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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
CD-ROM
.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory)—A form
of high-capacity storage that uses laser optics instead of
magnetic means for reading data. See also
CD
. Compare
DVD-ROM
.
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 non-printing characters,
such as a paragraph break in a word-processing program. A
character occupies one byte of computer storage.
Charm/charms—Start screen icons that slide out from the
right side of the screen and direct you to various Windows
®
functions.
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
double-click
.
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).
