Bit
one or zero; unit of information
Byte
8 bits; unit of information
Hertz
SI unit of frequency; number of cycles per second
Input device
device that accepts data to be stored in memory
Output device
device that prints or otherwise displays data stored in memory or makes a permanent copy of information stored in memory or another device
Storage Device
computer components and recording media that retain digital data
CPU
combination of arithmetic logic unit (ALU) and the control unit; the "brain" of the computer; interprets and executes instructions
RAM
Random Access Memory; memory location in which each location can be accessed and changed
ROM
Read Only Memory; memory in which each location can be accessed but not changed
BIOS
first code run by PC when powered on; basic input/output system
Volatile
memory is lost when computer is turned off
Non-Volatile
memory is NOT lost when computer is turned off
Secondary Storage/Auxiliary Storage
storage device that is not the main memory of the computer
Track
concentric circle on the surface of a disk
Sector
sector of a track
FAT
File Allocation Table;
Transfer Rate
the rate at which data moves from disk to memory
CD-ROM
compact disk with read only memory
USB
universal serial bus; used for connection, communication, and power between a computer and electronic device
Sound Card
used for the input and output of audio signals to and from a computer program; connects external audio devices
Video Card
generates output images for a video device
Application Software
Software that performs a specific data-processing function
Backup
Copying or saving data to a secure location to prevent loss of data in the event of a disaster
Data Storage Device
Device capable of permanently or temporarily storing digital data
Data Storage Memory
Permanent memory not part of the motherboard. Uses any suitable data storage device. Can be read-only or read-write type of memory
Flash Drive
Solid-state data storage device
Hard Drive
Non-volatile storage device that stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating rigid disks with magnetic surfaces. The capacity is approximately 100 GB. The device is either permanently installed within the computer case or can be portable
Hardware
Physical equipment used by the computer system to process data
Local Area Network (LAN)
Network of computers usually in one office or building
Magnetic Disk Drives
Memory storage device that uses the magnetic state of ferrous coating to record data
Memory
Refers to storage of computer data. Can be volatile (lost when computer is turned off) or nonvolatile (permanently written to storage device)
Motherboard
Printed circuit board on which the CPU, ROM, and RAM chips and other electronic circuit elements of a digital computer are frequently located
Networking
Connecting two or more computers together to share files and hardware
Operating System (OS)
Software used to control the computer and its peripheral equipment
Personal Computer (PC)
Any computer whose price, size, and capabilities make it useful for individuals to use with no intervening computer operator
Random Access Memory (RAM)
A type of computer memory that can be written to and read from. It usually pertains to the internal memory of a computer and is usually a fast, temporary memory area where data and programs reside until saved or until the power is turned off
Software
Equivalent of a computer program or programs
Booting
Everything that happens between the time the computer is turned on, performs the operations necessary to get all components functioning, and the operating system loaded
Cyberspace
Reference to the nonphysical space of binary computer communication
Defragmentation
Reorganization of information of a hard disk to store files as continuous units rather than as small packets. A computer with little fragmentation of files operate at a higher speed