Computer Hardware Flashcards

Flashcards for review of computer hardware lecture notes.

Binary

A system of two that represents opposites; computers process information and make decisions based on binary logic.

Bit (b)

A single digit in binary (1 or 0).

Byte (B)

8 digits of numbers ranging from 00000000 to 11111111 (8-bit number).

KiloByte (KB)

Approximately 1 thousand bytes.

MegaByte (MB)

Approximately 1 million bytes.

GigaByte (GB)

Approximately 1 billion bytes.

ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)

Uses 8 bits/1 byte per character.

Unicode

Uses 32 bits/4 bytes per character.

Making Pure Silicon

Quartz (silicon dioxide) mixed with Charcoal (carbon) and woodchips, then heated to 2000℃ in a furnace to create Molten silicon.

Quartz

Contains silicon dioxide.

Motherboard

Contains CPU socket, copper traces, and binary processors.

Transistors

Basic switches made of silicon that allow the computer to work.

Integrated Circuit (IC)/Microchip

A circuit formed by connecting transistors together (can be shrunk very small).

"Wafer Fab"

Factory where integrated circuits are made.

Photolithography

The process of writing using light.

Computer

An electronic device that manipulates data using software to process input and produce output.

Software

Instructions and data that tell the hardware what to do.

Hardware

Physical components; the parts of the computer that you can touch.

Peripheral

A hardware accessory outside the case of the computer body.

Input

Information going into a computer.

Process

To change in some way; calculations/making decisions about data.

Output

Presentation of results.

Storage

To remember results or input for later use.

Control

Directing actions or flow of information.

Primary Memory

Fast, temporary memory; contents are lost when power is turned off (RAM).

Secondary Memory

Slower, bulk storage; contents are retained when power is removed (HDD).

Serial

Data is transferred one bit at a time.

Parallel

Data is transferred with many bits simultaneously.

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

Stores data with transistors; keeps data/instructions that need to be used often - “cache”.

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

Stores data with capacitors; requires memory management to keep RAM charged.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

Stores data with NAND flash; for more permanent storage with power off.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

Stores data with magnetism; permanent storage with power off.

CPU Registers

Stores data with transistors; fastest memory possible.

Moore’s Law

States that the number of transistors for a given area on a microchip will double approximately every 18 months to 2 years.

Form Factor

Shape and size of the motherboard.

Motherboard

Connects the CPU with the DRAM and the chipset to allow other devices to connect to your computer.

CPU

Stands for Central Processing Unit.

Northbridge

Handles high-speed communication between CPU and the most performance-critical components.

Southbridge

Handles lower-speed peripherals and I/O devices.

Pin Grid Array (PGA)

Pins stick out of CPU

Land Grid Array (LGA)

Pins are in the socket of the motherboard.

DDR (Double Data Rate)

A type of DRAM that has faster memory rates for each new technology release.

PCI Express Slots

Also known as expansion slots, these allow you to connect extra cords to your computer (video cards, bluetooth cards)

SATA Ports

Standard way to connect your storage drives

Chipset

Determines the capabilities of your computer. It must match your CPU type and CPU socket type.

Bus

Used to transfer data between and beyond the motherboard

Internal Bus

On the board itself (processor, RAM)

External Bus

Leads outside of the box (USB, keyboard connections)

BIOS/UEFI (Basic Input Output System)

Firmware that has a fixed program embedded on the device, which allows the computing system to assure that all components are working properly before running its software.

Firmware

The term that describes a state between software and hardware. This program has been embedded into hardware

Alternating Current (AC)

Flow of electric charge reverses direction (constantly changes polarity)

Direct Current (DC)

Electric charge flows in only one direction (one polarity)

Regulator

Takes DC voltage input and converts it to a lower one for the CPU (like a mini power supply)

Heat Sink

Draws heat away from CPU with metal conductors; Thermal Compound/Paste (or grease) to remove air gap between CPU and heat sink.

VRM

Converts the power supply’s voltage down to lower voltage so that it can be used by smaller components like the CPU