Module 2: Hardware

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In this post, I provide complete, accurate, and detailed explanations for the answers to Module 2: Hardware of Course 1: Technical Support Fundamentals – Google IT Support Professional Certificate.

Whether you’re preparing for quizzes or brushing up on your knowledge, these insights will help you master the concepts effectively. Let’s dive into the correct answers and detailed explanations for each question!

Binary

Practice Quiz

1. ___ is considered the short-term memory of the computer because it stores information in a location that the CPU can access faster than it could with the hard drive.

  • EDB
  • MCC
  • Hard drive
  • RAM ✅

Explanation:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the computer’s short-term memory, temporarily storing data that the CPU needs quick access to. Unlike a hard drive, RAM provides much faster read/write speeds but loses stored data when the computer is turned off.

2. Which component holds everything in place and is sometimes referred to as the foundation of a computer?

  • CPU
  • Power supply
  • RAM
  • Motherboard ✅

Explanation:
The motherboard is the main circuit board that connects all components of a computer, including the CPU, RAM, storage, and power supply. It serves as the foundation that allows communication between different parts of the system.

3. Which component functions as the computer’s short-term memory?

  • CPU
  • Motherboard
  • Hard drive
  • RAM ✅

Explanation:
RAM (Random Access Memory) provides temporary storage for data that the CPU is actively using. It allows for quick access, enabling efficient multitasking and faster processing speeds.

4. Which computer component finds the data requested by the CPU so the data can be sent from the RAM to the CPU?

  • MCC ✅
  • Hard drive
  • EDB
  • Power supply

Explanation:
The Memory Controller Chip (MCC) manages the flow of data between the CPU and RAM. It retrieves data from RAM when requested by the CPU, ensuring efficient communication within the system.

5. What does overclocking mean?

  • The computer’s time zone is ahead of the local time zone
  • Working overtime
  • Exceeding the number of clock cycles on a CPU ✅
  • Resetting the clocks on computers after a power outage

Explanation:
Overclocking increases a CPU’s clock speed beyond the manufacturer’s specified limit, allowing it to perform more operations per second. This can improve performance but may also lead to overheating and hardware instability if not properly managed.

Components

Practice Quiz

6. What will happen if you plug in a 220v device into a 120v outlet?

  • Nothing will happen
  • The device will charge at a slower rate and could cause deterioration over time. ✅
  • The charger used could get fried.
  • The outlet could get damaged.

Explanation:
Plugging a 220V device into a 120V outlet will result in insufficient power supply. The device may not function properly, charge slower (if it’s a charger), or fail to operate. Over time, this mismatch can cause damage or deterioration to the device.

7. What are two common types of CPU sockets?

  • LGA and PGA ✅
  • AMD and PGA
  • Qualcomm and LGA
  • Intel and AMD

Explanation:
The two most common CPU socket types are LGA (Land Grid Array) and PGA (Pin Grid Array). LGA sockets have pins on the motherboard, while PGA sockets have pins on the processor. These socket types determine how the CPU connects to the motherboard.

8. What is the most common form factor for motherboards?

  • PCI Express
  • I/O
  • Peripherals
  • ATX ✅

Explanation:
The ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) motherboard is the most common form factor. It provides a standard layout with multiple expansion slots, power connectors, and ports, making it widely used in desktops.

9. Which characteristics differentiate a Solid State Drive (SSD) from a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)? Select all that apply.

  • High RPMs
  • Non-moving parts ✅
  • Greater durability ✅
  • Uses Disk Platters

Explanation:
Unlike HDDs, SSDs have no moving parts, making them more durable, resistant to shocks, and faster in data access speeds. HDDs, on the other hand, use disk platters and RPMs (revolutions per minute) to read and write data, making them more susceptible to physical damage.

Starting It Up

Practice Quiz

10. What function does the POST perform in a computer?

  • Tells the CPU how to run individual devices
  • Figures out what hardware is on the computer and makes sure it is running properly ✅
  • Stores basic data like the date and the startup method.
  • Stores the BIOS

Explanation:
POST (Power-On Self-Test) is a diagnostic process that runs when a computer starts up. It checks the system’s hardware components (RAM, CPU, motherboard, etc.) to ensure they are functioning correctly before booting the operating system.

