Intro to pc hardware Flashcards
Why is following electrical safety guidelines important?
To prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.
What printer components require special care due to high voltage?
Power supplies (check the manual for location).
Why can using the wrong AC adapter damage a laptop
AC adapters are designed for specific devices and mismatching can cause electrical issues.
What is the purpose of grounding electrical equipment?
To provide a safe path for current in case of a fault, protecting personnel and equipment.
How are computers typically grounded?
Through the three-pronged power plug.
What is ESD(Electrostatic Discharge) and how can it occur?
A sudden flow of static electricity between two objects at different charges. Buildup can happen through contact or environmental factors.
What is the minimum voltage for a person to feel an ESD?
Around 3,000 volts.
How much voltage can damage a computer component?
Even less than 30 volts.
How can ESD be prevented?
Self-grounding by touching a grounded object before handling equipment.
What should be done with components before installation?
Kept in antistatic bags until ready for use.
What is the purpose of a grounded mat on a workbench?
To dissipate static electricity and prevent damage to components.
What additional ESD protection can be used in work areas?
Grounded floor mats.
When is it crucial to wear an antistatic wrist strap?
While working inside computers to prevent discharge through your body.
What is the primary function of a computer case?
To house, protect, and cool internal components like the motherboard, CPU, memory, and storage devices.
What are common materials used for computer cases?
Plastic, steel, or aluminum.
What is a device form factor?
The physical design and size of a computer.
List some examples of desktop computer form factors.
Horizontal case, Full-size tower, Compact tower, All-in-one
How do cases prevent overheating?
By using fans to circulate air and remove heat from components.
How do cases protect against static electricity damage?
By grounding the internal components through the case.
What type of current does a computer require?
Direct current (DC)
What component converts AC power from the wall outlet to DC power?
The power supply unit (PSU)
What is the most common power supply form factor today?
ATX12V (provides dedicated power to the CPU)
What are the different voltage outputs of a power supply?
3.3V, 5V, and 12V (3.3V & 5V for digital circuits, 12V for motors)
What do the terms “single rail” and “multi rail” refer to in a power supply?
The design of the circuit board (single rail = all connectors on one board, multi rail = separate boards for different connectors).
How does a computer handle slight fluctuations in power supply?
It can tolerate minor variations, but significant deviations can cause the PSU to fail.
What is another name for the motherboard?
System board or main board
What is the brain of the computer?
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Where is data and applications temporarily stored?
Random Access Memory (RAM)
What allows additional components to be connected to the motherboard?
Expansion slots
What controls how system hardware interacts with the CPU and motherboard?
Chipset
What is the difference between BIOS and UEFI?
BIOS is used for basic bootup and data flow management, while UEFI is a more advanced firmware for boot and runtime services.
What are the two main components of a chipset?
Northbridge and Southbridge
What does the Northbridge control?
High-speed access to RAM, video card, and communication speed between CPU and other components. May also integrate video capability.
What does the Southbridge control?
Communication between CPU and slower devices like hard drives, USB ports, and expansion slots.
What is the most common motherboard form factor?
Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX)
What are some features of ATX motherboards?
Integrated I/O ports, single 20-pin power supply connector.
What is a smaller form factor compatible with ATX?
Micro-ATX (uses same chipsets and power connectors as ATX, fits in ATX cases, fewer expansion slots).
What is a popular very small form factor motherboard?
Mini-ITX (low power consumption, uses one PCI slot, good for quiet and space-constrained environments).
What is the primary function of the CPU?
The CPU interprets and executes instructions from hardware and software.
What is the CPU package and how does it connect to the motherboard?
The CPU package houses the CPU and connects to the motherboard via a socket. Different CPU socket types like PGA and LGA require specific compatible sockets on the motherboard.
Differentiate between PGA and LGA socket architectures.
PGA (Pin Grid Array): Pins are located on the underside of the CPU package and fit into a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket on the motherboard.
