DATA, INFORMATION & IT
This is created when data is processed and placed into context.
→ Information
This computer type is used by banks and airlines.
→ Mainframe
Hardware refers to components you can do this with.
→ Physically touch
A device that enters data into a computer.
→ Input device
The two types of output.
→ Softcopy & Hardcopy
Another name for CPU.
→ Processor/brain of the computer
Which storage can be accessed from anywhere with internet?
→ Cloud storage.
Two major types of software.
→ System & Application.
What is an operating system?
→ Software that manages hardware & provides services.
If “10, apple, banana” are data, give an example of information using those.
→ “I have 10 apples and 20 bananas.”
This type handles hurricane prediction and military simulations.
→ Supercomputer
Name the 5 major hardware components.
→ Input, Output, CPU, Primary Memory, Secondary Storage
Identify a manual input device.
→ Keyboard, mouse, joystick, etc.
The output device used for visual display.
→ Monitor
Two parts of the CPU.
→ ALU & CU
Which storage works even with no internet?
→ Local storage.
Software that manages hardware.
→ System software (OS).
Give two examples of operating systems.
→ Windows, macOS, Linux.
IT involves computers plus this other major area.
→ Telecommunications
The computer type most people have at home.
→ Desktop computer / Personal computer
Which component controls ALL actions in the computer?
→ CPU
Identify a direct data entry device.
→ OCR, barcode reader, etc.
This output uses film instead of paper.
→ Microfilm
Part that performs arithmetic operations.
→ ALU
Why is cloud storage good for collaboration?
→ Easy shared access.
Software used for specific user tasks.
→ Application software.
What does the OS do when the computer starts up?
→ Loads system files; manages boot process.
Explain why raw data alone cannot guide good decision-making.
→ It has no context or meaning until processed.
Laptops and tablets fall under this class of devices.
→ Mobile/Handheld devices
Which memory loses data after power goes?
→ RAM
Device used at supermarkets to scan barcodes.
→ Barcode reader/POS
Give an example of an audio output device.
→ Speakers/headphones
Part that fetches instructions.
→ Control Unit
Why can too many users slow down a cloud service?
→ Shared server resources.
Give an example of general-purpose software.
→ Word processor, spreadsheet.
→ Word processor, spreadsheet.
One function of the OS.
→ Manages memory / files / storage / I/O.
What characteristic distinguishes data from information?
→ Data is unorganized; information is organized and meaningful.
A digital watch is an example of this type of system.
→ Embedded system
Which memory holds permanent startup instructions?
→ ROM
What input device converts handwriting to editable text?
→ OCR
Which printers spray ink?
→ Inkjet printers
Which part compares data values?
→ ALU
Why are hard drives faster for saving files than cloud?
→ No upload/download needed.
Why is general-purpose software cheaper?
→ Mass-produced for millions.
Why is the OS needed before apps run?
→ Apps rely on OS services.
Correct this statement: “Information is always numerical.”
→ Information can be text, numbers, images, etc.—as long as it is meaningful.
Which computer type is extremely expensive and needs full-time staff?
→ Mainframe
Why does a computer need both RAM and secondary storage?
→ RAM is temporary; storage is long-term.
What input device uses magnetic ink on cheques?
→ MICR
Which printers use toner & heat?
→ Laser printers
Why is the CPU considered the brain?
→ It executes all instructions.
Why is cloud storage considered safer (in most cases)?
→ High-level encryption and security teams.
What is custom-written (bespoke) software?
→ Software made for one organization.
Why is securing the computing environment important?
→ Prevents unauthorized access.
Identify a workplace task that begins as data but ends as information.
→ Sales numbers → monthly sales report.
Which type of computer is best for a 3D car design company?
→ Supercomputer or high-end workstation
What happens to an unsaved document when power disconnects?
→ Lost (RAM is volatile)
Device used on exam MCQ sheets.
→ OMR
Which printers strike paper?
→ Impact printers
Which CPU part controls other components?
→ Control Unit
Why does cloud require good internet?
→ All access depends on online connectivity.
Why is custom software more expensive?
→ Designed from scratch.
Why do computers need utilities like antivirus?
→ Maintain and protect the system.
Why does a computer need information but only receives data?
→ It processes data to generate information.
What feature makes mobile devices different from desktops?
→ Battery-powered + portable
Why is ROM necessary even though computers have hard drives?
→ It stores startup/boot instructions.
Give an input device used for security.
→ Biometric scanner
Which impact printer prints one line at a time?
→ Line printer
Why can’t computers function without the CU?
→ No coordination of operations.
Why do companies use cloud storage for backup?
→ Offsite backup prevents physical damage losses.
Why do large hospitals use custom software?
→ Tailored for their specific processes.
Which OS function prevents two apps from using the same memory location?
→ Memory management.
Give an example of information turning back into data.
→ A summary report used as an input for a new forecasting model.
