| A | B |
|---|
| COMPUTER | an MCU on steroids. The essential difference is that the program that runs an MCU is stored once, in ROM, to do a single thing, while a computer stores programs in RAM and in other types of read/write memory, so as to be completely flexible in how they it is used. |
| MPU | Microprocessor Unit, the main computing IC in a computer |
| POWER SUPPLY | a unit that converts 117VAC line voltage to the multiple DC voltages used by a computer, typically +12V, -12V, +5V and often +3V. |
| MOTHERBOARD | the main PC board in a personal computer |
| DAUGHTER BOARD | a smaller PC board plugged into the motherboard via an EXPANSION SLOT. |
| DYNAMIC RAM | memory which must be REFRESHED every few milliseconds to prevent its data from being erased. STATIC RAM, on the other hand, retains data as long as DC power is supplied to the ICs. |
| OPERATING SYSTEM | the program that runs the computer, e.g. Windows 7 or Mac OS10 |
| LAN | Local Area Network |
| WAN | Wide Area Network |
| USB | Universal Serial Bus |
| A-D Converter | Analog to Digital Converter |
| D-A Converter | Digital to Analog Converter |
