CMPE 105

Computer Hardware and Fundamentals

Reviewer by: | 1-7

PC Development Timeline Central Processing Unit (CPU)

I. What is a CPU?
Year PC
Released

1972 8088

1973 Micral

1974 8H

1976 Apple I

1977 Apple II
The Central Processing Unit
1979 6800 (CPU), or also called the microprocessor,
is essentially the brain of a computer. It is
1981 Star IBM’s 1st PC the component that carries out the
instructions given by various programs.
1983 Apple Lisa You can think of it as the director of an
orchestra, taking instructions from the
1984 Macintosh sheet music (software) and telling each
instrument (other parts of the computer)
1986 DeskPro 386 what to do and when.

1987 PS/2
II. What does a CPU do?
1988 EISA
The CPU is central to all
1989 486
processing done by the computer. It reads
1993 P5 and writes data and instructions to and
from storage devices and performs
1995 P6 calculations and other data processing.
Additionally, it performs the following:
1997 Pentium II K6
● Performs calculations and data
1999 Pentium III processing.
● Reads data received by input
2000 1GHz Processors devices.
(AMD Duron) ● Output is written to output devices.

2001 Pentium 4 a. The Fetch-Decode-

Execute Cycle
2006 P6 & Netburst / Core
Architecture The following steps happen very
rapidly around billions of times per second
2007 Penryn for modern CPUs. This cycle continues
Microarchitecture until the entire program is executed.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Fetch: The CPU retrieves instructions ❖ Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU)
from the computer's memory (RAM) one
by one. It identifies the location of the ● Executes all arithmetic and logical
instruction and brings it into a special area
operations.
within the CPU for processing.

Decode: The control unit, acting like the ❖ Memory Unit (MU)
conductor interpreting the sheet music,
deciphers the retrieved instruction. It ● Manages data and instruction transfer
determines what kind of operation needs between the CPU and main memory.
to be performed (math, logic, data transfer,
etc.) IV. What are the letters that come
after the processor name?
Execute: The ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit),
the workhorse of the CPU, executes the Labeling and identification markings on an
decoded instruction. This might involve Intel processor.
calculations like addition, subtraction, or
comparisons.

The results are then stored in registers for

quick access.

**Registers. ALUs often work closely with

registers, which are small, fast storage
locations within the CPU. Registers hold
data that is being processed by the ALU,
as well as the results of operations Sample letter next to the processor name.
performed by the ALU.

III. Three Basic Components of

Microprocessor

What are the letters that come after the

processor name?

❖ Control Unit (CU)

● Manages all activities inside the CPU.

● Directs the entire computer system to
carry out program instructions.
● Communicates with both the ALU and
MU.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

It is important to note that these ● Impact: Affects the CPU's

are just some of the common letters used. processing power and
There may be others depending on the performance.
specific processor model and
manufacturer. For the most up-to-date Data Path Size:
information, you can refer to the
manufacturer's website or product ● Definition: The largest number of
specifications. bits that can be transported to and
from the CPU via the system bus.
V. Characteristics of a CPU ● Impact: Influences the speed and
volume of data transfer between
❖ Processor Speed the CPU and other components.

● Independence: Can be larger than

Speed at which the CPU operates the word size, allowing the CPU to
internally. receive more data than it can
process at once.
● Current processor speeds are
measured in the Gigahertz (GHz) VII. Instruction Sets
or billions of cycles per second.
● Speed of an internal clock that The set of commands permanently
synchronizes the operations inside built into the CPU chip, for performing
the CPU. fundamental operations such as
● Average speed for a new CPU comparing or adding two numbers.
today is 3GHz.
❖ Types of Instruction Sets
❖ Bus Speed
CISC
Frequency or speed at which data moves
on a bus. Complex Instruction Set Computers. It has
larger instruction sets composed of
● System clock synchronizes data complex instructions. It takes longer in
transfer into and out of the CPU on executing instructions since instructions
a system bus. are generally complex.
● One signal path can carry one bit
of information at a time. RISC

Common Speed for System Busses: Reduced Instruction Set Computers. It has
fewer and simpler instructions, thus each
555MHz • 667MHz • 800MHz • 1066MHz • instruction runs more quickly. However, it
1333MHz • 1600MHz requires more instructions to perform
complex operations.
System bus speeds for older CPUs are:
VIII. Memory Cache
100MHz • 133MHz • 200MHz
A small set of high-speed memory used to
hold copies of the portions of the larger
VI. Word size and data path size
but slower main memory. There are either
Word Size: 2 or 3 levels of memory cache in a CPU
depending on where it is located
● Definition: The largest number of
bits a CPU can process in a single ❖ Cache Levels
operation (typically 16 to 64 bits).
Level 1 (L1) – located in the CPU chip

