Computer Components

Question 1

What is a processor?

Answer 1

Also known as the CPU - it carries out instructions in software, executes programs and manages hardware.

Question 2

What is a motherboard?

Answer 2

The motherboard connects all of the components of the computer, and holds the memory of the computer.

Question 3

What is the power supply?

Answer 3

Power supplies are different, dependant upon the type of computer. The most common power supply is a large volt with cables. They are needed to keep the computer running.

Question 4

What is RAM? (Memory)

Answer 4

RAM stands for random access memory. RAM is the main memory of the computer that stores data and applications while the computer is in use. As it is volatile, the data held by RAM when the computer is turned off will be lost.

Question 5

What is ROM? (Memory)

Answer 5

ROM stands for read only memory, is the program used to start up the computer, and is not volatile, so data is not lost when turned off.

Question 6

What is fetch-decode-execute? (CPU)

Answer 6

The CPU fetches information from the RAM, it then decodes what the information is asking it to do, before carrying out whatever that may be.

Question 7

What are the different parts of a CPU?

Answer 7

• ALU
• Control Unit
• Cache

Question 8

What is the ALU (arithmetic logic unit)?

Answer 8

The ALU does all of the arithmetic and logic operations in the CPU

Question 9

What is the control unit?

Answer 9

This directs the operations of the CPU. Tells the computer’s memory, ALU and input and output devices how to respond to computer instructions.

Question 10

What is the cache memory?

Answer 10

Used by the CPU to store data while it’s being processed.