Hardware and Software Fundamentals Review

This flashcard set reviews essential concepts from computer hardware components to operating-system basics and file management, providing a comprehensive study tool for exam preparation.

What is computer hardware?

The physical components of a computer system that can be seen and touched, including both internal and external devices.

Which cycle is fundamental to computer operations?

The fetch-decode-execute cycle.

In what format do computers store and transfer data?

Binary code consisting of 0s and 1s.

What is the relationship between decimal and binary numbers?

Any decimal number can be uniquely represented in binary, and vice-versa.

Give three examples of peripheral devices.

Keyboards, mice, monitors (other examples include printers, scanners, external hard drives).

What are two common ways to connect peripherals to a computer?

Wired connections and wireless connections.

How do you match a motherboard with a processor and memory?

Ensure the CPU socket type and supported memory type/speed are compatible with the motherboard.

What is the purpose of motherboard connectors?

To provide communication paths and power delivery between components so the computer can function.

Differentiate short-term vs. long-term storage in computing.

Short-term storage (≤3 months) is temporary; long-term storage (>3 months) is for prolonged retention.

List four internal computer components.

CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage devices (also graphics card, power supply, cooling systems).

What does CPU stand for?

Central Processing Unit.

Which component provides temporary data storage while programs run?

RAM (Random Access Memory).

What is the purpose of a video card (GPU)?

Rendering images, videos, and 3-D graphics to a monitor.

How would you describe a hard drive?

A non-volatile storage device that stores and retrieves digital data such as the OS, applications, and user files.

True or False: Computers can only store information in binary format.

False.

When upgrading memory, which component must be checked for compatibility?

The motherboard.

Which component handles audio output on a computer?

The sound card.

Name at least five components that can be installed in a desktop PC.

CPU, motherboard, RAM, storage drive (HDD/SSD), graphics card, power supply, cooling solutions.

What motherboard port types might connect a monitor?

HDMI, DisplayPort, or VGA (depending on hardware age and capability).

What is the CPU's main purpose when building a computer?

Executing instructions and performing calculations that allow the computer to function.

Which component is responsible for short-term storage in a computer?

RAM (Random Access Memory).

What is the motherboard’s main function?

It acts as the central hub connecting and allowing communication among all computer components.

Which component provides long-term data storage?

A hard drive or solid-state drive.

When connecting a motherboard to the rest of the system, what is NOT strictly necessary?

Optional items like some USB headers, legacy connectors, optical drive connections, and certain front-panel ports.

Which component generates and displays visual output?

The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).

What is the overall function of an operating system (OS)?

It manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and enables software applications to run.

How does an OS interact with hardware and applications?

By offering a user-friendly interface and allocating resources like memory and CPU time to applications.

What role does the OS play in resource management?

It monitors and allocates CPU cycles, memory, storage, and I/O devices to ensure efficient use.

Through what process does an operating system start?

Booting—the steps that load the OS into memory and prepare it for use.

Which Windows feature is commonly used to open programs?

The Start menu.

What application do you use to browse files and folders in Windows?

File Explorer (or another file manager on different OSs).

What does it mean to install and uninstall applications?

Installing adds software to the system for use; uninstalling removes that software and its components.

How do you change the desktop background and lock screen images in Windows?

Go to Settings ➜ Personalization ➜ Background or Lock screen to choose new images.

Name three settings you can configure in Display Settings.

Resolution, scaling, orientation (others: brightness, multiple-display arrangement, HDR, Night Light).

How can drivers be updated in Windows?

Via Device Manager or Windows Update.

Why are file extensions important?

They identify the file type so the OS knows which application should open it.

Compare lossy and lossless compression.

Lossy removes some data to shrink file size; lossless reduces size without losing any data.

List two file-management tasks possible with Command Prompt.

Creating or deleting files; copying, moving, or renaming files and directories.

Describe the steps to back up files to an external device.

Connect the external drive, then drag-and-drop files or use built-in tools like Windows File History.

What is the primary purpose of backing up files to an external device?

To protect data against loss from hardware failure, accidental deletion, malware, or disasters.