| A | B |
|---|
| CPU | central processing unit, most powerful microprocessor chip in your PC |
| Desktop | computer screen |
| Peripherals | external devices that can be controlled by PC |
| RAM | random access memory, internal computer hardware that holds memory for short time periods |
| ROM | read only memory |
| Memory | computer workspace, determines the size & number of programs that can run simultaneously |
| Cache Memory | copies of visited web sites, kept in hard disk memory |
| External Drive | gets power from own source, has its own physical space, is linked with PC via cables |
| Hard Drive | non-removable disk, reads & writes to hard disk |
| Application software | various computer programs such as spreadsheets, databases, word processors, browsers |
| Multitasking | running 2 or more programs on same PC at the same time |
| Clipboard | temporary holding area for data that has been copied from one application, to be pasted into another |
| Motherboard | main circuit board |
| Circuit board | flat board that holds chips & other electronic components |
| Graphics board | aka display adapter; an expansion board that plugs into PC & converts images that can be recognized by the monitor |
| USB | Universal Serial Bus, hot swappable, hardware interface for low speed peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, etc. |
| CD-R | recordable compact disk |
| CD-RW | rewritable compact disk, can be rewritten 1000 times |
| DVD | double sided optical discs, same physical size as CD, but greater capabilities |
