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What is a key advantage of UEFI over traditional BIOS?
Which CPU socket is commonly used with Intel Core processors?
What type of motherboard form factor is known for supporting the most expansion slots?
What is the primary function of the chipset on a motherboard?
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Which of the following connectors supplies power to the motherboard and CPU?
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When selecting a motherboard, which factor is NOT typically considered?
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What is the primary benefit of DDR5 over DDR4?
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What type of memory is primarily used in laptops and compact devices?
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What is the purpose of updating the BIOS?
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Which factor is most likely to improve performance for RAM, according to latency specifications?
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Which interface is considered the current standard for consumer hard disk drives?
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How should RAM be installed for optimal performance in dual-channel configurations?
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What situation leads to performance slowdowns when using virtual memory?
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What is the maximum RAM supported by Windows 10 Home edition?
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Which of the following memory types is specifically designed to ensure data integrity in servers?
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Which feature enables overclocking RAM beyond standard specifications?
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What is a major disadvantage of TN (Twisted Nematic) monitor technology?
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Which monitor technology is characterized by deep blacks and good response times?
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What is the purpose of a delta E value in relation to display accuracy?
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Which of the following is an emerging display technology that offers high brightness and faster response times?
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What is the minimum number of separate removable devices recommended for backing up important data?
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What resolution defines a 4K display?
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What technology is proprietary to NVIDIA and is used to prevent image tearing?
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What type of backup is created using system restore points?
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Which tool can be used for creating full disk images of a hard drive?
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What does ISO 13406-2 pertain to in display technology?
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What frequency of backups is commonly advised for preventing significant data loss?
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Which emerging technology allows charging of connected devices and remote control using HDMI and micro-USB?
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Which backup method involves maintaining older backups to safeguard against file corruption?
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Which type of storage connectivity is essential for SSDs?
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What is a crucial step to take before making changes to the registry?
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What caution should be exercised when using encryption for backups?
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Which type of RAM should you ensure is compatible with your motherboard?
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What is a recommended step before upgrading the hard drive of a PC?
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What physical action is NOT necessary when installing a new hard drive?
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What factor affects the performance of RAM most significantly?
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Which Windows version introduced the File History feature for automatic file backups?
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What can improve RAM performance in a dual or quad-channel configuration?
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What is the final step to ensure functionality after installing a new hard drive?
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Which chipset feature can influence the ability for overclocking?
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Study Notes
UEFI
- Modern replacement for BIOS
- Graphical interface
- Faster boot times
- Supports large drives (>2TB)
- More secure booting
Boot Devices
- Common boot devices:
- Hard drives
- SSDs
- USB drives
- DVD-ROMs
- Network controllers
CPU Sockets
- Intel LGA-1151: Common for Intel Core processors (Skylake, Kaby Lake)
- AMD AM4: Used in Ryzen CPUs
- Intel LGA-2066/2011: High-end Intel processors
