Hardware Components of a Personal Computer Flashcards
is a case that contains electronic components of the computer used to process data
System Unit
The inside of the system unit on a desktop personal computer includes:
Drive bay(s)
Power supply
Sound card
Video card
Processor
Memory
is the main circuit board of the
system unit
Motherboard
contains integrated circuits
computer chip
interprets and carries out the basic instructions
that operate a computer
processor or CPU
Two types of processor
control unit and arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
is the component of the processor
that directs and coordinates most of the operations in the computer
control unit
performs arithmetic,
comparison, and other operations
arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
For every instruction, a
processor repeats a set of
four basic operations,
which comprise of a
machine cycle
4 steps in a machine cycle
store, fetch, decode, execute
The pace of the system clock is called the
clock speed
clock speed is measured in
gigahertz (GHz)
controls the timing of all computer
operations
System Clock
consists of electronic components that store
instructions waiting to be executed by the processor, data needed by those instructions, and the results of processing the data
Memory
memory stores three basic categories of items which are
- The operating system and other system software
- Application programs
- Data being processed and the resulting information
Each location in memory has an address
Memory size is measured in
kilobytes (KB or K), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB)
Exact number of Kilobytes
1024
The exact number of Megabytes
1,048,576
The system unit contains two types of memory:
Volatile and Non Volatile memory
Loses its contents when
power is turned off
Volatile Memory
Example includes RAM
Volatile Memory
Does not lose contents
when power is removed
Nonvolatile memory
Does not lose contents
when power is removed
Nonvolatile memory
Three basic types of RAM chips exist:
- Dynamic RAM
(DRAM) - Static RAM (SRAM)
- Magnetoresistive
RAM (MRAM)
is a type of random-access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The capacitor can be either charged or discharged
Dynamic RAM
has three different states. It can be in: standby (the circuit is idle), reading (the data has been requested) and writing (updating the
contents).
Static RAM
is not stored as electric charge or current flows, but
by magnetic storage elements.
Magnetoresistive RAM
usually reside on a memory module and
are inserted into memory slots.
RAM Chips
speeds the processes of the computer
because it stores frequently used instructions and data
Memory Cache
refers to memory chips storing
permanent data and
instructions
Read-only memory (ROM)
The amount of RAM necessary in a computer often depends on the types of software you plan to use
can be erased electronically and
rewritten
Flash memory
provides high speeds and
consumes little power
CMOS technology
is a non-volatile storage
device which stores digitally encoded
data on rapidly rotating platters with
magnetic surfaces. Strictly speaking,
“drive” refers to a device distinct from
its medium.
Hard Disk Drive or HDD
is an optical disc storage
media format
DVD
Its main uses are
video and data storage
DVD
are of the same dimensions as
compact discs (CDs) but store
more than six times as much data.
DVD
is an optical disc storage
medium to supersede the standard
DVD format
Blu-ray Disc
Its main uses are for
storing PlayStation 3 games, high-
definition video and data storage with
up to 50GB per disc
Blu-ray Disc
The disc has the
same physical dimensions as
standard DVDs and CDs.
Blu-ray Disc
consists of a
NAND-type flash memory data
storage device integrated with a
USB (Universal Serial Bus)
interface
USB Flash Drive
are typically removable and rewritable,
and most USB flash drives weigh
less than an ounce (30 g)
USB Flash Drive
is a solid-state electronic flash memory data
storage device capable of storing digital
contents.
Memory card or Flash Memory Card
These are mainly used with digital
cameras, handheld and Mobile computers,
mobile phones, music players, digital
cinematography cameras, video game
consoles, and other electronics.
Memory Card
They offer high re-record-ability, power-free storage, small form factor, and rugged
environmental specifications.
Memory Card
is used to type data into the computer.
Keyboard (Input Device)
move some object on the screen and can
do some action.
Pointing Device
Other pointing devices such as
Joysticks or game controllers
allows you to scan documents,
pictures or graphics and view them on the
computer.
Scanner
It converts image into dots that the
computer can understand.
Scanner
are used to take electronic pictures
of an object
Digital Cameras
are used to put sound into a computer. Today, commands can also be given to computer using your voice.
Microphones
shows the processed information on
screen.
Monitor
It displays soft copy of the information..
When the device is turned off the information goes away.
Monitor
produces a hard copy of the
information
Printers
The information is printed on
paper and can be used when the device is off.
Printers
are used
to output sound.
Speakers
These are the physical, tangible
parts of the computer system.
Hardware
A processor contains small high-speed storage locations, called ____, that temporarily hold data and instructions.
Registers
A(n) ________ processor is a chip with two or more separate processors.
Multicore
Each tick of the system clock equates to a ____.
Clock Cycle
Motorola is the leading manufacturer of Intel-compatible processors, which have an internal design similar to Intel processors, perform the same functions, and can be as powerful, but often are less expensive.
False (it is AMD)
Optical discs usually are ________ than one-twentieth of an inch thick.
4.75 inches in diameter and less
Common types of flash memory cards include ________.
all other choices are correct
Businesses use hard disks to store ________.
all other choices are correct
________ storage is the physical material on which a computer keeps data, instructions, and information.
Secondary
To fit in notebook and many handheld computers, the keyboards usually are ________.
smaller and have fewer keys
A(n) ________ is an output device that conveys text, graphics, and video information.
Display
A(n) ________ disc is a type of storage media that consists of a flat, round, portable disc made of metal, plastic, and lacquer that is written and read by a laser.
Optical
Many cloud storage providers offer ________.
password encryption and
Many personal computer users add surround sound ____ to their computers to generate a higher-quality sound.
speakers
A(n) ________ is a touch-sensitive display device that users interact with by touching the screen with a finger.
touch screen
The faster the clock speed, the more ________ the processor can execute per second.
Instructions
Replacing a motherboard is a fairly simple process, whereas replacing a processor is much more complicated.
False
Some motherboards include all necessary capabilities and do not require adapter cards.
True
A(n) ________ mouse uses devices that emit and sense light to detect movement.
Optical Mouse
A(n) ________ is a chip that controls the manipulation and display of graphics on a display device.
GPU
A hard copy also is called a(n) ________.
printout
