Term | Definition |
Hardware | Computer’s physical components
-Monitor, keyboard, memory, hard drive |
Software | Instruction set
-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 |
American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) | Used for storing characters |
Computer activity consists of... | Computer activity consists of input, processing, storage, and output |
Primary input devices | Keyboard, mouse
Requires electricity from inside case |
Primary output devices | Monitor: visually displays primary computer output
Printer: produces paper output (hard copy) |
The 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 (main memory) | Temporary storage used by the processor
Random Access Memory, Registers
Most common: dual inline memory module (DIMM)
Volatile memory – It loses whatever was being stored whenever it loses power |
Secondary storage (permanent storage) | Enables data to persist after machine turned off
Examples: hard drive, CD, DVD, USB drive |
Traces | Fine lines on top and bottom of the motherboard’s surface |
Bus | System of pathways, transmission protocols |
BIOS (basic input/output system) | Data and instructions stored on ROM chips
ROM BIOS chips: type of firmware |
CMOS RAM | Includes date, time, port configurations |
Flash ROM | ROM chips that can be overwritten |
Parallel and serial ATA standards | Enable secondary storage devices to interface with the motherboard |