- AMD TR4: Used in Ryzen Threadripper CPUs
Motherboard Form Factors
- ATX: Most common, supports more expansion slots
- Micro-ATX: Smaller, fewer slots
- Mini-ITX: Compact for smaller systems
Chipsets
- Intel:
- P67, Z68, Z77, and newer chipsets for Sandy/Ivy Bridge and Skylake/Kaby Lake CPUs
- AMD:
- A75, 990FX, and others for AMD processors
- Chipsets control:
- CPU communication
- Memory
- Peripherals
- System performance
Power Connectors
- ATX12V/EPS12V:
- Supplies power to the motherboard and CPU
- Usually 24-pin and 4- or 8-pin connectors
Selecting a Motherboard
- Consider:
- Form factor
- CPU socket compatibility
- RAM type and speed
- Connectors (SATA, USB)
- Support for overclocking
BIOS Identification & Updates
- Identify BIOS version:
- Software (e.g., msinfo32)
- During boot
- Updating BIOS:
- Can fix bugs
- Must not be interrupted
Hard Drives Overview
- Secondary storage:
- Stores operating system, programs, and files for long-term use
- Components:
- Traditional HDDs use spinning platters and a magnetic arm to read and write data
Data Organization
- Sectors and clusters:
- Data is stored in blocks, grouped into sectors, and organized in clusters
- Capacity:
- Comes in various capacities, larger capacities offer more storage
Interfaces
- PATA (IDE):
- Older standard, now mostly obsolete
- SATA:
- Current standard for consumer HDDs, offers faster speeds and more efficient data transfer
- SAS:
- Used in servers, faster than SATA and compatible with it
- PCIe and M.2:
- Modern SSD interfaces offering higher speeds than SATA, useful for high-performance PCs
RAM: DDR4 and DDR5
- DDR4:
- Lower voltage (1.2V)
- Supports up to 128 GB per module
- Transfer rate up to 4266 MT/s
- DDR5:
- Faster clock speeds
- Larger capacity
- Lower voltage (1.1V)
- Improved efficiency
DIMMs and SO-DIMMs
- DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module):
- Standard RAM module for desktop PCs
- SO-DIMM:
- Smaller RAM module for laptops and compact devices
- CAMM (Compression Attached Memory Module):
- New standard for laptops, offers faster speeds and a thinner design than SO-DIMM
RAM Specifications
- Memory Speed:
- Defined by clock speed (in MHz) or peak transfer rate
- e.g., DDR2-800 runs up to 800MHz, equivalent to PC2-6400
- Latency:
- Memory access delay is represented by timings like CAS (Column Address Strobe)
- Lower latency can improve performance, but gains are marginal for most users
- ECC RAM:
- Error-Correcting Code RAM, mainly used in servers, ensures data integrity but is slower and more expensive
RAM Installation and Compatibility
- Install memory:
- Following motherboard specifications
- Ensure modules are properly seated
- Matched in pairs for dual-channel configurations (or triples/quads for some systems)
- Check compatibility:
- Ensure motherboard and CPU compatibility for memory types and speeds
- Upgrading:
- Applications like RAMMon help determine existing memory specifications
RAM Capacity Guidelines
- 2GB: Basic tasks, usually in budget tablets
- 4GB: Suitable for basic usage in notebooks and some desktops
- 8GB: Ideal for most users and general tasks
- 16GB: For professionals and demanding games
- 32GB+: For workstations and enthusiasts
Virtual Memory and Page Faults
- When physical RAM is insufficient:
- The OS uses virtual memory (page swapping to the hard drive)
- Leads to performance slowdowns, especially with frequent page faults
Overclocking
- XMP (Extreme Memory Profile):
- Enables overclocking RAM beyond standard specifications via BIOS
- Overclockers benefit from:
- Faster memory
- Low-latency timings
Operating System Limits
- Windows 10 supports up to 2TB of RAM on 64-bit Enterprise/Education/Pro editions, while Home supports up to 128GB
Monitor Backlighting
- LED refers to the backlighting, which is superior to older CCFL backlights.
Monitor Technologies
- TN (Twisted Nematic):
- Low cost, fast response time
- Poor color reproduction, narrow viewing angles
- VA (Vertical Alignment):
- Deep blacks, good response times, medium price
- Color shifting at angles, potential ghosting
- IPS (In-Plane Switching):
- Great color reproduction, wide viewing angles
- Expensive, slower response times, poor contrast
- PLS (Plane to Line Switching):
- Lower power consumption, high brightness
- Expensive
Display Accuracy
- Color Gamut and Accuracy:
- Refers to the range and precision of colors a display can reproduce
- Delta E value indicates color accuracy; lower values are better
- Dead Pixels and Calibration:
- ISO 13406-2 defines flat-panel display classes based on permitted defects (dead or stuck pixels)
- Calibration is important for ensuring color accuracy, can be done manually or with hardware/software solutions
Emerging Technologies
- OLED (Organic LED):
- Provides brighter displays and lower power usage, but may degrade over time
- MicroLED:
- Consists of microscopic LEDs, offering high brightness and faster response times, though currently difficult to produce
- MHL (Mobile High-definition Link):
- Allows charging of connected devices and remote control via the TV’s remote, using HDMI and micro-USB connectors
- IGZO (Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide):
- Used for transistors in displays, enabling higher density for 4K displays.
4K Displays
- Resolution:
- 3840 x 2160 pixels (four times HD).
