Hardware, software and networking

Hardware, software and networking

1. Components

   • What is the memory and hard drive used for? The memory and hard drive are used to store permanent data.
   • What cables are needed to connect a hard drive/optical drive to the motherboard and why? SATA (Serial ATA) cables connect the hard drive/optical drive to the motherboard. SATA cables are used because they can transfer data quickly and have a shorter cable size than the old Parallel ATA which is why the SATA cables are the best to use.
   • Why is the ROM needed? ROM (Read-Only Memory) is needed to start up the computer as it holds all of the instructions needed to start the BIOS. ROM can not be edited by the user. It can only be read, hence the name 'Read-Only Memory'.

2. BIOS

   • What does BIOS stand for? BIOS stands for 'Basic Input Output System'. This means that the BIOS holds a set of computer instructions which controls the input and output operations.
   • What things can you do in the BIOS? Why are these things useful? When you are in the BIOS you can: change the Boot Order, set or reset a password for the BIOS, change the data and time, change various storage settings, change system settings, change component settings and view speeds of components. These are all useful because they are important features that can tell you a lot about your computer or you can personalise settings to your preferences, which can only be done by accessing the BIOS.

3. Operating systems

   • Ubuntu is a version of a Linux operating system (OS). What other versions of Linux are there? There are many distributions of Linux, such as: 64 Studio. This is different to Linux because its main selling point is that it specializes in audio and video production on x86-64 workstations.
   • What other operating systems are there? Mac OS X, Haiku, eComStation, ReactOS, Syllable and SKY OS.
   • Why do we need an operating system? We need an operating system because it manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. Without an operating system a computer is useless as it is what helps you to interact with the computer.
   • 6 main functions of an operating system: user interface, memory management (file management), security, multi-tasking, CPU management and peripheral management.