1.1- Hardware

Question 1

BIOS

Answer 1

Basic Input Output System: essential startup instructions of computer in ROM chips on motherboard. Represents lowest level of programming in firmware.

Question 2

Bus

Answer 2

Set of electric paths etched on the motherboard, used to transfer data between different parts. (E.g.: between expansion card and RAM)

Question 3

Caching

Answer 3

A method used to compensate for the loss of efficiency, “bottleneck”- that is inevitable when a faster medium tries to communicate with a slower medium

Question 4

CMOS

Answer 4

Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor- the type of memory that stores the BIOS settings that can be upgraded/changed. Memory kept “alive” by small battery on motherboard.

Question 5

CPU

Find another def!

Answer 5

Central Processing Unit: a chip that can contain more than one “core” (complete processor). Connects to motherboard using ZIF socket. Responsible for all the processing.

Question 6

CPU cache

Answer 6

Special type of high speed memory built into the CPU, used to maximise CPU productivity

Question 7

DIMM

Answer 7

Dual Inline Memory Module: thin, rectangular electronic boards, containing banks of RAM chips; inserted into DIMM slots on motherboard. The means whereby the memory of computer is upgraded

Question 8

Disk cache

Answer 8

A certain amount of high speed memory built into every hard drive. Used to cache data read from slower disk and thereby speed up subsequent calls for the same “chunk” of code or data

Question 9

EEPROM

Answer 9

Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: type of ROM that can be erased electronically, after which a new “image” of the upgraded content can be written back

Question 10

Expansion slots

Answer 10

Slots on the motherboard for attaching additional circuit boards in order to “expand” computer capabilities. Mostly dedicated: video and sound cards for high end gaming and design work

Question 11

External connectors

Answer 11

Situated both at the back and the front of the computer casing. E.g.: USB port; VGA port- monitor; RJ45 port- Ethernet cabling; speaker; microphone jacks

Question 12

FireWire

Answer 12

Type of port that can transfer data faster than USB. Usually used when fast data transfer desirable: eg videos from vid camera; data from external hard drive

Question 13

Firmware

Answer 13

Software that is permanently installed, or “hard-coded” on a ROM chip. Used to control basic operation of device eg. printer

Question 14

Flashing the ROM

Answer 14

Process whereby existing contents of firmware wiped and replaced with updated version (always to be performed with great care)

Question 15

GPU

Answer 15

Graphics Processing Unit: dedicated graphics processor on graphics card. Provides extra processing power

Question 16

Hardware interrupt/ IRQ

Answer 16

Interrupt ReQuest line: Dedicated communication channel/means, whereby device can request immediate attention of CPU to process a given function. Eg: mouse click, keystroke

Question 17

Machine cycle

Answer 17

Steps taken by CPU in carrying out instructions:
•Fetch data and instructions from RAM
•Decode instructions
•Execute instructions
•Transfer data back to RAM

Question 18

Modular design

Answer 18

Computer design philosophy: incorporates variety of separate “modular” components, thereby facilitating upgrades and maintenance

Question 19

Motherboard

Answer 19

Large electronic circuit board with slots and connectors for attaching different components and peripherals

Question 20

Plug and Play (PnP)

Answer 20

A technology that automates configuration process of device before it can be used

Question 21

Point-to-point connections

Answer 21

Dedicated connection between 2 components (eg RAM and CPU) that is not shared with other components

Question 22

POST

Answer 22

Power On Self Test: startup test performed by BIOS to ensure all essential hardware (RAM, keyboard etc) are present and in working order

Question 23

RAM

Answer 23

Random Access Memory: temporary, volatile storage area for all running programs and data being processed

Question 24

ROM

Answer 24

Read Only Memory: permanent, non-volatile memory associated with Firmware. Typically found in ROM chip which holds the startup instructions (BIOS) of computer

Question 25

SATA connectors

Answer 25

Connectors on motherboard for attaching cables for storage devices, such as hard drives and optical drives

Question 26

Storage

Answer 26

Storage provides a place where computer can keep data and instructions permanently

Question 27

System clock

Answer 27

Small quartz crystal that pulses at regular frequency (measured in GHz); used to coordinate activities on motherboard

Question 28

Thunderbolt

Answer 28

New, super fast connection technology. Can support multiple simultaneous connections

Question 29

USB

Answer 29

Universal Serial Bus: most widely used connection option for attaching devices to computer, via USB port

Question 30

Video/graphics card

Answer 30

Hardware component that generates the images (both graphic and text) displayed on monitor. Either integrated on motherboard or separate card plugged into PCIe expansion slot

Question 31

Web caching

Answer 31

Process of storing recently accessed webpages locally on (faster) hard drive so they are quicker to retrieve next time needed. Retrievals from local storage much faster than internet downloads

Question 32

ZIF socket

Answer 32

Zero Insertion Force: type of socket on motherboard for connecting a CPU