TestOut LabSim A+ Certification Practice Exam

The acronym 'CMOS' stands for what in computing?

1. Central Memory Operating System

2. Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor

3. Centralized Management Operating System

4. Combined Memory Operating Standard

The correct answer is: Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor

The acronym 'CMOS' stands for Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor. This term refers to a technology used for constructing integrated circuits and is widely utilized in the manufacturing of various semiconductor devices. CMOS technology is particularly important in the context of computers because it is used in the design of microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory chips, and other digital logic circuits. In computing, CMOS primarily relates to the storage of system settings and configurations in computers, such as BIOS settings. The CMOS chip retains this information even when the computer is powered off, thanks to a small battery that provides power to the chip. This feature allows the system to maintain crucial data, like the system clock and hardware settings, which are essential for the proper booting and functioning of the system. The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'CMOS' in the context of computing and electronics, which is why they are not correct. Understanding what CMOS stands for helps reinforce knowledge about its role in system configurations and the functionality of computer hardware.