Week 1 Activity

Question 1

What is a program?

Answer 1

A program is a defined as a set of instructions given to a computer. It is essentially a set of instructions that a computer follows to perform a task.

Question 2

What is hardware?

Answer 2

Hardware is essentially the physical component of the computer. The term refers to all of the physical devices, or components, that the computer is made of.

Question 3

List the five major components of a computer
system.

Answer 3

i. The central processing unit (CPU)
ii. Main memory
iii. Secondary storage devices
iv. Input devices
v. Output device

Question 4

What part of the computer actually runs
programs?

Answer 4

The component that runs programs is called the central processing unit (CPU).

Question 5

What part of the computer serves as a
work area to store a program and its data
while the program is running?

Answer 5

The component described above would be the computers main memory. This component serves as a computer’s work area. This is where the computer stores a program while the program is running, as well as the data the program is working with.

Question 6

What part of the computer holds data for
long periods of time, even when there is no
power to the computer?

Answer 6

A secondary storage is a type of memory that can hold data for long periods of time, even when there is no power to the computer.

Question 7

What part of the computer collects data
from people and from other devices?

Answer 7

An input device is used to collect data and send it to the computer.

Question 8

What part of the computer formats and presents data for people or other devices?

Answer 8

An output device is used to format and present data.