Computer Components
Name______________________
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Or It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
Use the Computer Components Powerpoint presentation to learn more about how
computers work, what is on the inside and what to look for if you are upgrading and
buying a new computer.
You should view the entire presentation, answering questions as you go. Go to Slide
Show at the top of the screen and select View Show (or use the short cut button at the
bottom.) If you need to review questions or find specific information, go to View at the
top of the page and select Slide Sorter (or use the short cut button), and find the specific
slide you need. Double click on that to enlarge it. Use the Page Up/Page Down buttons
on your keyboard to navigate.
When you are done with the Powerpoint presentation, move your cursor to the bottom
left corner of the screen. You will see a small triangle. Click on it and select End Show.
Then carefully eject the CD and put it in the case. Log off.
INTRODUCTION – Hardware and Software (7 pts.)
1. What is hardware? Give two examples.
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2. What is software?
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3. Which software controls the overall activity of a computer?
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4. Which software runs specific programs? ____________________________________
5. Name one example of this software that runs a specific program. ________________
6. What are the four main functions of a computer?
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INPUT (9 pts.)
7. If the computer isn’t working you should check the ________________________.
8. What helps keep the computer from overheating? _____________________
9. What might be the problem if you have to always reset the time and date on your
computer? _____________________________________________
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10. Name one common input device? _________________________________
11. What does USB stand for? ____________________________________________
12. What is the fastest USB port? _______________________
13. Openings on the back of a computer are called ____________.
14.
Draw a sketch of a network port.
15. What does the mouse plug
look like? Draw it.
PROCESSING (6 pts.)
15. Another name for the main circuit board is _______________________________.
16. CPU stands for _______________________________________________________
17. One of the most common brands of processors is made by _____________________.
18. How is the speed of a processor measured? (the answer is NOT MHz or GHz)
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19. MHz is the abbreviation for _____________________________.
20. Newer machines are measured in GHz. What does GHz stand for? _______________
STORAGE (7 pts.)
21. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
RAM is ___________________________________________________________
ROM is ___________________________________________________________
22. What is the recommended amount of HD storage space? _______________________
23. What is the purpose of disc cache? ________________________________________
24. What part of the computer is about to become extinct? ________________________
25. Where do you plug a flash drive into a computer? __________________________
26. CD-ROM stands for _______________________________________________
OUTPUT (3 pts.)
27. When you buy a new monitor, what three things should you look for?
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28. Three examples of computer output devices are
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29. What are the two key things to look for in a printer? __________________________
OTHER STUFF TO KNOW (5 pts.)
30. A scanner works like what other kind of machine? ______________________
31. What is the fancy name for good posture and comfortable working conditions?
____________________________
32. Of all the things to consider when buying a new computer, which do you think is the
most important?
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33. Using the information from this Powerpoint (or things you know about computers),
write two new questions.
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EXTRA CREDIT: Find a new website about computer technology. Write the URL. Tell
why you liked the site.
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APPLICATIONS (13 pts.) (THIS SECTION IS NOT IN THE SLIDE SHOW.)
34. Draw the three symbols to minimize, restore and close.
(in that same order, like they would be on the screen)
35. Application software runs specific programs. These applications run what kind of
program? (Email, spreadsheet, word processor, database)
Microsoft Excel _________________________________________
Microsoft Access ________________________________________
Microsoft Word _________________________________________
Eudora ________________________________________________
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36. Keyboard shortcut keys make tasks faster. What do these keyboard commands do?
(HINT: Open XP Word and search under the pull-down menus)
Ctrl + X _____________________________
Ctrl + C _____________________________
Ctrl + V _____________________________
Ctrl + S _____________________________
Ctrl + A _____________________________
Ctrl + P _____________________________
Ctrl + Z _____________________________
True/False (15 pts.)
____ You should always go to Comp USA for ALL your computer needs.
____ Ms. Krouth knows everything there is to know about computers.
____
If a machine is not working, one thing to check is the plugs.
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A scanner is also called a peripheral.
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The system board is the main circuit board that runs the computer.
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The Krouth Intel Processor is the newest and fastest chip on the market today.
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ROM stands for Really Outta Memory.
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One thing to check when buying a CD-RW is the rewrite speed.
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The size of a monitor screen is measured diagonally.
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Images on the screen are made up on individual pixels.
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Laser printers use an inkjet.
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Magnets are BAD for computers, disks and monitors.
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While typing, feet should be flat on the floor.
____ It is okay to press the keys on the keyboard as hard as you can.
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Do not open email attachments if you are not sure who sent them.
____ You should never use profanity in email messages.
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Shopping
Compare computers from two different websites/stores. What features would you look
for? What is the cost? (possible sites include www.gateway.com, www.dell.com,
www.bestbuy.com)
Computer A
Computer B
Vendor (store/site)
Make/Model
Processor+speed
Memory (RAM)
Hard drive (type
and size)
Drives included
(CD/DVD)
Monitor included?
Size?
Cost
Comments:
Which computer is the best value for the money? Which one would you decide to buy?
How would you decide which one to buy? Answer these questions in complete sentences.
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