BTE 210 - Hardware

Vocabulary flashcards covering primary and secondary storage, CPU architecture, hardware categories, SSD vs HDD comparisons, historical hardware milestones, and modern tech trends from BTE 210.

Computer Hardware

The physical equipment used for the input, processing, storage, and output activities of a computer system.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The component that manipulates data and controls the tasks performed by the other components of a computer system (e.g., Intel Core i9, Apple M1).

Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU)

The part of the Central Processing Unit that performs calculations.

Control Unit (CU)

The part of the Central Processing Unit that directs operations.

Input Technologies

Devices that accept data and instructions and convert them into a form that a computer can understand, such as a keyboard, mouse, or scanner.

Output Technologies

Devices that present data and information in a form users can understand, such as a monitor or printer.

Communication Technologies

Hardware components that provide for the flow of data from external computer networks to the CPU, and from the CPU to computer networks, such as a modem or network card.

Primary Storage

Memory that temporarily stores data and program instructions during processing.

Secondary Storage

Storage that retains data and programs for future use.

Registers

Part of the CPU with the least capacity, storing extremely limited amounts of instructions and data only immediately before and after processing.

Cache Memory

High-speed memory physically located closer to the CPU than RAM, enabling the computer to temporarily store blocks of data that are used more often.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile primary storage that holds a software program and small amounts of data for active processing.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

Non-volatile chip where critical startup instructions are safeguarded and retained even when power is turned off.

Flash Memory Drive

A portable non-volatile secondary storage device using flash memory technology to store data.

First 1GB Hard Drive (1980)

Introduced in 1980, the first 1 gigabyte hard drive weighed over 500 pounds and cost $40,000.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Secondary magnetic disk storage that uses spinning platters, averages 6–7 watts power draw, boot time of 30–40 seconds, and can have data erased by magnets.

Magnetic Tape

A secondary storage technology that records data on a reel of magnetic tape.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

Secondary storage device with no moving parts, low power draw (2–3 watts average), average boot time of 10–13 seconds, write speeds up to 550 MB/s, and safe from magnetic effects.

SSD vs HDD Attribute Comparison

Comparative overview of SSD and HDD attributes including power draw, cost, capacity, boot time, noise, vibration, heat, failure rate, write speed, and magnetic sensitivity.

Quantum Computing

A modern hardware technology trend focused on revolutionizing processing speed and capabilities.

GPUs for AI

High-performance processing units such as the NVIDIA RTX series that dominate artificial intelligence processing and gaming.

Edge Computing

A hardware trend where compact devices like the Raspberry Pi enable Internet of Things (IoT) processing at the edge of networks.

Neuromorphic Chips

Specialized silicon chips designed to mimic the neural architecture of the human brain for AI applications.