Questions and Answers
What is the primary consequence of a blackout?
Which term describes a reduced voltage level of AC power lasting for a period of time?
What is a surge protector designed to prevent?
What immediate effects can a power surge have?
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What role does an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) play?
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What is the primary function of a Standby Power Supply (SPS)?
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Which of the following statements about UPS and laser printers is accurate?
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What is Hyper-Threading in Intel CPUs intended to achieve?
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In what unit is CPU speed commonly measured?
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What is the role of cache in a CPU?
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What is the primary risk associated with the delay in switching from mains power to a battery in an SPS?
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What RAID configuration combines the benefits of mirroring and striping?
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Which type of port is primarily used for connecting printers in older technology?
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Which connector is color-coded purple and used for connecting a keyboard?
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What type of port is rapidly becoming obsolete and often features a 15-pin connector?
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What is the primary purpose of audio ports on a computer?
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Which statement best describes overclocking?
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What is CPU throttling used for?
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What is a primary function of cache memory in modern CPUs?
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Which level of cache is the smallest and fastest?
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What distinguishes multicore processors from single-core processors?
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What is the main benefit of CPU virtualization?
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When might CPU virtualization need to be enabled?
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What typically happens to a CPU when it is overclocked?
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What is a key characteristic of cores in multicore processors?
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Study Notes
Electrical Power and Computer Circuits
- Voltage measures the energy needed to move charges, essential for computer circuit operation.
- Current refers to the flow of electrons; accurate voltage and current are critical for proper function.
- Power fluctuations include blackouts, brownouts, noise, spikes, and power surges, all of which can damage hardware and cause data loss.
Types of Power Fluctuations
- Blackout: Complete power loss caused by issues like blown fuses or downed lines.
- Brownout: Temporary voltage reduction below 80% of normal, often due to overloaded circuits.
- Noise: Interference from sources like generators, resulting in poor power quality.
- Spike: Sudden voltage increase exceeding normal levels, often caused by lightning or system restarts.
- Power Surge: Brief dramatic voltage increase, lasting nanoseconds, can damage equipment.
Protection Against Power Fluctuations
- Surge Protector: Diverts excess voltage to ground, rated by joules—higher ratings mean better protection.
- Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Provides consistent power, protects against brownouts and blackouts, and can safely shut down systems.
- Standby Power Supply (SPS): Offers backup power when voltage drops, but switching delays may decrease reliability.
CPU and Instruction Sets
- A program consists of sequenced instructions executed by a CPU using specific instruction sets.
- RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer): Focuses on a small set of instructions for rapid execution, exemplified by PowerPC and ARM CPUs.
- CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computer): Utilizes a broad instruction set, reducing processing steps, with examples like Intel x86 and Motorola 68k.
CPU Performance Enhancements
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Cache: High-speed memory storing frequently accessed data. It includes three levels:
- L1 Cache: Fastest, directly on the CPU core (128 KB to 2 MB).
- Hyper-Threading (Intel): Allows simultaneous execution of multiple threads, enhancing performance.
- HyperTransport (AMD): Facilitates high-speed communication between the CPU and Northbridge chip.
CPU Metrics
- Speed measured in MHz (million cycles/s) or GHz (billion cycles/s).
- Processing capability depends on the Front Side Bus (FSB) width, often 32-bit or 64-bit.
- Overclocking: Running the CPU faster than specifications; risky and can cause damage.
- CPU Throttling: Operating below rated speed to conserve power, commonly used in mobile devices.
Multicore Processors
- Feature multiple cores on one chip, allowing for parallel processing and improved multitasking performance.
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Key Components:
- Cores: Handle tasks independently for efficiency.
- Cache Memory: Stores frequent data for quick access.
Storage Solutions: RAID
- RAID 10: Combines mirroring and striping for performance and redundancy, requiring a minimum of four drives.
Legacy Ports
- Legacy ports are older types of connections, largely replaced by newer technologies like USB.
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Types:
- Serial Ports: Connect peripherals; available in 9-pin and 25-pin.
- Parallel Ports: Send multiple bits simultaneously; often called printer ports.
- Game Ports: 15-pin connectors for joysticks, historically found on dedicated expansion cards.
- PS/2 Ports: Connect keyboards and mice with color-coded connectors.
- Audio Ports: Connect external audio devices.
- VGA Ports: Oldest graphics port for monitors, now mostly legacy.
- DVI Ports: Designed for transmitting uncompressed digital video.
Responsible Disposal of Computer Parts
- Functioning parts should be donated or sold; non-functional parts require proper disposal.
- Hazardous Waste: Batteries contain harmful metals like mercury; recycling is crucial.
- Monitors: CRT monitors hold high voltage and toxic materials; must be disposed of safely.
- Printer Cartridges: Can be recycled or refilled but may void warranties if mishandled.
- Chemicals and Solvents: Dispose of properly; never down the sink or drain.
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Description
This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of voltage and current as they relate to computer circuits. Learn about the impact of AC power fluctuations, including blackouts and their effects on electronic components. Test your knowledge on how steady voltage is crucial for the proper functioning of computers.
