TEJ2O1 Exam Revision Flashcards
1
Q
HARDWARE
A
- Components that make up a PC
- Hardware is built by logic gates, or physical components that process incoming binary data and emit electrical signals
- All computations are performed only using logical operators
2
Q
MOTHERBOARD
A
Holds the CPU, memory chips (RAM and ROM), expansion slots, power connectors and any other microchips required for the PC to function
3
Q
CPU (Central Processing Unit)
A
- Carries out commands to make the hardware components perform actions
- Processes data; controls the execution of a computer and which performs basic arithmetic and logical operations
4
Q
Components of CPU
A
- Control Unit (CU)
- Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
- Two communication bus systems: Memory Bus and Data Bus
5
Q
MEMORY - The Two Types
A
- ROM - Read Only Memory
- RAM - Random Access Memory
6
Q
ROM (Read Only Memory)
A
- A special type of memory which provides permanent storage of information, that has been programmed (or “written” once) into the PC during construction at factory
- ROM can be used only to read from, and not to write to; the PC user cannot change this information
- ROM contains the information that is used when the PC is turned on or reset
7
Q
RAM - Random Access Memory
A
- Temporarily stores information used by various components of a PC
- Any information within RAM will be lost when a PC is reset or powered off
- CPU uses RAM for the temporary storage of programs and data
8
Q
HARD DRIVE
A
- If data held in RAM is to be kept permanently, it should be saved to the hard drive
- The hard drive is the storage area of a PC. It can be divided into logical areas called directories (or folders)
9
Q
Solid State HD
A
- A solid-state drive (SSD) is a solid-state storage device that uses integrated circuit assemblies as memory to store data persistently, typically using flash memory
- Compared with the electromechanical drives, SSDs are typically more resistant to physical shock, run silently, and have quicker access time and lower latency
10
Q
EXPANSION SLOTS
A
- The PC’s expansion slots allow a PC to grow. They can be used to add new devices such as a fax/modem, sound cards or Ethernet cards
- Expansion slots are high-performance links between the CPU and the expansion cards
11
Q
VIDEO CARD/GRAPHICS CARD
A
- Responsible for handling the processing of the visual data seen on the display device (monitor)
- Video cards have their own processing (CPU) and memory (VRAM) to conserve valuable resources, and generally even a low-end one will outperform almost any integrated graphics
- Graphics cards provide separate hardware that can plug into the motherboard dedicated solely to video processing, which will not slow down the system
12
Q
SOUND CARD
A
Internal expansion card that provides input and output of audio signals
13
Q
POWER SUPPLY
A
- When plugging the power cable into the back of a computer, we are connecting to the power supply
- The power supply converts the energy in to the correct voltage/ current for use by all the other hardware components
- It has so many cables because the power supply connects directly to each hardware component separately (except the RAM & CPU)
14
Q
Disk Reader
A
- Reads/writes to CD’s and DVD’s
- Some Disk Readers can only read and not write;
others can’t read DVD’s - The front of the disk tray usually indicates what it can do
15
Q
Case/System Unit
A
- Holds all of the hardware
- Come in many shapes and sizes
- Made out of metal or plastic
- Carry the internal parts of a computer
16
Q
Heat Sinks & Fans
A
- Fans push hot air out of a computer case and pull cool air in
- Heat sinks are placed directly on top of parts that get very hot. They absorb the heat and dissipate it into the surrounding air (which is then carried away by fans)
17
Q
Software
A
Instructions that tell the computer what to do
18
Q
User Application Software
A
- Programs that run on the computer that help users perform tasks.
- Written by programmers, but written so that other people can install it on their own computers
19
Q
Examples of Applications
A
Games, Office Applications, Web Browsers, File Explorers, etc.
20
Q
System Software
A
- A layer between hardware and user applications. Users do not directly interact with the System Software
- Consist of programs that help the computer preform tasks.
