Question
fundamentals of computing 1b midterm answers
Answers
GPT 3.5
1. What is the difference between hardware and software?
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the processor, memory, and input/output devices. Software, on the other hand, refers to the programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
2. What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or completing a task. It is a sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer.
3. What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code before execution, creating an executable file. An interpreter translates and executes each line of code one at a time without creating an executable file.
4. Explain the concept of abstraction in computing.
Abstraction in computing refers to the process of hiding unnecessary details and complexity of a system, allowing users to focus on essential information. It helps in simplifying and managing complex systems.
5. What is a variable in programming?
A variable is a symbolic name given to a memory location in a programming language. It is used to store and manipulate data within a program.
6. What is the role of an operating system in a computer system?
An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs. It controls the execution of programs, manages input/output devices, and allocates system resources.
7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that stores data and program instructions temporarily during processing. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that stores firmware and boot-up instructions permanently.
8. What is the purpose of a data structure in programming?
A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and manipulated efficiently. It helps in optimizing program performance and solving complex problems.
9. Explain the difference between sequential and binary search algorithms.
Sequential search algorithm searches for a target value in a list by checking each element from the beginning to the end. Binary search algorithm searches for a target value in a sorted list by dividing the list into halves and narrowing down the search range.
10. What is the significance of the von Neumann architecture in computing?
The von Neumann architecture is a computer design model that separates the program instructions and data from the memory. It allows the computer to fetch, decode, execute, and store instructions and data in memory, enabling efficient program execution.
Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the processor, memory, and input/output devices. Software, on the other hand, refers to the programs and instructions that tell the hardware what to do.
2. What is an algorithm?
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem or completing a task. It is a sequence of instructions that can be executed by a computer.
3. What is the difference between a compiler and an interpreter?
A compiler translates the entire source code into machine code before execution, creating an executable file. An interpreter translates and executes each line of code one at a time without creating an executable file.
4. Explain the concept of abstraction in computing.
Abstraction in computing refers to the process of hiding unnecessary details and complexity of a system, allowing users to focus on essential information. It helps in simplifying and managing complex systems.
5. What is a variable in programming?
A variable is a symbolic name given to a memory location in a programming language. It is used to store and manipulate data within a program.
6. What is the role of an operating system in a computer system?
An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and provides services for computer programs. It controls the execution of programs, manages input/output devices, and allocates system resources.
7. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that stores data and program instructions temporarily during processing. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile memory that stores firmware and boot-up instructions permanently.
8. What is the purpose of a data structure in programming?
A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and manipulated efficiently. It helps in optimizing program performance and solving complex problems.
9. Explain the difference between sequential and binary search algorithms.
Sequential search algorithm searches for a target value in a list by checking each element from the beginning to the end. Binary search algorithm searches for a target value in a sorted list by dividing the list into halves and narrowing down the search range.
10. What is the significance of the von Neumann architecture in computing?
The von Neumann architecture is a computer design model that separates the program instructions and data from the memory. It allows the computer to fetch, decode, execute, and store instructions and data in memory, enabling efficient program execution.