Module 1.1 - Hardware Flashcards
BIOS
Basic Input Output System – the essential start up instructions of a computer, stored in ROM on the motherboard.
Bus
A set of electrical paths etched on a motherboard to transport data, instructions or addresses between components on the motherboard.
Caching
The principle of using a faster device to speed up access from a slower device.
For example disk caching is where RAM is used to store blocks of data to speed up access from the slower hard drive.
CMOS
Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor – A technology for producing the type of memory that stores the various user configurable computer start-up settings that can be updated or changed.
CPU
Central Processing Unit - a chip that can contain more than one ‘core’ (complete processor) and which connects to the motherboard using ZIF socket. Responsible for all the processing.
EEPROM
Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory – a type of ROM that can be erased electronically, after which a new ‘image’ of the upgraded contents can be written back.
Firewire
A high speed port developed by the Apple corporation to transfer high volume data such as video.
Firmware
Software that is permanently installed on a ROM chip.
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit – dedicated graphics processor on a graphics card, used to render images stored in the RAM of the graphics card.
Hardware Interrupt
A signal to the CPU indicating a device needs attention. For example, a mouse click or a keystroke.
CPU cache
Special type of high speed memory built into the CPU, used to maximise CPU productivity.
Web caching
The process of storing recently accessed web pages locally on the relatively much faster hard drive so that they are quicker to retrieve the next time they are needed.
Retrievals from local storage are much faster than Internet downloads.
Modular design
A computer design philosophy which incorporates a variety of re-usable stand-alone components, thereby facilitating upgrades and maintenance.
POST
Power On Self Test – start-up test performed by the BIOS to ensure that all essential hardware (RAM, keyboard, etc.) is present and in working order.
Thunderbolt
A fast connection technology which can support multiple simultaneous connections offering speeds of 10Gbs.
System Clock
A small quartz crystal that pulses at a regular frequency measured in GHz; used to coordinate activities on a motherboard.
Plug and Play
A technology that automates the installation and configuration process of a new device.
Machine Cycle
Steps taken by the CPU in carrying out instructions:
Fetching instructions and data from the memory (RAM)
Decoding the instructions
Executing the instructions
Transferring data back to the memory
ROM
Read-Only Memory is non-volatile memory chip where the contents are retained after power is switched off.
USB
Universal Serial Bus - the most widely used connection option for attaching devices to a computer, via a USB port.
Motherboard
A large electronic circuit board with slots and connectors for attaching different components and peripherals.
ZIF Socket
Zero Insertion Force - a type of socket on the motherboard for the connecting a CPU.
Flashing the ROM
The process whereby the existing contents of firmware is wiped and replaced with an updated version - always to be performed with great care.
DIMM
Dual Inline Memory Module - thin rectangular electronic boards which contain banks of RAM chips; inserted into DIMM slots on the motherboard, and the means whereby the memory of a computer is upgraded.
