Questions and Answers
What is a primary characteristic that differentiates Static RAM (SRAM) from Dynamic RAM (DRAM)?
How do Solid-State Drives (SSDs) primarily improve data access time compared to Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)?
What factor is crucial in determining memory access speed?
What is the primary function of a computer's power supply unit?
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What feature of Plug and Play technology enhances peripheral device connectivity?
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Which statement accurately describes the function of RAM in a computer system?
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How does a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) differ from a Central Processing Unit (CPU)?
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What is the primary purpose of power supply technologies in computer systems?
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What distinguishes the binary system used in digital devices?
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Which statement correctly compares different memory access speeds in a computer?
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Study Notes
Secondary Memory (Storage Devices)
- Hard Disk Drives (HDDs): Utilize magnetic platters for data storage, offering large capacities at lower costs but slower speeds compared to newer technologies.
- Solid-State Drives (SSDs): Use flash memory chips, providing faster data access and increasingly popular despite higher cost per gigabyte.
Types of RAM
- Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Common form of RAM, requires periodic refreshing to maintain data.
- Static RAM (SRAM): Faster than DRAM, retains data bits in its memory as long as power is supplied.
Memory Functions
- RAM chips are mounted on memory modules, inserted into memory slots, serving as temporary storage for active data and instructions.
- Memory cache enhances processing speed by storing frequently accessed data and instructions.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
- Stores permanent data and instructions such as firmware, which provides low-level control for the device's specific hardware.
Flash Memory
- Can be electronically erased and rewritten, allowing for more versatile storage solutions.
- CMOS technology retains information without power, using a small battery.
Access Time
- Refers to the duration taken by the processor to read from memory, measured in nanoseconds, indicating speed in data retrieval.
Adapter Cards
- Adapter cards improve the function of a system's component and connect to peripherals, examples include sound and video cards.
- Expansion slots are sockets on motherboards designated for adapter cards.
Plug and Play Technology
- Allows computers to automatically recognize and configure peripheral devices upon installation, simplifying connectivity.
Buses
- A bus is a communication system that transfers data between components within the computer, including data and address buses.
- Word size denotes the number of bits a processor can process simultaneously.
Types of Buses
- System bus connects the CPU to memory.
- Backside bus connects the CPU to cache memory.
- Expansion bus facilitates connections with peripheral devices.
Power Supply
- Converts AC power from wall outlets into DC power for use by the computer's components.
Battery Power
- Mobile devices can operate on either a power supply or batteries, typically utilizing rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
Input/Output Devices
- Keyboards allow users to input text and commands, while various I/O devices enable interaction with the computer.
Processor Cooling
- Processor chips generate heat; improper cooling can lead to malfunction.
- Cooling methods include heat sinks, liquid cooling technologies, and cooling pads.
Data Representation
- Analog signals are continuous; digital signals represent data in binary states (0 and 1).
- A byte, composed of eight bits, represents a single character.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Specialized for managing graphics and video processing; contains multiple cores designed for efficient visual data handling.
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
- The CPU acts as a computer's brain, executing instructions and coordinating activities of hardware components.
- Its speed is measured in Hertz (Hz) or Gigahertz (GHz), with higher values indicating faster processing capabilities.
Motherboard
- Main circuit board connecting all components, essential for ensuring compatibility between hardware units.
Memory Hierarchy
- The structure of memory from fastest (CPU cache) to slowest (HDD), impacting overall computer speed and efficiency.
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Description
Explore the key differences between Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid-State Drives (SSDs) in this quiz. Understand how traditional magnetic storage compares to modern flash memory technology, including their storage capacities and speed. Test your knowledge on the characteristics and usage of these storage solutions.
