Core Concept

Computer: A machine that automatically executes sets of instructions to perform specific tasks.

Examples:

1. Desktop computers that run operating systems like Windows or macOS

2. Smartphones running iOS or Android operating systems

3. Smart TVs executing instructions to stream content and run applications

   
   

3.3A Types of Computers

Mainframe: Large, powerful computers designed to handle high volumes of data processing for critical applications in large organizations.

Examples:

• IBM z16 mainframes used by major banks for processing millions of financial transactions daily

• Bull Sequana mainframes used by government agencies for census data processing

• Fujitsu PRIMEHUB mainframes used by airlines for reservation systems

• IBM Watson supercomputer that combines advanced hardware with AI software for complex data analysis and natural language processing

Server: Computers that provide services or resources to other computers (clients) over a network.

Examples:

• Dell PowerEdge servers hosting company websites and databases

• Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud servers running web applications

• Microsoft Azure servers providing cloud computing services to businesses

Personal Computer: General-purpose computers designed for individual use.

Examples:

• Dell XPS desktop computers for home and office use

• Apple MacBook Pro laptops for professional work

• HP Pavilion desktop systems for general computing tasks

Tablet: Portable touchscreen computers that are larger than smartphones but smaller than laptops.

Examples:

• Apple iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil for digital art

• Samsung Galaxy Tab for media consumption and light productivity

• Microsoft Surface Pro combining tablet and laptop functionality

Smart/Mobile Device: Portable computing devices primarily used for communication and accessing mobile applications.

Examples:

• Apple iPhone running iOS with various applications

• Samsung Galaxy phones running Android operating system

• Google Pixel smartphones with integrated Google services

Wearable Computers and Devices: Computing devices designed to be worn on the body.

Examples:

• Apple Watch tracking health metrics and providing notifications

• Fitbit fitness trackers monitoring physical activity

• Oura Ring tracking sleep patterns and health data

3.3B Components of a Computer

Hardware

Motherboard: The main circuit board that connects all components of a computer system.

Examples:

• ASUS ROG Gaming motherboards with specialized cooling systems

• Gigabyte Aorus motherboards for high-performance computing

• MSI motherboards with integrated Wi-Fi capabilities

Central Processing Unit (CPU): The primary component that executes instructions and processes data.

Examples:

• Intel Core i9 processors used in high-performance computers

• AMD Ryzen processors for gaming and content creation

• Apple M2 chips in MacBooks and iPads

Memory (RAM): Temporary storage that holds data and instructions being actively used by the CPU.

Examples:

• Corsair Vengeance DDR4 RAM modules for gaming PCs

• Kingston HyperX memory for workstations

• Crucial RAM modules for server systems

Storage: Components that store data and programs permanently.

Examples:

• Samsung 980 PRO NVMe solid-state drives for fast data access

• Western Digital Black hard disk drives for mass storage

• Seagate Portable external drives for backup storage

Graphics and Sound Components: Hardware that processes and outputs visual and audio data.

Examples:

• NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 graphics cards for gaming and rendering

• AMD Radeon GPUs for video editing and graphics work

• Creative Sound Blaster sound cards for audio production

Power Supply: Component that converts electrical power to appropriate voltages for computer components.

Examples:

• Corsair RM850x power supply units for gaming computers

• EVGA SuperNOVA power supplies for workstations

• Seasonic PRIME power supplies for servers

Input and Output Devices: Hardware that allows users to input data and receive output from the computer.

Examples:

• Logitech MX Master mice and mechanical keyboards for input

• Dell UltraSharp monitors for visual output

• Epson EcoTank printers for document output

Sensors: Hardware components that detect and respond to physical stimuli.

Examples:

• iPhone's LiDAR scanner for depth sensing in augmented reality

• Ambient light sensors in laptops that adjust screen brightness

• Accelerometers in smartphones that detect orientation changes

Interfaces

User Interfaces: Methods through which users interact with computer systems.

