1What is a computer?
A programmable electronic device that receives input, processes it under a set of instructions, and produces output. It also stores and communicates data
2List the basic functions of a computer.
Input, Process, Output, and Storage
3Describe the key characteristics of a computer.
Processing speed, storage, accuracy, diligence, versatility, and reliability
4Explain the "Zeroth Generation" of computers, mention key examples.
Mechanical computers, e.g: Jacquard Loom, Difference Engine, and Analytical Engine
5What characterises do computers of the "1st Generation" (1940s-1950s) have?
Use of vacuum tubes, large size, high electricity consumption, heat generation, slow processing. Examples: ENIAC, UNIVAC
6How did the "2nd Generation" of computers (1950s-1960s) improve upon the first generation?
Used transistors instead of vacuum tubes, making computers smaller, faster, cheaper, and more efficient
7What innovation defined the "3rd Generation" of computers (1960s-1970s)?
Integrated Circuits (ICs), which further reduced size and increased speed and efficiency
8Describe the "4th Generation" of computers (1970s – present).
Used LSI and VLSI circuits with microprocessors, featured GUIs, networking, and high-level languages
9What defines the "5th Generation" of computers?
ULSI circuits, Artificial Intelligence, parallel processing, visual programming, and machine learning
10What are the three main requirements for a computer system to perform a task?
Hardware, Software, and Users
11Name the key components of a computer system.
Hardware, Software, Users, Data & Information, Procedure
12Define hardware and list its typical elements.
Physical components that make up a computer system, including the CPU, input, output, and communication devices
13What is a system unit? Give examples of its components
A case housing electronic components like Motherboard, CPU, RAM, ports and expansion cards/slots, secondary storage, and PSU (power supply),
14Define software and differentiate between its two main types
Software is programs and data; system software manages the system, and application software performs tasks
15Distinguish between "data" and "information".
Data is unprocessed raw facts; Information is processed data presented meaningfully
16Describe the role of "people" in a computer system, and provide examples of different types of users
People operate systems—end users (e.g., students) and IT specialists (e.g., programmers)
17Explain the concept of "procedures" in a computer system.
Rules or guidelines for using software, hardware, and data, often documented in manuals
18List four main types of computers (most to least powerful), and provide their general characteristics
Supercomputer, Mainframe, Minicomputer (Midrange server), Microcomputer—ranked by power, size, and cost
19What ia communication device? Give examples of the devices
Used to share data or resources via a network: router, modem, bridge, switch, repeater, hub, nic, and gateway