FAQ

The computer is an electronic device that performs tasks and processes data according to the instructions given by software programs. It is made up of two major components, namely:

COMPUTER stands for “Common Operating Machine Purposely Used for Technological and Educational Research.” This is a backronym, though, as the term “computer” really comes from the verb “compute,” which means to calculate.

ITS in computing can stand for “Intelligent Tutoring System”, which provides personalized learning, or “Information Technology Services”, which refers to IT support and management.

The five main characteristics of a computer are speed, automation, accuracy, versatility, and storage, enabling fast processing, multitasking, and reliable data handling.

Charles Babbage is known as the “Father of the Computer” for designing the Analytical Engine, the first mechanical computer concept.

In computing, a cell refers to a single unit of storage in a spreadsheet (like Excel) or a memory unit in computer storage. In spreadsheets, it holds data, while in memory, it stores bits of information.

DNS (Domain Name System) is a system that translates human-readable domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses, allowing computers to locate and communicate with websites and services on the internet.

A dedicated computer is a system designed for a specific task or function, such as a server, gaming console, or embedded system, rather than general-purpose use.

A driver in a computer is a software program that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, graphics cards, and keyboards.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that initializes hardware and starts the operating system when a computer is powered on.

An Apple computer refers to any personal computer designed and manufactured by Apple Inc.. These computers are part of Apple’s ecosystem, which includes a range of desktop and laptop computers. The most well-known Apple computers include:

• iMac: A powerful all-in-one desktop computer.

• MacBook Pro and MacBook Air: Laptops designed for portability and performance.

• Mac Pro: A high-end desktop for professional users requiring advanced computing power.

• macOS: The proprietary operating system that powers Apple computers, known for its user-friendly interface and security features.

Apple computers are renowned for their sleek design, reliability, and seamless integration with other Apple products like the iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

To screenshot on a computer, the method varies depending on the operating system. Here are some simple ways to take screenshots:

• On Windows:
  • Press PrtScn (Print Screen) to capture the full screen.

  • Use Windows + Shift + S to select a portion of the screen.

  • Press Alt + PrtScn to capture only the active window.

• On Mac:
  • Press Command + Shift + 3 to capture the entire screen.

  • Press Command + Shift + 4 to select a specific area to capture.

  • Press Command + Shift + 5 for additional options, such as recording the screen.

Each screenshot can be pasted into an image editing tool (like Paint on Windows or Preview on Mac) for further edits or saved directly to the clipboard.

To screenshot on a computer, press PrtScn on a Windows device to capture the full screen. For a specific area, use Windows + Shift + S. On a Mac, press Command + Shift + 3 for a full-screen capture or Command + Shift + 4 to select a specific region. Both operating systems will automatically save or copy the screenshot to the clipboard for use.

To transfer photos from an iPhone to a computer, you can do this in several ways, both wired and wireless:

• Wired Transfer (Windows):
  Connect the iPhone to the computer using a USB cable. Open File Explorer, find the iPhone under This PC, and access the DCIM folder to drag and drop the photos onto your computer.

• Wired Transfer (Mac):
  Use the Photos app or Image Capture to import photos. Alternatively, use Finder (macOS Catalina and later) to manage the transfer.

Wireless Transfer:
Enable iCloud Photos on your iPhone, and access your photos from iCloud.com on any browser, or use the iCloud Drive for easy file access.

Cloud computing is the on-demand delivery of IT resources, such as servers, storage, and software, over the internet. It allows users and businesses to access computing services without needing to own or maintain physical hardware. Key benefits include:

• Scalability: Easily scale resources up or down based on demand.

• Cost Efficiency: Pay only for the resources you use, with no upfront costs.

• Accessibility: Access data and applications from anywhere, on any device with internet access.

Major cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

Quantum computing is a type of computing that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform calculations at speeds far exceeding traditional computers. Qubits are the basic units of quantum data, allowing for exponentially more complex calculations. This can revolutionize fields like cryptography, optimization, and artificial intelligence.

Quantum computing is still in its experimental stage but holds the potential to solve problems that classical computers cannot.

To clear cache on a computer, follow these steps depending on your operating system:

• On Windows:
  Use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary files, or clear browser cache from your browser settings by going to Settings > Privacy > Clear Browsing Data.

• On Mac:
  Clear the browser cache via Safari or Chrome settings, and manually remove cache files from the Library folder under ~/Library/Caches.

Clearing the cache regularly can help improve performance by freeing up storage and preventing outdated data from slowing down your system.

To take a screenshot on a computer:

• Windows: Press PrtScn to capture the entire screen or Windows + Shift + S to select a portion of the screen.

