计算机专业英语keyterm chapter 5.docx

1、计算机专业英语keyterm chapter 5Key Terms -Chapter 5AC adapterNotebook computers use AC adapters that are typically outside the system unit. They plug into a standard wall outlet, convert AC to DC, provide power to drive the system components, and can recharge batteries.all-in-oneA desktop computer that has

2、 the monitor and system unit housed together in the same case (e.g., Apples iMac).analogContinuous signals that vary to represent different tones, pitches, and volume.arithmetic-logic unit (ALU)The part of the CPU that performs arithmetic and logical operations.arithmetic operationFundamental math o

3、perations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange)Binary coding scheme widely used on all computers, including microcomputers. Eight bits form each byte, and each byte represents one character.binary systemNumbering system in whi

4、ch all numbers consist of only two digits: 0 and 1.BIOS (basic input/output system)The start-up instructions for a computer, including the specifics concerning the amount of RAM and the type of keyboard, mouse, and secondary storage devices connected to the system unit.bitEach 1 or 0 is a bit; short

5、 for binary digit.bootStarting or restarting your computer.busAll communication travels along a common connecting cable called a bus or a backbone. As information passes along the bus, it is examined by each device on the system board to see if the information is intended for that device. See bus li

6、ne and ethernet.bus lineElectronic data roadway, along which bits travel, connects the parts of the CPU to each other and links the CPU with other important hardware. The common connecting cable in a bus network.bus widthThe number of bits traveling simultaneously down a bus is the bus width.byteUni

7、t consisting of eight bits. There are 256 possible bit combinations in a byte and each byte represents one character.cableCords used to connect input and output devices to the system unit.cache memoryArea of random-access memory (RAM) set aside to store the most frequently accessed information. Cach

8、e memory improves processing by acting as a temporary high-speed holding area between memory and the CPU, allowing the computer to detect which information in RAM is most frequently used.carrier packageThe material that chips are mounted on which then plugs into sockets on the system board.central p

9、rocessing unit (CPU)The part of the computer that holds data and program instructions for processing the data. The CPU consists of the control unit and the arithmetic-logic unit. In a microcomputer, the CPU is on a single electronic component called a microprocessor chip.character encoding standards

10、Assign unique sequence of bits to each character.chipA tiny circuit board etched on a small square of sandlike material called silicon. A chip is also called a silicon chip, semiconductor, or integrated circuit.clock speedAlso called clock rate. It is measured in gigahertz, or billions of beats per

11、second. The faster the clock speed, the faster the computer can process information and execute puter technicianSpecialist who installs hardware and software and troubleshoots problems for users.control unitSection of the CPU that tells the rest of the computer how to carry out program instructions.

12、coprocessorSpecialized processing chip designed to improve specific computer operations, such as the graphics coprocessor.desktopA system unit that typically contains the systems electronic components and selected secondary storage devices. Input and output devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, and

13、monitor, are located outside the system unit.digitalComputers are digital machines because they can only understand 1s and 0s. It is either on or off. For example, a digital watch states the exact time on the face, whereas an analog watch has the second hand moving in constant motion as it tells the

14、 time.DIMM (dual in-line memory module)An expansion module used to add memory to the system board.DVI (Digital Video Interface) PortA type of port that provides a connection to a digital monitor.EBCDIC (Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code)Binary coding scheme that is a standard for minico

15、mputers and mainframe computers.Ethernet portA high-speed networking port that allows multiple computers to be connected for sharing files or for high-speed Internet access.expansion busConnects the CPU to slots on the system board. There are different types of expansion buses such as industry stand

16、ard architecture (ISA), peripheral component interconnect (PCI), accelerated graphics port (AGP), universal serial bus (USB), and FireWire buses. See system bus.expansion cardOptional device that plugs into a slot inside the system unit to expand the computers abilities. Ports on the system board al

17、low cables to be connected from the expansion board to devices outside the system unit.expansion slotOpenings on a system board. Users can insert optional devices, known as expansion cards, into these slots, allowing users to expand their systems. See expansion card.ExpressCardTechnology replacing t

18、he PC Card to provide a direct connection to the system bus. Also see PC card.external Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (eSATA)A port that provides very high speed connections for external hard-disk drives, optical disks, and other large secondary storage devices.FireWire busOperates much like

19、USB buses on the system board but at higher speeds.FireWire portUsed to connect high-speed printers, and even video cameras, to system unit.flash memoryRAM chips that retain data even when power is disrupted. Flash memory is an example of solid-state storage and is typically used to store digitized

20、images and record MP3 files.game portWere used to connect video game controllers and joysticks.GPU (graphics processing unit)See graphics coprocessor.graphics cardDevice that provides high-quality 3-D graphics and animation for games and simulations.graphics coprocessorDesigned to handle requirement

21、s related to displaying and manipulating 2-D and 3-D graphic images.handheldSmallest type of system unit, designed to fit into the palm of one hand.hexadecimal system (hex)Uses 16 digits to represent binary numbers.High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)Port that provides high-definition video a

22、nd audio, making it possible to use a computer as a video jukebox or an HD video recorder.integrated circuitSee silicon chip.laptopSee notebook computer and notebook system unit.legacy portWas common on microcomputer systems to connect specific types of devices. They have largely been replaced by fa

23、ster, more flexible ports such as the universal serial bus (USB).logical operationComparing two pieces of data to see whether one is equal to (=), less than () the other.main boardSee motherboard or system board.memoryMemory is contained on chips connected to the system board and is a holding area f

24、or data instructions and information (processed data waiting to be output to secondary storage). RAM, ROM, and CMOS are three types of memory chips.microprocessorThe central processing unit (CPU) of a microcomputer controls and manipulates data to produce information. The microprocessor is contained

25、 on a single integrated circuit chip and is the brains of the system.Mini DisplayPort (MiniDP, mDP)A port that an audiovisual device typically uses to connect large monitors. These ports are used with many Apple Macintosh computers.motherboardAlso called a system board; the communications medium for

26、 the entire system.multicore chipA new type of chip that provides two independent CPUs, allowing two programs to run simultaneously. Also see central processing unit.musical instrument digital interface (MIDI)A standard that allows musical instruments to connect to the system using MIDI bookA type o

27、f microcomputer that is smaller, lighter, and less expensive than a notebook work adapter cardConnects the system unit to a cable that connects to other devices on the network.Network Interface Card (NIC)Also known as a network adapter card. They are used to connect a computer to one or more compute

28、rs forming a communication network whereby users can share data, programs, and work interface card (NIC)Also known as a network adapter card. Used to connect a computer to one or more computers forming a communication network whereby users can share data, programs, and hardware.notebookA small, port

29、able system unit that contains electronic components, selected secondary storage devices, and input devices.optical audio connectionsPort used to integrate computers into high-end audio and home theatre systems.parallel processingUsed by supercomputers to run large and complex programs.PC cardAlso k

30、nown as Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card. Credit card sized expansion cards developed for portable computers.PC card slotAlso known as Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card slot. Credit cardsized expansion cards developed for porta

31、ble computers.PCI Express (PCIe)New type of bus that is 30 times faster than PCI bus.PCMCIA slotSee PC card slot.Plug and PlaySet of hardware and software standards developed to create operating systems, processing units, expansion cards, and other devices that are able to configure themselves. When

32、 the computer starts up, it will search for the Plug and Play device and automatically configure it to the system.portConnecting socket on the outside of the system unit. Used to connect input and output devices to the system unit.power supply unitDesktop computers have a power supply unit located within the system unit that plugs int