Computer Hardware and Peripherals - Review Flashcards

Question-and-answer flashcards covering computer hardware basics, input/output devices, storage, components, and networking.

What is a computer?

A programmable machine that can store, retrieve, and process data, responds to a specific set of instructions in a well-defined manner, and executes them.

Are modern computers electronic and digital?

Yes; they are electronic and digital devices.

What does hardware refer to in a computer system?

The physical aspects of a computer system; any piece of equipment that serves as part of the system.

What does a complete computer system include besides the computer proper?

Cables, connectors, power supply units, and peripheral devices such as the keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers, and printers.

What are the core PC hardware components categories?

Input devices, Output devices, System devices, Storage devices, and Network devices.

What are input devices?

Devices used to give instructions to the computer.

What is the most common input device?

The mouse.

What does a mouse do?

Controls a visual cursor called the pointer; lets the user navigate by clicking icons; senses motion and clicks and sends them to the computer.

What is the most ideal device for inputting text and executing commands with key combinations?

The keyboard.

What are common keyboard variations?

Standard, Ergonomic, Wireless, Compact, Internet Keyboard, Gaming Keyboard, and Virtual Keyboard.

What device converts photos into electronic format for use on a computer?

A scanner.

What hardware reads barcodes and logs products into a database?

A barcode scanner.

Which device is used for video chatting and streams video in real time?

A webcam.

What is a graphics tablet?

A device that enables drawing or sketching on the computer; the stylus offers better cursor control than a mouse.

Under which category do joysticks and D-pad fall?

Game controllers (input devices for gaming applications).

What inputs audio information into the computer?

A microphone.

What are output devices?

Devices used to communicate information to the user.

Which devices deliver visual information to the user?

Monitors and projectors.

Name common monitor variations.

CRT, LCD, and Plasma monitors.

Name additional monitor types mentioned in the notes.

Touch Screen Monitor and OLED Monitor.

Which devices deliver audio output?

Speakers and Headphones.

What device outputs hard copies of documents?

Printer.

What is the motherboard?

The main circuit board that houses essential hardware elements and connects the major components; often considered the heart of the PC.

Name core internal components of a computer.

Power supply, microprocessor (CPU), fan, RAM, video card, sound card, casing, CD-DVD drive, motherboard, and hard disk drive.

What is the system unit?

The enclosure that houses all the computer components and usually includes the power supply.

What does the motherboard do?

Holds the major circuitry and connects internal components such as memory, drives, power supply, and processor.

What is the CPU?

The brain of the PC; handles computations; more power leads to faster performance.

What is RAM?

Random Access Memory; stores data needed by the CPU to run applications temporarily for fast retrieval.

What is a graphics card?

An integrated circuit that provides digital-to-analog conversion, video RAM, and a video controller for the display.

What is a sound card?

A device that enables the computer to output sound through speakers, record sound with a microphone, and manipulate sound stored in files or on disk.

What are storage devices?

Hardware components used to store persistent data for your system even when the computer has no power.

What are optical storage discs?

Portable discs that can hold data and are readable by an optical drive.

Examples of optical storage devices?

CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc.

What are hard disk drives (HDDs)?

Magnetic storage devices with large capacity that read/write data; provides reliable, persistent storage.

What are solid-state drives (SSDs)?

Hard drives with no moving parts; faster, more stable, and more expensive.

What are removable/portable storage devices?

USB flash drives, SD cards, CF cards, Memory Stick Duo, portable hard drives, and portable SSDs.

What does networking equipment enable?

Sharing data within a network and on the Internet.

What is an Ethernet card?

A card that enables wired network connections to a network.

What is a WiFi card?

A wireless network adapter that allows standalone PCs or laptops to connect to a wireless access point.

What is a network hub?

The most basic network device that links multiple computers; it broadcasts data across connections without intelligence.

What is a network switch?

A device that filters and forwards packets with limited capability; more advanced than a hub but not as advanced as a router.

What is a router?

A device that sends network traffic to its correct destination by reading the destination network address.

What is a modem?

A contracted 'modulator-demodulator' that allows a computer to communicate with the outside world; some modems have built-in routers.