Understanding Computer Fundamentals: FAQ

What is a Computer?

A computer is an information processing machine capable of storing a large amount of data.

What is an Abacus?

The Abacus was a device capable of performing automatic calculations.

What is the Computer's Brain?

The computer's brain is the microprocessor.

What is Multimedia?

Multimedia is the ability to use images and sound through the computer.

What is the Internet?

The Internet is a network that allows access to information stored on computers.

What is Compatibility?

Compatibility refers to the ability of different components or software to work together.

What is a Power Supply?

The power supply is a component that connects your computer to the electric current.

What is the Motherboard?

The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer, and compatibility is crucial for its components.

What is a Processor?

The processor is the real brain of the computer. It controls all operations.

What was the First Processor and its Speed?

This question requires further clarification as the provided answer (43.0 GHz) is inaccurate and lacks context. The first commercial microprocessor was the Intel 4004, with a clock speed of 740 kHz.

What is RAM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is where the computer stores data and programs temporarily.

What is a Graphics Card?

A graphics card is a component that processes images and sends them to the display.

What is a Sound Card?

A sound card allows the computer to produce and process sound.

What is a Typical Computer Configuration?

A typical computer configuration includes a processor, RAM, hard drive, graphics card, sound card, and peripherals. When buying a computer, hard drive capacity is a key consideration.

What is Hardware and Software?

Hardware is the physical part of the computer. Software is the logical part (programs and data).

What are Input Devices?

Input devices include the joystick, microphone, scanner, and webcam.

What are Output Devices?

Output devices include the monitor, printer, and speakers.

What is a Pixel?

A pixel is a very small part of the screen (e.g., in an 800x600 resolution).

What is the Most Common Screen Size?

Common screen sizes are 14, 15, 17, and 21 inches.

What are Two Types of Printers?

Two types of printers are inkjet and laser printers.

What are Input-Output Devices?

Input-output devices, such as modems and routers, can both send and receive data.

What is the Key Feature of a Modem and its Unit?

Modems (including ADSL modems) transmit data over telephone lines or other media. Data transfer rates are measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), etc. CDs and DVDs are optical storage devices.

How is Information Stored on a Hard Drive?

Information is stored on platters within the hard drive.

How Many Values Can a Bit Have?

A bit can have two values: 0 or 1.

What is a Byte and What Does it Represent?

A byte is a set of 8 bits. Each byte can represent a character or other data.

How Much Data Can a Floppy Disk Hold?

A standard floppy disk can hold 1.44 MB of data.

How is Information Stored on a CD-ROM?

Information is stored on a CD-ROM by creating microscopic pits in a spiral pattern. A laser reads these pits.

Why Can a CD-ROM Store More Data Than 500 Floppy Disks?

A CD-ROM has a much higher storage capacity than a floppy disk. Floppy disks have very small memory compared to CD-ROMs.