Exam 10: Hardware and Software Basics

Identify the different computer categories and explain their potential business uses.

Random access memory is the portion of a computer's primary storage that does not lose its contents when one switches off the power.

What software controls how the various technology tools work together along with the application software?

A single user license restricts the use of the software to one user at a time.

What is a form of a stationary mouse on which the movement of a finger causes the pointer on the screen to move?

Random access memory (RAM)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.

Operating system software controls the application software and manages how the hardware devices work together. When using Excel to create and print a graph, the operating system software controls the process, ensures that a printer is attached and has paper, and sends the graph to the printer along with instructions on how to print it. Some computers are configured with two operating systems so they can dual boot- provide the user with the option of choosing the operating system when the computer is turned on.

Personal digital assistant (PDA)is a small handheld computer that performs simple tasks such as taking notes, scheduling appointments, and maintaining an address book and a calendar. The PDA screen is touch-sensitive, allowing a user to write directly on the screen, capturing what is written.

A desktop computer is an electronic book that can be read on a computer or special reading device. Some are small enough to carry around, while others are the size of a telephone booth.

What removes any software that employs a user's Internet connection in the background without the user's knowledge or explicit permission?

What is the computer's main memory, which consists of the random access memory (RAM), cache memory, and read-only memory (ROM)that is directly accessible to the CPU?

Disk image is software for data recovery and relieves the burden of reinstalling applications if a hard drive crashes or becomes irretrievably corrupted.

A mainframe computer is designed to meet the computing needs of hundreds of people in a large business environment. Mainframe computers are a step up in size, power, capability, and cost from minicomputers.

Complex instruction set computer chips limits the number of instructions the CPU can execute to increase processing speed.

List the common input, output, storage, and communication devices.

What uses programs such as Window Washer which erases file histories, browser cookies, cache contents, and other crumbs that applications and Windows leave on a hard drive?

What is the number of bits (0s and 1s)that can be processed by the CPU at any one time?

Personal information management (PIM)software handles contact information, appointments, task lists, and email.

Spyware can remove software that is no longer needed.

What is a computer designed to meet the computing needs of hundreds of people in a large business environment?