Computer Hardware Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is one of the main advantages of using an SSD over an HDD?

Greater capacity for data storage

Ability to recover data from failures

Higher data retrieval speed

Lower power consumption (correct)

Which RAID level uses data stripping for improved performance?

RAID Level 1

RAID Level 5

RAID Level 10

RAID Level 0 (correct)

What is a characteristic of blade servers?

They allow hot-swapping without downtime. (correct)

They are primarily used for data redundancy.

They do not support modular design.

They are full-sized servers that require significant space.

What happens when a Hard Drive fails?

All data is lost unless backed up. Signup and view all the answers

What is RAID primarily used for?

To improve data redundancy and performance. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is involved in the operation of an Optical Storage system?

Laser technology Signup and view all the answers

Which file system is known for organizing data in a way that can be used across various operating systems?

FAT Signup and view all the answers

What is RAID Level 10 known for?

It combines mirroring and stripping. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary difference between 32-bit and 64-bit processors?

The number of calculations they can perform per second. Signup and view all the answers

What does the swap-file (paging) system primarily utilize?

Secondary storage to extend RAM capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

How does a CPU Cache improve processing speed?

By temporarily storing recently accessed data. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when RAM memory is full and data needs to be accessed?

Inactive memory blocks are moved to the hard disk. Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of larger caches?

They have longer latency than smaller caches. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a multi-level cache system?

To balance speed and accuracy in data access. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about CPU cache is accurate?

The CPU checks L1 cache first for data retrieval. Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of a 64-bit architecture in terms of operating systems?

It is incompatible with 32-bit operating systems. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of NAS that enhances user access and usage?

Centralized storage solutions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes a primary characteristic of SANs compared to NAS?

SANs are separated from processing elements. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is NOT typically associated with the management of NAS devices?

Manual configuration tracking Signup and view all the answers

What performance measurement is essential in evaluating a NAS device's capabilities?

CPU and memory utilization Signup and view all the answers

How does a Storage Area Network (SAN) primarily enhance networking capabilities?

By avoiding congestion on the primary network Signup and view all the answers

What does DDR in DDR SDRAM stand for?

Double Data Rate Signup and view all the answers

Which capability is crucial for effective space management in NAS environments?

Monitoring usage patterns of storage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the function of RAM?

Allows multiple programs to run simultaneously by storing them temporarily. Signup and view all the answers

Which technology is the standard networking architecture used in SANs?

Fiber Channel Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Control Unit in a computer system?

Controls operations of all parts of the computer without processing data. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of using NAS for backup and recovery processes?

Automatic and reliable backup features Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum amount of RAM a 64-bit system can theoretically address?

18 Quintillion bytes Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the function of chipsets in a computer?

They facilitate data flow between the processor, memory, and peripherals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Data Bus in a computer system do?

Transfers information to and from main memory and peripherals. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about volatile memory is true?

It is wiped clean when the computer is powered off. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following components is responsible for calculations in a computer?

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)?

Applications are delivered over the Internet on a subscription basis. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an essential characteristic of SaaS?

Local Management Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary advantages of cloud computing related to computer performance?

Fewer programs loaded into memory Signup and view all the answers

How does SaaS primarily benefit startup companies?

By eliminating the requirement for understanding infrastructure. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge associated with cloud computing?

Easier account hacking risks Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pay for what you use' refer to in the context of cloud storage?

Costs based on the actual amount of data stored Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes one of the layers of SaaS?

Development platforms for creating custom applications. Signup and view all the answers

Which company is mentioned as dominating the cloud computing market?

Google Signup and view all the answers

What is a common advantage of using cloud computing services like SaaS?

It often reduces costs through economies of scale. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic refers to the system's ability to quickly scale resources based on demand?

Rapid Elasticity Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential benefit of using cloud computing applications?

Lower costs compared to commercial software Signup and view all the answers

What type of service does a platform in the SaaS delivery model provide?

Cloud-based platforms for application development. Signup and view all the answers

Why is service orientation an important characteristic of SaaS?

It focuses on the delivery of services rather than applications. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

International & Access Foundation Programmes

This presentation is about computer science modules for the international and access foundation programmes.
The specific module part covered is Networks: PC Internals, Storage, and Network Storage.
The presenter is Dr. Nevan Bermingham.

PC Structure

A computer is composed of input, processing, and output devices.
Input components, such as keyboards and mouses, provide data to the computer.
The processing unit, typically a processor chip, processes the data.
Output components, such as monitors and printers, display the results.
Storage devices, like hard drives and flash memory, store data.

Inside a PC

Key internal components include the CPU, RAM, CPU cooler, graphics card, motherboard, 5.25" bays, 3.5" bays, and the PSU (power supply unit).
The hard drive is also an important component.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the main circuit board of the computer.
Key components on a motherboard include DRAM memory slots, power connector, CPU heat sinks and mounting points for fans, CPU socket, Northbridge, Southbridge, ROM, PCI slots, hard drive slots, backup battery, AGP slot, and connectors for peripherals (audio, ethernet, serial, USB).

