RAM
Short for Random Access Memory is a type of computer data storage than can be accessed randomly. Any byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes. It is the most common type of memory found in computers and devices such as printers. RAM is also known as the main memory.
Cache Memory
It is a RAM that a computer microprocessor can access at a quick rate of time compared to a regular RAM. As the microprocessor processes data, it looks first in the cache memory and if data is found there, it does not have to do the more time consuming reading of data from large memory. RAM itself can be considered as a cache of memory for a hard disk storage because of all RAM's contents come from the hard disk when a computer is switched on and load the operating system as well as applications and data.
ROM
Also known as Read-Only Memory, it is a memory on which data has been previously prerecorded. When data has been written onto a ROM chip, it cannot be removed and can only be read. Compared to a RAM, contents that is being kept by ROM is still retained when a computer is switched off.
Flash Memory
It is a solid state chip that maintains stored information without an external power source, also known as electronically erasable programmable read-only memory. It does not need any power source to retain data. It is often used in portable devices such as MP3 players, smart phones and digital cameras. It can also be found in computers as well.
Graphic Card
It is a device in a computer that contains graphics processing unit designed to help process and display images especially 3D graphics. Graphic cards contain their own memory to take off the strain of the RAM system. Graphic cards are also known as video cards.
Sound Card
Also known as audio card, enables a computer to manipulate and output sounds. It enables sounds to be output from the computer through speakers connected through the board, record sound input recorded from the microphone connected to the computer and manipulate sound stored in a disk. Sound cards uses FM synthesis and wavetable synthesis to translate digital data into analog sounds.
Network Interface Card
This device allows computers to connect through a local area network. It is known as a network adapter. Networked computers communicate with each other using a given protocol or agreed-upon language for transmitting data packets between the different machines. The network interface cards works as the liaison for the machine to send and receive data on the local area network.
Plug and Play
Plug and Play enables users to plug in a device into a computer and have the computer to recognize that the device is there. The user does not have to tell the computer that a device has been plugged in. Instead, the Plug and Play automatically detects the plugged device by itself.
Serial Port
It is a port that is used for serial communication. Information is transferred in or out at one bit at a time. A serial port can be used for any types of devices such as printers and modems.
Parallel Port
It is a parallel interface that connects external devices such as a printer. The parallel port uses a 25-pin connector to connect printers, computers and other devices that needs high bandwidth. It is also known as a centronics port.
Universal Serial Bus Port
Or as users call it, USB port is a standard cable connection interface on personal computers and consumer electronics. It allows electronics to be connected through a cable to a computer. Computer networking equipments such as USB network adapters, USB modems and cellular modems for internet access and USB printers that are used to be shared on the same network are plugged into the USB port.
Firewire Port
It is a form of serial port that uses firewire technology and enables data to be transferred rapidly from an electric device to another. The transfer rate of a firewire port can reach up to 400 Mbps. The data transferred is fast and gives excellent quality of results.
Ethernet Port
It is a port for connecting the device to a wired network. It is normally located at the back of the CPU. Ethernet ports are usually connected to its internal ethernet network adapter. Besides that, ethernet ports can be found on routers and consumer electronics such as game controls, digital video recorders and new televisions.
High Definition Multimedia Interface
Long for HDMI, is an audio and video interface that connects through a single cable. HDMI can connect a DVD player, A/V receiver, video game consoles and etc. to an output device such as television and projectors. HDMI supports standard, enhanced, high definition video and multi channel digital audio.
