Introduction to Computer Hardware

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Questions and Answers

What does computer hardware refer to?

The physical components that make up a computer system (correct)

The operating system managing computer tasks

The network protocols used for data transfer

The software applications that run on computers

Which of the following is an example of internal hardware?

Motherboard (correct)

Printer

Keyboard

Monitor

What is considered an input unit in a computer system?

Monitor

Speaker

Printer

Keyboard (correct)

What step does the processing unit perform in the information processing cycle?

Transform data into usable information Signup and view all the answers

Which device is NOT classified as external hardware?

Network card Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary benefits of using a mouse?

It allows for quicker control of the cursor than a keyboard Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the information processing cycle?

Export Signup and view all the answers

What type of unit is responsible for storing data?

Storage unit Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) within the CPU?

Performing mathematical and logical operations Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the CPU temporarily holds data while an instruction is being executed?

Registers Signup and view all the answers

What measurement unit is used to express CPU speed?

Hz Signup and view all the answers

What type of memory loses its content when the computer is turned off?

Random Access Memory (RAM) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Read Only Memory (ROM)?

Holds data required for the computer startup Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of Cache Memory in a CPU?

To hold frequently accessed data and instructions Signup and view all the answers

Which component directs operations within the CPU and manages responses to instructions?

Control Unit Signup and view all the answers

Which of these memory types is volatile and loses its data when power is turned off?

Random Access Memory (RAM) Signup and view all the answers

What does the resolution of a monitor refer to?

The number of pixels displayed horizontally and vertically Signup and view all the answers

What type of printer is known for its high speed and high-quality output?

Laser Printer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a local storage device?

Solid-State Drive Signup and view all the answers

What function do speakers serve as an output device?

Produce sound Signup and view all the answers

What type of printer is primarily used by architects to print maps and building plots?

Plotter Signup and view all the answers

How is computer storage commonly measured?

Bytes, Kilobytes, Megabytes, Gigabytes Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic defines local storage devices?

They are directly attached to the device. Signup and view all the answers

Which output device is capable of reproducing images and videos onto a surface?

Projector Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a joystick?

To control characters or machines in computer programs Signup and view all the answers

Which device is specifically designed for drawing or sketching digitally?

Graphic Tablet Signup and view all the answers

How does a scanner work?

By turning documents or images into digital form Signup and view all the answers

What type of storage device has no moving parts?

Solid-state drive (SSD) Signup and view all the answers

Which storage media typically has the largest capacity?

Blu-ray disc (BD) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding a trackball?

It controls the cursor by moving a ball with fingers. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of storage device is less expensive on average?

Hard disk drive (HDD) Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a barcode reader serve?

To read bar-coded data for product identification Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of a digital camera?

To capture images in digital form and record video Signup and view all the answers

What is a distinctive feature of cloud storage?

It stores data remotely and is accessible over the Internet. Signup and view all the answers

Which input device is designed primarily for real-time video communication?

Web Cam Signup and view all the answers

What component of a computer is primarily responsible for communication between hardware?

Motherboard Signup and view all the answers

How much free storage does Google Drive offer to its users?

15 GB Signup and view all the answers

What type of device is a microphone categorized as?

An input device for audio Signup and view all the answers

Which feature does not apply to solid-state drives (SSD)?

Has moving parts Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum capacity of a compact disc (CD)?

650 to 700 MB Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

1. Introduction to Hardware

Computer hardware are the physical components of a computer system.
Internal hardware is inside the computer.
- Processor (CPU)
- Drives (CD-ROM, DVD, hard drive, SSD)
- Fan (heat sink)
- Modem
- Motherboard
- Network card
- Power supply
- RAM
- Sound card
- Video card
External hardware is outside the computer or may come with it
- Flat panels, monitor, and LCD
- Gamepad
- Joystick
- Keyboard
- Microphone
- Mouse
- Printer
- Projector
- Scanner
- Speakers
- USB thumb drive

2. Hardware Units

Hardware is a platform for the information processing cycle.
The cycle has four stages: input, process, output, and store.
Four hardware units are required to perform these cycles: input, output, storage, and processing units.

2.1 Input Units

Input units send data to a computer.
They allow users to interact with the computer.
Key examples include:
- Keyboard: the most common input device for typing letters, numbers, and symbols
- Mouse: a popular pointing device, controlling cursor position and sending signals to the CPU
- Joystick: an input device for computer games and controlling characters or machinery
- Light pen: a light-sensitive pen used for selecting items or drawing images on a screen
- Trackball: a ball that you turn to move the cursor on a screen, taking up less space than a mouse
- Microphone: captures audio and converts it to a digital format
Other input devices include scanners, digital cameras, webcams, graphic tablets, and barcode readers.

2.2 Output Units

Output units send data from the computer to the user.
Common output devices include:
- Monitors: display images, video, and text
- Monitors vary in size and resolution (the number of pixels horizontally and vertically)
- Printers: transfer soft copies (texts or images) to hard copies
  - Types of printers include laser printers, inkjet printers, dot matrix printers, and plotters
- Speakers: play sounds and music from the computer
- Projectors: display images and videos from a computer onto a surface

2.3 Storage Units

Storage devices store data either temporarily or permanently.
Measurements Include bytes, kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), and terabytes (TB).
Storage categories include:
- Local storage devices (hard drive or solid-state drive - directly attached to the device)
- Portable storage devices (USB flash drive)
- Optical storage devices (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs)
- Memory cards
- Cloud storage (data stored and managed remotely)

2.4 Processing Units

The processing unit is the main part of a computer.
Key components include:
- Motherboard: the main circuit board where components like the CPU, RAM, and others are attached
- Processor (CPU): the brain of the computer, handling data processing. Key parts of a CPU include the ALU, CU, and Registers
- Memory Units (RAM, ROM, Cache Memory): hold data and instructions for the CPU to execute.
RAM is temporary memory lost when power is turned off
ROM is permanent memory
Cache memory is high-speed memory for faster CPU access

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of computer hardware, including internal and external components. It explains the roles of various hardware units in the information processing cycle, highlighting the importance of input, output, storage, and processing units. Test your knowledge of the components that make up computer systems.