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Introduction to Personal Computer Hardware

Contents

  1. Objectives
  2. Key Terms
  3. Introduction to Personal Computers (1.0)
  4. Personal Computer Safety (1.1)
  5. PC Components (1.2)
  6. Computer Disassembly (1.3)
  7. Summary (1.4)
  8. Practice
  9. Check Your Understanding Questions

Chapter Description

This sample chapter from IT Essentials Companion Guide v8 covers fundamental aspects of computer hardware, including components, safety procedures, and motherboard functionalities. You will also learn the features and functions of tools in a technician's toolkit and get a detailed guide on disassembling a computer. By the end of the chapter, you'll have a solid understanding of essential computer components and procedures.

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Check Your Understanding Questions

Complete all the review questions listed here to test your understanding of the topics and concepts in this chapter. Appendix A, “Answers to ‘Check Your Understanding’ Questions,” lists the answers.

  1. Which two PC components communicate with the CPU through the Southbridge chipset? (Choose two.)

    1. hard drive

    2. 64-bit Gigabit Ethernet adapter

    3. video card

    4. RAM

  2. A technician wants to replace a failing power supply on a high-end gaming computer. Which form factor should the technician be looking for?

    1. ATX 12V

    2. ATX

    3. EPS 12V

    4. AT

  3. Which statement describes augmented reality (AR) technology?

    1. It always requires a headset.

    2. It does not provide users with immediate access to information about their real surroundings.

    3. It superimposes images and audio over the real world in real time.

    4. The headset closes off any ambient light to users.

  4. Which type of input device can identify users based on their voice?

    1. scanner

    2. KVM switch

    3. digitizer

    4. biometric identification device

  5. Which motherboard form factor has the smallest footprint for use in thin client devices?

    1. Micro-ATX

    2. ATX

    3. ITX

    4. Mini-ATX

  6. How is the 6/8-pin PCIe power connector used in a PC?

    1. to connect disk drives

    2. to connect optical drives

    3. to connect legacy floppy drives

    4. to supply power to various internal components

  7. Which expansion slot is used by an NVMe-compliant device?

    1. PCI

    2. PCIe

    3. SATA

    4. USB-C

  8. How does a technician protect the internal components of a computer against ESD?

    1. by unplugging the computer after use

    2. by using multiple fans to move warm air through the case

    3. by grounding the internal components via attachment to the case

    4. by using computer cases made out of plastic or aluminum

  9. A network administrator currently has three servers and needs to add a fourth but does not have enough room for an additional monitor and keyboard. Which device allows the administrator to connect all the servers to a single monitor and keyboard?

    1. touchscreen monitor

    2. UPS

    3. USB switch

    4. PS/2 hub

    5. KVM switch

  10. What type of connecter is used to convert digital signals to analog signals?

    1. Molex-to-SATA adapter

    2. USB-to-PS/2 adapter

    3. HDMI-to-VGA converter

    4. DVI-to-HDMI adapter

  11. Which action can reduce the risk of ESD damage when computer equipment is being worked on?

    1. moving cordless phones away from the work area

    2. keeping the computer plugged into a surge protector

    3. lowering the humidity level in the work area

    4. working on a grounded antistatic mat

  12. Which port allows for the transmission of high-definition video using the DisplayPort protocol?

    1. DVI

    2. VGA

    3. Thunderbolt

    4. RCA

  13. Which two PC components communicate with the CPU through the Northbridge chipset? (Choose two.)

    1. hard drive

    2. 64-bit Gigabit Ethernet adapter

    3. video card

    4. RAM

  14. Which three devices are considered output devices? (Choose three.)

    1. headphones

    2. printer

    3. mouse

    4. fingerprint scanner

    5. keyboard

    6. monitor

  15. Which disk drive type contains a magnetic HDD with onboard flash memory and serves as a nonvolatile cache?

    1. SSHD

    2. NVMe

    3. SCSI

    4. SSD

  16. Which two of these devices are considered to be the most common input devices? (Choose two.)

    1. headphones

    2. printer

    3. mouse

    4. fingerprint scanner

    5. keyboard

    6. monitor

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