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 CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Level 2 (L2) – located in the motherboard ● Provides increased efficiency in

Level 3 (L3) – additional cache memory creating digital files and faster graphics.
intended for server systems
❖ CORE
IX. Multiprocessing
● Intel’s 32 bit dual-core x86 CPUs
Also known as parallel processing.
derived from Pentium M processors.
Microchips are designed to work in
● More power efficient than Pentium
cooperation with other CPUs installed on
models.
the same motherboard allowing them to
do more than one thing at a time. It makes
a program run faster because there are
more CPUs processing it.

X. Types of Processors

❖ Intel Processors

● Widely used CPU in personal computers.

● Early CPUs by Intel were identified by
model numbers: 8088, 8086, 80286,
80386, and 80486.

❖ CELERON

● Pentium-class processor that targets the

low-end PC multimedia and home
market segments.
● Uses advanced transfer cache for L2 ❖ Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
cache and works well with the most and VIA Processors.
common windows applications.
● Popular in the gaming and hobbyist
markets.
❖ PENTIUM III
● Designed for notebook computers and
generally less expensive than
● Has a 100MHz or 133 MHz system bus
comparable Intel processors.
with a processor speed up to 1.4GHz.
● Introduced Intel’s performance
enhancement called Streaming SIMD
(SSE).
● SIMD stands for single instruction,
multiple data. Better multimedia
processing.

❖ PENTIUM 4

● Can rum up to 3.2. GHz.

● Provides increased performance for
multimedia applications such as digital
video and web technologies.
● Uses 400, 533 or 800 MHz system bus.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

XI. CPU Cooling Fan

Aluminum Copper
CPU Cooling Fan keeps
temperatures between 32 degree Celsius
Aluminum is cheaper but has only half the
to 43 degrees Celsius. It gets power via a
heat dissipation capability of copper.
power connector on the motherboard or
Copper is used less frequently because it
one of the power cables coming from the
is expensive.
power supply.

XII. CPU Heatsink

Power Supply Unit (PSU)
Example of a heatsink for CPU.

Intel AMD

❖ Active Heatsink

The Power Supply Unit (PSU) is

the source of electrical power for every
part of the PC. Its primary function is to
regulate and convert Alternating Current
(AC) to Direct Current (DC). The standard
outlet in the Philippines fluctuates
between 210 and 225 volts, the job of the
PSU is simply to provide the voltage
An active heat sink has a powered needed by the computer components to
device such as a fan, water pump, or air operate properly and so as not to damage
blower to enhance cooling capacity. Such them (e.g. components that have a rated
powered devices mounted on a heatsink voltage of only 5 volts).
push or pull a constant fresh air flow
across the metal cooler, making thermal I. Power Cord
dissipation much more effective. Simply
put, it absorbs the heat from the CPU
while the fan blows off the heat.

❖ Passive Heatsink

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

III. 4-pin Connector or 4+4 pin

Connector

4-pin Connector 4+4 pin Connector

The power cord is the cable that Either 4-pin connector or 4+4 pin
connects your computer's PSU to the wall connector (also 8-pin connector) is used to
outlet, allowing electricity to flow from the supply power specifically to the CPU and
outlet to the computer. It has two ends: processor. The use of either of them
depends on the type of the motherboard,
Male End: since some motherboards are designed
● The one with prongs for a 4-pin connector and some for 8-pin
● The one you plug into an connector.
outlet
Female End: IV. 6+2 pin Connector
● The one with holes
● The one you connect to the
PSU in your computer

II. 24-pin Power Connector

The 6+2 pin connector is

responsible for supplying additional power
to the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
This connector consists of a 6-pin
segment with an additional 2 pins that can
either be attached or detached. This
flexibility allows it to function as either a
6-pin connector or as an 8-pin connector
since graphic cards often require a 6-pin
The 24-pin Power Connector is or 8-pin PCIe power connector to supply
responsible for providing power to the adequate power for their operation.
motherboard, which is the main circuit
board of the computer. This connector V. Molex Connector
supplies electricity to most of the
components on the motherboard, except
to the CPU, ensuring they have the power
they need to operate. Each pin carries a
specific type of electrical current needed
to power various parts of the motherboard.
The cable ensures that the right amount of
power reaches each component. The
picture above displays the rated voltage
for each color-coding pin.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Developed by the Molex Connector

