PC Components
this device is the most important processor in a given computer. Its electronic circuitry executes instructions of a computer program, such as arithmetic, logic, controlling, and input/output (I/O) operations.
what is CPU?
When assembling a tower computer, this component is connected to the motherboard at multiple locations, and is usually located in the bottom-rear of the tower to allow easy connection to an external power source
what is the power supply/PSU?
this is the main peripheral accessory used to display information from the computer for a user to view
what is a monitor?
this component is used by the CPU to store important information it anticipates to need often, quickly, or soon - it is usually the second fastest type of storage on a computer
what is RAM (Random Access Memory)?
This type of storage device uses magnetic disks spinning quickly to store data
what is a Hard Drive/Hard Disk Drive?
this accessory attaches to the body (commonly the wrist) and is then connected to an appropriate grounding source
what is an anti-static (wrist) strap?
this peripheral consists of many mechanical input switches and is used to interact with the computer by inputting information by pressing the switches
what is a keyboard
this is firmware used to provide runtime services for operating systems and programs and to perform hardware initialization during the booting process
what is BIOS?
you would install this in a desktop computer to enable a video signal to be recorded to the computer hard drive
what is a capture card/video capture card?
this device consists of a single large PCB with multiple components, sockets, and connection points throughout. when assembled, it contains a majority of parts that make up a computer (CPU, memory)
what is a motherboard?
A customer comes into a computer parts and service store looking for a device to scan some old family photos into a laptop, they would leave with this type of peripheral
what is a scanner/flatbed scanner?
this is a type of device/chip that cannot be erased or overwritten after the initial operation
what is ROM (Read-Only Memory)?
This type of memory can detect multiple bit errors and correct single bit errors in itself
what is ECC Memory/ECC RAM?
what is a chipset?
this is a type of device used provide secure access through physical doors/gates, using a scan of a body part (retina, palm, fingerprint, voice, etc.)
what is biometric scanner?
USB's full government name is this
What is Universal Serial Bus?
these memory chips are specifically designed for video graphics and are used in conjunction with a dedicated GPU
What is GDDR Memory/GDDR SDRAM
after being assembled, this is the very first thing a computer will perform once powered on
what is a POST (power-on self test)?
this type of device uses inductive coupling between two electromagnetic coils to exchange information over short ranges (applications include tap-to-pay and door access control)
What is near-field communication (NFC)?
a specification for a software program that connects a computer's firmware to its operating system (OS). it is expected to eventually replace basic input/output system (BIOS) but is compatible with it.
what is UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)