Acronyms
Converts input to output
CPU
contains or connects the microprocessor, memory, and other internal devices
motherboard
smallest unit of data a computer can process
bit
most common storage medium on a computer; can be magnetic or solid state
hard drive
number system that has two digits, 0 and 1
binary
temporarily stores open apps and document data while a computer is on
RAM
device such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, or speakers that can connected to and extend the capability of a computer
peripheral
field size for Number fields that allows entries only from 0 to 255; 8 bits
byte
file on a hard disk that Windows uses to hold parts of programs and data files that do not fit in RAM
paging file
program that controls a device attached to your computer, such as a printer, monitor, or video card
driver
hard drive without moving parts
SSD
device that prevents power fluctuations from damaging electronic components
surge supressor
slot where you attach a peripheral device
port
Stores frequently used data next to the processor so that it can easily and quickly be retrieved
Storing electronic files on the Internet, not on a local computer
cloud storage
permanently installed memory
ROM
Responsible for performing arithmetic operations in the CPU
Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
Determines the speed at which data in a computer travels, also referred to as word size
bus width
the capability of an operating system to temporarily store data on a storage medium until it can be “swapped” into RAM
virtual memory
The instructions on the ROM chip
firmware
sequence that tests all computer components for proper operation
POST
Manages the flow of instructions within the processor
control unit
smallest unit of time a process can measure
cycle
Data that cannot fit in RAM and uses an area of the hard disk called virtual memory. Also called a paging file
swap file
Returning an operating system or files to their default settings, or migrating back to the operating system’s previous version
restore