Computer Hardware Basics Quiz

The central processing unit (CPU) is made up of two main components: the control unit and the arithmetic logic unit (ALU). The control unit is responsible for directing and managing other parts of the computer. The ALU performs all arithmetic operations (+, -, ÷, ×) and logical operations (AND, OR, XOR, NOT).

Registers are temporary storage areas within the CPU that hold instructions, data, or addresses. They are much faster than main memory and are used to store, receive, and transfer data.

A bit, or binary digit, is the smallest unit of information in a computer. It represents a single value of either 0 or 1. Bit Patterns are used to represent various types of information, including numbers, characters, images, and sound.

A boolean operation manipulates true/false values. Key operations include AND, OR, XOR (exclusive or), and NOT.

A gate is a device that performs a specific boolean operation. These are usually implemented as small electronic circuits and are the building blocks of computers. VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology allows for the creation of these gates on a single chip.

Main memory, also known as primary memory, holds the instructions and data of the program being executed. It's essential for the computer's current operations and cannot store information permanently.

Binary notation is a way of representing numeric values using only the digits 0 and 1, instead of the ten digits from 0 to 9.

Auxiliary memory is used to store data and programs that are not currently being used but may be needed later. It is also known as secondary memory or mass storage. Examples include hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).

Each location in memory has a unique address, used by the CPU to locate and access data.

A unit of main memory, typically consisting of 8 bits, which is known as a byte.

The leftmost bit in a memory cell, holding the highest value.

The rightmost bit in a memory cell, holding the lowest value.

A type of memory that allows both reading and writing data.

A type of RAM that retains data as long as power is supplied.

A type of RAM that requires constant refreshing to retain data.

A type of memory that can only be read, data cannot be changed.

A type of secondary storage that uses a flexible Mylar disk coated with iron oxide to store data. Data is stored on tracks and sectors, and the disks are commonly used for backup and data portability.

A secondary storage device that uses rigid platters coated with magnetic oxide to store data. Data is stored in sectors and tracks, and the disks are often used for primary storage in computers.

A type of secondary storage that uses a magnetic tape to store data. The tape is read and written using a tape drive, which is controlled by a device known as a tape controller.

A hard disk that can be removed from its drive. This allows for the transfer of data between computers. Removable hard drives are often used for backup and data storage.

A specific area on a hard disk where data is stored. It is often used as the smallest unit of data that can be accessed by the operating system.

The circular part of a disk surface that passes under the read/write head. Imagine a spinning record and the needle moving across the grooves.

A small arc on a track where data is stored as a string of bits. Think of it as a slice of the track that holds specific information.

All the tracks on all the surfaces of a disk that are aligned under the read/write heads at a specific position. Think of it as a vertical column of data across multiple surfaces.

The time it takes for the access arm to move to the correct track on a hard disk. Think about how long it takes for the needle of a record player to move to the desired position.

The time it takes to activate the correct read/write head over a specific track on a particular surface. Think about selecting the right needle to play a specific record.

The time it takes for the desired data to rotate under the read/write head. Imagine waiting for the specific part of a spinning record to come under the needle.

The amount of data that can be stored on a magnetic tape. It is typically measured in characters per inch (CPI) or bytes per inch (BPI). Think about how much information can be stored on a cassette tape.

A unit of data stored in a mass storage system, often organized into fields and keyfields.

A block of data that conforms to the specific characteristics of a storage device.

A naturally occurring block of data within a file, representing meaningful divisions like paragraphs or pages.

A storage area used to temporarily hold data during transfer between devices.

A group of characters that represent a specific piece of information.

A collection of records that are related to a specific topic or entity.

A collection of files that are interconnected and related to each other.

An identifying record or group of records within a file, often used for searching or sorting.

Assigns a unique bit pattern to each character, including letters, punctuation, and symbols.

A standard that uses 7-bit patterns to represent most symbols used in the English language. It is a common way to represent text in computers.

A standard that uses 16-bit patterns to represent a wider range of characters, including those used in many languages worldwide. It allows for the representation of languages like Chinese, Japanese, and Hebrew.

A numeric system that uses only two digits, 0 and 1, to represent numbers. Each digit is called a bit.

A problem that occurs when a value is too large to be represented within the available memory space of the computer.

Loss of precision in a numeric value due to the limitations of computer representation. It occurs when a value cannot be represented accurately within the available memory.

A technique for representing images by dividing them into small, individual units called pixels.

A method for representing sound waves by taking measurements of their amplitude at regular intervals.