| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) | 32-bit Bus designed exclusively for video cards. |
| address bus | bus system that connects CPU with main memory module. Identifies memory locations where data is stored and retrieved |
| backplane | Circuit board with slots along the length of the board. Ensures easy upgrades of any and all components |
| bus | collection of conductors that connect multiple parts, allowing them to work together for a specific purpose |
| bus mastering | allows data to be transferred directly between 2 devices without going through the CPU |
| chipset | handles data manipulation and motherboard traffic that would otherwise have to be done by the CPU |
| CMOS setup program | program that allows one to identify the hard drive type and other storage systems in the PC, select power/management features, and select boot order of storage devices |
| control bus | a bus that delivers command signals from the CPU to devices |
| data bus | a bus used to move information between PC components |
| direct memory access (DMA) | combination of software and hardware that allows certain devices access to RAM without going through the CPU |
| Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) | parallel port standard that allows a throughput as high as 2 Mbps. Also referred to as IEEE-1284 standard |
| expansion card slots | connectors that allow devices to be quickly and easily plugged in to the bus system |
| Extended Capabilities Port (ECP) | parallel port standard that provides for bidirectional communication and has enhanced capabilities to support multiple devices |
| Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) | 32-bit expansion bus, designed in response to IBM's MCA bus system. ISA cards can also fit into this slot. |
| field replaceable unit (FRU) | any major part of a computer system that could be completely replaced on site rather than repaired |
| Firewire (IEEE1394) | bus system that provides a high rate of data transfer (up to 400Mbps) and can serve up to 63 devices in a daisy-chain fashion |
| flash BIOS | BIOS that is stored on a reprogrammable chip, allowing for easy upgrades |
| form factor | the physical shape or outline of a motherboard and the location of the mounting holes |
| I/O bus | slower bus used to communicate with keyboards, mice, floppy drives, printers, etc |
| I/O port address | the memory address assigned to a device so that it may be identified by other devices |
| Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) | an I/O expansion bus system featuring a 16-bit data bus |
| internal bus | the bus that is found inside of the CPU |
| IRQ | A signal that interrupts the process taking place inside the CPU and asks that the CPU pay attention to a particular device |
| local bus | a bus system that connects directly to the CPU and provides communication to high-speed devices mounted closely to the CPU |
| memory address range | an assigned section of memory used as a temporary storage area for data before it is transferred |
| memory bus | bus that connects the CPU to RAM |
| MicroChannel Architecture (MCA) | I/O expansion bus system featuring a 32-bit data bus. Not compatible with ISA bus |
| north bridge | the portion of the chipset that controls high speed data systems such as graphics and DVD hardware |
| Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) | 32-bit data bus system that provides the high-speed bus structure used for faster CPUs |
| Plug and Play (PnP) | BIOS function that allows the automatic detection and configuration of new hardware components. Automatically assigns system resources such as DMA channels, IRQs, memory, port assignments |
| power bus | bus system that sends electrical power for small consumption devices such as speakers, lights, and switches |
| south bridge | the portion of the chipset that controls the slower devices associated with the PCI and ISA buses |
| Universal Serial Bus (USB) | bus system designed to replace expansion slots, with a data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps. Can support up to 127 devices in a daisy-chain configuration |
Combine with other sets
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