Computer Hardware and Software Essentials

Posted on Oct 11, 2024 in Computers

1. Statements about SIMM and DIMM Memory

Correct answers: b and d

2. Memory Modules Requiring Pair Installation

Correct answers: c and e

3. Graphics Card Accommodation

All options are correct.

4. Memory Operating Rate

Correct answers: b and e

5. FSB Speed

Yes, it’s the internal micro operating speed, measured in MHz.

6. Incorrect Statement about SCSI Interface

d) In most cases, no adapter card is required.

7. Content of Main Memory

c) Running programs and their data.

8. Component Part of the UC

b) The CPU

9. Components Absent in First Microprocessors

a) The FPU
c) L1 and L2 Cache

10. Definition of IRQ

c) An interrupt request

11. RS-232 Standard

a) For the serial port

12. USB Port Characteristics

d) All of the above.

13. Drive Bay Usage

c) Mounting a CD-ROM

14. Chipset Function

b) Yes, it manages data transfer and supports the expansion bus.

15. Parts of a Computer Case

  • Chassis and Cover
  • Front Panel (switches and LEDs)
  • Rear Panel
  • Power Supply Opening (optional source)
  • Expansion Slots
  • Internal Speaker
  • Fans (in medium and high-end cases)
  • Motherboard Support
  • Drive Bays (internal and external)
  • Front and Rear Protection Windows

16. CPU Function

This module executes program instructions sequentially and performs necessary calculations.

CPU Components

  • Control Unit (CU)
  • Arithmetic-Logic Unit (ALU)
  • Registers
  • Internal Buses

Execution Phase (Example: Addition)

  1. The first operand’s address is transferred from the Instruction Register (IR) to the Memory Address Register (MAR).
  2. The memory location in MAR is selected, read, and the data is placed in the Memory Buffer Register (MBR).
  3. The CU transfers the MBR content to an ALU input.
  4. The second operand’s address is transferred from the IR to the MAR.
  5. The memory location in MAR is selected, read, and the data is placed in the MBR.
  6. The MBR content is transferred to the other ALU input.
  7. The sequencer instructs the ALU to perform the addition.
  8. The result is transferred to the MBR.
  9. The result’s storage address is transferred from the IR to the MAR.
  10. The memory location is selected, and the result in the MBR is written to memory.

These steps vary depending on the instruction.

17. Input/Output Unit

This module handles communication with peripherals (keyboard, monitor, storage devices, etc.).

18. Interconnection Buses

These are the physical pathways for information exchange between modules. They consist of conductors carrying electrical signals (1 for presence, 0 for absence). Bus width (number of conductors) determines simultaneous information transfer (1 conductor = 1 bit).

19. Integrated Sound Adapters on Motherboards

Yes, motherboards can have integrated sound, and additional sound cards can be installed in expansion slots.

20. AGP vs. PCI Bus Speed

No, AGP bus speed is higher than PCI.

21. Bytes in 3 Gigabytes

b) Three billion bytes

22. Addressable Memory Locations with 10-bit Address Bus

c) 1024

23. Motherboard Power Source

d) The power supply

24. Heat Sink Function

a) Extract CPU heat

25. Troubleshooting a Slow Computer with Browser Issues

b) Use an anti-spyware program like Spybot.

26. IDE Hard Drive Data Cable

d) 40 threads

27. Defining Characteristic of Microprocessor Power

c) Word length it can handle

28. Memory Speed Units

c) Nanoseconds

29. Limiting Factor for Card Installation

c) Both of the previous options

30. Motherboard Definition

c) A printed circuit board for mounting other components.

31. Input/Output Ports

b) Pins for connecting devices.

32. Central Unit Definition

a) The microprocessor itself.

33. Computer Architecture

Two components:

  • Hardware: Electronic circuitry and physical components.
  • Software: Programs and data processed by the computer.

34. Memory Address Register (MAR)

Contains the address of the selected memory cell for reading or writing.

35. Memory Unit

This module stores program instructions and data. It’s organized into words of equal size, stored sequentially, each with an address. Total capacity is measured in bytes (capacity = addresses * bytes per word).

36. Memory Buffer Register (MBR)

  • Holds the content of a selected memory cell during a read operation.
  • Stores information into a memory cell during a write operation.
  • MBR size (word length) determines the number of bits read or written.

37. The Role of the Computer Case

The case is crucial for:

  • Structure: Provides a solid and robust framework.
  • Protection: Shields internal components from external factors.
  • Cooling: Ensures proper ventilation and cooling of internal components.

Other important factors include ease of assembly, future upgrades, and aesthetics, especially the front panel.