Welcome to your comprehensive guide for Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems quiz answers! Whether you’re working through practice quizzes to build your foundational knowledge or preparing for graded quizzes to assess your understanding, this guide is here to help.
Covering all course modules, this resource will teach you the key components of computer hardware and operating systems, their functions, and how they work together to make a computer system operate efficiently.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Quiz Answers for All Modules
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 01 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Introduction to Computing Fundamentals Quiz Answers
Q1. Choose the option that lists the four functions of computing in the order that computers perform those functions.
Correct Answer: Input, Processing, Storage, and Output
Explanation: Computers perform functions in this order: they take input, process the input, store it, and produce output.
Q2. Operating systems enable computing devices of the same type to consistently manage common tasks. Select the answer that describes the operating system that focuses on a single task, providing split-second response times known as low latency.
Correct Answer: Embedded operating system
Explanation: Embedded operating systems are designed for specific tasks and offer low latency for quick responses, commonly used in devices like cars or medical equipment.
Q3. Select the answer that identifies the operating system generation compatible with multiple computer systems and featured processor timesharing.
Correct Answer: Third generation (1965 to 1980)
Explanation: Third-generation operating systems introduced multi-programming and processor timesharing, allowing multiple tasks to run on different machines.
Q4. Which type of computer is the fastest and primarily used for complex mathematical and analytical computations?
Correct Answer: Supercomputers
Explanation: Supercomputers are the fastest computers, designed for high-performance tasks like scientific research, simulations, and complex calculations.
Q5. Fill in the blank.
__________________ are physical objects that have sensors, processing ability, software, and other technologies that can exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or other communications networks.
Correct Answer: Internet of Things (IoT) devices
Explanation: IoT devices are physical objects with sensors and software that enable them to connect and communicate over networks, creating a smart environment.
Q6. Select the option that only includes computers that are software updatable but are generally not hardware upgradeable.
Correct Answer: Mobile phones, IoT devices, and portable gaming devices
Explanation: These devices typically allow software updates but are often not designed for hardware upgrades, such as adding more RAM or changing components.
Q7. Binary numbers can take up a lot of space. Hexadecimal formatted numbers use less space, making them easier to display. Please select the options that use hexadecimal notation. (Multiple correct answers)
Correct Answer:
- Color
- MAC addresses
Explanation: Colors and MAC addresses are commonly represented in hexadecimal format for easier readability and space efficiency.
Q8. Select the method you would use to convert binary numbers to decimal numbers.
Correct Answer: Use the doubling method, starting with the leftmost number.
Explanation: The doubling method involves multiplying the binary digits by powers of 2, starting from the leftmost digit.
Q9. Select the option that describes the easiest way to maximize the size of a window.
Correct Answer: Click the double box icon
Explanation: The double box icon in the top-right corner of a window is typically used to maximize the window to full screen.
Q10. Select the fastest method you can use to maximize the size of a window.
Correct Answer: Click the rectangle icon
Explanation: Clicking the rectangle icon (usually located in the top-right corner) maximizes the window instantly.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 02 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Computing Devices and Peripherals Quiz Answers
Q1. Which of the following is considered an internal component of a computer? (Please select all that apply.)
Correct Answer:
- CPU
- Random Access Memory (RAM)
Explanation: The CPU and RAM are internal components of a computer. A keyboard and mouse are external peripherals.
Q2. Your friend has a business and needs a new printer for customer receipts. __________ printers heat specially coated paper to turn sections black and are used in point-of-sale terminals and fax machines.
Correct Answer: Thermal
Explanation: Thermal printers use heat to activate chemicals on specially coated paper, making them ideal for receipt printing in point-of-sale terminals and fax machines.
Q3. The most-used input device, used primarily to input data and move the cursor, is the _____________.
Correct Answer: Keyboard
Explanation: The keyboard is the most common input device for entering data and controlling the cursor, though the mouse is also frequently used.