LGA (Land Grid Array): Pins are located on the motherboard socket, while the CPU package has contact points.
Why is cooling crucial for computer components?
Electronic components generate heat, which can lead to performance degradation, crashes, or even damage if not managed.
How are computers typically cooled?
Computers use active (powered) and passive (non-powered) cooling solutions. Passive solutions include heat sinks and reducing component speed. Active cooling involves fans to circulate air.
What is the basic unit of data storage in memory chips?
Byte (a group of 8 bits representing letters, numbers, or symbols).
What is the function of ROM?
Stores essential instructions for booting the computer and loading the operating system.
What is a key characteristic of ROM?
Non-volatile memory (contents remain even after power off).
What is the primary function of RAM?
Temporary storage for data and programs being used by the CPU.
How does RAM differ from ROM in terms of data persistence?
Volatile memory (contents erased when powered off).
How does adding more RAM impact computer performance?
Increases memory capacity to hold and process programs and files more efficiently.
Briefly describe PROM.
Programmable read-only memory where information can be written once after manufacturing (not commonly used anymore).
What distinguishes EEPROM from EPROM?
EEPROM allows erasing and rewriting information electronically without removing the chip, unlike EPROM which requires UV light exposure.
How did the evolution of memory modules address the limitations of individual DIP chips?
Memory chips were soldered onto circuit boards (modules) for easier installation and handling.
Differentiate between SIMM and DIMM memory modules.
SIMM: Smaller module with 30 or 72 pins, commonly used in older computers.
DIMM: More widespread module with various pin configurations depending on memory type (SDRAM, DDR, etc.).
What is the purpose of SODIMM modules?
Smaller form factor DIMMs (72-pin to 260-pin) designed for space-constrained devices like laptops.
How do single-sided and double-sided memory modules differ?
Answer: Single-sided modules have RAM chips on one side, while double-sided modules have them on both sides.
How does memory speed impact overall system performance?
Faster memory allows the processor to process more data efficiently.
Explain the concept of multi-channel memory technology.
Increases memory throughput by providing additional channels to access multiple memory modules simultaneously. (e.g., dual-channel, triple-channel)
What is the primary function of cache memory?
Provides fast access to frequently used data and instructions for the CPU, acting as a buffer between the slower main memory (RAM).
How is cache memory classified based on location?
L1 (internal to CPU), L2 (closer to CPU but external), L3 (found in high-end CPUs).
What are the different types of memory error checking?
Nonparity: No error checking (most common RAM).
Parity: Uses an extra bit to detect single-bit errors.
ECC (Error Correction Code): Can detect and correct multiple-bit errors (used in critical systems like servers).
What is the purpose of adapter cards?
Expand the functionality of a computer by adding controllers for specific devices or replacing faulty ports.
Give some examples of common adapter cards.
Sound adapters, network interface cards (NICs), video adapters, wireless NICs, capture cards, TV tuner cards, USB controller cards.
How do expansion slots enable the use of adapter cards?
Provide a physical connection point on the motherboard for installing adapter cards.
What factors determine the compatibility between an adapter card and an expansion slot?
The type of connector on the adapter card must match the slot type on the motherboard.
Briefly describe PCI-X slots.
An obsolete version of PCI offering higher bandwidth than standard PCI.
What is the key characteristic of PCI Express (PCIe) slots?
64-bit parallel interface with backward compatibility for 32-bit PCI devices.
How do different sizes (x1, x4, x8, x16) of PCIe slots differ?
hey provide various numbers of data lanes (e.g., x4 has 4 lanes, x16 has 16 lanes) affecting data transfer speeds.
What is the function of a riser card?
Adds more expansion slots to a computer for additional adapter cards.
Briefly explain the role of AGP slots.
High-speed slots for connecting AGP video cards (mostly obsolete, replaced by PCI).
What is the key distinction between non-volatile and volatile storage devices?
