Quiz - Module 1: Architecture & Foundations
Test your knowledge on hardware architecture and peripherals!
Question 1
Which component is considered the "brain" of the computer?
- A) RAM
- B) The processor (CPU)
- C) The hard drive
- D) The graphics card
See the answer
Answer: B) The processor (CPU)
The processor (Central Processing Unit) executes instructions and performs calculations.
Question 2
What is the main difference between RAM and storage?
- A) RAM is slower than SSD
- B) RAM is volatile, storage is persistent
- C) Storage is more expensive than RAM
- D) There is no difference
See the answer
Answer: B) RAM is volatile, storage is persistent
RAM loses its data when powered off. Storage retains data.
Question 3
What type of device is a keyboard?
- A) Output device
- B) Input device
- C) Storage device
- D) Mixed device
See the answer
Answer: B) Input device
The keyboard sends data to the computer.
Question 4
Which bus is used to connect modern graphics cards?
- A) USB
- B) SATA
- C) PCIe (PCI Express)
- D) IDE
See the answer
Answer: C) PCIe (PCI Express)
PCIe is the high-speed bus for graphics cards and NVMe SSDs.
Question 5
What does the acronym "BIOS" stand for?
- A) Basic Input Output System
- B) Binary Integrated Operating System
- C) Base Installation Output Software
- D) Boot Initial Operating Sequence
See the answer
Answer: A) Basic Input Output System
The BIOS initializes hardware at startup.
Question 6
Which device is considered mixed (input AND output)?
- A) Mouse
- B) Printer
- C) Touchscreen
- D) Speakers
See the answer
Answer: C) Touchscreen
The touchscreen displays (output) AND detects touches (input).
Question 7
Which interface is used for internal hard drives?
- A) HDMI
- B) USB
- C) SATA
- D) VGA
See the answer
Answer: C) SATA
SATA (Serial ATA) connects internal hard drives and SSDs.
Question 8
How many bits are in a byte?
- A) 4 bits
- B) 8 bits
- C) 16 bits
- D) 32 bits
See the answer
Answer: B) 8 bits
One byte = 8 bits.
Question 9
Which component temporarily stores running programs?
- A) The hard drive
- B) RAM
- C) The graphics card
- D) The power supply
See the answer
Answer: B) RAM
RAM stores running programs for quick access.
Question 10
Which Windows command displays the IP configuration?
- A) ping
- B) ipconfig
- C) netstat
- D) tracert
See the answer
Answer: B) ipconfig
ipconfig displays the IP address, mask, and gateway.
Question 11
What does USB stand for?
- A) Universal Serial Bus
- B) United System Backup
- C) User Storage Base
- D) Unified Software Bridge
See the answer
Answer: A) Universal Serial Bus
USB is a universal connection standard for devices.
Question 12
Which component manages the display on a computer?
- A) CPU
- B) RAM
- C) GPU (graphics card)
- D) SSD
See the answer
Answer: C) GPU (graphics card)
The GPU handles graphic calculations and manages the display.
Question 13
What unit measures the processor's frequency?
- A) GB (Gigabytes)
- B) GHz (Gigahertz)
- C) Gbps (Gigabits per second)
- D) W (Watts)
See the answer
Answer: B) GHz (Gigahertz)
The CPU frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz), typically GHz.
Question 14
What is an SSD?
- A) A type of RAM
- B) A flash memory storage drive
- C) A processor
- D) A network card
See the answer
Answer: B) A flash memory storage drive
SSD = Solid State Drive, fast storage without moving parts.
Question 15
Which port is used to connect a modern monitor?
- A) USB
- B) Ethernet
- C) HDMI
- D) SATA
See the answer
Answer: C) HDMI
HDMI transmits video and audio to monitors/TVs.
Question 16
What does the ping command do?
- A) Displays files
- B) Tests network connectivity
- C) Shuts down the computer
- D) Formats a disk
See the answer
Answer: B) Tests network connectivity
ping sends packets to check if a machine responds.
Question 17
Which component supplies electricity to all others?
- A) The processor
- B) The motherboard
- C) The power supply (PSU)
- D) The hard drive
See the answer
Answer: C) The power supply (PSU)
The PSU (Power Supply Unit) converts current for components.
Question 18
What is the motherboard?
- A) The main processor
- B) The circuit that connects all components
- C) The main memory
- D) The operating system
See the answer
Answer: B) The circuit that connects all components
The motherboard is the central PCB that links CPU, RAM, storage, etc.
Question 19
What type of network cable is most common?
- A) Coaxial
- B) Fiber optic
- C) RJ45 (Ethernet)
- D) HDMI
See the answer
Answer: C) RJ45 (Ethernet)
The RJ45 cable is the standard for local networks.
Question 20
What does DHCP stand for?
- A) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
- B) Direct Hardware Control Process
- C) Data Handling Computer Protocol
- D) Digital Home Connection Port
See the answer
Answer: A) Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses on a network.
Question 21
Which device captures sound?
- A) Speaker
- B) Microphone
- C) Screen
- D) Printer
See the answer
Answer: B) Microphone
The microphone is an audio input device.
Question 22
What is the function of the chipset on the motherboard?
- A) Cool the processor
- B) Manage communication between components
- C) Store data
- D) Display images
See the answer
Answer: B) Manage communication between components
The chipset coordinates exchanges between CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.
Question 23
How many bytes in a Kilobyte (KB)?
- A) 100
- B) 1000
- C) 1024
- D) 10000
See the answer
Answer: C) 1024
In computing, 1 KB = 1024 bytes (2^10).
Question 24
What is the role of the fan/heatsink on the CPU?
- A) Speed up the processor
- B) Dissipate heat
- C) Increase memory
- D) Reduce noise
See the answer
Answer: B) Dissipate heat
The cooling system removes heat produced by the CPU.
Question 25
What does the tracert command (Windows) do?
- A) Deletes temporary files
- B) Displays the network path to a destination
- C) Tests Internet speed
- D) Configures the firewall
See the answer
Answer: B) Displays the network path to a destination
tracert shows each router crossed to reach an address.
Question 26
Which USB standard is the fastest?
- A) USB 2.0
- B) USB 3.0
- C) USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
- D) USB 1.1
See the answer
Answer: C) USB 3.2 Gen 2x2
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 offers up to 20 Gbps.
Question 27
What is a driver?
- A) A connection cable
- B) Software that allows the system to communicate with hardware
- C) A type of processor
- D) A storage unit
See the answer
Answer: B) Software that allows the system to communicate with hardware
Drivers are programs that enable the OS to control devices.
Question 28
Which port transmits only video (no audio)?
- A) HDMI
- B) DisplayPort
- C) VGA
- D) USB-C
See the answer
Answer: C) VGA
VGA is an old analog video standard without audio.
Question 29
What does NVMe stand for?
- A) New Video Memory Extension
- B) Non-Volatile Memory Express
- C) Network Virtual Machine Environment
- D) Normal Voltage Module Expansion
See the answer
Answer: B) Non-Volatile Memory Express
NVMe is a fast protocol for SSDs connected via PCIe.
Question 30
Which command displays active network connections on Windows?
- A) ipconfig
- B) ping
- C) netstat
- D) hostname
See the answer
Answer: C) netstat
netstat displays network connections, open ports, and statistics.
Score
Count your correct answers:
| Score | Level |
|---|---|
| 27-30 | Excellent! You master the subject |
| 22-26 | Very good! A few minor revisions |
| 17-21 | Good, review some concepts |
| 12-16 | Fair, review the basics |
| 0-11 | Needs review, reread the chapter |
Quiz for Module 1 - Architecture & Foundations - 30 questions