Untitled Quiz

Computer Hardware Parts

• The system unit is also known as the chassis
• The chassis protects the motherboard, storage devices, memory, and other hardware components

Ports

• USB (Universal Serial Bus): A multipurpose port for connecting peripherals
• Storage/Disk: Connects internal and external storage devices (e.g., SATA, M.2)
• Network/Communication: Enables internet access and data transfer between devices (e.g., Ethernet, Wi-Fi)
• Audio: Connects audio input/output devices such as headphones, microphones, and speakers (e.g., 3.5mm jacks, optical ports)
• Video: Transmits video signals to display information visually (e.g., HDMI, VGA, DisplayPort)
• Power: Supplies electricity to devices and charges batteries (e.g., AC/DC Power Sockets/Jacks)

Motherboard

• Also called the system board
• The main circuit board of a computer
• Electronic components are either built-in or attached to the motherboard (e.g., CPU and RAM)

Chipset

• Controls communication between the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals

Processor

• The "brain" of the computer
• A silicon chip, the size of a thumbnail
• Fits into the CPU socket

Heatsink

• Attached above the CPU
• Absorbs the heat the CPU generates to prevent damage to the processor

Fan

• Attached above the heatsink
• A cooling device to dissipate the heat the heatsink absorbs

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Main memory/Primary memory
• Temporarily stores data while the computer performs functions
• Disappears when the computer is shut down

Power Supply

• Converts electricity from the outlet (AC 120 volts or 220 volts) into power the computer can use (DC 5 volts or 15 volts)

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

• Input/output pathway
• Connects the CPU to peripherals via expansion slots

Storage Device

• Secondary memory
• Long-term storage of data and files
• Holds data even when the computer is turned off (e.g., HDD, SSD)

Expansion Slots

• Allows users to improve computer performance and capabilities via expansion cards (e.g., Bluetooth adapter, Modem, Network connections, Sound, Video, USB, Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA))

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)

• CMOS battery
• Keeps all information intact when the computer shuts down
• Prevents the system from reconfiguring when the computer is off

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

• Processor: Interprets and carries out basic instructions that operate a computer
• Microprocessor: A single chip that accomplishes the functions of the processor. Typically found on personal computers.
• Processor Core: The circuitry necessary to carry out operations. Operating systems view each processor core as an individual processor. (CPUs with multiple cores are called multicore processors)
• Control Unit: Directs and coordinates most computer operations. Interprets each instruction and issues an action.
• Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): Performs arithmetic (addition, subtraction, etc.) and logic (less than, greater than, etc.) operations.

Machine Cycle

• Fetching: Obtaining program instructions or data from RAM
• Decoding: Translating instructions into executable signals
• Executing: Carrying out the command
• Storing: Writing the results back to memory.

Registers

• Small, high-speed storage for the processor
• Temporarily holds data and instructions

System Clock

• Small quartz crystal circuit
• Controls timing for all computer operations
• Generates regular electronic pulses (ticks)
• Sets the pace of components in the system unit
• Each tick is equal to a clock cycle
• Modern CPUs are superscalar (can execute multiple instructions per clock cycle)

Clock Speed

• Pace of the system clock (ticks per second)
• Current processors have speeds in gigahertz (billions of cycles per second)
• Faster clock speed means more instructions executed.

Memory

• Memory: Stores instructions waiting to be executed by the CPU, keeps data, and processing results. Includes Operating System and Applications
• Memory Address: Stores individual bytes of data for identification. Often measured in gigabytes (GB).
• Memory Access Time: Time it takes for the CPU to retrieve instructions from memory (measured in milliseconds, microseconds, nanoseconds, and picoseconds).
• RAM (Random Access Memory): Also called main memory; consists of memory chips that can read/write from/to the processor; loses its contents when the computer turns off.
• SRAM (Static RAM): Small, high-speed storage. Temporarily holds data in the CPU. High-speed storage of frequently used instructions. More storage than registers.

