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cache buffer: A block of memory in a file server used as temporary storage for data being
transferred to and from a workstation. File server performance is greatly
increased with cache buffers which allow workstations to access data from
memory rather than disk.
capacity: The amount of information that can be stored in a computer's memory or on a
storage device such as a hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM. Capacity is usually
measured in terms of kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). See
also gigabyte, kilobyte, megabyte.
CD (Compact Disc): Audio format in which sound is digitally encoded on a 12 cm disc.
An optical laser encodes and decodes the digital data to produce exceptionally
pure sound. It's durable, portable and has random access.
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory): A high-capacity (approximately 600 MB)
storage medium that uses laser optics instead of magnetic means for reading
data. The system can read data from these discs, but cannot write data to the
discs.
central processing unit (CPU): The chips where all the computing takes place. The CPU
is often referred to as the "brain" of the computer. It takes information from
outside sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes it and sends
the results to another device that uses the information.
channel: 1) A path for passing information between devices in a computer system. 2) In
communications, a means of transferring information in analog or digital form.
It may consist of a physical link such as a cable or it may use infrared, radio or
optical transmission.
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.
chassis: A metal frame on which computer components are mounted. Typically a server
has a main chassis, containing the motherboard and other standard
components, to which a number of additional chassis containing optional
components can be connected.
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