• Graphical User Interface (GUI) Examples:

  • Microsoft Windows 11 with its visual desktop environment

  • macOS Ventura with intuitive visual controls and windows

  • Android Material Design interface on smartphones

• Haptic Interface Examples:

  • iPhone's Taptic Engine providing touch feedback

  • PlayStation DualSense controller with adaptive triggers and vibration

  • Logitech gaming mice with customizable force feedback

Software

1. Operating System Software: Core software that manages computer hardware and provides services for applications.

   • Examples:

     • Microsoft Windows 11 for personal computers

     • Linux Ubuntu for servers and open-source computing

     • iOS for Apple mobile devices

2. Software Applications: Programs that enable users to perform specific tasks.

   • Examples:

     • Microsoft Office 365 suite for productivity

     • Adobe Creative Cloud for design and media production

     • Autodesk AutoCAD for computer-aided design

3. Apps: Software applications specifically designed for mobile devices.

   • Examples:

     • Instagram for social media photo sharing

     • Uber for ride-sharing services

     • Duolingo for language learning on mobile devices

4. Malicious Software: Software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems.

   • Examples:

     • Ransomware like WannaCry that encrypts files and demands payment

     • Trojans like Zeus that steal banking information

     • Spyware programs that track user activity without consent

   
   

3.3C Uses and Forms of Computer Coding

Computer Coding and Programming: The process of creating instructions for computers using specific languages and rules.

High-Level Programming Languages: High-level programming languages are programming languages designed to be more accessible to human programmers by using syntax and structures that are closer to natural human language and abstract concepts, rather than the binary machine code that computers directly execute. These languages hide the complexity of the underlying hardware and provide features that make coding more intuitive and efficient.

Examples:

• Python used for data science and web development

• JavaScript powering interactive websites

• Java used for enterprise applications and Android development

Low-Level Programming Languages: Low-level programming languages are programming languages that provide little or no abstraction from a computer's instruction set architecture. These languages closely correspond to the machine code instructions that are directly executed by the computer's central processing unit (CPU) and require detailed knowledge of hardware architecture.

Examples:

• Assembly language used for firmware development

• C programming language for operating system development

• CUDA for direct GPU programming

Markup Languages: Markup languages are systems for annotating text documents in a way that is syntactically distinguishable from the text itself. They use tags or markers to define the structure, formatting, or semantic meaning of content, but unlike programming languages, they don't contain algorithms or processing logic.

Examples:

• HTML defining the structure of web pages

• XML used for data interchange between applications

• Markdown used for formatting documentation

3.3D Evolution of Computing

Generations in Computing:

• First Generation (1940s-1950s): Vacuum tube-based computers

  • Examples:

    • ENIAC used for calculating artillery firing tables

    • UNIVAC I for processing the U.S. Census

• Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Transistor-based computers

  • Examples:

    • IBM 1401 for business data processing

    • DEC PDP-1 for scientific applications

• Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Integrated circuit-based computers

  • Examples:

    • IBM System/360 mainframe series

    • DEC PDP-11 minicomputers

• Fourth Generation (1970s-Present): Microprocessor-based computers

  • Examples:

    • Apple Macintosh introducing graphical user interfaces to consumers

    • IBM PC establishing the personal computer standard

• Fifth Generation (Present and Future): AI and parallel processing

  • Examples:

    • IBM Watson, which famously defeated human champions on Jeopardy! in 2011 and is now used in healthcare diagnostics, business intelligence, and customer service

    • Neural processors in smartphones for machine learning tasks

Moore's Law: The observation that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years, leading to exponential growth in computing power.

Examples:

• Evolution from Intel 8086 processor (29,000 transistors) to modern processors with billions of transistors

• Smartphone processing power exceeding that of NASA's Apollo guidance computers by orders of magnitude

• Graphics processing units (GPUs) doubling computational capabilities approximately every 18 months

Emerging Areas of Computing:

Cognitive Computing: Systems that learn at scale, reason with purpose, and interact with humans naturally.

Examples:

• IBM Watson in healthcare helping doctors diagnose diseases and recommend treatments by analyzing millions of medical documents

• IBM Watson Discovery analyzing unstructured data to find patterns and insights for businesses

• IBM Watson Assistant providing natural language interaction for customer service applications

Quantum Computing: Computing using quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement.

