A

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Access point

A device that is used to connect wireless communication devices together in order to form a wireless
network.

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Bandwidth

Bandwidth is the amount of information a network can carry in a certain period of time. When it comes
to Internet access, larger bandwidth means faster connections, quicker downloads and smoother video
playback.

BIOS

Basic Input/Output System is the firmware for a computer whose main function is to identify and
initialize various motherboard components as well as to load and transfer control to a small program
that then loads the operating system.

Bit

Binary digit with a value of 0 or 1.

Blog (Weblog)

Blog is the combination of the two words Web and Log, the first weblogs were tracking (logging)
interesting pages the blogger found during their journeys through the web. The term weblog is often
shortened to blog.
Bluetooth

A wireless specification that provides a method for devices such as mobile phones, laptops, computers,
and printers to connect and share information with one another over a short-range radio frequency.

Broadband

Broadband is another word for high-speed Internet. Because it transfers information quickly, broadband
is ideal for downloading music and watching streaming videos. Also, unlike a dial-up connection,
broadband allows access to the Internet without disrupting phone service.

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Cache

A temporary storage area for frequently accessed information. The cache shortens the time it takes to
access this information, relieves the burden from the main memory, and increases the overall speed of
applications.

CD/DVD Drive

CD/DVD drives play music and movies and allow new software to be installed. Drives with a RW
designation can also burn digital files onto discs. CD-RW drives are often used to store MP3's and office
documents. DVD-RW drives, though more expensive, store approximately 10 times more information
per disc, making them ideal for backing up large multimedia files.

Chassis

The framework on a computer that supports its components including the motherboard, hard drives,
and memory.
Chipset

The group of microchips on a motherboard that allow all the components to communicate with the
processor.

Client

A computer or application that remotely accesses a service on another computer (known as a server)
using a network.

Cookie

A cookie is a small string of code stored on a user's computer by a web browser which contains
information like preferences or other data used by websites to gather.

CPU

Central Processing Unit is another name for processor.

CRT

Cathode Ray Tube is an analog monitor.

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DDR

Double Data Rate is a technique for data transfers used by some types of computer memory.

DIMM

Dual In-Line Memory Module is a type of computer memory.

Discrete graphics

The graphics controller is not built into the chipset but is a separate component.

Display

The computer's monitor, the viewable area of which is called the screen. Resolution refers to the
number of tiny squares, or pixels, viewable on the screen. A higher screen resolution equates to sharper
visuals and more realistic video rendering.

DIY

Do It Yourself is someone who does a task themselves rather than relying on a professional.

DMA

Direct Memory Access is a feature of computers that allows a device to access system memory without
relying on the CPU to transfer the data.

DNS

Domain Name System is a system that maps domain names such as www.intel.com to IP addresses.

Download

To transfer information from one computer to another. Downloading means to receive, and uploading
means to transmit. Common downloads include MP3 files, software updates and desktop games.

Driver

Software written for a specific operating system and used by that operating system to communicate
with a specific hardware device.
Dual-core

A processor that combine two independent cores in a single package.

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Energy Star*

Energy Star* is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of
Energy that promotes energy efficient products.

Express chipset

Part of the product name for a group of Intel chipsets that are all in the same family of chipsets (for
example, the Intel® 3 Series Chipset family includes chipsets such as the Intel® G33 Express Chipset, the
Intel® G35 Express Chipset, and the Intel® P31 Express Chipset).

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Firewall

A boundary that keeps computers on the Internet private. Firewall software prevents users from coming
to a secure site, or conversely, keeps users inside the firewall from going out. Firewalls can also verify
websites, ensuring they originate from an authorized source.

Firewire
A computer port, commonly used for external devices that need to transfer a lot of information quickly.
Initially designed by Apple, the Firewire gained quick acceptance among creative professionals for rapid
downloads and ease of use.

Firmware

A computer program that is inside a hardware device.

Flash

Flash memory is a type of non-volatile computer memory that can be erased and reprogrammed.

Form factor

Refers to the size and shape for a computer.

Front Side Bus

Front Side Bus is the physical component that carries information between the computer's processor
and other components such as system memory .

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Gigabyte (GB)

Gigabyte is a unit of computer storage that is around 1.07 billion bytes.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Graphical User Interface is a user interface based on graphical icons.

