Data Storage

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to computer architecture, data storage, networking hardware, and input/output devices.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

The main component of a computer responsible for executing instructions and processing data.

Data Bus

The system bus that carries data between the CPU and other components.

Volatile Memory

Memory that requires power to maintain stored information, such as RAM.

Non-Volatile Memory

Memory that retains its data even when powered off, such as ROM.

Secondary Storage

Storage devices that are not directly addressable by the CPU and hold data permanently, like hard drives and SSDs.

Cloud Storage

A method of storing data on remote servers accessed via the internet.

Sensor

A device that detects changes in physical conditions and sends data to other systems for processing.

Input Device

A device that allows users to input data into a computer system, such as keyboards or scanners.

Output Device

A hardware component that conveys information from a computer to the user, such as monitors or printers.

IP Address

A numerical label assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

A type of storage device that uses NAND-based flash memory, offering faster data access speeds than traditional hard drives.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

A type of RAM that needs to be constantly refreshed to retain data.

Static RAM (SRAM)

A type of RAM that does not need to be refreshed, offering faster access speeds but at a higher cost.

Virtual Memory

A memory management capability that uses hard disk space to simulate additional RAM.

Cache Memory

A small amount of high-speed memory located inside or near the CPU, used to store frequently accessed data for faster processing.

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

A traditional storage device that uses rotating magnetic platters to store and retrieve digital information.

Registers

Small, high-speed storage locations within the CPU used to temporarily hold data and instructions during processing.

Motherboard

The main circuit board of a computer that houses the CPU and allows all other hardware components to communicate with each other.