Introduction to Computers: 26 flashcards
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1. What is a computer?
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An electronic device that accepts data, processes it using a program, and produces information.
2. What are the four basic operations of a computer?
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Input, processing, output, and storage.
3. Define hardware.
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The physical components of a computer that you can touch, such as the CPU, monitor, and keyboard.
4. Define software.
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The programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
5. What does CPU stand for and what is its role?
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Central Processing Unit — the brain of the computer that performs calculations and logic.
6. What is RAM?
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Random Access Memory — temporary, volatile memory that loses its contents when power is switched off.
7. What is ROM?
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Read-Only Memory — permanent memory that holds instructions needed to start the computer.
8. Give two examples of secondary storage.
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Hard disk and SSD (also pen drive).
9. What is the function of the motherboard?
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It connects all internal components and allows them to communicate.
10. What is binary?
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A number system using only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent all data in a computer.
11. How many bits make one byte?
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Eight bits make one byte.
12. How many bytes make one kilobyte?
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1024 bytes make one kilobyte.
13. What is system software? Give an example.
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Software that manages hardware and provides a platform for applications, e.g., an operating system like Windows or Linux.
14. What is application software?
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Software that lets users perform specific tasks such as writing documents or browsing the web.
15. What role does the operating system play?
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It acts as a bridge between hardware and application software, scheduling tasks and managing memory.
16. What is the fetch–decode–execute cycle?
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The cycle in which the CPU fetches an instruction, decodes it, executes it, and writes back the result.
17. In what unit is CPU speed measured?
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Gigahertz (GHz) — billions of cycles per second.
18. Why is a calculator not a general-purpose computer?
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It cannot be reprogrammed for arbitrary tasks; it performs only fixed operations.
19. Why is a smartphone considered a full computer?
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It has a CPU, memory, storage, and an OS, plus added sensors and wireless communication.
20. What is the difference between RAM and storage?
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RAM is temporary, fast, volatile workspace; storage is permanent, slower, non-volatile.
21. What does ALU stand for and what does it do?
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Arithmetic Logic Unit — performs calculations and comparisons inside the CPU.
22. What does the control unit do?
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It directs the flow of instructions inside the CPU.
23. Name three everyday devices that contain computers.
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ATMs, traffic lights, and smartphones (also cars, hospital monitors, satellites).
24. Why does unsaved work disappear when power is cut?
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Because it was only in RAM, which is volatile and loses its contents without power.
25. What is the input–process–output–storage cycle?
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The fundamental loop every computer repeats: data enters, is processed, results are output, and data is stored.
26. Why do computers use binary?
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Electronic circuits easily distinguish two voltage levels, making binary simple and error-resistant.
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