Graphics Card

A graphics card is an internal card dedicated solely to rendering graphics like photos or movies. The
graphics card determines the number of colors, refresh rate and resolution of the computer's display.

Graphics Controller

A term used to describe the graphics hardware in a computer.

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Hard Drive

The computer's hard drive is a storage device which stores your computer's important information such
as programs and data files. Early systems had hard drives that could only hold a few movies but today's
hard drives are expected to hold entire libraries of movies.

Hard Drive Cache

A temporary storage area on a hard drive.

Hardware

The physical elements of the computer, such as the processor, hard drive, keyboard, and display.
Whereas hardware is responsible for a specific task, software can be created, adapted or removed to
suit a user's specific needs.

HD Audio

Intel® High Definition Audio is the audio architecture standard that replaces AC'97.
HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface is a digital media interface for Consumer Electronics devices that
allows a single cable to be used for both audio and video.

HDTV

High Definition TV is a TV that typically has a higher quality aspect ratio and therefore higher quality
video output than standard TVs.

Hotspot

A wireless Internet connection available for public use. Beyond mere convenience, hotspots offer
broadband Internet access with connection speeds similar to cable and DSL. While some hotspots
charge for access, more and more are opening their networks for free. And the number of hotspots
available continues to grow.

Hyper-Threading Technology

Hyper-Threading Technology is technology proprietary to Intel that allows different parts of the CPU to
work on different tasks simultaneously.

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IA32

Intel® architecture 32-bit is the 32-bit implementation of the x86 architecture.

IA64

IA-64 often refers to Itanium® architecture. Intel® 64 architecture is the 64-bit implementation of the
x86 architecture.
Integrated circuit

A semiconductor device that includes many transistors and electrical circuits.

Integrated graphics

The graphics controller is built into the chipset.

Interference

Anything that alters or disrupts a message as it travels between the sender and the receiver.

Internet

The Internet essentially links computers to one another, allowing them to speak the same language.
Originally created by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Internet has become a fast fixture in
contemporary life. From email to instant messaging, education to entertainment, the Internet is helping
define the way people communicate in the modern world.

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JPEG

A JPEG is a compressed file format that has become a standard for consumer digital photography. Files
that are compressed are easier to view, download and store. The JPEG format strikes a good balance—
compressing the file, yet retaining enough information to keep the image resolution clear.

Jumper

A piece of conductor that is used to enclose jumper pins and complete the circuit.
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KB

Kilobyte is a unit of computer storage that is equal to 1024 bytes.

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L1 cache

The smallest and fastest level of CPU cache, this is the first level of cache used by the CPU.

L2 cache

Slightly larger and slower than L1 cache, this is the second level of cache used by the CPU.

L3 cache

Slightly larger and slower than L2 cache, this is the third level of cache used by the CPU.

LAN

Local Area Network is a computer network that covers a small geographic area such as an office or
school.

Latency
Another term for delay.

LCD

Liquid Crystal Display is a type of flat panel display.

Lead-free

Part of the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive* (also known as RoHS) in the European Union
that restricts the use of certain hazardous substances when manufacturing specific electronic or
electrical equipment.

LED

Light Emitting Diode is a small light source.

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Megabyte (MB)

Megabyte is a unit of computer storage that is equal to 1,048,576 bytes.

Microprocessor

A processor on a single integrated circuit.

Modem

A device used to connect to the Internet using either cable or phone lines. Modems can be used to
establish a dial-up, high-speed DSL, or Cable Internet connection. Current modems also compress the
information they transfer, making them noticeably faster than older versions.
Motherboard

The computer's main circuit board. All internal components are attached or connected in some way to
the motherboard. The motherboard holds the processor, the bus, memory sockets, expansion slots, and
more. It acts as a conduit for power, and makes sure the various components can communicate.

Multimedia

A combination of media that may include still and moving images, illustration, text and sound. From
educational games and business presentations to online encyclopedias, the use of multimedia in
storytelling is becoming increasingly common in the digital age.

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NIC

Network Interface Card is a piece of hardware that allows computers to communicate over a network.

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OEM

Original Equipment Manufacturer is the company that manufactured a product that is being sold by
another company.

