Computing Facts

Question 1

Hardware

Answer 1

The physical components that compose a computer system or network.
Common hardware components include the following:

Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer
Connectors and cables
Hard disk drives
Circuit boards

Question 2

Software

Answer 2

Instructions or data that are stored electronically, either on a hard drive or a special chip. Software components include the following:

Operating systems.
Program applications.
Hardware drivers (special programs that tell the operating system how to use the hardware.)

Firmware is a special type of software that is embedded in the read-only memory of a hardware component. A BIOS chip is an example of firmware.

Question 3

Input

Answer 3

The movement of data or commands to the internal computer hardware.
Input devices include:

Standard input devices:
Mouse
Keyboard
Touchscreen

Gaming input devices:
Game controller
Joystick

Media input devices:
Scanner
Digital camera
Webcam

Audio input devices:
Microphone
MIDI controller

Question 4

Processing

Answer 4

The flow of data through a series of procedures as defined by a set of instructions. Major processing components include:

CPU (central processing unit)
RAM (random-access memory)

RAM is a temporary short-term type of storage used to store processed information for quick access. RAM is considered volatile memory because it is not persistent. When the computer is turned off, all the data that was stored in RAM is lost.

Question 5

Storage Devices

Answer 5

Devices that contain non-volatile memory for saving or maintaining data. Storage devices include:

Hard disk drives
Solid-state drives
Optical drives (CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, and Blu-ray)
Flash drives

Question 6

Output

Answer 6

The process of the computer presenting, displaying, or otherwise giving data. Output devices include:

Video
Audio
Printing

Question 7

Networking and Communications

Answer 7

The practice of connecting two or more computers in order to transfer data. 
Networking components include:
Connecting media:
Copper cables
Radio signals

Connection devices:
Routers
Switches

Question 8

Componentization

Answer 8

Componentization: a functional PC is a combination of several constituent parts. Each part is considered a field-replaceable unit (FRU), meaning it can be quickly replaced when faulty or easily upgraded when needed. Componentization keeps maintenance costs low and reduces downtime.

Question 9

Standardization

Answer 9

Standardization: specifications that allow components from different manufacturers to be interchangeable. If a component meets the specified standards, it will work in the computer regardless of manufacturer.