1Which of the following best defines computer hardware?
A.The physical components that make up a computer system
B.The graphical user interface of an operating system
C.The cloud-based servers accessed via the internet
D.The instructions and programs that tell the computer what to do
Correct Answer: The physical components that make up a computer system
Explanation:
Computer hardware refers to the tangible, physical parts of a computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage devices.
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2Which of the following is strictly classified as an input device?
A.Keyboard
B.Monitor
C.Printer
D.Speaker
Correct Answer: Keyboard
Explanation:
A keyboard is an input device used to send alphanumeric data and commands to the computer. The others are output devices.
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3What is the primary function of the Power Supply Unit (PSU) in a desktop computer?
A.To convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for internal components
B.To manage data flow between the CPU and memory
C.To cool down the CPU and GPU
D.To provide graphical output to the monitor
Correct Answer: To convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for internal components
Explanation:
The PSU takes high-voltage AC power from a wall outlet and converts it into low-voltage DC power that the computer's internal components can use.
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4In the context of computer hardware, what is a "peripheral" device?
A.An external device that connects to the computer to add functionality
B.The primary memory module
C.The chipset responsible for boot initialization
D.The main processor of the system
Correct Answer: An external device that connects to the computer to add functionality
Explanation:
Peripherals are auxiliary devices (like mice, keyboards, and printers) that connect to and work with the computer in some way.
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5Which component represents primary storage (main memory) in a modern computer architecture?
A.Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
B.Solid State Drive (SSD)
C.Optical Drive
D.Random Access Memory (RAM)
Correct Answer: Random Access Memory (RAM)
Explanation:
RAM is the primary storage (or main memory) that the CPU uses to temporarily hold active data and instructions.
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6Secondary storage devices are used primarily for:
A.Volatile data storage for the CPU
B.Routing network traffic
C.Long-term, non-volatile data retention
D.Processing graphical rendering
Correct Answer: Long-term, non-volatile data retention
Explanation:
Secondary storage (like HDDs and SSDs) is non-volatile, meaning it retains data even when the power is turned off, making it ideal for long-term storage.
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7What does the term "form factor" refer to in computer hardware?
A.The amount of power consumed by the system
B.The speed of the processor in GHz
C.The software interface of the motherboard
D.The physical size, shape, and layout specifications of components
Correct Answer: The physical size, shape, and layout specifications of components
Explanation:
Form factor specifies the physical dimensions and layouts of components (like motherboards and cases) to ensure compatibility.
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8What is the collective purpose of a motherboard's chipset?
A.To manage data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals
B.To act as the primary graphical processing unit
C.To cool the internal chassis
D.To provide physical power to the system
Correct Answer: To manage data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals
Explanation:
The chipset is an electronic data flow management system that controls communication between the CPU and other motherboard components.
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9Historically, the Northbridge chip in a system module was responsible for communicating with which components?
A.High-speed components like the CPU, RAM, and PCIe graphics
B.Slower peripherals like USB ports and audio
C.The CMOS battery and BIOS chip
D.The power supply and chassis fans
Correct Answer: High-speed components like the CPU, RAM, and PCIe graphics
Explanation:
The Northbridge handled communications for the fastest parts of the system, including the CPU, main memory (RAM), and high-speed graphics interfaces.
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10What was the primary role of the Southbridge chip?
A.Managing slower I/O devices, USB, SATA, and legacy ports
The Southbridge managed the slower capabilities of the motherboard, including hard drive controllers, USB, and audio.
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11What is the function of the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System)?
A.To provide power regulation to the CPU
B.To perform hardware initialization during the booting process
C.To run high-level applications and games
D.To actively scan for internet viruses
Correct Answer: To perform hardware initialization during the booting process
Explanation:
The BIOS is firmware that performs the Power-On Self-Test (POST) and initializes hardware before loading the operating system.
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12Which firmware interface was designed to replace the legacy BIOS?
A.UEFI
B.CMOS
C.POST
D.ACPI
Correct Answer: UEFI
Explanation:
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a modern firmware standard that replaces legacy BIOS, offering a graphical interface and support for larger drives.
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13What is the purpose of the VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) on a motherboard?
