Chapter 3: Hardware Flashcards
Hardware
refers to
the device itself and its components, such as wires, cases,
switches, and electronic circuits.
Volatile memory
memory that loses its contents when power is removed
Nonvolatile memory
does not lose its contents when power is removed
What does BIOS stand for?
Basic Input/Output System
central processing unit (CPU)
complex
integrated circuit consisting of millions of electronic parts
and is primarily responsible for converting input (data) into
meaningful output (information).
explain what a bus is
the embedded wires in a cpu that allows data to travel in and out of the cpu
Name the 4 types of RAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Static RAM (SRAM)
Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)
Flash memory
Explain Dynamic RAM
Memory needs to be constantly recharged or contents will be erased; volatile
Explain Static RAM
Memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM, but can
be more expensive than DRAM; volatile
Explain Magnetoresistive RAM
Memory can be recharged less frequently than DRAM, but can
be more expensive than DRAM; nonvolatile
Explain Flash Memory (a type of RAM)
Fast type of memory that typically is less expensive than some other
types of RAM, and can retain its contents in the absence of power; nonvolatile
What is a computer’s platform?
to the software, or operating
system, it uses.
What is form factor?
the shape and size of the computer and should be a factor in decision-making
What us a peripheral device?
(an add-on device) device such as a keyboard, mouse,
printer, or speakers that can connect to and extend the
capability of a computer.
what is a port?
is a slot on
the computer where you can attach a peripheral device.
what is a USB hub?
an external device that contains several USE
ports
What is a convergence concept?
as web apps enabling availability
across multiple devices and cloud storage of data
Input device
communicates instructions and
commands to a computer.
Output device
conveys information from the computer to the user.
What is a binary system
a number system that has
two digits, 0 and I.
What is a bit?
The smallest unit of data a computer can process
A byte
when 8 bits are grouped together
two popular text coding schemes
ASCII (8-bit) and Unicode (16-bit)