Company in the late 1950s, the Molex a. SATA Data Cable
connector was initially used to power DVD
drives, older hard drive models, and floppy Responsible for transferring data
disk drives. However, as these from hard drives or storage to the
technologies became obsolete, the Molex motherboard.
connector found new utility in supplying
power to additional components such as b. SATA Power Cable
fans and lighting inside a computer case.
Responsible for powering up the
Moreover, the Molex connector hard drive. It is directly connected to the
features male and female ends. The male power supply.
end has pins that plug into the female end,
which contains corresponding sockets. ❖ SATA vs PATA
Multiple connectors can be linked together
in a series, allowing for daisy-chaining if
needed.

VI. Parallel Advanced Technology

Attachment (PATA)

Also known as Integrated Drive

Electronic (IDE), Parallel ATA is an older
interface for connecting storage devices
like hard drives and optical drives to the
motherboard. PATA uses a parallel data
transfer method, meaning that data is
transmitted in multiple bits at once, which
requires wider ribbon cables and larger
connectors. PATA has been largely
replaced by SATA in modern computers.
Motherboard
VII. Serial Advanced Technology
Attachment (SATA)

Serial ATA is a newer interface that I. Image of Motherboard and

was developed as a replacement for Identification of Parts
PATA. SATA uses a serial data transfer II. Back of a Motherboard
method, meaning that data is transmitted a. Buses / Traces
one bit at a time, which allows for faster III. 4 pin slot
data transfer speeds and thinner cables IV. 24 pin slot
with smaller connectors. SATA is now the V. Fan Connectors
most common interface used for VI. CPU Socket / Slot
connecting hard drives, SSDs, and other a. Intel
storage devices to a computer. b. AMD
VII. RAM Slot
VIII. AGP Slot
IX. PCI Slot
X. SATA Slot
XI. Northbridge
XII. Southbridge
XIII. Illustration of the function of
North and South bridges

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 CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

XIV. Back Panel c. Straight-through and

XV. BIOS Chip Crossover UTP Cables
XVI. CMOS Battery IX. Fiber-Optic Cabling
XVII. Reset BIOS Password a. Properties of Fiber-Optic
XVIII. Motherboard Jumper Cabling
b. Types of Fiber Media
● Single-Mode Fiber
Memory of a Computer
● Multimode Fiber
c. Fiber-Optic Cabling Usage
I. Map Diagram of Memory d. Fiber-Optic Connectors
a. PROM e. Fiber Patch Cords
b. EPROM f. Fiber versus Copper
c. EEPROM
II. Random Access Memory (RAM)
Wireless Media
a. SIMM
b. DIMM
III. Static Random Access Memory
(SRAM) I. Wireless Internet
IV. Dynamic Random Access
Memory (DRAM) Wireless Internet refers to internet
a. DIMM Modules access without the need for physical
b. SODIMM Modules connection via cables. It carries
electromagnetic signals representing
binary digits using radio waves or infrared
signals to transmit data between devices
Local Area Network (LAN) Cable
and access points (e.g., routers). This
provides the greatest mobility option.
Wireless connection numbers continue to
I. History of Ethernet LAN Cable’s increase.
Categories
II. Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) II. Properties of Wireless Media
III. Straight-through
IV. Crossover Limitations of wireless:
V. Bandwidth
VI. Bandwidth Terminology ● Coverage area: Effective
a. Latency coverage can be significantly
b. Throughput impacted by the physical
c. Goodput characteristics of the deployment
VII. Copper Cabling location.
a. Characteristics of Copper
Cabling ● Interference: Susceptible to
b. Crosstalk interference from other devices,
c. Types of Copper Cabling physical obstacles, and
● UTP Cable environmental conditions.
● STP Cable
● Coaxial Cable ● Security: Wireless communication
➢ F type coverage requires no access to a
➢ N-type physical strand of media, so
➢ Bnc anyone can gain access to the
VIII. UTP Cabling transmission.
a. Properties of UTP Cabling
b. UTP Cabling Standards and ● Shared Medium:
Connectors

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Wireless Lan (WLAN) operates in

half-duplex, which means only one device
can send or receive at a time. Many users
accessing the WLAN simultaneously
results in reduced bandwidth for each
user.

● Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15):

Wireless Personal Area Network

(WPAN) standard. Short-range
wireless technology for connecting
devices (e.g., smartphones,
keyboards, speakers) within a few
meters.

