|
:: Processors ::
Central Processing Unit (CPU)
The CPU is the brains of the computer.
It is the most important element of a computer system.
Arithmetic Logic
Unit (ALU)
Control Unit (CU)
Memory
RAM
Pronounced ramm, acronym for random
access memory.
A type of
computer memory that can be
accessed randomly; that is, any
byte of memory can be accessed without touching the preceding bytes.
RAM is
the most common type of memory found in
computers and other
devices, such as
printers.
ROM Pronounced rahm, acronym for read-only
memory.
Computer
memory on which
data has been prerecorded.
Once data has been written onto a ROM
chip, it cannot be removed and can only be
read.
PROM Short for programmable read-only
memory.
A
memory
chip on which
data can be written only once.
Once a
program has been written onto a PROM, it remains there forever.
Unlike
RAM, PROMs retain their contents when the
computeris turned off.
EPROM Pronounced ee-prom, acronym for erasable programmable
read-only memory.
EPROM
is a special type of
memory that retains its contents until it is exposed to ultraviolet light.
The ultraviolet light
clears its contents, making it possible to reprogram the memory.
To
write to and erase an EPROM, you need a special
device called a
PROM
programmer or PROM burner.
All Rights Reserved, Copyright © GHISLENE
2004
|