Computer+Terminology

= Computer Terminology = There are a large number of terms used to describe computers and their parts. Use this page to create and store definitions for later reference.

A microprocessor capable of accessing 32 bits of data at a time and addressing a maximum of 2^32 (4GB, or about 4 billion) memory locations.
 * 32-bit** - A 32-bit long binary number.

A microprocessor capable of accessing 64 bits of data at a time and addressing a maximum of 2^64 (16EB, or about 18 billion billion) memory locations.
 * 64-bit** - A 64 bit long binary number.


 * AGP** -


 * ATA -

binary** -


 * bit** -


 * Bluetooth** -


 * byte** -


 * Bus** - is a set of internal connections that transfers data between computer components.


 * Clock** - a periodic electrical signal that is used to synchronize all of the operations inside of a computer. Measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The faster the clock speed, the faster the microprocessor will execute instructions.


 * CD-ROM** -


 * DDR** -


 * DDR2** -


 * DDR3** -


 * decimal** -


 * DP** - Display Port.


 * DRAM** - **(Dynamic Random Access Memory)** - types SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and XDRAM


 * DVD-ROM** -


 * DVI** -


 * EEPROM** - **(Electrically Eraseable Programmable Read Only Memory).** A permanent electronic memory capable of being electrically erased and programmed, usually while in-circuit. Also called FLASH. There is a limit to the number of times that EEPROM memory cells can be reprogrammed.


 * Ethernet** -


 * Firewire** -


 * FLASH** - A type of permant electronic memory (see EEPROM). FLASH memory comes in many types, including Compact Flash (CF), SD card, XD card, Memory Stick (MS), and with USB interfaces.


 * Floppy disk** -


 * Floppy disk drive** -


 * Giga** -


 * HAL** -


 * Hard Disk Drive** - **(HDD)** A permanent memory that holds data on rotating discs with magnetized surfaces.

In personal computers, hard disk drives are used to store the operating system, all programs and data. Hard disk drives have high capacity and low cost, but are much slower than electronic memories.




 * Hertz** - a unit of measurment typically representing the number of times per second that an electronic wave oscillates. Used to measure radio frequencies (eg. 105.3 MHz), or computer clock speed (eg. 2.6 GHz).


 * hexadecimal** -


 * kernel** -


 * kilo** -


 * Linux** -


 * Mega** -


 * Microprocessor** - an electronic circuit that performs arithmetic, logical and control operations by following the instructions stored in a program.


 * microcontroller** -


 * nybble** -


 * octal** -


 * PATA** -


 * PCI** -


 * PCIe** -


 * PCI-X** -


 * Ports** - A set of wires that connect a computer to other computers or peripherals.

A software representation used by the control protocols in internet communication.


 * RAM** - **(Random Access Memory).** An electronic circuit that temporarily stores information. RAM circuits lose their contents when power is interrupted.

In personal computers, RAM stores the currently running programs and their data. The more RAM you have, the more programs, or larger data you will be able to use.


 * ROM** - **(Read Only Memory).** An electronic circuit pre-programmed with information.


 * PROM** - **(Programable Read Only Memory).** A permanent electronic memory that can be programmed one time.


 * SATA** -


 * SDRAM** -


 * SIMM - (Single In-line** **Memory** **Module).** Is a type of memory module containing random access memory used in computer from the early 1980s to the late 1990s.


 * Tera** -


 * USB** - **(Universal Serial Bus).** Is a way of setting up communication between a computer and peripheral devices.


 * USB2** -


 * USB3** -


 * VGA** -


 * XDRAM** -