• Mac: Press Command + Shift + 3 for a full-screen capture or Command + Shift + 4 for a selected area.

The screenshot is automatically saved or copied to the clipboard for easy access.

Computer science is the study of computers, algorithms, and information systems. It involves areas like software development, data structures, algorithms, artificial intelligence, network security, and the design of computer systems. It is a broad field that shapes modern technology and impacts almost every aspect of society.

A slow computer can be caused by various issues, including:

• Insufficient RAM or disk space

• Outdated software or drivers

• Too many background processes running at once

• Malware or viruses

• Cluttered hard drive

To improve speed, try upgrading hardware, clearing space, and performing system maintenance, such as disk cleanup or defragmentation.

To check if your computer can run a specific application or game, compare your system specifications (like CPU, RAM, GPU) with the software’s minimum and recommended system requirements. Tools like Can You Run It provide automatic compatibility checks for popular games.

You can determine if your computer can run a specific game or application by comparing your system’s specs (CPU, GPU, RAM, etc.) with the minimum system requirements listed by the game developer or software provider.

To protect your home computer:

• Install antivirus software and keep it updated.

• Use a firewall to block unauthorized access.

• Ensure automatic updates for your operating system and software.

• Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts.

Backup your data regularly using external storage or cloud services.

To screenshot on a computer:

• Windows: Press PrtScn for the full screen, or Windows + Shift + S for a specific area.

• Mac: Press Command + Shift + 3 for a full screenshot or Command + Shift + 4 for a selected region.

You can paste the screenshot in an image editor like Paint (Windows) or Preview (Mac).

To clean your computer screen:

• Turn off the computer and unplug it.

• Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the screen gently.

• If needed, slightly dampen the cloth with water or screen cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals.

Never apply liquid directly to the screen.

To send photos from iPhone to computer:

• Using USB cable: Connect your iPhone to the computer and use File Explorer (Windows) or Photos app (Mac) to import photos.

• Using iCloud: Enable iCloud Photos on your iPhone and access photos via iCloud.com on your computer.

Using AirDrop: Transfer photos wirelessly between iPhone and Mac via AirDrop.

To unlock your iPhone passcode without a computer, you can use Find My iPhone (via iCloud) to remotely erase your device. This will remove the passcode and allow you to set it up again. Note that erasing your iPhone will delete all data, so ensure you have a backup.

The first computer was invented in the early 19th century by Charles Babbage, known as the Analytical Engine. It was a mechanical device that laid the groundwork for modern computing. The first practical, electronic computer was created in the 1940s by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry.

To take a screenshot on a computer, press PrtScn (for Windows) or Command + Shift + 3 (for Mac). For a specific area, use Windows + Shift + S (Windows) or Command + Shift + 4 (Mac). The screenshot can then be pasted or saved.

To compute percentage, use the formula:
Percentage = (Part / Whole) × 100
For example, to find what percentage 25 is of 200, the calculation would be:
(25 / 200) × 100 = 12.5%

To compute standard deviation:

1. Find the mean (average) of the data set.

2. Subtract the mean from each data point and square the result.

3. Find the average of these squared differences.

Take the square root of this value to get the standard deviation.

To move pictures from iPhone to computer, use a USB cable and open File Explorer (Windows) or Photos app (Mac) to transfer the pictures. Alternatively, use iCloud or AirDrop for wireless transfer.

To restart your computer, click on the Start menu (Windows) or Apple menu (Mac), and select Restart. Always save your work before restarting to avoid data loss.

To screenshot on a Dell computer, press PrtScn for a full-screen capture or Windows + Shift + S to select a region. On Dell laptops, Fn + PrtScn may also work for capturing the screen.

To transfer pictures from iPhone to computer, connect your iPhone using a USB cable and use File Explorer (Windows) or the Photos app (Mac) to import the photos. Alternatively, use iCloud for a wireless transfer.

Computers were invented in the 1940s, with key developments from Charles Babbage (conceptualizing the Analytical Engine) and Alan Turing (theoretical foundations). The first practical, electronic computers, such as the Colossus and ENIAC, were created in the 1940s.

The computer was invented by Charles Babbage in the early 19th century, with significant contributions from Alan Turing in the mid-20th century. The first programmable, electronic computers were built by John Atanasoff and Clifford Berry.

To check if your computer can run a specific application or game, compare your system’s specifications (CPU, RAM, GPU) with the minimum and recommended system requirements provided by the software or game developer.

You can determine if your computer can run a specific game by comparing your system specifications (CPU, GPU, RAM) with the system requirements provided by the game. Websites like Can You Run It offer an automated tool to check compatibility.