Intro and Chapter 1 Data representation

Question 1

What are the major components of a personal computer (PC)?

Answer 1

Computer case, computer case fan, motherboard, central processing unit (CPU), CPU cooling fan, power supply unit (PSU), random access memory (RAM), graphics card, hard drive (or SSD), optical drive (often without)

Question 2

What is the purpose of a computer case?

Answer 2

Stores all other components, prevents too much dust getting into them

Question 3

What is the purpose of a computer case fan?

Answer 3

Spins to keep components within case cool

Question 4

What is the purpose of a motherboard?

Answer 4

Allows components to be connected and communicate, allows them to receive power from PSU

Question 5

What is the purpose of a central processing unit (CPU)?

Answer 5

Responsible for operation of each fetch-decode-execute cycle carried out

Question 6

What is the purpose of a CPU cooling fan?

Answer 6

Cools CPU and prevents it from getting too hot, keeping it at best temperature to operate

Question 7

What is the purpose of a power supply unit (PSU)?

Answer 7

Powers motherboard to allow it to pass power to other components

Question 8

What is the purpose of random access memory (RAM)?

Answer 8

Temporarily stores data waiting to be processed

Question 9

What is the purpose of a graphics card?

Answer 9

Responsible for producing images seen on computer screen

Question 10

What is the purpose of a hard drive?

Answer 10

Permanently stores all files and software used

Question 11

What do most computers have to store files and software permanently? (choice)

Answer 11

A hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD)

Question 12

What is the purpose of an optical drive?

Answer 12

Device in which optical media, like CDs, is inserted into, to be read by the computer