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Hardware D
Computer Hardware Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hardware | Computer’s Physical Components |
| Software | Directs hardware to accomplish a task Uses hardware for four basic functions Input, processing, storage, output |
| Binary number system | Stores and reads two states 0 or 1, On or Off, True or False, etc |
| Bit | short for “binary digit”, Smallest unit of computing |
| Byte | eight bits, Used for counting, calculation, storage operations |
| MotherBoard | Largest, most important circuit board Contains the CPU, expansion slots, other devices |
| Central processing unit (CPU) | Also called: processor, microprocessor Reads input, processes data, writes data to storage |
| Chipset | Group of microchips on the motherboard controlling data flow |
| Primary storage | Temporary storage used by the processor Random Access Memory, Registers |
| Secondary storage | Enables data to persist after machine turned off Examples: hard drive, CD, DVD, USB drive |
| RAM | Random Accesses Memories |
| Hard Drive | Main secondary computer storage device |
| Optical drives | RW can write to a disk |
| Traces | Fine lines on top and bottom of the motherboard’s surface |
| Bus | System of pathways, transmission protocols |
| Video Card | provides a port for the monitor |
| Network Card | provides a port for a network cable |
| Power Supply | Most important electrical component |
| BIOS | Data and instructions stored on ROM chips |
| CMOS RAM | Includes date, time, port configurations Flash ROM |
| Sound Card | provides ports for speakers and microphones |