Computer Hardware Flashcards by Deleted Deleted

A complex integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into meaningful output (information).

central processing unit (CPU)

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Data travels in and out of the CPU through embedded wires called a

bus

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a unit on the processor with the circuitry necessary to execute instructions

A processor core (the more cores the better and more expansive)

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Processors with multiple cores are referred to

multi-core processors

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stores this data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved

processor cache

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manages the flow of instructions within the processor

control unit

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responsible for performing arithmetic operations

arithmetic logic unit (ALU)

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The four steps in the machine cycle include:

control unit (fetching, decoding,) (executing, and storing) arithmetical logic unit ALU (FDES)

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is stored on one or more chips connected to the main circuit board of the computer and temporarily stores data needed by the operating system and apps you use.

Random access memory (RAM) or motherboard

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does not lose its contents when power is removed

nonvaltile

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Memory that loses its contents when power is removed is said to be

voletile

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is permanently installed on your computer and is attached to the motherboard.

Read-only memory (ROM)

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When you start an app on your computer, the app’s instructions are transferred from the hard drive to

RAM

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tests all computer components for proper operation

power-on self-test (POST), and the BIOS perform it

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tells your computer how to start

BIOS (ROM contains this chip)

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provides the means of communication between the operating system and hardware devices

ROM

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Computer manufacturers often update the instructions on the ROM chip, which are referred to as

firmware

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The capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM

Virtual memory (swap file)

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The amount of data and program instructions that can swap at a given time

A page

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The technique of swapping items between memory and storage

Paging

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When an operating system spends more of its time paging instead of executing apps, the whole system slows down and it is said to be

Thrashing

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communicates instructions and commands to a computer.

input device

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conveys information from the computer to the user

output device

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Memory needs to be constantly recharged or contents will be erased

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) volatile DRMF

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Memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM, but can be more expensive than DRAM

Static RAM (SRAM) volatile

Memory uses magnetic charges to store contents, and can retain its contents in the absence of power

Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) nonvolatile

Fast type of memory that typically is less expensive than some other types of RAM, and can retain its contents in the absence of power

Flash memory, nonvolatile

if you want to completely back up the contents of your computer, you might store those contents on

external hard drive or in cloud storage

Businesses might back up their data using a

tape drive, which is a storage device that stores data on magnetic tapes

If you want to move several files from one computer to another, consider using a

USB flash drive

a number system that has two digits, 0 and 1

binary system

is the smallest unit of data a computer can process (each 0 or 1)

bit

When 8 bits are grouped together, they form a

byte

an 8-bit coding scheme, which means that 8 bits are used

ASCII

a 16-bit coding scheme and can support more than 65,000 symbols in many languages

Unicode

When using a computer, the most common storage medium is the

internal hard drive

greater storage capacity and are less expensive than their solid state equivalents, but have several moving parts, making it inadvisable to move the computer while they are running.

Magnetic hard disk drives (HDDs)

is a hard drive without moving parts, and is faster and more durable than magnetic drives

A solid state drive (SSD)

can add storage capacity to your computer, are housed in a separate case, and typically connect to your computer using a USB cable

External hard drives (can use either magnetic or solid state technology)

include CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs (BDs), but their use as storage media is declining.

Optical media

involves storing electronic files on the Internet, not on a local computer

Cloud storage

typically consists of the system unit, monitor, keyboard, and mouse

A desktop computer

the monitor and system unit are housed together

An all-in-one computer

refers to the software, or operating system, it uses

A computer’s platform

Consider purchasing a computer that uses the same

operating system

If you plan to use the computer to create and edit video content, you might select a desktop computer with

a large monitor and the best available processor

if you plan to use a computer just to check your email messages and perform research on the Internet

select a laptop with a lower-end processor. The processor most affects a computer’s speed.

If you intend to use a computer to play games, you might consider a computer

have a large amount of RAM

refers to the shape and size of the computer

The form factor

have fewer parts to minimize the thickness of the device, but may also have a longer battery life and be more expensive.

