| Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) | The central processing unit component responsible for the execution of fundamental arithmetic and logical operations on data.
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| Binary | The number system a computer uses. It has only two digits, 1 and 0.
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| Bit | An abbreviation for binary digit, either 1 or 0 in the binary number system.
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| Boot | The process of starting the computer.
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| Byte | A unit of computer storage that consists of eight binary digits (bits). A byte holds the equivalent of one character, such as the letter C.
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| Cathode ray tube (CRT) | The basis of the television screen and the typical microcomputer display screen.
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| Central processing unit (CPU) | The "brains of the computer," where the computing takes place. The CPU is also called the processor. It is made up of a control unit and the arithmetic logic unit.
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| Digital camera | A portable camera that records images in a digital format.
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| Dot-matrix printer | An impact printer that produces characters and graphic images by striking an inked ribbon with tiny metal rods called pins.
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| Expansion slot | A slot inside the computer that accepts boards which add to the computer's capabilities and features.
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| Fax machine | An input/output device that lets the user transmit text and images between distant locations.
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| Floppy disk | Covered with magnetic coating, such as iron oxide, the mass storage device used primarily with microcomputers.
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| Gigabyte | A unit of measure that equals approximately 1 billion (1,073,741,824) bytes.
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| Graphical user interface (GUI) | A graphical interface, as opposed to a character-based computer interface such as MS-DOS. An example of a popular graphical interface is the Macintosh operating system.
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| Hardware | The physical components of the computer system, which include the computer, monitor, printer, and disk drives.
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| Hard disk | One or more disk platters coated with a metal oxide substance that allows information to be magnetically stored.
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| Hard drive | The computer's main storage device.
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| Inkjet printer | A non-impact printer that uses a nozzle to spray a jet of ink onto a page of paper. These small, spherical bodies of ink are released through a matrix of holes to form characters.
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| Joystick | A small, boxlike object with a moving stick and buttons used primarily for games, educational software, and CAD systems.
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| Keyboard | An input device similar to a standard typewriter but with extra keys, such as the function keys and the numeric pad.
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| Kilobyte (K) | A unit of measure for computers that is equal to 1,024, or 210, bytes.
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| Laser disc | Large-sized optical disc that utilizes laser technology for the purpose of video.
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| Laser printer | A printer that produces high-quality text and graphic output by tracing images with a laser beam controlled by the computer.
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| Liquid crystal display (LCD) | A display that uses a liquid compound, positioned between two sheets of polarizing material squeezed between two glass panels.
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| Megabyte (MB) | A unit of measure that equals approximately 1,048,576 bytes.
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| Microprocessor | A chip that contains the central processing unit of the computer.
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| Modem | Short for MOdulator/DEModulator, a device that lets two computers communicate with each other via telephone lines.
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| Mouse | A popular input device that is used instead of the keyboard to make menu selections.
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| Optical Character Recognition (OCR) | A device that recognizes printed or typed text.
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| Optical disc | A round platter that has information recorded on it with laser beam technology. It is capable of storing large amounts of information.
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| Optical mark reader (OMR) | A device that reads penciled or graphic information on cards or pages. Lamps furnish light reflected from the card or paper; the amount of reflected light is measured by a photocell.
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| Pixel | Short for picture element, a linear dot on a display screen. When this dot is combined with other dots, it creates an image.
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| Printer | A device that produces computer output.
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| RAM (random access memory) | Volatile memory. Whenever the computer is turned off, information stored in RAM is lost.
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| ROM (read only memory) | Memory that retains its contents when the power supply is turned off. Often referred to as hardwired, internal memory, it cannot be altered or changed.
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| Resolution | The clarity or degree of sharpness of a displayed character or image, expressed in linear dots per inch.
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| Scanner | A device that digitizes photographs or line art and stores the images as a file that can be transferred into a paint program or directly into a word processor.
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| Software | A program that instructs the computer to perform a specific job.
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| Terabyte | A unit of measurement equal roughly to 1 trillion bytes (actually 1,099,511,627,776 bytes).
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| Trackball | A movable ball that moves the cursor on the screen as it is manipulated.
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| Videoconferencing | A multi-user chat in which the live images of the users are displayed on each participant's computer screen.
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| VRAM (video RAM) | Chip used to transfer and hold an image on the computer screen.
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| Video scan converter | A device that changes the personal computer or laptop output so it can be displayed on a television monitor.
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