- Requirements:
- For 60Hz operation, DisplayPort 1.2 or HDMI 2.0 with a compatible graphics card is necessary
FreeSync and G-Sync
- Technologies to prevent image tearing:
- By synchronizing monitor refresh rates with graphics card output
- G-Sync:
- NVIDIA’s solution, requiring proprietary hardware
- FreeSync:
- AMD’s solution, based on the royalty-free AdaptiveSync standard, making it more affordable
Importance of Backing Up
- Data Loss Risks:
- Hard drive failures, damaged storage devices, and viruses can lead to significant data loss
- Regular backups are essential to mitigate these risks
Backup Strategies
- Minimum Backups:
- Important data should be backed up on at least three separate removable devices
- Types of Data to Back Up:
- Documents (e.g., reports)
- Photos, videos, music
- Emails and addresses
- Application settings
- Web browser bookmarks
- Virtual machines
System Restore
- Functionality:
- Creates restore points to revert the system to previous states
- Doesn't back up user documents
- Usage:
- Access via Start menu; useful for troubleshooting slow or crashing systems
- Creating Restore Points:
- Users can create restore points by navigating through System Properties
Backup Methods
- Registry Backups:
- Always back up the registry before making changes
- Utilities like ERUNT can assist with this
- Drive Backups:
- Regular backups of the entire hard drive are recommended, especially for business use
- Tools like Clonezilla or Norton Ghost can create full disk images
Regular Backups
- Frequency:
- Infrequent backups (e.g., monthly) can lead to significant data loss
- Businesses often use automated software for daily backups
- Storage Options:
- External hard drives are affordable
- Cloud storage services like Mozy are available for off-site backups
Backup Tips
- Physical Separation:
- Backups should be on at least one physically separate device to protect against disasters
- Maintain Older Backups:
- Keep several older backups to safeguard against corruption in recent files
- Encryption Caution:
- Be careful with password encryption; losing the password can make data irretrievable
Additional Backup Considerations
- Backing Up Address Books:
- Ensure that critical data, such as email addresses and network settings, are backed up
- Backup Utilities in Windows:
- Windows 7: Backup and Restore utility
- Windows 8: Revamped backup system, including File History for automatic file backups
- Windows 10: Combines File History with the old Windows 7 Backup and Restore, and includes OneDrive for cloud storage
Recovery Options
- Windows 8 Recovery:
- Offers reset and refresh options, allowing users to keep their files or start anew
- File History:
- Allows automatic backups of files and can roll back to previous versions
Selecting a Motherboard
- Expansion Slots:
- Consider the number and types of PCIe slots for graphics cards or additional expansion cards.
- Storage Connectivity:
- Look for the availability of SATA and M.2 slots for SSDs and HDDs
- Connectivity Options:
- Features like USB ports, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and audio jacks are important for peripheral support
- Chipset Features:
- The motherboard’s chipset influences the features available, such as overclocking support or multi-GPU setups
Selecting RAM
- Type of RAM:
- Ensure compatibility with your motherboard (e.g., DDR4 or DDR5)
- Capacity:
- Choose enough memory for your needs (8GB, 16GB, or 32GB), depending on tasks like gaming or professional applications.
- Speed (Frequency):
- Select the RAM with a speed (e.g., 3200 MHz, 3600 MHz) that matches or exceeds your motherboard’s and CPU's capabilities
- Latency (CAS Timing):
- Lower CAS latency can offer better performance, especially in memory-intensive applications
- Form Factor:
- Ensure you choose the correct form factor (e.g., DIMM for desktops or SO-DIMM for laptops)
- Dual/Quad Channel Support:
- Check if your motherboard supports dual or quad-channel memory, as installing multiple RAM sticks in pairs can improve performance
Upgrading a Hard Drive
- Backup Data:
- Before upgrading, back up important data from the current drive to prevent data loss
- Choose the New Drive:
- Select a suitable replacement (HDD for large storage, SSD for faster performance)
- Ensure it’s compatible with your system (SATA or NVMe for SSDs)
- Physically Install the Drive:
- Power Off the PC: Disconnect power and open the case
- Remove the Old Drive: Unscrew and disconnect the old drive from the motherboard and power supply
- Install the New Drive: Place the new drive in the same mounting slot, connect the SATA data and power cables (or NVMe into its slot)
- Reinstall or Clone OS:
- You can either reinstall the operating system on the new drive or use cloning software to copy the OS and data from the old drive to the new one
- Format the Drive:
- If it’s a secondary drive, initialize and format it through the Disk Management tool
- Test and Configure:
- Boot up the PC and ensure the drive is recognized, then configure it as needed
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Description
This quiz covers essential topics in computer hardware, including UEFI, boot devices, CPU sockets, motherboard form factors, chipsets, and power connectors. Test your knowledge on modern components and their functionalities in today's computing environment.
