The following is a list of topics and terms to study for the written midterm exam.

PART I. Concepts from Chapter 1: Introduction to Using Computers

Know the major concepts that fulfill each objective

1. Explain why it is important to be computer literate
2. Define the term computer
3. Identify the components of a computer
4. Explain why a computer is a powerful tool
5. Differentiate among the various categories of software
6. Explain the purpose of a network
7. Discuss the uses of the internet and the www
8. Describe the categories of computers and their uses

PART II. History of computing (lecture)

Know each of these individuals and their major contributions

• Blaise Pascal
• Charles Babbage
• Ada Augusta (Lovelace)
• Hollerith
• Jaquard
• Jobs, Wozniak
• Eckert, Mauchly
• Konrad Zuse
• John von Neumann
• Grace Hopper
• Ted Hoff
• Gordon Moore

Know why each of these devices is important

• Pascaline
• Difference Engine
• Analytical Engine
• ABC computer
• Mark I
• ENIAC
• UNIVAC

Know the approximate dates and defining characteristics of these hardware eras

• first generation computers
• second generation computers
• third generation computers
• fourth generation computers

PART III. Concepts from Chapter 2: Application software and the WWW Only part of this chapter was covered in lecture. You should concentrate on 2.1-2.11 only.

1. Define software application
2. Explain how to start a software application
3. Explain the key features of widely used software applications

Related terms covered in lecture:

• data vs. information
• operating system software (DOS, unix, Windows, Windows95, Mac OS)
• GUI vs. command-line (windows, icons, menus and pointers)
• Applications software (word processing, spreadsheets, database management, graphics)

PART IV. Techniques from the lab assignments

Tutorial 3

• Finding files on the lab server
• Launching Word
• Formatting the document in sections
• Adding headers
• Using styles
• Applying styles
• Inserting tables
• Inserting additional rows
• Using autosum to total a table column
• Formatting tables

Tutorial 4

• Creating the newsletter title
• Formatting newspaper-style columns
• Inserting clip art
• Inserting drop caps
• Inserting symbols and special characters
• Balancing columns
• Drawing a border around the page

PART V. Concepts from Chapter 3: The Components of the System Unit

1. Identify the components in the system unit and explain their functions
2. Explain how the CPU uses the four steps of a machine cycle to process data
3. Compare and contrast various microprocessors on the market today
4. Define a bit and describe how a series of bits is used to represent data
5. Differentiate between the various types of memory
6. Describe the types of expansion slots and expansion cards in the system
7. Explain the difference between a serial and a parallel port
8. Describe how buses contribute to a computer's processing speed.

Key terms to know:

• CPU, ALU, controller, registers
• memory vs. storage
• binary digits (bits), byte and word size
• microprocessor
• Intel microprocessors
• Motorola microprocessors
• RAM (know size and speeds of standard SIMMS and DIMMs)
• ROM