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Hardware/Software Basics Test

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Vocabulary

• CPU: The brains of the computer

• Graphics card: A printed circuit board that controls the output to a display screen

Vocabulary

• Hard drive: A device used to permanently store and also retrieve information

• Heat sink: Keeps a hot component such as a processor cool

Vocabulary

• I/O ports: Connect input and output devices to the computer

Vocabulary

• Motherboard: A printed circuit board that is the foundation of a computer; the main circuit board

Vocabulary

• RAM and ROM: types of computer memory

RAM ROM

Vocabulary

• Peripheral: Hardware that allows a computer to perform additional functions but is not necessary for the computer to work

Vocabulary

• GUI: Graphical User Interface – Lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons and menus

• Keyboard: Allows you to input letters, numbers and other symbols into a computer

• Microphone: Allows computer users to input audio into their computers

Vocabulary

• Mouse: Allows an individual to control a pointer and manipulate onscreen

• Printer: Commonly used to print text, images, and photos

• Monitor: A display screen for images and the case that holds it

• Open-source operating system: Can be modified and distributed by anyone in the world

Vocabulary

• Operating system (also known as system software): Enables the computer hardware to communicate with the computer software

• Application software: Programs that run on your computer – Web browsers– Email– Games– PowerPoint

Hardware/Software Basics

• What is the difference between hardware and software?

• Hardware: Any physical device used in or with your machine

• Software: Collection of code installed on your computer’s hard drive


• Name and describe the four functions of a computer.

• Input: receiving information• Processing: handling and managing data• Storage: saves data and info for later use• Output: provides user with information


• What is the difference between system software and application software?

• System software: programs running in the background enabling applications to run

• Application software: programs that run on the computer


• What is the operating system’s job?• Manages all the hardware and software on a

computer• Coordinates access to CPU, memory and

storage to make sure each program gets what it needs


• Compare/contrast open-source operating systems and proprietary operating systems.

• Open-source– Free– Can be modified and distributed by anyone

• Proprietary– Must buy it– Can only be modified and distributed by the

company who owns it


• Choose an example of recent or emerging technology that might have a negative impact on society. Explain why you think it would affect society negatively.


• Name and describe a software tool that would help you this year in school. (It must be school related and it must be an app other than the usual such as Word, Google, etc.)