Examples:

• IBM Quantum computers available through cloud services

• Google's Sycamore processor demonstrating quantum supremacy

• D-Wave quantum annealing systems solving optimization problems

Neuromorphic Computing: Computing designed to mimic the human brain's neural structure.

Examples:

• Intel's Loihi neuromorphic research chip

• IBM's TrueNorth processor for neural network applications

• BrainChip's Akida neuromorphic processor for edge AI applications

DNA Computing: Computing using biochemical reactions and DNA molecules.

Examples:

• Microsoft's research into DNA data storage systems

• University of Washington's DNA-based information storage experiments

• CATALOG's DNA data storage technology for archival purposes

3.3 Computers - Key Terms with Characteristics and Advantages/Disadvantages

Computer

Characteristics:

• Processes instructions automatically

• Operates using binary system (0s and 1s)

• Requires both hardware and software components

• Can store and retrieve data

• Executes tasks with precision and speed

Advantages:

• Performs complex calculations quickly

• Stores large amounts of data efficiently

• Automates repetitive tasks

• High accuracy in task execution

• Multitasking capabilities

Disadvantages:

• Requires electricity/power to function

• No true intelligence or original thinking

• Vulnerable to security threats/malware

• Can become obsolete quickly

• Initial cost and maintenance expenses

Types of Computers

Mainframe

Characteristics:

• Extremely large processing capacity

• Handles millions of transactions simultaneously

• Centralized computing architecture

• Enhanced reliability and fault tolerance

• Specialized cooling and power requirements

Advantages:

• Exceptional processing power for large-scale applications

• High reliability with redundant components

• Ability to serve hundreds/thousands of users

• Advanced security features

• Long operational lifespan

Disadvantages:

• Very expensive to purchase and maintain

• Requires specialized knowledge to operate

• Physically large and power-intensive

• Less flexibility than distributed systems

• Complex to upgrade

Server

Characteristics:

• Designed to provide services to other computers

• Runs continuously with minimal downtime

• Higher specifications than personal computers

• Network-oriented architecture

• Often runs specialized operating systems

Advantages:

• Centralized data storage and management

• Enables resource sharing across networks

• Scalable to meet increasing demands

• Supports multiple users simultaneously

• Enhanced security controls

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than personal computers

• Requires technical expertise to maintain

• Single point of failure risk

• Higher power consumption

• Needs physical security protections

Personal Computer

Characteristics:

• Designed for individual use

• Self-contained unit with input/output devices

• General-purpose usage capabilities

• Desktop or laptop form factors

• Consumer-oriented specifications

Advantages:

• Affordable for individual users

• Versatile for multiple applications

• Easily customizable and upgradable

• User-friendly interfaces

• Widely available support and software

Disadvantages:

• Limited processing power compared to larger systems

• Security vulnerabilities

• Shorter lifecycle than enterprise systems

• Limited multi-user capabilities

• Performance degrades over time

Tablet

Characteristics:

• Portable touchscreen interface

• Simplified operating system

• App-based software ecosystem

• Integrated wireless connectivity

• Battery-powered operation

Advantages:

• Highly portable and lightweight

• Intuitive touch interface

• Long battery life

• Instant-on functionality

• Suitable for content consumption

Disadvantages:

• Limited processing power

• Restricted multitasking capabilities

• Difficult to repair or upgrade

• Less suitable for content creation

• Screen size constraints

Smart/Mobile Device

Characteristics:

• Handheld form factor

• Cellular and wireless connectivity

• App-based functionality

• Integrated sensors (GPS, accelerometer, etc.)

• Always-on capabilities

Advantages:

• Extreme portability

• Always connected to networks

• Combines multiple tools (phone, camera, etc.)

