COMPUTER TERMS PROCESSOR The central processing unit CPU

COMPUTER TERMS

PROCESSOR � The central processing unit (CPU) interprets and executes instructions. � The “brains” of the computer. � The speed of the processor is how fast it can carry out instructions. � Generally higher numbers are better. � Measured in hertz (Hz)

BIT � The word bit is a shortening of the words "Binary dig. IT. " Bits have only two possible values: 0 and 1. You can also think of a bit as a switch; it is either on (1) or off (0). A bit is the foundation for storing digital information.

BYTE � Short for “Binary Term” � Equal to 8 bits. � Kilobyte (KB) = 1, 024 bytes {Kilo = 1 thousand} � Megabyte (MB) = 1, 048, 576 bytes {Mega = 1 million} � Gigabyte (GB) = 1, 073, 741, 824 bytes {Giga = 1 billion} � Terabyte (TB) = 1, 099, 511, 627, 776 bytes {Tera = 1 trillion}

FLASH DRIVE �A storage device usually plugged into a USB port.

HARD DRIVE � Component for storing programs, photos, video, music and other electronic information. � The capacity (size) of your hard drive is how much information it can store (GB, TB).

RAM � RAM is short for Random Access Memory. � The memory used to run programs. � Greater amounts of RAM improve speed and multitasking. � May be increased (expandable) through additional equipment.

KEYBOARD �A device that translates what is typed (numbers, letters, etc. ) into a language that the computer understands (0’s and 1’s).

DISPLAY TYPE �A display is an output device for your computer that shows text and graphics. Types: � Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) � Most � Light energy efficient Emitting Diode (LED) � Very energy efficient

OTHER CONTROL DEVICE (MOUSE) � An input device for a computer that senses motion and translates that motion to an icon on the display. � The icon representing the motion of the mouse is called a cursor.

USB � USB stands for Universal Serial Bus � A USB connection allows you to connect another device (such as a printer, camera, speaker, etc. ) to a computer

TOWER �A computer case that houses most of the components (parts) that make up a computer