Chapter 10 Essential Periphreals

What should you consider when purchasing a USB hub?

You should consider getting a powered USB hub to support fast speeds and prevent power draw from other devices.

What do barcode scanners primarily track?

Barcode scanners read UPC barcodes or QR codes primarily for inventory tracking.

What is the benefit of using a touchpad on modern computers?

Touchpads allow users to move the cursor and use Multi-Touch gestures for additional functionality.

What is a common feature of webcams?

Many dedicated webcams provide 1080p HD resolution, while integrated laptop webcams often have 720p resolution.

How does MP3 compression benefit audio files?

MP3 compression reduces the size of WAV files by a factor of 12 while maintaining sound quality.

What type of storage media is most commonly used in smartphones and cameras?

Flash memory, including USB thumb drives and various types of memory cards like SD cards, is commonly used.

What do KVM switches allow users to do?

KVM switches enable users to monitor and control multiple systems using a single mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

How does a digitizer or pen tablet function?

A digitizer or pen tablet allows users to draw or write on a special surface to input data into a computer.

What types of audio file formats are commonly used?

Common audio file formats include WAV, MP3, and AAC.

What is the purpose of memory card speed classes?

Memory card speed classes indicate the card’s minimum MB/s write speed and performance capability.

What types of optical media are there?

Optical media includes CDs (CD-Audio, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW), DVDs (DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW), and Blu-ray Discs.

What is the function of the USB host controller?

The USB host controller acts as the interface between the system and all USB devices, sending commands and providing power.

What determines the number of USB ports on a system?

The number of USB ports is determined by the motherboard manufacturer.

What is the maximum speed of USB 3.1 Gen 2?

USB 3.1 Gen 2 can run at speeds up to 10 Gbps.

What will happen if a USB 3.0 device is connected to a USB 2.0 port?

The USB 3.0 device will operate at the USB 2.0 speed of 480 Mbps.

How do USB hubs extend connectivity?

USB hubs allow for the connection of multiple USB devices to a single USB port.

What is the maximum length of a Thunderbolt chain using copper cabling?

A Thunderbolt chain using copper can extend up to 3 meters.

What should you verify if a USB device is not working?

Swap the troubled device for a known good device and check if the port is enabled and drivers are installed.

What are the two common types of pointing devices in modern computers?

The mouse and the touchpad.

What do biometric devices scan for?

Biometric devices scan body parts like fingerprints for authentication and security.

What is the purpose of the Memory Card Reader?

Memory card readers scan chips in devices like ID badges to enhance access and security.

How do barcode scanners operate?

Barcode scanners read UPC or QR codes for inventory tracking using either pen or hand scanning methods.

What types of devices typically feature touchscreens?

Tablets, smartphones, information kiosks, and point-of-sale systems often have touchscreens.

What functionality do game controllers and joysticks provide?

They enable control of PC games beyond what keyboards and mice offer.

How can digital cameras transfer photos and videos to a PC?

They can connect directly via USB or use Wi-Fi, or the storage card can be inserted into a card reader.

What qualities define CD quality sound capture?

CD quality sound capture is recorded at 44.1 KHz with 16-bit depth in stereo.

What differentiates SD cards from miniSD and microSD cards?

SD cards are larger; miniSD has fallen out of use while microSD remains popular for compact devices.

What types of discs are Blu-ray Discs?

Blu-ray Discs come in single-layer (25 GB), dual-layer (50 GB), and BDXL (100 GB) formats.

What are the different colors for each USB port?

USB 1.1 = White, USB 2.0 = Black, USB 3.0 = Blue, USB 3.1 = Teal, USB 3.2 2×2 = Red

What is the max speed for every USB port?

Low Speed USB 1.1 = 1.5 Mbps

Full Speed USB 1.1 = 12 Mbps

USB 2.0 480 Mbps

USB 3.0 5 Gbps

USB 3.1 10 Gbps

USB 3.2 2×2 20 Gbps