Download Key Terms Introduction to Computers

Key Terms
Introduction to Computers
©Richard L. Goldman
April 30, 2002
RAM
• Random Access Memory
• Type of memory used for temporary storage
of data.
ROM
• Read Only Memory
• Type of memory for permanent storage of
programs or data.
Firmware
• Software that is permanently stored in a
ROM chip.
BIOS
• Basic Input Output System
• Firmware that controls communication to a
hardware device.
CMOS
• Complementary Metal-Oxide
Semiconductor
• A semiconductor technology that has very
low power consumption.
• The chip on a system board that stores the
setup configuration.
Flash ROM
• ROM the can be reprogrammed with out
removing it from the circuit board.
• EEPROM – Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only Memory.
Cache Memory
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•
•
•
•
•
A type of fast memory.
Located in or near the CPU package.
Does not need to be refreshed.
Static RAM - SRAM
Contains 6 transistors per bit of data stored.
Larger and more expensive than dynamic
RAM.
COAST
• Cache On A Stick
• A cache memory module that plugs into a
socket on a system board.
• Called external cache.
• Called L2 cache.
Multiprocessing
• Running two or more CPUs in the same
computer.
Multitasking
• Running two or more processes (programs)
at the same time.
• Requires a Pentium level processor.
Cooperative Multitasking
• Running two or more processes (programs)
at the same time – Where:
– The process is in charge of the amount of
processing time use it uses.
– Uses shared memory area.
– Used in early operating systems.
Preemptive Multitasking
• Running two or more processes (programs)
at the same time – Where:
– The Operating System is in charge of
the processing time used by each process.
– Uses separate memory area.
– Used in current operating systems
versions.
Multithreading
• Running two or more threads (program
code blocks) at the same time.
• The programs must be written in 32-bit
code or 64-bit code.
DIP
• Dual In-line Package
• A package that is mounted on a printed
circuit board.
• May contain integrated circuits, memory,
resistors, capacitors, switches, etc.
SIPP
• Single In-line Pinned Package
• 30-pins
SIMM
• Single In-line Memory Module
• A small circuit board with memory chips.
• SIMM’s use edge connectors instead of
pins.
• 30-pins and 72-pins (connectors)
• The electrical connectors on one side of the
board are electrically identical to the
connectors on the other side of the board.
DIMM
• Dual Inline Memory Module
• A small circuit board with memory chips.
• DIMM’s use edge connectors instead of
pins.
• 168-pins (connectors)
• The electrical connectors on one side of the
board are electrically isolated from the
connectors on the other side of the board.
RIMM
• Rambus In-line Memory Module
• 184-pins
GUI
• Graphical User Interface
Real Mode
• 16 bit processing
• Single-tasking mode
• Operates in first 1024K of memory
Protected Mode
• 32 bit processing
• Supports multi-tasking
• Memory manager supports memory larger
than 1024K.