1 - Understand computer hardware Flashcards
Give examples of an input device
Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone
what does ram do for a computer?
ram makes it possible to find specific information very quickly. It is a form of fast-access, volatile storage that is used as the main memory in computer systems.
Output Device definition
Puts information out of the computer
Hard Drive definition
Permanent storage
PSU – Power Supply Unit definition
Converts power from plug to all computer parts
GPU – Graphics Processing Unit definition
Renders video for the monitor
Operating System definition
Software that allows you to communicate with the computer
Computer Case definition
Housing for the computer parts
What are the other names for a CPU?
Processor and microchip.
When buying a motherboard, what do you have to make sure of?
Ensure that the motherboard is designed for your CPU.
What is the full name of SATA? What does it do?
Serial Advanced technology attachment. SATA allows devices such as optical and other hard drives to link to a computer. (Linked to another port on motherboard with a 7-pin ribbon cable).
What is an Ethernet used for?
Used for cable-based networks.
What is the Main purpose of a input device?
Allowing the user to communicate with the computer.
What is the main purpose of a output device?
To allow the computer to communicate with the user.
What are Plotters?
Plotters a tool to do large scale drawings (acts as a large scale mechanical pen)
What is a braille terminal?
It is a specialised reader for visually impaired users.
What is a terminal adapter used for?
Allows computers to link into integrated service digital network.
Give an example of an output device
Printer, Speakers, Headphones, Braille Terminal
What is the purpose of a Modem?
Enables computers to communicate via a telephone line. It converts digital signals into analogue
What is the purpose of ROM?
Holds the boost program/BIOS, used to start the server
What is the purpose of Cache?
Stores data that is accessed frequently, to allow faster access to the data.
Why would you use a router rather than a hybrid device?
1) A standalone router has more complex functions.
2) It is more suitable for a business environment.
3) a router has additional features like VPN, so if the router fails then other features are available.
What is meant by virtual client?
It is a full desktop environment where the processing happens remotely.
What does ALU stand for?
Arithmetic Logic Unit
What does a register do?
It stores data which is to be processed within the ALU
What does ISDN stand for?
Integrated Service Digital Network
What are all five computer systems?
1) Desktop
2) Tablet/Laptop
3) Smartphones
4) Embedded systems/Internet of Things
5) Mainframe and quantum computers
What is a Desktop?
A computer system that allows the user to carry out a range of activities for personal or business purposes like:
1) document creation
2) data manipulation
3) game playing
4) design and communication facilities
What are the advantages of a desktop?
It is easy to upgrade and it is suitable for multitasking
What are the disadvantages of a desktop?
It is not portable
Takes up a lot of space
Has an irregular sized keyboard
What is a tablet/laptop?
A personal computer that is smaller than a desktop. It has replaced a mouse with a touch pad and the keyboard is replaced with a smaller one that folds onto the monitor or a virtual one.
What are advantages of a tablet/laptop?
Can be used wirelessly
Portable
Takes up little space
What are disadvantages of a tablet/laptop?
Cannot be physically upgraded
What is a smartphone?
A mobile phone that preforms many of the function of a computer like:
1) run applications
2) send and recive messages
What are the advantages of a smartphone?
Has most of the functions of a laptop, but it is portable.
What are disadvantages of a smartphone?
1) If the smartphone is unlocked and left in public, anyone can see the private information.
2) malware and security software not as strong as the ones in a PC.
What is a mainframe?
Huge machines designed to solve scientific and engineering problems that require complex calculations.
What are advantages of a mainframe?
Ideal for big data analytics, data warehouse etc
What are disadvantages of a mainframe?
Significantly higher cost then a laptop. Requires teams of experts to oversee it.
What are the two copper wire connection?
UTP and STP
What does UTP stand for?
Unshielded Twisted Pairs
Benefits of STP cables
Metallic foil casing blocks electromagnet interference, allowing it to carry data at a faster rate of speed
Drawbacks of STP cables
Bigger and more expensive than UTP cables.
Benefits of UTP cables
They are smaller than STP cables, which makes them easier to install, particularly in bulk or in narrow spaces.
Drawbacks of UTP cables
they are more prone to noise than properly installed and maintained STP cables.
Benefits of Optical Fibre cables
Provides the fastest data delivery by cable. Because the fibre is as thin as a human hair, the signal is better.
Drawbacks of Optical Fibre cables
They are uni-directional (can only go in one direction). There have to be at least two together so they can go in both directions.
What does wireless technology use to transmit data?
Radio Frequency Signals
What is Bluetooth used for?
Short-range communication between two devices.
What is the range for Bluetooth?
Within 10 meters
What is Wifi used for?
Connecting devices via a network hub
What is the range of Wifi?
Up to 92 meters
What are Laser Networks used for?
Sending large amount of data, using a light beam. Also satellite to satellite communication.
What is the range of Laser Networks?
Up to 10km
Can be blocked by fog and haze
What is infrared technology used for?
Convey data through infrared (IR) radiation
What is the range of Infrared Technology?
Devices must be in line of sight, only a few meters apart.
What is Microwave Communication used for?
Uses short radio waves to send signals via microwave towers. Can provide analogue of digital formats.
What is the range of Microwave Communication?
Must be in the line of sight with no obstructions between them.
Definition of troubleshoot
The ability to analyse and solve issues with information systems
How do hardware faults arise?
Power surges, poor maintenance, accidental damage, malware or intentional damage
What does the fault log sheet identify?
Machine, owners or user, fault, date, symptoms, problem history and backup documentation
What would you do to investigate problems?
Always look for the simplest explanation first
Record steps and confirm completion
Record tools used
Record actions
Record time taken
What are the two main trouble shooting tools?
Event viewer and Self-test programs
What is an Event Viewer?
When an error occurs on a computer, the event viewer is updated with information about it.
Name two Self-Test Programs?
Post on Self-Test, POST
Ping test
What is a POST?
Checks memory, power supply, hardware, CPU, BIOS and heat/cooling.
What is a ping test?
Tests connectivity between requesting host and the destination host. It uses ICMP, Internet Control Message Protocol
