10.INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER HARDWARE

Binary means that the computer only has two states of BLANK and 0s that it can use to process information.

1s

Explain the danger of relying solely on RAM while working on a project.

RAM is random-access memory and is short-term, which means that data can be lost.

Why is it important to take precautions such as turning off a computer and discharging electricity before opening the case on a computer?

The internal components are static sensitive.

You want to learn more about the components inside your desktop computer. You look at the motherboard to see the central processing unit along with a special chip. Why is this chip so important to your computer's overall functioning?

This chip contains ROM and BIOS, which tells the computer how to start up and work with input and output devices.

You want to purchase a computer, and the salesperson refers to separate pricing for the system unit and for the software applications. When the salesperson refers to the system unit, what are they referring to exactly?

a computer case

Match each word to its correct meaning.

basic input/output system - chip holding a ROM program to make sure all necessary components are present and functioning properly; (abbreviated BIOS) bits - binary digits, which are either 1s or 0s, on or off buses - highways on a motherboard enabling data transfer to and from the CPU CD-ROM - a compact disk containing data that cannot be erased central processing unit - microchip considered "the brain" of the computer; abbreviated CPU flash drive - small, USB-connected storage device; also referred to as a jump drive

A small USB-connected storage device is called a(n) _____.

flash drive

Match each word to its correct meaning.

hard drive - a computer's main storage area hardware - computer components that you can touch and see input devices - devices, such as a keyboard, that transfer data and commands into the computer interface - the interaction of the input and output of a computer system keyboard - input device that allows users to type data and instructions into the computer mouse - input device allowing users to initiate actions by clicking images on the screen monitor - output device that displays data and information to users onscreen output devices - devices, such as a monitor or printer, that produce data from the computer

Which computer component provides audible sounds generated by the computer, such as beeping when it starts up?

internal speaker

Match each word to its correct meaning.

peripherals - hardware components external to the computer case, such as a printer printer - output device that produces information from the computer on paper random-access memory - a short-term form of computer memory used to store work in progress; abbreviated RAM read-only memory - a long-term form of computer memory housing a program that manages the CPU and cannot be easily erased; abbreviated ROM sound card - circuit board that fits into a motherboard socket and provides higher quality sound storage - media used to hold computer data for extended periods; examples include hard drives and flash drives system unit - the basic computer, without peripherals touch screen - input device that allows users to initiate actions through finger movements on the display screen; also serves as an output device video card - circuit board that fits into a motherboard socket and supports higher quality graphics to the computer monitor solid-state drive - SSD is a storage device that has no moving parts making it faster than a hard disk drive (HDD)

Which computer component converts high-voltage AC current to low-voltage DC current?

power supply

Suppose your team is finishing a project and the supervisor stresses ensuring the material cannot be erased. To what memory level is your supervisor referring?

read-only

Suppose you present a project and your supervisor comments that the graphics need to be a higher quality and suggests you replace a circuit board. To what circuit board is your supervisor referring?

video card