| A | B |
|---|
| bit | A 0 or 1 |
| bus | The paths on the motherboard on whch data, instructions, and electrical power move. |
| byte | 8 bits |
| chipset | Chips which control timing and data flow to and from the CPU. |
| CMOS | The technology used to manufacture microchips. |
| DIMM | A small circuit board installed on a motherboard to hold memory. |
| firmware | Software embedded in hardware |
| hard drive | The main secondary storage device on a PC. |
| keyboard | Primary input device for a computer |
| MHz | Million cycles/second |
| hertz | Unit of measurement for frequency. |
| memory | Physical microchips that can hold data and programming. |
| nonvolatile | Will not loose information when computer turned off. |
| parallel port | Special connection for printers on a computer |
| Plug and Play | Automatic configuration of devices on a computer. |
| port | A physical connector which allows external devices to connect to a computer. |
| primary storage | Temporary storage |
| protocol | A set of rules and standards that 2 devices use for communication. |
| RAM | Memory modules on the motherboard containing microships used to temporarily hold data. |
| ROM | Chips that contain programming code and cannot be erased. |
| S/PDIF | Connects a computer to external home theater audio systems |
| secondary storage | Storage that is remote to the CPU |
| system clock | A line on the bus dedicated to timing the activities of components |
| volatile | Storage that is temporary. |
| motherboard | system board or main circuit board on a computer |
