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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 |
| 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 |
| Sound Card | A device which can be slotted into a computer to allow the use of audio components for multimedia applications. |
| Video Card | A printed circuit board controlling output to a display screen |
| GB (Gigabyte) | A unit of information equal to one billion (109) or, strictly, 230 bytes. |
| TB (Terabyte) | A unit of information equal to one million million (1012) or, strictly, 240 bytes. |
| Power Supply | A device used to convert electricity to power for a computer to use |