• Location-aware services

• Personal customization options

Disadvantages:

• Small screen size

• Limited battery life

• Storage constraints

• Vulnerability to damage

• Privacy concerns with constant connectivity

Wearable Computers and Devices

Characteristics:

• Designed to be worn on the body

• Minimal user interface

• Specialized for specific functions

• Sensor-rich design

• Low power consumption

Advantages:

• Hands-free operation

• Continuous health/activity monitoring

• Contextual awareness

• Augments natural human capabilities

• Seamless integration into daily life

Disadvantages:

• Very limited computational power

• Restricted input methods

• Short battery life

• Often dependent on companion devices

• Privacy concerns with constant data collection

Components of a Computer

Hardware Motherboard

Characteristics:

• Main circuit board in the computer

• Contains sockets for CPU, RAM, and expansion cards

• Includes buses for data transfer

• Houses the BIOS/UEFI firmware

• Connects all hardware components

Advantages:

• Centralized connection point for all components

• Standardized form factors for compatibility

• Enables component communication

• Modular design for upgrades

• Supports various peripheral interfaces

Disadvantages:

• Single point of failure

• Limited upgrade path once installed

• Damage can affect entire system

• Form factor constrains system design

• Complex troubleshooting

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Characteristics:

• Primary computing engine of the system

• Contains arithmetic logic unit and control unit

• Measured in GHz of clock speed

• Multiple cores for parallel processing

• Includes cache memory for fast data access

Advantages:

• Executes instructions at high speed

• Handles multiple tasks simultaneously (with multi-core)

• Advanced instruction sets for specialized functions

• Power management features

• Continually improving performance

Disadvantages:

• Generates significant heat

• Power intensive

• Expensive to upgrade

• Performance bottlenecks other components

• Vulnerable to physical and security threats

Memory (RAM)

Characteristics:

• Volatile temporary storage

• Directly accessible by CPU

• Measured in GB capacity

• Various speeds and types (DDR4, DDR5, etc.)

• Provides working space for active programs

Advantages:

• Extremely fast data access

• Enables multitasking capabilities

• Directly improves system responsiveness

• No moving parts (reliability)

• Relatively easy to upgrade in many systems

Disadvantages:

• Volatile (data lost when powered off)

• Limited capacity compared to storage

• Relatively expensive per GB

• Fixed maximum capacity on motherboards

• Sensitive to static electricity

Storage

Characteristics:

• Non-volatile data retention

• Higher capacity than RAM

• Various technologies (HDD, SSD, NVMe)

• Measured in GB or TB

• Houses operating system and user files

Advantages:

• Retains data when powered off

• Large capacity at reasonable cost

• Portable between systems (external options)

• Can be expanded significantly

• Various options for different needs

Disadvantages:

• Slower than RAM

• Mechanical drives (HDD) have moving parts that can fail

• Limited read/write lifecycle (especially SSDs)

• Security vulnerabilities for sensitive data

• Data corruption risks

Graphics and Sound Components

Characteristics:

• Specialized processors for visual/audio output

• Contains dedicated memory (VRAM)

• Handles encoding/decoding of media

• Various output interfaces (HDMI, DisplayPort)

• Can be integrated or discrete

Advantages:

• Offloads specialized processing from CPU

• Enables high-quality media playback

• Essential for gaming and creative work

• Supports multiple displays

• Accelerates specific computational tasks

Disadvantages:

• High-performance versions are expensive

• Consume significant power

• Generate substantial heat

• Regular driver updates required

• Limited upgrade options in many systems

Power Supply

Characteristics:

• Converts AC to various DC voltages

• Various wattage ratings

• Includes cooling fan

• Provides stable power to all components

• Includes protection circuits

Advantages:

• Provides stable, clean power to sensitive components

• Protection against power surges

• Modular options for cable management

• Various efficiency ratings available

• Redundant options for critical systems

Disadvantages:

• Single point of failure

• Generates heat

• Can be noisy

• Efficiency decreases over time

• Quality units are expensive

Input and Output Devices

Characteristics:

• Enable human-computer interaction

• Convert physical actions to digital signals (input)

• Convert digital signals to human-perceivable output

• Connected via various interfaces (USB, Bluetooth)

• Range from simple to complex

Advantages:

• Enable user interaction with the system

• Multiple options for different needs

• Increasingly wireless capabilities

• Specialized devices for specific tasks

• Accessible options for different abilities

Disadvantages:

• Additional points of failure

• Regular replacement often necessary

• Compatibility issues with some systems

• Security vulnerabilities (keyloggers, etc.)

