1 Computer Components Flashcards
Mother board
Holds all the components together
Central processing unit (CPU)
The processor and brain of the computer. It carrys out instructions in the cycle: fetch/decode/execute
RAM (Random access memory)
Volatile temporary memory, losses data when switched off
ROM ( read only memory)
Much smaller than RAM. Not volatile, and contains booting system for operating system.
Cache
A small amount of memory on or near the cpu that stores copies of frequently used data for faster retrieval
NIC (network interface card)
Allows access to a computer network and often comes inter grated into a motherboard
Sound card
An expansion that allows the input and output of audio signals
Video / graphics card
It generates output images to display.
PSU/ power supply
Supply’s power to a pc
USB
Universal Serial Bus- usually used to connect the computer to a peripheral device
VGA
Video graphics array- usually used to connect a analogue monitor to a pc
FireWire
Developed by apple in the 80s/90s usually connected to a digital recorder or external hard drives
Network cable
Connects a pc or device to the network, this pc then becomes a node
HDMI
High definition multimedia input- faster image
Display port
Like HDMI also used to connect to high def audio and video
