Boot Sequence Definition
Each time a computer boots up, it goes through an initial series of processes. This sequence of events is aptly named a "boot sequence." During the boot sequence, the computer activates the necessary hardware components and loads the appropriate software so that a user can interact with the machine.
The boot sequence starts by accessing the the computer's BIOS on Windows PCs or the system ROM on a Macintosh. The BIOS and ROM contain basic instructions that tell the comp...
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Mainframe Definition
Mainframe Definition
A mainframe is an ultra high-performance computer made for high-volume, processor-intensive computing. They are typically used by large businesses and for scientific purposes. You probably won't find a mainframe in any household. In the hierarchy of computers, mainframes are right below supercomputers, the most powerful computers in the world. (Which is why they are aptly named "supercomputers.") Yet a mainframe can usually execute many programs simultaneously at a high spee...
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System Requirements Definition
System Requirements Definition
Whenever you purchase software or hardware for your computer, you should first make sure your computer supports the system requirements. These are the necessary specifications your computer must have in order to use the software or hardware. For example, a computer game may require you computer to have Windows XP or later, a 2.0 GHz processor, 512 MB or RAM, a 64 MB graphics card, and 500 MB or hard drive space. If your computer does not meet all of these requireme...
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Peripheral Definition
Peripheral Definition
A computer peripheral is any external device that provides input and output for the computer. For example, a keyboard and mouse are input peripherals, while a monitor and printer are output peripherals. Computer peripherals, or peripheral devices, are sometimes called "I/O devices" because they provide input and output for the computer. Some peripherals, such as external hard drives, provide both input and output for the computer.
For an extended list of various peripheral...
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Peopleware Definition
Peopleware Definition
Computers operate using a combination of hardware and software. However, without user interaction, most computers would be useless machines. Therefore, "peopleware" is sometimes considered a third aspect that takes into account the importance of humans in the computing process.
Peopleware is less tangible than hardware or software, since it can refer to many different things. Examples of peopleware include individual people, groups of people, project teams, businesses, dev...
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PCI Definition
PCI Definition
Stands for "Peripheral Component Interconnect." PCI is a hardware bus used for adding internal components to a desktop computer. For example, a PCI card can be inserted into a PCI slot on a motherboard, providing additional I/O ports on the back of a computer.
The PCI architecture, also known as "conventional PCI," was designed by Intel and introduced in 1992. Many desktop PCs from the early 1990s to the mid 2000s had room for two to five PCI cards. Each card required an open slo...
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System Unit Definition
System Unit Definition
The system unit, also known as a "tower" or "chassis," is the main part of a desktop computer. It includes the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and other components. The system unit also includes the case that houses the internal components of the computer.
The term "system unit" is often used to differentiate between the computer and peripheral devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. For example, if a repair shop asks you to bring in your computer, it may be unclear whe...
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Process Definition
Process Definition
A process is a program that is running on your computer. This can be anything from a small background task, such as a spell-checker or system events handler to a full-blown application like Internet Explorer or Microsoft Word. All processes are composed of one or more threads.
Since most operating systems have many background tasks running, your computer is likely to have many more processes running than actual programs. For example, you may only have three programs running, ...
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Kernel Definition
Kernel Definition
A kernel is the foundational layer of an operating system (OS). It functions at a basic level, communicating with hardware and managing resources, such as RAM and the CPU.
Since a kernel handles many fundamental processes, it must be loaded at the beginning of the boot sequence when a computer starts up. The kernel performs a system check and recognizes components, such as the processor, GPU, and memory. It also checks for any connected peripherals. As the OS loads and the gra...
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NIC Definition
NIC Definition
Stands for "Network Interface Card" and is pronounced "nick." A NIC is a component that provides networking capabilities for a computer. It may enable a wired connection (such as Ethernet) or a wireless connection (such as Wi-Fi) to a local area network.
NICs were commonly included in desktop computers in the 1990s and early 2000s. In the 1980s and early 1990s, many computers did not include networking capabilities, so a NIC could be added as an expansion card. Most NICs were ins...
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