Computers/ Hardware

• What does HDD stand for?

  Hard Disk Drive
• What are the key characteristics of a Hard Disk Drive (HDD)?

  • Stores files permanently
  • Uses spinning magnetic disks
  • Classified as magnetic storage
  • Reliable for keeping data safe
• How does a Hard Disk Drive store information?

  Using spinning magnetic disks
• How does the actuator arm and read/write heads work together in an HDD?

  • The actuator arm moves the read/write heads across the platter to access data
  • The read/write heads read and write data on the magnetic surface of the platter
• What is the first key component of an HDD?

  A set of spinning platters
• What is the role of the spindle in an HDD?

  It rotates the platters
• What is a primary advantage of HDDs?

  High storage capacity
• What is the purpose of the air filter in an HDD?

  For dust protection
• How do mechanical parts affect HDDs?

  They make HDDs prone to damage if dropped
• Why are HDDs considered affordable for bulk storage?

  They are generally cheaper than SSDs
• How does the read/write head function in an HDD?

  It moves above the disks to read/write data
• What analogy is used to describe SSDs in comparison to HDDs?

  SSDs are like a digital library
• What is a disadvantage of HDDs compared to SSDs?

  Slower access speed
• Why is a Hard Disk Drive considered reliable for data storage?

  It keeps data safe even when powered off
• What is the main difference in file access between HDDs and SSDs?

  HDDs take longer to access files than SSDs
• What is the function of the read/write heads in an HDD?

  To read and write data
• What is the primary function of a Hard Disk Drive?

  It holds files permanently for the computer
• What material are the platters in an HDD typically made of?

  Aluminum
• What does the actuator pivot do in an HDD?

  Supports the actuator arm
• What type of storage is a Hard Disk Drive classified as?

  Magnetic storage
• How can HDDs be compared to a library?

  They offer lots of space but are slower to access
• What does RAM stand for?

  Random Access Memory
• What type of memory is RAM classified as?

  Main memory
• Why is RAM important for a computer's performance?

  It allows quick access to active data and instructions
• What does ROM stand for?

  Read-Only Memory
• What is a key characteristic of hard drives?

  They have large storage capacity and are non-volatile
• Why is RAM important for multitasking?

  It allows quick switching between different programs
• How does RAM help the CPU?

  It allows quick access to data for smooth operation
• What is the primary function of RAM in a computer?

  It stores data and instructions for the CPU
• What is a key characteristic of RAM?

  It is volatile and loses data when powered off
• What is a key characteristic of ROM?

  It is non-volatile and retains data when powered off
• What is the primary function of ROM?

  Stores basic system instructions to start the computer
• How does RAM affect computer performance?

  It speeds up access to frequently used data
• What role does ROM play in a computer?

  It contains essential instructions to start the computer
• What do hard drives (SSD/HDD) primarily store?

  All types of files, applications, and operating systems
• What is the Stored Program Concept?

  Instructions and data stored in memory
• Who introduced the Stored Program Concept?

  John von Neumann
• Why is the Stored Program Concept important?

  It allows computers to run different programs
• What is the Von Neumann Architecture?

  Design using the same memory for data and instructions
• What is an alternative to the Von Neumann architecture?

  Harvard Architecture