Computer Hardware Basics Quiz

CPU and Video Cards

• CPU speed refers to how fast it can process instructions, and faster CPUs can handle more tasks in less time.
• A video card is a separate hardware component that is added to a computer to handle graphics processing, while on-board video is integrated directly into the motherboard.
• PCI Express (PCIe) slots are commonly used for video cards.

Expansion Slots and RAM

• PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots are used for adding expansion cards.
• To install computer memory (RAM), align the memory module with the slot on the motherboard and firmly press it down until it clicks into place.

Software and Networking Basics

• Open Source software is software whose source code is freely available for anyone to view, modify, and distribute.
• Proprietary software is owned by a specific company or individual, and its source code is not freely available.
• System software manages the computer's hardware and provides a platform for running application software, while application software performs specific tasks for the user.
• A computer network is a group of computers and other devices connected together to share resources and communicate with each other.

Networking Concepts

• A data link is a connection between two devices that allows them to exchange data.
• A node is any device connected to a network, such as a computer or printer.
• LAN (Local Area Network) covers a small geographic area, MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers a larger area like a city, and WAN (Wide Area Network) covers the largest area, often spanning across countries or continents.
• In a Peer-to-Peer Network, devices communicate directly with each other without the need for a central server.
• In a Client-Server Network, client devices request services or resources from a central server, which manages and provides those resources.

Network Setup and Security

• Setting up a home network involves connecting devices like computers, printers, and routers together using Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, and configuring network settings to enable communication and resource sharing.
• WEP, WPA, WPA2 are types of encryption protocols used to secure wireless networks.
• Firewalls are software or hardware devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic to protect against unauthorized access.

Networking Hardware and Cables

• Switches are devices that connect multiple devices on a network and manage data traffic between them.
• Bridges connect two separate network segments.
• Gateways connect different types of networks together, such as connecting a LAN to the internet.
• Different types of cables include Ethernet cables for wired connections, HDMI cables for audio and video signals, and USB cables for connecting peripherals like printers and external hard drives.
• Fibre Optic cables use light to transmit data and offer high-speed and reliable communication over long distances.