● WiMAX (IEEE 802.16):

III. Types of Wireless Media Uses a point-to-multipoint topology

to provide broadband wireless
The IEEE and telecommunications access.
industry standards for wireless data
communications cover both the data link ● Zigbee (IEEE 802.15.4):
and physical layers. In each of these
standards, physical layer specifications Low-data rate, lower
dictate: power-consumption
communications, primarily for
Internet of Things (IoT)
● Data to radio signals encoding applications.
methods
● Frequency and power of ● Infrared: Uses infrared light waves
transmission for short-range communication
● Signal reception and decoding between devices (e.g., remote
requirements controls, some older wireless
● Antenna design and construction peripherals).

Wireless Standards:
IV. NIC (Network Interface Card)
● Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity):
NIC is the hardware device that
Wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. connects the computer to a network of
Standard for WLANS is based on IEEE computers.
802.11 standards, offering high-speed
internet access. Types:

● Wired NIC: Connects to wired

networks using Ethernet cables.
● Wireless NIC (Wi-Fi Adapter):
Connects to wireless networks
using radio waves.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Function: (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer

network.
Facilitates communication between the ● It determines how computers are
computer and the network, enabling data interconnected and how they
transmission. communicate with one another

● converts information so it can be

transmitted across the network PROTOCOLS
● NIC has one or more LED’s which
function as indicators on data Agree on the Format and Structure of
activity in the network system. A Communication:
green LED flashes when the card
is communicating with the network. ● Protocols are sets of rules and
A flashing red LED indicates data conventions for communication
collision occurred in the network between network devices.
● They ensure that data is
Ports/Antennas: transmitted and received correctly
and efficiently.
● Wired NIC: Typically has an RJ45 ● The rules and regulations
port for Ethernet cables. implemented within the group must
● Wireless NIC: Usually has one or be strictly followed since the
more antennas for receiving and computers share the same
transmitting wireless signals. medium by which the data is sent
and received.
Speed: Around 10, 100, and 1000
megabits per second (Mbps). NIC can be Key Network Protocols:
labeled as 10 base Tor 10/100 base TX,
where the number of speeds represents ● Transmission Control Protocol
the maximum speed of the transmission. (TCP): Ensures reliable, ordered,
and error-checked delivery of data
❖ HOW NIC WORKS? between applications.
● Internet Protocol (IP): Routes data
NIC works by connecting a packets between devices across
computer to a network, allowing it to different networks, using IP
communicate with other devices. It addresses to identify the devices.
converts data from the computer into a
format suitable for the network and vice General Requirements:
versa. For wired NICs, this involves
converting data to electrical signals ● Protocols are essential for local
transmitted over Ethernet cables. For area networking (LAN) and internet
wireless NICs, this involves converting connections.
data to radio signals transmitted ● All devices on a network must
wirelessly. The NIC also handles error adhere to the same protocols to
detection and correction, ensuring reliable communicate effectively.
data transmission.

TOPOLOGY ❖ HOW TO INSTALL NIC?

Shape of the Network or Network

Layout:

● Network topology refers to the

arrangement of different elements

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

Binary Number System

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

I. Binary and IPv4 Addresses IV. IPv4 Addresses

● Binary numbering system consists Routers and computers only

of 1s and 0s, called bits. understand binary, while humans work in
● Decimals numbering systems decimal. It is then import to gain thorough
consist of digits 0 through 9. understanding of these two numbering
● Hosts, servers, and network systems and how they are used in
equipment using binary addressing networking.
to identify each other.

Bit - smallest unit of data in a computer,

can have a value of either 0 or 1.

Nibble - 4-bits
Byte - 8-bits
Computer Malware
II. Convert Binary to Decimal

Example: I. What is Computer Malware?

Convert Computer malware, short for

11000000.10101000.00001011.00001010 "malicious software," refers to any
to decimal. software intentionally designed to cause
damage to a computer, server, client, or
computer network. It is created to disrupt
operations, gather sensitive information,
gain unauthorized access to systems, or
display unwanted advertising. Malware
can take various forms, including viruses,
worms, Trojan horses, ransomware,
spyware, adware, and more. It often
exploits vulnerabilities in software or
human behavior to infiltrate systems and
achieve its harmful objectives.

II. Types of Malware

III. Convert Decimal to Binary a. Virus

Example: A virus can copy itself and spread

to other computers by attaching
Convert decimal 168 to binary. themselves to programs and executing
code when a user runs the infected
program. A computer virus requires
human action to spread to other
computers and are often spread through
email attachments and internet
downloads.

Example:

The ILOVEYOU virus.

