Chapter 1.1

Question 1

Personal computer (PC)

Answer 1

A computer designed for use by an individual, usually incorporating a graphics display, a keyboard, and a mouse.

Question 2

Server

Answer 2

A computer used for running larger programs for multiple users, often simultaneously, and typically accessed only via a network.

Question 3

Supercomputer

Answer 3

A class of computers with the highest performance and cost; they are configured as servers and typically cost tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.

Question 4

Embedded computer

Answer 4

A computer inside another device used for running one predetermined application or collection of software.

Question 5

Personal mobile devices (PMDs)

Answer 5

small wireless devices to connect to the Internet; they rely on batteries for power, and software is installed by downloading apps. Conventional examples are smart phones and tablets.

Question 6

Cloud computing

Answer 6

large collections of servers that provide services over the Internet; some providers rent dynamically varying numbers of servers as a utility.

Question 7

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Answer 7

delivers software and data as a service over the Internet, usually via a thin program such as a browser that runs on local client devices, instead of binary code that must be installed, and runs wholly on that device. Examples include web search and social networking.

Question 8

Multicore microprocessor

Answer 8

A microprocessor containing multiple processors (“cores”) in a single integrated circuit.

Question 9

Acronym

Answer 9

A word constructed by taking the initial letters of a string of words. For example: RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory, and CPU is an acronym for Central Processing Unit.