Introduction to Computing - Personal Computer Hardware

Front

System unit, input/output, secondary storage, and communication.

Back

What are the four basic categories of hardware for a personal computer system?

Front

The system unit is a container that houses most of the electronic components of a computer system, including the microprocessor and memory.

Back

What is the system unit in a computer?

Front

The microprocessor controls and manipulates data to produce information.

Back

What is the function of a microprocessor?

Front

RAM (Random Access Memory) holds information temporarily, while ROM (Read Only Memory) holds information permanently.

Back

What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Front

Input devices translate data and programs that humans can understand into a form that the computer can process.

Back

What do input devices do?

Front

The keyboard and the mouse.

Back

What are the most common input devices?

Front

Output devices translate processed information from the computer into a form that humans can understand.

Back

What is the role of output devices?

Front

The display, also known as a monitor.

Back

What is the most common output device?

Front

Secondary storage holds data and programs even after electric power to the computer system has been turned off.

Back

What is secondary storage?

Front

Hard disks, solid-state storage, and optical discs.

Back

What are the three important kinds of secondary media?