Theory - Computer Science

• What is a peripheral?


  A device connected to your computer to provide an input and output.
• What is an input?

  when a computer or device is receiving a command
• What is an output?


  the information that it displays on a screen or prints on paper as a result of a particular program
• State 4 sensors found in smartphones


  accelerometer (tracks different motions and changes orientation of the screen), fingerprint sensor (allows users to unlock phone, etc.), light sensor (senses the amount of ambient light and dims display screen accordingly), proximity sensor (turns off display screen when phone near the face during a phone call)
• 4 things with AI support


  Siri, Google Assistant, Chat GPT and Alexa
• Hard Disk Drive


  This stores all the software, files and data on the computer. Similar, to your long term memory.
• What does RAM stand for? What part of the brain is it similar to?

  Random Access Memory = Short Term Memory
• Computer Casing


  The case of the computer holds everything together and keeps each of the components in place, like our skeleton
• Power Supply


  A device that provides electricity to the computer to power all the components like our heart.
• Motherboard

  Like the nervous system, the motherboard sends messages to the other components in a computer
• Processor

  This is where all the tasks (processes) are carried out. Similar to the brain.
• How would you be able to decode binary messages?


  By using the ASCII table
• How do computers communicate?


  Through 1's and 0's aka Binary
• What is another word for binary?

  Machine Code
• List some health problems when continuously using a computer.


  RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury, Eye Strain, and Back Problems)
• What could be one of the solutions if you have back problems?

  Purchasing an adjustable chair as back problems mainly occur because of poor posture.
• What usually causes RSI (repetitive strain injury)?


  damage usually to repeated movements in fingers and wrist over a long period of time
• What usually causes Eye Strain?

  long periods of staring at the screen, particularly in poor light or with a flickering screen
• What could be some solutions if you have to constantly strain your eyes?

  Have screen filters or take suitable breaks away from the screen
• What could be one of the solutions if you have a repetitive strain injury?

  5 minute breaks every hour /wrist rests or correct posture
• What must businesses ensure for their employee's healthcare if they regularly use computers?

  adjustable chairs, tiltable screens, foot support

  suitable lighting etc.
• What is the name of the legislation(law) that ensures these conditions are followed by businesses?


  Health & Safety at Work Act
• What is Kernel?


  The core that provides basic services for all other parts of the OS.
• What does Kernel help with?


  It helps with tasks such as process and memory management, file systems, device control and networking.
• What are the two types of network?

  LAN and WAN
• What does LAN stand for?

  Local Area Network
• What does WAN stand for?

  Wide Area Network
• What are the benefits of having a network?


  able to share hardware, software and data so other people can access shared documents and files from different computers
• What are the problems of having a network?

  There is a danger of hacking and viruses
• What is a network topology?


  the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. An example is Star Topology.
• What is a mobile network?


  Technology that goes where the user goes. It consists of portable two-way communications devices, computing devices and the networking technology that connects them.
• What are the benefits of networks?