Basic Computer Science Fundamentals

Flow charts use geometric shapes like ovals (for start/end), rectangles (for processes), and diamonds (for decisions) to represent the flow of an algorithm visually. Lines connect these shapes to show the sequence.

Bit stands for 'binary digit', which is the smallest unit of data in computing. A bit can have only two values: 0 or 1, representing the binary number system used by computers.

1 byte = 8 bits
1 kilobyte (K / Kb) = 2¹⁰ bytes = 1, 024 bytes

A buffer is temporary storage area in memory that holds data while it's being moved from one place to another. It helps manage differences in speed between input/output devices and the processor.

Debugging is the systematic process of identifying and isolating errors in a program, then removing them to ensure correct functionality. Debugging tools help programmers trace execution flow to locate the source of unexpected behavior.

Batch processing groups multiple data records together to process them efficiently as a single unit rather than handling each record individually. This approach improves throughput and reduces overhead by processing data in predefined groups.

BBS (Bulletin Board System) was an early computerized system that allowed users to connect via telephone lines to leave messages, exchange files, and share information. These systems were precursors to modern online forums and social networks.

An algorithm is a well-defined computational procedure that takes some input and produces an output. It provides a step-by-step sequence of instructions that must be followed to solve a specific problem or accomplish a particular task.

ALU stands for Arithmetic Logic Unit. It is the part of the processor which deals with basic logic and mathematical operations (not to be confused with an FPU, which performs more complex calculations of the same nature in a floating point representation). ALUs can be as simple or complex as necessary.

CPU clock speed measures how many instruction cycles the processor can execute per second, measured in Hertz (Hz). Modern processors operate in gigahertz (GHz) range, meaning billions of cycles per second, which determines how quickly the CPU can process instructions.

A channel is a dedicated electronic pathway that allows data to flow between two or more points in a computer system. Channels can be physical (wires) or logical (communication protocols) and enable organized data transfer between components.

A computer bus is a set of parallel wires that connects major components like CPU, memory, and input/output devices. Buses transfer data, addresses, and control signals simultaneously between multiple parts of the computer system.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory that requires constant power to maintain data. When you perform a cold boot (completely shutting down and restarting), power is cut and all data in RAM is lost. ROM (Read-Only Memory) is non-volatile and retains its contents.

Notebook computers are portable personal computers designed for mobile use, featuring an integrated screen and keyboard in a clamshell form factor. The terms 'laptop' and 'notebook' are used interchangeably to describe these portable computing devices.

A file handle is a unique identifier that an operating system assigns when a file is opened. Programs use this handle to reference and manipulate the open file throughout its execution. Each open file gets a distinct handle to track file operations.

In computing, a bug refers to an error, flaw, or fault in a computer program that causes it to produce incorrect or unexpected results. The term originated from actual insects causing malfunctions in early electromechanical computers but now refers to any software defect.

A computer program is fundamentally a sequence of instructions written in a programming language that tells the computer exactly what operations to perform. These instructions are executed in order (unless modified by control structures) to accomplish specific tasks.

FLOPS (Floating Point Operations Per Second) measures computer performance in powers of 1000. Both megaFLOPS (10^6 operations/sec) and gigaFLOPS (10^9 operations/sec) are standard units, making option D correct. TeraFLOPS (10^12) is also valid but the question asks which pair is correct, and A-B are indeed real FLOPS types.

A glitch is a temporary malfunction or minor problem in a system. Both 'malfunction' (option A) and 'snag' (option B) accurately describe a glitch, making 'both (1) and (2)' the correct answer. A glitch is typically unexpected and short-lived.

LAN (Local Area Network) connects computers within a limited geographic area like a single building, office, or campus. It does not directly interconnect files or programs - those are stored on the computers themselves. The network connects the devices, not the data directly. Option C correctly identifies LAN's purpose.

The binary number system uses exactly 2 digits: 0 and 1. This is fundamental to digital computing because electronic circuits can easily represent two states (on/off or true/false). The prefix 'bi' means two, as in bicycle (two wheels) or bilingual (two languages). Option B is correct.

The default drive is the drive you're currently working on in your command prompt or file operations. It's called the 'current drive' because it's the active drive for your current session. Changing to a different drive makes that the new default/current drive. Option A is correct.

All three options - laptops, palm tops (PDAs), and notebooks - are types of portable computers. A portable computer is any computer designed to be easily moved and used in different locations. Since all options are valid examples of portable computers, 'All of the above' (option D) is the correct answer.

A microcomputer is a small, relatively inexpensive computer designed for individual use. The common term for this is 'personal computer' or PC. Minicomputers and mainframe computers are larger, more powerful systems designed for multiple users. Option B is correct.

FAT stands for File Allocation Table, a file system architecture developed by Microsoft for MS-DOS and later used in Windows. It keeps track of how files are stored on the disk. The question has a typo ('satnds' instead of 'stands') but this doesn't affect the answer. Option C is correct.