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| A PC component that enables a user to view the text and graphical data from a computer. |
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| The main component of a personal computer, which includes the other devices necessary for it to function. |
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| A PC component that enables user to enter data or instructions into a computer. |
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| Components that enhance a computer's functionality. |
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| The PC component in the system unit that acts as the backbone of the computer system. |
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| An alternate term for a system board |
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| An alternate term for external devices |
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| The Central Processing Unit is the reals brains of the computer where most of the calculations take place. |
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| A component that provides temporary workspace for the processor, holding data in a digital format. |
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| Memory that requires a constant source of electricity to keep data stored on it. When power is lost, the data is lost as well. |
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| Random Access memory - a common type of volatile memory |
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| Memory that allows data to be stored on it whether or not electrical current is available. |
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| Read-Only Memory - a common type of non-volatile memory used to store the computer BIOS or other firmware |
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| A group of wires (or traces on a motherboard) that connect components |
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| The main communication path between the CPU, memory, and other buses in the computer. |
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| Single Channel Architecture |
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| How the CPU has access to memory via the system. In this architecture, the CPU accesses each memory module separately, allowing mixed memory modules. |
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| Dual Channel Architecture |
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| How the CPU has access to memory via the system. In this architecture, the CPU accesses memory module in pairs, allowing for faster access to memory. The architecture requires matching pairs of memory modules to be installed. |
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| A component that enables users to save data for reuse even while the system is shut down. |
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| An internal component that converts from AC power to low-voltage DC power for components in the system unit as well as external devices via power-enabled ports. |
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| A component that dissipates heat from computer parts to prevent thermal damage. |
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| Printer circuit boards that are installed into a slot on the computer's system board to add functionality to the system |
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| A printed circuit board that is installed into a slot on the computer's system board that provides additional lots for adapter cards. |
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| A circuit board that plugs into another board. Usually refers to a riser card |
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| Boards designed by Intel to extend the functionality of the standard AT Board |
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| Boards designed to replace the ATX series of boards, providing more power and better heat management |
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| Software stored on non-volatile memory chips meant to provide basic instructions to a system component |
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| BIOS - Basic Input/Output System |
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| A firmware set of instructions that starts the most basic services of a computer system. |
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| Non-volatile memory that stores basic configuration information about the computer system, such as the amount of memory, the number and type of storage devices, and which devices to use to boot the system |
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| POST - Power on Self Test |
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| A diagnostic program built into the system that runs before the BIOS to check the hardware and ensure key components are functioning properly |
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| A cable end or port with pins showing (or end for insertion into a socket) is what gender? |
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| A cable end or port with receptacles for pins or a socket is what gender? |
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| A port type that transfers one bit at a time over a a single wire. |
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| A port type that transfers data eight or more bit at a time over eight or more wires. |
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| USB - Universal Serial Bus Connection |
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| A port type that enables you to connect up to 127 peripherals over a single connection. |
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| A port type that enables high speed connections similar to USB. Standard Firewire is not as fast as USB 2.0 but has better throughput (better usage of the available transmission speed for large files) |
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| SCSI - Small Computer System Interface |
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| A connection standard used both internally and externally for storage devices such as tapes and hard drives that remains in use on servers due to its reliability and speed. |
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| PATA - Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment |
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| A drive connection standard that provides a parallel data channel from the drive controller to disk drives. |
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| The hierarchy for the two possible drives on a PATA connection. |
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| A drive connection standard that enhances PATA by providing a serial data channel, smaller connections, and faster speeds. |
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