Toshiba GMAD00134010 manual CPU See central processing unit CPU

238 Glossary

central processing unit (CPU) — The chip that functions as the “brain” of the computer. It takes information from outside sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes the information, and sends the results to another device that uses the information.

character — Any letter, number, or symbol you can use on the computer. Some characters are non-printing characters, such as a paragraph break in a word-processing program. A character occupies one byte of computer storage.

chip — A small piece of silicon containing computer logic and circuits for processing, memory, input/output, and/or control functions. Chips are mounted on printed circuit boards.

click — To press and release the pointing device’s primary button without moving the pointing device. In the Windows® operating system, this refers to the pointing device’s left button, unless otherwise stated. See also double-click.

color palette — A set of specified colors that establishes the colors that

	can be displayed on the screen at a particular time.
	compatibility — The extent to which computers, programs, or devices
	can work together harmoniously, using the same commands,
	formats, or language as another.
	configuration — (1) The collection of components that make up a single
	computer system. (2) How parts of the system are set up (that is,
	configured).
	controller — A device that controls the transfer of data from a computer
	to a peripheral device and vice versa. For example, disk drives,
	monitors, keyboards, and printers all require controllers.
	CPU — See central processing unit (CPU).
	CPU cache — A section of very fast memory residing between the CPU
	and the computer’s main memory that temporarily stores data and
	instructions the CPU will need to execute commands and programs.
	See also cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.
	cursor — A symbol that indicates the current position on the screen. The
	shape of the cursor varies, depending on the program you are using
	and what you are doing.
D	default — The setting selected by a program when the user does not
	specify an alternative setting.