Category : Hardware

Memory Definition Just like humans, computers rely a lot on memory. They need to process and store data, just like we do. However, computers store data in digital format, which means the information can always be called up exactly the way it was stored. Also, unlike our memory, the computer’s memory doesn’t get worse over time. While ..

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Hard Drive Definition The hard drive is what stores all your data. It houses the hard disk, where all your files and folders are physically located. A typical hard drive is only slightly larger than your hand, yet can hold over 100 GB of data. The data is stored on a stack of disks that ..

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Joystick Definition A joystick is an input device commonly used to control video games. Joysticks consist of a base and a stick that can be moved in any direction. The stick can be moved slowly or quickly and in different amounts. Some joysticks have sticks that can also be rotated to the left or right. Because of ..

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ATA Definition Stands for “Advanced Technology Attachment.” It is a type of disk drive that integrates the drive controller directly on the drive itself. Computers can use ATA hard drives without a specific controller to support the drive. The motherboard must still support an ATA connection, but a separate card (such as a SCSI card ..

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IDE Definition IDE stands for both “Integrated Device Electronics” and “Integrated Development Environment.” The first is a hardware term, while the second is related to software programming. 1. Integrated Device Electronics IDE was the most widely-used type of hard drive from the mid 1990s to the late 2000s. The “integrated” aspect of the name describes how the controller is integrated into the drive itself. IDE ..

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Ethernet Definition Ethernet, pronounced “E-thernet” (with a long “e”), is the standard way to connect computers on a network over a wired connection. It provides a simple interface and for connecting multiple devices, such computers, routers, and switches. With a single router and a few Ethernet cables, you can create a LAN, which allows all connected devices to communicate with each other. A standard ..

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Computer Definition Technically, a computer is a programmable machine. This means it can execute a programmed list of instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given. Today, however, the term is most often used to refer to the desktop and laptop computers that most people use. When referring to a desktop model, the ..

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DSL Definition Stands for “Digital Subscriber Line.” DSL is a communications medium used to transfer digital signals over standard telephone lines. Along with cable Internet, DSL is one of the most popular ways ISPs provide broadband Internet access. When you make a telephone call using a landline, the voice signal is transmitted using low frequencies from 0 Hz to 4 kHz. This range, called ..

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Access Point Definition An access point is a device, such as a wireless router, that allows wireless devices to connect to a network. Most access points have built-in routers, while others must be connected to a router in order to provide network access. In either case, access points are typically hardwired to other devices, such as network switches or ..

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MAC Address Definition Stands for “Media Access Control Address,” and no, it is not related Apple Macintosh computers. A MAC address is a hardware identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a network. The MAC address is manufactured into every network card, such as an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi card, and therefore cannot be changed. Because there are ..

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