CIS105 - Survey of Computer Information Systems

2. The definition of the term "computer" according to your textbook - Chapter 1, page 4 is as follows: A computer is an electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory that can accept data, process the data according to specified rules, produce information, and store the information for future use. 

3. Now comparing your own definition to that provided by the textbook, what gaps or misunderstandings did you uncover? Please mention. 

4. As we progress through the class, we will learn about how the computer meets each and every one of these requirements.  

5. Take a minute or two and write down what computer "memory" means to you.  Also ponder upon any difference between "storage" and "memory" and make notes. 

6. The definition also uses two terms, "data" and "information". Are these two terms the same, different, or related? If they are different or related, how so? Please explain.  

7. What is the component inside a computer that "processes" the data? 

8. Write down your current understanding on the topic. You do not need to look up the "correct" definitions or cite references. This exercise is only to enable you to reflect on your current understanding and fill in any possible gaps. Looking up the terms on the web or the textbook will hinder your learning because it will void of the opportunity to deepen your understanding and distinguish the nuances between related terms.