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Questions and Answers
What type of display is commonly referred to as a flat-panel display?
What type of display is commonly referred to as a flat-panel display?
What is the primary purpose of a UPS (uninterruptable power supply)?
What is the primary purpose of a UPS (uninterruptable power supply)?
Which of the following is NOT a type of personal computer?
Which of the following is NOT a type of personal computer?
Who is credited with coining the term 'debugging'?
Who is credited with coining the term 'debugging'?
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Which of the following components is essential for communicating with a computer?
Which of the following components is essential for communicating with a computer?
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What is the function of an operating system (OS)?
What is the function of an operating system (OS)?
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What does a server do?
What does a server do?
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Which of the following devices is primarily portable?
Which of the following devices is primarily portable?
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Which type of older monitor is significantly larger and heavier than modern displays?
Which type of older monitor is significantly larger and heavier than modern displays?
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What is the primary use of the +12V output voltage?
What is the primary use of the +12V output voltage?
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Which output voltage is typically used in older types of serial port amplifier circuits?
Which output voltage is typically used in older types of serial port amplifier circuits?
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What does the black wire in a power supply connector represent?
What does the black wire in a power supply connector represent?
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What is the function of the feedback controller in the described power supply system?
What is the function of the feedback controller in the described power supply system?
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Which voltage is primarily powering some types of memory and AGP video cards?
Which voltage is primarily powering some types of memory and AGP video cards?
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How many total pins are there in the standard ATX connector when combined?
How many total pins are there in the standard ATX connector when combined?
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Which voltage is generally limited to 1A in older systems?
Which voltage is generally limited to 1A in older systems?
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What color wire is typically used for the +5V standby in a power supply?
What color wire is typically used for the +5V standby in a power supply?
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Which of these voltages is referred to as the 'zero-volt ground'?
Which of these voltages is referred to as the 'zero-volt ground'?
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What is the role of the ATX 12V (P4) connector?
What is the role of the ATX 12V (P4) connector?
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What is the role of the Master drive in a two-drive setup?
What is the role of the Master drive in a two-drive setup?
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Which type of bus is used to connect the CPU to the main memory on the motherboard?
Which type of bus is used to connect the CPU to the main memory on the motherboard?
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What is the primary function of the Data Bus?
What is the primary function of the Data Bus?
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What does a wider bus width allow in a computer system?
What does a wider bus width allow in a computer system?
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Which bus is considered old and slow, commonly used for devices like mice?
Which bus is considered old and slow, commonly used for devices like mice?
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What is the primary function of a MOLEX connector?
What is the primary function of a MOLEX connector?
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Which bus type is designed specifically for fast 3D graphics and video?
Which bus type is designed specifically for fast 3D graphics and video?
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Which connector is specifically designed for floppy disk drives?
Which connector is specifically designed for floppy disk drives?
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What type of storage is lost when the computer's power is turned off?
What type of storage is lost when the computer's power is turned off?
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Which device is an example of an input device?
Which device is an example of an input device?
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What does the SATA connector primarily power?
What does the SATA connector primarily power?
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Which component is classified as a secondary storage device?
Which component is classified as a secondary storage device?
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What is a common function of output devices?
What is a common function of output devices?
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Which of the following best describes non-volatile memory?
Which of the following best describes non-volatile memory?
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What type of connector is used for PCI Express graphics cards?
What type of connector is used for PCI Express graphics cards?
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Which of these is not an input or output device?
Which of these is not an input or output device?
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What is the primary function of an operating system?
What is the primary function of an operating system?
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Which of the following is an example of a closed-source operating system?
Which of the following is an example of a closed-source operating system?
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What type of operating system is Linux classified as?
What type of operating system is Linux classified as?
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Which version of Microsoft Windows was released in 2007?
Which version of Microsoft Windows was released in 2007?
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What does a power supply unit (PSU) do?
What does a power supply unit (PSU) do?
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What is a key advantage of using an open-source operating system like Linux?
What is a key advantage of using an open-source operating system like Linux?
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What technology does a modern power supply unit typically use to convert AC to DC?
What technology does a modern power supply unit typically use to convert AC to DC?
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Which of the following operating systems is not developed by Apple Inc.?
Which of the following operating systems is not developed by Apple Inc.?
