A complete, functioning combination of hardware, software, and data that processes information and performs tasks. Computing systems follow the input-process-output model: they receive data, process it according to programmed instructions, and produce results.
A computing system is the whole package — the machine, its programs, and the information flowing through it, all working together.
Showing a random 20 of 50 problems.
Example 1
hard
A measure of how many instructions a CPU executes per second, expressed in cycles, is the ____.
Example 2
medium
A traffic light reads sensor data to count cars and adjusts green-light timing. Walk through the IPO stages.Traffic light computing system — vehicle sensor counts feed into a timing algorithm that changes the lights.
Example 3
easy
True or false: a smart TV remote with buttons sends commands to the TV; the remote alone is not a complete computing system.
Example 4
medium
An ATM reads your card, checks your balance, and dispenses cash. Match each to an IPO stage. What is the output?ATM stages mapped to IPO — what is the output stage?
Example 5
medium
Why does turning a computer off clear RAM but not the hard drive?
Example 6
easy
Name the three main components of a computer system and describe what each does.
Example 7
medium
A fitness tracker counts steps and shows a daily total. Identify input, process, and output in three short phrases.Fitness tracker IPO pipeline — identify input, process, and output.
Example 8
challenge
A self-driving car: name a sensor (input), a processing task, and an actuator (output), then state why all three parts (hardware, software, data) are essential.
Example 9
hard
A smart thermostat works without the internet. Argue whether it is still a complete computing system.
Example 10
medium
Volatile memory used for fast, temporary storage during a program's run is called ____.
Example 11
easy
A spell-checker reads text, finds errors, and lists them. What is the PROCESS stage?
Example 12
easy
Name one input device and one output device for a typical laptop.
Example 13
medium
A thermostat reads 18 C, compares to a 21 C target, and turns on the heater. Which IPO stage is the comparison?Thermostat IPO — the sensor reads 18°C, then what happens before the heater turns on?
Example 14
medium
Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle that the CPU performs. Why is clock speed relevant?The CPU fetch-decode-execute cycle repeats continuously — each arrow shows one stage leading to the next.
Example 15
medium
The smallest unit of data a computer stores is the ____.
Example 16
medium
Why is a single light switch (just on/off wiring) NOT a computing system?
Example 17
easy
In the input-process-output model, what is the very first stage?
Example 18
medium
A microwave reads the keypad time, counts down, and stops the magnetron. Which IPO stage is the countdown?
Example 19
challenge
Why can two computing systems with identical hardware and software behave differently?
Example 20
easy
Name the three parts that together make a complete computing system.