Computer Hardware Chapter 2
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Questions and Answers

What marked the beginning of widespread commercial use of mainframe computers?

  • The adoption of client/server computing
  • The introduction of cloud computing
  • The launch of the IBM 1401 and 7090 transistorized machines (correct)
  • The introduction of the IBM 360 series
  • Which computing era began in 1983?

  • Personal Computer Era
  • Client/Server Computing (correct)
  • Web-based Enterprise Computing
  • Edge Computing / IoT
  • What was a significant feature of the IBM 360 series introduced in 1965?

  • It marked the transition to personal computing.
  • It supported thousands of online remote terminals. (correct)
  • It revolutionized desktop software applications.
  • It created mobile computing capabilities.
  • Which stage of IT infrastructure development is characterized by cloud and mobile computing?

    <p>Cloud / Mobile Computing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which era directly follows the introduction of web-based enterprise computing?

    <p>Edge Computing / IoT</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which device is specifically used for capturing images digitally?

    <p>Digital Camera</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technology is commonly used for voice recognition in audio-input devices?

    <p>Sound cards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered an output device?

    <p>Scanner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of monitor types, which monitor is characterized by requiring less power to operate?

    <p>Flat-panel monitors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of output includes text, graphics, and audio?

    <p>Processed data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is an example of an optical-mark recognition (OMR) device?

    <p>Test scoring system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What feature distinguishes e-book readers from traditional books?

    <p>They allow interactive engagement</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of monitor offers better viewing angles near the edges of the screen?

    <p>Curved monitors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how web cams function?

    <p>They capture images and send them to computers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be considered as soft copy in the context of output?

    <p>Digital documents on screens</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key factors determine the power of personal computers?

    <p>Speed, capacity, and flexibility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component allows a computer to run new applications effectively?

    <p>Knowledge of the system's current power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the basic types of system units?

    <p>Router</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of expansion slots in a system unit?

    <p>To add additional components or cards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of memory is typically used for temporary data storage while a computer is running?

    <p>RAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What component connects different parts of the motherboard and allows data transmission?

    <p>Bus lines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of port is typically found on computers for connecting external devices?

    <p>USB ports</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following microprocessor types is specialized for specific tasks?

    <p>Specialty processors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a defining characteristic of minicomputers?

    <p>They are powerful yet less expensive computers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which era did the proliferation of personal computers primarily occur?

    <p>Personal Computer Era</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What technology allowed for the networking of previously stand-alone personal computers?

    <p>PC operating system software in the 1990s</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In a client/server computing model, what role does the client play?

    <p>It serves as the user point of entry.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic describes modern server computers in the client/server era?

    <p>They often use inexpensive chips and may have multiple processors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following software tools gained popularity during the personal computer era?

    <p>Word processors and spreadsheets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically differentiates a server from a client in a network?

    <p>The server processes and stores shared data.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one outcome of the introduction of personal computers in the 1980s?

    <p>Emergence of personal desktop productivity software tools.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of Virtual Reality (VR) headsets?

    <p>They provide a fully immersive 3D experience.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the purpose of Augmented Reality (AR) headsets?

    <p>To overlay 3D virtual objects onto the real world.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do drones transmit information back to the user?

    <p>By sending video and sound to a controller.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge do ergonomic devices like laptops face?

    <p>They cannot be set up ergonomically due to integrated components.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of injury is commonly caused by using portable devices without proper ergonomic setup?

    <p>Neck strain resulting from improper alignment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What common consequence can arise from prolonged use of smartphones?

    <p>Blackberry thumb from typing on small keyboards.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor does ergonomics focus on to enhance user comfort?

    <p>Fitting the task to the user's physical capabilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes projection mapping?

    <p>Projecting 3D visuals onto physical surfaces to create depth.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of files has data storage expanded to include?

    <p>Digital music, video, and photographic files.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common user complaint related to ergonomics?

    <p>Back and neck pain from improper device use.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

    <p>To control communication for the entire computer system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory is volatile and loses its contents when the power is turned off?

    <p>Random Access Memory (RAM)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of coprocessors in a computer system?

    <p>To enhance specific computing operations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the function of the Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU)?

    <p>It performs arithmetic and logical operations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does a multicore processor enhance computing performance?

    <p>By allowing for multiple processes to run simultaneously</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which component is responsible for temporarily holding data that the CPU is actively processing?

    <p>RAM</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of bus lines in computer architecture?

    <p>To facilitate communication among electronic components</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of memory can be updated but is also non-volatile?

    <p>Flash Memory</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the word size in a microprocessor?

    <p>The number of bits processed simultaneously</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of port is specifically designed for connecting audio and video equipment?

    <p>HDMI</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one key characteristic of a smartphone?

    <p>It extends the capabilities of cell phones</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components connects to the motherboard for expanded capabilities?

    <p>Expansion cards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of a power supply unit in a desktop computer?

    <p>It converts AC power from the wall to DC power for the computer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary function of cables in a computer setup?

    <p>To connect external devices to the system unit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Chapter 2 - Hardware

    • This chapter covers computer hardware.
    • It is divided into five parts: Evolution, System Unit, Input/Output, Secondary Storage, and Hardware Trends.
    • Part 1 focuses on the evolution of IT infrastructure.
    • Part 2 covers the system unit.
    • Part 3 deals with input/output devices.
    • Part 4 examines secondary storage.
    • Part 5 looks at hardware trends.

