Module 2 Chapter 3 Computer hardware

Question 1

What are the different categories of computer hardware?

Answer 1

Central processing unit, RAM, ROM, and Peripheral devices

Question 2

CPU

Answer 2

A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is responsible for converting input data into output information. Basically the central processing unit is where the user inputs information to be translated into instructions for the computer to output it.

Question 3

How does data travel through the CPU?

Answer 3

Through a bus which are embedded wires

Question 4

What is a processor core

Answer 4

A unit on the processor with the circuitry necessary to execute instructions. More core means they perform better or process more information but are more expensive.

Question 5

What is a processor cache?

Answer 5

Stores data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved for use.

Question 6

The control unit and Arithmetic logic unit

Answer 6

Manages the flow of instructions within the CPU while the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) performs the arithmetic operations

Question 7

What steps do the CPU have to complete to run programed instructions, make calculations, and decisions?

Answer 7

Fetching, decoding, executing, storing

Question 8

What is RAM?

Answer 8

Random Access memory which is stored on one or more chips connected to the motherboard. It temporarily stores data needed by the operating system and apps used.

Question 9

How RAM works?

Answer 9

When starting an app, the app’s instructions are transferred from the hard drive to RAM. When power is removed, all contents of RAM are lost. (volatile)

Question 10

What is Volatile?

Answer 10

When power is removed, all memory loses its contents.

Question 11

What is Non-volatile?

Answer 11

Memory that does not lose its contents when power is removed.

Question 12

What is ROM?

Answer 12

Read-only memory that is permanently installed on the motherboard. It contains the BIOS which tells your computer how to start. ROM provides communication between the operating system and hardware devices.

Question 13

What is the BIOS

Answer 13

It tells your computer how to start and contains the power-on self test (POST) which tests all computer components for proper information. If it does not pass then your computer will display error and not start up.

Question 14

What is firmware and what happens to it?

Answer 14

Firmware is the instructions on the ROM chip which are often updated to enable your computer to perform more tasks or adjust how it communicates with other devices.

Question 15

Virtual memory

Answer 15

When RAM is too full, the computer temporarily stores data onto a storage medium like the hard drive until it can be swapped into RAM

Question 16

Swap file or Paging file

Answer 16

The area of the hard drive temporarily used to store data that cannot fit on your computer

Question 17

What are the types of RAM?

Answer 17

Dynamic RAM, Static RAM, Magnetoresistive RAM, Flash memory

Question 18

What is DRAM

Answer 18

Dynamic ram is where memory needs to constantly be recharged or contents will be erased (volatile)

Question 19

SRAM

Answer 19

Static Ram memory can be recharged less requently than DRAM. More expensive (Volatile)

Question 20

MRAM

Answer 20

Memory uses magnetic charges to store contents and can retain its contents in the absence of power (non-volatile)

Question 21

Flash memory

Answer 21

Fast type of memory that can retain its contents in the absence of power, non-volatile, less expensive

Question 22

Examples of external storage devices

Answer 22

Internal and external hard drives, solid state drives, optical media

Question 23

How do computers represent data?

Answer 23

The binary system with 0 and 1

Question 24

What is the binary system?

Answer 24

Indicates the absence or presence of an electronic charge measured in bits (binary digits)

Question 25

How many bits make a byte?

Answer 25

8 bits are made into a byte

Question 26

How many characters can a byte represent?

Answer 26

A single character

Question 27

What is ASCII

Answer 27

An 8-bit coding scheme to represent uppercase and lowercase letters, mathematical operators and logical operations.

Question 28

Unicode

Answer 28

16 Bit coding scheme that is an extension of ASCII. Supports over 65k symbols and characters

Question 29

Solid state drive

Answer 29

A hard drive without moving parts. Faster, durable

Question 30

Magnetic hard disk drive (HDDs)

Answer 30

Greater storage capacity, less expensive, contains moving parts and you cant move the computer while it is running

Question 31

Optical media

Answer 31

CDs, DvD, Blu-ray discs. A type of external hard drive in which you can store additional data

Question 32

Cloud storage

Answer 32

Storing electronical files on the internet like google drive, dropbox

Question 33

Hardware factors to consider when purchasing a computer

Answer 33

Platform, Hardware (processor cores, RAM, storage) Form factor, add on devices

Question 34

Examples of input devices

Answer 34

Keyboard, mouse, microphone, stylus, touch pad, pointing device, trackball, cameras, scanners, game controller, joy stick

Question 35

Output devices examples

Answer 35

Speakers, headphones, printers, projectors, voice synthesizer

Question 36

Device driver

Answer 36

Program that controls a device attached to the computer. Printers, monitors, video card.

Question 37

Clock speed

Answer 37

Measures the speed at which the processor can execute instructions.

Question 38

Bus width

Answer 38

Determines the speed at which data travels

Question 39

Benchmark test

Answer 39

Ran by a lab or organization to determine processor speed and other performance factors.

Question 40

Maintenance

Answer 40

Clean the monitor, keyboard of dust and debris, make sure vents and media input are free of dust,

Question 41

Surge supressor

Answer 41

Prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components