Computer Hardware: System Unit and CPU

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Questions and Answers

What is the CPU often described as?

The brain of the computer (correct)

The heart of the computer

The memory of the computer

The power of the computer

What is the unit of measurement for CPU speed?

Bits

Bytes

Hertz (correct)

Cycles

What is the function of RAM in a computer?

To control the computer's power supply

To store permanent data

To process instructions and data

To hold instructions and data for processing (correct)

What is the system unit also called?

Chassis Signup and view all the answers

What is the clock speed of a 1.8 GHz processor compared to a 900 MHz processor?

Twice the speed Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of processor used in laptops?

Laptop processor Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an operating system?

To allow users to concentrate on their own tasks Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of utility programs?

To support, enhance, or expand existing programs Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial function of an operating system in a computer?

Providing a user interface Signup and view all the answers

What is a device driver responsible for?

Helping the computer control peripheral devices Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential component of system software?

Operating systems Signup and view all the answers

What is a function of operating system software?

Providing networking capability Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of an Ethernet Port?

To connect to a network and high-speed Internet Signup and view all the answers

What type of software manages a computer's internal and external resources?

System software Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a VGA Port?

To connect a monitor to a computer's video card Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is developed to solve a particular problem for users?

Application software Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a Parallel Port?

To connect scanners and printers Signup and view all the answers

What type of software directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations?

Computer software Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Presentation Software?

Microsoft PowerPoint Signup and view all the answers

What type of software is specifically written for a particular company or individual?

Custom software Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of copyright in packaged software?

To prohibit copying of the software without permission Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Database Software?

MySQL Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for software that is available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute?

Public Domain software Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for software that is available for a fee, but the user can try it for a limited time before deciding to purchase?

Shareware Signup and view all the answers

What is public domain software?

Software that is not protected by copyright and can be duplicated freely Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of freeware?

To give something back to the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between freeware and shareware?

Freeware is free, while shareware requires payment Signup and view all the answers

What is pirate software?

Software that is obtained illegally, such as downloaded off the internet Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main categories of software?

System software and application software Signup and view all the answers

What is an operating system (OS)?

A set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Software

Public domain software: not protected by copyright, can be duplicated by anyone at will
Freeware: copyrighted computer software, made available for use free of charge, authors retain control of future development
Shareware: commercial software, copyrighted, can be copied for trial, payment required for continued use
Pirate software: software obtained illegally, e.g. downloaded from the internet, copied CD/DVD, or bought in a foreign market

Hardware Components

System unit (chassis): metal or plastic case housing a computer's electronic components
CPU (Central Processing Unit): the brain of the computer, processes instructions and data
CPU speed: measured by the number of completed instruction cycles per second, in Hertz (Hz)
RAM (Random Access Memory): holds instructions for processing data, processed data, and raw data

System Software

Three basic components: operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers
Operating systems: principal component of system software, provide resource management services, user interface, hardware independence, memory management, processing tasks, networking capability, and control access to system resources
Utility programs: small programs that support, enhance, or expand existing programs, perform tasks related to control, allocation, and maintenance of computer resources
Device drivers: help the computer control peripheral devices

Operating Systems

Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs
Functions: perform common computer hardware functions, provide a user interface, provide hardware independence, manage system memory, manage processing tasks, provide networking capability, control access to system resources, and manage files
Examples: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux

Ports and Connectors

Ethernet Port: connects to a network and high-speed internet
Serial Ports: used for external modems and older computer mouse
Parallel Ports: used for scanners and printers
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports: connects all kinds of external USB devices
VGA Port: connects monitor to a computer's video card

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Description

Learn about the system unit, also known as the chassis, which contains the computer's electronic components used to process data. Discover the importance of the CPU, RAM, and other components in the system unit.