Q4. What are three popular methods for including a touchpad device as part of a laptop?
Correct Answer: Built-in, USB, and WiFi
Explanation: Touchpads are commonly built into laptops, can connect via USB, or sometimes use WiFi for wireless functionality.
Q5. Before beginning the process to upgrade or add hard drive storage, what is the most important task to perform?
Correct Answer: Back up your data.
Explanation: Before any hardware upgrade or modification, it’s crucial to back up your data to avoid losing important files.
Q6. Select the response that places the steps in the correct order for adding a new hard drive to a computer.
Correct Answer: 1, 3, 2, 5, 4
Explanation: The correct order of steps is:
- Back up your data.
- Turn off power to the computer.
- Remove the old hard drive.
- Install the new hard drive.
- Use Device Management to configure the new drive.
Q7. True or false? Data is written to optical discs through a laser pressing that creates recessed areas (known as pits) and raised areas (known as lands).
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Data is written to optical discs using a laser to create pits and lands, which represent the data in binary form.
Q8. Which of the following is true about external hard drives?
Correct Answer: Most external hard drives connect to a computer using a USB or eSATA connection.
Explanation: External hard drives typically connect through USB or eSATA ports, offering portability and easy connection to a computer.
Q9. A display device is a hardware component for the output of information. Select the devices that meet the definition.
Correct Answer:
- Monitor
- Television sets
Explanation: A monitor and television set are display devices used for output, while printers and styluses are not display devices.
Q10. Audio devices refer to components that reproduce, record, or process sound. Select the devices that match this definition.
Correct Answer:
- Speakers
- Microphone
Explanation: Speakers and microphones are audio devices used for recording and reproducing sound. Monitors and printers are not audio devices.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 03 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Interfaces and Connectors Quiz Answers
Q1. ___________________ enables communication between two or more entities and can be either physical or software.
Correct Answer: An interface
Explanation: An interface is the point of interaction that allows communication between devices or software entities, either physically (e.g., ports) or virtually (e.g., software APIs).
Q2. What type of port allows hot swapping and is the most popular port to connect external storage devices such as external hard drives to computers?
Correct Answer: The USB port
Explanation: The USB port supports hot swapping, allowing devices like external hard drives to be connected and disconnected without turning off the computer.
Q3. What is the latest and most widely used interface for digital audio and video for televisions, Blu-ray players, computers, and other consumer electronics?
Correct Answer: High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Explanation: HDMI is the most widely used interface for transmitting high-quality audio and video between consumer electronics such as TVs, computers, and Blu-ray players.
Q4. Sound cards have a _________________ to help external analog devices connect and communicate with the computer.
Correct Answer: digital-to-analog converter
Explanation: Sound cards include a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert digital audio signals from the computer into analog signals that external devices, such as speakers, can use.
Q5. Select the option that includes commonly found sound card audio connections.
Correct Answer: Light blue analog line in, lime green audio line out, and a pink microphone connection in
Explanation: These are standard audio connections on most sound cards, with light blue being the line-in, lime green the line-out (for speakers), and pink for the microphone.
Q6. True or false? Wireless connections offer faster speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second compared to wired connections that have a peak speed of about 1 gigabit per second.
Correct Answer: False
Explanation: Wired connections (e.g., Ethernet) generally offer faster speeds than wireless connections, which typically have lower speed limits, even for high-speed wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6.
Q7. What type of wireless connector connects two devices over a short range and can transmit large streams of data?
Correct Answer: Bluetooth
Explanation: Bluetooth is commonly used for short-range wireless communication, enabling devices to exchange data at relatively high speeds, typically up to 3 Mbps or more.
Q8. True or false? Printers require software, known as drivers, for the computer and the printer to be able to communicate with each other.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Printer drivers are essential software that enable communication between the computer and the printer, ensuring that print jobs are formatted and processed correctly.
Q9. Select the three options necessary to connect to a network printer.
