TEJ201 Exam Review Flashcards

What is ESD, and how do you stay safe against it?

ESD (electrostatic discharge) occurs when objects, specifically the human body and clothes, get charged with electrons from friction and discharge them into the computer hardware. To protect yourself, you can wear a special bracelet that discharges the electrons into the ground, making it safe.

Name 3 ways to stay safe in a computer lab.

Make sure to tightly close all liquid containers to prevent spills. Be mindful of cables and make sure not to place them in ways where people may trip over them. If an unsafe environment is created or someone is injured, notify the instructor immediately. Instructors are the people who are most capable and knowledgeable on safety concerns inside a computer lab; they know best.

What is tool safety?

Tool safety refers to making sure that everyone stays safe while tools are being used in a lab. In order to stay safe while using tools, you should: Notify the teacher prior to the use of tools. Handle and store tools carefully and stay vigilant so no one gets hurt. Notify the instructor if any issues or hazards occur.

Who is a digitally prepared and aware person, and why is it important to be digitally literate?

A digitally aware person is a person who makes sure to consistently do research to understand modern computers and their efficient use. The landscape of computers constantly changes, thus it is important to keep in touch with new technologies and developments in the world of computers.

How has computer technology changed the world?

Computers have transformed modern society by making jobs easier; it has changed countless jobs in countless fields such as engineering, retail, finance, entertainment and healthcare.

What is a program?

A program is a series of instructions which tells the computer how to do a certain task.

What is an application?

An application consists of multiple programs to help users stay productive or help with other personal tasks.

What is a USB?

USB - Universal Serial Bus is a type of hardware which is capable of transferring data between devices.

What is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is a series of short-range radio signals to enable Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other.

What is a network?

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and network transmissions.

What is Computer-aided manufacturing?

(CAM) refers to the use of computers to assist with manufacturing processes such as fabrication and assembly.

What is a computer?

A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to store, retrieve, and process data

What is “hardware”?

Any part of your computer that has a physical structure, such as the keyboard or mouse. Also includes all of the computer's internal parts

What is “software”?

Any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it E.x web browsers, games, etc.

What are peripheral devices?

External device that connects to a computer to expand its functionality E.x keyboard, mouse, printer, headphones, speaker, webcam

What is “RAM”?

RAM is Random Access Memory. It is temporary memory used to hold instructions for future execution, because RAM has an incredibly high retrieve speed.

What is a “GPU”?

GPU is a Graphics Processing Unit. It can perform mathematical calculations at an incredibly high speed, which is typically used for visual rendering or AI training

What is a “CPU”?

CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, responsible for fetching, decoding, and executing pieces of information. It acts as the "brain" of the computer

What is an “HDD” and “SSD”?

HDD is a Hard Disk Drive. SSD is a Solid State Drive. They are both forms of computer storage, where HDDs are typically higher capacity and SSDs are typically higher read/write speeds.

What is a motherboard?

A motherboard (or mobo, or mainboard) allows communication between all parts of the computer. Picking a good mobo is important because it acts as the backbone of your PC

What are “form factors”?

Form factors are sizes for motherboards. Some form factors (motherboard sizes) are Mini-ITX, MicroATX, ATX, and E-ATX.

What is the fastest cable in terms of data transfer?

The Thunderbolt cable, with a maximum of 40 gigabits per second.

What are PCI slots?

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots allow you to connect expansion cards to your computers. There are different bandwidth speeds provided by PCI slots, with the more powerful PCIe slots usually indicated by varied colors in the manual

What is the purpose of the northbridge?

Handles high-speed communication with the graphics card, CPU, and memory.

What is the purpose of the southbridge?

Handles low-speed communication with input/output communications, connecting devices like hard drives and USBs + peripherals

How can ESD damage computer hardware?

ESD (electrostatic discharge) can damage or even kill certain parts completely. Some components like RAM, CPUs and HDDs are particularly vulnerable to ESD.

What is the BIOS and what does it do?

BIOS (Basic Input Output System) manages data flow between the OS (operating system) and the hardware.

What is an OS?

The operating system, or OS, is a piece of system software which manages computer hardware and software resources and communication.

What are some types of OS?

Some types of OS's include Batch OS, Multi-Programming OS, Multi-Processing OS, Multi-User OS, Distributed OS, Network OS, Real-Time OS, and Mobile OS

What are a few examples of OS’s?

Windows, Linux are two popular operating systems for computers. MacOS and ChromeOS are custom built for the Mac and Chromebook systems. iOS and Android are two examples of mobile OS.

What is a thread?

Smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed independently by a scheduler, which is typically a part of the operating system

What is a kernel?

The core of an operating system, acting as the intermediary between hardware and software, managing resources and enabling processes to interact with the system

What is a shell?

Program that acts as an interface, allowing users to interact with an operating system by interpreting commands and executing them

What is UI?

UI (User Interface) is where human users interact with a computer, website or application through provided tools. Makes user experience easier and more intuitive

What is a device driver?

Pieces of software that enables communication between an operating system or application and hardware or peripheral devices. The device driver is how the computer interacts with the hardware

What are the three main functions of an OS?

1. manage the computer's resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers 2. establish a user interface 3. execute and provide services for applications software.

Why do you need to open the BIOS while installing the OS?

You need to configure the storage load order inside of the BIOS, specifically configuring it so that the USB key with the OS is read first by the computer. This is also why you have to pull out the USB key within the 10 second restart period at the end of installation.

What is utility software?

