Computer Components

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.
    ______
    ______
  2. What is software?
    ______
  3. Which software controls the overall activity of a computer?
    ______
  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?
    ______

INPUT (9 pts.)

  1. If the computer isn’t working you should check the ______.
  2. What helps keep the computer from overheating? ______
  3. What might be the problem if you have to always reset the time and date on your computer? ______
  4. Name one common input device? ______
  5. What does USB stand for? ______
  6. What is the fastest USB port? ______
  7. Openings on the back of a computer are called ______.
  8. Draw a sketch of a network port.15.What does the mouse plug
    look like? Draw it.
    PROCESSING (6 pts.)
  9. Another name for the main circuit board is ______.
  10. CPU stands for ______
  11. One of the most common brands of processors is made by ______.
  12. How is the speed of a processor measured? (the answer is NOT MHz or GHz) ______
  13. MHz is the abbreviation for ______.
  14. Newer machines are measured in GHz. What does GHz stand for? ______

STORAGE (7 pts.)

  1. What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
    RAM is ______
    ROM is ______
  2. What is the recommended amount of HD storage space? ______
  3. What is the purpose of disc cache? ______
  4. What part of the computer is about to become extinct? ______
  5. Where do you plug a flash drive into a computer? ______
  6. CD-ROM stands for ______

OUTPUT (3 pts.)

  1. When you buy a new monitor, what three things should you look for?
    ______
  2. Three examples of computer output devices are
    ______
  3. What are the two key things to look for in a printer? ______

OTHER STUFF TO KNOW (5 pts.)

  1. A scanner works like what other kind of machine? ______
  2. What is the fancy name for good posture and comfortable working conditions?
    ______
  3. Of all the things to consider when buying a new computer, which do you think is the most important?
    ______
  4. Using the information from this Powerpoint (or things you know about computers), write two new questions.
    ______
    ______
    ______

EXTRA CREDIT: Find a new website about computer technology. Write the URL. Tell why you liked the site.
______
______
______

APPLICATIONS (13 pts.) (THIS SECTION IS NOT IN THE SLIDE SHOW.)

  1. Draw the three symbols to minimize, restore and close.
    (in that same order, like they would be on the screen)
  2. Application software runs specific programs. These applications run what kind of program? (Email, spreadsheet, word processor, database)
    Microsoft Excel ______
    Microsoft Access ______
    Microsoft Word ______
    Eudora ______
  3. 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.

____ A scanner is also called a peripheral.

____ The system board is the main circuit board that runs the computer.

____ The Krouth Intel Processor is the newest and fastest chip on the market today.

____ ROM stands for Really Outta Memory.

____ One thing to check when buying a CD-RW is the rewrite speed.

____ The size of a monitor screen is measured diagonally.

____ Images on the screen are made up on individual pixels.

____ Laser printers use an inkjet.

____ Magnets are BAD for computers, disks and monitors.

____ While typing, feet should be flat on the floor.

____ It is okay to press the keys on the keyboard as hard as you can.

____ Do not open email attachments if you are not sure who sent them.

____ You should never use profanity in email messages.

Shopping

Compare computers from two different websites/stores. What features would you look for? What is the cost? (possible sites include

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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