Hardware Components Flashcards
What are the basic components of a computer model?
INPUT, PROCESSING, OUTPUT, COMMUNICATION, STORAGE
What is a motherboard?
The main printed circuit board in general purpose computers that allows communication between crucial electronic components.
What does a central processing unit (CPU) do?
Executes instructions that make up a computer program, performing arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output operations.
What is an arithmetic logic unit (ALU)?
A combinational digital electronic circuit that performs arithmetic and bitwise operations on integer binary numbers.
What is a floating-point unit (FPU)?
A component that operates on floating point numbers, often used for calculations requiring fast processing of very small or large real numbers.
What is the function of the control unit (CU) in a CPU?
Directs the operation of the processor, telling memory, ALU, and I/O devices how to respond to instructions.
What is overclocking?
The action of increasing a component’s clock rate to run it at a higher speed than designed, improving performance but generating more heat.
What is primary storage?
A medium that holds memory for short periods of time while the component has power.
What does BIOS stand for?
Basic Input/Output System
What is ROM?
Read Only Memory, containing boot firmware that tells the computer what to do at startup.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory, a fast type of memory used to store working data and machine code.
What is SRAM?
Static Random Access Memory, used primarily for cache, utilizing multiple transistors.
What is DRAM?
Dynamic Random Access Memory, requiring constant refreshing with memory cells that include a paired transistor and capacitor.
What is SSD?
Solid-State Drive, stores data on flash memory chips, providing faster access than traditional hard drives.
What is a hybrid drive?
A storage device that combines a solid-state drive with a traditional hard disk drive for speed and capacity.
What is a modem?
A device that converts a computer’s digital data into analogue audio signals and vice versa.
What is virtual memory?
An OS-managed illusion of a large main memory by using part of secondary storage to act like RAM.
What is paging?
The OS retrieves data from secondary storage in blocks called pages.
What is thrashing?
A condition where a computer’s virtual memory resources are overused, leading to constant paging and slow performance.
What is a USB port used for?
To connect peripherals to a computer.
What is Thunderbolt?
A fast external connection technology providing speeds up to 10 Gb/s and power to peripherals.
What is a biometric device?
A security identification device that verifies or recognizes identity based on physiological or behavioral characteristics.
What are the types of cache?
- CPU cache * Disk cache * Browser cache * Proxy cache
Fill in the blank: A _______ is a small set of data holding places that are part of the processor.
register
True or False: SSDs are more durable than HDDs because they have moving parts.
False
What is the function of a data projector?
To project visual output from a computer onto a larger display.
What is a scanner?
A device that converts physical documents into digital format.
What is a QR code?
A matrix barcode that has fast readability and large storage capacity.
What is a device that uses automated methods to verify or recognize the identity of a living person?
Biometric device
Examples include fingerprints, facial images, iris and voice recognition.
What does VDU stand for?
Visual Display Unit
What are the main categories of hardware peripherals for output?
- Monitor
- Data projector
- Printers
- Speakers and headphones
How does a data projector work?
Projects images or video onto a surface
What is the difference between hard copy and soft copy output?
- Hard copy: Physical printed output
- Soft copy: Digital output displayed on a screen
Why would a small business choose a multi-function device instead of a simple printer?
Cost efficiency and space saving by combining multiple functions
What are the main types of printers?
- Inkjet
- Laser
- Dot matrix
- Thermal
What two factors determine the quality of sound output?
- Sample rate
- Bit depth
What does synchronizing your phone and computer ensure?
Same data on more than one device
What is a drone also known as?
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)
What are the pros of using drones?
- Safer environment
- Affordable technology
- Job creation
- Strong potential for future development
- Fun to use
What are some cons of drones?
- Easily abused
- Operate in a legal gray area
- Limited access
- Prone to accidents
- Can interfere with nature
What is the definition of a central processing unit (CPU)?
The electronic circuitry that carries out instructions of a computer program
What is parallel processing?
Running two or more processors to handle separate parts of a task
Define multiprocessing.
Use of two or more CPUs within a single computer system
What is hyper-threading?
Technology allowing a single microprocessor to act like two separate processors
What is multitasking?
The CPU switches between programs quickly to give the appearance of simultaneous execution
What does the control unit (CU) of a CPU do?
Directs operations and tells components how to respond to instructions
What is a register in a CPU?
Temporary storage for instructions, addresses, or data
What is system software?
A collection of programs designed to control and manage computer operation
List common operating systems for desktops and portables.
- Windows
- Apple OS X
- Linux
- Google Chrome OS
What are the three categories of operating systems?
- Stand-Alone
- Network
- Embedded
What is a Graphical User Interface (GUI)?
An interface that uses windows, icons, mouse, and pointers
What are utility programs?
Programs that perform maintenance or administration tasks
What distinguishes open source software from proprietary software?
Open source software is freely accessible and modifiable, while proprietary software is owned and restricted
What are the advantages of open source software?
- No cost
- Access to source code
- Freedom to adapt
- Community support
What are the disadvantages of open source software?
- No accountability
- Risk of poor support
- Higher skills needed
- Varieties of the same software
What is the purpose of device drivers?
Allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices
What is the purpose of a firewall?
To protect a network by controlling incoming and outgoing traffic