• Physical space requirements

Sensors

Characteristics:

• Convert physical conditions to electrical signals

• Various types for different measurements

• Small size and low power consumption

• Increasing precision and capabilities

• Often integrated with other components

Advantages:

• Enable context awareness in devices

• Provide data about physical environment

• Enable new interaction methods

• Support automation and monitoring

• Low cost for basic functionality

Disadvantages:

• Privacy concerns with constant monitoring

• Accuracy limitations

• Calibration requirements

• Additional power consumption

• Software support complexities

User Interfaces

Characteristics:

• Mediate between users and computer systems

• Visual, audio, tactile interaction methods

• Various complexity levels

• Design principles focusing on usability

• Evolving with technology capabilities

Advantages:

• Make complex technology accessible to users

• Hide underlying system complexity

• Accommodate different user preferences

• Provide feedback on system status

• Improve overall user experience

Disadvantages:

• Learning curve for new interfaces

• Design compromises for different users

• Can limit advanced functionality

• Cultural assumptions in design

• Accessibility challenges

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Characteristics:

• Visual interaction using windows, icons, menus

• Mouse/touch driven navigation

• Presents information visually

• Includes visual feedback elements

• Hierarchical organization of information

Advantages:

• Intuitive for most users

• Reduces learning curve

• Visual representation aids understanding

• Accommodates various languages

• Supports multitasking visually

Disadvantages:

• Screen space limitations

• Resource intensive

• Less efficient for some expert tasks

• Accessibility issues for visually impaired

• Design inconsistencies between applications

Haptic Interface

Characteristics:

• Provides tactile feedback to users

• Vibration, force feedback mechanisms

• Simulates physical sensations

• Enhances other interface methods

• Increasingly precise capabilities

Advantages:

• Adds physical dimension to digital interaction

• Works when visual attention is limited

• Enhances immersion in applications

• Provides confirmation without looking

• Accessibility benefits for some users

Disadvantages:

• Limited vocabulary of sensations

• Battery drain on mobile devices

• Hardware requirements

• Inconsistent implementation across devices

• Can be distracting or uncomfortable

Operating System Software

Characteristics:

• Manages hardware resources

• Provides services to applications

• Controls file systems and memory

• Handles input/output operations

• User interface and security management

Advantages:

• Abstracts hardware complexity from users

• Enables multitasking capabilities

• Provides security architecture

• Manages resource allocation

• Standardizes application interfaces

Disadvantages:

• Requires regular updates and maintenance

• Security vulnerabilities

• Resource overhead

• Compatibility issues with some applications

• Learning curve when switching systems

Software Applications

Characteristics:

• Designed for specific tasks or functions

• User-oriented interfaces

• Various distribution methods

• Regular update cycles

• Range from simple to complex

Advantages:

• Solves specific user problems

• Increases productivity for specific tasks

• Creates value from hardware investment

• Increasingly cloud-connected

• Offers specialized functionality

Disadvantages:

• Cost of acquisition and maintenance

• Learning curve for complex applications

• Compatibility issues across platforms

• Security risks

• Dependency on vendor support

Apps

Characteristics:

• Designed for mobile platforms

• Streamlined, focused functionality

• Distributed through app stores

• Touch-optimized interfaces

• Quick to launch and use

Advantages:

• Optimized for mobile use cases

• Simple installation and updates

• Usually lower cost than desktop applications

• Leverages device-specific features

• Available anywhere with your device

Disadvantages:

• Limited functionality compared to desktop equivalents

• Privacy concerns with permissions

• Subscription models increasingly common

• Walled garden ecosystem limitations

• Performance constraints on limited hardware

Malicious Software

Characteristics:

