Scribd
Upload
167 views3 pages

Basic Computer Systems Review Questions

The document outlines the fundamental components and functions of computer systems, including the CPU, memory types, and operating systems. It also discusses storage differences, networking concepts, security measures, software types, and hardware advancements like Moore's Law. Key topics include the roles of various devices, data management, and the importance of encryption and firewalls in security.

Uploaded by

2500583
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
167 views3 pages

Basic Computer Systems Review Questions

The document outlines the fundamental components and functions of computer systems, including the CPU, memory types, and operating systems. It also discusses storage differences, networking concepts, security measures, software types, and hardware advancements like Moore's Law. Key topics include the roles of various devices, data management, and the importance of encryption and firewalls in security.

Uploaded by

2500583
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Basic Computer Systems:

1. What are the main components of a computer system?


o Answer: The main components are the Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory
(RAM), storage (hard drive, SSD), input devices (keyboard, mouse), output
devices (monitor, printer), and the motherboard.
2. What is the function of the CPU in a computer system?
o Answer: The CPU is responsible for executing instructions and performing
calculations and logical operations. It acts as the brain of the computer.
3. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
o Answer: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used to store data
and instructions currently in use, while ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-
volatile memory used to store firmware or software that is permanently
programmed into the computer.
4. What is an operating system, and what are its primary functions?
o Answer: An operating system (OS) is software that manages hardware resources
and provides services for computer programs. Primary functions include process
management, memory management, file system management, and device
management.
5. What is the purpose of a bus in a computer system?
o Answer: A bus is a communication system that transfers data between different
components of the computer, such as between the CPU, memory, and input/output
devices.

Storage:

6. What is the difference between primary and secondary storage?


o Answer: Primary storage refers to memory that is directly accessible by the CPU
(e.g., RAM), while secondary storage refers to storage devices used to store data
long-term (e.g., hard drives, SSDs).
7. What is a solid-state drive (SSD), and how does it differ from a hard disk drive
(HDD)?
o Answer: An SSD uses flash memory to store data and has no moving parts,
making it faster and more durable than an HDD, which uses spinning disks to
read/write data.
8. Explain the concept of a file system.
o Answer: A file system is a method of organizing and storing files on a storage
device, allowing for efficient access, retrieval, and management of data.

Networking and Internet:

9. What is the difference between the internet and the web?


o Answer: The internet is the global network of interconnected computers, while the
web (World Wide Web) is a system of information that is accessed over the
internet using browsers.
10. What is the purpose of an IP address in a network?
oAnswer: An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network, allowing for
communication between devices over the internet or a local network.
11. What is a router, and how does it differ from a switch?
o Answer: A router is a device that directs data packets between different networks,
while a switch connects devices within the same network and manages data traffic
between them.

Security:

12. What are some common types of malware?


o Answer: Common types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans,
ransomware, spyware, and adware.
13. What is encryption, and why is it important?
o Answer: Encryption is the process of converting data into a secure format that is
unreadable without a decryption key. It is important for protecting sensitive
information from unauthorized access.
14. What is a firewall, and what role does it play in computer security?
o Answer: A firewall is a network security system that monitors and controls
incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules,
helping to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network.

Software and Programming:

15. What is the difference between system software and application software?
o Answer: System software is designed to manage and control hardware and
provide a platform for running application software (e.g., operating systems),
while application software performs specific tasks for the user (e.g., word
processors, web browsers).
16. What is the purpose of a compiler in programming?
o Answer: A compiler translates high-level programming code into machine code
that can be executed by the computer.
17. What is an algorithm, and why is it important in programming?
o Answer: An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or
performing a task. It is important because it provides a clear, efficient method for
solving problems in programming.

Hardware:

18. What is Moore’s Law, and how has it impacted the development of computer
systems?
o Answer: Moore's Law is the observation that the number of transistors on a
microchip doubles approximately every two years, leading to an increase in
computing power and a decrease in cost over time.
19. What are the key differences between a desktop and a laptop computer?
o Answer: Desktop computers are larger, stationary, and typically have more
powerful components, while laptops are portable, smaller, and optimized for
mobility but may have less processing power.
20. What is a motherboard, and what role does it play in a computer?
o Answer: A motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer, connecting all
the components together, including the CPU, memory, storage devices, and
peripherals.

You might also like