| A | B |
|---|
| Read-Only Memory (ROM) | Type of computer memory which stores the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS); data stored in ROM cannot be changed. |
| Clock Rate | Common measurement of CPU speed; tells how fast the CPU can process data; the higher the clock rate, the faster the CPU. |
| Gigahertz (GHz) | Unit of measurement of CPU clock rate; one gigahertz refers to a clock rate of one billion cycles per second. |
| Random Access Memory (RAM) | Type of computer memory, which temporarily stores computer information sucha s the operating system, application programs and data so they can be immediately accessed by the CPU |
| Binary Digit (Bit) | Smallest unit of computer storage capacity. |
| Central Processing Unit (CPU) | Microprocessor which calculates all the data going through a personal computer. |
| Read-Only Memory (ROM) | Type of computer memory which stores the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS); data stored in ROM cannot be changed. |
| Basic Input/Output System | Built-In program which initializes computer hardware and launches the operating system when the computer starts. |
| Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) | Type of cable inside the computer connecting the mother board and internal storage devices, such as the hard drive, CD- or DVD-ROM. |
| Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM) | Pre-pressed compact disc storage in which data can only be accessed, not written. |
| Digital Video Disc Read-Only Memory (DVD-ROM) | High capacity optical disc storage, in which data can only be read, not written. |
| Driver | Computer program allowing the computer to communicate with a hardware device . |
| Megahertz (MHz) | Unit of measurement of CPU clock rate; one megahertz refers to a clock rate of of million cycles per second. |
| Power Supply | Computer hardware converting alternating current or AC electric power to a low-voltage power for the internal components of the computer. |
| Hard Drive | Main storage device of a computer; commonly referred as an internal device and used to permanently store data. |
| External Hard Drive | Removable hard drive located outside of the main computer tower. |
| Input Device | Any piece of computer hardware used yo provide data to the computer. |
| Output Device | Any piece of computer hardware used to communicate the data processed by the computer. |
| Monitor | Output device which displays graphics and images from the computer. |
| Digital Visual Interface (DVI) | Digital interface hused to connect a video source to a display device. |
| Motherboard | Main circuit board inside personal computers which holds the majority of computer components and provides connectors for peripherals. |
| High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) | Video and audio interface transmitting digital data between the high-definition monitors and the computer. |
| Ethernet Cable | Cord connecting the computer to the Internet. |
| Power Cord | Cable connecting the computer to the electrical supply; aids in delivering electrical power to the main computer. |
| Power Connector | Cable inside the computer connecting the power supply to the internal devices. |
| Storage Device Cable | Cable inside the computer transferring data between the mother board and storage devices. |
| Light-Emitting Diode (LED) | Semiconductor light source used in various applications; in the world of computers, LED technology is used to make optical mouses and LED displays. |
| Hardware | Physical parts of a computer, such as the hard drive, video card, monitor and other substantial parts. |
| Software | Set of computer programs designed to enable computers to accomplish certain tasks; major types of software include programming software, system software and application software. |
| Surge Protector | Appliance designed to protect computer electronics from electrical damage. |
| Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) | Thin, light electronic display which employs the light modulating properties of liquid crystals. |
| Personal Computer | Computer designed for general use by a single person. |
| Defragementation | Software maintenance process which reduces the amount of fragmentation between files. |
| Touchpad | Computer pointing device which takes advantage of a tactile sensor to detect a users finger movement. |
| Universal Serial Bus (USB) Connector | Interface designed to connect computer and peripheral devices, such as printers, mouses, keyboards, USB flash drivers and external hard drives. |
