Some Basic Terms Related to Computers

For computer owners, some standard "technology speak" is a part of understanding how the machine works. For a first-time user, hearing terms like RAM, hard drive and CPU may have an intimidating effect. Some basic knowledge of typical computer terms helps the user purchase a new machine or troubleshoot issues if any of the hardware or software crashes. Such knowledge also helps the user navigate the machine.

Hard Drive

Hard drives are the storage components of computers. Hard drives have platters and a head; the platters spin around as the head reads the information. The information is saved and retrieved for display to the user. Hard drives have various speeds and capacities. The hard drive contains information on a small portion of its platters that points the computer to the location of the operating system (see Section 7). When this happens, no input from the user is required. The boot procedure (see Section 4) is automated by the hard drive and the operating system.

CPU

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. All instructions and procedures are processed through the CPU. CPUs have several different speeds, and the component is attached to a socket on the motherboard. The CPU is very sensitive to static electricity, so any user who wants to change a processor needs to ensure that he is grounded. CPU speed is a part of the computer performance speed.

Memory

Random access memory (RAM) is called volatile storage. Memory is faster than the hard drive, and software and programs that are started on the machine are stored in memory while in use. RAM is called volatile because the information does not remain in RAM after the computer has been turned off. Low amounts of RAM in a computer can affect its speed and performance. The memory can be upgraded by adding more sticks to the computer's motherboard (see Section 6), where RAM is installed.

Boot

The term "boot" is used to describe the way a computer is turned on or restarted. Booting a computer generally means turning on the power and loading the operating system. The computer can be booted to a secondary operating system such as DOS, which is where users install new operating systems. Rebooting a computer means to restart it.

Crash

A crash is a software or hardware failure. When the hard drive crashes, it no longer works and the computer is unable to start. Crashing also applies to software. For instance, when software crashes, the Windows operating system displays a blue screen sometimes called the "Blue Screen of Death." Minor crashes can be recovered by rebooting the computer. If a hard drive crashes, the hardware needs to be replaced.

Motherboard

The motherboard is the central component where all hardware devices combine. If you open the computer, the motherboard is the largest circuit board where the components are attached. The motherboard is also where the central processing unit (CPU) of the computer is connected. Devices use the motherboard to send and retrieve information processed by the CPU.

Operating System

The operating system is the liaison between the user and the computer. It's the software application that allows a user to interact with the machine using mouse clicks or keyboard input. The operating system creates a friendly, graphical interface that translates the input from the user and sends it to the CPU or hardware component for processing. Several operating systems are available, such as Windows, Linux and Apple's Leopard.

References

• webinstituteforteachers.org