Module 2: The Visible Computer
Week of Tue, Aug 25 · module closes Wed, Aug 26
Take Meerk's quiz for Module 2
This module's items
- M2 Discussiondue Thu, Aug 27 · points in Canvas
Exact due times are in Canvas. Late work is not accepted.
Know these cold
- ATX (305x244 mm) is the most common desktop motherboard standard; microATX (244x244 mm) and mini-ITX (170x170 mm) are smaller variants.
- The I/O shield covers the rear panel ports and provides a reference for port locations.
- USB color codes: black/white = USB 2.0 (480 Mbps), blue = USB 3.0 (5 Gbps), teal = USB 3.1 Gen 2 (10 Gbps).
- Display connectors: VGA is analog legacy; DVI-D is digital only; HDMI carries audio and video; DisplayPort is preferred for high-refresh monitors.
- Drive bay widths: 3.5-inch for HDDs, 2.5-inch for SSDs and laptop drives.
- Expansion slot covers on the rear panel are removed when installing a PCIe card; unused slots stay covered.
Meerk's quiz — open the Module 2 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Stuck?
Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: A monitor shows no image but the PC powers on. Which rear port do you check first on a system with only integrated graphics?
En español: El monitor no muestra imagen pero la PC enciende. Que puerto trasero revisas primero en un sistema solo con graficos integrados?