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 clock
A line on a bus that is dedicated to timing the activities of components connected to it. The system clock provides a continuous pulse that other devices use to time themselves.
system BIOS
BIOS located on the motherboard.
RAM
Memory modules on the motherboard containing microchips used to temporarily hold data and programs while the CPU processes both. Information in RAM is lost when the PC is turned off.
system bus
The bus between the CPU and memory on the motherboard. The bus frequency in documentation is called the system speed, such as 400 MHz. Also called the memory bus, front–side bus, local bus, or host bus.
video card
An interface card installed in the computer to control visual output on a monitor. Also called display adapter or graphics card.
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.
traces
A wire on a circuit board that connects two components or devices.
system board
See motherboard.
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.
