CAT 2024 term 1 test

• A common type of computer is the desktop computer, found in offices, businesses, and school computer labs
• Desktop computers are multi-purpose tools used to complete a wide variety of tasks better and faster
• Computers have hardware (physical parts) and software (programs or instructions)
• The Information Processing Cycle: computers receive input, process it, and produce some form of output
• Data are unprocessed items like text, images, sound, and video, while information is the result of processing data and must be useful and meaningful
• The operating system is the most important program on a computer, controlling all activities on the computer
• The operating system loads automatically when the computer is turned on, sometimes requiring <Ctrl><Alt><Delete> to log in and entering a username and password
• The desktop is the first basic "screen" of the operating system, where users can customize the computer by changing the background image and placing shortcuts to favorite programs and folders
• All modern software uses a graphical user interface (GUI) with graphical elements like icons and tiles for user interaction
• Mouse actions include clicking, double-clicking, right-clicking, dragging, and scrolling
• Shortcuts keys are often used next to menus, typically involving the Ctrl key and another key
• Utilities like the Snipping Tool and Calculator offer additional functions on a computer
• Application software includes word processing programs, typing tutors, and gaming software
• System software controls, supports, or manages the computer, with the operating system being the main system software
• The operating system manages all hardware and software on the computer, operates at a low level, preserves security, and provides a user interface
• The interface is the way in which the contents of the screen are arranged and presented for user interaction
• Input devices like keyboards and mice provide data and instructions to the computer
• Output devices like monitors and printers display the results of the computer's processing
• Monitors are measured diagonally in inches and their resolution refers to the number of pixels used to form the screen image
• Inkjet printers spray microscopic dots of ink onto paper, while laser printers use toner and are generally faster
• Printers are usually connected to a computer via a USB port and can be configured automatically as plug-and-play devices
• To change the default printer:

  • Go to the Control Panel via the Start menu or your computer's Settings
  • Find the Printer option which shows the currently installed printers
  • The default printer is indicated by a checkmark on its icon
• Printer waiting lists can be accessed through the Control Panel/Settings or by clicking on the printer icon in the message area (right side of taskbar)

  • You can right-click on a job to cancel, pause, or print it from the beginning
• Save:

  • It's where the computer stores the data and information it needs
  • Storage has a larger capacity than memory because it preserves all data and programs
  • Memory (RAM) doesn't retain its contents when the power is turned off, making it non-volatile
  • Storage media is the physical material where data and programs are stored
  • Storage devices are the computer hardware that reads and writes to storage media
• Hard drives:

  • Every computer has a hard drive inside the case that stores data as magnetic patterns on disk platters
  • The hard drive is usually called the C: drive
  • Hard drives can be subdivided into partitions like drives D: and E:
  • The storage capacity of a hard disk is measured in gigabytes (GB) and terabytes (TB)
• Flash drives:

  • These are relatively inexpensive storage devices that use electronic memory to store data
• Health and environmental issues related to using computers:

  • Using the keyboard and mouse can lead to painful conditions in the wrists and joints
  • Poor posture combined with small wrist movements can cause soreness and inflammation
  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI) results from rapid, repetitive actions
• Green computing tips:

  • Turn off computers and devices not in use
  • Avoid wasteful printing by proofreading on screen before printing
  • Instead of discarding old hardware, see if it can be reused or repaired
  • Consider refilling and reusing ink and toner cartridges
• To organize files effectively:

  • Plan the basic folder structure
  • Think about main categories (folders) to store files
  • Refine each level and use meaningful names for folders and files
  • Maintain the same file structure when transferring files between computers
• The importance of file extensions:

  • File extensions tell the operating system the file type and the program to use to open it
  • Changing a file's extension may cause it to load with a different program than intended
  • Explorer may not display file extensions by default
• Path:

  • A path is the sequence of directories leading to the location of a specific file
  • Backslash is used to separate directories in the path
• Operations on files:

  • Rename, sort, copy, move, or remove files
• Copy vs. move:

  • Copying a file creates two copies, while moving simply relocates the original file
• Converting between file types:

  • Share data in a format readable by both programs
  • Allow users with older program versions to access the data
• ICT stands for Information Communication Technology:

  • Involves transferring data/information between places
  • Includes systems technology, communication technology, and internet technology
• Types of computers:

  • General purpose computers run different applications for various tasks
  • Dedicated devices are designed for specific functions
  • Desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, tablets, smartphones, and servers are common types
• ICT systems:

  • Combination of hardware, software, data, processes, and people for collecting, processing, storing, retrieving, and communicating data and information
• Examples of ICT systems:

  • Computer system, cell phone system, POS system
• Advantages of a POS system:

  • Uses barcode scanning for faster and more accurate transactions
  • Enables automatic inventory management and efficient stock ordering
• Ontic uses of computers:

  • Facilitate stealing, spreading false information, creating malicious software