Computers Basic MCQs Set-2

Source code is available to view, modify, and redistribute in "open source software". Open source software is software that is distributed with its source code, which allows developers to view and modify the code for their own purposes. The open source movement promotes collaboration and community-driven development, as anyone can contribute to the development of the software by improving its code, fixing bugs, or adding new features. Open source software is often distributed under a license that grants users the right to use, modify, and distribute the software without restriction. Some popular examples of open source software include the Linux operating system, the Apache web server, the Mozilla Firefox web browser, and the WordPress content management system.

A printer is not an input device, it is an output device.
Input devices are used to provide data and control signals to a computer, and examples of input devices include:

• Keyboard
• Mouse
• Touchpad
• Touchscreen
• Scanner
• Microphone
• Webcam
• Joystick
• Gamepad
• Digital Camera

Output devices, on the other hand, are used to display or output information from a computer, and examples of output devices include:

• Monitor
• Printer
• Speaker
• Projector
• Headphones
• Plotter

Therefore, a printer is not an input device but an output device that produces a hard copy of output from the computer.

Microsoft Word (MS Word) is an example of closed source software. Closed source software is proprietary software whose source code is not available for users to view, modify, or distribute. The software is owned by the company or individual who developed it, and the end user is typically required to purchase a license in order to use it. With closed source software, users are limited to the functionality provided by the software developer and cannot modify the software's source code to add new features or fix bugs.

Microsoft Word is developed and owned by Microsoft Corporation, and its source code is not publicly available for viewing or modification. Users must purchase a license to use the software, and the end user license agreement (EULA) prohibits modification or redistribution of the software without permission from Microsoft.

Device drivers are another important component of system software, as they allow the operating system to communicate with the hardware devices installed in the computer system. Utility programs are also part of system software and they perform various system maintenance tasks, such as disk cleanup, virus scanning, and software updates. Finally, system libraries provide a collection of reusable code that can be used by other software applications to perform common tasks.

Application software is a type of software that is designed to perform specific tasks or solve specific problems for the user. It is different from system software, which is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware resources of a computer system. Examples of application software include Power Point,web browsers, word processors, spreadsheets, email clients, graphic design software, video editors, and games.

System software is a type of software that is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware resources of a computer system. It provides a platform for other software applications to run on, and it includes several components such as the operating system, device drivers, utility programs, and system libraries.

Other examples of system software include:

• Operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
• Utility programs like disk cleanup tools, system optimization tools, and antivirus software
• System libraries that provide a collection of reusable code that can be used by other software applications to perform common tasks.

The programs which are as permanent as hardware and stored in ROM (Read-Only Memory) are known as "firmware". Firmware is a type of software that is closely tied to specific hardware and is designed to perform specific functions for that hardware. It is called firmware because it is a combination of software and hardware, and it is typically stored in non-volatile memory like ROM, which retains its contents even when the power is turned off.

Firmware is often used in embedded systems such as consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive systems, and industrial automation systems. It is responsible for controlling the low-level functions of the hardware, such as booting up the device, managing the input/output (I/O) operations, and providing an interface between the hardware and other software layers. Examples of firmware include the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in a personal computer, the firmware in a router or modem, and the firmware in a digital camera.

There are several types of memory in a computer system, each with its own characteristics and purposes. Here are some common types of memory:

1. Random Access Memory (RAM): This is a type of volatile memory that is used to temporarily store data and program code that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs to access quickly. RAM is also known as main memory or primary memory, and it is measured in gigabytes (GB).
2. Read-Only Memory (ROM): This is a type of non-volatile memory that stores firmware or software that is permanently written onto the memory chip during manufacturing. It is used to store the startup instructions or basic input/output system (BIOS) for the computer or other electronic devices.
3. Cache memory: This is a type of memory that is used to speed up data access by temporarily storing frequently used data or instructions closer to the CPU. Cache memory can be found in CPU, hard disk, and browser.
4. Hard disk drive (HDD): This is a type of non-volatile memory that is used for long-term storage of data and software applications. It stores data on spinning disks that can be accessed using magnetic heads.
5. Solid State Drive (SSD): This is a type of non-volatile memory that is used for long-term storage of data and software applications. Unlike HDD, it has no spinning disks and it stores data on flash memory chips.
6. Optical storage: This is a type of non-volatile memory that uses lasers to read and write data to a disc or CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray disc. This type of memory is commonly used for software installation, backup, and archival purposes.
7. Magnetic tape: This is a type of non-volatile memory that is used for long-term storage of large amounts of data. It uses magnetic tape to store data and is commonly used for backup and archival purposes.

C language was developed in the early 1970s, and it was widely used in the third generation of computers. The third generation of computers was characterized by the development of integrated circuits, which made computers smaller, faster, and more reliable. C language was designed to be a system programming language, and it was used to write operating systems, device drivers, and other system software. C language was also used to develop application software, including database management systems, word processors, and compilers. Today, C language is still widely used in a variety of applications, including embedded systems, game development, and scientific computing.

A computer system consists of several components that work together to perform various tasks. Here are some common components of a computer system:

1. Central Processing Unit (CPU): This is the brain of the computer that performs all the calculations and controls the other components. It is responsible for executing instructions and processing data.
2. Memory: This is a temporary storage area that is used to store data and program code that the CPU needs to access quickly. It includes RAM and cache memory.
3. Storage devices: These are devices used to store data and software applications for long-term use. Examples include hard disk drives (HDD), solid-state drives (SSD), and optical storage devices.
4. Input devices: These are devices used to input data and commands into the computer system. Examples include keyboard, mouse, touchpad, scanner, and microphone.
5. Output devices: These are devices used to display or output data and results from the computer system. Examples include monitor, printer, speakers, and headphones.
6. Motherboard: This is the main circuit board that connects all the components of the computer system together.
7. Power supply: This component provides power to the other components of the computer system.
8. Expansion cards: These are cards that can be added to the motherboard to add additional functionality, such as a graphics card, network card, or sound card.
9. Operating system: This is a software component that manages the hardware resources of the computer system and provides a platform for other software applications to run on.
10. Applications software: These are software programs that perform specific tasks, such as word processing, accounting, or gaming.