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ITF+ > Internal System Components > Flashcards

Internal System Components Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary function of a motherboard?

A

The motherboard’s primary function is to hold and connect all the system’s components.

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2
Q

What is the purpose of the BIOS or UEFI in a motherboard?

A

The motherboard houses the system’s BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (User Extensible Firmware Interface), responsible for system initialization.

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3
Q

Why is the compatibility between a component and the motherboard crucial for installation?

A

If a component is not compatible with the motherboard, it cannot be installed.

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4
Q

How should the choice of a motherboard be guided?

A

The choice of a motherboard should be guided by the user’s specific needs.

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5
Q

What role does the motherboard play in a computer system?

A

The motherboard is the central hub where all other hardware components connect and communicate, making it an essential part of any computing device.

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6
Q

Why is the compatibility of the motherboard with the CPU, RAM, and other components crucial?

A

The motherboard’s compatibility with the chosen CPU, RAM, and other components is crucial for seamless system functionality.

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7
Q

What metaphor is often used to describe the motherboard’s significance in a computer?

A

The motherboard is often referred to as the “heart” of a computer, providing the foundation for all other components.

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8
Q

What is the primary function of a CPU?

A

The CPU executes instructions and processes data, making it a critical component of any computing device.

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9
Q

Which companies offer a range of CPUs for different computing devices?

A

Intel and AMD both offer a range of CPUs designed for various types of computing devices and user needs.

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10
Q

What are the different series of Intel processors, and what are they designed for?

A

Intel processors include Core Series (general to high-performance use), Pentium and Celeron (low-end, budget-friendly), Atom (designed for mobile devices), and Xeon (robust performance with advanced features).

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11
Q

In what types of devices can you find Intel Core Series processors?

A

Intel Core Series processors are found in a wide range of devices, from everyday laptops to high-end gaming PCs, designed for general to high-performance use.

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12
Q

What is the primary focus of Pentium and Celeron processors?

A

Pentium and Celeron processors are low-end, budget-friendly options, offering reliable performance for everyday computing tasks.

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13
Q

For what purpose are Atom processors designed?

A

Atom processors are designed for mobile devices and low-power applications.

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14
Q

What distinguishes Xeon processors from other Intel processors?

A

Xeon processors offer robust performance and advanced features like error-correcting code memory, larger amounts of cache, and support for multiple CPUs.

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15
Q

What is the primary focus of Ryzen and Threadripper processors from AMD?

A

Ryzen and Threadripper processors are high-performance CPUs designed for gaming and content creation.

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16
Q

What is the target market for Ryzen Mobile processors from AMD?

A

Ryzen Mobile processors are designed for laptops, offering excellent performance and power efficiency.

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17
Q

What is the purpose of Epyc processors from AMD?

A

Epyc processors are designed for servers and data centers.

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18
Q

What does RISC stand for, and what type of microprocessor architecture does it describe?

A

RISC stands for Reduced Instruction Set Computer, and it describes a type of microprocessor architecture that utilizes a small, highly-optimized set of instructions.

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19
Q

What is multiprocessing, and how does it benefit a processor?

A

Multiprocessing allows a processor to execute multiple tasks simultaneously, enhancing overall performance.

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20
Q

Why are ARM processors widely used in mobile devices?

A

RM processors are widely used in mobile devices due to their power efficiency.

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21
Q

What is the significance of multiple-core processors?

A

Multiple-core processors have two or more processing cores, effectively multiplying the processing power.

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22
Q

What role do processors play in a computer system?

A

Processors are the brains behind computers, executing instructions and processing data.

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23
Q

What are the basic operations performed by processors in executing instructions and processing data?

A

Processors execute instructions and process data by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output operations.

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24
Q

Describe the fetch-decode-execute cycle in the context of processor operations.

A

The fetch-decode-execute cycle involves fetching an instruction from memory, decoding it into actions, executing those actions, and storing the results back into memory.

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24
Q

How does the bit architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) impact a processor’s capabilities?

A

A 32-bit processor can handle 32 bits of data at once, while a 64-bit processor can handle 64 bits. This affects memory addressing, with 64-bit processors able to address significantly more memory.

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25
Q

What does the term “instruction set” refer to in the context of processors?

A

The instruction set refers to the basic set of commands a processor can execute.

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26
Q

What is the role of an Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP) in a processor?

A

Integrated Graphics Processors provide adequate performance for basic tasks and light gaming, reducing power consumption and cost.

27
Q

How is a processor’s clock speed measured, and what does it indicate?

A

Clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz) and indicates how many instructions a processor can execute per second.

28
Q

What does the term “bus speed” refer to in the context of processors?

A

Bus speed refers to how fast the processor can communicate with other components in the system.

29
Q

What is Hyper-Threading (HT), and how does it enhance processor performance?

A

Hyper-Threading is a technology in select Intel processors that allows a single core to manage multiple threads simultaneously, particularly beneficial in scenarios with high parallelism.

30
Q

Name some scenarios where Hyper-Threading can be beneficial.

A

Hyper-Threading is beneficial in scenarios such as multitasking, virtualization, multimedia editing, and scientific simulations.

31
Q

What is Virtualization Technology (VT), and how does it improve system performance?

A

Virtualization Technology improves the performance of software virtualization solutions, allowing multiple operating systems to run simultaneously on the same machine, each with its own set of resources.

32
Q

In what domains is Virtualization Technology widely utilized?

A

Virtualization Technology is widely utilized in domains such as server consolidation, cloud computing, software development, and testing environments.

33
Q

Why are processors considered the brains behind computers?

A

Processors execute instructions and process data, playing a fundamental role in the functioning of computers.

34
Q

What is the primary role of a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?

A

A Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is a specialized processor designed to accelerate rendering images and videos on a device’s screen.