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CMPE 105
Computer Hardware and Fundamentals
Reviewer by: | 1-7

● It spread via email with the subject ● It infected millions of computers

line "ILOVEYOU" and an worldwide, stole banking
attachment titled information and login credentials,
"LOVE-LETTER-FOR-YOU.txt.vbs used to commit financial fraud and
" identity theft
● Its impact are infected millions of ● The function of this are keystroke
computers worldwide as well as logging to capture sensitive
Caused billions of dollars in information, form grabbing to steal
damages data entered into web forms, and
● It overwrite files, sent copies of remote access to infected systems
itself to all contacts in the victim's for further exploitation
email address book, modified
system settings d. Spyware

b. Worm Installed on your computer without

your knowledge, spyware is designed to
Worms spread over computer track your browsing habits and internet
networks by exploiting operating system activity.
vulnerabilities.
e. Ransomware
Example:
Ransomware is a type of malware
The WannaCry worm. that holds your data captive and demands
payment to release the data back to you.
● It exploited a vulnerability in
Microsoft Windows operating f. Adware
systems using the EternalBlue
exploit. Direct a user’s browser searches
● Its impact are infected hundreds of to look-alike web pages that contain other
thousands of computers in over product promotions.
150 countries as well as disrupted
operations in various sectors, g. Malvertising
including healthcare, The use of legitimate ads or as
telecommunications, and logistics networks to covertly deliver malware to
● It encrypted files on infected unsuspecting user’s computers
computers, demanded ransom
payments in Bitcoin to decrypt the
files, spread rapidly across
networks without user interaction

c. Trojan Horse

Trojan Horse, “Trojan”, enters your

system disguised as a normal,
harmless file or program to trick
users into downloading and
installing malware.

Example:

The Zeus trojan horse.

● Often spread through phishing

emails, malicious websites, or
drive-by downloads.

