Questions and Answers
What type of display is commonly referred to as a flat-panel display?
What is the primary purpose of a UPS (uninterruptable power supply)?
Which of the following is NOT a type of personal computer?
Who is credited with coining the term 'debugging'?
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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)?
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What does a server do?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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What is the primary function of the Data Bus?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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Which device is an example of an input device?
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What does the SATA connector primarily power?
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Which component is classified as a secondary storage device?
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What is a common function of output devices?
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Which of the following best describes non-volatile memory?
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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?
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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?
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What type of operating system is Linux classified as?
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Which version of Microsoft Windows was released in 2007?
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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?
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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.?
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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?
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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.
