Computer Components and Functions

Computer Components and Functions

• Peripherals: The CPU is not a peripheral device. Peripherals are devices external to the CPU.
• Data Transfer: Ports facilitate data exchange between devices and the computer system.
• Read-Only Memory (ROM): ROM is non-writable memory, holding critical startup instructions.
• Byte: A byte is a group of 8 bits.
• Megabyte Conversion: A megabyte equals 1,000,000 bytes.
• Device Drivers: Device drivers enable input/output devices to communicate with the computer.
• Memory Types: Primary and secondary memory are the two fundamental memory categories.
• CD-ROM: A CD-ROM is a non-erasable optical disk storing audio or data.
• Outputting Data: The process of providing useful data to a user is called outputting.
• Plotting Devices: Plotters are devices creating images and drawings.
• Different Printer Types: Drum printers print one line at a time.
• CRT Monitors: Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) monitors, now largely outdated, are common/typical with larger computer systems.
• Output Unit Functions: The output unit displays processed data.
• Data Bit: The smallest unit of data in a computer system is a bit.
• Input Unit Functions: The input unit provides data/instructions to the computer system for processing.
• Data & Information: Data is raw material; processed data is information.
• Computer Characteristics: I.Q. is not a computer characteristic.
• Main Memory Size: The size of main memory generally depends on the address bus.
• MAR Definition: MAR stands for Memory Address Register.
• Optical Disk Technology: Laser beams read/write data on optical disks.
• Memory Independence: Secondary memory functions independently of the address bus, unlike main memory.
• Optical Disk Types: Winchester drives are not optical disks.
• Input Devices: Bar code readers are input devices.
• Primary Storage Synonym: Memory is also known as primary storage.
• End-users: Non-technical computer users are often referred to as end-users.
• Powerful Computers: Supercomputers are the most powerful types.
• Primary Storage Alias: The primary storage unit is also known as memory.
• Memory Type Exclusion: QRAM is not a recognized memory type.
• Logic Chip Alias: A logic chip is often called a microprocessor.
• Binary Representation: Computers use the binary system (0s and 1s) to represent data.
• Processor Speed Metric: Processor speeds are measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• Soft Copy Output: Screen output is classified as a soft copy.
• Printer Type: Ink-jet printers are non-impact printers.
• Optical Mark Recognition: OMR stands for Optical Mark Recognition.
• Office Suite Applications: Antivirus programs are not typically part of an office suite.
• File Format: Adobe Acrobat files are stored in PDF format.
• Startup Process: Booting is the process of loading the operating system.
• Operating System Types: MS Access is not an operating system.
• Cache Memory Location: L1 cache memory is built within the CPU chip itself.
• Register Size: The size of a register is called word size.
• Website Address: A website address is a uniform resource locator (URL).
• Most Common Top-Level Domain: .com is the most commonly used top-level domain.
• Collaborative Software: Groupware is another name for collaborative software.
• Screen Navigation: Scrolling moves pages up or down on the screen.
• Main Circuit Board: The motherboard is the main circuit board in a personal computer.
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol: DHCP is a protocol assigning IP addresses.
• Internet Communication Protocol: TCP/IP governs Internet communication.
• Personal Finance Application: Spreadsheet is the most suitable for personal finance records.
• Signal Conversion: Computer signals sent over phone lines must be converted to analog signals..
• Network Physical Structure: Network topology describes the physical layout of a network.

True/False Questions

• CPU: The processor is the central processing unit (CPU). (True)
• Secondary Storage Immediate Use: Secondary storage does not contain instructions/data used immediately by the processor. (False)
• Homepage: A website's home page is the main page. (True)
• Supercomputers: The most powerful personal computers are not supercomputers. (False)
• Modem Functionality: A modem connects computers to telephones. (True)
• Secondary Storage vs Memory: Secondary storage is not memory. (False)
• Processed Data: Processed data is known as information. (True)
• TCP/IP as Hardware: TCP/IP is not hardware but a protocol. (False)
• Magnetic Tape Use Case: Magnetic tape is often used for data backups. (True)
• LAN Geographic Scope: A LAN (Local Area Network) is not between two different cities. (False)

Fill-in-the-Blank

• Computer Components: Input, Output, Storage, and CPU are the four general components. (CPU)
• GUI Definition: GUI stands for Graphical User Interface.
• Binary Unit: A 0 or 1 in the binary system is a bit.
• Main Circuit Board Name: Motherboard is the main circuit board inside the system unit.
• SOHO Acronym: SOHO stands for Small Office/Home Office.
• Operating System Kernel: The kernel is a resident operating system program.
• File Compression Tool: A file compression utility reduces file size.
• Booting Explanation: Loading the operating system into memory is known as booting.

Test your knowledge of computer components and their functions with this quiz. From peripherals to memory types and data transfer, this quiz covers essential aspects of computer architecture. Brush up on your understanding of ROM, device drivers, and more!