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 CHF MOCK EXAMINATION (by PI7OTOGRAM, 1-7)
1.Which of the following is considered the "brain" of the computer?
a) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
b) Random Access Memory (RAM)
c) Power Supply Unit (PSU)
d) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
2. Which component stores the computer's operating system, software programs, and user
data even when the computer is turned off?
a) CPU
b) RAM
c) GPU
d) Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Dive (SSD)
3. What is the purpose of a motherboard in a computer?
a) It provides power to the computer.
b) It connects and allows communication between different computer components.
c) It displays visual output on the monitor.
d) It enables wireless network connectivity.
4. Which type of computer memory is non-volatile and retains its data even when the power
is turned off?
a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) ROM
d) Virtual memory
5. Which of the following is NOT a type of computer port?
a) USB
b) HDMI
c) Wi-Fi
d) Ethernet
6. Which of the following is responsible for converting digital signals to analog signals for
transmission over telephone lines?
a) Modem
b) Router
c) Switch
d) Hub
7. What is the purpose of a graphics card (GPU) in a computer?
a) It stores the computer's operating system.
b) It processes and renders graphics for display.
c) It controls the flow of data between the CPU and other components.
d) It provides power to the computer's components.
8. Which type of computer memory is the fastest but also the most expensive?
a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
d) Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
9. What is the purpose of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in a computer?
a) It controls the computer's power supply.
b) It manages the computer's memory.
c) It provides the firmware for initializing hardware during the boot process.
d) It executes software programs.
10. Which component is responsible for providing power to the other components in a
computer?
a) Motherboard
b) Power Supply Unit (PSU)
c) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
d) Random Access Memory (RAM)
11. What type of device is used to input data into a computer?
a) Monitor
b) Keyboard
c) Printer
d) Speaker
12. What is the purpose of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?
a) It provides power to the CPU.
b) It stores data in non-volatile memory.
c) It enables network connectivity.
d) It converts AC power to DC power to power the computer's components.
13. Which of the following is NOT a type of computer storage device?
a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
b) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
c) Random Access Memory (RAM)
d) Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
14. What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer?
a) To cool the computer's components
b) To store data
c) To connect different components
d) To display visual output
15. Which component is responsible for storing data temporarily while the computer is
running?
b) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
c) Random Access Memory (RAM)
d) Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
16. Which of the following is NOT a type of computer monitor?
a) CRT
b) LCD
c) LED
d) CPU
17. Which component is responsible for controlling the flow of data between the computer's
components?
a) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
b) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
c) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
d) Motherboard
18. What is the purpose of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in a computer system?
a) To store data in case of power failure
b) To prevent damage to the computer during a power surge or outage
c) To increase the computer's processing speed
d) To connect to a network
19. Which of the following is NOT an example of an input device?
a) Mouse
b) Scanner
c) Printer
d) Microphone
20. What type of computer memory is used to store data that needs to be accessed quickly
by the CPU?
a) RAM
b) ROM
c) Cache memory
d) Virtual memory
21. What is the purpose of a network interface card (NIC) in a computer?
a) It provides power to the computer.
b) It connects the computer to a network.
c) It stores data in non-volatile memory.
d) It displays the visual output.
22. What is the difference between a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD)?
a) HDDs are faster than SSDs.
b) HDDs are more expensive than SSDs.
c) HDDs use spinning disks to store data, while SSDs use memory chips.
d) HDDs are more durable than SSDS.
23. Which type of computer memory in non-volatile and cannot be changed or overwritten?
a) RAM
b) Cache memory
c) ROM
d) Virtual memory
24. Which component is responsible for providing audio output in a computer?
a) Graphics card (GPU)
b) Sound card
c) Power supply unit (PSU)
d) Hard disk drive (HDD)
25. What is the purpose of a bus in a computer?
a) It connects the computer to a network.
b) It allows communication between different computer components.
c) It stores data in a non-volatile memory.
d) It displays visual output on the monitor.
26. You're a data analyst working with massive datasets and require high-speed data
processing capabilities. Which CPU feature would you prioritize when selecting a processor
for your workstation?
A) Number of cores B) Clock Speed
C) Cache Size D) Hyper-Threading
27. What distinguishes an LED monitor from a standard LCD monitor?
A) LED monitors have thicker panels.
B) LED monitors consume more power than LCD monitors.
C) LED monitors have lower power consumption and better brightness and contrast.
D) LED monitors have slower response times than LCD monitors.
28. Which of the following is NQT an example of an input device?
A) Mouse
B) Scanner
C) Printer
D) Microphone
29. Which type of computer memory is non-volatile and cannot be changed or overwritten?
