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2.4. Reflection Checkpoint: Core Hardware & Devices Mastery

You have now explored the essential hardware components of modern computing, from the integrated parts of a mobile device to the modular components of a desktop PC and the peripherals that connect to them.

Scenario: You are given a box of PC components—a motherboard, CPU, RAM, SSD, video card, and power supply—and asked to assemble them into a functional computer.

Reflection Question: How does the concept of "form factor" (e.g., ATX vs. microATX, DIMM vs. SODIMM, 3.5" vs. 2.5" drive) impact nearly every step of the PC assembly process, from case selection to component installation?

Self-Assessment Prompts:
  • Can you explain the difference between a docking station and a port replicator?
  • What is the key difference between RAID 0 and RAID 1?
  • What are the three main types of printer technologies and their primary use cases?
  • Can you name three different video connectors and rank them from oldest/lowest quality to newest/highest quality?

Storytelling Checksum: You've assembled your toolkit of physical components. You now have the knowledge of the engines, the memory banks, the storage vaults, and the power plants—ready to be combined into powerful, well-crafted machines.