Questions and Answers
What is the term for the size and shape of motherboards or computer cases?
What type of memory retains its contents even when the computer is powered down?
ROM
What type of optical storage device holds about 4.3GB of data?
DVD
What is the newest type of expansion slot used for data-intensive needs?
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Which of these are common form factors used for building computers? (Select all that apply)
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What does IRQ stand for?
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What is the term used to measure the number of dots on a computer monitor?
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What types of storage devices are less reliable due to moving parts?
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What are two output devices for sound?
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What are the two most common output devices?
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What two characteristics are determined by the motherboard chipset?
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What type of memory is used in cache to store frequently needed data?
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What type of CPU has a variable length instruction set?
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What is RAID an acronym for?
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What are the two most common input devices?
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What type of CPU instruction set is designed to be executed rapidly?
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What type of ROM can be flashed or changed while in the computer?
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What type of storage device uses non-volatile chips instead of a spinning disk?
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What is the newest and fastest type of RAM?
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What input device is often used to create images of families and pets?
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What does the Northbridge chip set control?
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What are system resources used to communicate between the CPU and other components?
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What measurement is used for the speed of hard drives and motors?
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What type of adaptor card is used to transfer a video signal to a computer?
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What output device employs the use of polarizing filters and liquid crystal solution?
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How many conductors do SATA data cables have?
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What type of data cable can have either 40 or 80 conductor wires?
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What is the maximum length of a Serial cable?
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What feature does a USB cable provide that is not found in a serial cable?
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What are the types of connectors for IEEE 1394a and IEEE 1394b?
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What items are used to ensure that dangerous voltages don't reach computer components?
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What connects a computer to an external monitor?
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What is a dangerous voltage that can damage electronic systems?
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What does NIC stand for?
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What is the term for any physical device of a computer?
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What is a pixel?
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What is an optical storage device you can use?
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What type of adapter card often has its own memory and cooling fan?
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What are the three main types of computers?
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What does USB stand for?
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What is the maximum number of devices for a USB type of cable?
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What does ASCII stand for?
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What does RAM stand for?
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What is an output device that produces a paper product?
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What is known as the main brain of a computer?
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Always do this before installing any new components: ______
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What is a unique hexadecimal memory address associated with a specific device?
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What input device digitizes an image or document?
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What input device is capable of seeing images?
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What device converts AC power to DC power?
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What is a large storage device used for programs, data, and the OS?
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What type of computer contains many redundant components?
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What is the magnetic storage device being phased out for most new computers?
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Study Notes
Computer Components and Storage
- Form Factor: Refers to the size and shape of motherboards or computer cases.
- ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that retains contents when powered down.
- DVD (Digital Versatile Disc): Optical storage device with a capacity of approximately 4.3GB.
- HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Storage device with moving parts, less reliable than SSDs, primarily used for storing programs and data.
- SSD (Solid State Drive): Non-volatile storage that uses chips instead of spinning disks, offering higher reliability and speed.
- RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks): Combines multiple hard drives for redundancy and performance enhancement.
- Floppy Drive: An older magnetic storage device that is being phased out in favor of modern storage solutions.
Expansion and Communication
- PCI-Express: The latest expansion slot type used for high-speed data needs, such as video and storage.
- IRQ (Interrupt Request): A request from a device for CPU communication.
- DMA (Direct Memory Access): System resources facilitating communication between the CPU and other components.
- I/O Address: A unique hexadecimal memory address associated with specific devices.
- Graphics Adaptor Card/Video Card: Connects a computer to an external monitor for display output.
Input and Output Devices
- Speakers and Headphones: Common output devices for audio.
- Monitor and Printer: Two prevalent output devices for visual and printed output.
- Keyboard and Mouse: Most common input devices for user interaction.
- Digital Cameras: Input devices used to capture images of individuals or items.
- Scanner: An input device that digitizes images or documents.
Memory and Processing
- SRAM (Static Random Access Memory): Used by CPU cache to store frequently needed data.
- CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Type of CPU with a variable length instruction set.
- RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): CPU instruction set designed for rapid execution with smaller instructions.
- DDR3: The newest and fastest type of RAM available.
Motherboard and Chipsets
- Northbridge Chipset: Manages communication between the CPU and RAM, along with the video card.
- Motherboard Chipset Characteristics: Determines maximum RAM capacity and types of connectors supported.
Cables and Connectors
- SATA: Data cables containing 7 conductors for storage devices.
- PATA (EIDE): Data cables that can have either 40 or 80 conductors.
- USB (Universal Serial Bus): Supports a maximum of 127 devices and can provide power to external devices.
- IEEE 1394: Connectors available in 6-pin or 4-pin for 1394a and a 9-pin for 1394b Firewire.
Safety and Maintenance
- Grounding Strap & Mat: Used to prevent dangerous voltages from damaging computer components.
- Power Supply: Converts AC power to DC power for computer components.
- Pre-installation Safety: Always turn off power, unplug, and connect grounding equipment before adding new components.
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge): A dangerous voltage that can damage electronic systems.
Additional Terminology
- Pixel: The smallest unit of an image displayed on a monitor, known as a single Picture Element.
- ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange): Character encoding standard used for text data.
- NIC (Network Interface Card): A hardware component that connects a computer to a network.
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Description
Test your knowledge of computer hardware concepts in IT Essentials Chapter 1. This quiz covers important terminologies related to motherboards, memory types, and optical storage devices. Get ready to enhance your understanding of essential IT components!