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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 | 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 | The 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 |
Monitor | A display device that projects images onto a display screen |
AGP Slot | Slot on the motherboard designed for a video card. |
DDR SDRAM | Memory technology used on DIMMs that runs at twice the speed of the system clock. |
Mouse | Input device that allows a user to move a cursor on screen and select items. |
Parallel port | 25-pin port on a PC. |
Serial port | Used for transferring data one bit at a time. |
Resistor | Device that opposes the flow of electrical power. |
Keyboard | Input device through which data can be input the PC. |
Hyper-threading | Technology trademarked by Intel that enables a processor to appear as two logical processor. Each logical processor can execute a thread of a multi-threaded program which can improve performance in certain conditions. |