Basic Computer Terms! Trivia Quiz

Microsoft Word is not an example of hardware because it is a software program, specifically a word processing application. Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as a mouse, hard drive, monitor, and keyboard, which can be touched and interacted with.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. This is a type of computer memory that allows data to be accessed in any order, rather than sequentially like in other types of memory. It is called "random access" because data can be stored and retrieved from any location within the memory module with equal speed. RAM is a volatile memory, meaning that it requires a constant power supply to retain the stored data. It is used by the computer's operating system and software applications to temporarily store and access data that is actively being used.

All of the given options use RAM. A USB stick uses RAM to store and retrieve data. Streaming music and video require RAM to buffer and play the media files. Opening a program also requires RAM to load and run the program's instructions. Therefore, all of the options mentioned in the question use RAM.

A magnet can erase a hard drive because hard drives store data magnetically. The magnetic field generated by a magnet can disrupt the magnetic alignment of the data on the hard drive, effectively erasing it. This is why it is important to keep magnets away from hard drives and other magnetic storage devices to prevent data loss.

A CD ROM does have binary code burned into it as a series of bumps. This is done during the manufacturing process where a laser creates microscopic pits and bumps on the surface of the disc. These pits and bumps represent the binary code, with the presence of a pit representing a 0 and the absence of a pit representing a 1. When the disc is read by a CD ROM drive, the laser detects these pits and bumps and converts them back into the original binary code, allowing the data to be accessed and read.

ROM stands for Read Only Memory. Read Only Memory refers to a type of computer memory that is non-volatile and can only be read from, not written to. It contains data that is permanently stored and cannot be modified or erased, making it ideal for storing firmware and software instructions that need to be accessed by the computer's processor. Unlike Random Access Memory (RAM), which is volatile and temporary, ROM retains its data even when the computer is turned off.

A USB stick is not just a piece of RAM in a plastic case. While it does contain a type of memory called flash memory, which is used for storing data, it is not the same as RAM. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory that is used for temporary storage and is cleared when the computer is turned off. USB sticks, on the other hand, are non-volatile storage devices that retain data even when not powered. They can be used to store and transfer files between computers.

ROM stands for Read-Only Memory, which means that the information stored in ROM cannot be changed or modified once it has been programmed during manufacturing. This type of memory is used to store permanent data or instructions that are essential for the functioning of a device or system. Therefore, it is not possible to change something stored in ROM.

Windows XP is not an example of an application because it is an operating system, not a specific software program or tool that performs a specific task or function. The other options listed (Microsoft Word, iMovie, Firefox, and Powerpoint) are all examples of applications as they are software programs designed for specific purposes such as word processing, video editing, web browsing, and creating presentations.

An application is a program that does just one thing. This means that an application is designed to perform a specific task or function, focusing on a single purpose or objective. It is not meant to encompass all the functionalities required to run a computer or perform nothing important. This explanation highlights the limited scope and purpose of an application, emphasizing its focused functionality.

RIM is not a form of storage because it stands for Research In Motion, which is a company that used to manufacture BlackBerry smartphones. It does not refer to any type of storage technology. Magnetic, RAM, and ROM are all forms of storage. Magnetic storage refers to devices like hard drives and magnetic tapes, RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory used by computers, and ROM (Read-Only Memory) is a type of non-volatile memory that stores permanent data.

A CD ROM is not magnetic storage because it uses optical technology to read and write data. Unlike magnetic storage devices such as internal and external hard drives or floppy disks, which use magnetic fields to store and retrieve data, a CD ROM uses a laser to read and write data on a disc coated with a reflective layer.

The analogy being made here is that RAM is compared to a shopping cart, which is used to temporarily store items while shopping. In a similar way, ROM (Read-Only Memory) is compared to a coffin, which is used to permanently store a deceased person. Both RAM and a shopping cart are temporary storage options, while ROM and a coffin are permanent storage options.