Title: Describe a computer system and its components.
Course: Computer Systems Technology I (10002-I) > Section: Examining Personal Computer Hardware

Description should include defining a system consisting of major components, related software, and subsystems. Description should include the names, purposes, and characteristics of action associated with components such as

- case
- power supply
- motherboard
- central processing unit (CPU)
- basic input/output system (BIOS)/Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
- complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS)
- cooling system
- read-only memory (ROM) and random-access memory (RAM)
- graphics processing units (GPUs) and adapter cards
- storage drives (including solid-state and hybrid drives) (e.g., redundant array of independent disks [RAID])
- internal cables.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What components are common to all computer systems?
- What parts of the computer are attached to the motherboard? How do they work together?
- What software is loaded to control the computer?
- What is the software called that is installed to meet needs of the user?
- What are some pros and cons of solid-state storage drives?
- What is the difference between RAM and ROM? How is each used inside the computer?
- What are two types of cooling systems that can be used inside the computer?
- How would a technician recognize a failure or problem with a given component?
- What are the differences between RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10?