Exam 1 Review
Essentials Outlines
1. Computer Definition – The term has existed for hundreds of years.
According to the Computer Museum lesson, originally, a computer was a
person who worked on computers. Basically, a mathematician.
2. IPOS Cycle – Acronym stands for Input, Processing, Output, and
Storage. (Input from user informs computer program what to do.
Processing coverts data to information. Information output so user can
see results. Results can be stored for permanent record.) The Analytical
Engine introduced the concept of the “IPOS” cycle.
3. Charles Babbage – Was the designer of the Analytical Engine
recognizing him as the “father of computers.” He did NOT create a
computer.
4. 5 Classifications of Computers:
a. Super Computers – Largest, fastest, and most expensive computers
in the world. There are probably less than 2,000 of these multimillion-
dollar computers in operation. They are used for large volume data
processing. Supercomputer speeds are measures in FLOPS (Floating
Point Operations Per Second).
b. Mainframes – Are considered large systems used for processing large
volumes of data, just not as quite as expensive or fast as a super
computer. As computing needs of industry began to grow, mainframes
entered the business sector.
c. Mini Computers – Scaled down version of the aforementioned larger
systems. Organizations with large processing needs who couldn’t afford
a larger system would invest in a mini computer. Today, mini
computers are practically obsolete because of the increased popularity
and processing capabilities of PC’s and PC networks.
d. Multi User – There is one central computer called the “host.” All users
are attached to it sharing its centralized processors such as RAM,
software, and storage drives. The host is fast and powerful enough to
accommodate multiple users and perform diverse processing tasks.
e. Micro or Desktop Computer – The birth of the microcomputer
changed the computer manufacturing industry forever. Computers
, were now affordable with the widespread development of software and
a new demand and consumer market was created. Microcomputer
environments are said to be either stand-alone or local-area-network
(LAN).
5. Difference between raw data and useful information?:
Raw data is unorganized facts that need to be processed. When data is
processed it is presented in a give context to make it useful information.
6. What very important function is performed by input devices
besides sending data into RAM?: Raw data is organized. Critical first
step in processing: GIGO.
7. Compatibility Clones – Introduced in the micro computers classification.
These systems use the same software and hardware as the IBM PC.
8. What is the most important part/device of any computer?: Besides
the RAM, the CPU is the most important. The CPU is the component that
does all the calculations.
9. Multi-User Environments – Micro computers, servers, and workstations.
10. Micro Computer Environments – Stand-alone or local-area-network.
11. Hardware Devices:
a. Memory Slots – Connect memory modules to the motherboard.
b. Memory (RAM) Modules – Store data temporarily while you are
working with it.
c. Motherboard – Connects all components of the computer system; the
PC’s main circuit board.
d. Expansion Slots – Connects expansion cards to the motherboard to
add additional capabilities.
e. Expansion Card – Used to connect peripheral devices or add new
capabilities to a computer system.
f. CPU – Performs the calculations and does the comparisons needed for
processing, and controls the other parts of the computer system.
Essentials Outlines
1. Computer Definition – The term has existed for hundreds of years.
According to the Computer Museum lesson, originally, a computer was a
person who worked on computers. Basically, a mathematician.
2. IPOS Cycle – Acronym stands for Input, Processing, Output, and
Storage. (Input from user informs computer program what to do.
Processing coverts data to information. Information output so user can
see results. Results can be stored for permanent record.) The Analytical
Engine introduced the concept of the “IPOS” cycle.
3. Charles Babbage – Was the designer of the Analytical Engine
recognizing him as the “father of computers.” He did NOT create a
computer.
4. 5 Classifications of Computers:
a. Super Computers – Largest, fastest, and most expensive computers
in the world. There are probably less than 2,000 of these multimillion-
dollar computers in operation. They are used for large volume data
processing. Supercomputer speeds are measures in FLOPS (Floating
Point Operations Per Second).
b. Mainframes – Are considered large systems used for processing large
volumes of data, just not as quite as expensive or fast as a super
computer. As computing needs of industry began to grow, mainframes
entered the business sector.
c. Mini Computers – Scaled down version of the aforementioned larger
systems. Organizations with large processing needs who couldn’t afford
a larger system would invest in a mini computer. Today, mini
computers are practically obsolete because of the increased popularity
and processing capabilities of PC’s and PC networks.
d. Multi User – There is one central computer called the “host.” All users
are attached to it sharing its centralized processors such as RAM,
software, and storage drives. The host is fast and powerful enough to
accommodate multiple users and perform diverse processing tasks.
e. Micro or Desktop Computer – The birth of the microcomputer
changed the computer manufacturing industry forever. Computers
, were now affordable with the widespread development of software and
a new demand and consumer market was created. Microcomputer
environments are said to be either stand-alone or local-area-network
(LAN).
5. Difference between raw data and useful information?:
Raw data is unorganized facts that need to be processed. When data is
processed it is presented in a give context to make it useful information.
6. What very important function is performed by input devices
besides sending data into RAM?: Raw data is organized. Critical first
step in processing: GIGO.
7. Compatibility Clones – Introduced in the micro computers classification.
These systems use the same software and hardware as the IBM PC.
8. What is the most important part/device of any computer?: Besides
the RAM, the CPU is the most important. The CPU is the component that
does all the calculations.
9. Multi-User Environments – Micro computers, servers, and workstations.
10. Micro Computer Environments – Stand-alone or local-area-network.
11. Hardware Devices:
a. Memory Slots – Connect memory modules to the motherboard.
b. Memory (RAM) Modules – Store data temporarily while you are
working with it.
c. Motherboard – Connects all components of the computer system; the
PC’s main circuit board.
d. Expansion Slots – Connects expansion cards to the motherboard to
add additional capabilities.
e. Expansion Card – Used to connect peripheral devices or add new
capabilities to a computer system.
f. CPU – Performs the calculations and does the comparisons needed for
processing, and controls the other parts of the computer system.
