1.1- Hardware Flashcards
BIOS
Basic Input Output System: essential startup instructions of computer in ROM chips on motherboard. Represents lowest level of programming in firmware.
Bus
Set of electric paths etched on the motherboard, used to transfer data between different parts. (E.g.: between expansion card and RAM)
Caching
A method used to compensate for the loss of efficiency, “bottleneck”- that is inevitable when a faster medium tries to communicate with a slower medium
CMOS
Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor- the type of memory that stores the BIOS settings that can be upgraded/changed. Memory kept “alive” by small battery on motherboard.
CPU
Find another def!
Central Processing Unit: a chip that can contain more than one “core” (complete processor). Connects to motherboard using ZIF socket. Responsible for all the processing.
CPU cache
Special type of high speed memory built into the CPU, used to maximise CPU productivity
DIMM
Dual Inline Memory Module: thin, rectangular electronic boards, containing banks of RAM chips; inserted into DIMM slots on motherboard. The means whereby the memory of computer is upgraded
Disk cache
A certain amount of high speed memory built into every hard drive. Used to cache data read from slower disk and thereby speed up subsequent calls for the same “chunk” of code or data
EEPROM
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory: type of ROM that can be erased electronically, after which a new “image” of the upgraded content can be written back
Expansion slots
Slots on the motherboard for attaching additional circuit boards in order to “expand” computer capabilities. Mostly dedicated: video and sound cards for high end gaming and design work
External connectors
Situated both at the back and the front of the computer casing. E.g.: USB port; VGA port- monitor; RJ45 port- Ethernet cabling; speaker; microphone jacks
FireWire
Type of port that can transfer data faster than USB. Usually used when fast data transfer desirable: eg videos from vid camera; data from external hard drive
Firmware
Software that is permanently installed, or “hard-coded” on a ROM chip. Used to control basic operation of device eg. printer
Flashing the ROM
Process whereby existing contents of firmware wiped and replaced with updated version (always to be performed with great care)
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit: dedicated graphics processor on graphics card. Provides extra processing power
Hardware interrupt/ IRQ
Interrupt ReQuest line: Dedicated communication channel/means, whereby device can request immediate attention of CPU to process a given function. Eg: mouse click, keystroke
Machine cycle
Steps taken by CPU in carrying out instructions: •Fetch data and instructions from RAM •Decode instructions •Execute instructions •Transfer data back to RAM
Modular design
Computer design philosophy: incorporates variety of separate “modular” components, thereby facilitating upgrades and maintenance
Motherboard
Large electronic circuit board with slots and connectors for attaching different components and peripherals
Plug and Play (PnP)
A technology that automates configuration process of device before it can be used
Point-to-point connections
Dedicated connection between 2 components (eg RAM and CPU) that is not shared with other components
POST
Power On Self Test: startup test performed by BIOS to ensure all essential hardware (RAM, keyboard etc) are present and in working order
RAM
Random Access Memory: temporary, volatile storage area for all running programs and data being processed
ROM
Read Only Memory: permanent, non-volatile memory associated with Firmware. Typically found in ROM chip which holds the startup instructions (BIOS) of computer
SATA connectors
Connectors on motherboard for attaching cables for storage devices, such as hard drives and optical drives
Storage
Storage provides a place where computer can keep data and instructions permanently
System clock
Small quartz crystal that pulses at regular frequency (measured in GHz); used to coordinate activities on motherboard
Thunderbolt
New, super fast connection technology. Can support multiple simultaneous connections
USB
Universal Serial Bus: most widely used connection option for attaching devices to computer, via USB port
Video/graphics card
Hardware component that generates the images (both graphic and text) displayed on monitor. Either integrated on motherboard or separate card plugged into PCIe expansion slot
Web caching
Process of storing recently accessed webpages locally on (faster) hard drive so they are quicker to retrieve next time needed. Retrievals from local storage much faster than internet downloads
ZIF socket
Zero Insertion Force: type of socket on motherboard for connecting a CPU
