STUDY GUIDE (MEADER SDSU)EXAM
100% CORRECT
CPU/Processor - ANSWERThe actual hardware that interprets and executes the
program (software) instructions and coordinates how all other hardware devices work
together
EX: arithmetic, evaluation conditions, compare #, letters, characters
Processor Clock Speed - ANSWERThe speed of the internal clock on the CPU that sets
the pace that operations go at within the computer's internal processes circuitry,
measured in Ghz
(Ghz=frequency of electricity)
Primary Storage/RAM (Random Access Memory) - ANSWER-the computer's main
memory, contains RAM, cache memory, and ROM. It is directly accessible to the CPU.
-Stores data directly accessible by computer's CPU, access with minimal delay, stores
data loaded by active programs and operating systems, uses electrical current
Secondary Data Storage (Hard disk/ External drive/Internal Hard Drive) - ANSWER-
Equipment designed to hold large volumes of data for long term storage, nonvolatile, do
not lose their information when the computer is turned off, Hard disk or external drive
-Not directly connected with CPU, hard drive sends and receives data through an I/P
bus, may pass through other memory before getting to CPU, not as fast, retain data
when comp is off, stores magnetically
ROM(Read Only Memory) - ANSWERPortion of a computer's primary storage that does
not lose its contents when the computer is turned off, it contains essential programs that
neither the computer, nor the user can erase, uses flash memory
Bit - ANSWERShort for Binary digit, smallest element of data, either 0 off or 1 on
Byte - ANSWERgroup of 8 bits, operate as single unit
KB - ANSWERkilobyte 1,024 Bytes (10^3)
MB - ANSWERmegabyte, 1,024 KB (10^6)
, GB - ANSWERgigabyte, 1,024 MB (10^9 bytes)
TB - ANSWERterabyte, 1,024 GB (10^12 bytes)
PB - ANSWERpetabyte, 1,024 TB (10^15 bytes)
Operating System - ANSWERControls the application software and manages how the
hardware devices work together
Application Software - ANSWERUsed for specific information processing needs; used to
solve specific problems or perform specific tasks
Humans create apps/programming lang - ANSWER(Java, Python, C++, C#,
VisualBasic) programming lang lets humans write instructions in source code telling
computer what to do
Source Code - ANSWERcontains instructions written by a programer specifying the
actions to be performed by computer software (looks like english)
EX: if score is >=4.0 then print "grade is A"
Object Code - ANSWERlooks like numbers- what the computer understands
EX: 10010010
Open Source - ANSWER1) user owned, customizable, free, self/hired maintenance,
world wide community of developers add to it.
2) Refers to any software whose source code is made available free (not on a fee or
licensing basis as in ebusiness) for any third party to review and modify
Proprietary (Code) - ANSWERVendor owned(apple/microsoft), not changeable, any
price vendor charges to acquire, vendor maintained, developers for vendors add
features
General Purpose app - ANSWERRequires a minimal investment and is used to conduct
a wide variety of operations. However, it may not fulfill all of a business' needs
EX: software suites, web browser, email, word process
Functional app - ANSWERMore expensive and do less tasks, but they will be able to
serve the exact function you need them for.
EX: business acct, transaction processing, customer relationship, management
3 ways that businesses acquire software - ANSWER1) Custom buit (self programmed)