Results
#1. Printers that create output by physically striking the paper are called:
Impact printers form characters by striking an inked ribbon against paper. The dot matrix printer is an example.
#2. An early mechanical calculating device using beads on rods is the:
The abacus is an ancient counting device using beads. It predates mechanical calculators by many centuries.
#3. The four basic operations in the information processing cycle are input, processing, output and:
The information processing cycle consists of input, processing, output and storage. These are the core functions of a computer.
#4. A printer that forms characters by spraying droplets of ink is a/an:
An inkjet printer forms images by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper. It is common for home use.
#5. The set of all instructions that a particular CPU can execute is called its:
The instruction set is the collection of instructions a CPU can execute. Different CPU families have different instruction sets.
#6. A small, embedded computer inside an appliance such as a washing machine is an example of:
An embedded system is a computer built into a larger device to perform a specific function. It is common in household appliances.
#7. A device that reads printed text or images and converts them into digital form is a:
A scanner reads printed documents or images and converts them into digital form. It is an input device.
#8. A touch-sensitive input device found on laptops in place of a mouse is a:
A touchpad is a touch-sensitive surface used to control the cursor on laptops. It replaces the mouse.
#9. Fifth-generation computers are associated with the development of:
Fifth-generation computing is associated with artificial intelligence and parallel processing.
#10. A flat-panel display technology using liquid crystals is abbreviated as:
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display, a flat-panel display technology. It is widely used in monitors and screens.
#11. A device that produces sound output from a computer is a:
A speaker produces sound output from a computer. It is an output device.
#12. A device that reads bar codes, commonly used at shop checkouts, is a:
A barcode reader scans and interprets barcodes as input. It is common in retail.
#13. The speed of a computer is generally much greater than that of a human because a computer:
A computer processes instructions electronically at very high speed. This gives it a major advantage in repetitive calculation.
#14. The point at which a peripheral device is connected to the system unit is a:
A port is a connection point where a peripheral is attached to the computer. Examples include USB ports.
#15. The type of computer historically placed between mainframes and microcomputers in power is the:
Minicomputers historically occupied the middle range between mainframes and microcomputers. The category has largely merged with servers.
#16. A large, powerful computer used by organisations for bulk data processing is a:
A mainframe is a large computer used by organisations to process large volumes of data. It supports many users at once.
#17. The smallest element of a picture on a display screen is a:
A pixel is the smallest addressable element of a display image. Screens are made up of a grid of pixels.
#18. The device that displays visual output on a screen is the:
The monitor displays visual output. It is an output device.
#19. The part of the CPU that directs and coordinates the operations of the computer is the:
The control unit directs and coordinates the operations of the computer. It interprets instructions and controls the flow of data.
#20. The technology associated with fourth-generation computers is the:
Fourth-generation computers are based on the microprocessor, which integrates the CPU on a single chip.
#21. The performance of a CPU can be improved by increasing the number of cores and the:
CPU performance can be improved by increasing clock speed and the number of cores. Cache size also affects performance.
#22. The CPU, along with main memory, forms the core of what is sometimes called the:
The system unit houses the CPU, main memory and other core components. Peripherals connect to it.
#23. Machine language instructions are represented in:
Machine language instructions are represented in binary, using ones and zeros. This is the only form the CPU executes directly.
#24. A computer designed to perform one specific task is called a:
A special-purpose computer is built to perform a single dedicated task. An example is a computer controlling traffic lights.
#25. A computer that processes data in the form of discrete digits is a/an:
A digital computer processes data as discrete binary digits. Most modern computers are digital.
#26. A general-purpose computer can perform:
A general-purpose computer can be programmed to perform many different tasks. This flexibility distinguishes it from special-purpose devices.
#27. A device that produces printed output on paper is a:
A printer produces hard-copy output on paper. It is an output device.
#28. The three basic steps of the machine cycle are fetch, decode and:
The machine cycle consists of fetching an instruction, decoding it and executing it. Some descriptions add a store step.
#29. In the fetch-execute cycle, execution means:
Execution means carrying out the operation specified by the instruction. The arithmetic logic unit is often involved.
#30. A device that captures video and still images for a computer is a:
A webcam captures video and images as input to a computer. It is an input device.
#31. The term used for a single execution of the fetch-decode-execute sequence is a:
A machine cycle is one complete fetch-decode-execute sequence. The CPU performs many such cycles per second.
#32. In the fetch-execute cycle, decoding means:
Decoding means interpreting the fetched instruction to determine the operation required. The control unit performs this step.
#33. A pipeline in a processor allows it to:
Pipelining allows a processor to start a new instruction before the previous one completes. This improves throughput.
#34. The two main components of the CPU are the control unit and the:
The CPU consists mainly of the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit. Registers are also part of the CPU.
#35. Small, high-speed storage locations inside the CPU are called:
Registers are small, very fast storage locations within the CPU. They temporarily hold data and instructions during processing.