Non-volatile storage (HDD, SSD) retains data even after power loss, while volatile storage (RAM) loses data when powered off.
Categorize storage devices based on media type.
Magnetic (HDD, tape), solid state (SSD), optical (CD, DVD, Blu-ray).
What is the most common interface for connecting internal storage devices to the motherboard?
Serial ATA (SATA) with various versions offering different data transfer speeds (SATA 1, 2, 3).
Briefly describe legacy storage interface standards.
Parallel ATA (IDE, EIDE) and SCSI (older interfaces).
What is the function of a hard disk drive (HDD)?
Provides traditional magnetic disk storage with capacities ranging from gigabytes (GB) to terabytes (TB).
How does the RPM (revolutions per minute) specification impact HDD performance?
Faster spindle speeds generally correspond to faster data access times and transfer speeds (common options: 5400, 7200, 10,000 RPM).
What are the different form factors for HDDs?
3.5” (standard for desktops), 2.5” (laptops), 1.8” (rare, used in portable devices).
What is the primary application of tape drives in modern computing?
Mainly used for data archiving in enterprise networks, though less common for backups due to the rise of affordable external HDDs.
How do SSDs differ from HDDs in terms of data storage technology?
SSDs use flash memory to store data electronically, resulting in significantly faster performance compared to magnetic HDDs.
List some advantages of SSDs over HDDs.
Faster access times, no moving parts (less noise, heat, and risk of failure), higher energy efficiency.
Describe the different form factors available for SSDs.
Disc drive form factor (similar to HDDs in size).
Expansion cards.
mSATA or M.2 modules (utilizes a special socket, sometimes supports NVMe interface for faster communication).
How do SSHDs combine the features of HDDs and SSDs?
SSHDs combine large HDD storage with a smaller, faster SSD cache for frequently accessed data, offering a balance between capacity and speed.
What is the primary function of optical drives?
Read and write data on optical media using lasers (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs).
How did optical storage technology address limitations of magnetic media?
Offered significantly higher storage capacities than floppy disks and magnetic cartridges.
riefly categorize the different types of CDs, DVDs, and BDs based on writability.
Read-only (pre-recorded): Data cannot be modified.
Recordable (write once): Data can be written once but not erased.
Re-recordable (read and write multiple times): Data can be written and erased multiple times.
How does using dual-layer media impact storage capacity?
Doubles the storage capacity compared to single-layer media.
List some common types of video ports and their characteristics.
DVI: Digital or analog signals (various subtypes for digital/analog and single/dual link).
DisplayPort: Designed for high-end graphics and displays.
HDMI: High-definition multimedia interface for TVs and digital devices.
Thunderbolt: High-speed connection for peripherals, displays, and video using DisplayPort.
VGA: Analog video connector (older technology).
What is the key feature of USB that makes it user-friendly?
Hot-swappable, allowing connection/disconnection of devices while the computer is powered on.
Differentiate between IDE and SATA interfaces for storage devices.
IDE: Older ribbon cable interface for connecting internal drives (mostly replaced by SATA).
SATA: Serial interface using a 7-pin data cable and separate power cable.
What is the function of a network port (RJ-45)?
Connects devices to a network, with connection speeds depending on the port type.
Describe the purpose of PS/2 ports.
Connect keyboards and mice (mostly replaced by USB).
Distinguish between adapters and converters.
Adapter: Physically connects different technologies (e.g., DVI to HDMI).
Converter: Connects and translates signals between different technologies (e.g., USB to SATA converter allows using a hard drive as a flash drive).
Provide examples of common adapters and converters.
Adapters: DVI to VGA, USB to PS/2, HDMI to DVI.
Converters: USB to Ethernet, HDMI to VGA (converts signal).
List the two most common input devices and their typical uses.
Keyboard: Used for creating text documents, emails, etc.
Mouse: Used for navigating the graphical user interface (GUI).
What is the function of an ADF scanner?
