| A | B |
|---|
| American Standard Code for Information Exchange (ASCII) | Coding system that computers of all types and brands can translate. |
| ALU (Arithmetic/logic unit) | Section in the CPU that performs arithmetic computations and logical operations. |
| Bit | A zero or one in computer code. |
| byte | Made up of eight bits. Represents a single character, such as the letter A. |
| cache memory | High-speed random access memory that is used to increase the speed of the data processing cycle. |
| CPU (Central Processing Unit) | the "brains" of the computer |
| Control unit | The "boss," so to speak, that coordinates all of the CPUs activities. |
| controller | Device that controls the transfer of data from the computer to a peripheral device and vice versa. |
| execution cycle (E-cycle) | The amount of time it takes the CPU to execute an instruction and store the results in RAM. |
| EBCDIC | Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code--standard computer code used mostly in very large computers. |
| input | data that is entered into the computer system via an input or storage device. |
| instruction cycle (I-cycle) | the amount of time it takes the CPU to retrieve an instruction and complete the command. |
| Main memory | Also called RAM--like short-term memory. It stores data while the computer is running. |
| Memory | On the computer's motherboard, it is where data is stored. |
| Modem | Communications hardware device that facilitates the transmission of data. |
| RAM (Random access memory) | Like short-term memory. It stores data while the computer is running. When the computer is turned off or if there is power loss, any data in the main memory disappears. |
| ROM (Read-only memory) | A type of computer chip that stores specific instructions to manage the computer's operation. This type of memory is non-volatile--remains permanently on chip. |
| USB (Universal Serial Bus) | Standard that supports data transfer rates of up to 12 million bits per second. |
| Central Processing Unit | Also known as the microprocessor, the brains of the computer. |
| DVD | Also called Digital Versatile Disk; video ouput, including full-length movies, can be stored on this medium. |
| Hard Disk Drive | A data storage unit inside a computer that can store a large quanitity of data (60GB or more)--cannot easily be removed from the computer. |
| Impact Printers | Type of printer that uses a mechanism that acutually strikes the paper to form characters. |
| Keyboard | Common input device for entering num eric and alphabetic data into a computer. |
| Motherboard | A circuit board that contains all of the computer system's main components. |
| Mouse | A pointing device that serves as a faster, more effective alternative to the keyboard in communicating instructions to the computer. |
| Network Drive | A disk drive located on another computer or server that provides space you can use for data storage. |
| Nonimpact Printers | Type of print in which characters are formed wisthout anything striking the paper. |
| Optical Storage Devices | Devices that enable the computer to give the user the results of hte processed data. |
| Plotter | An output device used to produce charts, engineering plans, and other large-size printed material with lines drawn by pens that move on rails. |
| Pointer | On-screen object that can be moved and controlled by the mouse. |
| Scanner | An input device that can change images into codes for input to the computer. |
| System Clock | An electronic pulse that is used to synchronize processing; it controls the speed of the central processing unit. |
