A computer is built from components that each do one job, running software that manages them.
The CPU carries out instructions. Inside it, the ALU performs calculations and logic, and cache is a small, very fast memory close to the processor.
RAM holds programs and data in use and is volatile, so it loses its contents when power is removed. ROM is non-volatile and holds the startup firmware, including the BIOS, which runs the POST checks on essential hardware when the machine is switched on.
Secondary storage keeps data long term. An SSD is solid-state and faster than a hard disk drive. The GPU processes graphics, and the motherboard connects the components so they can communicate.
More cores let a processor handle several tasks at once, and a higher clock speed, measured in GHz, means more instruction cycles each second.
An input device sends data into the computer, such as a keyboard. An output device presents data, such as a monitor or a printer. A touchscreen does both.
An operating system is software that manages the hardware and the programs running on it. A device driver lets the operating system control a particular piece of hardware.
A GUI is a graphical user interface and a CLI is a command line interface. A program is held in RAM while the CPU runs it.
Computers store data in binary, which is base 2 and uses only the digits 0 and 1.
A firewall filters the traffic entering or leaving a network, which is one of the measures that keeps a system secure.
Back to Hardware and Software practice ยท View all Hardware and Software questions