A) RAM
B) Cache Memory
C) ROM
D) Virtual Memory
30. Which connector is used to connect disk drives to the motherboard?
A) 20-pin or 24-pin slotted connector
B) Molex keyed connector
C) Berg keyed connector
D) 4-pin to 8-pin auxiliary power connector
(None of the above, the correct answer is SATA)
31. What type of storage device stores data as electrical charges in semiconductor flash
memory and has no moving parts?
A) HDD
B) Tape Drive
C) SSD
D) SSHD
32. Is an older interface that was commonly used for connecting hard drives, disk drives,
and other storage devices.
A) SATA
B) PATA
C) M-SATA
D) PCIE
33. Which type of computer memory is the fastest but also the most expensive?
A) RAM
B) Cache Memory
C) HDD
D) ODD
34. Which of the following is NOT a type of computer port?
A) USB
B) HDMI
C) Wi-Fi
D) Ethernet
35. What technology allows for high-speed connection of peripherals like hard-drives and
RAID arrays?
A) Thunderbolt
B) USB
C) SATA
D) DVI
36. Which component stores the computer's operating system, software programs, and user
data even when the computer is turned off?
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) GPU
D) Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD)
37. This connector is used to transmit data at a very high speed over long distances and
contains strands of glass or plastic.
A) BNC
B) RJIT
C) RJ45
D) Fiber Optic
38. What type of computer memory is used to store data that needs to be accessed quickly
by the CPU?
A) RAM
B) ROM
C) Cache Memory
D) Virtual Memory
39. This is a connector that allows cables to be connected from the machine to the
peripheral device.
A) Plug
B) Port
C) Jack
D) Type-C
40. This is the standard connector we use today for home/work station use case.
A) BNC
B) RJ11
C) RJ45
D) Fiber Optic
41. In a modern desktop system, this is a PCIE device that controls the information
displayed on the monitor.
A) CPU
B) Sound Card
C) Graphical Processing Unit
D) Neural Processing Unit
42. This connector uses coaxial cables.
A) BNC
B) RJ45
C) RJ11
D) Fiber Optic
43. Which of the following is not a function of a computer case?
A) Housing
B) Ventilation
C) Lighting
D) EMF Elimination and Grounding
44. A customer owns a computer for their home business but wishes to set up another
computer as a web server. What's the optimal solution for the customer to enable sharing of
the monitor, mouse, and keyboard between the two computers.
A) KVM Switch
B) Access point
C) USB Hub
D) Network Switch
45. Which type of connector is commonly used for analog video and is sometimes referred
to as the DE-15 or HD-15 connector?
A) DisplayPort
B) DVI
C) HDMI
D) VGA
46. Which type of projector typically has more lumens than DLP projectors?
A) LCD
B) OLED
C) Plasma
D) LED
47. Which of the following is mainly producing CISC CPUs?
A) Intel
B) ARM
C) Qualcomm
D) Apple
48. What distinguishes an OLED display from a LED display?
A) OLED displays use LED backlighting.
B) OLED displays use a layer of organic material to emit light.
C) OLED displays use gas molecules to create images
D) OLED displays have lower power consumption than standard LCD backlighting.
49. What type of connector is commonly used to carry video and audio signals in groups of
three?
A) Display Port
B) VGA
C) HDMI
D) RCA
50. What is the difference between a hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD)?
A) HDDs are faster than SSDs.
B) HDDs are more expensive than SSDs.
C) HDDs use spinning disks to store data, while SSDs use memory chips.
D) HDDs are more durable than SSDs.
51. Which of the following adapters is used to connect an HDMI cable to a DVI port?
A) DVI to VGA adapter
B) HDMI to VGA converter
C) USB to Ethernet converter
D) DVI to HDMI adapter
52. What is the purpose of a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) in a computer system?
A) To store data in case of power failure
B) To prevent damage to the computer during a power surge or outage
C) To increase the computer's processing speed
D) To connect to a network
53. Which adapter is used to connect a VGA cable to a DVI port?
A) DVI to VGA adapter
B) HDMI to VGA converter
C) USB to Ethernet converter
D) DVI to HDMI adapter
54. The dimensions of an ITX motherboard:
A) 9.1" x9.1"
B) 9.6" x9.6"
C) 6.7" x6.7"
D) 6.9" x6.9"
55. The highest frequency that WiFi 5 supports is:
A) 2.4Ghz
B) 1Ghz
C) 5Ghz
D) 6Ghz
56. Which of the following is considered the "brain" of the computer?
A) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
B) Random Access Memory (RAM)
C) Power Supply Unit (PSU)
D) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
57. This NVMe standard was introduced in 2013.
A) Gen 1
B) Gen 2
C) Gen 3
D) Gen 4
58. What type of device is used to input data into a computer?
A) Monitor
B) Keyboard
C) Printer
D) Speaker
59. Which of the following is/are the elements used to produce semi-conductors that are
then used to create CPUs?
A) Silicon
B) Tellurium
C) Carbon
D) Aluminum
60. You're setting up a multimedia room at home and need to connect your high-definition
TV to your computer. Which video port would be the best choice for this scenario?
A) Display Port
B) VGA
C) HDMI
D) DVI
61. Core of the system which controls all devices.
A) CPU
B) RAM
C) Motherboard
D) Instruction Set
62. What is the purpose of a power supply unit (PSU) in a computer?
A) It provides power to the CPU.
B) It stores data in non-volatile memory.
C) It enables network connectivity.
D) It converts AC power to DC power to power the computer's components.
63. Which type of computer memory is non-volatile and retains its data even when the
power is turned off?
A) RAM
B) Cache Memory
C) ROM
D) Virtual Memory
64. The dimensions of an m-ATX motherboard:
A) 9.1"×9.1 "
B) 9.6"x9.6"
C) 12" × 9.6"
D) 12"x6.7
65. Which of the following is the latest desktop processors of AMD?
A) Ryzen 3000 series
B) Ryzen 2000 series
C) Ryzen 5000 series
D) Ryzen 7000 series
66. What is the purpose of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) in a computer?
