G11 IT Hardware & Software

• Motherboard: A printed circuit board that holds the main components of a computer and provides communication between them.
• Modular design: A design approach that breaks down a system into smaller interchangeable components allowing for customization and upgradeability.
• ZIF Socket is a type of socket used for mounting a CPU onto a motherboard.
• DIMM or Dual In-line Memory Module a type of memory module used in computers for RAM.
• SATA Connector: A type of data cable and connector used for connecting storage devices to a computer's motherboard.
• Central Processing Unit the main processing component of a computer that executes instructions.
• Graphics Processing Unit a specialized processor for rendering and handling graphics.
• VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) a type of memory used by a GPU to store graphics data.
• CPU Cache: A small amount of fast memory built into the CPU used to store frequently used data for faster access.
• Disk Cache is a cache stored in a computer storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD) that temporarily stores frequently accessed data to improve the device's performance. The purpose of a disk cache is to speed up read operations by serving the stored version of the data instead of reading it from the disk every time it is accessed.
• Web Cache is a cache that temporarily stores frequently accessed web pages and elements such as images and videos. The purpose of a web cache is to reduce the time it takes to load a page by serving the stored version instead of downloading it from the web server every time it is accessed.
• System Clock: A clock that generates a signal used to synchronize the operations of all components in a computer system.
• Bus: A communication pathway on a motherboard that connects the different components and allows them to exchange data.
• Point-to-point communication refers to the direct connection between the CPU and the memory on the motherboard. This direct connection enables the CPU to access the RAM much faster than if it had to go through a shared bus.
• IRQ or Interrupt Request is a hardware signal sent to the processor that temporarily stops a running program and allows a special program to run instead.
• Plug and Play: A feature in computers that automatically recognizes and configures new hardware components.
• Hot swappable: A feature that allows hardware components to be replaced or added while the computer is running without the need to shut down.
• Caching: The process of storing frequently used data in a faster access memory such as cache memory to speed up access time.
• SSD or Solid State Drive a type of data storage device that uses flash memory to store data.
• HDD or Hard Disk Drive a type of data storage device that uses rotating disks to store data.
• BIOS (Basic Input Output System) are the essential startup instructions of a computer in ROM chips on the motherboard.
• CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) is the type of memory that stores the BIOS settings powered by a small battery on the motherboard.
• EEPROM or Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory - type of ROM that can be erased electronically after which a new 'image' of the upgraded contents can be written back.
• Expansion slots: Slots on the motherboard for attaching additional circuit boards to expand the computer's capabilities.
• External connectors: Situated at the back and front of the casing like USB ports VGA port RJ45 etc
• Firewire: Type of port that can transfer data faster than USB usually used for videos from video cameras etc.
• Firmware: Software that is permanently installed on the ROM chip and used to control the basic operation of the device.
• Flashing the ROM: Process where the existing contents of firmware are wiped and replaced with an updated version.
• Machine Cycle: Steps taken by CPU in carrying out instructions: Fetch - Decode - Execute - Transfer
• POST or Power On Self Test - startup test performed by the BIOS to ensure all the essential hardware is present and in working order.
• RAM or Random Access Memory - permanent volatile storage area for all running programs and data being processed.
• ROM or Read Only Memory - permanent non-volitle memory associated with Firmware in the ROM chip which holds the startup instructions of the computer.
• Thunderbolt: Type of connection technology which can support multiple simultaneous connections.
• USB or Universal Serial Bus - widely used connection option for attaching devices to a computer.
• Video / Graphics card: Hardware component that generates images displayed on a monitor either integrated on the motherboard or supplied as a separate card plugged into an expansion slot.
• Operating Systems: The software that manages and controls the hardware and software resources of a computer. Examples include Windows macOS and Linux.
• GUI or Graphical User Interface a visual interface for interacting with computer systems and applications.
• Dynamic Link Library files shared libraries of code used by multiple programs running on a computer.
• Thread: A part of a larger program that runs independently but simultaneously with other parts of the same program.
• Multitasking: The ability of an operating system to run multiple tasks simultaneously.