L1, L2, L3 Cache

• L1 Cache: Built onto the processor, fastest but very small storage capacity.
• L2 Cache: Slightly slower than L1 but with more capacity. Can be a type of Advanced Transfer Cache (ATC) built onto the CPU.
• L3 Cache: On the motherboard, separate from the L2 cache. Only exists when L2 is an ATC.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM): Synchronized to the system clock, faster than DRAM.
• Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM): Transfers data twice per clock cycle, faster than SDRAM.
• DDR2: Second generation of DDR SDRAM, faster than DDR SDRAM.
• DDR3: Third generation of DDR SDRAM, designed for multicore processors, faster than DDR2.
• DDR4: Fourth generation of DDR SDRAM, faster than DDR3. Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) is faster than SDRAM.

Memory Modules

• RAM chips reside on small circuit boards
• Held by memory slots on the motherboard
• Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM) has pins on opposite sides that connect
• Double Inline Memory Module (DIMM) has pins on opposite sides that do not connect, forming two lines of contact.

ROM (Read Only Memory)

• Nonvolatile
• Contents are not lost when power is removed
• ROM chips = firmware
• Contains permanently written instructions or data

Erasable PROM (EEPROM)

• Reusable
• Content can be erased via UV light
• Programmable via external device

Electronically Erasable PROM (EPROM)

• Clears entire block with one operation
• Programmable in-place

Storage Devices

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
• Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Flash Memory Storage
• USB Flash Drives
• Optical Discs
• Memory Cards

Input Devices

• Keyboard: Translates keystrokes into electric signals sent to the microprocessor.
• Membrane Keyboard: Thin layers with individual domes per key, relatively quiet, low cost, can fail to register if keystrokes are not fully pressed down.
• Mechanical Keyboard: Distinct switches per key. Generates noise, higher cost, more tactile.
• Pointing Devices: Translate spatial position to numeric values in 2D coordinates to control cursor. Includes mouse (mechanical and optical), trackball, touchpad/trackpad, and touchscreen (capacitive and resistive).
• Pen Inputs: Graphics Tablet (digitizer) detects and converts stylus/digital pen movements into signals.
• Motion Input: Recognizes hand gestures.
• Audio Input: Entering sounds into the computer, also used in music production software.
• Voice Input: Entering input by speaking; recognized and responded to by meaning of spoken words, phrases, and sentences.
• Image Input: Capturing and storing images (used by digital cameras, digital still cameras).
• Mark Sensor: Optical mark readers that scan light/dark marks on pages.
• Code Scanner: Detect specific patterns (e.g., bar codes, QR codes).
• Magnetic Scanner: Reads data encoded on magnetic stripes (e.g., credit cards).
• Optical Scanner: Generates bitmap representations of printed images; white light scans and photosensors interpret color.

Output Devices

• Displays: Visually show text, graphics, and video information, quality measured by resolution, response time, brightness, dot pitch, and contrast ratio. Examples include monitor, interactive whiteboard, touchscreen device.
• Projector: Displays text and images from a computer/mobile device to a larger screen.
• Printers: Produce text and graphics on a physical medium. Includes dot matrix (impact printer), inkjet, laser printer
• Thermal Printer: Generates images by pushing electrically heated pins against heat-sensitive paper.
• Plotter: Produces high-quality drawings, and large format printing of color.
• 3D Printer: Uses additive manufacturing to produce objects one horizontal layer at a time.

Computer Networking

• Computer Networks: Two or more computers connect using software or hardware for communication. A device on the network is called a node.
• Network Components:
  • Transmission Media: Electrical (twisted pair, coaxial cable), Optical (fiber optic), Wireless (radio waves).
  • End Devices: Hosts (computers, printers), Clients, Servers, Network Attached Storage (NAS), Network Interface Card (NIC)
  • Network Infrastructure Devices: Switches, Wireless Access Points (WAPs), Routers

Network Performance

• Data Transfer Rate/Bandwidth: Maximum speed for data transfer between two nodes.
• Throughput: Actual speed achieved. Usually lower than bandwidth.
• Network Communication Mechanics: Network functioning similar to a mail system, messages or data are packaged into packets, networks use protocols for formats and speeds.

