Computing Fundamentals - Hardware

Front

The computer chip primarily responsible for executing instructions

Back

CPU

Front

A high-capacity, self contained storage device containing a read-write mechanism plus one or more hard disks inside a sealed unit

Back

Hard drive

Front

•A printed circuit board containing the principal components of a microcomputer or other device with connectors into which other circuit boards can be slotted

Back

Motherboard

Front

•Software, consisting of programs and data, that runs on computers, manages computer hardware resources, and provides common services for execution of various application software

Back

Operating System Software

Front

The most common computer memory which can be used by programs to perform necessary tasks while the computer is on

Back

RAM

Front

•Memory who contents can be accessed and read but cannot be changed

Back

ROM

Front

A connection technology for attaching peripheral devices to a computer, provides fast data exchange

Back

USB

Front

Where is RAM installed?

Back

Motherboard

Front

Often called the "brain" of the computer.

Back

CPU

Front

What is the difference between a computer's RAM and its hard disk?

Back

RAM is volatile, which means that it does not retain information in memory after powering down. A hard disk is also not volatile, which means that it retains information in the memory after powering down.