CH 4 Hardware Test

1) The ________ is the brain of the computer.

• A) ALU

• B) RAM

• C) CPU

• D) BIOS

Answer explanation

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is known as the brain of the computer because it performs calculations and processes instructions, making it essential for executing tasks and running programs.

2) The central processing unit consists of the control unit and the ________.

• A) RAM

• B) memory

• C) ALU

• D) BIOS

Answer explanation

The central processing unit (CPU) consists of the control unit and the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU). The ALU performs all arithmetic and logical operations, making it a crucial component of the CPU.

4) Fetch, decode, execute, and store are called the ________ cycle.

• A) processing

• B) control

• C) instruction

• D) management

Answer explanation

The correct answer is C) instruction. The fetch, decode, execute, and store steps are part of the instruction cycle, which describes how a CPU processes instructions in a program.

5) Today's processor speeds are measured in ________.

• A) KHz

• B) MHz

• C) GHz

• D) THz

Answer explanation

Today's processor speeds are primarily measured in GHz (gigahertz), which represents billions of cycles per second. While KHz and MHz were used in earlier technologies, GHz is the standard for modern processors.

6) ________ uses multiple processors, or multi-core processors, to share processing tasks.

• A) Distributed processing

• B) Parallel processing

• C) Pipelining

• D) Serial processing

Answer explanation

B) Parallel processing is the correct choice as it involves using multiple processors or multi-core processors to perform tasks simultaneously, enhancing performance and efficiency.

7) When the CPU retrieves an instruction from the main memory, that is known as the ________ process.

• A) pipelining

• B) instruction

• C) execution

• D) fetch

Answer explanation

When the CPU retrieves an instruction from main memory, it is called the 'fetch' process. This is the first step in the instruction cycle, where the CPU gets the instruction to execute.

9) Forcing a processor to run at speeds higher than it was designed to perform is known as

• A) supercharging

• B) overclocking

• C) throttling

• D) turbocharging

Answer explanation

Forcing a processor to run at speeds higher than its designed performance is called overclocking (B). This practice can enhance performance but may also lead to overheating and instability.

10) The ________ houses the power supply, memory, and drive bays of the computer.

• A) ALU

• B) system unit

• C) CPU

• D) control unit

Answer explanation

The system unit is the main part of a computer that contains the power supply, memory, and drive bays. It serves as the enclosure for these essential components, making option B the correct choice.

13) Which of the following is a short-range wireless technology?

• A) Blu-ray

• B) Bluetooth

• C) FireWire

• D) Thunderbolt

Answer explanation

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology used for connecting devices over short distances, making it the correct choice. Blu-ray is a disc format, while FireWire and Thunderbolt are wired connection technologies.

14) Which type of memory is very fast and is located close to the processor?

• A) ROM

• B) DIMM

• C) Cache

• D) RAM

Answer explanation

Cache memory is very fast and located close to the processor, allowing for quick access to frequently used data. This makes it the correct answer, as ROM, DIMM, and RAM do not provide the same speed or proximity.