Exam 10: Hardware and Software Basics

The arithmetic-logic unit includes instructions and literally tells the other hardware devices what to do, based on the software instructions.

Communication turns a computer into a terminal for transmitting data to and receiving data from distant computers through the telephone system.

What is the computer's primary working memory, in which program instructions and data are stored so that they can be accessed directly by the CPU via the processor's high-speed external data bus?

Explain the difference between primary and secondary storage.

What system is used in computer appliances and special-purpose applications, such as an automobile, ATM, or media player and are used for a single purpose?

What is the number of millions of CPU cycles per second?

What is equipment used to capture information and commands?

An iPod has a single-purpose embedded operating system.

Memory stick is an older secondary storage medium that uses a strip of thin plastic coated with a magnetically sensitive recording medium.

A supercomputer is the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive type of computer. Organizations such as NASA that are heavily involved in research and number crunching employ supercomputers because of the speed with which they can process information. Other large, customer-oriented businesses such as General Motors and AT&T employ supercomputers just to handle customer information and transaction processing.

Utility software provides additional functionality to the operating system. Utility software includes antivirus software, screen savers, and anti-spam software.

What is the actual hardware that interprets and executes the program (software)instructions and coordinates how all the other hardware devices work together?

A tablet is a pen-based computer that provides the screen capabilities of a PDA with the functional capabilities of a laptop or desktop computer.

A site license enables any qualified users within the organization to install the software, regardless if the computer is on a network. Some employees might install the software on a home computer for working remotely.

Volatility is a protected memory space created by the CPU allowing the computer to create virtual machines.

Safe mode occurs if the system is failing and will load only the most essential parts of the operating system and will not run many of the background operating utilities.

What is the number of billions of CPU cycles per second?

A workstation computer is similar to a desktop but has more powerful mathematical and graphics processing capabilities and can perform more complicated tasks in less time.

Desktop publishing transforms a computer into a desktop publishing workstation. Leading packages include Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe PageMaker, and QuarkXpress.

What is a computer portable enough to fit on a lap or in a bag and has its own power source or battery?