Types of Computers
What is a personal computer (PC)?
A computer that can perform input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself and is intended to be used by one person at a time
What is the difference between data and information?
Data is unprocessed items (text, numbers, images), while information is raw facts that have been processed and organized meaningfully.
What is ubiquitous computing?
The integration of computing power into everyday environments, allowing devices to sense and respond to their surroundings
What is an input device?
Any hardware component that allows you to enter data and instructions into a computer/device.
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit.
What are two categories of computers?
Analog computers and digital computers.
What does the input phase of the Information Processing Cycle involve?
Entering data into a computer using input devices.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
A system of interconnected devices that can communicate and share data without human intervention.
Name two common input devices.
Keyboard and mouse.
What does RAM stand for and what is its function?
Random Access Memory; it stores instructions and data temporarily.
Name a portable personal computer designed to be carried around.
Laptop
What is the role of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) in processing?
The CPU performs processing, using memory (RAM) to store instructions and data.
Give an example of how computing power is embedded in everyday objects.
Smart home devices that can control lighting and temperature based on user preferences.
What is an output device?
Any hardware component that conveys information from a computer/device to one or more people.
Define 'software'.
A series of related instructions that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
What is the most powerful type of computer that performs trillions of calculations per second?
Supercomputer
What type of storage device uses flash memory and is typically more durable?
Solid-State Drive (SSD).
Name one trend in emerging computer technologies.
Mobile technology or cloud computing.
Give an example of an output device.
Monitor, Phone Screen, or printer.
What is a storage device?
A device that records and retrieves items to and from storage media.
What is digital device convergence?
The tendency of devices to take on each other's functions and combine them into one package (e.g., smartphones, smart watches).
Describe cloud storage.
An Internet service that provides remote storage to computer users, allowing for backup and retrieval of data.
How does Bill Gates' home demonstrate elements of ubiquitous computing?
His home has pressure-sensitive floors, automatic lights, and devices that can be controlled remotely via touch pads.
What port types might you identify for connecting devices?
USB, HDMI, Lightning.
What is the significance of binary in computing?
It is the basic language of computers, using digits 0 and 1 to represent data.