Correct Answer:
- If you don’t see the network printer you want to connect to, use the additional Windows search options.
- Access your operating system’s printer and scanner settings.
- Verify your computer has a network connection.
Explanation: To connect to a network printer, you need to access your system’s settings, search for the printer, and ensure the computer is connected to the network.
Q10. What component of the Windows operating system allows users to view and control the hardware attached to the computer?
Correct Answer: Device Manager
Explanation: Device Manager in Windows allows users to view and manage hardware devices connected to the computer, such as printers, sound cards, and USB devices.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 04 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Internal Computer Components Quiz Answers
Q1. When you’re working with a computer, which term identifies the main printed circuit board?
Correct Answer: Motherboard
Explanation: The motherboard is the main printed circuit board (PCB) in a computer, connecting all the components like the CPU, RAM, and storage devices.
Q2. Which chipset directly connects to the CPU and is responsible for tasks that require the highest performance?
Correct Answer: Northbridge
Explanation: The Northbridge chipset is directly connected to the CPU and handles high-performance tasks, such as communication with the RAM and video processing.
Q3. What is a key characteristic of a solid state hard drive (SSD)?
Correct Answer: Typically provides faster access to the data
Explanation: SSDs do not have moving parts and offer faster access to data compared to traditional hard drives (HDDs), which have spinning disks.
Q4. It’s time to shop for a replacement hard drive for your user. What type of drive dominates today’s desktop and laptop market?
Correct Answer: Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Explanation: SSDs have become the dominant storage type in modern desktops and laptops due to their faster performance and durability compared to traditional hard drives.
Q5. Which statement is true about graphics processing units (GPUs)?
Correct Answer: GPUs are specialized processors that perform the processing tasks necessary to display or render graphics.
Explanation: GPUs are specialized hardware designed to handle the complex calculations required for rendering images and video, making them essential for tasks like gaming and video editing.
Q6. A sound card is an integrated circuit that generates a signal and sends it to a computer’s _______________.
Correct Answer: Speakers
Explanation: A sound card processes digital audio signals and sends them to speakers (or other output devices) to produce sound.
Q7. Your user needs to perform data modeling tasks with improved visualizations. What type of expansion card would support their needs?
Correct Answer: An accelerated graphics card
Explanation: An accelerated graphics card (GPU) would improve the performance of data modeling tasks, especially for visualizing complex data or 3D graphics.
Q8. Which device receives data from your Internet service provider (ISP) through the phone lines, optical fiber, or coaxial cable in your home (depending on your service provider) and converts the data into a digital signal?
Correct Answer: The modem
Explanation: A modem connects to your ISP and converts the incoming data from analog to digital (or vice versa) to allow communication with your computer or network.
Q9. What method cools computer components by slowing the speed at which a component, such as the processor, operates?
Correct Answer: Passive cooling
Explanation: Passive cooling involves using heat sinks or natural airflow to dissipate heat, often slowing down the component to reduce heat generation.
Q10. True or false? Fans, radiators, and other elements dissipate the accumulated heat energy, flowing heat away from vital internal parts, so those parts aren’t damaged by the heat generated inside the computer.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Cooling components like fans and radiators help dissipate heat, preventing overheating and damage to internal parts like the CPU and GPU.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 05 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Introduction to Microsoft Workstation Setup and Management and Workstation Evaluation, Setup, and Troubleshooting Quiz Answers
Q1. You are collaborating with a user who wants a different workstation—evaluating the user’s workstation requirements involves what considerations? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer:
- The user’s brand preferences
- Asking the user about ergonomic accommodations
- Asking the user about the work locations
- Asking the user how many peripherals they use
Explanation: When evaluating workstation requirements, you must consider brand preferences, ergonomics, work locations, and the number of peripherals to ensure the workstation meets the user’s needs.
Q2. You’re assisting a user with many loose cables at his workstation. Select the option that describes a practice used for good cable management:
Correct Answer: Collecting and tying cables together
Explanation: Good cable management involves grouping and securing cables to avoid clutter, ensuring a tidy and organized workstation.
