Unit 1 - LO1 Understand Computer Hardware

Question 1

Computer storage

Answer 1

How data and instructions are stored in a computer.

Question 2

Memory

Answer 2

Computer primary storage.

Question 3

RAM (Random access memory)

Answer 3

Holds data and instructions the computer needs for any programs to open.
. Fast
. Volatile
. Stores the operating system, applications,application and GUI

Question 4

ROM

Answer 4

Contains permanent instructions such as the BIOS which checks that all expected devices are in place.
. Cannot be changed by a program or a user
. Not volatile
. Stores the start-up instructions for the computer

Question 5

Cache

Answer 5

Stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster.
. Speeds up access to data and instructions stored in the RAM
. Holds frequently requested data and instructions, so they are available to the CPU when requested

Question 6

Storage

Answer 6

Computer secondary storage.

Question 7

Hard drives

Answer 7

. Electro-mechanical device
. Uses rotating disks
. Magnetic storage
. Slower access speeds than SSD
. Can be internal or external

Question 8

SSD/ Solid state drive

Answer 8

. No moving parts
. Electronic storage
. Faster access speeds than hard drives
. Can be internal or external
. External SSDs are very portable
. Limited read/write cycles as cells decay

Question 9

Cloud

Answer 9

. Can manage system with minimal resources
. Accessible to multiple users
. Can scale up or down depending on storage needs
. The more data stored, the greater the efficiency
. Reduces costs

Question 10

SAS

Answer 10

. Faster and more reliable the SATA drives
. SAS drives tend to be used where hih speed and availability are critical
. SAS has a lower capacity than SATA
. Power and data available through the same cable

Question 11

SATA

Answer 11

. Tends to be used for desktops, data storage and backups

. Data and power cables are separate

Question 12

SCSI

Answer 12

. Uses a single cable
. Has its own unique controller
. Can work with different computer types
. Fast
. More expensive
. Hard to configure as each device has its own unique identification

Question 13

Ports

Answer 13

A port identifies the locations where a communication channel enters or leaves the computer system.

Question 14

USB

Answer 14

.USB compliant devices receive power from the port
. Used to connect a wide variety of external devices
. Host- based, devices must be connected to a computer to communicate

Question 15

Firewire

Answer 15

. Used for devices working with high levels of data
. More expensive than USB
. Peer-peer, devices connect to each other without needing to go through a computer
. Firewire devices can be powered on or off

Question 16

SATA

Answer 16

. Allows devices and drives to link with a computer

. This port is linked to another port on the motherboard

Question 17

Network

Answer 17

. Used to connect wired network hardware

Question 18

Fibre channel

Answer 18

. Suited for connecting computer services to shared storage devices
. Faster than SCSI
. Can work using coaxial cable and telephone twisted pair