Question | Answer |
RAM (random access memory) | Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchip |
ROM (read–only memory) | Chips that contain programming code and cannot be erased. |
S/PDIF sound port | A sound port that connects to an external home theater audio system, providing digital output and the best signal quality. |
secondary storage | Storage that is remote to the CPU and permanently holds data, even when the PC is turned off, such as a hard drive. |
serial ATA (SATA) | An ATAPI cabling method that uses a narrower and more reliable cable than the 80–conductor cable. |
serial port | A male 9–pin or 25–pin port on a computer system used by slower I/O devices such as a mouse or modem. Data travels serially, one bit at a time, through the port. Serial ports are sometimes configured as COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4. |
software | Computer programs, or instructions to perform a specific task. Software may be BIOS, OSs, or applications software such as a wordprocessing or spreadsheet program. |
solid state drive (SSD) | A hard drive that has no moving parts (ssd) |
startup BIOS | Part of system BIOS that is responsible for controlling the PC when it is first turned on. Startup BIOS gives control over to the OS once it is loaded. |
system BIOS | BIOS located on the motherboard. |
system board | See motherboard. |
system BUS | The BUS between the CPU and memory on the motherboard. |
system clock | A line on a bus that is dedicated to timing the activities of components connected to it. |
traces | A wire on a circuit board that connects two components or devices. |
universal serial bus (USB) port | A type of port designed to make installation and configuration of I/O devices easy, providing room for as many as 127 devices daisy–chained together. |
video card | An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. |
video memory | Memory used by the video controller. |
volatile | Refers to a kind of RAM that is temporary, cannot hold data very long, and must be frequently refreshed. |