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Hardware Terms
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Central processing unit (CPU) | The chip located inside the system unit of a computer that performs the processing for a computer |
GHz – (gigahertz) | speed of a processor counted by billions of ticks per second |
MHz – (megahertz) | speed of a processor counted by millions of ticks per second |
System Unit | The container that holds the motherboard and keeps components safe. |
motherboard | The main circuit board of a computer to which all computer system components connect. |
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System | Lowest level software in the computer that acts as an interface between the hardware of the operating system. |
ROM: Read Only Memory | Contain permanently written data called firmware that loads the operating system when first powered on |
Cache (CASH) | small, high speed memory between the processor and system memory. Faster than RAM |
Hard disk drive | A storage system consisting of one or more metal magnetic disks permanently sealed with an access mechanism inside its drive |
MB, Megabyte | Storage measurement in millions of bytes |
GB, Gigabyte | Storage measurement in billions of bytes |
TB, Terabyte | Storage measurement in trillions of bytes |
Random access memory (RAM) | provides a high speed, temporary location for the computer to hold data and program instructions |
bit | he smallest unit of computing, consists of either a 0 or 1 (on or off) |
byte | 8 bits makes 1 byte |
Video Graphic Adapter | Enables the connection of a monitor and may provide additional graphics capabilities |
Network Interface Card | Enables a PC to connect to a network |
Optical Drive | Adds read and write capabilities to your computer for portability |
moniter | A display device that projects images onto a display screen |
DAC | Stands for "Digital-to-Analog Converter" and is often pronounced "dac." Since computers only recognize digital information, the output produced by computers is typically in digital format. |
DVD | Stands for "Digital Versatile Disc." A DVD is a type of optical media used for storing digital data. It is the same size as a CD, but has a larger storage capacity. |
floppy disk | storage |
internal hard drive | An internal hard drive is a hard drive that resides inside the computer. |
LED | Stands for "Light-Emitting Diode." An LED is an electronic device that emits light when an electrical current is passed through it. |