ICT General Knowledge Trivia: Are You a Computer Expert?

SATA (Serial ATA) cables are commonly used to connect hard drives, SSDs, and optical drives to the motherboard. They have largely replaced the older IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) cables, which were bulkier and slower. USB cables are used for external devices, and PS2 cables are used for older keyboard and mouse connections.

A keyboard is an input device. It is used to enter data and commands into a computer or other electronic devices. By pressing the keys on a keyboard, users can input text, numbers, and various commands, which the computer then processes. The keyboard translates these keystrokes into signals that the computer's processor can understand. This functionality makes the keyboard an essential tool for interacting with a computer, allowing users to perform a wide range of tasks, from typing documents to executing complex commands. Understanding the role of input devices like keyboards is fundamental to using and operating computers effectively.

A URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator. It is a string of characters that is used to address and locate resources on the internet. It provides a way to identify and access specific web pages, documents, images, or any other type of file. The URL consists of different components such as the protocol (http, https, ftp), the domain name (www.example.com), and the specific path or location of the resource. The correct answer is "Uniform Resource Locator" because it accurately defines what a URL is.

RAM, also known as Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that allows data to be read from and written to in any order, regardless of the physical location of the data. It is a volatile memory, meaning that its contents are lost when the power is turned off. RAM is an essential component of a computer system as it provides temporary storage for data and instructions that are actively being used by the CPU. It allows for fast access to data, enabling efficient multitasking and overall system performance.

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a standardized technology for connecting various devices to a computer. It defines the cables, connectors, and communication protocols used to transfer data and provide power. USB has become the most common method for connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and external drives.  

A USB flash drive is a portable storage device that can be used to save files. It allows users to transfer and store data, such as documents, photos, videos, and more. Unlike traditional storage options, like hard drives or CDs, a USB flash drive is small, lightweight, and easy to carry around. It provides a convenient way to backup important files, transfer data between devices, and access files on the go. Therefore, using a USB flash drive for saving files is a practical and common application.

Hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system that can be touched, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and CPU. Software, on the other hand, refers to the programs and applications that run on the hardware. The OS (Operating System) is a type of software that manages the computer's hardware and software resources. While programs are also a type of software that perform specific tasks. Therefore, out of the given options, only hardware can be physically touched.

IC chips, also known as integrated circuits, are made of silicon. Silicon is a semiconductor material that is widely used in the electronics industry due to its ability to conduct electricity under certain conditions. It is a crucial component in the manufacturing of IC chips as it allows for the miniaturization and integration of various electronic components onto a single chip. Silicon's properties, such as its high melting point, low electrical resistance, and ability to handle high temperatures, make it an ideal material for IC chip production.

1 GB (gigabyte) is equal to 1024 MB (megabytes). In computing, data storage is commonly measured in binary units, where each unit is a power of 2. A gigabyte is defined as 210 megabytes, which equals 1024 megabytes. This binary measurement system is based on the binary numeral system used by computers, where each increase in unit size represents an exponential increase in the amount of data storage. Understanding these conversions is essential for managing and understanding data storage capacities in computers and other digital devices.

ROM (Read-Only Memory) is an example of non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory retains its data even when the power is turned off, making it ideal for storing firmware and important system instructions that must persist across reboots. RAM (Random Access Memory) and Cache Memory, on the other hand, are volatile types of memory, which means they lose their data when the power is turned off. ROM is used in various applications within a computer, such as storing the BIOS, which is essential for booting up the system and performing initial hardware checks and configurations. Understanding the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory is crucial for comprehending how computer systems manage and retain data.