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.
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