WGU D386 Exam Worksheet with Complete
Answers
Explain Design Decisions
● Describe appropriate storage devices.
There are many storage devices. There are internal hard drives both HDD and
SSD, there are flash drives, and external hard drives, and memory cards.
● Describe what RAM is.
RAM is random access memory. It is volatile and will yeet your
information when you shut down your computer without saving.
● Describe what ROM is.
ROM is read only memory. There are a few types of this like PROM >
Programmable ROM. EPROM > Erasable programmable ROM. EEPROM >
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM. It’s like Bubba Gump but with
fewer types.
● Compare and contrast RAM and ROM.
RAM is volatile memory. ROM isn’t. ROM will hold information. RAM
won’t. You also can’t save to ROM. Because it’s read only.
● Describe different input and output devices.
Input is anything you use to put into the computer. Like the keyboard or
mouse or touchscreen. Output is anything that gives you information like the
computer screen.
● Describe CPUs for different systems.
Think about what computer things you use. Desktop CPU, Laptop CPU,
Server CPU. And a CPU is Central Processing Unit. It’s where all the action
happens that makes your computer computer. Install an OS on that and
BAM! You can do all the things. It’s not listed in this list, but GPU is a thing.
Graphic Processing Unit. It makes the videos happen and look pretty,
also video games and bitcoin mining but we’re not going into that.
Those can be integrated into the CPU, be dedicated like a graphics card for
gaming rigs or mobile GPUs.
● Describe problems related to RAM and CPU in a given scenario.
I asked the great and powerful ChatGPT. Here’s what it said. Seems legit.
RAM (Random Access Memory) and CPU (Central Processing Unit) are crucial
components of a computer system that work together to ensure its smooth
operation. However, various
,problems can arise with these components, leading to performance issues and
system instability. Here are some common problems related to RAM and CPU:
RAM-related problems:
1. Insufficient RAM: If a computer has insufficient RAM for the tasks
it needs to perform, it can lead to slow performance and frequent
freezing. Running multiple applications simultaneously or running
memory-intensive programs can cause the system to run out of
available RAM.
2. Incompatible RAM: When installing new RAM modules, it is essential
to ensure compatibility with the motherboard and other installed RAM
modules. Incompatible RAM can result in system crashes, instability,
or even failure to boot.
3. Faulty RAM modules: RAM modules can sometimes be defective or
develop faults over time. This can lead to various issues, including system
crashes, random errors, and data corruption. Faulty RAM can be
challenging to diagnose as it often mimics other hardware or software
problems.
4. RAM fragmentation: Over time, RAM can become fragmented, with
scattered data occupying different regions of memory. This can slow
down system performance as the CPU has to access data from multiple
locations, increasing access time. Regular reboots or memory
optimization tools can help alleviate this problem.
CPU-related problems:
1. Overheating: CPUs generate heat during operation, and if the
cooling system is inadequate or faulty, the CPU can overheat.
Overheating can lead to system instability, automatic shutdowns, and
reduced CPU performance. Dust accumulation on heat sinks or faulty fans
are common causes of CPU overheating.
2. CPU bottleneck: A CPU bottleneck occurs when the CPU's
processing power limits the overall system performance. This can happen
if the CPU is significantly slower compared to other components, such as
the GPU or storage devices. It can result in reduced frame rates in
, games, slower application launches, and general system slowness.
Answers
Explain Design Decisions
● Describe appropriate storage devices.
There are many storage devices. There are internal hard drives both HDD and
SSD, there are flash drives, and external hard drives, and memory cards.
● Describe what RAM is.
RAM is random access memory. It is volatile and will yeet your
information when you shut down your computer without saving.
● Describe what ROM is.
ROM is read only memory. There are a few types of this like PROM >
Programmable ROM. EPROM > Erasable programmable ROM. EEPROM >
Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM. It’s like Bubba Gump but with
fewer types.
● Compare and contrast RAM and ROM.
RAM is volatile memory. ROM isn’t. ROM will hold information. RAM
won’t. You also can’t save to ROM. Because it’s read only.
● Describe different input and output devices.
Input is anything you use to put into the computer. Like the keyboard or
mouse or touchscreen. Output is anything that gives you information like the
computer screen.
● Describe CPUs for different systems.
Think about what computer things you use. Desktop CPU, Laptop CPU,
Server CPU. And a CPU is Central Processing Unit. It’s where all the action
happens that makes your computer computer. Install an OS on that and
BAM! You can do all the things. It’s not listed in this list, but GPU is a thing.
Graphic Processing Unit. It makes the videos happen and look pretty,
also video games and bitcoin mining but we’re not going into that.
Those can be integrated into the CPU, be dedicated like a graphics card for
gaming rigs or mobile GPUs.
● Describe problems related to RAM and CPU in a given scenario.
I asked the great and powerful ChatGPT. Here’s what it said. Seems legit.
RAM (Random Access Memory) and CPU (Central Processing Unit) are crucial
components of a computer system that work together to ensure its smooth
operation. However, various
,problems can arise with these components, leading to performance issues and
system instability. Here are some common problems related to RAM and CPU:
RAM-related problems:
1. Insufficient RAM: If a computer has insufficient RAM for the tasks
it needs to perform, it can lead to slow performance and frequent
freezing. Running multiple applications simultaneously or running
memory-intensive programs can cause the system to run out of
available RAM.
2. Incompatible RAM: When installing new RAM modules, it is essential
to ensure compatibility with the motherboard and other installed RAM
modules. Incompatible RAM can result in system crashes, instability,
or even failure to boot.
3. Faulty RAM modules: RAM modules can sometimes be defective or
develop faults over time. This can lead to various issues, including system
crashes, random errors, and data corruption. Faulty RAM can be
challenging to diagnose as it often mimics other hardware or software
problems.
4. RAM fragmentation: Over time, RAM can become fragmented, with
scattered data occupying different regions of memory. This can slow
down system performance as the CPU has to access data from multiple
locations, increasing access time. Regular reboots or memory
optimization tools can help alleviate this problem.
CPU-related problems:
1. Overheating: CPUs generate heat during operation, and if the
cooling system is inadequate or faulty, the CPU can overheat.
Overheating can lead to system instability, automatic shutdowns, and
reduced CPU performance. Dust accumulation on heat sinks or faulty fans
are common causes of CPU overheating.
2. CPU bottleneck: A CPU bottleneck occurs when the CPU's
processing power limits the overall system performance. This can happen
if the CPU is significantly slower compared to other components, such as
the GPU or storage devices. It can result in reduced frame rates in
, games, slower application launches, and general system slowness.
