Software & Updates
This might be introduced when you upgrade software, along with requiring greater hardware resources.
What are new bugs?
This device protects computer electronics from electrical damage caused by power surges.
What is a surge protector?
A group of 8 bits that can hold exactly one character or letter.
What is a byte?
These are useful on laptops because they eliminate the need for a separate mouse and save desk space.
What are touchpads?
ou should check this first if your computer does not boot up.
What is whether the computer is plugged in and all connections are secure?
These are the three major types of software: programming software, system software, and application software.
What is application software?
This computer component converts data into signals that create images on the monitor.
What is a video card?
These tiny dots of color combine to create images and graphics on the screen.
What are pixels?
The main difference is that these computers are portable and compact, while desktops are fixed in location and more powerful.
What are laptops?
This substance can clog vents and get into components, causing operational problems and overheating.
What is dust?
You should check that your computer meets these before installing software.
What are the minimum requirements?
Called the brain of the computer, this Central Processing Unit processes all data and controls everything.
What is the CPU?
Unlike RAM which loses data when powered off, this device permanently stores data.
What is a hard drive?
Adding more of this might be a better choice than upgrading the CPU because it costs less and can make a significant difference in performance.
What is RAM?
Hard drive failures can cause this, which is why backing up data keeps information safe.
What is data loss?
During this stage of software development, bugs and defects are identified and fixed.
What is the implementation stage?
This type of memory stores permanent information like the BIOS that tells the computer what to do when it starts up.
What is ROM (Read Only Memory)?
External hard drives, CD or DVD disks, USB flash drives, and online storage can all be used for this important task.
What is backing up data?
According to the text, this was NOT mentioned as a way computers have impacted society.
What is improving transportation systems for cars?
This process organizes files closer together on the hard drive and decreases seek time for faster performance.
What is defragmentation?
RAM temporarily stores data while working and deletes it when the computer shuts down, but this storage device differs by permanently keeping data even when powered off.
What is a hard drive?
RAM provides temporary storage for programs while running, but this component differs because it permanently stores information like the BIOS that can't be changed by users.
What is ROM (Read Only Memory)?
The complete list includes external hard drives, CD or DVD disks, USB flash drives, and this modern method of storage accessible from anywhere.
What is online storage (or cloud storage)?
Desktops are fixed in location and typically more powerful, offering these advantages, while laptops sacrifice some power for portability and compactness.
What is greater processing power (or better performance/upgradeability)?
Before opening the computer case or replacing parts, this simple first troubleshooting step checks that the computer is plugged in and all connections are secure.
What is checking the power and connections (or basic connectivity check)?