| Term | Definition |
|---|
| RAM | short for random access memory; most common type of memory found in computers and other devices |
| ROM(read only memory) | Computers almost always contain a small amount of ROM that holds instructions for starting up the computer; can't be changed |
| CD ROM | aka the CD, a compact disc that can store info |
| CPU | short for central processing unit, the brain of the computer where most calculations happen |
| memory | Internal storage areas in the computer |
| motherboard | main circuit board of a computer, other boards can be attached |
| disk drive | A machine that reads and writes data onto a disk; spin very fast and has multiple heads |
| Hard Disk Drives | The mechanism that reads and writes data on a hard disk; preformence can improved by cashing |
| Cache | Pronounced cash, a special high-speed storage mechanism; can be either a reserved section of main memory or an independent high-speed storage device. |
| Hardware | Machinery and equipment (CPU, disks, tapes, modem, cables, etc.); computers can be hardware and sowftware; hardware only follows commands |
| Software | tell hardware what to do |
| Operating System | aka OS, the software that talks to hardware; with out it software can't run |
| Resolution | This term can describe either how many pixels a monitor can display or how fine a printer can print. |
| JPEG | Short for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG is a compression technique for color images. Although it can reduce files sizes to about 5% normal size, some detail is lost in the compression |
| GIF | stands for graphics interchange format. It also includes data compression, but because it is limited to 256 colors, it is better for scanned images such as illustrations rather than color photos. |
| Pixel | short for "Picture Element." small dots that make up the images on computer screen |
| USB Port | Short for Universal Serial Bus, an external bus standard that supports data transfer rates of 12 Mbps.used to connect mice, modems, and keyboards |
| Byte | Abbreviation for binary term, a unit of storage capable of holding a single character. |
| KB | Short for kilobyte. KB = 1,000 bytes |
| MB | short for megabyte MB = 1,000,000 bytes |
| GB | short for gigabyte. GB= 1,000 MB |
| Keyboard | The set of typewriter-like keys that enables you to enter data into a computer. keyboards are similar to electric-typewriter keyboards but have extra keys. |
| Mouse | A device that controls the movement of the cursor or pointer on a display screen. |
| Internet Connections | T3 Fastest,T1,Cable/DSL,56,28.8 Slowest |
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