3d term

access time (seek time)

The time required to retrieve data from memory or storage.

application

A software program designed to perform a specific function.

backup

The process of making a copy of data for protection.

battery pack

A device that stores and supplies electrical energy.

built-in webcam

"A camera integrated into a device

bus

A communication system that transfers data between components.

bus topology

A network configuration where all nodes share a common communication line.

cache hit

A situation where requested data is found in the cache.

calculations

Mathematical operations performed by a computer.

clock speed

The speed at which a processor executes instructions.

compatible

Able to function properly with other systems or devices.

cooperative multitasking

A multitasking method where tasks must yield control to others.

defragmentation

The process of reorganizing data to improve disk efficiency.

desktop PC

A personal computer designed for use at a desk.

detached keyboard

A keyboard that is physically separate from the device.

digital

Representing data using discrete binary values.

directory

A structure for organizing files in a filesystem.

energy consumption

The amount of energy used by a device.

expansion card

A circuit board added to provide extra features to a computer.

external disk drive

A removable device used for reading/writing data.

floating gate transistor

A type of transistor used in flash memory.

floppy disk

A magnetic storage medium used in older computers.

front side bus

A data bus that connects the CPU to main memory.

headphones

Audio output devices worn on the ears.

input device

A device used to provide data to a computer.

integrated circuit

A small chip that contains electronic circuits.

laser beam

A focused beam of light used in optical devices.

memory capacity

The total amount of data that can be stored.

memory card

A small, portable storage device

mesh topology

A network setup where each device connects to all others.

multi-core CPU

A CPU with multiple processing units.

multi-tasking

Running multiple applications or processes simultaneously.

network backbone

The main path for data traffic within a network.

open-source software

Software with source code available for modification.

output device

A device that receives and displays or processes output data.

partition

A section of a hard drive treated as a separate unit.

peer-to-peer network

A decentralized network where all nodes are equal.

performance

The efficiency and speed of a system.

peripherals

External devices connected to a computer.

platter

A disk inside a hard drive that stores data.

power-supply unit

A device that provides power to a computer.

preemptive multitasking

An OS decides when to switch tasks.

proprietary software

Software owned and restricted by a company.

punched card

A piece of stiff paper encoding data with holes.

RAM

Random Access Memory – temporary storage used by active processes.

read/write head

A component that reads and writes data on a disk.

ring topology

A network where each device connects to two others in a loop.

seek time

The time required for a read/write head to locate data.

semiconductor

Material used to make electronic components.

silicon

A common semiconductor material used in electronics.

software

The programs and operating systems used by a computer.

speakers

Audio output devices.

spreadsheet

An application used for organizing data in cells.

storage device

Hardware that stores data permanently or temporarily.

storage medium

The material or device used to store data.

system clock

A timing device that controls operations in a computer.

system unit

The main body of a desktop computer.

tablet PC

A mobile computer with a touchscreen.

to archive

To store data for long-term preservation.

to edit

To modify digital content.

to erase

To remove data permanently.

to execute instructions

To run commands or programs.

to transmit data

To send digital information from one place to another.

touchpad

A touch-sensitive pointing device on laptops.

touchscreen

A display that responds to touch input.

track

A circular path on a storage disk.

transfer rate

The speed at which data is transferred.

USB-flash drive / memory stick

Portable storage devices using flash memory.

vacuum tube

An early component used in electronic circuits.

virtual keyboard

An on-screen keyboard.

volatile

Memory that loses content when power is off.

wireless access point

Device that provides Wi-Fi connectivity.

wireless mouse

A mouse that connects without a physical cable.

write-back cache

A cache that defers writing data to memory.

write-through cache

A cache that writes data to both cache and memory simultaneously.