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Module 2 challenge: Computer Components and Hardware

1. Which computer component is a connection point that allows a computer to connect to other devices?

  • ❌ CPU

  • ✅ Port

  • ❌ Motherboard

  • ❌ Power supply

✅ Correct Answer: Port

Explanation: A port is a physical interface on a computer that allows external devices to connect, such as USB drives, monitors, and keyboards.

2. What is the function of a cache on a computer?

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

  • ❌ It acts as a bridge between the CPU and the RAM.

  • ✅ It stores recently or frequently accessed data.

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

✅ Correct Answer: It stores recently or frequently accessed data

Explanation: Cache is high-speed memory located close to the CPU that stores data the CPU might reuse, reducing access time and improving speed.

3. What does it mean that RAM is volatile?

  • ✅ The data stored in RAM is cleared when the device is turned off.

  • ❌ The data stored in RAM is cached when the device is turned off.

  • ❌ The data stored in RAM is saved when the device is turned off.

  • ❌ Most of the data stored in RAM is cleared when the device is turned off.

✅ Correct Answer: The data stored in RAM is cleared when the device is turned off

Explanation: RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning all data is lost when the system powers down.

4. Tablets and e-readers are examples of:

  • ❌ Laptops

  • ❌ Monitors

  • ✅ Mobile devices

  • ❌ Desktop computers

✅ Correct Answer: Mobile devices

Explanation: Tablets and e-readers are portable, wireless computing devices—commonly referred to as mobile devices.

5. Which problem(s) can replacing a device’s battery solve? (Select all that apply)

  • ❌ An overheated device

  • ✅ A device that shuts down unexpectedly

  • ❌ A damaged hard drive

  • ❌ A slow device

✅ Correct Answer: A device that shuts down unexpectedly

Explanation: A failing or worn-out battery may cause random shutdowns. However, it will not fix overheating, hard drive issues, or slow performance.

6. What units are used to represent data transfer rates?

  • ❌ MB

  • ❌ Mb

  • ❌ MB/s

  • ✅ Mb/s

✅ Correct Answer: Mb/s

Explanation: Data transfer rates are typically measured in megabits per second (Mb/s), especially in networking. (Note: 8 bits = 1 byte.)

7. A malfunctioning motherboard component is causing issues with your computer’s graphics/video and memory. Which chip on the motherboard is most likely the culprit?

  • ❌ I/O controller

  • ❌ Southbridge

  • ✅ Northbridge

  • ❌ Chipset

✅ Correct Answer: Northbridge

Explanation: The Northbridge chip manages high-speed communication between the CPU, RAM, and graphics controller.

8. Which type of storage device is generally considered more durable due to the lack of moving parts?

  • ❌ Magnetic tape

  • ✅ Solid state drive (SSD)

  • ❌ Hard disk drive (HDD)

  • ❌ RAM

✅ Correct Answer: Solid state drive (SSD)

Explanation: SSDs use flash memory and have no moving parts, making them faster and more durable than HDDs or magnetic storage.

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

  • ✅ 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.

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

✅ Correct Answers:

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

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

Explanation: More RAM improves performance in tasks like photo editing and multitasking, but it doesn’t increase permanent storage or help with basic tasks.

10. You’re giving a presentation for work, and you plug your laptop into the projector. The projector screen flickers and then goes completely dark. What’s the first thing you should check to troubleshoot the problem?

  • ❌ Adjust the projector settings on the remote.

  • ❌ Open the presentation file again.

  • ✅ Inspect the cables connecting the projector to your laptop.

  • ❌ Restart your laptop.

✅ Correct Answer: Inspect the cables connecting the projector to your laptop

Explanation: The most common cause of display issues in this situation is a loose or faulty cable connection. Always check this first before restarting anything.