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What does 'proprietary software' mean in relation to operating systems?
What does 'proprietary software' mean in relation to operating systems?
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Which of the following is true regarding the advantage of Linux?
Which of the following is true regarding the advantage of Linux?
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Study Notes
Monitor Technology
- Modern monitors typically use LCD (liquid crystal display) or LED (light-emitting diode) technology, known for being thin, classified as flat-panel displays.
- Older monitors use CRT (cathode ray tube) technology, which is bulkier and heavier, taking up more desk space.
Key Parts of a Computer
- Power Cord: Connects the computer to a power outlet. UPS (uninterruptable power supply) protects against surges and provides temporary power during outages.
- Keyboard: Primary input device for data entry and communication with the computer.
- Mouse: A pointing device used for navigation and control.
Types of Personal Computers
- Desktop Computers: Available in small, medium, or large sizes; used in work, school, or libraries.
- Laptop Computers: Portable, battery or AC-powered; allow for use in various locations.
- Servers: Provide information to other computers in a network; commonly used for file storage and sharing.
- Tablet Computers: Portable devices with touch screens.
- Mobile Phones: Smartphones serve multiple functions including computing.
- Game Consoles: Specialized devices for video gaming.
- TVs: Can function as smart devices with computing capabilities.
Computer Bug History
- Grace Hopper discovered the first computer bug, literally a moth in the Mark I, blocking readings; led to the term "bug" describing programming defects since 1889.
- Hopper is credited with coining "debugging," the process of fixing program faults.
Operating System (OS)
- OS is essential software for managing computer memory, processes, and all hardware/software components, facilitating user interaction without needing programming knowledge.
- Without an OS, a computer becomes non-functional.
Examples of Operating Systems
- Microsoft Windows: Created in the mid-1980s, with versions like Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007).
- Apple Mac OS X: Developed by Apple, with versions including Mavericks (2013), Mountain Lion (2012), and Snow Leopard (2009).
- Linux: An open-source OS that is modifiable and free, with popular distributions like Ubuntu, Mint, and Fedora.
Power Supply Unit (PSU)
- The PSU powers the computer by converting AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current).
- Modern PCs typically use switch mode power supplies, which are lighter and more efficient, using electronic switching for voltage conversion.
Standard Output Voltages
- -12V: Used for older serial port amplifier circuits.
- -5V: For early floppy disk controllers and ISA cards.
- 0V: Ground reference point.
- +3.3V: Powers processors and some memory types.
- +5V: Supplies power to motherboards.
- +12V: Powers motors in disk drives and cooling fans.
Common PSU Connectors
- ATX 20-pin/24-pin: Provides power to the motherboard.
- ATX 12V (P4): Powers the processor.
- Molex: Supplies power to IDE disk drives.
- SATA: 15-pin connector for SATA hard drives.
- PCI Express: Provides power to graphics cards, available in 6-pin or 8-pin configurations.
Basic Hardware Components of Computer Systems
- Primary Storage: Temporary data storage while the CPU processes, consisting of volatile (lost when powered off) and non-volatile (retained when powered off) memory types.
- Secondary Storage: Enduring data storage outside the computer, includes HDD, USB, CDs, and DVDs.
- Input Devices: Tools for data input like keyboards and mice.
- Output Devices: Tools for processed information display, such as printers and monitors.
Computer System Architecture
- Buses: Electrical pathways that facilitate communication within the computer.
- Data Bus: Transports actual data.
- Address Bus: Carries information regarding memory location.
- Bus Width: Determines the amount of data transmitted simultaneously.
- Clock Speed: Measured in MHz; higher speeds lead to improved performance.
Types of Buses
- System Bus: Connects CPU to main memory.
- Expansion Bus: Links CPU with peripheral devices.
Common Expansion Buses
- ISA Bus: Older, slower bus used for basic peripherals.
- PCI Bus: Faster than ISA, supports expansion cards.
- PCI Express (PCIe) Bus: High-speed bus for modern components.
- AGP Bus: Specialized for 3D graphics and video enhancements.
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Description
Explore the differences between older CRT monitors and modern LCD/LED flat-panel displays. This quiz covers key components such as the power cord and how these technologies impact desk space and usability. Test your knowledge on monitor types and their functionalities.