Ultrathin laptops

resembles a letter-sized pad and does not contain a physical keyboard

A slate tablet

a tablet that has a screen in its lid and a keyboard in its base, with the lid and base connected by a swivel-type hinge

A convertible tablet

useful especially for taking notes in class, at meetings, at conferences, and in other forums where the standard laptop is not practical

tablets

An add-on device, also referred to as a

peripheral device,

a device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers that can connected to and extend the capability of a computer

a peripheral device

is a slot on the computer where you can attach a peripheral device

A port

is an external device that contains many USB ports

A USB hub

is a flat surface that is touch-sensitive, and you move your finger around it to move the pointer on the screen

touchpad

is a stationary pointing device with a ball anchored inside a casing, as well as two or more buttons

trackball

is a small device, shaped like a pen, that you can use to draw, tap icons, or tap keys on an on-screen keyboard

A stylus

is similar to a stylus, but is more capable because it has programmable buttons

digital pen (it can capture handwriting)

an input device that converts an existing paper image into an electronic file that you can open and work with on your computer

A scanner

is a type of game controller that mirrors the functionality of a steering wheel in an automobile. Turning the wheel will turn the vehicle you are driving in the game.

A wheel

is a handheld vertical lever, mounted on a base, that you move in different directions to control the actions of the simulated vehicle or player.

A joystick

is held in both hands and controls the movement and actions of players or objects. On gamepads, users press buttons with their thumbs or move sticks in various directions to trigger events

A gamepad

Prints by spraying small dots of colored ink onto paper

Ink-jet printer

Uses a laser beam and toner to print on paper

Laser printer

Also called an all-in-one printer; can serve as an input device by copying and scanning, as well as an output device by faxing and printing

Multifunction device (MFD)

Small, lightweight printer that is built into or attached to a mobile device for mobile printing

Mobile printer

Large-format printer that uses charged wires to produce high-quality drawings for professional applications such as architectural blueprints; plotters draw continuous lines on large rolls of paper

Plotter

Creates objects based on computer models using special plastics and other materials

3-D printer

converts text to speech

A voice synthesizer (output device)

will begin functioning properly as soon as you connect them to your computer

plug-and-play devices

is a program that controls a device attached to your computer, such as a printer, monitor, or video card

A device driver

measures the speed at which it can execute instructions

The processor’s clock speed

the smallest unit of time a process can measure

A cycle (the efficiency of a CPU is measured by instructions per cycle IPC)

an electronic channel that allows the CPU and various devices inside or attached to a computer to communicate

bus

determines the speed at which data travels

bus width or word size (affect processor performance)

bus width is also referred to as the

word size

If you have a fast CPU but the bus speed is slow, that can cause a condition called

bottlenecking

The wider the bus the (MORE or LESS) data can travel on it

a test run by a laboratory or other organization to determine processor speed and other performance factors

benchmark

compare similar systems performing identical tasks

Benchmarking tests

You should perform tasks periodically to keep your computer hardware and software in

good condition and the software functioning properly (if not, it will affect its life span or performance)

Before performing hardware maintenance, you should properly

turn off the computer and remove it from its power source

Recommendations that will help keep your computer functioning properly:

a damp cloth, free keyboard from any dust, the vent is free from dust, insert media should be clean, controlled temperature, not subject to power spikes or surges, enough space for hard drive, back up the data, and use media protective cases.

a short-term battery backup that comes on automatically in case of power loss

An uninterruptable power supply (UPS)

a device that prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components

A surge suppressor

If you are experiencing a problem with your operating system, often characterized by programs and apps not properly starting, persistent error messages, or slow performance, you should consider

restoring the operating system

Before you attempt to restore the operating system, you should

copy all personal files to a separate storage device (external hard drive)

you are reverting all settings back to their default, or migrating back to the operating system’s previous version

When you restore (browser) an operating system

a circuit board that processes image signals. Consider taking the computer to a professional for repair

video card