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Introduction to IT > Unit 3 Computer Hardware and History > Flashcards

Unit 3 Computer Hardware and History Flashcards

1
Q

What are the four components of a computer?

A

CPU (processor), Memory, Input/Output subsystem, and the Bus.

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2
Q

What is the CPU?

A

Central Processing Unit - Executes program instructions, commands various components in the computer.

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3
Q

What is the I/O subsystem?

A

Includes ALL peripheral devices (input, output, storage, network)

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4
Q

What is Storage?

A

Long term storage devices (disk drives, tape, etc.)

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5
Q

What is bus?

A

Device that permits information to move between each component.

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6
Q

What are the two states of digital data states?

A

High and Low

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7
Q

What is the state High in a bus?

A

noticeable current flowing through the component represented as 0

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8
Q

What is the state Low in a bus?

A

little to no current flowing through the component represented as 1

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9
Q

What is a bit?

A

single 1 or 0

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10
Q

What is a byte?

A

8 bits, using 8 wires on a bus

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11
Q

What is a word?

A

32 or 64 bit words - word size is the typical size of a datum

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12
Q

What is the purpose of a computer case?

A

To enclose and protect system unit.

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13
Q

What is the system unit?

A

The critical component of all computer-based systems.

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14
Q

Describe some internal components in the system unit?

A 
The case
Internal bays/slots
Buses
Bays
Lights and power indicators
Hard Drive
Motherboard
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15
Q

What is the purpose of a CPU?

A

Central Processing Unit processes instructions of a computer program.

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16
Q

What are the 2 main parts of a CPU?

A

ALU - Arithmetic Logic Unit

CU - Control Unit

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17
Q

What is a heat sink and what is it for?

A

CPU can get hot and slow down processing speed. Heat sink designed to cool down CPU and is positioned on top of the CPU in the motherboard.

18
Q

What does a motherboard house?

A

CPU, memory module (where RAM - Random Access Memory is installed)

19
Q

What is RAM used for?

A

To store data and the instructions that are used at the time. RAM is fast, but whatever is in there is lost when power is cut to the computer.

20
Q

What are data storage devices and give some examples?

A

Used to store data. Examples are hard disk drives, SSD, thumb drives, disk drives, etc.

21
Q

What is a PSU?

A

Power Supply Unit - used to power the computer.

22
Q

What are expansion slots used for?

A

Used to plug in various expansion cards like graphic cards, video cards, and sound cards.

23
Q

What does the CU (Control Unit) in a CPU do?

A

Retrieves instructions and raw input data and sends that data for processing.

24
Q

What does the ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) in a CPU do?

A

The actual processing of the data to output display on your screen.

25
Q

What is memory used for?

A

Short term and long term storage.

26
Q

What is used for short term storage?

A

RAM (Random Access Memory)

27
Q

What are the two main forms of RAM?

A

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) which is called main memory and static RAM (SRAM) which is cache memory and registers.

28
Q

What is ROM memory?

A

Read Only Memory which retains its contents indefinitely.

29
Q

What is BIOS ROM?

A

Stored in ROM chip on the motherboard, it stands for Basic input Output System. It is SOFTWARE and is the basic operating system that runs when a computer is first turned on. It runs tests of memory and initializes hardware components so the actual Operating System can be loaded from the hard disk.

30
Q

How does RAM memory work?

A

RAM temporarily stores data before it is processed. It disappears when the computer is powered down. RAM may be increased. It works by sending memory an address and a read command, OR by sending memory an address, a datum and a write command. Memory then stores the item at that location.

31
Q

How small is 1 bit?

A

1 black or white pixel, 1 true/false value, etc.

32
Q

How small is 1 byte?

A

8 bits. A number from 0 to 255 or -128-127, or a single character

33
Q

How small is 1 word?

A

32-64 bits (One piece of data such as a # or program instruction)

34
Q

How small is 1KB?

A

1024 bytes

35
Q

How small is 1MB?

A

~1 million bytes

36
Q

How small is 1 GB?

A

~1 billion bytes

37
Q

How small is 1 TB?

A

~1 trillion bytes

38
Q

What are computer BAYS?

A

House CDs and DVDs. Typically on the front of the system.

39
Q

What are computer SLOTS?

A

Slots are where you can insert modem cards, wireless access cards and other PC cards such as camera cards.

40
Q

What are computer PORTS?

A

Allow you to connect additional input, output, storage and communications devices (think the back of the computer where you plug in speakers, monitors, USB inputs, etc.)

41
Q

What are the standard typical home computer types?

A

Desktop, laptop, handheld.

Introduction to IT (7 decks)

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