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Computer Hardware And Software > Unit 1 > Flashcards

Unit 1 Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a port in the context of computers?

A

A physical docking point for connecting external devices to a computer or a programmatic docking point for information flow.

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2
Q

Define a connector in computer terminology.

A

A connector is a component at the end of a cable that plugs into a corresponding port on a PC.

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3
Q

What are the two types of connectors and how are they defined?

A

Male and female connectors; male has pins, and female has holes.

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4
Q

List examples of external devices that can be connected via ports.

A
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
  • Monitor
  • Microphone
  • Speakers
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5
Q

What is a Serial Port used for?

A

To connect external modems and older computer mice.

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6
Q

What is the maximum data transfer rate of a Serial Port?

A

115 kilobits per second.

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7
Q

What is the function of a Parallel Port?

A

Used for connecting scanners, printers, and game ports for joysticks.

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8
Q

What is the data transfer capability of a USB port?

A

Data travels at 12 megabits per second.

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9
Q

What types of devices can be connected using a USB port?

A
  • External hard disks
  • Printers
  • Scanners
  • Mouse
  • Keyboard
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10
Q

What is a PS/2 Port?

A

A port used for older computer keyboards and mice.

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11
Q

What is the function of a VGA Port?

A

Connects a monitor to a computer’s video card.

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12
Q

What is the purpose of an Audio Port?

A

Connects devices like microphones and speakers to the computer.

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13
Q

What is the data transfer speed of a Firewire Port?

A

400 to 800 megabits per second.

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14
Q

What does an Ethernet Port connect?

A

Connects a PC to a network and high-speed Internet.

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15
Q

What is the function of a Modem Port?

A

Connects the telephone line using RJ-11 connectors.

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16
Q

What does DVI stand for, and what does it connect?

A

Digital Video Interface; connects flat panel LCD monitors to high-end video graphic cards.

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17
Q

What is the primary function of IDE and SATA connectors?

A

To connect hard disks, CD-ROMs, and DVD-ROMs.

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18
Q

What are the three main types of physical memory used in modern PCs?

A
  • ROM
  • DRAM
  • SRAM
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19
Q

What does RAM stand for?

A

Random Access Memory.

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20
Q

What is cache memory?

A

A special type of RAM used to store instructions and data currently being processed.

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21
Q

What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 cache?

A

Level 1 cache is internal to the CPU, while Level 2 cache is external to the CPU.

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22
Q

What are the types of Dynamic RAM mentioned?

A
  • SD-RAM
  • DDR-RAM
  • DDR2-RAM
  • DDR3-RAM
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23
Q

What does ROM stand for?

A

Read-Only Memory.

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24
Q

List the types of ROM.

