click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
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 |