11. What function does the BIOS perform?

  • Installs drivers
  • Initializes hardware and loads up drivers ✅
  • Stores temporary data while the computer is on
  • Keeps data when the power is turned off

Explanation:
BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is responsible for initializing hardware components like the CPU, RAM, and storage devices during startup. It also loads drivers and prepares the system for booting into an operating system.

12. Where are the BIOS settings stored?

  • RAM
  • Flash drive
  • CMOS ✅
  • Hard drive

Explanation:
BIOS settings, such as date, time, and boot order, are stored in CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) memory, which is powered by a small battery to retain data even when the computer is turned off.

13. What function does a driver perform on the computer?

  • Stores the BIOS for the motherboard
  • Initializes the computer and gets it up and running
  • Stores basic data about the computer like the date, time, and startup methods
  • Teaches the CPU how to run an external device ✅

Explanation:
A driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with hardware devices like printers, keyboards, or graphics cards. It acts as an interpreter, ensuring the CPU can control and use these external devices properly.

Module 2 challenge: Computer Components and Hardware

Graded Assignment

14. Which computer component provides electricity to the computer?

  • Motherboard
  • Port
  • CPU
  • Power supply ✅

Explanation:
The Power Supply Unit (PSU) converts electricity from an outlet into usable power for the motherboard, CPU, and other components.

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

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

Explanation:
Cache memory is a small, high-speed memory that temporarily holds frequently accessed data, making retrieval faster for the CPU.

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

  • It is cleared ✅
  • Only the most frequently accessed data is saved
  • It is saved
  • It is cached

Explanation:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile, meaning its data is lost when the power is turned off.

17. Select all that apply. Mobile devices usually:

  • have components that are integrated to save space. ✅
  • use only proprietary connectors.
  • are optimized for performance.
  • are powered by batteries. ✅

Explanation:
Mobile devices are designed for compactness, with integrated components and battery power. They may also use proprietary connectors, but not all do, so that option was incorrect.

18. 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 occurs when a battery is charged from 0% to 100% and then used back to 0%. Battery lifespan is measured in charge cycles.

19. If you want to be able to transfer 2 megabytes of data per second, what transfer speed do you need?

  • 2 Mb/s
  • 20 Mb/s
  • 16 MB/s
  • 16 Mb/s ✅

Explanation:
1 megabyte (MB) = 8 megabits (Mb).
So, 2 MB/s = 16 Mb/s (since 2 × 8 = 16).

20. Data needs to move quickly between the CPU, RAM, and video card for smooth performance. On a motherboard, which component specifically manages this high-speed data flow?

  • Northbridge ✅
  • Southbridge
  • I/O Controller
  • Chipset

Explanation:
The Northbridge handles communication between the CPU, RAM, and GPU for high-speed processing. The Southbridge manages slower tasks like storage and I/O devices.

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

  • RAM
  • Solid state drive (SSD) ✅
  • Hard disk drive (HDD)
  • Magnetic tape

Explanation:
Unlike Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), which have spinning disks, SSDs use flash memory, making them more durable and faster.

22. Why might someone choose to upgrade their computer's storage? Select all that apply.

  • They are running out of space to store their files. ✅
  • Their computer keeps overheating due to heavy use.
  • They want to browse the web.
  • They want their computer to boot up and load programs faster. ✅

Explanation:
More storage space helps store additional files, while SSDs improve boot and load times. Overheating and web browsing are not directly related to storage upgrades.

23. 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?

  • Inspect the cables connecting the projector to your laptop. ✅
  • Open the presentation file again.
  • Restart your laptop.
  • Adjust the projector settings on the remote.

Explanation:
Loose or faulty cables are a common issue in connectivity problems. Always check the physical connection first before restarting or changing settings.

24. Which of the following are types of RAM? Select all that apply.

  • DRAM ✅
  • DIMM
  • DDR
  • SDRAM ✅
  • CRAM

Explanation:

  • DRAM (Dynamic RAM): The most common type of RAM used in computers.
  • DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM): An advanced version of DRAM that offers faster data transfer speeds.
  • DIMM is a module that holds RAM, not a type of RAM.
  • CRAM is not a valid RAM type.

25. Tablets and e-readers are examples of:

  • laptops
  • monitors
  • mobile devices ✅
  • desktop computers

Explanation:
Tablets and e-readers are mobile devices designed for portability and wireless use.

