GT101-Meeting 1 Flashcards
What is a mainframe?
A large, expensive computer that supports many users simultaneously.
Mainframes excel at executing many computer programs at the same time, often used in businesses managing large amounts of data.
What is an embedded computer?
A specially designed computer chip that resides in another device and typically doesn’t interact with other systems.
Found in devices like cars, drones, washing machines, and medical devices.
What is a supercomputer?
A specially designed computer that can perform complex calculations extremely rapidly.
Used for intensive mathematical calculations, such as weather forecasting.
What are the four major functions of a computer?
- Input
- Process
- Output
- Storage
Each function plays a critical role in how computers operate.
What is the difference between data and information?
Data is raw, unprocessed facts, while information is data organized in a meaningful way.
Examples of data include text, numbers, images, and sounds.
What is the binary language used by computers?
A language consisting of two digits: 0 and 1.
Each 0 and 1 is a binary digit, or bit. Eight bits make one byte.
What does the Central Processing Unit (CPU) do?
Processes data into information and is considered the brain of the computer.
It manipulates raw data to produce useful information.
What is the purpose of software?
To convert data into information and enable hardware to perform different tasks.
Software includes application software and system software.
What are the two major kinds of software?
- Application Software
- System Software
Application software helps users carry out tasks, while system software enables hardware and applications to work together.
What types of portable computers are popular for personal use?
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Laptops
Portable computers are designed for use on the go.
What is a smartphone?
A portable computer with components like a processor, memory, and input/output devices.
Smartphones also require their own operating system software.
What is a tablet computer?
A portable computer integrated into a multi-touch sensitive screen.
Tablets use an on-screen keyboard and can connect to external keyboards.
What is digital convergence?
The integration of features that used to be available only in separate, dedicated devices.
Examples include GPS services and internet access on smartphones.
What is plagiarism?
The act of copying text or ideas from someone else without acknowledging the source.
Educational institutions use tools like Turnitin to check for plagiarism.
What is artificial intelligence?
The ability of computer systems to perform tasks associated with human intelligence.
Characteristics include learning from experiences and problem-solving.
What are some ethical challenges posed by technology?
- Privacy issues
- Intellectual property concerns
- Unethical behavior
Technology often moves faster than the rules governing its use.
What is the role of ethics in technology?
Ethics provide guidelines for behavior and decision-making in technology use.
They differ from laws, which are formal written standards.
What is a desktop computer?
A stationary computer intended for use at a single location.
Most desktop computers consist of a separate case or tower housing the main components.
What is an all-in-one computer?
A computer that houses the processor and memory in the monitor, eliminating the need for a separate tower.
Many all-in-one models incorporate touch-screen technology.
What is a laptop?
A portable computer with a keyboard, monitor, and other devices integrated into a single compact case.
Variations include 2-in-1 PCs, ultrabooks, and Chromebooks.
What is a Chromebook?
A special type of laptop that uses the Google Chrome OS and is designed for constant Internet connectivity.
Documents and apps are primarily stored in the cloud.
What should you consider to evaluate the accuracy of web information?
- Authority
- Accuracy
- Objectivity
- Currency
These criteria help determine the reliability of online information.
What are the three components of a search engine?
- Spider
- Indexer
- Search engine software
These components work together to collect, organize, and retrieve web data.
What does URL stand for?
Uniform Resource Locator
A URL helps identify the location of a web document.