Computer Hardware and Software

Question 1

Who makes desktop CPUs?

Answer 1

AMD & Intel

Question 2

What is the purpose of RAM?

Answer 2

Store currently running programs.

Question 3

What does CPU stand for?

Answer 3

Central Processing Unit

Question 4

What are the two types of data cables?

Answer 4

Ribbon cable is the older slower wider cable. SATA cables are the newer faster slimer cables. (So make sure your drives have SATA ports).

Question 5

What is the distinguishing characteristic of RAM slots?

Answer 5

There are usually two or four slots with tabs at the end of the slots.

Question 6

What is the purpose of the heat sync and fan?

Answer 6

To keep the CPU cool. Most CPUs come with a cheap heat sync and fan. You can upgrade your heat sync/fan when you build a really nice computer.

Question 7

How many GB in a TB?

Answer 7

1000GB per 1 TB

Question 8

What is the general name for DVD, CD, Blue-Ray drives and burners?

Answer 8

Optical Drives

Question 9

What are the two most common motherboard sizes?

Answer 9

MicroATX and ATX

Question 10

What are the three monitor types connections. What are they and which is the newest?

Answer 10

From oldest to newest: VGA, DVI, HDMI (Macs also have monitor ports)

Question 11

What is the purpose of the power supply?

Answer 11

To give power to all the parts in the computer (motherboard, processor, and drives).

Question 12

How much power is needed for a desktop computer.

Answer 12

From 400-800 watts

Question 13

What are the two types of cables in a computer?

Answer 13

Data cables and power cables.

Question 14

What is the BIOS?

Answer 14

Basic Input Output System

Question 15

What is an output device?

Answer 15

A device (like a printer) that gets data out of a computer.

Question 16

What is an input device?

Answer 16

A device (like a scanner) that gets data into a computer.

Question 17

What slot fits a graphics card on modern motherboards?

Answer 17

PCI Express x16

Question 18

Who is famous for advertising for Intel processors?

Answer 18

The Blue Man Group

Question 19

What is the interface for the CPU on the motherboard called?

Answer 19

CPU Socket

Question 20

What hardware part/s must match the motherboard?

Answer 20

Almost all the parts must match the motherboard. Most specifically, CPU, RAM, heatsync and fan must match.

Question 21

How much RAM is enough?

Answer 21

Most basic computers can run on 4GB of RAM. Power computers often have 8GB-16GB. Servers can run double, triple or more.

Question 22

What does RAM stand for?

Answer 22

Random Access Memory

Question 23

What happened on Y2K

Answer 23

Nothing. But people thought that all computers were going to crash when the year turned from 99 to 00. (Because there was only a 2 digit year in the programming). May people predicted the end of the world.

Question 24

What is a PLC?

Answer 24

A large computer without screen keyboard or mouse (usually in a gray box on a wall) that is dedicated to running electronic systems in factories, power plants, and public buildings.

(Possible target for Bot Net attachs–such as the USA attack on the Iranian nuclear weapons reactors)

Question 25

What was the first computer PC virus and where did it originate?

Answer 25

"Brain A" was the first virus. It was made by two guys in Pakistan.

Question 26

What is the difference between a virus and a trojan horse?

Question 27

Why is it important not to forget an Optical Drive when you order parts for a computer.

Answer 27

New computers need to have an operating system loaded via the optical drive.

Question 28

What is an operating system?

Answer 28

It is the master control program that runs everything else in a computer (all other software runs within the OS and all the hardwear works together through the OS).

Question 29

Name 4 Different Operating Systems

Answer 29

Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, Unix, Chrome OS

Question 30

What are key advantages of Linux?

Answer 30

It's free. It's nearly virus free. Most software designed for it is free. It runs smoothly on older software (effient programming). Any nerd on earth (and other planets) can work on it. It's free. It's not owned by a company, so there is no profit motive, and it will not likely be taken over or sold off. It's very stable.