Term | Definition |
Hardware | Computer’s Physical Components |
Software | Directs hardware to accomplish a task Uses hardware for four basic functions Input, processing, storage, output |
Binary number system | Stores and reads two states 0 or 1, On or Off, True or False, etc |
Bit | short for “binary digit”, Smallest unit of computing |
Byte | eight bits, Used for counting, calculation, storage operations |
MotherBoard | Largest, most important circuit board Contains the CPU, expansion slots, other devices |
Central processing unit (CPU) | Also called: processor, microprocessor Reads input, processes data, writes data to storage |
Chipset | Group of microchips on the motherboard controlling data flow |
Primary storage | Temporary storage used by the processor Random Access Memory, Registers |
Secondary storage | Enables data to persist after machine turned off Examples: hard drive, CD, DVD, USB drive |
RAM | Random Accesses Memories |
Hard Drive | Main secondary computer storage device |
Optical drives | RW can write to a disk |
Traces | Fine lines on top and bottom of the motherboard’s surface |
Bus | System of pathways, transmission protocols |
Video Card | provides a port for the monitor |
Network Card | provides a port for a network cable |
Power Supply | Most important electrical component |
BIOS | Data and instructions stored on ROM chips |
CMOS RAM | Includes date, time, port configurations Flash ROM |
Sound Card | provides ports for speakers and microphones |