Q3. You’ve installed Windows 10 on a new workstation, and you are setting up new user accounts. Select the option that includes all three account types you can set up.
Correct Answer: Administrator, Standard, Restricted
Explanation: Windows 10 allows you to set up different user account types: Administrator (full access), Standard (limited access), and Restricted (very limited access).
Q4. Choose the keyboard shortcut option that captures an entire screen on a macOS computer.
Correct Answer: Command+ Shift+ 3
Explanation: On macOS, Command + Shift + 3 captures the entire screen as a screenshot.
Q5. Select the option that identifies the keyboard command that captures only the active window when using a Microsoft Windows 10 computer.
Correct Answer: Press the ALT +PRT SCR key simultaneously
Explanation: Pressing ALT + PRT SCR captures only the currently active window in Windows 10.
Q6. Select the option that describes recommended file naming practices.
Correct Answer: File names should be as descriptive as possible, preferably 25 characters or less, with no spaces.
Explanation: File names should be descriptive, concise (preferably under 25 characters), and avoid spaces to improve file accessibility and prevent issues in file paths.
Q7. Select the command option for files and folders that temporarily places a copy on the clipboard so you can move the file to a new location.
Correct Answer: Cut
Explanation: The “Cut” command temporarily places a file or folder on the clipboard so it can be moved to a new location.
Q8. Select the option that matches the last step in the CompTIA Troubleshooting Model.
Correct Answer: Document findings, lessons learned, actions, and outcomes
Explanation: The final step in troubleshooting involves documenting your actions, findings, and the outcome for future reference and learning.
Q9. Select the answer that correctly fills in the blank.
________________ is having a plan to deal with difficult situations, so an organization can continue to function with as little disruption as possible.
Correct Answer: Business continuity
Explanation: Business continuity planning ensures that an organization can maintain essential functions during and after disruptions.
Q10. Select two considerations for planning a backup strategy.
Correct Answer:
- Method
- Cost
Explanation: When planning a backup strategy, it’s important to consider the backup method (e.g., cloud, local storage) and the cost of implementing the backup system.
Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems Module 06 Quiz Answers
Graded Quiz: Final Quiz Answers
Q1. Select the answers that fill in the blanks. The four functions of computing are _______, ________, ________, and _________.
Correct Answer:
- input, processing, output, storage
Explanation: The four primary functions of computing are input (data entry), processing (data manipulation), output (display of results), and storage (saving data).
Q2. While multiple types of computing devices can access networks, only __________________ are generally installed as stand-alone units on networks, enabling shared access to files, data, and media such as movies, videos, and sound clips.
Correct Answer: servers
Explanation: Servers are standalone units that provide shared access to files, data, and media across a network.
Q3. What is the base notational system for “computer speak” and programming in bits?
Correct Answer: Binary notation
Explanation: Binary notation is the base system used in computing, where data is represented in ones and zeros (bits).
Q4. Users experience screens that “freeze” or stop working, browser tabs that malfunction and close, out-of-memory and other on-screen errors, including the infamous “blue screen of death.” Select the two ways you can diagnose the cause of these RAM errors.
Correct Answer:
- In the Windows Taskbar search field, type “Windows Memory Diagnostic,” and run the diagnostic process.
- On Windows 10 computers, open the Task Manager, select the Performance tab, and view the Memory section.
Explanation: These are tools available in Windows 10 for diagnosing RAM errors and checking memory usage.
Q5. True or false? A computer’s output device is hardware that converts information into a human-readable form. Without an output device, there’s no way for a human to determine what the computer is doing.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Output devices, such as monitors and printers, convert data from the computer into a form that humans can interpret.
Q6. You are the IT Support person responsible for purchasing a new SATA hard drive for a business analyst user. Select the three hard drive characteristics that will affect your purchase.
