Ch 2 Computer Hardware & Software

The CPU, or central processing unit, is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer because it is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the main component that carries out the majority of the computer's processing tasks, such as running programs, managing memory, and controlling input and output devices. The CPU plays a crucial role in determining the overall performance and speed of a computer system.

Having more RAM in a computer allows it to store more data that it can quickly access, which in turn improves the processing speed. When a computer runs out of RAM, it starts using the slower hard drive as virtual memory, resulting in slower performance. Therefore, increasing the amount of RAM in a computer can significantly enhance its processing speed by reducing the need for accessing slower storage devices.

A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that covers a small geographical area such as a home, office, or building, while a WAN (Wide Area Network) covers a larger area such as multiple cities or even countries. Therefore, the statement is true as the main distinction between a LAN and a WAN lies in the size of the area they cover.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a type of computer memory that is used to store data that is currently being processed by the computer. Unlike other types of memory, such as hard drives or solid-state drives, RAM is volatile, meaning that its contents are lost when the computer is powered off or restarted. RAM allows the computer to quickly access and manipulate data, making it an essential component for efficient computing.

A GUI (Graphical User Interface) is a type of interface that allows users to interact with a computer system through visual elements such as icons, buttons, and menus. It provides a user-friendly way to navigate and operate a computer system. In this context, the statement is true because a GUI does indeed allow users to select words, symbols, or graphics from a desktop by simply clicking or tapping on them.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a type of computer memory that allows data to be accessed randomly, meaning any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. This allows for fast and efficient data storage and retrieval. 

Speakers are output devices that produce sound, they do not have the capability to save audio to a hard drive. Saving audio to a hard drive requires a recording device such as a microphone or a software program that allows audio recording. Therefore, the statement is false.

The statement is true because the CPU (Central Processing Unit) is indeed a single chip known as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations in a computer system. It acts as the brain of the computer, handling all the processing tasks.

The correct answer is "Central Processing Unit." CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, which is the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside the computer. It carries out instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logical, control, and input/output (I/O) operations. The other options, "Central Prosess unit" and "Central process unit," are misspellings of the correct term.

The given statement is incorrect. Data is not stored permanently in RAM (Random Access Memory). RAM is a volatile memory where data is temporarily stored while the computer is running. Once the power is turned off, the data stored in RAM is lost. For permanent storage of data, other non-volatile storage devices like hard drives or solid-state drives are used.

A microphone is not an output device. It is an input device that converts sound into an electrical signal, which can then be processed and transmitted. Output devices, on the other hand, are used to display or produce information or results from a computer system. Examples of output devices include monitors, printers, and speakers, all of which are capable of displaying or producing visual or audio output.

The two most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Macintosh OS. These operating systems are widely used and have a large user base. Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system for personal computers, while Macintosh OS is the operating system used on Apple Macintosh computers. Both operating systems offer a wide range of features and applications, making them popular choices for users around the world.

This statement is false. Dial-up connections transmit data at a slower rate than broadband connections. Dial-up connections use a standard telephone line to connect to the internet, which has a maximum speed of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps). On the other hand, broadband connections use technologies like DSL, cable, or fiber-optic, which can provide much higher speeds ranging from several megabits per second (Mbps) to gigabits per second (Gbps). Therefore, broadband connections are generally faster than dial-up connections.

A router is a special hardware device that is used to join two or more LANs (Local Area Networks). It acts as a central hub, directing network traffic between different LANs and ensuring that data packets are delivered to their intended destinations. Routers use routing tables to determine the most efficient path for data transmission, allowing multiple LANs to be interconnected and enabling communication between devices on different networks. Unlike other options listed, such as NIC (Network Interface Card), WAN (Wide Area Network), or modem, a router specifically serves the purpose of connecting LANs together.

A monitor is not an input device because it is used to display output from a computer rather than to input data or commands. Input devices are used to provide input to a computer system, such as a mouse, keyboard, scanner, or microphone. A monitor is an output device that allows users to visually see the output of their actions on the computer.

LAN, or Local Area Network, is the correct answer because it connects computers in a single location to other computers at that location. A LAN is a network that is confined to a small geographical area, such as a home, office, or building, and allows computers and devices to share resources, such as files, printers, and internet access. It provides a means for computers within the same location to communicate and share information efficiently.

A flash drive can have a capacity of 8 GB, which stands for gigabytes. This means that it can store up to 8 gigabytes of data. Gigabytes are a unit of digital information storage, and 1 gigabyte is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes. Flash drives with larger capacities are also available, but 8 GB is a common size for many flash drives on the market.

Dial-up internet connection is the slowest among the given options. Dial-up uses a telephone line to connect to the internet, and it operates at a maximum speed of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps). This type of connection is outdated and has been largely replaced by faster alternatives such as cable, DSL, and fiber optic connections. Dial-up is known for its slow download and upload speeds, as well as frequent disconnections.

A GUI (Graphical User Interface) is not a type of application software, but rather a visual interface that allows users to interact with software applications. It is a means of displaying information and receiving user input through graphical elements such as buttons, menus, and windows. Web browsers, spreadsheets, and email are all examples of application software, as they are programs designed to perform specific tasks or functions for the user.

A modem is a hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive signals through telephone lines. It converts digital signals from the computer into analog signals that can be transmitted over telephone lines, and vice versa. This allows the computer to connect to the internet or communicate with other devices over a telephone network.

The root folder is the main folder that contains all of the site's other files and folders. It is the top-level directory in a file system hierarchy, from which all other directories and files are organized and accessed.

The internet is not a physical component of a computer system like hardware. It is a global network of interconnected computers that allows communication and sharing of information. While hardware, software, user, and data are all essential components of a computer system, the internet is an external network that connects computer systems together.