DDR Types

Different DDR SDRAM versions (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DDR5) exist with different release dates, bus clock frequencies, voltages, transfer rates and prefetch burst times.
DDR RAM is volatile memory, and it needs a constant electrical supply to work.

What is RAM?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is used as temporary storage for active programs in a computer.
RAM is volatile, meaning it loses its contents when the power is switched off.

CPU Cache

A cache is a small location within the CPU which reduces data access time.
It stores recent data making processing faster.
Caches generally check caches at high speeds for the relevant information.

Motherboard Features

VGA Connector: used to connect display devices.
Local Peripheral Bus: used for add-ons (such as MPEG).
Video Memory Expansion: graphics memory (VRAM), possibly as a daughter card plugged into the motherboard.
RAMDAC: converts digital to analog signals used by the monitor.
Video-In Socket: inputs video from other sources (like VCRs).
SVGA Connector: connects to a monitor using a 15-pin plug.

POST (Power-On Self Test)

The POST is a pre-operating system test of the components.
It’s a crucial procedure during startup.
Essential for verifying if the system operates correctly.
It checks components such as RAM, keyboard, hard drive and video card.

Types of Storage

Mechanical Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), such as ATA IDE and SCSI drives use magnetic polarity to store information.
Solid State Drives (SSDs) use flash memory (NAND flash memory) instead, offering generally faster access times.
Flash Drives (USB keys) also use flash memory for storage.
Tape Drives are generally obsolete as a storage device.
Optical Disk Drives such as CDs or DVDs.

Mechanical Hard Disk Drives

A HDD has spinning platters with magnetic read/write heads.
The size of HDDs, measured in terabytes, has increased over the years.

Solid State Disk

An SSD has no moving parts like an HDD.
SSDs use flash memory allowing quicker data access than HDDs.
The price of an SSD is also generally higher than an equivalent HDD, offering quicker access speed in its entirety.

HDD & SSD Internal Architecture Diagrams

Shows structure (platters with heads for HDDs, and flash memory for SSDs).

Optical Storage

Optical storage (CDs and DVDs) stores data in pits and lands on a disc, using laser technology that can either burn or read the pits.

Making Disks Reliable

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a solution technique.

RAID Levels

Different RAID levels (0, 1, 10) offer different combinations of performance and data reliability, in an attempt to improve overall memory processing stability.
RAID 0 increases read/write performance.
RAID 1 mirrors for redundancy.
RAID 10 features both mirroring and striping.

Network Attached Storage (NAS)

NAS devices are servers whose primary task is file storage across a network.
NAS does not handle processes such as emails or login authentication.
- This is usually better for handling many users, high quantities of storage, and large file access.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

SAN devices are for large scale storage.
A SAN uses a network to improve storage operations without affecting standard network performance like the primary LAN.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing involves multiple networked hardware, software, and internet infrastructure.
It's a service-based platform rather than traditional hardware based, with costs associated usually per usage, rather than an upfront purchase price.
This hides the complexity and detail of the infrastructure, making it easier to use.
It is also capable of handling large, simultaneous access to files.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS is a method of software delivery where users connect via the internet with web browsers to use it.
SaaS includes platforms such as Office 365 and Google Docs.

Cloud Delivery Models

SaaS (Software as a service) is a cloud service model where software and applications run over a network, requiring no local installation.
PaaS (Platform as a service) is a cloud service model where clients get access to resources such as databases and web servers via the internet, typically through an API.
IaaS (Infrastructure as a service) provides customers with virtualized access to computing resources such as servers and storage, often offering the option to install their own software.

Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is online, remote storage accessed through the Internet.
It handles backups and data security for clients.
Several web companies offer cloud storage services.

Task: Network Storage

This is a task to work on to research how FAT (File Allocation Table) storage works.

File Systems

FAT and NTFS are mechanisms for organising data in a File System.
NTFS is more recent, more flexible, efficient and robust than FAT.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

Improved Performance: Cloud computing allows for greater use of memory within the device, as the system stores processes in a distributed manner.
Reduced software costs: Usually cheaper than buying commercial software as access to the software is through online subscription/usage.
Instant software updates: Usually the software is regularly maintained and updated by the provider.
Unlimited storage: Cloud storage can be scaled to suit users demand without needing to purchase additional devices.

Challenges of Cloud Computing

Security: More susceptible to hacking than on-site solutions.
Legal Issues: Problems with jurisdiction for stored data.
Market Dominance of big companies: Competition or dependency on large companies like Google or Microsoft.
Trusting data to another entity: Data security is less certain in cloud-based storage environments compared to local storage.
Internet Access required & speed: Services rely on internet connectivity, impacting performance if access is interrupted or slow.

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Description

Test your knowledge on computer hardware concepts including SSDs, RAID levels, and CPU architecture. This quiz covers fundamental aspects of storage systems, processing speed enhancements, and the roles of various components in computing. Ideal for anyone looking to strengthen their understanding of computer science.