5. Language Lesson

From here on in, we are going to learn what makes up a computer and what all those words in the computer catalogue mean. So before we proceed, you will need to learn some basic computer jargon. Please note that not all the descriptions here are accurate. I had purposefully done so for the benefit of computer illiterate readers.

CPU
The brain of the computer. Also called the processor

Memory
This is where the computer stores data and information temporarily before sending it anywhere else.

Motherboard
The main circuit board where everything is connected to. It’s like your nervous system.

RAM
(See Memory) there are different types of RAM which we will cover in detail later.
DRAM, SDRAM, VRAM

PC
Personal Computer – desktops, laptops and notebooks

LAN
Local Area Network.

Cache
Pronounced “cash”. A very high-speed memory built into a processor unit.

FSB
The data transport system from CPU to memory (RAM)

Video Card
The component that controls your visual on the monitor

HDD
Hard Disk Drive. A solid component inside the computer that stores all your data for later retrieval.

FDD
Floppy Disk Drive.

ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment. The technology that enables communication between a drive and the motherboard to the CPU.

SATA
Serial-ATA. This is the successor to ATA.

Hardware
Anything (visible and non-visible) that you can physically touch.
E.g. : HDD, FDD, memory units, CPU, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc

Software
Non-physical items stored inside the computer.
E.g. : Operating System, application software, programs, web-browsers, etc

Driver
An interpreter software that enables components from different manufacturers to communicate with your CPU.

Bluetooth
A short-range radio technology that enables wireless connection between devices.

Wi-Fi
A wide-range radio technology that enables computing devices to connect to a network or the internet.

Bytes
Measure of data.

Kb
Kilobytes. Roughly 1000bytes per Kb

Mb
Megabytes. Roughly 1000Kb per Mb

Gb
Gigabytes. Roughly 1000Mb per Gb

MHz
Megahertz. Measure of processing speed per second.

GHz
Gigahertz. Measure of processing speed per second. Roughly 1000MHz per GHz

Computer Virus
Software designed to cause problems in your computer.

Anti-Virus
Software designed to counter the effects of computer viruses.

dpi
Dots per inch. A measure of image sharpness on a printout.

pixel
A single point in the image on your monitor.

Blog
Short for weB LOG. A public access journal on the internet.

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