AA Computer Specialist Session 1 Skill Review

What do we call a small portable computer.

The definition for a computer that fits on a desk and is also called a personal computer.

Write the term beside the definition for a large computer used by data centers to process information such as banking transactions.

A computer used to run applications, store files and share resources with hundreds of people.

An output device that displays text and pictures on a screen.

What device can you use to input information into a device that creates an exact copy of an image or document.

How does the computer know the location of the key on the keyboard that is being pressed?

• A computer chip sits underneath each key and it sends a message to the computer when it is touched.

• When a key is pressed, it forces the wires underneath the key to touch, which sends a message to the computer chip inside the keyboard about the position of the key.

• Each key on the keyboard has a roller ball underneath that when pushed rolls in a particular direction thus telling the computer the location of the key that is being pressed.

How does the computer know the direction the mechanical mouse is being moved?

• When the mouse is pushed the ball inside the mouse touches rollers, which are connected to a wheel that starts to spin. A light shines through holes in the wheel, creating light pulses. A computer chip inside the mouse converts the light pulses into information the computer can understand so that it knows which direction the mouse is being moved.

• When the mouse is pushed the ball inside the mouse touches a spot on the chip and depending on the location it touches, the computer knows which direction the mouse is being moved.

• When the mouse is pushed the ball inside the mouse touches a particular wire. The computer chip inside the mouse determines which wire is being pressed and then sends a message to the computer about the direction the mouse is being moved.

When would a plotter or large format printer be used instead of a desktop inkjet printer?

• To draw large graphs and blueprint drawings

• To print out a scanned photograph

• To print a word processing document

Which list contains only input devices?

• monitor, touch screen, headphones

• scanner, mouse, keyboard

• mouse, printer, speakers