GCF Global Computer Basics
What is a peripheral?
A device external to the main computer system
CPU stands for:
Central Processing Unit
What is the purpose of a heat sink?
Draw off excessive heat
If you decide to open the computer case/tower, make sure you _____ the computer first.
unplug
Give 3 examples of expansion cards:
video, sound, network
Tablets don't have physical keyboards, instead, they have a touch screen or _____ keyboard.
virtual
List 3 examples of software:
web browser, game, word processor
What is a server?
a specialized computer that provides more services to other computers or devices on a network
List 3 types of mobile devices:
tablet, e-reader, smartphone
What is the CPU?
the brain of the computer that carries out the commands
What is the motherboard?
the main circuit board of the computer
Give 3 examples of alphanumeric keys:
1, A, spacebar
Megahertz (MHz)
A million cycles per second
List 3 components found on the motherboard:
CPU, RAM, connectors
GUI stands for:
Graphical User Interface
The first widely sold personal computer with a GUI:
Macintosh
Gigahertz
One billion cycles per second
Personal computers come in 2 main styles:
PC and Mac
The more _____ you have, the more things your computer can do at the same time.
RAM
RAM stands for:
Random Access Memory
What is hardware?
The physical components of a computer system
What is a computer?
an electronic device that manipulates information or data
What is software?
any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do
What are the 4 basic parts of a desktop computer?
case/tower, monitor, keyboard, mouse
What happens to your short-term memory when you turn off the computer?
data is lost
What happens to your long-term memory when you turn off the computer?
data is not lost
A processor's speed is measured in megahertz (Mhz) and _____.
gigahertz (Ghz)
The _____ is acts as long-term storage.
hard drive
The CPU is covered by:
heat sink & fan
List 3 examples of hardware:
keyboard, mouse, monitor
What is a portable, lightweight computer that is wireless, battery powered, and has a touchpad?
laptop
The _____ works with the video card to display images and text.
monitor
The case/tower contains these 3 main components:
motherboard, CPU, power supply
The _____ mouse uses an electronic eye to detect movement.
optical
The _____ unit in a case/tower converts the power from the wall outlet to the type of power needed by the computer.
power supply
List 4 examples of peripherals:
printer, scanner, speakers, mouse
RAM is your system's
short-term memory (volatile)
For many people, a _____ can replace their laptop, digital music player, and digital camera.
smartphone
List 4 examples of specialized computers:
smartphone, wearable, game console, TV
The faster the hard drive, the faster your computer can _____ and _____ .
start-up and load programs
What are 3 basic things a computer can do?
store, retrieve, & process data
