Inside a Computer System Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering core hardware components, storage types, peripherals, and system boot sequence steps from the Inside a Computer System notes.

Motherboard

The skeleton and nerves of a computer system that holds all components in place and connects them to allow communication between them.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

Volatile short-term working memory that temporarily holds data the CPU needs quick access to while running, losing all content when power is turned off.

PSU (Power Supply Unit)

The essential component that acts as the heart and lungs of a system, taking power from an outlet and supplying electrical energy to all components via connectors like Molex.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The processor or brain of a computer that connects via the CPU socket and continuously executes instructions and performs calculations, often using multiple cores in parallel.

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

A long-term storage device using older technology with moving parts to save data permanently at a low cost for large capacity.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A long-term storage device with no moving parts that uses memory chips to save data permanently at much faster speeds than an HDD.

Network Adapter

A hardware component in wired or wireless variants that allows a computer to communicate with other computers and networks, typically connecting via PCI Express ports or embedded on the motherboard.

Graphics Card

A component connected to a PCI Express slot that processes visual information from the operating system and programs, then outputs visual data to a display.

Input Devices

Peripherals such as keyboards, microphones, mice, and scanners that send data to the computer system.

Output Devices

Peripherals such as monitors, printers, and speakers that receive data from the computer system.

UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface)

The central firmware system that allows computer components to start up and manages early system boot routines.

BIOS

An older system firmware performing similar functions to UEFI that has mainly been replaced by UEFI in modern systems.

POST (Power-On Self Test)

A startup routine loaded by UEFI that tests whether every required component is present, configured correctly, and functioning properly.

Bootloader

A program initiated on the selected boot device that transfers the Operating System from long-term storage into Random Access Memory (RAM).