Computer Hardware and Software Flashcards
Study Hardware Concepts, Viruses, Operating Systems and Stuff
Who makes desktop CPUs?
AMD & Intel
What is the purpose of RAM?
Store currently running programs.
What does CPU stand for?
Central Processing Unit
What are the two types of data cables?
Ribbon cable is the older slower wider cable. SATA cables are the newer faster slimer cables. (So make sure your drives have SATA ports).
What is the distinguishing characteristic of RAM slots?
There are usually two or four slots with tabs at the end of the slots.
What is the purpose of the heat sync and fan?
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.
How many GB in a TB?
1000GB per 1 TB
What is the general name for DVD, CD, Blue-Ray drives and burners?
Optical Drives
What are the two most common motherboard sizes?
MicroATX and ATX
What are the three monitor types connections. What are they and which is the newest?
From oldest to newest: VGA, DVI, HDMI (Macs also have monitor ports)
What is the purpose of the power supply?
To give power to all the parts in the computer (motherboard, processor, and drives).
How much power is needed for a desktop computer.
From 400-800 watts
What are the two types of cables in a computer?
Data cables and power cables.
What is the BIOS?
Basic Input Output System
What is an output device?
A device (like a printer) that gets data out of a computer.
What is an input device?
A device (like a scanner) that gets data into a computer.
What slot fits a graphics card on modern motherboards?
PCI Express x16
Who is famous for advertising for Intel processors?
The Blue Man Group
What is the interface for the CPU on the motherboard called?
CPU Socket
What hardware part/s must match the motherboard?
Almost all the parts must match the motherboard. Most specifically, CPU, RAM, heatsync and fan must match.
How much RAM is enough?
Most basic computers can run on 4GB of RAM. Power computers often have 8GB-16GB. Servers can run double, triple or more.
What does RAM stand for?
Random Access Memory
What happened on Y2K
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.
What is a PLC?
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)
What was the first computer PC virus and where did it originate?
“Brain A” was the first virus. It was made by two guys in Pakistan.
What is the difference between a virus and a trojan horse?
Why is it important not to forget an Optical Drive when you order parts for a computer.
New computers need to have an operating system loaded via the optical drive.
What is an operating system?
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).
Name 4 Different Operating Systems
Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, iOS, Unix, Chrome OS
What are key advantages of Linux?
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.