Cybersecurity

• Cybersecurity: Protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, and damage; protects personal information, prevents financial loss, protects privacy and IP information, ensures functionality of systems.

Software

• Software Piracy: Unauthorized copying, distribution, and use of software, which has legal and security implications.
• Best Practices: Strong passwords, two-factor authentication (2FA), regularly updating OS and apps, using anti-virus/firewalls, avoiding suspicious links.

Task Coordination

• Operating system (OS) determines the order that software and devices will process tasks
• Multitasking: OS allows multiple programs to share resources within a timeframe
• Scheduling and Interrupts: OS scheduler makes decisions about which programs/devices get control and for how long, and how the OS responds to device requests

Memory Management

• Optimizing the use of internal memory
• Portion of programs that needs to be processed is loaded onto the RAM
• In cases of excessive software, portion of secondary storage can be used as virtual memory

Device Drivers

• Specialized software that allows the OS and applications to communicate with hardware devices
• Act as an intermediary between OS and I/O device

Virtualization

• Replication of physical peripherals as virtual devices
• Allow multiple virtual machines (VMs) to share the same physical hardware, without having direct access to it.
• Allows each VM to interact with devices as if it has direct access, helping with optimizing hardware usage and providing flexibility.
• Used in cloud environments and for development/testing purposes.

Software Development Cycle

• Phases: Requirement Gathering, Design, Development, Testing, Deployment, Maintenance.
• Methodologies: Iterative (Agile), Linear (Waterfall), and combining methodologies (DevOps).

Software Installation

• Most software must be installed before it can run.
• This process involves checking system compatibility; unpacking components; copying components to suitable folders; and storing user and computer settings.

Types of Operating Systems

• Desktop: Serves a single user at a time (Windows, MacOS, Linux)
• Server: Serves multiple users simultaneously
• Mobile: Runs on portable devices (e.g., Android, iOS)
• Real-Time (RTOS): Designed for tasks requiring precise timing (e.g., machinery, vehicles).

Utility Programs

• Power Management: Allows users to enter different modes of computer operation (sleep, hibernate, shutdown.)
• Display Utilities: Personalize the appearance of the graphical user interface (GUI), backgrounds, and themes/screensavers.
• File Compression: Makes large files occupy less space or easier to transfer.
• PC maintenance: General control tasks (e.g., recycling bin, disk cleanup, task manager, disk defragging)

Applications (Productivity, Business, Media & Entertainment, Educational, and Games Software)

• Consists of programs used for productivity, conduct business, or entertainment.

Database

• Types of Databases: Hierarchical, Network, Object-Oriented, Relational
• Components of a Database: Data, Database Schema, Tables, Fields, Relationships, Query Processor, Indexes
• Database Management Systems: Enables users to create, maintain, control access to databases, such as MySQL, Oracle, MSSQL Server.

Structured Query Language (SQL)

• Common language for accessing and manipulating data in relational databases
• Includes commands such as SELECT, FROM, WHERE, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, JOIN, ORDER BY, GROUP BY and defining data structures.

Software Development Tools (SDTs)

• Specialized software used to create programs. Examples include source code editors, debugging tools, and code version control systems. Tools like Visual Studio, Eclipse, Version Control systems like Git.

Software Development Methodology (SDM)

• Frameworks used to develop software, including Waterfall, Agile, and DevOps. Selection should consider project needs (complexity, team, deadlines, flexibility)

Software Development Challenges

• Adaptability, Balancing speed and quality, Collaboration (between teams), and ensuring data protection measures.