Correct Answer:
- Connector type
- Spin speed
- Transfer rate
Explanation: The connector type, spin speed, and transfer rate are important factors when selecting a hard drive, affecting compatibility and performance.
Q7. You get a request to help a user who says that they are having issues with the cursor movement. Select the two options that describe what you would do to help the user troubleshoot and fix their cursor issues.
Correct Answer:
- Check the mouse’s performance and consider updating its driver.
- Check the keyboard connection and consider updating its driver.
Explanation: Cursor issues could be due to a faulty mouse or keyboard, and checking both components and updating drivers may resolve the problem.
Q8. You received a support call that a new monitor is not working with an existing computer. Select the option that describes the operating system function you would use to troubleshoot this issue.
Correct Answer: Device Manager
Explanation: Device Manager helps identify hardware issues, including problems with monitors, by showing devices and their drivers.
Q9. What type of port was built by a consortium of seven companies to replace the many varieties of connectors available in the market with a simple-to-use, fast connector now used for multiple devices and peripherals?
Correct Answer: The USB port
Explanation: The USB port was developed to standardize and simplify connections between devices and peripherals, replacing many older connector types.
Q10. True or false? The processing power available from the graphics processing unit (GPU) affects on-screen graphics display quality.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: The GPU’s processing power directly influences the quality and performance of graphics on the screen, especially for tasks like gaming and video rendering.
Q11. Select the statement that describes the benefits of wired connections.
Correct Answer: Wired networks are more reliable for mission-critical applications because they offer consistent connectivity and speed.
Explanation: Wired networks offer more stability and reliability than wireless networks, making them ideal for mission-critical tasks.
Q12. What type of device requires a local area network (LAN) or Internet installation and connection to function?
Correct Answer: IP-based peripheral
Explanation: IP-based peripherals, like printers or cameras, require a LAN or Internet connection to communicate and function.
Q13. Which form of memory is considered the fastest?
Correct Answer: Double Data Rate Fourth Generation (DDR4)
Explanation: DDR4 RAM is the latest and fastest form of memory commonly used in computers, offering higher speeds than earlier generations.
Q14. Optical drives, such as CDs and DVDs, provide what features? (Please select two that apply.)
Correct Answer:
- Nonvolatile storage
- Portable storage
Explanation: Optical drives offer nonvolatile and portable storage, meaning the data is preserved without power and the discs can be easily moved between devices.
Q15. What type of graphics processing unit (GPU) provides energy-efficient, cost-effective graphic displays suitable for computer users who perform general office work?
Correct Answer: Integrated GPU
Explanation: Integrated GPUs are energy-efficient and cost-effective, ideal for general office work and basic graphic tasks.
Q16. What type of cooling method fills gaps between the central processing unit (CPU) and other heat-generating components, enabling dissipation of the excess heat?
Correct Answer: Heat sink compound
Explanation: Heat sink compound is used to improve heat transfer between the CPU and the heat sink, helping dissipate excess heat more effectively.
Q17. True or false? Windows 10 allows you to set up a user without a Microsoft account by creating a user ID and password, then providing answers to three security questions.
Correct Answer: True
Explanation: Windows 10 allows users to create a local account without a Microsoft account, using a user ID, password, and security questions for recovery.
Q18. Select the three operating system platforms that provide full and partial screen capturing capabilities using keyboard commands.
Correct Answer:
- Chromebook
- Windows 10
- MacOS
Explanation: All these operating systems provide screen capture functionalities through keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to capture full or partial screens.
Q19. Which file security property enables the hidden attribute, making the file inaccessible to ordinary computer users?
Correct Answer: Hidden attribute
Explanation: The hidden attribute is used to make a file invisible to regular users, enhancing security by preventing accidental access.
Q20. What is the first step to take when troubleshooting an issue on your computer?
Correct Answer: Gathering information on the issue
Explanation: The first step in troubleshooting is gathering as much information as possible about the issue to understand the problem better and determine potential solutions.
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