Definitions

BIOS - Software coded into an integrated chip on the motherboard. It performs tasks or services for the operating system to make it work with the PC hardware.

Bit - Short for binary digit, the smallest unit of information on a machine. A single bit can hold only one of two values: 0 or 1. A byte is composed of 8 consecutive bits.

• Computers are sometimes classified by the number of bits they can process at one time or by the number of bits they use to represent addresses. These two values are not always the same, which leads to confusion. For example, classifying a computer as a 32-bit machine might mean that its data registers are 32 bits wide or that it uses 32 bits to identify each address in memory. Whereas larger registers make a computer faster, using more bits for addresses enables a machine to support larger programs.
  
  
• Graphics are also often described by the number of bits used to represent each dot. A 1-bit image is monochrome; an 8-bit image supports 256 colors or grayscales; and a 24- or 32-bit graphic supports true color. (From Webopedia - the online dictionary.)
  
  

CD-ROM - A device that reads compact discs but cannot write to them. It will play back music CD's, install applications/programs from CD's, etc.

CD-Writer - A device that will write to CD-R and CD-RW media. It provides a means to store files, make music CD's, video CD's, etc. Products on the market provide speeds up to 52X for reading and writing to CD-R's and speeds up to 24X for rewriting to CD-RW's.

CMOS - (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) - Stores data on a chip concerning what hardware is in the computer. The BIOS determines what hardware can be added and the CMOS stores that information.

Domain name - You must purchase a domain name, usually through an approved registrar. A domain name is assigned to anyone who applies for one if it has not already been registered to another person. For example the domain name crytzer.com is registered through godaddy.com (a registrar) and is assigned to Crytzer Computer Services.

Floppy disk drive - A disk drive that reads from and writes to a floppy diskette.

Graphics/Display adapter - This card converts digital signals so they can be displayed on he monitor. A slow adapter card causes a slow display of data on the monitor. Referred to as display, adapter, or video cards, these cards have their own processor and memjory. Newer cards allow you to capture video from your camcorder or television.

Gigabyte - A gigabyte (GB) is more than 1 billion bytes of data.

Hard Drive - Your operating system, all applications, all data files reside on your hard disk or hard drive. If it crashes your computer probably will not boot. Windows operating systems use up a lot of hard drive space. A larger and faster hard drive will probably make Windows operate faster. You can replace your current hard drive or add another one to your computer.

Kilobyte - A kilobyte (KB, Kb, kb) is 1,024 characters (2 to the 10th power) but it is often used loosely as a synonym for 1,000 bytes. For example, a computer that has 256K main memory is said to be capable of storing approximately 256,000 bytes in memory at one time.

Megabyte - A megabyte (MB) is more than 1 million bytes of data.

Modem - A computer modem, simply speaking, is used to send signals across telephone lines. You can access the Internet or send a fax using a modem connected to a telephone line. The fastest modem today is the 56K modem. Actually, because of government regulation, the fastest connection speed you can obtain is about 53K. However, the speed with which a modem connects to the Internet pretty much depends upon the local telephone company and the age of their equipment.

Operating System - Every computer needs an operating system. It interprets software commands, hardware feedback, displays information on your monitor, and handles housekeeping chores such as storage and retrieval of data.

RAM - (Random Access Memory) - Memory is where the work takes place in your computer. If you don't have enough RAM your computer will be slow. However, all computers have a maximum amount of RAM that they will accept. Some older computers will only allow you to add memory up to 256 megabytes. Newer computers accommodate up to one gigabyte of RAM. In any event, more memory usually equates to faster computer speed.

Server - A server is the location where web files are stored and accessible by Internet users. Server space is available from various companies for anywhere from $4.00 per month to $20.00 per month. Of course, the more you pay the more space you have available on the server of the host company. The server companies prefer to say they are "hosting" your web site.

USB - (Universal Serial Bus) - Most computers are equipped with 1 or 2 USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 connections. The latest USB revision is USB 2.0, which transfers data many times faster than USB 1.1. For example, USB 1.1 external CD-Writers can write to a CD-R at a maximum speed of 6X and to a CD-RW at a maximum speed of 4X. USB 2.0 devices on the market today can write to a CD-R at speeds up to 52X and to a CD-RW at speeds up to 24X.