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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the system unit in a computer?
What is the primary function of the system unit in a computer?
Which component is often referred to as the main circuit board of a computer?
Which component is often referred to as the main circuit board of a computer?
How do integrated circuits benefit the system unit?
How do integrated circuits benefit the system unit?
What is a major difference between memory and external storage?
What is a major difference between memory and external storage?
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What is the role of expansion slots in a motherboard?
What is the role of expansion slots in a motherboard?
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What is the primary function of the control unit (CU) in a CPU?
What is the primary function of the control unit (CU) in a CPU?
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Which component of the CPU is responsible for executing arithmetic operations?
Which component of the CPU is responsible for executing arithmetic operations?
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What distinguishes random access memory (RAM) from other types of memory?
What distinguishes random access memory (RAM) from other types of memory?
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In what context is the term 'microprocessor' commonly used?
In what context is the term 'microprocessor' commonly used?
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Which of the following definitions best describes the motherboard?
Which of the following definitions best describes the motherboard?
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Study Notes
System Unit
- The system unit is the metal, plastic or aluminum case that holds all the internal components of a computer.
- This includes the motherboard, hard drive, RAM, CPU and peripheral devices.
- All computers and mobile devices have a system unit.
Integrated Circuits
- Integrated Circuits (ICs) are microscopic circuit elements like wires, transistors, capacitors and resistors.
- ICs can be found in many modern electronic devices like microprocessors, audio and video equipment.
Motherboard
- The motherboard is the main circuit board of a computer.
- Other components, like the CPU and memory, attach to the motherboard.
- It allows communication between many components which are crucial for the functioning of your computer.
CPU
- The CPU is the "brain" of the computer.
- It interprets and carries out instructions from software programs.
- The CPU consists of:
- ALU: This unit performs arithmetic and logical operations like addition, subtraction, and comparison.
- CU: This unit controls the flow of instructions and data within the CPU.
Control Unit (CU)
- The CU directs and coordinates all operations within the computer.
- It interprets each instruction and initiates the appropriate action.
Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU)
- The ALU is responsible for all math and comparison operations.
- The ALU can perform:
- Arithmetic operations: Basic calculations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Comparison operations: It compares data to determine if it is greater, equal, or less than another.
- Logical operations: Performs operations like AND, NOT, OR, XOR.
Random Access Memory (RAM)
- RAM is a type of temporary data storage for the computer.
- It holds data that is waiting to be processed and requires power to keep the information stored.
- It is considered volatile memory which means the data is lost when the power is turned off.
- The term "random access" means that any section of RAM can be accessed quickly.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
- ROM is a type of non-volatile memory.
- It stores permanent data and instructions.
- ROM stores firmware such as fonts in printers.
Bus
- A bus is a communication pathway that allows data to be transferred between different components in a computer.
- They can connect multiple peripherals.
- They determine how information is communicated to devices.
- The bus carries information and determines where it should be sent.
Ports
- Ports are connectors on a computer or mobile device that connect to other devices.
- They can be used for wired or wireless connections.
- Examples of wireless connections:
- Bluetooth: short range radio signals for communication between devices
- Wi-Fi: utilizes radio signals following 802.11 standards from IEEE to communicate
- NFC (Near Field Communication): uses close-range radio signals for communication
Expansion Cards
- An expansion card is a circuit board that can be inserted into an expansion slot on a motherboard to add capabilities to the computer.
- These cards are often used to connect external devices and are referred to as I/O cards.
- Common examples include network cards, sound cards, video cards and modem cards.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the essential components of a computer in this quiz. From the system unit to the CPU, learn about how each part works together. Understand the role of the motherboard and integrated circuits in modern technology.
