Computer Basics Flashcards
(21 cards)
case
laptop - the computer case includes keyboard and screen
desktop PCs - the case is typically some type of box with lights, vents, and places for attaching cables
motherboard
- The primary circuit board inside your PC
- All components, inside and out, connect through the motherboard in some way
power supply
- every component in your PC relies on its power supply
- the power supply connects to some type of power source, whether that’s a battery in the case of mobile computers, or a power outlet in the case of desktop PCs.
central processing unit
The CPU, often just called the processor, is the component that contains the microprocessor.
microprocessor
the heart of all the PC’s operations, and the performance of both hardware and software rely on the processor’s performance
randon access memory (RAM)
a buffer to store information for the CPU while it’s being processed
drive
A drive is a device intended to store data when it’s not in use
cooling devices
usually fans are used because the more your computer processes, the more heat it generates
cables
- cables are designed to carry data, power or both
- PCs should be constructed so that the cables fold neatly within the case and do not block air flow throughout it
graphics components
While some motherboards have on-board graphics, others include what’s called an expansion slot, where you can slide in a separate video card
ports
the word port is often used to describe a place on the outside of your PC where you can plug in a cable
ports found on a PC
- USB ports
- network ports, typically Ethernet and FireWire
- video ports, typically some combination of VGA, DVI, RCA/component, S-Video and HDMI
- audio ports, typically some combination mini analog audio jacks or RCA
- legacy ports, or ports that follow old standards
peripherals
Any piece of hardware that isn’t mounted inside a PC’s case is called a peripheral. This includes your basic input and output devices: monitors, keyboards and mice
expansion slots
- sometimes you want to add stuff that doesn’t already have it’s own slot
- Using expansion slots, you can add extra video cards, network cards, printer ports, TV receivers and many other custom additions.
BIOS
- software stored on a flash memory chip
- Besides controlling the boot process, the BIOS provides a basic configuration interface for the PC’s hardware components
Processor management
breaks down the processor’s work into manageable chunks and prioritizes them before sending them to the CPU
Memory management
coordinates the flow of data in and out of RAM, and determines when to use virtual memory on the hard disk to supplement an insufficient amount of RAM
Device management
provides a software-based interface between the computer’s internal components and each device connected to the computer. Examples include interpreting keyboard or mouse input or adjusting graphics data to the right screen resolution. Network interfaces, including managing your Internet connection, also fall into the device management bucket
Storage management
directs where data should be stored permanently on hard drives, solid state drives, USB drives and other forms of storage. For example, storage management tasks assist when creating, reading, editing, moving, copying and deleting documents
Application interface
provides data exchange between software programs and the PC. An application must be programmed to work with the application interface for the operating system you’re using. Applications are often designed for specific versions of an OS, too. You’ll see this in the application’s requirements with phrases like “Windows Vista or later,” or “only works on 64-bit operating systems.”
User interface (UI)
provides a way for you to interact with the computer
