Computer components

Computer components

1. non-volatile

   • Data is stored on the component even when the computer system is switched off.

2. RAM

   • Stores the programs, parts of the operating system and the files currently being used.

3. Optical Storage

   • Is any storage method in which data is written and read with a laser. CDs, DVDs and Blu-Ray are examples of this type of storage.

4. Optical storage

   • Data is stored by magnetising the surface of flat, circular plates called platters. These platters rotate at a very high speed.

5. Cost effective

   • Good value for money

6. read/write speed

   • How fast a component can read or write data to another component (such as the RAM and hard drive).

7. Central Processing unit

   • Fetches, decodes and executes data and/or instructions.

8. Cores

   • The number of independent processors in the CPU which run the fetch decode execute cycle simultaneously.

9. Secondary Storage

   • Is non-volatile storage needed in a computer system to store programs, operating system or files.

10. Solid state storage

    • Uses microchips to store data instead of magnetised disks and do not contain any moving parts.

11. Portability

    • How easy the storage device can be used on other devices.

12. Capacity

    • The amount of data a component can hold (measured in bytes).

13. Volatile

    • Data is not stored on the component when the computer system is switched off.

14. Clock Speed

    • The number of fetch decode execute cycles a CPU can perform per second. This is measured in hertz (Hz).

15. Hard drive

    • Stores all the programs, operating systems and files needed for the computer system to run.

16. Durability

    • How robust/hard wearing the storage device is.