Utility software helps users configure, analyse, optimise and maintain a computer E.x Disk defragmenters, System Profilers, Network Managers, Antivirus software, etc.

What is the “Windows Registry”?

A hierarchical database that stores low-level settings for the Microsoft Windows operating system – you can use the registry in order to accomplish certain “registry hacks” like changing the logon background

What are partitions? Why do we need to delete them?

“Divisions” of a computer storage medium (SSD and HDD), creating distinct storage areas treated as separate drives by the operating system. We need to delete them to avoid storage overwrites and corrupted files/data

Why does an operating system need automatic updates?

This allows you to download the latest developments in cyber security, efficiency and overall improved functionality for your computer.

What is binary?

Binary is a code of ones and zeros, or a form of computer data. However, it is really just a method of counting (base two)

Why do computers use base-two instead of base-ten?

Computers use binary (base-two) as it is represented by 0/LOW/false or 1/HIGH/true which can be shown by turning a transistor on or off. This allows us to store numbers up to 255 numbers in a single byte (2^8)

Why do 8 bits store 255 numbers, not 256?

Binary counting starts at zero. So, 2^8 would start counting at zero instead of one, so we can subtract 1.

What is a bit and a byte?

A bit is the smallest unit of information within a computer. A byte is 8 bits.

What is ASCII?

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) turns binary numbers into letters by assigning a character to each value of a byte between 0 and 255. E.x “A” is “01000001”, “$” is “0100100”, etc.

How do you count in binary? Give an example.

To count up in binary, you could imagine it like an abacus. Count up in the rightmost column, and shift the “1” down every time you need to count up again. E.x 000, 001, 010, 011, 100, 101, 110, 111

What is this gate? When does it output a HIGH/on/1?

This diagram shows an AND gate, it outputs a true signal when both inputs A and B are true.

To what gate does this truth table correspond to?

This is an OR gate.

What is the equation for a NAND gate?

What is one example of a gate with a single input?

The “NOT” or “Hex Inverter” only has one input.

What is another name for the EOR (exclusive or) gate?

EOR is also known as the XOR gate.

What are all of the steps for completing truth tables?

STEP 1: Determine the number of inputs and outputs. STEP 2: Determine the number of rows. STEP 3: Make the blank truth table. STEP 4: Make columns based on the number of inputs and outputs. STEP 5: Draw a double line/highlight cells to separate the inputs from the outputs. STEP 6: Fill in the inputs by binary counting and solve for gate outputs.

What is a breadboard?

A breadboard serves as the foundation for basic circuits, it is composed of a plastic-like casing which covers the internal metallic “terminal” strips which are used to power components vertically.

What are some common number identifiers for gate integrated circuits?

The AND Gate IC is 7408, OR Gate IC is 7432, NOT Gate IC is 7404, EOR Gate IC is 7486, NAND Gate IC is 7400, and the NOR Gate IC is 7402.

What is a LAN?

A LAN (Local Area Network) connects devices within a small area like a home, office, or school. It allows sharing of files, printers, and internet access using technologies like Ethernet or Wi-Fi. LANs are fast, cost-effective, and usually managed locally.

What is a router?

A router connects different networks, such as your home network to the internet. It directs data traffic, assigns IP addresses, and often includes security features like firewalls and parental controls. It works mostly at Layer 3 of the OSI model.

What is an IP address?

An IP address is a unique identifier for devices on a network. It enables communication by telling data where to go. IPv4 is most common, while IPv6 is newer and supports more devices. IPs can be static or assigned dynamically.

What does a switch do?

A switch connects multiple devices in a LAN and forwards data only to the intended recipient. It uses MAC addresses to direct traffic efficiently, reducing congestion. Switches operate mostly at Layer 2 of the OSI model.

What causes network latency?

Latency is the delay in data transfer. Causes include long distances, network congestion, slow routing, and wireless interference. High latency can affect video calls, gaming, and streaming.

What is a firewall?

A firewall filters network traffic based on security rules. It blocks unauthorized access while allowing safe communication. Firewalls can be hardware, software, or both, and help protect networks from threats.

What is DNS?

DNS (Domain Name System) converts website names into IP addresses. It makes browsing easier by letting users type names instead of numbers. Without DNS, internet use would be far less user-friendly.

What is bandwidth?

Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can travel over a network in a given time. It’s measured in Mbps or Gbps. Higher bandwidth allows more data to move at once but doesn’t always mean faster speeds.

What is a VPN?

A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It hides your IP, protects data on public Wi-Fi, and can bypass regional restrictions. VPNs are used for privacy and secure remote access.

What is a WAN?

A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects multiple LANs over large distances using routers and public infrastructure like the internet. It’s used by businesses and governments to connect offices in different cities or countries.

What is a modem?

A modem (modulator-demodulator) converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or cable lines, and vice versa. It enables internet access, often working alongside a router.

What is network topology?

Network topology refers to the physical or logical layout of a network—how devices are connected. Common types include star, bus, ring, mesh, and hybrid. Topology affects performance, cost, and ease of troubleshooting.

What is a protocol?

A network protocol is a set of rules that define how data is sent and received. Examples include TCP/IP, HTTP, and FTP. Protocols ensure devices can communicate properly across networks.

What is DHCP?

DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network. This saves time and reduces configuration errors compared to manually assigning IPs.

What is a packet?

A packet is a small chunk of data sent across a network. Large files are broken into packets, which travel independently and are reassembled at the destination. Each packet includes source, destination, and error-checking data.