A.To regulate the fan speeds of the chassis
B.To convert digital signals to analog audio
C.To step down the power supply voltage to the specific, lower voltage required by the CPU
D.To maintain the real-time clock
Correct Answer: To step down the power supply voltage to the specific, lower voltage required by the CPU
Explanation:
The VRM ensures that the CPU receives a stable and appropriate voltage, stepping down the from the PSU to the typically needed by modern processors.
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14Why is a CMOS battery required on a motherboard?
A.To maintain system time and basic hardware settings when the computer is unplugged
B.To provide surge protection for the motherboard
C.To supply power to the CPU cache
D.To power the computer if there is a power outage
Correct Answer: To maintain system time and basic hardware settings when the computer is unplugged
Explanation:
The CMOS battery powers the real-time clock (RTC) and volatile memory chip holding BIOS/UEFI settings when the system is turned off.
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15Which part of the CPU is responsible for performing mathematical calculations and logical comparisons?
A.Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
B.Control Unit (CU)
C.Registers
D.L1 Cache
Correct Answer: Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)
Explanation:
The ALU handles all arithmetic operations (addition, subtraction) and logic operations (AND, OR, NOT) within the CPU.
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16What is the primary function of the CPU's Control Unit (CU)?
A.It renders 3D graphics
B.It permanently stores application data
C.It directs the operation of the processor and manages the fetch-decode-execute cycle
D.It regulates electrical voltage to the processor
Correct Answer: It directs the operation of the processor and manages the fetch-decode-execute cycle
Explanation:
The Control Unit coordinates all activities of the CPU, decoding instructions and directing the movement of data through the processor.
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17The clock speed of a CPU is measured in Hertz (Hz). If a CPU has a clock period of , what is its clock frequency given by the formula ?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:
Frequency is the reciprocal of the period. , which equals .
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18What are CPU registers?
A.External memory modules plugged into the motherboard
B.Large, slow magnetic storage areas
C.Heat dissipation units for the processor
D.Small, extremely fast memory locations built directly into the CPU core
Correct Answer: Small, extremely fast memory locations built directly into the CPU core
Explanation:
Registers are the fastest and smallest memory locations in a computer, used to quickly store active data and instructions being processed by the ALU.
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19What is the purpose of CPU Cache memory ()?
A.To store the operating system kernel only
B.To act as a high-speed buffer between the ultra-fast CPU and the relatively slower main memory (RAM)
C.To manage power distribution across cores
D.To replace the hard drive for permanent file storage
Correct Answer: To act as a high-speed buffer between the ultra-fast CPU and the relatively slower main memory (RAM)
Explanation:
Cache memory temporarily stores frequently accessed data and instructions to prevent the CPU from idling while waiting for data from main RAM.
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20What distinguishes an LGA (Land Grid Array) CPU socket from a PGA (Pin Grid Array) socket?
A.In LGA, the pins are on the motherboard socket; in PGA, the pins are on the CPU chip
B.LGA is purely wireless communication, while PGA uses physical wires
C.LGA sockets are only used for RAM, whereas PGA is for CPUs
D.There is no physical difference; they are just brand names
Correct Answer: In LGA, the pins are on the motherboard socket; in PGA, the pins are on the CPU chip
Explanation:
Land Grid Array features flat contact pads on the CPU and pins on the motherboard, whereas Pin Grid Array features pins on the bottom of the CPU.
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21What does "Hyper-Threading" or SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) accomplish?
A.It overclocks the CPU automatically
B.It disables unused cores to save battery power
C.It allows a single physical CPU core to execute multiple threads simultaneously, acting as virtual cores
D.It links two separate CPUs across a network
Correct Answer: It allows a single physical CPU core to execute multiple threads simultaneously, acting as virtual cores
Explanation:
Hyper-threading duplicates certain sections of the processor allowing the operating system to address one physical core as two logical cores, increasing multitasking efficiency.
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22What does TDP (Thermal Design Power) indicate regarding a CPU chip?
A.The physical size of the CPU die in square millimeters
B.The exact amount of electricity the CPU draws when idle
C.The maximum temperature the CPU can reach before shutting down
D.The amount of heat generated by the CPU that the cooling system is expected to dissipate
Correct Answer: The amount of heat generated by the CPU that the cooling system is expected to dissipate
Explanation:
TDP, usually measured in Watts, is a specification that defines the maximum amount of heat a computer cooling system must dissipate under typical heavy workloads.
