Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following scenarios would MOST likely result in a computer power supply failure?
Which of the following scenarios would MOST likely result in a computer power supply failure?
- Exceeding the maximum number of read/write cycles on a solid-state drive.
- Operating the computer in a room with high humidity.
- Using unshielded Ethernet cables in an environment with strong electromagnetic interference.
- Consistent voltage fluctuations outside of the power supply's tolerance range. (correct)
A technician is tasked with building a computer that requires maximum expandability and airflow. Which case form factor would be the MOST suitable?
A technician is tasked with building a computer that requires maximum expandability and airflow. Which case form factor would be the MOST suitable?
- All-in-one
- Full-Size Tower (correct)
- Compact Tower
- Horizontal Case
A computer case is designed to perform which of the following functions?
A computer case is designed to perform which of the following functions?
- Managing the flow of data between the CPU and RAM.
- Providing a framework to support and protect internal components. (correct)
- Interconnecting electronic components.
- Converting AC power to DC power.
Which component on the motherboard directly facilitates communication between the CPU and system memory (RAM)?
Which component on the motherboard directly facilitates communication between the CPU and system memory (RAM)?
The system's firmware is corrupted, preventing the computer from booting. Which motherboard component should be examined?
The system's firmware is corrupted, preventing the computer from booting. Which motherboard component should be examined?
Analyze the following: A computer is running slowly, and a technician suspects that the CPU is constantly retrieving data from the hard drive instead of RAM. Which component is MOST likely the cause?
Analyze the following: A computer is running slowly, and a technician suspects that the CPU is constantly retrieving data from the hard drive instead of RAM. Which component is MOST likely the cause?
Which of the following form factors integrates all computer system components, including the display, into a single unit, offering minimal expansion capabilities?
Which of the following form factors integrates all computer system components, including the display, into a single unit, offering minimal expansion capabilities?
A computer is experiencing overheating issues. Besides the computer case fans, what design feature of the case helps to dissipate heat generated by internal components?
A computer is experiencing overheating issues. Besides the computer case fans, what design feature of the case helps to dissipate heat generated by internal components?
Which of the following BEST describes the role of expansion slots on a motherboard?
Which of the following BEST describes the role of expansion slots on a motherboard?
A technician needs to ensure that a newly installed CPU can execute instructions at the fastest possible speed. What component directly facilitates this function?
A technician needs to ensure that a newly installed CPU can execute instructions at the fastest possible speed. What component directly facilitates this function?
Flashcards
What is a computer?
What is a computer?
An electronic machine that performs calculations based on a set of instructions.
What is hardware?
What is hardware?
The physical equipment of a computer system, including the case, keyboard, monitor, cables, and storage drives.
What is software?
What is software?
The operating system and programs that manage computer operations such as accessing and processing information.
What is a computer case?
What is a computer case?
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What is a device form factor?
What is a device form factor?
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What is a full-size tower?
What is a full-size tower?
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What is a compact tower?
What is a compact tower?
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What is an all-in-one computer?
What is an all-in-one computer?
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What is a power supply?
What is a power supply?
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What is a motherboard?
What is a motherboard?
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Study Notes
- A computer is an electronic machine performing calculations based on instructions
- A computer system includes hardware and software
Hardware
- Physical equipment is the hardware component of a computer
- Hardware examples: case, keyboard, monitor, cables, storage drives, speakers, and printers
Software
- The operating system and programs are the software components of a computer
- The operating system manages computer operations like identifying, accessing, and processing information
- Programs or applications perform different functions depending on accessed or generated information
Cases
- Desktop computer cases house internal components
- Internal components include: power supply, motherboard, CPU, memory, disk drives, and adapter cards
- Cases support, protect, and cool internal components, typically made of plastic, steel, or aluminum
- A device form factor is its physical design and look
Case Types
- Horizontal cases were popular with early computer systems; horizontally oriented with the monitor on top (no longer popular)
- Full-size tower cases are vertically oriented often found on the floor, allowing room for expansion and requiring external peripherals
- Compact tower (mini-tower or SFF) cases are smaller versions of full-size towers, found in corporate environments, with limited expansion and requiring external peripherals
- All-in-one computers integrate all components into the display and often include touch-screen input, built-in microphone, and speakers, offering little expansion and needing external peripherals
- Computer cases utilize fans to move air, absorbing and expelling heat to prevent overheating and also protect against static electricity damage through grounding
Power Supplies
- Wall outlets provide alternating current (AC) electricity
- Computer components require direct current (DC) power
- Power supplies convert AC power into lower voltage DC power
- A computer can tolerate slight power fluctuations; significant deviation causes the power supply to fail
Motherboards
- The motherboard is the backbone of the computer, also known as the system board or main board
- A motherboard contains buses that interconnect electronic components that may be soldered or added using sockets, expansion slots, and ports
Motherboard Components
- Central Processing Unit (CPU): The brain of the computer
- Random Access Memory (RAM): A temporary storage location for data and applications
- Expansion slots: Locations to connect additional components
- Chipset: Circuits controlling system hardware interaction with the CPU and motherboard, also setting memory limits
- Basic input/output system (BIOS) chip: Used to boot the computer and manage data flow between hardware
CPU Architectures
- The CPU is considered the brain, and is a system's most important element, where most calculations occur
- A program is a sequence of stored instructions executed by the CPU following an instruction set
- Cache is high-speed memory storing instructions and data while the CPU executes a program step
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