Theory

Question 1

What is a mainframe computer?

Answer 1

A large computer capable of processing massive amount of data at high speeds. They have a lot of memory and processors which allows them to do millions of transactions in real time.

Question 2

Give two characteristics of a mainframe

Answer 2

1. Large processing power- capable of executing millions of transactions in seconds. Which makes them capable of handling complex calculations
2. Large memory capacity- has a lot of RAM and storage which makes them capable of handling large amount of data

Question 3

Who are mainframes used by?

Answer 3

Large organizations

Question 4

What are micro computers

Answer 4

Micro computers are personal computers with single chip systems and they can perform all the basic functions of a computer.

Question 5

Characteristics of micro computers

Answer 5

• single chip systems
• Have a cpu made of microprocessor
• for personal usage
• Affordable

Question 6

Examples of Micro computers

Answer 6

Laptops
Desktops
Tablet
Phone
TV
Smart watches

Question 7

What are supercomputers?

Answer 7

Super computers are the fastest and biggest computers. They can process a lot of transactions in seconds and they use a mpis to measure their performance

Question 8

What are supercomputers used for?

Answer 8

Testing of nuclear weapons
Weather forecasting
Scientific research on earth
Space exploration

Question 9

What is a minicomputer?

Answer 9

A minicomputer is a mid range computer that is intermediate in size , power, speed etc. it is between a supercomputer and a mainframe. Also known as a mid/small size server

Question 10

What is a server?

Answer 10

A central computer that provides information to other computers

Question 11

What is a personal digital assistant?

Answer 11

A multi purpose mobile device that serves as a personal information manager

Question 12

What is an embedded system?

Answer 12

A micro processor- based hardware system that is used to perform a dedicated function either as an independent system or apart of a large system.

Question 13

Characteristics of an embedded system

Answer 13

Often inexpensive
Limited functionality

Question 14

Characteristics of an embedded system

Answer 14

Often inexpensive
Limited functionality

Question 15

Examples of embedded systems

Answer 15

Electronic calculators
Digital watches
central heating systems
Domestic appliances

Question 16

What is a general purpose computer?

Answer 16

A device used to perform a wide range of functions and not just dedicated to one function

Question 17

What is the processing cycle?

Answer 17

It is a sequence of setps that the computer follows to recieve input, process input, produce output and store the results.

Question 18

What happens during the input process?

Answer 18

The computer gathers information from the outside world.

Question 19

Examples of input devices

Answer 19

keyboards
microphone
touchscreen
mouse

Question 20

What happens when the input is received?

Answer 20

The computer processes it to complete different tasks

Question 21

What is processing?

Answer 21

Manipulating the data according to predefined instructions stored in the computer’s memory.

Question 22

What does the cpu does?

Answer 22

it executes the instructions and and perform arithmetic and logical operations on the data.

Question 23

What happens after the computer process the data?

Answer 23

Produces an output in a human readable form.

Question 24

describe the processing cycle

Answer 24

continuos and iterative.

Question 25

Examples of output devices

Answer 25

monitor and printers.