35
Q

How are integrated GPUs different from discrete GPUs?

A

Integrated GPUs are built into the processor, sharing system memory and resources with the CPU, while discrete GPUs are separate components that can be added to a computer system.

36
Q

What are the primary types of GPUs available, and how do they differ in terms of energy efficiency and cost?

A

The primary types are Integrated GPU (more energy-efficient, cost-effective) and Discrete GPU (requires additional power, produces more heat, may require larger form factors).

37
Q

Name two leading manufacturers in the GPU market.

A

NVIDIA and AMD are two leading manufacturers in the GPU market.

38
Q

Which company has entered the discrete GPU market with Intel Xe?

A

Intel has entered the discrete GPU market with its Intel Xe.

39
Q

Why is the GPU considered a vital component impacting a device’s visual performance and computing capabilities?

A

The GPU significantly impacts a device’s visual performance by accelerating the rendering of images and videos, influencing overall computing capabilities.

40
Q

What is the primary function of Random Access Memory (RAM)?

A

RAM provides temporary storage for data that the processor needs to access quickly.

41
Q

What is Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), and how does it store data?

A

DRAM stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit.

42
Q

What is Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), and how does it enhance system speed?

A

SDRAM synchronizes with the clock speed of the computer, enhancing the overall speed of the system.

43
Q

Describe Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) and its evolution through generations.

A

DDR SDRAM transfers data on both rising and falling edges of the clock signal, doubling the memory chip’s data throughput. Generations include DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and the latest, DDR5, with each offering greater performance and lower power consumption.

44
Q

Is each DDR generation backward compatible?

A

No, each DDR generation is not backward compatible.

45
Q

Why is RAM considered a critical component impacting a computer’s performance?

A

RAM is critical as it significantly impacts a computer’s performance by providing temporary storage for data that the processor needs to access quickly.

46
Q

What is the primary function of fixed storage in a computer system?

A

Fixed storage provides a permanent place to store data and applications, unlike volatile memory like RAM.

47
Q

How does an HDD read and write data, and what are its potential drawbacks?

A

HDD utilizes magnetic storage technology with spinning disks and read/write heads, introducing latency and slower data access times compared to SSDs.

48
Q

What technology has revolutionized the storage industry, and how does it differ from HDDs?

A

Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized the storage industry with flash memory-based technology, offering near-instantaneous data access times and faster performance compared to HDDs.

49
Q

In what applications are SSDs commonly utilized, and why?

A

SSDs are commonly utilized in operating systems, high-performance workstations, gaming systems, and other applications where speed and reliability are paramount.

50
Q

What is the process of using a portion of HDD or SSD as virtual memory called, and what are its equivalents in Windows and Linux/Unix operating systems?

A

The process is known as paging in the Windows operating system and a “swap file” in the Linux and Unix operating systems.

50
Q

What issues can arise if a computer runs out of fixed storage space?

A

Running out of fixed storage space can cause issues such as system slowdowns and bottlenecks in performance.

51
Q

What is the purpose of a Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer system?

A

A Network Interface Card (NIC) provides a dedicated, full-time connection to a network, enabling data sharing and internet access.

52
Q

What roles do the Data Bus, Address Bus, and Control Bus play in the System Bus?

A

The Data Bus transfers actual data between components, the Address Bus carries information about where the data should be sent, and the Control Bus carries control signals, managing and directing the use of the data and address buses.

52
Q

How does the System Bus contribute to computer architecture, and what are its three components?

A

The System Bus is a critical component in computer architecture, serving as the primary communication channel between the various components of a computer system. It is composed of Data Bus, Address Bus, and Control Bus.

53
Q

Where is the NIC commonly integrated in modern computers?

A

Most modern computers come with an onboard NIC, integrated directly into the motherboard.

54
Q

Why is the System Bus crucial for enabling communication between the CPU, Memory, and Input/Output devices?

A

he System Bus plays a crucial role in enabling communication between the Central Processing Unit (CPU), Memory, and Input/Output (I/O) devices.

55
Q

Name some types of system buses developed over the years, with varying speeds and functionalities

A

Some types include Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), and Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe).

56
Q

How does Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) differ from its predecessors, and what are its various lane sizes?

A

PCIe uses a serial interface with higher data transfer rates, providing a dedicated connection between devices. PCIe can use x1, x2, x8, or x16 lanes, with PCIe 3.0 doubling the speed to 1 GB/s per lane.

57
Q

Define Passive Cooling and provide an example

A

Passive Cooling relies on conduction, convection, or radiation to dissipate heat. An example is the use of heatsinks, which are bulky metal structures with fins increasing surface area for heat dissipation.

58
Q

What is the primary function of System Firmware?

A

System Firmware serves as the link between the system’s hardware and its operating system.

58
Q

Name the two most common types of system firmware

A

The two most common types of system firmware are Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI).

59
Q

What does the BIOS do during the booting process?

A

BIOS initializes the hardware during the booting process and provides runtime services for operating systems and programs.

60
Q

How does UEFI differ from BIOS in terms of operating modes?

A

UEFI operates in either a 32-bit or 64-bit mode, allowing it to access all of the system’s memory, enabling faster boot times compared to the 16-bit mode of BIOS.

61
Q

What additional feature does UEFI offer, making it more user-friendly than BIOS?

A

UEFI has a graphical user interface, making it more user-friendly than the text-based interface of BIOS used in older systems.

62
Q

What is the fundamental purpose served by both BIOS and UEFI?

A

Both BIOS and UEFI serve the fundamental purpose of initializing the system’s hardware and loading the operating system.

63
Q

What is system intialization?

A

prepares the hardware for an operating system to take control. An operating system organizes the system resources: the peripherals, memory, and processing time.

ITF+ (4 decks)

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