Exam 10: Hardware and Software Basics

A(n)_____________ is a computer dedicated to a single function,such as a calculator or computer game.

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?

_____________ storage consists of equipment designed to store large volumes of data for long-term storage.

_________________ computer devices are input devices designed for special applications for use by people with different types of special needs.

____________ access memory 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.

A(n)____________ device is equipment used to see,hear,or otherwise accept the results of information processing requests.

What 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.

_____________ sticks provide nonvolatile memory for a range of portable devices including computers,digital cameras,MP3 players,and PDAs.

Memory sticks provide nonvolatile memory for a range of portable devices including computers,digital cameras,MP3 players,and PDAs.

Volatility refers to a device's ability to function with or without power.RAM is volatile,meaning it must have constant power to function;its contents are lost when the computer's electric supply fails.

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

What is a special type of rewritable read-only memory (ROM)that is compact and portable?

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

A handheld computer is portable enough to fit in a purse or pocket and has its own power source or battery.

_____________ software controls how the various technology tools work together along with the application software.

An input device is equipment used to capture information and commands.

Define the relationship between operating system software and utility software.

Cache memory is a small unit of ultra-fast memory that is used to store recently accessed or frequently accessed data so that the CPU does not have to retrieve this data from slower memory circuits such as RAM.

A common type of minicomputer is a ____________ and is used for managing internal company applications,networks,and websites.