Why can’t embedded systems be easily upgraded?
→ They are designed for 1–2 specific tasks only.
Give an example of a device that contains RAM other than computers.
→ Smartphones, cars, washing machines.
Which device uses voice as input?
→ Voice recognition system
Which printer uses pins to create dots?
→ Dot-matrix
If the ALU malfunctions, what tasks fail?
→ Calculations, comparisons.
Why might a business choose local storage instead of cloud?
→ More control + no internet dependency.
Off-the-shelf software is designed for whom?
→ The general public.
Why does the OS manage processor resources?
→ Ensures fair CPU time to programs.
What happens if you process wrong data?
→ You get wrong information (garbage in, garbage out).
Which type of computer do you use the most daily without noticing?
→ Embedded systems (cars, microwaves, etc.)
Name one advantage and one disadvantage of RAM.
→ Fast access; volatile memory.
Why is OCR less accurate for sloppy handwriting?
→ It relies on clear character shapes.
Why are impact printers useful for invoices?
→ Carbon-copy printing.
Why is CPU speed linked to overall performance?
→ Faster instruction execution.
If a cloud server goes down, what happens to access?
→ Files become temporarily inaccessible.
Give an example of specialized software.
→ AutoCAD, MATLAB.
If the OS’s file system becomes corrupted, what happens?
→ Files may be inaccessible.
Explain how context changes data into information with an example.
→ “25” could be temperature, age, score—context creates meaning.
Why don’t airlines use personal computers instead of mainframes?
→ PCs cannot handle massive simultaneous transactions.
Why can’t ROM be used as main storage?
→ It cannot be changed easily.
Why is OMR more accurate than OCR for exams?
→ Only checks presence of marks, not text.
Which tool do architects use for large drawings?
→ Plotter
Explain “fetch-decode-execute”.
→ CPU cycle.
Why is cloud storage cheaper per gigabyte?
→ Shared infrastructure.
Why is specialized software not ideal for regular home users?
→ Too complex + expensive.
Why do operating systems offer updates?
→ Security patches + improvements.
Why is information considered more valuable than data in a business?
→ It supports decision-making.
Which is more powerful: supercomputer or mainframe? Explain.
→ Supercomputer—optimized for speed/complex calculations.
Why is a larger RAM useful for games?
→ More space to load active data = smoother performance.
Device that is input AND pointing device but has no buttons.
→ Touchpad
Which type of plotter keeps paper still?
→ Flatbed
Why can't the CPU store permanent data?
→ Uses Registers/RAM; volatile.
Why is local storage better for sensitive government data?
→ Direct control and privacy.
Why is integrated software convenient?
→ Contains multiple tools in one suite.
Why does multitasking require an OS?
→ Schedules multiple apps efficiently.
Why is a computer program useless without data?
→ Programs process data; without data they cannot function.
Why are supercomputers not used in schools?
→ Too expensive and too specialized.
Why don’t computers store everything in secondary storage alone?
→ It is slower than RAM.
Why do restaurants prefer touch screens over keyboards?
→ Faster, intuitive, less space.
Why are laser printers preferred in offices over inkjets?
→ Faster, higher quality, more efficient.
Why do games require powerful CPUs?
→ Complex computations.
Why do students prefer cloud for assignments?
→ Accessible anywhere + automatic syncing.
What type of software is Microsoft Office?
→ Off-the-shelf + integrated.
Why do utilities not replace operating systems?
→ Utilities support; OS controls core operations.
Which is easier to store long-term: data or information? Why?
→ Information—already organized and structured.
A device that is BOTH an input and output device found in mobile computing.
→ Touch screen
Is a printer part of hardware? Why?
→ Yes—physical device.
Why is a joystick better for robot control compared to a mouse?
→ 360-degree real-time movement.
Which printer is silent and fast but expensive in color?
→ Laser printer
Why does multitasking require multiple CPU cores?
→ Parallel processing.
Why is cloud not always reliable during storms?
→ Internet disruptions.
Why does a computer need system software before application software?
→ OS manages hardware required for apps.
Why do smartphones use mobile versions of OSs?
→ Optimized for battery + touchscreens.
Why might two people with the same data produce different information?
→ Because interpretation and context differ.
What makes embedded systems more reliable than PCs?
→ They run limited, dedicated functions.
Give an example of hardware that functions ONLY when combined with software.
→ Keyboard, mouse, monitor (hardware needs software drivers).
Explain how a scanner converts images into digital format.
→ Reads line by line and digitizes it.
What modern output device creates 3D objects?
→ 3D printer
Which component actually runs your apps: ALU or CU?
→ Both—CU directs; ALU performs operations.
Explain how using both cloud + local storage increases safety.
→ Redundancy/backups.
Why are mobile apps considered application software?
→ They perform user-specific tasks.
Why is an OS with a good user interface important?
→ Makes interaction easier and reduces errors.