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23Which of the following is the most common standard motherboard form factor for desktop PCs?
A.Nano-ITX
B.Mini-ITX
C.ATX
D.Pico-BTX
Correct Answer: ATX
Explanation:
Advanced Technology eXtended (ATX) is the standard and most prevalent form factor for full-sized desktop computer motherboards.
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24What is the primary purpose of a PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) slot?
A.To plug in the primary ATX power cables
B.To connect high-speed expansion cards like graphics cards (GPUs) and NVMe storage
C.To connect external USB flash drives
D.To install the main system RAM
Correct Answer: To connect high-speed expansion cards like graphics cards (GPUs) and NVMe storage
Explanation:
PCIe is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard designed to support high-bandwidth devices like graphics cards, network cards, and fast storage.
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25PCIe slots come in different physical sizes based on their number of data lanes. Which of the following represents standard PCIe lane configurations?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Correct Answer:
Explanation:
PCIe links are built around pairs of serial connections called lanes. Common configurations are and .
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26Which motherboard connector is primarily used to connect traditional 2.5-inch SSDs and 3.5-inch mechanical hard drives?
A.AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
B.PS/2
C.SATA (Serial ATA)
D.VGA
Correct Answer: SATA (Serial ATA)
Explanation:
SATA is the standard interface for connecting mass storage devices such as hard disk drives and traditional solid-state drives.
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27What is the typical use for an M.2 slot on a modern motherboard?
A.Adding additional USB 2.0 ports
B.Connecting standard floppy disk drives
C.Installing high-speed NVMe SSDs and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards
D.Installing large dual-slot Graphics Cards
Correct Answer: Installing high-speed NVMe SSDs and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth cards
Explanation:
The M.2 form factor is typically used for exceptionally fast NVMe solid-state storage and wireless networking cards, directly mounting to the motherboard.
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28How many pins are found on the primary standard ATX main power connector used to deliver power to modern motherboards?
A.8-pin
B.16-pin
C.24-pin
D.4-pin
Correct Answer: 24-pin
Explanation:
The primary ATX motherboard power connector typically consists of a 24-pin block (often configured as 20+4 pins for backward compatibility).
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29What is typically connected to the motherboard's front panel headers?
A.The internal SATA data cables
B.The power switch, reset switch, power LED, and HDD activity LED
C.The primary display monitor
D.The CPU cooling fan
Correct Answer: The power switch, reset switch, power LED, and HDD activity LED
Explanation:
Front panel headers are small pins on the motherboard used to connect the computer case's buttons and indicator lights.
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30What is the function of the I/O Shield included with a motherboard?
A.It prevents the CPU from drawing too much voltage
B.It cools the VRM modules on the motherboard
C.It acts as a physical backplate to protect and label the external ports at the rear of the case while reducing electromagnetic interference
D.It protects the motherboard from software viruses
Correct Answer: It acts as a physical backplate to protect and label the external ports at the rear of the case while reducing electromagnetic interference
Explanation:
The I/O shield snaps into the computer case to frame the motherboard's rear ports, blocking dust and minimizing EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).
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31What does it mean when RAM is described as "volatile" memory?
A.It loses all stored data when electrical power is removed
B.It tends to overheat quickly
C.It can be easily overclocked beyond factory settings
D.It can permanently retain data like a hard drive
Correct Answer: It loses all stored data when electrical power is removed
Explanation:
Volatile memory requires continuous power to maintain the stored information. Once powered off, all data in RAM is wiped.
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32Modern main memory uses DDR technology. If a memory clock operates at frequency , DDR allows an effective transfer rate of . What does DDR stand for?
A.Direct Data Routing
B.Dual Drive Recognition
C.Dynamic Data RAM
D.Double Data Rate
Correct Answer: Double Data Rate
Explanation:
Double Data Rate (DDR) memory transmits data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, doubling the effective data transfer rate.
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33What is the primary difference between a DIMM and a SO-DIMM?
