WGU/C954 - Chapter 04: Hardware and Software Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version 2026 | Graded A+

WGU/C954 - Chapter 04: Hardware and Software Exam Questions and Answers | Latest Version 2026 | Graded A+ Application Programming Interface (API) - answer-A set of routines and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate and share data. Application Software - answer-Programs designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing or spreadsheet analysis. Backward Compatibility - answer-The ability of newer systems or software to operate with older hardware or software versions. Blade Server - answer-A compact server that fits into a chassis with shared power and cooling, used to save space and improve scalability in data centers. Cache Memory - answer-A small, high-speed memory located close to the CPU that stores frequently accessed data to speed up processing. Central Processing Unit (CPU) - answer-The primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a system. Cloud Service Provider (CSP) - answer-A company that offers cloud-based infrastructure, platforms, or software services to other businesses or individuals.Commercial Off-the-Shelf Software (COTS) - answer-Pre-packaged software solutions available for general purchase and use without customization. Compiler - answer-A program that translates source code written in a programming language into machine code executable by a computer. Data Center - answer-A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. Desktop Computer - answer-A personal computer designed for regular use at a single location. Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) - answer-A system that helps purchasers evaluate the environmental impact of electronic products. Embedded System - answer-A computer system with a dedicated function within a larger mechanical or electrical system. End-User License Agreement (EULA) - answer-A legal contract between the software developer and the user, outlining the terms of software use. Enterprise Application - answer-Large-scale software solutions used to support business processes, information flows, and data analytics across an organization. Four Tiers of Data Center Classification - answer-A standard that defines the levels of redundancy and reliability in data center infrastructure. Green Computing - answer-Environmentally sustainable computing practices that reduce energy consumption and electronic waste.Grid Computing - answer-A distributed computing model that uses a network of loosely coupled computers to perform large-scale tasks. Group Application Software - answer-Software that supports collaborative work among multiple users, such as shared calendars or project management tools. Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - answer-A traditional data storage device that uses spinning disks to read/write data. Hypervisor - answer-Software that enables multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical machine by managing hardware resources. Input/Output (I/O) Device - answer-Hardware used to interact with a computer system, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors. Kernel - answer-The core component of an operating system that manages system resources and communication between hardware and software. Laptop - answer-A portable personal computer with an integrated screen and keyboard. Low-Code Platform - answer-A development environment that allows users to create applications with minimal hand-coding. Magnetic Tape - answer-A data storage medium used primarily for archival and backup purposes. Mainframe Computer - answer-A powerful computer used primarily by large organizations for bulk data processing and critical applications.Memory - answer-The component of a computer that stores data temporarily for quick access by the CPU. Middleware - answer-Software that connects different applications or services, enabling them to communicate and share data. Multiple-User Computer - answer-A system that allows multiple users to access and use computing resources simultaneously. Nettop Computer - answer-A small, low-power desktop computer designed for basic tasks. No-Code Platform - answer-A development platform that allows users to build applications without writing any code. Open Source Software - answer-Software with source code that is freely available for modification and distribution. Operating System (OS) - answer-Software that manages hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Portable Computer - answer-A general term for any computer designed to be easily moved, including laptops and tablets. Programming Language - answer-A formal language used to write software programs. Proprietary Software - answer-Software that is owned by an individual or company and has restrictions on its use and distribution. Random Access Memory (RAM) - answer-Volatile memory used to store data and programs currently in use.Read-Only Memory (ROM) - answer-Non-volatile memory that stores firmware and systemlevel instructions. Redundant Array of Independent/Inexpensive Disks (RAID) - answer-A data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical drives for redundancy or performance. Ruggedized Device - answer-Hardware designed to operate reliably in harsh environments. Scalability - answer-The ability of a system to handle increased workload or expand in capacity. Secondary Storage - answer-Non-volatile storage used to retain data long-term, such as HDDs, SSDs, and optical drives. Server - answer-A computer or system that provides resources, data, or services to other computers over a network. Server Cluster - answer-A group of servers working together to provide high availability and scalability