Name: _____________________________________ Date: ______________ Class Hour: ________
Computer Basics and Networks
1.
Computer: An electronic device that has the ability to _____________________, __________________ and
__________________________ data and can be programmed with instructions that it ___________________.
2.
Hardware: The __________________________________________ that makes up a computer system;
there are four hardware categories:
3.
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
INPUT DEVICES(1st Hardware Category): any hardware component that allows a user to ___________________
information into a computer.
There are four categories of input devices:
a. KEYBOARD: the most _________________ type.
b. POINTING DEVICES: 4 Types
c. SCANNING DEVICES: 5 Types
_______________________
_____________________
_______________________
_____________________
_______________________
________________________
____________________________
________________________
____________________________
a. MULTIMEDIA DEVICES: 5 Types ________________________
_______________________
4.
________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
PROCESSING DEVICES (2nd Hardware Category):
a. The main circuit board of a computer is the __________________.
b. The __________________________________ is the circuitry that processes information; also known as the
______________ of the computer.
c. The speed of the processor is controlled by the _______________________.
d. The system clock controls the _________________of all computer operations; the speed is measured in
____________ (Hz) capacity: one cycle per second. Current technology is at ___________________ (GHz)
capacity: a ________________cycles per second.
e. The most popular brands of processors are: _______________________________________________
5.
STORAGE DEVICES (3rd Hardware Category). Two categories:
__________________________
CA I: Computer Basics
____________________________
Page 1
a. There are two types of PRIMARY MEMORY:
 RAM: ________________________________________--Temporary memory available to the user and is
currently measured in ____________________. If you purchase a computer today, _________ of RAM
should be the minimum. The more RAM—the better.
 ROM: ________________________________--Permanent memory that is factory installed on a computer
and _____________ be changed.
b. SECONDARY STORAGE is the ____________ on which data, instruction, and information are kept; there are
three types of secondary storage:
 Magnetic Storage: Storage device that ____________ data as microscopic __________________on the disk’s
surface. The primary type of magnetic storage devices is the: ___________________. It has the greatest
__________capacity, the fastest ___________ time, and is measured in _____________ or _____________.
 Flash Storage: A type of _____________________ memory that can be erased and reprogrammed in a single
action or _______________; described as _______________________ because there are no mechanical
(______________) parts.
List three other names for flash drives: ______________
_______________
_______________
 Optical Storage: Records data by burning microscopic holes in the surface of the disk with a ____________.
Basic types are CDs and DVDs.
Type
Storage Capacity
Capabilities
CD-ROM
CD-R
CD-RW
DVD-ROM
DVD-R, +R, + R
DVD-RW, +RW, +RW
Blu-ray
6.
OUTPUT DEVICES (4th Hardware Category). They are used to convey information to the user. Output devices
basically fall into three categories:
a. DISPLAY DEVICES: 3 Types
CA I: Computer Basics
Page 2

Monitor: output device that displays _____________________. ___________ most typical size purchased; the
size is measured _____________ like a TV.

Projection: Any device that can project the computer’s image to a television or big screen; when purchasing a
projector, always consider the _______________________ and the amount of natural light in the room

HDTV: High Definition television; a television that can receive ____________ signals (like a computer) rather
than ___________________ signals (regular TV.)
b. PRINTERS: 2 Main Types and 2 Basic Characteristics
2 Main Types

________________: Typically used in the home. Print quality: ____________. Cost: ____________.
Ink
cost: ________________.

_______________: Typically used in business. Print quality: ____________. Cost: ____________.
Toner
cost: ________________.
2 Main Characteristics

DPI: _______________________________; measures the quality of the print.

PPM: _______________________________; measures the speed of the printer.
c. COMMUNICATION DEVICES: used to _________________ to another computer.
 Modem: Device used to connect computers via a __________________ line
 Network Interface Card (__________): Device used to connect to a network
 Wireless Card: ______________ of information between ________________ points that are physically not
__________________; especially recommended for ____________________.
 Graphics Card: provides the ___________________________; also known as the _____________ card;
contains the VRAM
 Sound Card: facilitates the input and output of ___________________ to and from a computer under
control of computer programs.
 Speakers: projects ______________.
 USB Ports: industry standard that defines the ___________, ______________ and protocols used for
__________________________________ between computers and electronic devices.
 IEE Ports: Also known as ___________________________; used to connect a digital video camera to the
computer
CA I: Computer Basics
Page 3
 Chassis: The type of cabinet the computer has. Examples: desktop, ___________, slim
7.
Software: The ___________________ that allow the user to communicate with the computer; also known as
___________________. The basic categories:
8. Operating Systems (_______): Required software that __________________ the computer and allows the user to
interact with the computer; typically factory installed.
TYPES: _________________________
_____________
____________
___________________
9. A __________ is a system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data between users.
10. A ____________________________(_____) is a computer network that spans a relatively small area and most are
confined to a single building or group of buildings.
11. A ____________________________ (_____) can span over a larger area.
12. A __________ is a common connection point for devices in a network. They are commonly used to connect
segments of a LAN.
13. _____________ is an agreed-upon format for transmitting data between two devices.
14. _______________ enables you to gain entrance into the network.
15. In order to log in you will need a ___________________ and password.
16. A password is a keyword used to ____________ information on a network, website, etc.
17. The _____________ is the area that first appears on the computer screen after you start windows. It is your onscreen work area.
18. Applications Software: Software designed for the __________________ to accomplish a particular task or job.
EXAMPLES : ____________________
________________________
________________________
____________________
________________________
________________________
19. Utility Software: Software designed to help _________________ and _________________ the hardware,
operating system, or application software.
EXAMPLE : ___________________ searches a disk drive for _____________ and removes them.
*Virus: A _____________ designed to _____________ or ______________ the normal operation of a computer
CA I: Computer Basics
Page 4