Computer Flashcards
What is a computer?
A system that manipulates data according to a set of instructions.
What are the three elements required for a computer to perform a task?
Hardware, software, and a user.
Definition of Interface?
A point where two things meet and interact.
What is ‘system memory’ commonly referred to as?
RAM (Random Access Memory).
Where does the CPU receive instructions or data?
Memory.
What does the CPU do after receiving data/instructions from memory?
It writes back to memory then directs other components to perform actions.
What determines the basic speed of a computer?
CPU.
What is RAM?
RAM stores data that the computer needs to run applications and open files. When the computer is turned off RAM is deleted because it is ‘volatile memory’.
What is a ‘server’?
Any computer providing service to other computers. A server is usually a very powerful computer that supports multiple users simultaneously.
What is a Network?
A system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and sharing information.
How is FAULT TOLERANCE acheived?
By using high quality components and by using extra copies, backups, and redundancies.
OEM is an acronym for what?
Original Equipment Manufacturers (These people source components and assemble them into their own branded PC system.)
Legacy System
An outdated computer system, software, or hardware that is still in use.
(IoT)
‘Internet of Things’ An example of IoT would be a network of household appliances.
UAV
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Define ERGONOMICS.
The study of factors affecting the performance of people at work.
What is the main function of an Operating System?
To provide a stable environment for different software applications to work together.
ALT + TAB does what?
It navigates through the open applications on the taskbar.
CTRL+TAB does what?
It surfs through the opened browser tabs.
What does the DELETE key do?
It deletes the letter/number to the write of the cursor.
Define ‘SHELL’ and tell me the two types of shells.
An interface between the user and the computer.
1) Command Line.
2) GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Define ‘Kernel’.
The core component that acts as an interface between the computer’s hardware and the software.
What is ‘Driver Software’?
A set of files that tells a piece of hardware how to function by communicating with a computer’s OS.
What are ‘System Utility Applications’?
Programs that improve a computer’s performance, security and functionality.
What are the three types of Operating Systems? Give an example of each.
Workstation, Mobile, Server. (ex., Windows, smartphone, Windows Server).
Name the two general workstation OS types.
1) Enterprise Client.
2) Home Client.
Which OS type can the OS be changed and which OS type can’t be changed?
Workstation OS can be changed. Mobile OS can’t be changed.
Name five facts about server OS’s.
- Usually has a command line interface instead of a GUI.
- Usually based on similar code to its workstation OS.
- NOS (Network OS)
- Usually licensed to support more users than a workstation OS.
- Likely includes a software package that runs network services.
Tell me 3 things about. COMMERCIAL OS.
1.The user must purchase a license to install and use the OS Software on a particular device.
2.The programming code is kept secret.
3.Examples companies are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and Apple iOS.
Tell me 3 things about OPEN SOURCE.
- Programming code is freely available.
- Code isn’t necessarily free, it just means that developers are allowed to make changes to the code.
3.Example companies are Linux and Android.
Tell me three things about EMBEDDED SYSTEM.
1.A computer of appliance designed for a specific function.
2. Is a Static Environment.
3. Examples (gaming consoles, drip meters, industrial control systems, smart appliances).
Define STATIC ENVIRONMENT.
An environment that can not be altered.
Define DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT.
A setting that is constantly changing and unpredictable.
RTOS
REAL TIME OPERATIONG SYSTEMS - Embedded systems that can’t tolerate reboots or crashes and must have response times that are predictable with in microsecond tolerances.
Define FIRMWARE.
Permanent software programmed into a
read-only memory.
Three things about BIOS.
- BASIC INPUT/OUTPUT SYSTEM.
- Ensures the motherboard is PC compatible.
- Provides industry standard firmware that operates the essential components of the PC.
Four things about UEFI?
1.UNIFIED EXTENSIBLE FIRMWARE INTERFACE
2.Newer motherboards capable of supporting a 64-bit CPU.
3. Has a GUI and you can use your mouse.
4. Supports legacy BIOS booting.
Can FIRMWARE support updates?
Yes, but infrequently.
Name X things that have or may have firmware.
- Peripherals
- Components attached to the motherboard.
- Pretty much anything electronic.
- Industrial electronics.
What does VIRTUALIZATION mean?
It means that multiple OSs can be installed and run simultaneously on a single computer.
What are the three components required for a VIRTUAL PLATFORM?
- A computer.
- A HYPERVISOR (or Virtual Machine Monitor
Most used Commercial Workstation OS
Microsoft Windows
Most used Server OS
Windows Server
How many bits do each Windows edition.
64-bit and 32-bit. 64-bit editions can support most 32-bit applications, but a 32-bit edition can’t support a 64-bit application.
Who created the GUI?
Apple. Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak.
What kernel system did Apple re-develop into today’s macOS?
UNIX
Define Proprietary.
Relating to an owner or ownership. “the company has proprietary right to the property.”
Who developed ANDROID?
Open Handset Alliance, primarily driven by Google.
What is the name of the file management interface for Microsoft Windows?
File Explorer. Formerly Windows Explorer. Often just called Explorer.
What is the NETWORK object.
A container for any network servers that the computer is connected to.
What is an APPLET?
A very small application, especially a utility program performing one or a few simple functions.
What is a UTILITY PROGRAM?
A program for carrying out a routine function.
Tell me X things about CONTROL PANEL.
- It’s the location for the basic user-configurable settings for Windows and some applications via applets.
- It’s the default interface for Windows XP and Windows 7.
- Most configurations can be made in Windows.
How do I add a new tab to my browser using a keyboard shortcut?
CTRL + T.
How do I delete a browser tab using a keyboard shortcut?
CTRL + W.
What does URL stand for?
UNIFORM RESOURCE LOCATOR.
What is a WEBSITE?
A collection of web pages published by a particular organization.
What does CTRL + F5 do?
It forces the browser to ignore any locally cached files when refreshing a page.
What do HYPERLINKS do?
They allow you to navigate between the pages without having to know the specific address of each page.
They’re typically organized into NAVIGATION BARS.
They can come in the form of text, or image.
