Technology for Success (Computer Hardware) - Chapter 3 Flashcards
Central Process
A complex integrated circuit that consists of millions of electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into meaningful output (information).
multi-core processor
Processor with multiple cores.
processor cache
stores this data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved
Control Unit
Manages the flow of instructions within the processor.
Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Responsible for performing arithmetic operations in the CPU.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
stored on one or more chips connected to the main circuit board of the computer (also referred to as the mother-board)
volatile
memory that loses its contents when power is removed
nonvolatile
does not lose its contents when power is removed
read-only memory (ROM)
Permanently installed memory on your computer attached to the motherboard. The ROM chip contains the BIOS, which tells your computer how to start
power-on self-test (POST)
tests all computer components for proper operations
Firmware
computer manufactures often update the instructions in the ROM chip
Virtual Memory
process of optimizing RAM storage by borrowing hard drive space
swap file (page file)
is a temporary storage area on the hard drive where the OS swaps out from RAM the data or instructions that haven’t recently been used
input device
Communicates instructions and commands to a computer. Common input devices are keyboard
output device
Conveys information from the computer to the user. Common output devices include displays, speakers, headphones, projectors, and printers.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Memory needs to be constantly recharged or contents will be erased (Volatile)
Static RAM (SRAM)
Memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM
- Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)
Memory uses magnetic charges to store contents
flash memory
Fast type of memory that typically is less expensive than some other types of RAM
binary system
a number system that has just two unique digits
bit
the smallest unit of data a computer can process
Byte
a group of 8 bits
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)
8 bits are used
Unicode
A 16-bit character-representation code that can represent more than 65
hard drive
The primary storage component of a computer which holds all software and data.
Solid State Drive (SSD)
a drive without moving parts and is faster and more durable than magnetic drives
external hard drive
can add storage capacity to your computer are housed in a separate case and typically connect to your computer using a USB cable
Optical Media
CDs DVDs and Blu-ray discs (BDs) use laser technology for storage and playback.
cloud storage
Online storage that enables users to upload store and access their files via the Internet; users’ files are maintained by a third-party at a remote database storage facility
desktop computer
Typical computer system with a separate screen and system unit.
all-in-one computer
A desktop system unit that houses the computer’s processor
mobile device
A portable or handheld computing device
tablet
a small flat computer that is controlled by touching the screen or by using a special pen
platform
The software or operating system a device uses.
form factor
The size and shape of a computer or device.
laptop
A portable computer small enough to use in your lap
peripheral device
a component such as a monitor or keyboard that connects to the computer through data port
keyboard
An input device that enters data with letters numbers symbols and special function keys.
mouse
pointing device used with computers
touchpad
a small flat rectangular pointing device that is sensitive to pressure and motion
trackball
a stationary pointing device with a ball on its top or side
pointing device
Used to point to and select specific objects on the computer screen
touchscreen
a display that lets you touch areas of the screen to interact with software
multitouch screens
can respond to multiple fingers touching the screen simultaneously
microphone
used to enter voice and sound data into a computer
cameras
input devices because they support you adding pictures or videos to a computer
webcams
used for videoconferencing, chatting, or online gaming
scanner
an input device used that converts an existing paper inmate into an electronic file that you can open and work with on your computer
game controller
an input device you use when playing a video game
speakers
used to convey audio output
printer
creates hard copy output on paper, film, and other media
projectors
display output from a computer on a large surface such as a wall or screen
voice synthesizer
coverts text to speech
device driver
a program that controls a device attached to your computer such as a printer, monitor, or video card
clock speed
measures the speed at which it can execute instructions
cycle
the smallest unit of time a process can measure
bus width
determines the speed at which data travels, and is also referred to as the ‘word size’
benchmark
a test run by a laboratory or other organizations to determine processor speed and other performance factors
uninterruptable power supply (UPS)
a short-term battery backup that comes on automatically in case of power loss
surge suppressor
a device that prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components
restore
you are reverting all settings back to their default, or migrating back to the operating system’s previous version
video card
a circuit board that processes image signals
what is the correct way to update a device driver?
run the update within the OS or the latest software from the device manufacturer’s website
what is the first step to performing hardware maintenance?
A. Turn off the computer and remove its power source
B. install anti-virus software (incorrect)
C. Disconnect all the input and output devices
D. Disconnect the UPS and surge suppressor
What devices do not need device drivers to be manually installed, and start to function as soon as they are connected to a computer?
Plug and play devices
Which is the most suitable device to use in a classroom or a conference room to deliver a presentation?
Projector
Which of these is not an input device?
A. Stylus
B. Scanner
C. Printer (correct)
D. Webcam
A condition in which the CPU performs well but the bus speed is low
Bottlenecking
What are the two most important components of CPU that help in processing the input into output?
Control unit and arithmetic logic unit
Bootstrap process
- The computer or device receives power from the power supply or battery, and sends it to the circuitry
- The processor begins to run the bootstrap program, which is a special built-in startup program
- The bootstrap program executes a series of tests to check the components, including the RAM, keyboard, and storage, and identifies connected devices and check their settings
- Once the test are completed successfully, the computer or device loads the operating system files into RAM, including the kernel
- The computer or device loads the system configuration information, prompts you for user verification if necessary, and loads all startup programs, such as antivirus programs or apps
