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 : | small, high speed memory between the processor and system memory. Faster than RAM |
Hard disk drive | A storage system consisting of one or more metal magnetic disks permanently sealed with an access mechanism inside its drive |
MB, Megabyte | Storage measurement in millions of bytes |
GB, Gigabyte | Storage measurement in billions of bytes |
TB, Terabyte | Storage measurement in trillions of bytes |
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 |
Ethernet port | an opening on computer network equipment that Ethernet cables plug into to connect a computer to the internet |
USB port | an external serial bus interface standard for connecting peripheral devices to a computer |
Power Supply | Converts electricity into power the computer can use.
Some components need lots of power, while others do not |
Computer Mouse | an input device that is most often used with a personal computer which, when combined with a monitor, allows for user inputs on the screen. |
Keyboard | the piece of computer hardware used to input text, characters, and other commands into a computer or similar device. |