Module 2

• Why is computer literacy vital in today’s world?

  It is essential for success in various personal and professional contexts.
• What is the Information Processing Cycle?


  It involves collecting data (input), processing it, and producing information (output).
• What are the different types of computers mentioned in the study material?

  • Personal computers
  • Mobile computers and mobile devices
  • Game consoles
  • Servers
  • Mainframes
  • Supercomputers
  • Embedded computers
• What is a personal computer?


  A personal computer can perform all input, processing, output, and storage activities by itself.
• What are examples of mobile computers?

  Notebook computers, laptop computers, netbooks, ultra-thins, and Tablet PCs.
• What is a mobile device?


  A computing device small enough to hold in your hand, such as smartphones and PDAs.
• What is the purpose of a game console?

  It is designed for single-player or multiplayer video games.
• What role does a server play in a network?

  A server controls access to hardware, software, and resources on a network.
• What is a mainframe computer?

  A large, expensive, powerful computer that can handle hundreds or thousands of connected users simultaneously.
• What distinguishes a supercomputer?

  It is the fastest, most powerful computer capable of processing more than one quadrillion instructions in a single second.
• What is an embedded computer?

  A special-purpose computer that functions as a component in a larger product.
• What are some examples of consumer electronics that use embedded computers?

  • Mobile and digital telephones
  • Digital televisions
  • Cameras
  • Video recorders
  • DVD players and recorders
  • Answering machines
• What are some examples of home automation devices that use embedded computers?

  • Thermostats
  • Sprinkling systems
  • Security monitoring systems
  • Appliances
  • Lights
• What are some examples of embedded computers in automobiles?

  • Antilock brakes
  • Engine control modules
  • Airbag controllers
  • Cruise control
• What are some examples of process controllers and robotics that use embedded computers?

  • Remote monitoring systems
  • Power monitors
  • Machine controllers
  • Medical devices
• What are some examples of computer devices and office machines?

  • Keyboards
  • Printers
  • Faxes
  • Copiers
• What is the Abacus?

  An ancient counting device using beads on rods, still widely used in Asia.
• What is the Slide Rule?

  A device based on Napier’s rules for logarithms, used until the 1970s.
• What is the Jacquard Loom?

  A device fitted to a power loom that simplifies the manufacturing of textiles with complex patterns.
• Who designed the Analytical Engine?

  Charles Babbage.
• What were the biggest advancements that led to modern computers?

  Electricity, transistors, microchips, and data storage.
• What characterizes the first generation of electronic computers?

  • Used vacuum tubes
  • Vacuum tubes protect circuitry by having no air inside
  • Example: UNIVAC
• What is the UNIVAC?

  An electrical computer containing thousands of vacuum tubes that utilizes punch cards for input and output.
• Who programmed the UNIVAC?

  Grace Hopper.
• What is the significance of the first computer "bug"?

  Grace Hopper found a moth stuck in a relay, leading to the term "debugging."
• What characterizes the second generation of computers?

  • Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes
  • Smaller, faster, and cheaper than first-generation computers
  • Developed by John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley
• What characterizes the third generation of computers?

  • Introduced integrated circuits (ICs)
  • Reduced size and increased speed compared to second-generation computers
• What characterizes the fourth generation of computers?

  • Took advantage of microprocessors (CPUs)
  • Enabled computers to fit easily on desks and introduced laptops
• What characterizes the fifth generation of computers?

  • Beginning to use artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Significant advancements but still room for improvement
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using computers?

  Advantages:

  • Speed
  • Reliability
  • Consistency
  • Storage
  • Communications

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Health risks
  • Violation of privacy
  • Public safety concerns
  • Impact on labor force
  • Environmental impact
• What is green computing?

  • Reducing electricity consumption
  • Minimizing environmental waste
  • Strategies include recycling, regulating manufacturing, extending computer life, and proper disposal
• What are the main components of a computer?

  • Hardware
  • Software
  • Data
  • People
  • Procedures
• What is the role of input and output devices in a computer?

  • Input devices allow data entry
  • Output devices convey information to users
• What is the system unit of a computer?

  • Contains electronic components used to process data
• What is the function of a storage device?

  • Records and retrieves items to and from storage media
• What is the purpose of a communications device in a computer?

  • Enables data exchange between computers or mobile devices
• What is software?


  Software, or a program, tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.
• What is the difference between system software and application software?


  System software includes the operating system and utility programs, while application software performs specific tasks for users.
• What is the process of installing software?


  It is the process of setting up software to work with the computer and other hardware.
• What is the role of a programmer?

  A programmer develops software or writes instructions that direct the computer to process data into information.