Welcome to the Technical Support Fundamentals course! In this first module, you will find the following important points:
Objectives:
- The Evolution of Computing : Understand how humans evolved from manual tallying techniques into computers for calculations of data.
- Binary Numbers: Discover what binary is, how it works and why we need it to communicate with computers.
- Layers of Computer Architecture: Become familiar with the various layers of computer architecture as well as how they contribute to the working of a computer.
- Binary to Decimal Conversion: Learn how to convert binary into decimal and why it is an important procedure in computing.
- At the end of this module, you would be able to count like a computer and understand the powers of these calculations in modern technology. Letís go!
PRACTICE QUIZ: BINARY
1. 1. Which of these is a valid byte? Check all that apply.
- 00000000 (CORRECT)
- 10022011
- 11100
- 11011011 (CORRECT)
Correct: It would seem you really know what you’re saying; excellent! A byte is simply a quantification made up of 8 bits, each of which may either represent a 0 or a 1. Bytes are the fundamental as well as elementary measurement of memory for computers and are usually used to depict a character, such as a letter or number.
2. How many possible values can we have with 8 bits?
- 256 (CORRECT)
- 8
- 1 byte
- 127
Correct: Bits work in the binary system, also known as the base-2 numeral system. That is what gives us, in 2^8, 256 possible values, from 0 to 255.
3. Why did UTF-8 replace the ASCII character-encoding standard?
- UTF-8 can store a character in more than one byte. (CORRECT)
- UTF-8 only uses 128 values.
- ASCII can store a character in more than one byte.
- ASCII can represent emoji.
Correct: Indeed! The ASCII character coding paradigm has been replaced by the UTF-8 standard due to the fact that it can use more than one byte for the encoding of a character. This characteristic allows UTF-8 to manage a richer diversity of characters, including special characters and symbols, as well as emojis, making it really suitable for modern computing needs.
4. What is the highest decimal value we can represent with a byte?
- 256
- 2
- 255 (CORRECT)
- Any number
Correct: That’s correct! A byte represents 256 potential values, which range from 0 to 255 in decimal. This is because there are eight bits in a byte, hence there are 2^8 or 256 different combinations of zeroes and ones.
5. The binary value of the ASCII letter “c” is 0110 0011. Using the handy chart that we learned in the lesson, convert this number to its decimal value. You’ll need to use some math for this question.
- 45
- 99 (CORRECT)
- 123
- 100
Correct: Thanks!That’s right! The decimal number 99 in binary representation is 0110 0011. Breaking it down: In the binary 0110 0011, there are 1s in the positions of 64, 32, 2, and 1. So we add this together: 64 + 32 + 2 + 1 = 99. This is how binary numbers are converted into decimal values by summing the “true” bits’ corresponding powers of 2.
6. What cards had holes in them that were historically used to store data?
- Floppy disks
- Hard drive platters
- Punch cards (CORRECT)
- Magnetic tape
Correct: Punch cards were the first ones used machine made binary systems.
7. A(n) ____ is a series of steps that solve specific problems.
- recipe
- automated system
- combination
- algorithm (CORRECT)
Correct: Several well-defined instructions given in a sequence for solving a specific issue or accomplishing a specific task form the basis of an algorithm. It is essential for programming at its core and is used for data processing or computation and automation of different functionalities.
8. What are the three main desktop operating systems used today? Check all that apply.
- Windows (CORRECT)
- MacOS (CORRECT)
- Linux (CORRECT)
- Chrome OS
Correct: Yes! Right on!! The primary desktop operating systems available these days include Windows, Macintosh (macOS), and Linux. All three serve individual features and benefits for different users.
9. What is software called when it can be freely distributed, modified, and shared?
- Open-source (CORRECT)
- Closed-source
- Commercial
- Proprietary
Correct: Truly commercial software is the one that is paid-compatible software which places the above cause of licensing acquisition by users in order to access that software content. Whereas, open-source software is free and can be used, distributed, and modified. Open-source software provides access to the source code for anyone to contribute to its development and customization.
10. What does the following binary code translate to? Tip: Use an ASCII “character to binary” chart to help you find an answer.
- 01101000 01100101 01101100 01101100 01101111
Answer: Hello
11. In punch card systems, a hole represents the number ____.
- 1 (CORRECT)
- 0
Correct: Yes, that’s right! In this regard, a punched card typically uses “1” to indicate a hole being punched into the card, while “0” shows that no hole is punched. This binary system was used for early computer programming.
PRACTICE QUIZ: COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE
1. What are the four layers of the computer architecture?
- Binary, Hardware, Operating System, Software
- Computer, Operating System, Software, User
- Hardware, Operating System, Software, User (CORRECT)
- Hardware, Windows, Software, User
Correct: There are indeed layers in computer architecture; they include the hardware, operating system, software, and user layers.
GRADED ASSESSMENTS: HOW TO COUNT IN BINARY
1.You will convert here a decimal number into its binary representation through the tool below. A “1” indicates the value ON, and a “0” indicates the value OFF.
After conversion of a decimal number into a binary number, click the “Check Answers” button. To submit for grading, just close the quiz.
Objectives of the Exercise
Produce a binary equivalent of a decimal number through the adjustment of buttons to modify the values so that the row reflects accurately the given decimal numeral. Hence, the presence of the number “1” will signify the value to be ON, while presence of the number “0” will signal the value to be OFF.