• Designed to harm systems or steal data

• Self-replicating or stealth capabilities

• Various infection vectors

• Increasingly sophisticated techniques

• Financially or politically motivated

Advantages: (to attackers)

• Can operate undetected

• Exploits system vulnerabilities

• Potential for significant damage

• Difficult to completely remove

• Evolves to avoid detection

Disadvantages: (to users)

• Data loss or corruption

• Privacy violations

• System performance degradation

• Financial costs to mitigate

• Loss of trust in digital systems

Uses and Forms of Computer Coding

High-Level Programming Languages

Characteristics:

• Abstracted from hardware details

• Human-readable syntax

• Extensive libraries and frameworks

• Automated memory management

• Portable across platforms

Advantages:

• Easier to learn and understand

• Faster development time

• Fewer lines of code for same functionality

• Better error handling and debugging

• Cross-platform compatibility

Disadvantages:

• Less efficient execution than low-level languages

• Less control over system resources

• Performance overhead

• Dependency on language updates

• May abstract important technical details

Low-Level Programming Languages

Characteristics:

• Close to machine language

• Direct hardware access

• Minimal abstraction layers

• Precise control over execution

• Architecture-specific code

Advantages:

• Maximum performance efficiency

• Precise control over hardware

• Smaller program size

• Minimal runtime overhead

• Essential for system programming

Disadvantages:

• Steep learning curve

• Time-consuming development

• Difficult to debug and maintain

• Prone to critical errors

• Limited portability across platforms

Markup Languages

Characteristics:

• Define document structure and formatting

• Tag-based syntax

• Declarative rather than procedural

• Separate content from presentation

• Hierarchical organization

Advantages:

• Human and machine readable

• Clear separation of content and presentation

• Platform independent

• Easily parsed and processed

• Simplifies document structure

Disadvantages:

• Limited functionality (no processing logic)

• Verbose syntax compared to data formats

• Can become complex with large documents

• Various standards creating compatibility issues

• Not suitable for algorithmic tasks

Evolution of Computing

Generations in Computing

Characteristics:

• Defined by core technology changes

• Significant increases in capability between generations

• Decreasing physical size over generations

• Increasing reliability and decreasing cost

• Growing programming abstraction levels

Advantages:

• Each generation offers significant improvements

• Historical framework for understanding progress

• Clear technological milestones

• Demonstrates exponential growth pattern

• Shows interdisciplinary nature of computing

Disadvantages:

• Somewhat arbitrary dividing lines

• Oversimplifies complex developmental processes

• Focuses primarily on hardware evolution

• Development is more continuous than discrete

• Western-centric historical perspective

Moore's Law

Characteristics:

• Observes transistor density doubling approximately every two years

• Applied to processing power, memory capacity, and sensor capabilities

• Originally an observation rather than a physical law

• Has guided industry planning for decades

• Approaching physical limits with current technology

Advantages:

• Provided predictable roadmap for industry

• Enabled long-term planning and investment

• Driven continuous innovation

• Created market expectations for improvement

• Influenced software development approaches

Disadvantages:

• Created unsustainable expectations

• Approaching physical limits

• Focused on transistor count over other metrics

• Led to shorter hardware lifespans

• Environmental consequences of rapid replacement

Emerging Areas of Computing

Quantum Computing

Characteristics:

• Uses quantum bits (qubits) instead of binary bits

• Leverages superposition and entanglement

• Highly specialized for certain problem types

• Requires extreme cooling and isolation

• Still in early development stages

Advantages:

• Exponential processing capability for specific problems

• Could break current encryption methods

• Potential for simulating quantum systems

• Solving previously intractable problems

• New approach to computational thinking

Disadvantages:

• Extremely sensitive to environmental interference

• Difficult to scale currently

• Limited practical applications currently

• Requires new programming paradigms

• Expensive and specialized hardware

Neuromorphic Computing

Characteristics:

• Computer architecture modeled on brain structure

• Uses artificial neural networks in hardware

• Energy efficient compared to traditional computing

• Parallel processing architecture

• Specialized for pattern recognition tasks

Advantages:

