SQA Basic Computing Concepts

  1. What is a computer?
    A computer is an electronic device that processes data, performing tasks according to a set of instructions called programs.
  2. What is an operating system?
    An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides services for computer programs.
  3. What is RAM?
    Random Access Memory (RAM) is a type of volatile memory that stores data temporarily, enabling quick access by the CPU.
  4. What is a CPU?
    The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.
  5. What is software?
    Software is a collection of instructions and data that tell a computer how to work, including applications and operating systems.
  6. What is hardware?
    Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, hard drive, and motherboard.
  7. What is a hard drive?
    A hard drive is a storage device used to store and retrieve digital information, including the operating system, applications, and files.
  8. What is an input device?
    An input device is hardware used to send data to a computer, such as a keyboard, mouse, or scanner.
  9. What is an output device?
    An output device is hardware that receives data from a computer, such as a monitor, printer, or speakers.
  10. What is a network?
    A network is a group of interconnected computers that can share resources and communicate with each other.
  11. What is the Internet?
    The Internet is a global network of interconnected computers that communicate through standardized protocols to share information.
  12. What is a program?
    A program is a set of instructions that a computer executes to perform a specific task or function.
  13. What is an algorithm?
    An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or completing a task.
  14. What is binary code?
    Binary code is the most basic form of data in computing, consisting of 0s and 1s to represent information.
  15. What is a bit?
    A bit (binary digit) is the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a 0 or 1 in binary code.
  16. What is a byte?
    A byte is a unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits, often used to encode a single character of text.
  17. What is a file?
    A file is a collection of data stored on a computer, identified by a unique filename.
  18. What is a directory?
    A directory (or folder) is a file system structure that contains files and other directories.
  19. What is a database?
    A database is an organized collection of data, typically structured and accessible electronically.
  20. What is cloud computing?
    Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the Internet, including storage, processing, and software.
  21. What is a motherboard?
    A motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer that connects and communicates with all the hardware components.
  22. What is a GPU?
    A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized processor designed to accelerate graphics rendering.
  23. What is a peripheral device?
    A peripheral device is an external device connected to a computer, such as a printer, mouse, or external hard drive.
  24. What is a URL?
    A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the address used to access resources on the Internet.
  25. What is HTTP?
    HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a protocol used for transmitting web pages over the Internet.
  26. What is HTTPS?
    HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a secure version of HTTP, using encryption to protect data.
  27. What is an IP address?
    An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a unique identifier assigned to each device connected to a network.
  28. What is DNS?
    The Domain Name System (DNS) is a system that translates domain names into IP addresses.
  29. What is a firewall?
    A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic.
  30. What is malware?
    Malware, short for malicious software, is software designed to harm or exploit computers and networks.
  31. What is a virus?
    A virus is a type of malware that attaches itself to a host file and spreads to other files and computers.
  32. What is a worm?
    A worm is a type of malware that replicates itself and spreads across networks without needing a host file.
  33. What is a Trojan horse?
    A Trojan horse is malware disguised as legitimate software that can cause damage or provide unauthorized access.
  34. What is encryption?
    Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format to protect it from unauthorized access.
  35. What is a backup?
    A backup is a copy of data stored separately to protect against data loss.
  36. What is an SSD?
    A Solid-State Drive (SSD) is a storage device that uses flash memory to store data, offering faster access than traditional hard drives.
  37. What is a URL?
    A Uniform Resource Locator (URL) is the address used to access resources on the Internet.
  38. What is virtualization?
    Virtualization is the creation of virtual versions of physical hardware, such as servers, to improve efficiency.
  39. What is open-source software?
    Open-source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
  40. What is a compiler?
    A compiler is a program that translates source code written in a high-level programming language into machine code.
  41. What is a web browser?
    A web browser is a software application used to access and view websites on the Internet, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
  42. What is a spreadsheet?
    A spreadsheet is a digital document used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tabular form, often created with software like Microsoft Excel.
  43. What is machine learning?
    Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence that enables computers to learn and make predictions based on data.
  44. What is a cache?
    A cache is a small, fast storage area that stores frequently accessed data to speed up future access.
  45. What is the command line interface (CLI)?
    The CLI is a text-based interface where users type commands to perform specific tasks.
  46. What is an API?
    An Application Programming Interface (API) is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other.
  47. What is a kernel?
    A kernel is the core part of an operating system that manages system resources and hardware communication.
  48. What is a virtual private network (VPN)?
    A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection over the Internet to protect data and privacy.
  49. What is a user interface (UI)?
    The user interface (UI) is the visual and interactive part of a software application that users interact with.
  50. What is a spreadsheet?
    A spreadsheet is a digital document used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tabular form, often created with software like Microsoft Excel.
  51. What is cybersecurity?
    Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, networks, and data from digital attacks and unauthorized access.
  52. What is a virtual machine (VM)?
    A virtual machine (VM) is a software emulation of a physical computer that runs an operating system and applications.
  53. What is data mining?
    Data mining is the process of analyzing large datasets to discover patterns, trends, and useful information.
  54. What is a protocol?
    A protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transmitted and received over a network.
  55. What is a router?
    A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, directing traffic and ensuring efficient data transmission.
  56. What is bandwidth?
    Bandwidth refers to the maximum data transfer rate of a network or Internet connection, measured in bits per second (bps).
  57. What is latency?
    Latency is the time delay between a request for data and the delivery of that data, often measured in milliseconds.
  58. What is a heuristic?
    A heuristic is a problem-solving approach that uses practical, non-optimal methods to find solutions quickly.
  59. What is a digital signature?
    A digital signature is an electronic form of a signature that verifies the authenticity and integrity of digital documents.
  60. What is a content management system (CMS)?
    A content management system (CMS) is software that allows users to create, manage, and publish digital content, often used for websites.