Chapter 1 Flashcards
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device that accepts data, processes it, produces output, and stores information.
What are the main components of a computer?
Hardware and software.
Define hardware.
Hardware is the collection of physical, tangible elements in a computer system.
What are the five functions of a computer?
Input, store, process, output, and control.
What is the CPU and its components?
The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, consists of the ALU, Control Unit, and Registers.
What does ALU stand for, and what is its function?
ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit; it performs arithmetic and logical operations.
What is RAM and its characteristic?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile memory used for temporary storage of data.
What is ROM?
ROM (Read Only Memory) is a permanent storage that cannot be modified.
Define secondary memory and give examples.
Secondary memory stores data permanently; examples include Hard Disk, Optical Disk, and Flash memory.
What is an input device?
An input device provides data and control signals to the computer, such as a keyboard or mouse.
Name examples of output devices.
Examples of output devices are monitors and printers.
Describe the difference between system software and application software.
System software manages hardware components; application software performs specific tasks.
List the units of data storage measurement.
Bit, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte, Terabyte.
Define a computer virus.
A virus is software designed to damage other programs or data.
What is a worm?
A worm is a self-replicating program that spreads through networks.