OpenGL
Open Graphics Library is a specification that defines an API for writing applications that produce 2D or
3D computer graphics.

Operating System

The underlying software that allows the user and the computer to interact. The OS is the software
platform necessary for the computer to run. It allows the computer's hardware and software
applications to communicate.

Optical disk drive

A type of disk drive that uses laser in order to read and write data.

OS

Operating System is the software that manages both the hardware and software on a computer.

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PCI

Peripheral Component Interconnect is a computer bus that is used to attach devices to a motherboard.

PCIe

PCI Express* is a specification for computer expansion cards.

Peripherals

A piece of computer hardware, typically optional and connected externally, that is added to a computer.
Plasma

Plasma display is a type of flat panel display.

Port

Ports allow external peripheral devices, such as printers and digital cameras, to connect to the
computer. They also make it possible for computers to network together. Two of the most common
ports, USB and Firewire, are plug-and-play, which means they begin communicating with the computer
as soon as they're attached.

Power management

A way for a computer to save power by turning off certain components of the computer when not in
use.

Power supply

A device that provides electrical power to your computer.

Processor

The processor is the computer's brain, responsible for controlling each program's functionality and
speed. The processor speed is directly related to the PC's overall performance. Faster processors
enhance the user's ability to run creative, entertainment, communication and productivity applications.

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Quad-core

A processor that combines four independent cores in a single package.

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RAID

Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks is a technology that uses multiple hard drives to improve
performance and/or protection.

RAM

A computer's short-term memory. RAM stores information as programs are being used. RAM is one
contributor to faster computing, most noticeable when multiple applications are being used at the same
time.

Router

A small device that connects multiple computers together, providing Internet connectivity in a home or
office. Broadband routers, such as cable and DSL, connect local networks to the wide area network of
the Internet, allowing users to create a wireless hotspot within the home.

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SCSI

Small Computer System Interface is a set of standards for physically connecting computers and devices
such as hard drives, and for transferring data between them.

SDRAM

Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory is a type of computer memory.

Serial ATA

Storage-interface for connecting the hard drive or optical drive to the computer is a high-speed serial
cable.

Social Media

An emerging trend with information increasingly communicated back-and forth between the originators
of the content and the people who then read/view/listen to that content...and have an opportunity to
respond in a dialogue.

Software

A program designed for a specific task that tells the computer what to do. System software is in charge
of basic PC functionality, and network software allows any number of computers to communicate.

Storage

The hard drive stores files and programs, and is considered long-term memory. RAM, or short-term
memory, stores information for the programs being used. Using external storage, from online services to
flash drives, CD's and DVD's, can be a great way to back-up important files, or bring them on the go.

System BIOS

Another term for BIOS.

System bus

Another name for front side bus (FSB).

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Transistor

A device used in semiconductors to amplify or switch electronic signals.

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USB

A USB port allows a device like a mouse, printer, or digital camera to connect to your computer. To
attach a USB device, simply find the matching slot and plug it in. The computer's operating systems will
detect the device and enable it to run without restarting you computer.

User Interface (UI)

User Interface is the graphical, textual, and auditory information presented to a user by a computer
program and the methods, whether keystrokes, mouse movements, or touchscreen selections that are
used by the user to control that program.

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VGA

Video Graphics Array is the lowest common denominator for computer displays first introduced in 1987.
Most computers will have a VGA input.

Video BIOS
The BIOS for the graphics hardware.

VRAM

Video RAM is a type of computer memory that was used to store the frame buffer for some graphics
cards (also referred to as video memory or graphics memory).

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Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless Internet connection that can be accessed by laptops, PDA's, and other portable
devices. This wireless connection is called a "hotspot".

Wi-Fi hotspots continue to multiply by the minute. Most major cities play host to several hotspots per
block, and many are free to use.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

is a computer network that covers a broad area.

Widget

A piece of code that can be inserted into a web page and traditionally provides additional interactive
functionality.

WiMAX

New wireless technology that allows for much more broad wireless coverage than Wi-Fi. This technology
essentially turns an entire city into a hotspot so you can literally connect to the Internet from almost
anywhere in the city. WiMAX is available in a few cities right now, but is rolling out to additional cities
worldwide.

Wireless client

The software that controls a wireless adapter.

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Network is two or more computers that are linked together without wires.