| A | B |
|---|
| Arithmetic & Logic Unit | digital circuitry that performs mathematical operations |
| RAM | the main memory in a computer system, in which read and write operations occur with equal speed, a volatile memory; random access memory |
| ROM | read only memory; a nonvolatile memory in a computer |
| SRAM | type of semiconductor memory in which cell structures are flip-flops and memory does not need to be periodically refreshed; static |
| DRAM | type of semiconductor memory using a storage cell constructed from one transistor and one capacitor and needs to be periodically refreshed, used when large amounts of memory are needed |
| addressing circuitry | circuitry in a memory chip that selects row locations to access |
| addresses | the numerical way to identify and locate information in a memory chip |
| writing | act of storing information in a computer |
| reading | act of retrieving information from a computer |
| speed | how quickly a read or write operation occurs in a memory chip |
| volatile | these chips lose information as soon as the power is cut |
| nonvolatile | chips that retain their data whether the machine is on or off |
| boot | the action of a computer when power is first applied, reading instructions from a memory chip to prepare the system for use |
| initialization programs | software (computer program) that tests the machine's components on startup |
| flash memory | used for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products |
| interrupt | logic that permits the CPU to shift attention from one program to another; also, the signal that starts that process |
| data bus | common group of wires used to transfer data between computer components inside a computer or between computers |
| motherboard | the main printed circuit board |
| Universal Serial Bus | standardized bus designed to allow many peripherals to be connected using a single standardized interface socket |
| I/O | input/output devices that send information to the CPU or receive information from it |
