A practical application of a topology and other critical standards to provide a method to get data
from one computer to another on a network. It defines many aspects of a network, from the topology, to the frame type, to the cabling and connectors used.

Device that filters and forwards traffic based on
some criteria. A bridge and a router are both examples.

Paste-like material with very high
heat-transfer properties. Applied between the CPU and the cooling device, it ensures the best possible dispersal of heat from the CPU. Also called heat dope.

Set of wires that connects the CPU to Level 2
cache.

Wires that connect the CPU to the main system
RAM. Generally running at speeds of 66–133 MHz. Distinct from the expansion bus and the backside bus, though it shares wires with the former.

Network topology where the computers form a circle
and all data flows in one direction only.

Communication protocols developed by the U.S.
Department of Defense to enable dissimilar computers to share information over a network

Set of wires leading from the CPU to the
memory controller chip (traditionally the Northbridge) that enables the CPU to address RAM. Also used by the CPU for I/O addressing.

Specialized processor that helps the CPU by taking over all of the 3-D rendering duties.

Occurs when the CPU has to wait for RAM to
provide code. Also known as pipeline stall

The connection between a computer and a switch

Popular type of cabling for telephone and networks, composed of pairs of wires twisted around each other at specific intervals. The twists serve to reduce interference (also called crosstalk). The more twists, the less interference. It has no metallic shi

Unit of 8 bits; fundamental data unit of personal computers. Storing the equivalent of one character, also the basic unit of measurement for computer storage.

Number system with a base of 2, unlike
the number systems most of us use that have bases of 10 (decimal numbers), 12 (measurement in feet and inches), and 60 (time).

Power reduction/thermal control capability allowing CPUs to slow down during low activity or high heat build-up situations.

Network topology where the computers on
the network connect to a central wiring point, usually called a hub.

Data and services of a PC.

CPUs that have two execution units on the same
physical chip but share caches and RAM.

When a multicore CPU processes more than one thread.

CPU logic circuits that perform basic arithmetic (add, subtract, multiply, and divide)

Cabling for networks, composed of pairs of wires twisted around each other at specific intervals. Twists serve to reduce interference (also called crosstalk)—the more twists, the less interference. Cable has metallic shielding to protect the wires from ex

A computer that stores and shares the files
that make up Web sites.

Processing methodology where multiple calculations take place simultaneously by being broken into a series of steps. Often used in CPUs and video processors.

To run a CPU or video processor faster than its rated speed.

Single charge to the clock wire of a CPU