Computer Hardware Flashcards
A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into meaningful output (information).
central processing unit (CPU)
Data travels in and out of the CPU through embedded wires called a
bus
a unit on the processor with the circuitry necessary to execute instructions
A processor core (the more cores the better and more expansive)
Processors with multiple cores are referred to
multi-core processors
stores this data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved
processor cache
manages the flow of instructions within the processor
control unit
responsible for performing arithmetic operations
arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
The four steps in the machine cycle include:
control unit (fetching, decoding,) (executing, and storing) arithmetical logic unit ALU (FDES)
is stored on one or more chips connected to the main circuit board of the computer and temporarily stores data needed by the operating system and apps you use.
Random access memory (RAM) or motherboard
does not lose its contents when power is removed
nonvaltile
Memory that loses its contents when power is removed is said to be
voletile
is permanently installed on your computer and is attached to the motherboard.
Read-only memory (ROM)
When you start an app on your computer, the app’s instructions are transferred from the hard drive to
RAM
tests all computer components for proper operation
power-on self-test (POST), and the BIOS perform it
tells your computer how to start
BIOS (ROM contains this chip)
provides the means of communication between the operating system and hardware devices
ROM
Computer manufacturers often update the instructions on the ROM chip, which are referred to as
firmware
The capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM
Virtual memory (swap file)
The amount of data and program instructions that can swap at a given time
A page
The technique of swapping items between memory and storage
Paging
When an operating system spends more of its time paging instead of executing apps, the whole system slows down and it is said to be
Thrashing
communicates instructions and commands to a computer.
input device
conveys information from the computer to the user
output device
Memory needs to be constantly recharged or contents will be erased
Dynamic RAM (DRAM) volatile DRMF
Memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM, but can be more expensive than DRAM
Static RAM (SRAM) volatile
Memory uses magnetic charges to store contents, and can retain its contents in the absence of power
Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) nonvolatile
Fast type of memory that typically is less expensive than some other types of RAM, and can retain its contents in the absence of power
Flash memory, nonvolatile
if you want to completely back up the contents of your computer, you might store those contents on
external hard drive or in cloud storage
Businesses might back up their data using a
tape drive, which is a storage device that stores data on magnetic tapes
If you want to move several files from one computer to another, consider using a
USB flash drive
a number system that has two digits, 0 and 1
binary system
is the smallest unit of data a computer can process (each 0 or 1)
bit
When 8 bits are grouped together, they form a
byte
an 8-bit coding scheme, which means that 8 bits are used
ASCII
a 16-bit coding scheme and can support more than 65,000 symbols in many languages
Unicode
When using a computer, the most common storage medium is the
internal hard drive
greater storage capacity and are less expensive than their solid state equivalents, but have several moving parts, making it inadvisable to move the computer while they are running.
Magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs)
is a hard drive without moving parts, and is faster and more durable than magnetic drives
A solid state drive (SSD)
can add storage capacity to your computer, are housed in a separate case, and typically connect to your computer using a USB cable
External hard drives (can use either magnetic or solid state technology)
include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), but their use as storage media is declining.
Optical media
involves storing electronic files on the Internet, not on a local computer
Cloud storage
typically consists of the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse
A desktop computer
the monitor and system unit are housed together
An all-in-one computer
refers to the software, or operating system, it uses
A computer’s platform
Consider purchasing a computer that uses the same
operating system
If you plan to use the computer to create and edit video content, you might select a desktop computer with
a large monitor and the best available processor
if you plan to use a computer just to check your email messages and perform research on the Internet
select a laptop with a lower-end processor. The processor most affects a computer’s speed.
If you intend to use a computer to play games, you might consider a computer
have a large amount of RAM
refers to the shape and size of the computer
The form factor
have fewer parts to minimize the thickness of the device, but may also have a longer battery life and be more expensive.
Ultrathin laptops
resembles a letter-sized pad and does not contain a physical keyboard
A slate tablet
a tablet that has a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base, with the lid and base connected by a swivel-type hinge
A convertible tablet
useful especially for taking notes in class, at meetings, at conferences, and in other forums where the standard laptop is not practical
tablets
An add-on device, also referred to as a
peripheral device,
a device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers that can connected to and extend the capability of a computer
a peripheral device
is a slot on the computer where you can attach a peripheral device
A port
is an external device that contains many USB ports
A USB hub
is a flat surface that is touch-sensitive, and you move your finger around it to move the pointer on the screen
touchpad
is a stationary pointing device with a ball anchored inside a casing, as well as two or more buttons
trackball
is a small device, shaped like a pen, that you can use to draw, tap icons, or tap keys on an on-screen keyboard
A stylus
is similar to a stylus, but is more capable because it has programmable buttons
digital pen (it can capture handwriting)
an input device that converts an existing paper image into an electronic file that you can open and work with on your computer
A scanner
is a type of game controller that mirrors the functionality of a steering wheel in an automobile. Turning the wheel will turn the vehicle you are driving in the game.
A wheel
is a handheld vertical lever, mounted on a base, that you move in different directions to control the actions of the simulated vehicle or player.
A joystick
is held in both hands and controls the movement and actions of players or objects. On gamepads, users press buttons with their thumbs or move sticks in various directions to trigger events
A gamepad
Prints by spraying small dots of colored ink onto paper
Ink-jet printer
Uses a laser beam and toner to print on paper
Laser printer
Also called an all-in-one printer; can serve as an input device by copying and scanning, as well as an output device by faxing and printing
Multifunction device (MFD)
Small, lightweight printer that is built into or attached to a mobile device for mobile printing
Mobile printer
Large-format printer that uses charged wires to produce high-quality drawings for professional applications such as architectural blueprints; plotters draw continuous lines on large rolls of paper
Plotter
Creates objects based on computer models using special plastics and other materials
3-D printer
converts text to speech
A voice synthesizer (output device)
will begin functioning properly as soon as you connect them to your computer
plug-and-play devices
is a program that controls a device attached to your computer, such as a printer, monitor, or video card
A device driver
measures the speed at which it can execute instructions
The processor’s clock speed
the smallest unit of time a process can measure
A cycle (the efficiency of a CPU is measured by instructions per cycle IPC)
an electronic channel that allows the CPU and various devices inside or attached to a computer to communicate
bus
determines the speed at which data travels
bus width or word size (affect processor performance)
bus width is also referred to as the
word size
If you have a fast CPU but the bus speed is slow, that can cause a condition called
bottlenecking
The wider the bus the (MORE or LESS) data can travel on it
More
a test run by a laboratory or other organization to determine processor speed and other performance factors
benchmark
compare similar systems performing identical tasks
Benchmarking tests
You should perform tasks periodically to keep your computer hardware and software in
good condition and the software functioning properly (if not, it will affect its life span or performance)
Before performing hardware maintenance, you should properly
turn off the computer and remove it from its power source
Recommendations that will help keep your computer functioning properly:
a damp cloth, free keyboard from any dust, the vent is free from dust, insert media should be clean, controlled temperature, not subject to power spikes or surges, enough space for hard drive, back up the data, and use media protective cases.
a short-term battery backup that comes on automatically in case of power loss
An uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
a device that prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components
A surge suppressor
If you are experiencing a problem with your operating system, often characterized by programs and apps not properly starting, persistent error messages, or slow performance, you should consider
restoring the operating system
Before you attempt to restore the operating system, you should
copy all personal files to a separate storage device (external hard drive)
you are reverting all settings back to their default, or migrating back to the operating system’s previous version
When you restore (browser) an operating system
a circuit board that processes image signals. Consider taking the computer to a professional for repair
video card
