Description
| We take a look behind the computer peripherals. | |
| Lexicon from A-Z | Technical terms for computer peripherals | |
| Please also note the FAQ - frequently asked questions from our customers. Please find the FAQ here. | |
| Bluetooth | |
| Bluetooth enables the networking of various devices by radio and is the standard for data transmission by short-range radio. It is used to connect computers, additional devices and mobile phones wirelessly. There are different device classes that enable data transmission up to 100 metres. | |
| CPU | |
| The main processor, or CPU (Central Processin Unit), is the computer's processing centre. In it, millions of small circuits process the commands of the operating system and other started software. The higher the processor power, the faster the computer works. An indication of the performance is the clock frequency (given in hertz). | |
| GPU | |
| Most graphics cards use graphics processors (GPU) from Nvidia and ATI. The GPU (a chip) controls the screen output on computers and game consoles. It is located either on a graphics card or directly on the motherboard ("onboard"). | |
| HDD | |
| The hard disk drive (HDD) is the most important data storage device in a computer. Most hard disks have one or two magnetic disks built in, which are written to from both sides. A read head later scans this information. Unlike the main memory of a computer, the data is not lost when you switch off the computer. | |
| HDMI | |
| HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is a connection for digitally stored picture and sound signals that are transmitted loss-free (without data compression). The standard is used, for example, when you connect high-resolution picture sources such as Bluray players to an HD television. | |
| LAN | |
| A Local Area Network is a local network in which computers are connected to each other. A home network in which several computers access an Internet connection with each other is usually a LAN. You can establish a connection by cable or wirelessly (WLAN). | |
| Mainboard | |
| The individual components of the computer are connected to the motherboard. It contains the slots for the main processor and the graphics card as well as the BIOS (operating system of the motherboard) and the connections for drives. The chip assemblies that connect all the elements together are called the north and south bridges. | |
| NT | |
| The computer power supply unit, NT for short, distributes the power to the components in the PC. Part of the energy is dissipated in the form of heat. Therefore, most power supplies contain built-in fans that serve for cooling. Particularly energy-saving power supplies have the "80+" eco-label. This means that more than 80 per cent of the energy is actually used and not burnt up. | |
| PC-Case | |
| Case means housing, PC case means PC housing. A new trend is case modding (modifying cases). Computer fans spice up their computer components with a self-styled case, Plexiglas panes in the side panels or imaginative airbrush paintwork. | |
| PCIe | |
| Abbreviation for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express; often abbreviated to PCIe: an extension of the PCI standard, mainly used as the successor to the AGP slot in the area of PC graphics cards. Old plug-in cards cannot be used on the faster PCI Express slots. In notebooks, the PCI Express Mini slot is the successor to the Mini PCI cards. | |
| PC | |
| Exactly from English and is pronounced personal computer. The one most people have at home. | |
| EXTERNAL DEVICES | |
| External devices that are connected to the PC or notebook. E.g. printer, scanner, monitor, mouse, keyboard etc. | |
| PIXEL | |
| Translated approximately, 1 pixel on the screen is a raster graphic(colour) from the RGB colour model. | |
| PPI | |
| Spelled out pixel per inch and means pixels per inch. | |
| RAM | |
| Random access memory or main memory is the memory of a computer where programmes and data are stored and can be retrieved at a later time. This happens faster than from a hard disk. When the computer is switched off, the stored information is automatically deleted. | |
| MEMORY CARD | |
| These are small mobile "cards" on which data can be read and written. In the trade you will find memory cards under the designations: SD Memory Card | Micro SD Cards | Compact Flash | Memory Stick | xD Picture Card, etc. | |
| DRIVER | |
| Specific "software" responsible for communication between a hardware (mouse, display, printer, keyboard, etc.), operating system (Windows, Linux, OS) and the respective general software (Word, Excel, Paint, Editor, etc.). | |
| WEBBROWSER | |
| Web browsers are special programmes that make it possible to navigate the Internet. This means that data from the internet can be displayed on the computer. | |
| WLAN | |
| Abbreviation for Wireless Local Area Network; wireless local network that usually connects computers to each other and to the Internet. According to the current draft of the WLAN-n standard (IEEE 802.11n), data is transmitted at up to 300 Mbit/s. |
You might also be interested in
What is a touchpad?
The touchpad is an input device, which is available for nearly all interfaces.
Details →
What does FTSC Technologie stands for? Mechanical individual buttons with membrane contact switch
Name of the company Cherry for "Full Travel Sealed Contact Technology: Long service life of 50 million actua …
Details →
What is a MX-key? MX switches, key technology for PC keyboards
Special high-quality key technology for PC keyboards. Reliable key technology for mechanical keyboards.
Details →
What are snap disks? Metallic domes mounted under the foil.
The switching element of various PC keyboards. Keyboard with pressure point through dome embossing.
Details →
What is a keyboard controller? PC keyboard controller, freely programmable
The controller is a component of a keyboard and controls the switching of the keys.
Details →
What connections are there for graphics cards?
Graphics cards are available with AGP and PCIe connectors.
Details →