Computer Hardware Quiz! Exercise

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.