Scans documents with an automatic document feeder for multiple pages.
Briefly describe joysticks and gamepads as input devices.
Joysticks: Primarily used for flight simulation games, provide movement and view control.
Gamepads: Have buttons and sticks for game controls in various genres.
How does a KVM switch allow managing multiple computers?
Enables using a single keyboard, monitor, and mouse to control multiple computers.
How does a touch screen function as an input device?
Registers user input based on touch or pressure on the screen.
Describe the purpose of a stylus.
A pen-like tool used for drawing or creating artwork on a pressure-sensitive surface. Some can create 3D models.
What information does a magnetic stripe reader retrieve from cards?
Reads data encoded on the magnetic strip of cards (e.g., ID badges, credit cards).
How is a barcode scanner used?
Reads and translates the information encoded in barcodes on products or items (e.g., price scanners, inventory control).
Briefly explain the functionalities of digital cameras and webcams.
Digital camera: Captures images and videos for storing, displaying, printing, or editing.
Webcam: Video camera used for video conferencing or live streaming.
What is the purpose of a signature pad?
Captures a person’s electronic signature using a stylus on the screen.
How does a smart card reader function?
Reads data from smart cards (embedded chip cards) used for authentication purposes.
Describe how a microphone acts as an input device.
Enables voice input for capturing sound, music, or speech for storage, playback, or communication.
Briefly explain how NFC technology facilitates data transfer.
Allows contactless data exchange between NFC-enabled devices (e.g., tap-to-pay transactions, sharing data like photos).
What are some applications of facial recognition scanners?
User identification for secure logins to devices or access control to specific locations.
How are fingerprint scanners used for user identification?
Biometric authentication based on unique fingerprint patterns for secure device access or location control.
Describe two applications of voice recognition technology.
User identification: Voice-based secure access to devices or locations.
Personal assistants: Input method for virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa.
What is the primary function of a virtual reality headset?
Provides an immersive experience in games, simulations, or training applications through head-mounted displays with motion tracking.
What is the primary function of output devices?
Convert computer data (binary) into a human-understandable format (visual, audio, etc.).
List various examples of output devices.
Monitors, projectors, printers, speakers, headphones, VR headsets.
Briefly describe the three main LCD, LED, and OLED monitor technologies.
LCD: Uses liquid crystals and polarizing filters to control light passage and create an image.
LED: LCD with LED backlighting, offering lower power consumption, thinner design, and better contrast.
OLED: Organic LED display where each pixel emits light individually, resulting in superior black levels.
What are the two common projector technologies, and how do they differ?
LCD: Uses liquid crystals similar to LCD monitors.
DLP (Digital Light Processing): Employs a spinning color wheel with mirrors to reflect light and create an image.
What unit is used to measure projector brightness, and how does ANSI lumens help compare projectors?
Brightness is measured in lumens. ANSI lumens is a standardized testing procedure for projectors, allowing for accurate comparison based on brightness specifications.
Distinguish between VR and AR based on how they create user experience.
VR: Creates a fully immersive, simulated 3D environment.
AR: Overlays digital information and graphics onto the real world in real-time.
Describe some key features of VR headsets and AR headsets/smart glasses.
VR headsets: Fully enclose the user’s vision, often tethered to a controller, with motion tracking and various sensors.
AR headsets/smart glasses: Allow users to see the real world while superimposing digital elements, may be lightweight and have features like camera, GPS, speakers, etc.
What is the primary function of a printer, and how can the output format vary?
Creates physical copies of digital files (paper documents, 3D printed objects).
Briefly explain the importance of maintaining both hardware and software components of printers.
Regular maintenance ensures proper functioning, and keeping printer drivers updated is necessary for compatibility.
How do speakers function as output devices for computers?
They convert electrical audio signals from the computer into audible sound.
How do different headphone types (wired, wireless, etc.) connect to devices?
Headphones can be wired (using a cable jack) or wireless (using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi).
