Memory, Storage & Processing

Memory, Storage & Processing

1. Boot

   • The term used to describe a computer's start-up process.(Rebooting)

2. CPU

   • Central Processing Unit- hardware component that performs all calculations and executes instructions.

3. Core

   • A single physical processor. Chip that are 'duel core' have 2 processors, 'Quad Core' have 4 processors, etc.

4. DIMM

   • Dual inline memory module- a standardized 'stick' of RAM designed to fit into a DIMM slot on the motherboard.

5. Defragmentation

   • The process of using a defragmentation utility program to reserve the process of fragmentation.

6. Disk Scanner

   • A utility program which usually comes with the operating system that is used to scan a disk for defects and corrupted files and tries to fix them.

7. Fragmentation

   • A process that occurs over a period of time as files are saved, changed or deleted from a disk.

8. Formatting

   • A process of preparing a disk so that data can be saved to it and read from it.

9. GHz

   • Gigahertz- the unit in which the speed of the CPU is measured. Higher is better

10. Memory

    • Temporary storage area for programs and data being processed in the computer.

11. Motherboard

    • A large circuit board inside the computer 'box', containing slots and connections for all the components of a computer.

12. Online Storage

    • Storage space on a storage medium connected to a server and accessed over the internet. Accessible wherever you can log into the server.

13. RAM

    • Read Only Memory- where any running program and its data is temporarily stored.

14. ROM

    • Read Only Memory- a specific chip on the motherboard that holds the instructions needed to start the computer when you switch it on.

15. Storage

    • Place where the computer keeps the data and programs that it has been working with- even when the power is switched off.