#36. The main electronic component used in third-generation computers was the:
Third-generation computers used integrated circuits, placing many components on a single chip.
#37. The sharpness of an image on a monitor is described by its:
Resolution describes the sharpness of a display, measured in pixels. Higher resolution shows more detail.
#38. A device that converts sound into a signal a computer can process is a:
A microphone captures sound as input for the computer. It is an input device.
#39. A printer that forms characters by striking pins against an inked ribbon is a:
A dot matrix printer strikes pins against an inked ribbon to form characters. It is an impact printer.
#40. A computer that combines features of both analog and digital computers is a/an:
A hybrid computer combines analog and digital features. Such systems are used in some specialised applications.
#41. The part of the CPU that performs calculations and logical comparisons is the:
The arithmetic logic unit performs arithmetic operations and logical comparisons. It is a core part of the CPU.
#42. The control unit interprets instructions and sends signals to:
The control unit interprets each instruction and issues control signals to coordinate the other components. It manages the flow of operations.
#43. A device used to enter data into a computer is called a/an:
An input device is used to enter data and instructions into a computer. The keyboard and mouse are common examples.
#44. A computer that provides services or resources to other computers on a network is a:
A server provides resources or services to other computers, called clients, over a network. It is central to networked systems.
#45. Data and instructions are held temporarily during processing in the computer’s:
Main memory holds data and instructions temporarily while they are being processed. The CPU accesses it directly.
#46. The abbreviation CPU stands for:
CPU stands for Central Processing Unit. It is the component that executes instructions.
#47. The component that synchronises the operations of the CPU by generating regular pulses is the:
The system clock generates regular pulses that synchronise CPU operations. Its rate is measured in hertz.
#48. A computer that requests services from a server on a network is a:
A client is a computer that requests services or resources from a server. This is the basis of the client-server model.
#49. A light-sensitive input device used to read information by pointing at a screen or surface is a:
A light pen is a pointing input device that detects light from a screen. It allows direct interaction with a display.
#50. The general term for a processor with multiple processing units on one chip is:
A multi-core processor contains two or more cores on a single chip. This improves performance for parallel tasks.
#51. Equipment connected to a computer that is not part of the core system unit is called a:
A peripheral is a device connected to but not part of the core computer, such as a printer or scanner. Peripherals extend functionality.
#52. A device used to input hand-drawn images and signatures directly is a:
A graphics tablet allows a user to draw or write directly as input. It is used by designers and artists.
#53. A computer that processes continuous physical quantities rather than discrete digits is a/an:
An analog computer works with continuous data such as voltage or temperature. A digital computer works with discrete values.
#54. Software permanently stored on a hardware device, such as in a chip, is called:
Firmware is software stored permanently on a hardware chip. It provides low-level control for the device.
#55. A modem is a device that allows a computer to:
A modem enables a computer to send and receive data over a communication line. It can act as both input and output.
#56. A computer that fits on a desk and is intended for one user is commonly called a:
A desktop computer is a personal computer designed to stay in one place. It is intended for individual use.
#57. The physical components of a computer that can be touched are called:
Hardware refers to the physical, tangible parts of a computer. Software refers to programs and data.
#58. A processor containing two independent processing units on one chip is described as:
A dual-core processor has two independent processing cores on one chip. Multiple cores allow parallel processing.
#59. The characteristic of a computer that means it does not become tired is called:
Diligence refers to a computer’s ability to perform tasks repeatedly without tiring or losing concentration. It is a key characteristic.
#60. The bus that carries the actual data between components is the:
The data bus carries the actual data being transferred between components. Its width affects how much data moves at once.
#61. The register that holds the instruction currently being executed is the:
The instruction register holds the instruction currently being decoded and executed. The control unit reads it during decoding.
#62. The control unit and arithmetic logic unit together, with registers, make up the:
The control unit, arithmetic logic unit and registers together make up the processor, or CPU. It is the centre of processing.
#63. The abbreviation PC stands for:
PC commonly stands for Personal Computer. The term describes a computer for individual use.
#64. The primary function of a computer is to process:
The primary function of a computer is to process data into information. It performs input, processing, storage and output.
#65. The main electronic component used in second-generation computers was the:
Second-generation computers used transistors, which were smaller and more reliable than vacuum tubes.
#66. Processed data that has meaning and is useful is called:
Information is data that has been processed to give it meaning. It is the output of processing.
#67. The CPU is often referred to as the ___ of the computer.
The central processing unit is often called the brain of the computer because it carries out instructions. It controls and processes data.
#68. A small, very fast memory located close to or inside the CPU to speed up access is the:
Cache is a small, fast memory that stores frequently used data close to the CPU. It reduces access time.
#69. In the fetch-execute cycle, fetching means:
Fetching means retrieving the next instruction from memory. The instruction is then decoded and executed.
#70. Raw, unprocessed facts and figures entered into a computer are called:
Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts. When processed and given meaning, it becomes information.