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

  • MB
  • Mb/s ✅
  • Mb
  • MB/s

27. 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
  • Northbridge ✅
  • Southbridge
  • Chipset

Explanation:
The Northbridge is responsible for high-speed communication between the CPU, RAM, and GPU. If it malfunctions, it can affect video performance and memory operations.

28. Why would a user need a bigger power supply for your computer? Select all that apply.

  • The user is a student who frequently uses word processing software.
  • The user is a videographer and edits a lot of video content. ✅
  • The user plays a lot of high resolution video games. ✅
  • The user searches the web often.

Explanation:

  • Video editing and gaming require powerful components like high-end GPUs and CPUs, which consume more power.
  • Word processing and web browsing do not require a high-power PSU.

29. Which computer component does the calculations and data processing?

  • Motherboard
  • Port
  • RAM
  • CPU ✅

Explanation:
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It executes instructions, performs calculations, and processes data.

30. 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.

Explanation:
Volatile memory means that its contents are lost when power is removed. Unlike storage devices (HDD/SSD), RAM only holds data while the computer is running.

31. Which of the following can cause damage to rechargeable batteries? Select all that apply.

  • using the wrong charger ✅
  • very cold environments ✅
  • very hot environments ✅
  • using a wireless charger

Explanation:

  • Wrong chargers can deliver incorrect voltage, causing overheating and damage.
  • Extreme temperatures (too hot or too cold) can shorten battery lifespan or cause malfunctions.
  • Wireless chargers do not harm batteries if used correctly.

32. 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 RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) offer faster data access.
  • Common speeds:
    • 5,400 RPM (slower, power-efficient)
    • 7,200 RPM (standard performance)
    • 10,000 RPM (fastest among HDDs)

33. 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 is overheating.
  • The projector’s bulb needs to be replaced.
  • The presentation file is corrupted.
  • Your computer did not recognize the display resolution of the projector and needs a device driver. ✅

Explanation:

  • If the resolution is incorrect, the image will appear blurry or pixelated.
  • Installing the correct driver helps your laptop adjust to the projector’s native resolution.

34. Which of the following are types of RAM? Select all that apply.

  • DIMM ✅
  • DRAM ✅
  • CRAM
  • DDR SDRAM ✅

Explanation:

  • DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) is a physical module that holds RAM chips.
  • DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a common type of RAM.
  • DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM) is a faster version of DRAM.
  • CRAM is not a real type of RAM.

35. Which of the following are considered mobile devices? Select all that apply.

  • E-readers ✅
  • Surge protectors
  • Smartphones ✅
  • Fitness monitors ✅

Explanation:

  • E-readers (e.g., Kindle), smartphones, and fitness monitors (e.g., Fitbit) are mobile devices.
  • Surge protectors are not mobile devices; they protect electronics from power surges.

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

  • It lets you expand the computer’s functionality by adding expansion cards. ✅
  • It facilitates communication between different parts of the computer ✅

  • It runs the operating system and executes software.
  • It routes power from the power supply. ✅

Explanation:

  • The motherboard connects all components and facilitates communication between the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.
  • It allows expansion cards (e.g., graphics cards) to be added.
  • It routes power to different components.
  • It does not run the operating system—this is the role of the CPU and storage drive.

37. You are a technical support specialist working at a school. A teacher in one of the classrooms urgently calls you to their classroom. They explain that they have been presenting all day, and the projector suddenly shut down and won't turn back on. This has interrupted their lesson. Based on the information you know about projectors, what is the most likely cause of this issue?

  • The video source or laptop may have crashed.
  • The projector needs to be recalibrated for the screen size.
  • The speakers are malfunctioning and causing a power surge.
  • The projector lamp might have overheated or burned out. ✅

Explanation:

  • Projector bulbs have a limited lifespan and can overheat or burn out after long use.
  • If the lamp overheats, the projector automatically shuts down as a safety measure.
  • A crashed laptop wouldn’t cause the projector to turn off completely.
  • Speakers do not cause power surges in projectors.

Related contents:

Module 1: Introduction to IT
Module 3: Operating System
Module 4: Networking
Module 5: Software
Module 6: Troubleshooting

You might also like:

Course 2: The Bits and Bytes of Computer Networking
Course 3: Operating Systems and You: Becoming a Power User
Course 4: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
Course 5: IT Security: Defense against the digital dark arts

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