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Module 2 challenge: Computer Components and Hardware (Technical Support Fundamentals) Answers 2025

Question 1

Which computer component does the calculations and data processing?

  • ✅ CPU

  • RAM

  • Motherboard

  • Port

🔹 Explanation:
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) performs all calculations, logic operations, and data processing, making it the “brain” of the computer.

Question 2

What is the function of RAM on a computer?

  • It sends a voltage to the clock wire to let the CPU know it can start doing calculations.

  • ✅ It stores recently or frequently accessed data.

  • It acts as a bridge between the CPU and the Register.

  • It acts as a computer’s short term memory.

🔹 Explanation:
RAM temporarily stores data that is being used or accessed frequently, allowing faster read/write speeds compared to long-term storage.

Question 3

What happens to data stored in RAM when a computer is turned off?

  • It is saved

  • Only the most frequently accessed data is saved

  • ✅ It is cleared

  • It is cached

🔹 Explanation:
RAM is volatile memory, meaning all stored data is lost once the power is turned off.

Question 4

Select all that apply. Mobile devices usually:

  • ❌ use only proprietary connectors.

  • ❌ are optimized for performance.

  • ✅ are powered by batteries.

  • ✅ have components that are integrated to save space.

🔹 Explanation:
Mobile devices are battery-powered and built with integrated components to conserve space and improve efficiency.

Question 5

What is a charge cycle?

  • The maximum number of charge cycles that a battery can handle in a certain time period

  • The lifespan of a battery

  • ✅ One full charge and discharge of a battery

  • The device used to recharge a battery

🔹 Explanation:
A charge cycle is the process of fully charging and discharging a battery once — it helps measure battery health over time.

Question 6

What units are commonly used to represent network data transfer rates?

  • MB/s

  • MB

  • Mb

  • ✅ Mb/s

🔹 Explanation:
Network speeds are measured in megabits per second (Mb/s), where 1 byte = 8 bits. This is different from storage, which uses megabytes (MB).

Question 7

Which of the following are properties of the motherboard? Select all that apply.

  • ✅ It routes power from the power supply.

  • ✅ It facilitates communication between different parts of the computer.

  • ✅ It lets you expand the computer’s functionality by adding expansion cards.

  • ❌ It runs the operating system and executes software.

🔹 Explanation:
The motherboard distributes power, connects all hardware components, and supports expansion. The CPU, not the motherboard, runs the OS and executes code.

Question 8

You’re looking to buy a new hard drive and want the fastest option for data access. Which of these RPM speeds likely indicates the fastest hard drive?

  • ✅ 10,000 RPM

  • 5,400 RPM

  • 3,200 RPM

  • 7,200 RPM

🔹 Explanation:
Hard drives with higher RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) spin faster, allowing quicker read/write speeds. 10,000 RPM drives are the fastest among these.

Question 9

Why might someone choose to upgrade their computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory)? Select all that apply.

  • ❌ They only use their computer for basic tasks like checking email.

  • ✅ They are a graphic designer who works with large image files.

  • ❌ They want to store more photos and videos on their computer.

  • ✅ They are starting to notice slowdowns when running multiple programs at once.

🔹 Explanation:
Upgrading RAM helps improve multitasking and performance in memory-intensive tasks like design, video editing, or running many apps simultaneously.

Question 10

You’re presenting at a conference and hook up your laptop to the projector. When you turn it on, the image is blurry and pixelated, nowhere near the quality you were expecting. What’s the most likely culprit for this issue?

  • The projector’s bulb needs to be replaced.

  • The presentation file is corrupted.

  • The projector is overheating.

  • ✅ Your computer did not recognize the display resolution of the projector and needs a device driver.

🔹 Explanation:
A blurry or pixelated display is usually caused by a resolution mismatch between your laptop and projector. Updating or reinstalling the display driver typically fixes it.

🧩 Summary:

  • The CPU handles all data processing.

  • RAM stores temporary data and is cleared when power is off.

  • Mobile devices are compact, battery-powered, and integrated.

  • Motherboards connect and power all parts of a computer.

  • 10,000 RPM hard drives and RAM upgrades improve performance.

  • Network speeds are measured in Mb/s, and blurry displays usually mean resolution or driver issues.

✅ Key takeaway: Understanding hardware components and their functions helps diagnose performance issues and choose better system upgrades.