#71. The first electronic general-purpose computer, completed in the 1940s, was known as:
ENIAC was among the first electronic general-purpose computers. It used vacuum tubes.
#72. The technology that recognises printed or written text and converts it to editable form is:
Optical Character Recognition converts printed or handwritten text into machine-readable form. It is used in document scanning.
#73. The main electronic component used in first-generation computers was the:
First-generation computers used vacuum tubes for circuitry. They were large and consumed much power.
#74. Instructions that a CPU can directly understand and execute are written in:
A CPU directly executes machine language, consisting of binary instructions. High-level languages must be translated into it.
#75. A portable personal computer with an integrated screen and keyboard is a:
A laptop is a portable personal computer. It combines the screen, keyboard and battery in one unit.
#76. A device used to present processed data to the user is called a/an:
An output device presents processed data to the user. Monitors and printers are examples.
#77. The person widely regarded as the father of the computer for designing the Analytical Engine was:
Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine and is often called the father of the computer. It was a mechanical general-purpose design.
#78. The programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do are called:
Software consists of the programs and instructions that direct the hardware. It is intangible.
#79. A control device used mainly for playing computer games is a:
A joystick is an input device used chiefly for games and control applications. It reports direction and movement.
#80. A personal computer designed for individual use is classified as a:
A microcomputer is a small computer built around a microprocessor. Personal computers are microcomputers.
#81. The widely used general-purpose port for connecting many peripherals is the:
The Universal Serial Bus port is a widely used general-purpose connection for peripherals. It supports many device types.
#82. A pointing device used to control a cursor on screen is the:
The mouse is a pointing device that controls the cursor. It is an input device.
#83. The technology that detects marks made in predefined positions, used in answer sheets, is:
Optical Mark Recognition detects marks in set positions on a form. It is used to read multiple-choice answer sheets.
#84. The most powerful and fastest category of computer is the:
Supercomputers are the most powerful category, used for complex scientific computation. They perform very large numbers of calculations.
#85. The bus that carries the location of data in memory is the:
The address bus carries memory addresses, identifying where data is to be read or written. Its width affects addressable memory.
#86. The keyboard and mouse are examples of ___ devices.
The keyboard and mouse both enter data into the computer, making them input devices. They do not display results.
#87. A device that produces high-quality line drawings such as engineering plans is a:
A plotter is an output device that draws high-quality line graphics. It is used for large technical drawings.
#88. The overall design and organisation of a computer’s processor and system is called its:
Computer architecture refers to the design and organisation of a computer system. It includes the instruction set and structure.
#89. A microprocessor is a CPU contained on a single:
A microprocessor is a central processing unit built on a single integrated circuit. It made personal computers possible.
#90. The register that holds the address of the next instruction to be executed is the:
The program counter holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched. It is updated as execution proceeds.
#91. The stored-program concept, in which instructions are held in memory, is associated with:
John von Neumann is associated with the stored-program architecture. Instructions and data share the same memory.
#92. A printer that uses a laser beam and toner to produce output is a:
A laser printer uses a laser and toner powder to produce high-quality output quickly. It is common in offices.
#93. Printers that produce output without striking the paper are called:
Non-impact printers, such as inkjet and laser printers, form output without striking the paper. They are generally quieter.
#94. The rate at which a CPU executes instructions is affected most directly by its:
Clock speed directly affects how many instruction cycles a CPU performs per second. Higher speed generally means faster processing.
#95. The monitor and printer are examples of ___ devices.
The monitor and printer both present processed data, making them output devices. They do not enter data.
#96. The characteristic of a computer that refers to its freedom from error, given correct input, is:
Accuracy means a computer produces correct results provided the input and instructions are correct. Errors usually arise from faulty input.
#97. The register that stores intermediate results of arithmetic and logic operations is the:
The accumulator stores intermediate results produced by the arithmetic logic unit. It is central to many CPU operations.
#98. The speed of a processor’s clock is commonly measured in:
Processor clock speed is measured in hertz, commonly gigahertz for modern processors. It indicates cycles per second.
#99. The technology that reads characters printed in special magnetic ink, used on cheques, is:
Magnetic Ink Character Recognition reads characters printed in magnetic ink. It is used to process bank cheques.
#100. The pathways along which data travels between components of a computer are called:
A bus is a set of pathways that carry data between components. The main types are the data, address and control buses.
#101. A device that projects a computer’s display onto a large screen or wall is a:
A projector is an output device that displays a computer image on a large surface. It is used for presentations.
#102. The most common device for entering text into a computer is the:
The keyboard is the most common device for entering text. It is an input device.
#103. The abbreviation IT stands for:
IT stands for Information Technology, the use of computers to store and process information.
#104. The abbreviation ALU stands for:
ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit. It handles arithmetic and logical operations.
#105. A device that can act as both input and output, such as a touchscreen, is called a:
A touchscreen serves as both an input and an output device. It displays output and accepts touch input.