Ch. 28 Computer Basics

The earliest known tool made by the chinese for mathematical calculations is called abacus.

Numerous ______ ensure a steady supply of electricity that will not be affected by a split sec. power interruptions.

Before 1948, electronic vacuum tubes were used consisting of an ___ ___ & a heat-able ____ in a glass bulb.

What algorithm is accessible by a "go to" command for a function that will be used repeatedly?

All peripherals communicate w/ the CPU via multi-wire lines called _____ through connections called ______.

What provides instructions to the control unit to perform each task, & provides addresses?

What is the unit for measuring storage capacity?

What would allow film to be observed on a "view box" illuminators and carried from place to place?

What transmits data one bit at a time in sequence?

What allows centralized patient files to be brought up at a # of different terminals?

What are the first historic computers?

What is usually one single microprocessor, and fits on a desktop?

The greatest breakthrough in computer hardware took place in what year w/ the development of the first what?

What consists of a display screen, input devices, & can be intelligent if it has it's own processing capability/memory.

Some advantages of flash memory sticks are they're high resistant, higher speed, less noise, less power use, & reliable.

Primary memory is also called main memory or internal memory.

The unit of storage is __ byte consisting of __ bits.

The main circuit board for a PC is called what?

Some disadvantages of flash memory sticks are that they are more expensive and have less capacity.

The most modern radiographic images are viewed as?

What is defined as precisely proportional, presented in continuous form, in infinitely divisible units?

What is assigned to each permanent character stored within the memory?

What was the most important invention in the history of computer hardware?

A machine's ability to make decisions based on logic functions such as "do," "if then," & "if else."

What is defined as discrete, that is measured on a scale made up of separate, distinct parts?

Hundreds/thousands of microprocessors, fill large rooms or whole floors of buildings.

The Control unit & Arithmetic/logic unit is what makes up the Central processing unit.

Many microprocessors from "cabinet" size to filling up a room.

By following pre-programmed sets of instructions for specific tasks, are called what?

The most primary memory is contained in ROM & RAM chips mounted on boards are connected directly to the CPU.

The part of a computer that interprets & executes instructions is called?

RAM refers to "banks of computer chips arranged on cards"

Optical discs are best for extremely short-term storage.

What retains it's memory when power to the computer is turned off?

To direct flow of data from primary memory, it's programmed to select instructions in proper order, & relay them.

Some examples of output devices are mouse, keyboard, trackball, and touch pad.

Some examples of input devices are printer, speakers, display monitor.

First generation computer

Arithmetic/logic unit performs arithmetic calculations and logic functions.

Peripherals include?

The power supply includes a step down ______ & ______ to bring the incoming voltage down.

A CPU that is contained on a single integrated circuit chips is called?

What uses several data transmission lines, each of which follows a serial protocol?

The bootstrap program "pulls the computer by it's own bootstraps" whenever the computer is turned on.

The first fully electronic digital computer was the ENIAC.