Computer Hardware Components Quiz

Computer Hardware Components

• Central Processing Unit (CPU): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for executing instructions. It comprises the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and control unit (CU). Speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
• Memory (RAM): Random Access Memory, temporary storage for data and programs the CPU is currently using. Faster access time compared to hard drives. Measured in gigabytes (GB). Critical for system performance.
• Hard Disk Drive (HDD) & Solid State Drive (SSD): Permanent storage for programs and data. HDDs use spinning platters while SSDs use flash memory. SSDs are generally faster and more durable. Capacity measured in gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB).
• Motherboard: The main circuit board, connecting all computer components, providing slots for expansion cards. Critical to overall system functionality.
• Graphics Processing Unit (GPU): Handles graphical processing tasks, crucial for video games and other graphics-intensive applications. More powerful GPUs offer better performance for display and rendering.
• Input Devices: Devices used to enter data into the computer, such as keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, scanner, and microphone. Enable user interaction.
• Output Devices: Devices used to display information from the computer, including monitor, printer, speakers, and projector. Deliver results to the user.
• Expansion Cards (e.g., sound cards, network cards): Add specific functions such as sound or network connectivity to the computer. Allow peripherals to communicate with the system.
• Power Supply Unit (PSU): Provides electrical power to all computer components. Crucial safety component impacting stability and longevity of the system.

Software Development

• Programming Languages: Formal languages used to write instructions for computers. Examples include Python, Java, C++, JavaScript, and many more, each with its own syntax and application areas.
• Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC): A structured approach to software development, encompassing stages like requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance.
• Software Development Tools: Tools that software developers use, including integrated development environments (IDEs), debuggers, version control systems (like Git), and testing frameworks. Enhance workflow, efficiency, and code quality.
• Data Structures: Organized ways of storing and managing data in a computer program. Examples include arrays, linked lists, trees, and graphs. Crucial for effective data management within applications.
• Algorithms: Step-by-step procedures for solving problems or tasks. Key to efficient and effective software functionality and are at the core of computational tasks.
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP): An approach to software development that organizes software design around objects that contain both data and methods. Common design pattern to structure complex systems in an organized way.
• Version Control Systems: Used to track changes to source code over time, allowing teams to collaborate efficiently and revert to previous versions if needed. Helps manage code changes, facilitating team collaboration and ensuring data integrity within complex software projects.
• Databases: Organized collections of data stored electronically and managed by a database management system (DBMS). Enable efficient storage, retrieval, and manipulation of information. Critical for many enterprise-level applications.
• Testing: Crucial component of software development to identify and fix bugs, ensuring the software functions as expected. Includes unit testing, integration testing, system testing, and user acceptance testing. Allows rigorous assessment of application quality, and helps produce high-quality deliverables.
• Deployment: The process of releasing software to users. Factors like scalability, security, and user experience need to be considered in deployment planning and execution.