Understanding Computer Systems

Understand how data and programs are represented to a computer and be able to identify a few of the coding systems used to accomplish this.

Explain the functions of the hardware components commonly found inside the system unit, such as the CPU, memory, buses, and expansion cards.

Describe how new peripheral devices or other hardware can be added to a PC.

Understand how the computer system’s CPU and memory components process program instructions and data.

Name and evaluate several strategies that can be used today for speeding up the operations of a computer.

List some technologies that may be used in the future PCs.

What is the smallest unit of data that a binary computer can recognize?

• Bit

• Byte

• Kilobyte

• Megabyte

What is the main circuit board inside the system unit called?

• Motherboard

• CPU

• RAM

• Power Supply

What is the term for the temporary memory that the computer uses?

• RAM

• ROM

• Cache

• Flash

What is the measurement of CPU clock speed typically expressed in?

• Megahertz

• Gigahertz

• Kilohertz

• Terahertz