    Learning Objectives (Part 1)

    • Explain the stages of IT infrastructure.
    • Identify different types of computer hardware.

    Evolution of IT Infrastructure

    • Mainframe/Mini Computers (1959-present): Marked the beginning of widespread commercial use of computers.
    • Personal Computers (1981-present): Widespread proliferation of PCs led to productivity software tools.
    • Client/Server Computing (1983-present): Desktop or laptop computers (clients) networked to server computers for shared data and services.
    • Web-based Enterprise Computing (1992-present): Integration of disparate networks and applications using TCP/IP standard.
    • Cloud/Mobile Computing (2000-present): Internet-based access to computing resources (storage, applications, and services) on an as-needed basis.
    • Edge Computing/IoT (2010-present): Processing data closer to where it is generated to reduce latency in IoT devices.

    General-Purpose Mainframe and Minicomputer Era (1959-Present)

    • IBM 1401 and 7090 transistorized machines marked the start of widespread commercial use of mainframe computers.
    • The introduction of IBM 360 series in 1965 marked a significant improvement in mainframe computer capabilities.
    • Mainframes became capable of supporting thousands of remote terminals.
    • Minicomputers were powerful and less expensive, enabling decentralized computing customized to individual departments or business units.

    Personal Computer Era (1981-Present)

    • Proliferation of PCs in the 1980s and early 1990s launched personalized productivity software (word processors, spreadsheets, presentations).
    • PCs initially existed as stand-alone systems but later networked through operating systems.

    Client/Server Era (1983-Present)

    • Desktop or laptop computers (clients) are networked to powerful server computers.
    • Computer processing is split between clients and servers.
    • Servers managed network activities or stored shared data.

    Web-Based Enterprise Computing Era (1992-Present)

    • Firms turned to TCP/IP networking standards to integrate disparate networks.
    • Businesses leveraged the Internet to communicate and share information enterprise-wide.

    Cloud and Mobile Computing Era (2000-Present)

    • Cloud computing provided access to a shared pool of computing resources (computers, storage, applications, and services).
    • Users could access computing resources over the internet, on-demand, from various locations and devices.

    Edge Computing and IoT Era (2010-Present)

    • The proliferation of IoT devices necessitates processing data closer to the source.
    • Edge computing reduces latency and improves real-time data processing and decision-making.

    Hardware - Part 2 (System Unit)

    Learning Objectives (Part 2)

    • Differentiate between five basic system unit types.
    • Describe system boards and bus lines.
    • Recognize various types of microprocessors
    • Compare types of memory (RAM, ROM, Flash).
    • Explain expansion slots, cards, and bus lines (including descriptions of appropriate ports).
    • Describe power supplies for different devices.
    • Explain how computers encode numbers and characters electronically.

    System Unit Types

    • Desktops: System unit housed separately from other components (monitors, keyboard, etc.).
    • Laptops: Portable devices that contain components including monitor in a single unit.
    • Tablets: Smaller, portable devices optimized for displaying graphic information.
    • Smartphones: Handheld and portable devices offering handheld computing.
    • Wearables: Devices integrated with embedded computers (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers).

    Components

    • All devices share common components: system boards, microprocessors, and memory.

    System Board

    • System board (motherboard) controls communication between components.
    • Data pathway and connections for various components.
    • Components such as sockets and chips for connection points.

    Slots and Bus Lines

    • Slots provide connection points for specialized cards.
    • Bus lines connect and support communication among components.

    Microprocessor Chips

    • Word size determines how many bits a processor can process.
    • Clock speed dictates the number of data or instruction cycles.
    • Multicore processors contain two or more CPUs with parallel processing capabilities.

    Specialty Processors

    • Coprocessors improve, and optimize specific computing operations.
    • Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) handles specialized tasks like graphics, 3D images, and data encryption.

    Memory Types

    • RAM: Random Access Memory, used for information currently being processed. Temporary storage.
    • ROM: Read-Only Memory, holds manufacturer-stored permanent instructions. Non-volatile Storage.
    • Flash Memory: Combines characteristics of RAM and ROM. Can be updated on-demand.

    Additional Topics Covered:

    • RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile temporary storage, role in processing, cache memory, and expansion modules (DIMMs).
    • ROM (Read Only Memory): Manufacturer-stored permanent instructions for system startup, its features.
    • Flash Memory: Characteristics that blend RAM and ROM, used for startup instructions and connected devices.
    • Expansion Slots and Cards: Include descriptions, functions and examples (3D graphics cards, network interface cards).
    • Bus Lines: Explain pathways and communication between various components.
    • Ports, Cables, and related components.
    • Power supplies for various device types (desktop, laptop, tablets, mobile devices).
    • Conversion from analog to digital signals.
    • Numeric representation (binary and hexadecimal).
    • Common input and output devices.
    • 3D Visualization technologies.
    • Drones and robots, their use and components.
    • VoIP communications (Skype).
    • Ergonomics and its relationship to devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones.
    • Cloud storage and various cloud storage companies.

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    Chapter 2 - Hardware 2024 PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the essential concepts of computer hardware as outlined in Chapter 2. It covers the evolution of IT infrastructure, the system unit, and various input/output and secondary storage devices. Additionally, it discusses current hardware trends and their implications for modern computing.

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