(lecture Hardware and Fundamentals Lecture Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering computer hardware components, storage types, processors, power standards, and system architectures.

Moon shot

A business term for an extremely difficult task or 'wicked problem' with a small chance of success, but a transformational impact if solved.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

An interface that allows devices to connect to computers, typically running on 5 volts DC power.

Input peripheral

A device connected to a computer that feeds data into it, such as a keyboard, mouse, or microphone.

Output peripheral

A device connected to a computer that presents or extracts information from it, such as a monitor, speaker, printer, or CNC machine.

Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC)

A computer-controlled machining tool used in manufacturing that functions as an output device.

Toolless case

A computer chassis designed to be opened and accessed without requiring any tools.

Solid-State Drive (SSD)

A robust, non-volatile persistent storage device that stores data faster and more reliably than traditional hard disk drives.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

An older type of non-volatile computer storage that uses magnetic platters to store data.

Non-volatile data

Persistent data stored on a computer that remains saved even when the device loses power.

Volatile data

Temporary data stored in memory that is completely erased when the device shuts off or loses power.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Volatile working memory that allows a computer to hold and process data for active applications.

Power Supply Unit (PSU)

A computer component that converts alternating current (AC) line voltage into direct current (DC) power for internal components.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The central processing brain of a computer that performs calculations using binary logic and transistors.

Heat sink

A metal component attached to high-heat computer chips that aids heat dissipation through conduction and fan cooling.

Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)

A processing unit originally created for rendering graphics, now widely used for AI processing due to its efficiency with neural networks.

X86 architecture

The traditional CPU instruction set architecture historically used by Intel and AMD processors.

ARM architecture

A power-efficient CPU architecture that utilizes unified memory, widely used in mobile devices, MacBooks, and modern laptops.

RISC-V

An open-source, free CPU instruction set architecture designed as an alternative to proprietary architectures like ARM.

Motherboard

The primary printed circuit board inside a computer that connects hardware components together.

Raspberry Pi 0 W

A compact, low-cost single-board computer featuring a 900 MHz CPU, RAM, USB support, and built-in wireless networking.