LECTURE 1

Question 1

What is a Computer

Answer 1

• A data processing machine
• a general-purpose device that can be programmed to carry out a set of arithmetic or logical operations automatically

Question 2

Four features of a computer

Answer 2

1. Input
2. Processing
3. Storage
4. Output

Question 3

What are the two main components that make up a computer

Answer 3

hardware and software

Question 4

Describe the four features of hardware and what it allows users to do.

Answer 4

The four features of hardware are:

• input
• processing (CPU)
• storage (RAM, HDD, DVD, SD CARD)
• output (printer, headphones)

Hardware allows users to interact with the computer.

Question 5

What are the 2 types of hardware storage

Answer 5

1. short term
2. long term

Question 6

Describe short term hardware storage

Answer 6

• temporary volatile storage
• working memory while power is on
• Influences number of tasks that can be
  opened simultaneously.
• is Random Access Memory (RAM)
• seen as 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32, 64…

Question 7

Describe Long Term hardware storage

Answer 7

• More “permanent”
• Remains after power / shutdown
• Can be wiped/ erased – Hard Disk Drive (HDD), Solid State Drive (SSD), Flash
• Permanent – ROM (Read Only Memory)

Question 8

What are the 5 software types

Answer 8

1. System Software
2. Word Processing
3. Spreadsheet - used for accounts / financial and data
4. Data Management
5. Application Software - Software customized for special purpose. E.g., Photoshop and computer games

Question 9

Describe a computer network

Answer 9

A computer network is two or more computing devices connected in order to share resources and communicate.

Question 10

Network resources might include (examples)

Answer 10

Network resources might include
- printers
- scanners
- storage
- Internet etc.

Question 11

Communication within networks can be via

Answer 11

Communication within networks can be via

• emails
• instant messages
• voice and/or video calls

Question 12

Define a Network Interface Card (NIC):

Answer 12

A Network Interface Card (NIC) provides a means for connecting a computer to a network

Question 13

Define network media:

Answer 13

Network media is the communication channels used to interconnect nodes on a computer network.

Can be wired or wireless medium through which data is sent/received by computers on a
network.

Question 14

Network Protocols:

Answer 14

define the format & order of messages sent and received between network entities, and actions taken on message transmission, receipt

Question 15

What is a computer capable of

Answer 15

• accepting input from users in form of data and processing or storing these data
• computers give output based on user supplied logic.