Term | Definition |
Central Processing Unit(CPU) | The chip located inside the system unit of a computer |
GHz-(gigahertz) | speed of a processor counted by billions of ticks per seconds. |
MHz-(megahertz)- | speed of a processor counted by millions of ticks per second |
System Unit | The container that hold the motherboard to which all computer systems connect. |
Motherboard | The main circuit of a 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 | 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 |
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 |
Keyboard | A panel of keys that operate a computer or typewriter |
Mouse | A mouse is a hand-held pointing device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface. |
Power supply | A power supply is a component that supplies power to at least one electric load. |