Computer Glossary
CPU -Stands for "Central Processing Unit." The CPU is the primary component of
a computer that processes instructions.
RAM - Stands for "Random Access Memory," and is pronounced like the male
sheep. RAM is made up of small memory chips that form a memory module.
ROM- Stands for "Read-Only Memory." Please do not confuse this term with RAM
or a hard drive, as many people already do. ROM is memory containing hardwired
instructions that the computer uses when it boots up, before the system software
loads.
Monitor- The term "monitor" is often used synonymously with "computer screen"
or "display." The monitor displays the computer's user interface and open
programs, allowing the user to interact with the computer, typically using the
keyboard and mouse.
Video card- in order to give the CPU a break and help it run more efficiently, a
video card can be used to process the graphics portion of the processing load.
Hard drive- The hard drive is what stores all your data.
CDROM- Stands for "Compact Disc Read-Only Memory." A CD-ROM is a CD that
can be read by a computer with an optical drive.
CDR/W- A CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) is a rewritable optical disc.
Modem- The word modem is actually short for Modulator/Demodulator. A
modem is a communications device that can be either internal or external to your
computer. It allows one computer to connect another computer and transfer data
over telephone lines.
Mouse- A computer mouse is an input device that is most often used with a
personal computer. Moving a mouse along a flat surface can move the on-screen
cursor to different items on the screen.
Speakers- used to produce audio output that can be heard by the listener.
Printer- A printer is an output device that prints paper documents. This includes
text documents, images, or a combination of both.
Keyboard- A keyboard is the set of typewriter- like keys that enables you to enter
data into a computer. The keyboard is one of the primary input devices used with
a computer
OS- An operating system, or "OS," is software that communicates with the
hardware and allows other programs to run.
Internet Access- Internet access connects individual computer terminals,
computers, mobile devices, and computer networks to the Internet, enabling
users to access Internet services, such as email and the World Wide Web.
Scanner- A scanner is an input device that scans documents such as photographs
and pages of text.
Digital Camera- A digital camera is a similar to a traditional film-based camera,
but it captures images digitally.
Web Cam- The purpose of a webcam is, not surprisingly, to broadcast video on
the Web. Webcams are typically small cameras that either attach to a user's
monitor or sit on a desk.
P4- Pentium 4 (P4) is the Intel processor (codenamed Willamette) that was
released in November 2000. The P4 processor has a viable clock speed that now
exceeds 2 gigahertz (GHz) - as compared to the 1 GHz of the Pentium 3.
GHz- One gigahertz is equal to 1,000 megahertz (MHz) or 1,000,000,000 Hz. It is
commonly used to measure computer processing speeds.
MB- A megabyte is 106 or 1,000,000 bytes. One megabyte (abbreviated "MB") is
equal to 1,000 kilobytes and precedes the gigabyte unit of measurement.
GB- Gigabytes, sometimes abbreviated "gigs," are often used to measure storage
capacity.
RPM- Stands for "Revenue Per 1,000 Impressions." RPM is similar to CPM, but
measures the revenue from 1,000 ads impressions instead of the cost of the ads.
K- Short for kilo or kilobyte
Byte- A byte is a unit of measurement used to measure data
Source : Techterms.com & webopedia.com