210 Glossary
C
cache — A section of very fast memory in which frequently used information is duplicated for quick access. Accessing data from cache is faster than accessing it from the computer’s main memory. See also CPU cache, L1 cache, L2 cache.
CD — An individual compact disc. See also
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
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
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.
