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Hardware Vocab
| 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 | Main circuit board of a computer to which all computer system components connect |
| Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) | Lowest level software in the computer that acts as an interface between the hardware of the operating system |
| Read Only Memory (ROM) | 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 |
| Megabyte (MB) | Storage measurement in millions of bytes |
| Gigabyte(GB) | Storage measurement in billions of bytes |
| Terabyte (TB) | 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 o or 1 (on or off) |
| Byte | 8 bits make one 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 |
| Computer Hardware | the collection of physical parts of a computer system |
| Computer Case | the metal enclosure that contains many of the other hardware components. |
| Ports | used by a motherboard to interface with electronics both inside and outside of the computer |
| Sound Card | facilitates the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under the control of computer programs |
| PC Card | device that uses a specific peripheral interface designed for laptop computers. |