A.DIMM is used for desktop computers, while the smaller SO-DIMM is primarily used for laptops
B.DIMM is an analog standard, while SO-DIMM is digital
C.There is no difference; they are interchangeable
D.DIMM is for storage, while SO-DIMM is for networking
Correct Answer: DIMM is used for desktop computers, while the smaller SO-DIMM is primarily used for laptops
Explanation:
Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SO-DIMM) is a smaller alternative to standard DIMMs, designed for space-constrained devices like laptops.
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34What is ECC RAM primarily used for?
A.Detecting and correcting common types of internal data corruption, typically used in servers
B.Increasing the maximum clock speed of the memory
C.Reducing the physical size of the memory stick
D.Enhancing 3D gaming performance
Correct Answer: Detecting and correcting common types of internal data corruption, typically used in servers
Explanation:
Error-Correcting Code (ECC) RAM includes special hardware circuitry to detect and correct single-bit memory errors, vital for server stability.
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35In RAM terminology, what does CAS Latency (CL) represent?
A.The maximum capacity of the memory stick in gigabytes
B.The voltage required to power the memory module
C.The number of clock cycles it takes for the RAM to output data after receiving a command
D.The physical length of the memory module
Correct Answer: The number of clock cycles it takes for the RAM to output data after receiving a command
Explanation:
Column Access Strobe (CAS) Latency is the delay, in clock cycles, between the memory controller sending a request and the RAM returning the data. Lower is generally faster.
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36What is the benefit of installing RAM in a "dual-channel" configuration?
A.It cuts the power consumption of the RAM in half
B.It doubles the communication bandwidth between the memory controller and the RAM
C.It allows the computer to run two operating systems simultaneously
D.It doubles the total amount of gigabytes available per stick
Correct Answer: It doubles the communication bandwidth between the memory controller and the RAM
Explanation:
Dual-channel architecture uses two 64-bit data channels instead of one, providing a 128-bit data bus and effectively doubling the memory bandwidth.
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37Which of the following is true regarding SRAM (Static RAM) compared to DRAM (Dynamic RAM)?
A.SRAM is non-volatile and replaces solid-state drives
B.SRAM uses flip-flop circuitry that does not require refreshing and is faster, commonly used in CPU cache
C.SRAM uses capacitors that require constant refreshing, making it slower
D.SRAM is used mainly for high-capacity main memory because it is cheap
Correct Answer: SRAM uses flip-flop circuitry that does not require refreshing and is faster, commonly used in CPU cache
Explanation:
SRAM is faster and more expensive than DRAM because it uses a bistable latching circuit instead of a leaking capacitor, making it ideal for cache memory.
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38Which of the following physical characteristics defines the USB Type-C connector?
A.It has a large, rectangular shape that can only be plugged in one way
B.It features an asymmetrical shape similar to a trapezoid
C.It has large visible pins intended for serial networking
D.It is an oval-shaped, reversible connector that can be plugged in either upside up or upside down
Correct Answer: It is an oval-shaped, reversible connector that can be plugged in either upside up or upside down
Explanation:
USB Type-C is known for its symmetrical, reversible design, eliminating the frustration of having to orient the plug correctly before insertion.
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39Which capability distinguishes HDMI from the older VGA standard?
A.HDMI transmits both high-definition digital video and digital audio over a single cable
B.HDMI is entirely wireless
C.HDMI carries analog video signals only
D.HDMI uses a locking mechanism with screws on the sides
Correct Answer: HDMI transmits both high-definition digital video and digital audio over a single cable
Explanation:
Unlike VGA, which only handles analog video, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) transmits uncompressed digital video and digital audio.
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40What type of connection utilizes an RJ-45 connector?
A.External hard drives
B.Wired Ethernet networking
C.Surround sound speakers
D.Analog computer monitors
Correct Answer: Wired Ethernet networking
Explanation:
The RJ-45 connector is the standard 8-pin connector used at the ends of twisted-pair cables for wired Ethernet networks.
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41DisplayPort is a digital interface primarily used for video. What is a common physical feature of standard DisplayPort connectors that helps secure the connection?
A.A screw-in thumbscrew mechanism
B.A magnetic latching system
C.A bayonet-style twist lock
D.A mechanical locking mechanism with a release button
Correct Answer: A mechanical locking mechanism with a release button
Explanation:
Many standard DisplayPort connectors feature a built-in mechanical latch that prevents the cable from accidentally pulling out, which must be depressed to remove.
