internet?

A

The Internet is often called the ‘network of networks.’ It connects millions of computers and devices worldwide, enabling communication and access to vast amounts of information. Common uses include browsing websites, online shopping, and accessing online banking services.

Example: You can access online platforms like Amazon for shopping, Gmail for emails, or YouTube for videos, all through the internet.

38
Q

What are Network Protocols?

A

Network Protocols are sets of rules that define how data is transmitted over a network. They ensure that computers can communicate properly. The Internet uses different layers of protocols: Application Layer, Transport Layer, Network Layer, Link Layer, and Physical Layer.

Example: Fiber-optic cables provide faster internet speeds compared to older copper cables.

39
Q

What is an IP Address?

A

An IP Address is a unique numerical label assigned to each device connected to a network. It can be private (for local use within a network) or public (used to connect to the global internet).

Example: A public IP address like 192.168.1.1 allows your home network to connect to the internet.

40
Q

What are Traceroute and Ping?

A

Traceroute is a tool that tracks the path data takes from your computer to a destination across the internet. Ping measures the time it takes for data to travel to a destination and back. Both are useful for diagnosing network problems.

Example: Running a traceroute on your computer shows you the path data takes to reach a website, like Google.

41
Q

What are Search Engines?

A

Search Engines are websites that help you find information on the internet by typing keywords or questions. They use algorithms to search through websites and display the most relevant results.

Example: Google and Yahoo are popular search engines that help you find articles, websites, and media.

42
Q

What is an Intranet?

A

An Intranet is a private network used within an organization. It is accessible only to employees and provides information like internal documents, forms, and communication tools.

Example: A company’s internal website where employees can access work-related documents and announcements.

43
Q

What is an Extranet?

A

An Extranet is similar to an intranet but allows access to authorized external users, such as business partners or clients. It is often used when companies need to share specific information with external parties securely.

Example: Two companies collaborating on a project may use an extranet to share documents and updates securely.

44
Q

How can you check your IP Address?

A

To check your local IP address, you can use the command prompt on your computer. For example, typing ipconfig/all in the Windows command prompt will display your computer’s local IP address. To check your public IP address, you can simply search ‘What is my IP?’ on Google.

45
Q

What is Cloud Storage?

A

Cloud Storage is a service that allows you to save your files on the internet instead of on your computer. It makes it easier to access your data from anywhere and keeps your files safe in case of hardware failure.

Example: Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are cloud storage services that let you store and access documents, photos, and videos online.