Computer Vocabulary

If you want to find out a more simple definition to some of the most common computer hardware terms, you are reading the right article.
Level: Beginner/Intermediate

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CPU

Central Processing Unit - This is the core of the system. Most information, software and processing is handled by this component. CPU's can often be found in a single, duel or more form. Architecture is a term used to describe how a CPU is built and functions. X86 is one of them. Different companies such as AMD and Intel have developed their own CPU design, where information is executed and handled differently. Many operating systems state which architecture they are able to support.

GPU

Graphics Processing Unit - This is a component that handles screen rendering. In order to relieve the CPU from performing this task, a GPU will do it instead. Very often, it is necessary in order to run complex dimensional graphics such as those found in video games and advanced 3D software.

LAN

Local Area Network - Is the connection between two computer on a local basis. For instance you and your room mate have two computer connected. This technology allows for data transfer, internet sharing and many more features. Ethernet is the technical term for this technology.

PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect - This is a component that is used to connect extra internal hardware. Graphics cards, network cards, TV tuners and just a few common PCI hardware. PCI-express is a newer, faster version of PCI. However, most components do not require the extra speed and still use normal PCI. The technology before PCI-E was AGP, which was only used to connect graphics cards.

Modem

Modem - A component that bridges your computer to the internet. Very often, it bridges your LAN to the internet, giving everyone who is on your network access to the internet. There are many different types of modem technology, dialup, ADSL, DSL, IDSL to mention a few. DSL stands for Direct Subscriber Line, which means that a separate "Line" is being reserved or provided for you.

North/South Bridge

North/South Bridge - Are two chips used to allow the communication between the CPU, PCI, RAM and other components. This is often the factor that determine the type of RAM and CPU that can be used in the system. Sometimes they can be found as a single chip if the manufacturer is able to merge them.

RAM

Random Access Memory - In order to keep certain information for a temporary amount of time, a computer must have RAM. A common example is a guest book. When adding new entries, pieces of memory are used to save that information. When you press save, the portions are copied into a file.

Router

Router - A LAN device that acts as a hub to connect more than one computer to a network. It is commonly found in households and businesses that have more than one computer. A router can also have a modem and/or wireless built into it. Internet and files can be shared amongst more than 2 computers because of this device.

Storage Device(Hard Drive)

Hard drive - The storage for information on your computer. To run software and the operating system it is read from a hard drive and launched by the computer. Many different forms of hard drives exists. HDD, hard disk drive, is a set of disks from which information is read and written. SSD, solid state drive, is based on chips that are able to store data. Flash is also chip based, but is a different technology that is used in portable devices and flash drives.

SATA

Serial Advanced Technology Attachment - This is a connector type which is designed for data transfer between the computer and the hard disk or optical drive. IDE is the predecessor of this technology but has a slower transfer rates and has a much less compact connector.

Server

Server - A server is a computer that is able to serve other computers its resources or services. Web Server, Storage Server and Game Server are very common types of servers. A server is connected to a LAN network and/or directly the the internet. Any computer can be turned into a server with certain operating systems and software.

USB

Universal Serial Bus - This is a very common way of connecting external hardware to a computer. Being a digital connector, the computer can use a set of drivers in order to interface and use the hardware. Firewire is another technology that is meant for very much the same function, but works differently. USB however is much more adopted.

Wifi

Wifi - This is a technology name for wireless connection very commonly referred to as WLAN or IEEE 802.11. With the use of an antenna, a computer or device can connect to a wireless router (Or another computer), thus joining/creating a network. The technology can be seen as a wireless component of LAN. There are different standards to a wireless technology such as 802.11b and 802.11g, mainly differing in data transfer rates.