Hardware Engine Room
The primary component responsible for executing instructions and math in a computer
What is the CPU?
Hardware device used to type text and issue commands to a computer
What is a Keyboard? / Input
Operating system created by Microsoft used on millions of PCs worldwide.
What is Windows?
Lightweight laptop type relying heavily on cloud storage and web services rather than local storage.
What is a Chromebook?
Python function used to print output messages to the console screen.
What is print()?
Fast, temporary memory that loses all data when power is turned off.
What is RAM?
Output device that projects visual graphics and user interfaces to the user.
What is a Monitor/Display?
Software designed specifically for end-users to perform tasks like word processing or gaming
What is Application Software?
Type of custom PC requiring a powerful multi-core CPU, 32GB+ RAM, and dedicated GPU for 3D animation or video editing
What is a Workstation?
Python keyword used to convert text string input into a whole number.
What is int()?
Non-volatile storage device with no moving parts used for long-term file saving.
What is an SSD?
A device that functions as both an input and an output device simultaneously.
What is a Touchscreen / VR Headset / Gamepad with Haptics?
Low-level software that helps the operating system communicate with specific hardware like a printer or graphics card.
What is a Device Driver?
Architecture combining CPU, GPU, and RAM onto a single microchip, common in smartphones.
What is System-on-Chip / SoC?
Built-in Python module imported to query operating system and architecture information
What is platform?
Hardware component designed specifically to process high-speed 3D graphics and video.
What is a GPU?
The stage in the IPO model where the CPU executes code instructions.
What is Processing?
Software model where source code is publicly shared and free for anyone to inspect or modify.
What is Open-Source Software?
The primary hardware bottleneck when a system has a high-end CPU and GPU but only 2GB of memory
What is RAM
Python symbol used to test if two values are exactly equal to each other.
What is ==?
The term describing memory that empties immediately when electricity is cut off.
What is Volatile Memory?
Hardware device that converts digital audio signals into sound waves human ears can hear
What are Headphones / Speakers?
Software update designed to fix security vulnerabilities and software bugs.
What is a Patch / Security Update?
Main trade-off when choosing a high-performance gaming laptop over a desktop PC of equal price.
What is Thermal Management / Portability vs. Upgradeability?
Python comment symbol used to explain code logic without affecting program execution.
What is #?