Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Year 12 IT - Unit 1 Exam > 1 - Understand computer hardware > Flashcards

1 - Understand computer hardware Flashcards

(67 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Give examples of an input device

A

Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what does ram do for a computer?

A

ram makes it possible to find specific information very quickly. It is a form of fast-access, volatile storage that is used as the main memory in computer systems.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Output Device definition

A

Puts information out of the computer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Hard Drive definition

A

Permanent storage

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

PSU – Power Supply Unit definition

A

Converts power from plug to all computer parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

GPU – Graphics Processing Unit definition

A

Renders video for the monitor

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Operating System definition

A

Software that allows you to communicate with the computer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Computer Case definition

A

Housing for the computer parts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the other names for a CPU?

A

Processor and microchip.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

When buying a motherboard, what do you have to make sure of?

A

Ensure that the motherboard is designed for your CPU.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is the full name of SATA? What does it do?

A

Serial Advanced technology attachment. SATA allows devices such as optical and other hard drives to link to a computer. (Linked to another port on motherboard with a 7-pin ribbon cable).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is an Ethernet used for?

A

Used for cable-based networks.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the Main purpose of a input device?

A

Allowing the user to communicate with the computer.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What is the main purpose of a output device?

A

To allow the computer to communicate with the user.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are Plotters?

A

Plotters a tool to do large scale drawings (acts as a large scale mechanical pen)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What is a braille terminal?

A

It is a specialised reader for visually impaired users.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What is a terminal adapter used for?

A

Allows computers to link into integrated service digital network.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Give an example of an output device

A

Printer, Speakers, Headphones, Braille Terminal

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is the purpose of a Modem?

A

Enables computers to communicate via a telephone line. It converts digital signals into analogue

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What is the purpose of ROM?

A

Holds the boost program/BIOS, used to start the server

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is the purpose of Cache?

A

Stores data that is accessed frequently, to allow faster access to the data.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Why would you use a router rather than a hybrid device?

A

1) A standalone router has more complex functions.
2) It is more suitable for a business environment.
3) a router has additional features like VPN, so if the router fails then other features are available.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What is meant by virtual client?

A

It is a full desktop environment where the processing happens remotely.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does ALU stand for?

A

Arithmetic Logic Unit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
What does a register do?
It stores data which is to be processed within the ALU
26
What does ISDN stand for?
Integrated Service Digital Network
27
What are all five computer systems?
1) Desktop 2) Tablet/Laptop 3) Smartphones 4) Embedded systems/Internet of Things 5) Mainframe and quantum computers
28
What is a Desktop?
A computer system that allows the user to carry out a range of activities for personal or business purposes like: 1) document creation 2) data manipulation 3) game playing 4) design and communication facilities
29
What are the advantages of a desktop?
It is easy to upgrade and it is suitable for multitasking
30
What are the disadvantages of a desktop?
It is not portable Takes up a lot of space Has an irregular sized keyboard
31
What is a tablet/laptop?
A personal computer that is smaller than a desktop. It has replaced a mouse with a touch pad and the keyboard is replaced with a smaller one that folds onto the monitor or a virtual one.
32
What are advantages of a tablet/laptop?
Can be used wirelessly Portable Takes up little space
33
What are disadvantages of a tablet/laptop?
Cannot be physically upgraded
34
What is a smartphone?
A mobile phone that preforms many of the function of a computer like: 1) run applications 2) send and recive messages
35
What are the advantages of a smartphone?
Has most of the functions of a laptop, but it is portable.
36
What are disadvantages of a smartphone?
1) If the smartphone is unlocked and left in public, anyone can see the private information. 2) malware and security software not as strong as the ones in a PC.
37
What is a mainframe?
Huge machines designed to solve scientific and engineering problems that require complex calculations.
38
What are advantages of a mainframe?
Ideal for big data analytics, data warehouse etc
39
What are disadvantages of a mainframe?
Significantly higher cost then a laptop. Requires teams of experts to oversee it.
40
What are the two copper wire connection?
UTP and STP
41
What does UTP stand for?
Unshielded Twisted Pairs
42
Benefits of STP cables
Metallic foil casing blocks electromagnet interference, allowing it to carry data at a faster rate of speed
43
Drawbacks of STP cables
Bigger and more expensive than UTP cables.
44
Benefits of UTP cables
They are smaller than STP cables, which makes them easier to install, particularly in bulk or in narrow spaces.
45
Drawbacks of UTP cables
they are more prone to noise than properly installed and maintained STP cables.
46
Benefits of Optical Fibre cables
Provides the fastest data delivery by cable. Because the fibre is as thin as a human hair, the signal is better.
47
Drawbacks of Optical Fibre cables
They are uni-directional (can only go in one direction). There have to be at least two together so they can go in both directions.
48
What does wireless technology use to transmit data?
Radio Frequency Signals
49
What is Bluetooth used for?
Short-range communication between two devices.
50
What is the range for Bluetooth?
Within 10 meters
51
What is Wifi used for?
Connecting devices via a network hub
52
What is the range of Wifi?
Up to 92 meters
53
What are Laser Networks used for?
Sending large amount of data, using a light beam. Also satellite to satellite communication.
54
What is the range of Laser Networks?
Up to 10km | Can be blocked by fog and haze
55
What is infrared technology used for?
Convey data through infrared (IR) radiation
56
What is the range of Infrared Technology?
Devices must be in line of sight, only a few meters apart.
57
What is Microwave Communication used for?
Uses short radio waves to send signals via microwave towers. Can provide analogue of digital formats.
58
What is the range of Microwave Communication?
Must be in the line of sight with no obstructions between them.
59
Definition of troubleshoot
The ability to analyse and solve issues with information systems
60
How do hardware faults arise?
Power surges, poor maintenance, accidental damage, malware or intentional damage
61
What does the fault log sheet identify?
Machine, owners or user, fault, date, symptoms, problem history and backup documentation
62
What would you do to investigate problems?
Always look for the simplest explanation first Record steps and confirm completion Record tools used Record actions Record time taken
63
What are the two main trouble shooting tools?
Event viewer and Self-test programs
64
What is an Event Viewer?
When an error occurs on a computer, the event viewer is updated with information about it.
65
Name two Self-Test Programs?
Post on Self-Test, POST Ping test
66
What is a POST?
Checks memory, power supply, hardware, CPU, BIOS and heat/cooling.
67
What is a ping test?
Tests connectivity between requesting host and the destination host. It uses ICMP, Internet Control Message Protocol

Year 12 IT - Unit 1 Exam (5 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions