Computer Hardware Quiz! Exercise
How well do you know about computer hardware? Hardware refers to the technology or the equipment of a computer. All the parts that comprise the computer hardware are important, but the most important piece is the motherboard. The motherboard is made up of more parts that fuel and regulate the inner workings of the computer. This quiz will demonstrate your knowledge of computer hardware. After you pass your quiz with flying colors, get your certificate to take with you.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
A Personal Computer (PC) is normally a computer that:
- A.
Can be moved from location to location.
- B.
Contains a CPU, storage devices, memory, and a BUS.
- C.
Can be a computer you can carry anywhere.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
The correct answer is "All of the above" because a personal computer (PC) can be moved from location to location, it contains a CPU, storage devices, memory, and a BUS, and it can be a computer that you can carry anywhere.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Internally, a microprocessor (CPU) uses which of the following "numbering" system to perform its functions?
- A.
Decimal
- B.
Octal
- C.
Binary
- D.
Hexadecimal
Correct Answer
C. BinaryExplanation
A microprocessor (CPU) uses the binary numbering system to perform its functions. The binary system consists of only two digits, 0 and 1, which represent the off and on states of electronic switches within the CPU. These switches, known as transistors, are used to perform calculations and execute instructions. By using the binary system, the CPU can process and manipulate data in a way that is easily understood by the electronic components within the computer.Rate this question:
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- 3.
A PC's 'motherboard' will include all the following except:
- A.
The external cache.
- B.
The expansion bus.
- C.
BIOS.
- D.
CD-ROM drive.
Correct Answer
D. CD-ROM drive.Explanation
A PC's motherboard is the main circuit board that connects and controls all the components of a computer system. It includes various components such as the CPU, RAM slots, expansion slots, BIOS chip, and the expansion bus. However, the CD-ROM drive is not a component that is directly integrated into the motherboard. It is an external device that connects to the motherboard through an interface such as SATA or IDE. Therefore, the correct answer is CD-ROM drive.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following devices or components is probably the LEAST important device on a PC used primarily for "word processing"?
- A.
Memory Size
- B.
Hard Disk Drive
- C.
Graphics Accelerator
- D.
Expansion Bus
Correct Answer
C. Graphics AcceleratorExplanation
The graphics accelerator is probably the least important device on a PC used primarily for "word processing" because word processing tasks do not require heavy graphics processing. Word processing mainly involves typing and editing text, so a powerful graphics accelerator is not necessary for this function. On the other hand, memory size is important for storing and accessing files, the hard disk drive is essential for storing data, and the expansion bus allows for connecting additional devices and expanding the capabilities of the PC.Rate this question:
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- 5.
A monitor is probably the most obvious output device on a PC. The two most important factors in purchasing a monitor would be _____ and ____ if you were concerned with quality viewing.
- A.
Physical size and refresh rate.
- B.
Physical size and refresh rate.
- C.
Resolution and dot pitch.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
C. Resolution and dot pitch.Explanation
The question asks for the two most important factors in purchasing a monitor for quality viewing. The correct answer is "Resolution and dot pitch." Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on the screen, which affects the clarity and detail of the image. A higher resolution generally results in a better viewing experience. Dot pitch refers to the distance between pixels, with a smaller dot pitch indicating a sharper image. Therefore, both resolution and dot pitch are crucial factors to consider when aiming for quality viewing on a monitor.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The primary component that ties all the parts of the computer together on the mother board is called the
- A.
Expansion slots
- B.
Buses
- C.
CPU
- D.
Memory
Correct Answer
B. BusesExplanation
The primary component that ties all the parts of the computer together on the motherboard is called buses. Buses are communication pathways that allow data to be transferred between different components of the computer, such as the CPU, memory, and expansion slots. They enable the different parts of the computer to work together and exchange information efficiently. Without buses, the components would not be able to communicate with each other, and the computer would not function properly.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following is considered the most basic component of a PC?
- A.
Hard disk drive
- B.
Printer
- C.
Motherboard
- D.
Monitor
Correct Answer
C. MotherboardExplanation
The motherboard is considered the most basic component of a PC because it is the main circuit board that connects and controls all the other components. It provides power and allows communication between the CPU, memory, storage devices, and other peripherals. Without a motherboard, the other components would not be able to function together as a computer system.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Primary Storage in computer terminology, refers to
- A.
Hard disk drive
- B.
Random access memory (RAM)
- C.
The storage device where the Operating System is stored.
- D.
ROM BIOS
Correct Answer
B. Random access memory (RAM)Explanation
Primary storage in computer terminology refers to random access memory (RAM). RAM is a type of volatile memory that is used to store data and instructions that are currently being processed by the CPU. It is called "random access" because any location in RAM can be accessed directly, allowing for fast and efficient data retrieval. Unlike secondary storage devices like hard disk drives, RAM is temporary and loses its data when the computer is powered off. This makes RAM ideal for storing data that needs to be accessed quickly by the CPU during program execution.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A "pixel" on a monitor's CRT is made up of colors. With combinations of these colors, _____, _____, and ______, you can make most other colors.
- A.
Yellow, green, red
- B.
Red, green, blue
- C.
Black, yellow, green
- D.
Black, white, red
Correct Answer
B. Red, green, blueExplanation
A "pixel" on a monitor's CRT is made up of colors. With combinations of these colors, red, green, and blue, you can make most other colors. This is because red, green, and blue are the primary colors of light, and when combined in different intensities, they can create a wide range of colors through additive color mixing. This is the basis of the RGB color model used in digital displays.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following devices is NOT connected directly to the motherboard?
- A.
Hard Disk drive
- B.
VESA Local Bus
- C.
CPU (microprocessor)
- D.
PCI Local Bus
Correct Answer
A. Hard Disk driveExplanation
The hard disk drive is not directly connected to the motherboard. It is connected to the motherboard via a data cable and power cable. The other options, VESA Local Bus, CPU (microprocessor), and PCI Local Bus, are all directly connected to the motherboard.Rate this question:
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- 11.
A motherboard
- A.
Contains all major components of a "computing system".
- B.
Must have an IDE controller and connectors.
- C.
Must have a large number of expansion slots.
- D.
Connects all components of a computer system.
Correct Answer
D. Connects all components of a computer system.Explanation
The correct answer is "connects all components of a computer system." A motherboard is a crucial component of a computer system that acts as a central hub, connecting all other components such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and expansion cards. It provides the necessary communication pathways and power connections for these components to work together harmoniously. Without a motherboard, the components of a computer system would not be able to communicate with each other effectively, and the system would not function properly.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Hard Disk drives have which of the following characteristics?
- A.
Access speeds in the 8 to 12 ms range.
- B.
One or more magnetic coated surfaces.
- C.
Can be installed as a "master" or "slave" drive.
- D.
All of the above are true.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above are true.Explanation
All of the given characteristics are true for hard disk drives. Hard disk drives have access speeds in the 8 to 12 ms range, meaning it takes approximately 8 to 12 milliseconds for the drive to locate and retrieve data. They also have one or more magnetic coated surfaces, which store data magnetically. Additionally, hard disk drives can be installed as a "master" or "slave" drive, allowing multiple drives to be connected to a single system.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Of the current storage devices available, which of the following will allow you to have 1 GB or more storage space?
- A.
Hard Disk drive
- B.
Floppy drive
- C.
ZIP drive
- D.
Bernoulli drive
Correct Answer
A. Hard Disk driveExplanation
The correct answer is Hard Disk drive. Hard disk drives are storage devices that are capable of providing 1 GB or more of storage space. Unlike floppy drives, which have limited storage capacity, and ZIP drives and Bernoulli drives, which are not commonly used anymore, hard disk drives are widely used in computers and can store large amounts of data.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Which of the following motherboard components has been literally phased out by including it as part of the CPU (microprocessor)?
- A.
Cache Memory
- B.
Expansion slots
- C.
Mass storage interface
- D.
Math Co-processor
Correct Answer
D. Math Co-processorExplanation
The math co-processor, also known as the floating-point unit (FPU), was a separate component on older motherboards that handled complex mathematical calculations. However, modern CPUs now include an integrated FPU, rendering the math co-processor unnecessary. This integration has phased out the need for a separate math co-processor on motherboards.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The area in your computer where programs and data are initially loaded before execution is called the _________.
- A.
External cache memory.
- B.
Video memory.
- C.
Random access memory.
- D.
Internal cache memory.
Correct Answer
C. Random access memory.Explanation
The correct answer is random access memory. Random access memory, or RAM, is a type of computer memory that is used to temporarily store data and instructions that are actively being used by the computer's processor. It is a volatile memory, meaning that its contents are lost when the computer is turned off or restarted. RAM is responsible for loading and executing programs, as well as storing and retrieving data during the computer's operation. It is an essential component of a computer system and plays a crucial role in its overall performance.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Most RAM memory in a PC will come in the form of _____________ chips embedded on a SIMM chip.
- A.
Dual In-Line Pins
- B.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
- C.
BIOS Chips
- D.
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM).
Correct Answer
D. Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM).Explanation
Most RAM memory in a PC will come in the form of Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) chips embedded on a SIMM chip. DRAM is a type of volatile memory that allows data to be accessed randomly, meaning any storage location can be accessed directly without going through the preceding locations. SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Module) is a type of memory module that contains multiple DRAM chips and is used to expand the memory capacity of a computer. Therefore, the correct answer is DRAM.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A Dual In-line Memory Modula (DIMM) requires what pin configuration to be installed?
- A.
25 pin
- B.
30 pin
- C.
27 pin
- D.
168 pin
Correct Answer
D. 168 pinExplanation
A Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) requires a pin configuration of 168 pins to be installed. DIMMs are commonly used in computers to provide additional memory capacity. The pin configuration refers to the number of pins on the DIMM module that connect to the motherboard. In this case, a DIMM with 168 pins is required, indicating that it is the correct pin configuration for installation.Rate this question:
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- 18.
A 72-pin SIMM with the specification "1M x 32" holds ______ times the memory of a 30-pin SIMM with the specification of "1M x 8".
- A.
2
- B.
8
- C.
9
- D.
4
Correct Answer
D. 4Explanation
A 72-pin SIMM with the specification "1M x 32" holds 4 times the memory of a 30-pin SIMM with the specification of "1M x 8" because the 72-pin SIMM has a higher data width (32 bits) compared to the 30-pin SIMM (8 bits). The data width determines the amount of data that can be transferred in a single clock cycle. Since the 72-pin SIMM has a wider data path, it can transfer more data at once, resulting in a higher memory capacity. Therefore, the 72-pin SIMM holds 4 times the memory of the 30-pin SIMM.Rate this question:
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Aug 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 15, 2013Quiz Created by
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Only a few can pass this basic computer science quiz
Only a few can pass this basic computer science quiz
Computer Quiz: Choose The Correct Word To Complete Sentences
Computer Quiz: Choose The Correct Word To Complete Sentences
Want A Computer Related Job? Start By Taking This Quiz!
Want A Computer Related Job? Start By Taking This Quiz!
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