Computers Basic MCQs Set-20

An area of a computer that temporarily holds data waiting to be processed is known as "memory" or "RAM" (Random Access Memory).

RAM is a volatile form of computer memory that provides temporary storage for data and instructions that are actively being used by the computer's processor. It allows the processor to quickly access and manipulate data, speeding up the overall performance of the system.

When a computer program is executed, the necessary data and instructions are loaded into RAM from the storage devices (such as the hard drive or solid-state drive) to be accessed by the processor. This data can include program code, variables, and any other necessary information.

RAM is considered temporary storage because its contents are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted. It is used to hold data that is actively being processed and is quickly accessible by the CPU.

The size of RAM in a computer determines the amount of data and programs that can be held in memory at a given time. Larger RAM capacities allow for more data to be stored, reducing the need for the computer to access slower storage devices frequently.

The key to close a selected drop-down list, cancel a command, and close a dialog box can vary depending on the operating system and software being used. However, the commonly used key for these purposes is the "Escape" key, often abbreviated as "Esc" on keyboards.

Pressing the Escape key allows users to cancel or dismiss a current operation, close a dialog box, or exit a drop-down menu without making any selection. It is a widely recognized key for aborting or canceling actions in various software applications and user interfaces.

Please note that while the Escape key is commonly used for these purposes, there might be specific software or applications that use different keys or key combinations for similar actions. It is always advisable to refer to the documentation or help resources of the specific software or operating system you are using to determine the appropriate key or method for canceling or closing specific elements or commands.

The key used to run the selected command can vary depending on the context and software being used. However, in many cases, the key used to run a selected command is the "Enter" key or "Return" key.

Pressing the Enter or Return key typically confirms a selected command or action and initiates its execution. For example, when navigating through menus or selecting options, pressing Enter often activates the highlighted or selected option.

In command-line interfaces, such as the Windows Command Prompt or Unix/Linux shell, pressing Enter executes the entered command after it has been typed.

It's important to note that the specific key to run a command can depend on the software or application being used. Some software may have custom keybindings or require specific combinations of keys to execute commands. It's always recommended to refer to the software's documentation or help resources for the correct key or combination of keys to run selected commands in a particular application.

The functional key commonly used to display the "Save As" dialog box in many software applications is the "F12" key.

Pressing the "F12" key, also known as the "Save As" key, typically triggers the display of the "Save As" dialog box, allowing the user to specify the file name, location, and format for saving a file.

However, it's important to note that the use of functional keys can vary depending on the specific software or application being used. Some applications may use different functional keys or key combinations to trigger the "Save As" functionality. It's always recommended to refer to the software's documentation or help resources for the correct key or combination of keys to display the "Save As" dialog box in a particular application.

Data becomes "information" when it is presented in a format that people can understand and use.

Data refers to raw facts, figures, or symbols that have little meaning on their own. However, when data is processed, organized, and presented in a meaningful way, it transforms into information.

Information provides context, meaning, and value to the data by making it comprehensible and useful to human users. It allows individuals to interpret and make decisions based on the data presented.

For example, a collection of numbers and measurements without any organization or structure may be considered data. However, when those numbers and measurements are arranged in a table, graph, or report that provides insights and conclusions, it becomes information that can be easily understood and utilized.

The transformation of data into information involves various processes, such as data analysis, interpretation, and presentation. This conversion enables individuals to extract knowledge, gain insights, and make informed decisions based on the presented information.

The term "peripheral" designates equipment that might be added to a computer system to enhance its functionality.

Peripherals are external devices or components that connect to a computer system to provide additional capabilities or features beyond the core functionality of the computer itself. They expand the range of tasks that a computer can perform and allow users to interact with the system in various ways.

Examples of peripherals include:

1. Input devices: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, etc.

2. Output devices: Monitor, printer, speakers, headphones, etc.

3. Storage devices: Hard drive, solid-state drive (SSD), USB flash drive, external hard drive, etc.

4. Communication devices: Modem, network interface card (NIC), Bluetooth adapter, etc.

5. Expansion cards: Graphics card, sound card, network card, etc.

6. Peripherals for specialized tasks: Barcode scanner, fingerprint scanner, game controller, MIDI controller, etc.

These peripherals can be connected to the computer system through various interfaces such as USB, HDMI, Ethernet, audio jacks, or wireless connections.

By adding peripherals to a computer system, users can customize their setup to suit their specific needs, enhance productivity, improve multimedia capabilities, expand storage capacity, connect to networks or the internet, and perform a wide range of tasks beyond the basic processing capabilities of the computer itself.

A "microcomputer" is a microprocessor-based computing device.Examples of microcomputers include desktop computers, laptops, notebooks, and all-in-one computers. They are distinguished from larger and more specialized computer systems such as mainframes and supercomputers, which serve different purposes and have different architectures.

RAM (Random Access Memory) can be metaphorically treated as the "waiting room" for a computer's processor.

RAM is a type of computer memory that is used for temporary storage of data and instructions that are actively being processed by the CPU (Central Processing Unit). It provides fast and temporary storage for the data and instructions that the processor needs to access quickly.

When a computer program is running, the CPU fetches instructions and data from the RAM to perform calculations and carry out tasks. The RAM holds the necessary information that the processor requires for its operations. It acts as a "waiting room" because it temporarily holds the data and instructions until the CPU is ready to process them.

Just like a waiting room where people wait for their turn to be called, the RAM holds the data and instructions until the processor is ready to work on them. The CPU retrieves the required data from RAM, processes it, and then stores the results back into RAM or transfers them to other storage devices.

The size and speed of RAM have a significant impact on the performance of a computer. Sufficient RAM capacity allows for smoother multitasking and faster execution of programs since it reduces the need for the CPU to constantly fetch data from slower storage devices such as hard drives.

It's important to note that RAM is a volatile form of memory, meaning its contents are lost when the computer is powered off. Therefore, it is used for temporary storage rather than long-term data storage.

The following are the functions of an operating system:

1. Process Management: The operating system manages and controls the execution of processes (programs in execution) on a computer system. It allocates system resources, such as CPU time, memory, and input/output devices, to different processes, and ensures their proper execution.

2. Memory Management: The operating system handles memory management by allocating and deallocating memory space for processes. It tracks the usage of memory, manages virtual memory, and optimizes memory utilization to ensure efficient operation of programs.

3. File System Management: The operating system provides a file system that organizes and manages the storage of files on secondary storage devices, such as hard drives or solid-state drives. It allows users to create, access, and manipulate files and directories, and handles tasks like file allocation, file permissions, and file retrieval.

4. Device Management: The operating system manages input and output devices, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and disks. It handles device drivers, which are software components that communicate with hardware devices, and facilitates the interaction between applications and devices.

5. User Interface: The operating system provides a user interface that allows users to interact with the computer system. This can be a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI), enabling users to execute commands, launch applications, and perform tasks through intuitive menus, icons, and windows.

6. Network Management: In networked environments, the operating system supports network connectivity and manages network resources. It facilitates network communication, handles protocols, manages network connections, and enables sharing of resources and data across a network.

7. Security Management: The operating system incorporates security measures to protect the computer system and its resources. It includes user authentication, access control, data encryption, firewall protection, and other security features to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of system resources.

8. Error Handling and Logging: The operating system handles errors, exceptions, and system failures by providing mechanisms for error detection, recovery, and reporting. It logs system events, error messages, and system performance data for troubleshooting, debugging, and analysis purposes.

These are some of the key functions performed by an operating system. Different operating systems may have additional features and functionalities based on their design and intended use.

To move a copy of a file from one computer to another over a communication channel, it is commonly referred to as "file transfer."