A
  • PROM
  • EPROM
  • EEPROM
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25
What is the role of the motherboard in a computer?
It connects all expansion cards, drives, and peripherals.
26
What does a motherboard's chipset define?
The processor type, RAM type and capacity, and supported internal and external devices.
27
What are common components found on a motherboard?
* CPU * RAM * Cache * ROM chips * Chipsets * Ports * Buses * Expansion slots
28
What is the purpose of the BIOS in a motherboard?
To control the data flow within the computer.
29
What does the ATX form factor stand for?
Advanced Technology Extended.
30
How does the ATX form factor improve upon previous motherboard designs?
* Built-in double high external I/O connector * Single main keyed internal power supply * Relocated CPU and memory * Improved cooling * Lower manufacturing costs
31
What is the significance of motherboard form factors?
They determine the layout, size, and feature placement on a motherboard.
32
What does a chipset define?
The processor type, type and capacity of RAM, and what internal and external devices the motherboard will support ## Footnote A chipset serves as an electronic interface among the CPU, RAM, and input/output devices.
33
What is the role of the chipset on a motherboard?
Directing traffic and controlling the flow of information inside the computer ## Footnote The chipset controls the processor's access to memory and the flow of data to and from peripheral devices.
34
What is the Northbridge chip's function on Intel-based motherboards?
Connects directly to the CPU and helps the CPU work with RAM
35
On AMD-based motherboards, what does the Northbridge provide communication for?
The video card
36
What does the Southbridge chip handle?
Communications between peripheral devices, some expansion devices, and mass storage drives
37
What are the characteristics of most Southbridge chips?
They don’t need extra cooling and are often passively cooled with only a heat sink
38
What is the processor bus?
The highest-speed bus in the system, primarily used by the processor to pass information to and from cache or main memory
39
What is the AGP bus designed for?
Video cards
40
What is the maximum bandwidth of AGP 8x?
Up to 2,133MBps
41
What is the ISA bus?
An 8MHz 16-bit bus that has disappeared from modern systems
42
What does PCI Express (PCIe) provide in terms of speed?
2.5Gbps or 5Gbps transfer rate in each direction per lane
43
What voltage rails does a typical power supply unit (PSU) provide?
+3.3V, +5V, +12V
44
What is the primary function of a power supply?
To convert high-voltage AC power into lower voltage DC power
45
What is the maximum wattage required for most general-use computers?
230-250 watts
46
What does 'constant voltage' mean in the context of power supplies?
The power supply puts out the same voltage to the computer’s internal components regardless of the AC current
47
What is the most common power supply form factor?
ATX
48
What does the control unit of a CPU do?
Directs and coordinates operations in the computer
49
What is the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) responsible for?
Performing arithmetic, comparison, and logical operations
50
What is considered the brain of the computer?
The central processing unit (CPU)
51
What are the four main areas of PC processor evolution?
* Increasing transistor count and density * Increasing clock cycling speeds * Increasing size of internal registers * Increasing number of cores in a single chip
52
What major architectural change occurred in processors from 16-bit to 32-bit?
The introduction of 32-bit internal architecture with the 386 and later chips
53
What are the 64-bit extensions developed by AMD called?
AMD64 (originally known as x86-64)
54
What is the significance of 64-bit operating systems?
They are needed to make 64-bit computing a reality
55
What was the first microprocessor and who founded Intel?
Intel was founded by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore
56
What is required for 64-bit computing to become a reality?
64-bit OSs and 64-bit drivers ## Footnote Both are necessary to support 64-bit applications and systems.
57
When did Microsoft begin providing trial versions of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition?
April 2005 ## Footnote This version supports AMD64 and EM64T architectures.
58
What significant event for 64-bit computing occurred in 2007?
The release of Windows Vista x64 ## Footnote This marked the beginning of 64-bit computing going mainstream.
59
By the release of Windows 7 x64 in 2009, what was the status of driver availability?
Most device manufacturers provided both 32-bit and 64-bit drivers ## Footnote This was true for virtually all new devices.
60
What is a multicore processor?
A chip with two or more separate processors ## Footnote Examples include dual-core and quad-core processors.
61
How do multicore processors enhance performance?
By splitting up the workload caused by running multiple applications ## Footnote This allows for more efficient processing.
62
What was the transistor count of the original 8088 processor?
29,000 transistors ## Footnote It ran at a speed of 4.77MHz.
63
How many transistors does the AMD Phenom II x6 have?
Approximately 904 million transistors ## Footnote It can run at speeds up to 3.3GHz or faster.
64
What is the speed measurement for processors?
Measured in megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz) ## Footnote Faster speeds are better for performance.
65
What are the three main specifications in a processor?
Data (I/O) bus, Address bus, Internal registers ## Footnote These specifications help define the processor's capabilities.
66
What does the width of the data I/O bus determine?
The rate at which data can be moved into or out of the processor ## Footnote Wider buses can transmit more data simultaneously.
67
How does an 8-bit chip compare to a 64-bit chip in terms of data flow?
An 8-bit chip resembles a single-lane highway; a 64-bit chip resembles an eight-lane highway ## Footnote More lanes allow for more data to flow at the same time.
68
What is the function of the address bus?
Carries addressing information to describe memory locations ## Footnote The width of the address bus determines the maximum RAM a chip can address.
69
What does the size of internal registers indicate?
How much information the processor can operate on at one time ## Footnote It also determines the type of software the processor can run.
70
What is a machine cycle?
Comprises four operations: Fetch, Decode, Execute, Store ## Footnote These steps are essential for the CPU to process instructions.
71
What is pipelining in processors?
Fetching the second instruction before completing the first instruction's machine cycle ## Footnote This results in faster processing.
72
What does the system clock control?
Timing of all computer operations ## Footnote It generates regular electronic pulses to set the operating pace.
73
What is a heat sink?
A component with fins that cools the processor ## Footnote It helps to dissipate heat generated by the CPU.
74
What is the P1 power connector used for?
Primary power for older ATX motherboards ## Footnote It includes a 3.3-volt wire along with standard 5-volt and 12-volt wires.
75
What are the two failure modes of power supplies?
Sudden death and slowly over time ## Footnote Sudden failure means the computer will not start at all.
76
What voltage variations are acceptable for most PC power supplies?
±10 percent of their stated values ## Footnote Example: A 12-volt line can vary from approximately 10.5 to 12.9 volts.
77
What should you do if a power supply fails to provide power?
Recycle it and get a new one ## Footnote Do not attempt to open or service the power supply due to high-voltage capacitors.

Computer Hardware And Software (1 decks)

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