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42On older motherboards, PS/2 ports were color-coded. What did the purple and green ports represent?
A.Purple for Microphone, Green for Headphones
B.Purple for Keyboard, Green for Mouse
C.Purple for Joystick, Green for MIDI
D.Purple for Video, Green for Audio
Correct Answer: Purple for Keyboard, Green for Mouse
Explanation:
In the standard PC 97 color scheme, PS/2 ports used purple for the keyboard and green for the mouse.
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43Following standard audio jack color coding on a motherboard, what is the light green jack used for?
A.Front speaker out (Line out) for stereo headphones or speakers
B.Subwoofer out
C.Microphone input
D.Line-in audio
Correct Answer: Front speaker out (Line out) for stereo headphones or speakers
Explanation:
The light green audio jack is universally used for analog line-out, which connects to standard stereo speakers or headphones.
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44Which modern high-speed hardware interface utilizes the same physical connector shape as USB Type-C but supports PCIe and DisplayPort protocols directly?
A.Thunderbolt 3 / 4
B.eSATA
C.Lightning
D.FireWire 800
Correct Answer: Thunderbolt 3 / 4
Explanation:
Thunderbolt 3 and 4 use the USB Type-C connector to provide massive bandwidth, supporting PCIe data transfer, video output, and power delivery simultaneously.
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45In computer architecture, what is a System Resource?
A.The cloud storage capacity available
B.The physical amount of plastic used in the chassis
C.The software licenses allocated to the user
D.Communication channels used by hardware devices to communicate with the CPU and memory
Correct Answer: Communication channels used by hardware devices to communicate with the CPU and memory
Explanation:
System resources (such as IRQs, I/O addresses, and DMA channels) are pathways and addresses that allow hardware components to interface with the CPU.
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46What does IRQ (Interrupt Request) do in a computer system?
A.It limits the electrical power sent to external peripherals
B.It allocates memory space for software to run
C.It sends a hardware signal to the CPU to temporarily halt current processing to handle an immediate task
D.It compresses files to save hard drive space
Correct Answer: It sends a hardware signal to the CPU to temporarily halt current processing to handle an immediate task
Explanation:
An IRQ is a signal sent by a hardware device to the processor requesting immediate attention, causing the CPU to pause its current routine to execute the interrupt handler.
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47What is the function of DMA (Direct Memory Access)?
A.It allows certain hardware subsystems to access main system memory (RAM) independently of the CPU
B.It forces the CPU to process graphics directly instead of the GPU
C.It permanently maps external devices into the CPU cache
D.It routes network traffic directly to the hard drive
Correct Answer: It allows certain hardware subsystems to access main system memory (RAM) independently of the CPU
Explanation:
DMA allows peripherals to transfer data directly to or from RAM without the CPU having to copy each byte, greatly reducing CPU load.
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48I/O port addresses allow the CPU to communicate with specific hardware devices. These addresses are typically represented in Base-$16$ format, such as . What is this numbering system called?
A.Octal
B.Decimal
C.Binary
D.Hexadecimal
Correct Answer: Hexadecimal
Explanation:
Base-$16$ is known as the hexadecimal system, which uses digits and letters . In computing, it is often denoted by the prefix .
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49What does the term "Plug and Play" (PnP) mean regarding system resources?
A.Any device plugged into the computer can be used as a primary storage drive
B.Devices do not require electricity to run
C.The operating system automatically detects hardware and assigns IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O addresses without manual user intervention
D.The user must manually configure jumpers on the motherboard before plugging in a device
Correct Answer: The operating system automatically detects hardware and assigns IRQs, DMA channels, and I/O addresses without manual user intervention
Explanation:
Plug and Play is a standard that allows operating systems to dynamically discover and automatically configure hardware resources for newly attached devices.
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50In legacy hardware architectures, IRQ numbers denote priority. Which device is traditionally hardwired to IRQ $0$, giving it the highest priority for interrupting the CPU?
A.The System Timer
B.The Real-Time Clock (RTC)
C.The Keyboard controller
D.The Floppy disk drive
Correct Answer: The System Timer
Explanation:
IRQ $0$ is traditionally reserved for the system timer. Because accurate timekeeping and process scheduling are critical, it has the absolute highest interrupt priority.