A) It controls the computer's power supply.
B) It manages the computer's memory.
C) It provides the firmware for initializing hardware during the boot process.
D) It executes software programs.
67. Which form factor is vertically oriented case typically located on the floor under or
beside a desk or table, providing room for expansion to accommodate additional
components?
A Horizontal Case
B) Full-Size Tower
C) Compact Tower
D) All-in-one
68. Which of the following BIOS Setup Screen sets higher features available through the
chipset?
A) Advanced
B) Main
C) Boot
D) Exit
69. What logic gate is primarily used for Solid-State Drive operation?
B) NOR
A) NOT
C) AND
D) NAND
70. Which of the following offers the best motherboard features for consumer desktops if
the platform is AMD?
A) A620
B) B660
C) 2670
D) X670
71.This is a circuit board that allows devices to communicate with another device in a
network.
A) Network Interface Card
B) VGA Card
C) SMART Card
D) Bluetooth Card
72. Which tool is designed to safeguard computer components from the impacts of
electrostatic discharge (ESD)?
A) Antistatic Wrist Wrap
B) Surge Suppressor
C) SPS
D) UPS
73. Which component is responsible for providing power to the other components in a
computer?
A) Motherboard
B) Power Supply Unit (PSU)
C) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
D) Electromagnetic conversion
74. It reads and writes data and instructions to and from storage devices and performs
calculations and other data processing.
A) CPU
C) Hard drive
B) Main Memory
D) Cache
75. Which of the following are mainly producing RISC CPUs?
A) Intel
B) AMD
C) Qualcomm
D) TSMC
76. This is the secondary memory used for storing large amounts of data and can persist
even when there is no power to the computer.
A) HDD/SSD
B) DRAM
C) Main Memory
D) Memory Cache
77. Which of the following offers overclocking of the CPU inherently.
1) B650
II) X670
Il) B660
IV) 2790
A) I, II, III Only
B) II, III, IV Only
C) I, II, IV Only
D). I, II, III, and IV
78. Provides the various voltage needs of a computer.
A) CPU
B) Power Supply Unit
C) Power Regulator Unit
D) Uninterrupted Power Supply
79. Macintosh is released in the year?
A) 1983
B) 1984
C) 1976
D) 1977
80. This is a volatile memory that contains data which the processor is using at a given
time.
A) Memory
B) Hard Drive
C) Cache
D) Register
81. This connector is used to transmit data at a very high speed over long distances and
contains strands of glass or plastic.
A) BNC
B) RJ11
C) RJ45
D) Fiber Optic
82. Which type of port has 8 pins and connects devices to a network?
A) PS/2 port
B) USB port
C) Thunderbolt port
D) Ethernet network port
83. This controls the memory cache, power management, external buses and some
peripheral devices.
A) Motherboard
B) Daughterboard
C) Instruction Set
D) Chipset
84. Which of the following is responsible for converting digital signals to analog signals for
transmission over telephone lines?
A) Modem
B) Router
C) Switch
D) Hub
85. What are the two main components of a computer system?
A) Input and Output
B) Hardware and Software
C) CPU and RAM
D) Power supply and motherboard
86. What is the purpose of a heat sink in a computer?
A) To cool the computers components
B) To store data
C) To connect different components
D) To display visual output
87. What is the purpose of Hyper-Threading in CPU operations?
A) To decrease CPU speed
B) To enhance CPU performance
C) To reduce power consumption
D) To increase CPU temperature
88. What is the purpose of a motherboard in a computer?
A) It provides power to the computer.
B) It connects and allows communication between different computer components.
C) It displays visual output on the monitor.
D) If enables wireless network connectivity.
89. Which of the following is NOT a type of computer storage device?
A) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
C) Random Access Memory (RAM)
D) Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
90. Which type of computer case is commonly found in the corporate environment and
provides limited room for expansion?
A) Full-Size Tower
B) Compact Tower
C) All-in-one
D) Cube Case
91. Which component is responsible for controlling the flow of data between the computer's
components?
A) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
C) Central Processing Unit (CPU)
D) Motherboard
92. This module is needed to connect fiber optic to a NIC.
A) LAN Module
B) FSP
C) SFP
D) WAN Module
93. Which type of input device allows users to create artwork by using a pen-like stylus on
the surface?
A) Touchscreen
B) Digital Camera
C) Digitizer
D) Joystick
94. When assembling a new PC, which component holds the greatest sway in choosing the
case and power supply?
A) hard disk type
B) motherboard
C) RAM module
D) sound card
95. What is the purpose of a bus in a computer?
A) lt connects the computer to a network.
B) It allows communication between different computer components.
C) It stores data in a non-volatile memory.
D) It displays visual output on the monitor.
96. This is the operating voltage of DDR3.
A) 1.5V
B) 3.3V
C) 1.2V
D) 1.1V
97. What is the purpose of the voltage selector switch on a power supply?
A) To convert AC power into DC power.
B) To hold an electric charge for extended periods.
C) To adjust the voltage supplied to the CPU
D) To set the input voltage to the power supply.
98. Which of the following offers the best motherboard features for consumer desktops if
the platform is Intel.
A) H710
B) B650
C) X770
D) 2790
99. Which component is responsible for storing data temporarily while the computer is
running?
A) Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B) Solid-State Drive (SSD)
C) Random Access Memory (RAM)
D) Optical Disk Drive (ODD)
100. Which type of cooling system for computers requires power to operate and typically
involves fans or pumps to dissipate heat?
A) Passive Cooling
B) CPU Throttling
C) Water Cooling System
D) Heat Sink