CH 2 Q&A

.docx

School

California State University, Sacramento *

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Course

352

Subject

Computer Science

Date

May 8, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

1

Uploaded by JusticeRookMaster5216 on coursehero.com

Chapter 2: Understanding Computer Hardware 1. Q: What is computer hardware? A: Computer hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched and seen, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory modules, and storage devices. 2. Q: What is the function of the CPU? A: The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the brain of the computer, responsible for executing instructions, performing calculations, and controlling the overall operation of the system. 3. Q: What are the main components of a computer system? A: The main components include the CPU, RAM (Random Access Memory), storage devices (hard disk drive, solid-state drive), motherboard, and peripherals (keyboard, mouse, monitor). 4. Q: What is RAM and what role does it play in a computer? A: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data and program instructions that the CPU needs to access quickly. It plays a crucial role in multitasking and overall system performance. 5. Q: What are storage devices and what are the different types? A: Storage devices are used to permanently store data and programs. Types include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical drives (CD/DVD drives), and flash drives (USB drives). 6. Q: What factors should be considered when choosing a storage device? A: Factors include storage capacity, speed (read/write performance), reliability, and cost per gigabyte. 7. Q: How do graphics cards contribute to computer performance? A: Graphics cards (GPU) are specialized hardware components responsible for rendering images and graphics. They are essential for gaming, video editing, and other graphics-intensive tasks. 8. Q: What is the difference between integrated and dedicated graphics? A: Integrated graphics are built into the CPU or motherboard and share system memory, while dedicated graphics have their own memory and processing units, providing better performance for graphics-intensive applications. 9. Q: What is the importance of the motherboard in a computer system? A: The motherboard serves as the main circuit board that connects and facilitates communication between various hardware components, such as the CPU, RAM, storage devices, and peripherals. 10. Q: How can users upgrade or expand their computer hardware? A: Users can upgrade hardware components such as RAM, storage devices, and graphics cards to improve performance or add new features. Expansion slots on the motherboard allow for the addition of new hardware components.
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