- Digital Literacy Hardware and Software Concepts Flashcards

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems?

Answer: 64-bit systems can address more memory and process larger amounts of data per cycle

A 64-bit operating system can address significantly more RAM (up to 16 exabytes theoretically vs 4GB for 32-bit) and process data in larger chunks.

What is a peripheral device and what are common examples?

Answer: External or auxiliary hardware connected to a computer for input, output, or storage

Peripheral devices are external hardware components that connect to a computer to provide input (keyboard, mouse), output (monitor, printer), or storage (external hard drive) functions.

What is UEFI and how does it improve upon traditional BIOS?

Answer: UEFI is modern firmware that replaces BIOS with faster boot times, larger drive support, and a graphical interface

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) is the modern replacement for BIOS that offers faster boot times, support for drives over 2TB, a graphical interface, and secure boot.

What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Answer: RAM is volatile read-write memory for active data while ROM is non-volatile read-only memory for firmware

RAM is volatile, read-write memory that temporarily holds active data and programs. ROM is non-volatile memory that permanently stores firmware and boot instructions.

What is a software license and why does it matter?

Answer: A legal agreement defining how software may be installed, used, and distributed

A software license specifies the terms under which software can be used, including the number of installations, permitted modifications, distribution rights, and duration of use.

What is the function of a network interface card (NIC)?

Answer: It enables a computer to connect to and communicate over a network

A NIC provides the hardware interface that allows a computer to connect to a network, whether through an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi.