Be able to understand a computer specification (RAM, hard disk, microprocessor, ports, operating system, application systems, ethernet port (NIC))

Know whether something is hardware or software or input or output
Know whether software is application or operating system
Sizes - Kilo, Mega, Giga, Tera
Which is faster 56 K bps or 9 M bps? (Answer : 9 M = approx. 9000 K so 9 M is fastest)

RAM vs Hard Disk:
RAM goes away when you turn off the system
More RAM will  increase system speed and not space
More hard drive will increase system space and not speed
Hard drive is larger than RAM
What RAM does while you work on your computer (hold a copy of whatever you are using - both the program and data)
Know the difference between hard disk storage, off line storage (flash drive, memory stick, CD, DVD) and random access memory

Qualities of a microprocessor:
seldom replace it due to its cost and tight coupling to the motherboard so choose it wisely,
2 companies make chips right now (AMD & Intel), and the company making the processor is not the same as the company making the computer
Many models with features such as speed (measured in hertz), # of processors, memory on the processor, processor type.

Printer technologies:

• Ink Jet - squirts ink from little ink cartridges at the page; can be slower than laser; can be expensive per page; inexpensive for color; not great for over 100 pages a day
• Laser - like a photocopier using big toner cartridge; color much more expensive; tends to print quickly; often less expensive per page; heavy duty cycle
• Not on Quiz: Solid Ink Printer - uses melted wax for thermal transfer to paper; priced between ink jet and color laser; heavy duty cycle, but not as heavy as laser; good price per color page, but not fantastic price per black page; prints on more types of paper than laser or ink jet
• Not on Quiz: Dot Matrix - hits a ribbon like a typewriter; poor quality; continuous feed paper; heavy duty cycle
• Note that cost information reflects market conditions which will change in the future.
• See printer presentation

How to remove pop-ups at the source (adware remover)
How to protect against virus and spyware (anti-virus with updates; spybot; backups)
Malware types:

• Virus - A program that replicates itself on your computer
• Spyware - A program that collects information and sends it back to another computer.
• Adware - a program that displays advertisements on your pc
• Trojan - A program that appears to just be a useful program, but also performs malicious activity the user knows nothing about.
  
• Phishing - anything that tricks users into thinking they are dealing with legitimate sites
• Bot - an intelligent agent that can run a task automatically
  

Items that are good to know, but will not be on the quiz:

• Difference between cd-rom, cd-rw, cd-r, dvd-rom, dvd-ram, dvd+rw, dvd-rw, blu-ray, HD DVD (just know relative sizes and how they relate to the drive you need)
• modems:
  
• Phone Modem port connects by dialing through a phone line.
• Wireless Modems connect to a wireless router
  
• Ethernet cards connect directly to networks

• Uninterruptible power supply - definition and why you would want one (It supplies electricity to your system for a short time during a power failure so you can shut down normally.)
• Printer Qualities: Resolution – dpi; Print Speed (and memory); Cost to Purchase; Cost to Run (cost per page; monthly pages & maintenance)
• What is defragmentation, and why do you need to do it?