| If
you are new to computers, or have some computer experience but
are still unsure of the definitions of some of the terms you see
on a daily basis, here is a list of some of the more common terms
and their definitions: A
bit is the smallest piece of information your computer can process.
A gigabyte is one
billion bytes, a megabyte is one million bytes, and a kilobyte
is one thousand bytes.
A byte is the amount
of memory your computer requires to store a single piece of
information. One byte equals eight bits. A byte consists of
a single number, symbol, or letter.
A computer is an
electronic device that is controlled by information stored in
its own memory. A computer can accept new data, process the
data logically and mathematically, and produce output from this
data and store the information for use at a later time.
The CPU is the Central
Processing Unit and it communicates with your storage, input,
and output devices. It is the part of your computer that allows
your computer to communicate with your output devices such as
monitors, printers, headphones, and speakers.
RAM, or Random Access
Memory, is the amount of memory you have available while your
computer is on. If your computer runs slow, it could be due
to the fact that you have used up all your available memory.
When you reboot your computer, the RAM should be reset to its
original state, allowing your computer to run faster.
A storage device
stores information that the computer uses to perform various
tasks. CD writers, CD-ROMS, floppy disks, DVDs, and your hard
drive are examples of storage devices.
Input devices enter
information into your computer and allow you communicate with
the computer. Examples of input devices are the mouse, digital
cameras, joysticks, keyboards, and scanners.
Hardware is any part
of your computer that you can touch and see. Printers, monitors,
and keyboards are hardware devices. |