• Energy efficiency for AI applications

• Better at handling ambiguous data

• Learns and adapts from experience

• Potentially more robust to damage

• Natural fit for certain AI applications

Disadvantages:

• Limited general-purpose capabilities

• Specialized programming requirements

• Early in development cycle

• Different error patterns than conventional computing

• Difficult to debug and verify functionality

DNA Computing

Characteristics:

• Uses DNA molecules for computation

• Massively parallel processing capabilities

• Stores information in nucleotide sequences

• Uses biochemical reactions for processing

• Merges biology and computing

Advantages:

• Enormous potential data density

• Inherently parallel computation

• Low energy requirements

• Potential for self-replication

• Integration with biological systems

Disadvantages:

• Extremely slow compared to electronic computing

• Difficult to interface with traditional systems

• Still largely theoretical or experimental

• Complex setup and material requirements

• Limited practical applications currently

IB DP Digital Society - Section 3.3 Computers Practice Exam Questions

Define/State Questions

1. Define the term "computer" as used in digital society.

2. State three essential characteristics of a mainframe computer.

3. Define the term "central processing unit" and state its primary function.

4. State four different types of computers discussed in the digital society curriculum.

5. Define "Moore's Law" and state its significance in the evolution of computing.

6. State three components that are classified as hardware in a computer system.

7. Define what is meant by a "user interface" in computing.

8. State two emerging areas in computing technology.

Identify Questions

9. Identify three characteristics of low-level programming languages.

10. Identify four hardware components of a modern personal computer.

11. Identify two primary differences between markup languages and programming languages.

12. Identify three advantages of wearable computing devices in modern society.

13. Identify four examples of input devices used in computer systems.

14. Identify three characteristics of malicious software.

15. Identify the key differences between the fifth generation of computing and previous generations.

Outline Questions

16. Outline three ways in which quantum computing differs from traditional computing.

17. Outline the key differences between operating system software and application software.

18. Outline two potential disadvantages of increasing reliance on tablet computers in educational settings.

19. Outline the relationship between sensors and the development of smartphones.

20. Outline how Moore's Law has influenced the evolution of personal computers over time.

Describe Questions

21. Describe three characteristics of high-level programming languages with examples.

22. Describe two ways that graphical user interfaces have evolved since their introduction.

23. Describe the function of memory (RAM) in a computer system.

24. Describe how the transition from the first to the second generation of computing changed computer technology.

25. Describe two applications of neuromorphic computing in modern digital society.

Explain Questions

26. Explain how storage technologies in computers have evolved from hard disk drives to solid-state drives.

27. Explain two ways that markup languages contribute to the structure of information on the internet.

28. Explain how smartphones combine multiple types of sensors to enhance user experience.

29. Explain the significance of the motherboard in a computer system.

30. Explain how low-level programming languages provide advantages for certain computing applications.

Compare Questions

31. Compare mainframe computers and personal computers in terms of their processing capabilities and typical use cases.

32. Compare high-level and low-level programming languages, considering their characteristics and applications.

33. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of solid-state drives and traditional hard disk drives.

34. Compare tablet computers and laptop computers as tools for productivity in professional environments.

35. Compare the role of haptic interfaces and graphical user interfaces in modern computing devices.

Suggest Questions

36. Suggest two ways that quantum computing might impact digital security in the future.

37. Suggest three potential developments in wearable computing that might emerge in the next decade.

38. Suggest how Moore's Law reaching its physical limits might affect the future development of computing technologies.

39. Suggest two ways that improvements in computer interfaces could make technology more accessible to different user groups.

40. Suggest how the increasing ubiquity of sensors in everyday devices might raise new ethical concerns for society.

Discuss Questions

41. Discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the emergence of DNA computing.

42. Discuss how the evolution of user interfaces has changed the relationship between humans and computers.

43. Discuss the potential impacts of neuromorphic computing on artificial intelligence development.

44. Discuss the role of smartphones in transforming computing from a fixed to a mobile experience.

45. Discuss how the five generations of computing reflect broader technological and societal changes.