Computer Hardware Chapter 0

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of software in a computer system?

To create documentation for users

To improve hardware performance

To command hardware to perform tasks (correct)

To enhance network connectivity

Which type of computer is categorized as a microcomputer?

Supercomputers

Midrange computers

Mainframe computers

Wearable computers (correct)

What should be a major consideration when purchasing a personal computer?

The brand reputation of the hardware

The color and design of the computer

The availability of discount offers

The anticipated lifespan and needed service (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a strategic hardware issue for gaining competitive advantage?

Training employees on software Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'microcomputer' encompass?

Laptops and Tablets Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Control Unit in a CPU?

Directs the flow of data and instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of memory is NOT considered primary storage?

Solid State Drives (SSD) Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct hierarchy for measuring digital storage from smallest to largest?

Bit, Byte, Kilobyte, Megabyte, Gigabyte Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of secondary storage?

Cache Memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate size of a Petabyte in relation to Gigabytes?

1,000,000 GB Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT categorized as a human data-entry device?

Barcode Scanner Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a Microsoft Kinect primarily considered?

Input Device Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the CPU is true?

The Arithmetic-Logic Unit is responsible for data comparisons. Signup and view all the answers

Which output device is suitable for high-quality color printing?

Laser Printer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of input devices?

Output display Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is specifically designed for capturing hand-drawn graphics?

Digital Pen Signup and view all the answers

What are the major components of a computer system?

CPU, Primary & Secondary Storage, Input & Output Technologies, Communication Technologies Signup and view all the answers

What type of monitors uses Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED)?

Flexible Displays Signup and view all the answers

How does primary storage differ from secondary storage?

Primary storage offers faster access compared to secondary storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following devices can be used for both data input and output?

Touch Screen Signup and view all the answers

Which component is not considered a part of IT infrastructure?

Personal mobile devices Signup and view all the answers

Which technology primarily organizes, manages, and processes business data?

Data management technology Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Central Processing Unit perform in a computer?

It executes instructions for programs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs distinguishes input from output technologies?

Keyboard and Monitor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between microprocessor component designs and performance?

Different designs lead to variations in processing speeds and efficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about computer hierarchy is correct?

Different types of computers serve distinct and specific roles in organizations Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 0: Hardware

Hardware encompasses all physical components of a computer system
It includes the CPU, primary storage, secondary storage, input technologies, output technologies, and communication technologies
Hardware and software are required for a computer to function
Hardware includes all physical components, both inside the main computer case, and external devices
Software is the set of instructions or programs that tell the hardware what to do
IT infrastructure is the set of physical devices and software necessary to operate enterprise IT systems, supporting various business information systems
IT infrastructure's core components include computer hardware, computer software, data management technology, networking and telecommunications technology, and technology services
A firm's IT infrastructure encompasses hardware, software, data management, networking, and technology services

Hardware Components

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Primary Storage (RAM, ROM, Cache, Register Memory)
Secondary Storage (Magnetic Tape, Magnetic Discs, Solid State Drives (SSD), Optical Storage Devices, Flash Memory)
Input Technologies (Keyboards, Mice, Touchscreens, Styluses, Scanners, Cameras, etc.)
Output Technologies (Monitors, Printers, Voice Output devices)
Communication Technologies (Network Cards, Modems etc.)

Strategic Hardware Issues

Rapid price reductions and performance advancements in hardware necessitate strategic adaptation
Businesses need to consider new hardware infrastructures and their implications for work styles
The use of mobile computers and advanced communication technologies needs assessment for employee and organizational benefit.

Computer Hierarchy

The computer hierarchy arranges computers based on their power and roles
Examples of categories include supercomputers, mainframe computers, midrange computers, microcomputers, and wearable computers

Microcomputers

Common kinds of microcomputers include Desktops, Thin-Client/Fat-Client Systems, Laptops, Netbooks, and Tablet Computers

It's Personal: Purchasing a Computer

Considerations for buying a personal computer include intended use, usage location, and service requirements

Input and Output Technologies

Multimedia technology, input devices, and output devices are essential components for computer interaction

Input Devices

Human Data-Entry devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Trackballs, Pointing Sticks, Touchpads, Graphics Tablets, etc.)
Gesture-Based Input devices (Wii, Microsoft Kinect, Leap Motion, etc.)
Source-Data Automation Input devices (ATM, Magnetic Strip Reader, POS Terminals, Barcode Scanners, Optical Mark Readers, Magnetic Ink Character Reader, Optical Character Recognition, Sensors, Cameras, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Output Devices

Monitors (Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT), Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD), Flexible Displays, Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED), Retinal Scanning Displays)
Printers (Laser Printers, Inkjet Printers, Thermal Printers, Plotters)
Voice Output devices (Electronic Book Readers, Pocket Projectors, etc.)

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The CPU is a microprocessor with a control unit, arithmetic-logic unit (ALU), and registers
The CPU fetches, decodes, and executes instructions from programs stored in memory
Data is processed and stored in the CPU via the ALU
Primary storage for data and instructions is RAM (random access memory)

Computer Memory

Memory capacity is measured in units like bits, bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes, terabytes, petabytes, exabytes, and zettabytes
Primary memory (RAM, ROM, Cache, Registers) is crucial for immediate CPU processing, while secondary storage (HDDs, SSDs, optical drives) stores data for long-term use

PC Components/Cost Compared

The data shows the trend of increasing RAM and hard drive capacity, along with decreasing CPU cost over time.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer hardware as outlined in Chapter 0. You will learn about the essential physical components of a computer system, including the CPU, storage types, and input/output technologies. Understanding these elements is crucial for grasping how hardware and software work together in IT infrastructure.