Computer System: Characteristics and Applications: 31 flashcards
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1. What does the word 'Computer' derive from, and what does it mean?
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It derives from 'compute', which means 'to calculate'.
2. Define a computer in one line.
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A computer is an electronic device that can perform a variety of tasks by executing a given set of instructions.
3. Expand the acronym COMPUTER.
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Common Oriented Machine Particularly Used for Trade and Education Research.
4. Who used computers earlier, and for what?
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Earlier, computers were used mostly by scientists and engineers for complex calculations and operations that were very costly.
5. Name any five places where computers are now a necessity.
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Banks, hospitals, railways, shopping complexes, schools (also colleges and homes).
6. What is meant by the 'speed' strength of a computer?
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A computer works at an amazing speed without making mistakes; a task taking a person hours is finished in a fraction of a second.
7. In what unit is a computer's speed measured?
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In milliseconds ($10^{-3}$ seconds) or nanoseconds ($10^{-9}$ seconds).
8. What is a microsecond?
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A microsecond is a millionth of a second.
9. What is the 'accuracy' strength of a computer?
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A computer performs its task with great accuracy and hardly commits mistakes in the processing of data.
10. When do errors generally occur in a computer?
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Errors generally occur when the input is inaccurate or the hardware is not functioning properly.
11. Why is a computer more reliable than a human being?
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It never gets tired or bored of repetitive tasks and can operate for long hours without rest with its accuracy intact.
12. What does 'storage capacity' mean as a computer strength?
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A computer can store a large amount of data in its memory as documents, graphics, sound, etc., and this data can be retrieved whenever required.
13. How does human memory differ from computer storage?
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A human being can retain only relevant information and tends to forget the rest, while a computer stores large data retrievable whenever required.
14. What is meant by 'versatility' of a computer?
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A computer can perform various types of jobs — for example, listening to music while typing in MS Word, playing games, doing calculations, making animations, surfing the net, and sending e-mail.
15. How has the computer reduced manpower?
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It has helped entrepreneurs become more efficient, so fewer people are required to do the same job — seen in banks, industries, and government and private sector offices.
16. How does a computer reduce paper work?
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It stores data in the form of records, preventing a large amount of wastage and allowing information to be obtained easily and quickly.
17. What is the limitation of a computer regarding thinking?
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Despite AI, computers cannot fully think and decide like humans; the scope of AI is debatable and limited.
18. Why is 'dependence on power' a limitation?
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A computer is an electronic machine, and its dependence on power makes it costly.
19. What role do computers play in the military?
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They are vital in the design and development of high-tech weapons for defense where absolute accuracy is essential, and in computerized simulation exercises for training pilots.
20. How are computers used in banking?
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Online banking lets you check real-time balance and past transactions, transfer money globally, use ATM or debit cards to shop and pay bills, and subscribe to mobile banking.
21. Name four research uses of computers.
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Launching a satellite into space, earthquake and tsunami warnings, weather forecasting, and studying the impact of nuclear tests.
22. How have computers revolutionized education?
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They allow students to understand complex concepts, create interactive learning modules, take tests, study at their own pace, and check results and apply online.
23. How do computers help in crime detection?
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They maintain records of criminals, their fingerprints, and other details, helping the police identify criminals quickly.
24. Which wars saw extensive use of computers in defense?
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The Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq wars.
25. Who was located with the help of computers, as stated in the text?
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Osama Bin Laden — America located him with the help of computers.
26. What is the full form of AI mentioned in the text?
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Artificial Intelligence.
27. Give an example of versatility from the text.
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Listening to music while typing in MS Word, or playing games, doing calculations, making animations, surfing the net, and sending e-mail while working on a package.
28. What does internet banking allow you to do with utility bills?
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Pay bills for utility services like electricity, telephone, and post-paid mobiles.
29. What banking facility lets you 'virtually carry the bank with you'?
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Mobile banking.
30. What kind of computations do computers perform in research?
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Complex computations that sometimes seem impossible for humans.
31. What is the key difference between a computer and a simple calculator?
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A computer is versatile and handles many tasks by executing instructions, while a calculator is limited to calculations.
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