Micron Millennia Series Technical Reference Manual page 98

G L O S S A R Y
bit A unit of measurement used to describe the smallest possible piece of computer information, represented as a
binary digit. Eight bits is equal to one byte.
boot To start up a computer system and load the operating system. During the start-up process, information
necessary for the computer to operate is loaded into the memory.
bus The set of address or data lines used to transfer information between different components within a computer
(such as memory, the microprocessor, and the expansion slots). The width of the bus, or the number of parallel
connectors, determines the size, in bits, of the largest data item that it can carry. Bus is the main
communication path used by the components of a computer.
byte A unit of measurement used to describe a quantity of data, equal to eight bits. A character is one byte in size.
cache Small, fast, local storage for frequently accessed instructions and data to provide the processor with the
fastest stream of information possible, while keeping main memory current.
card See PCI and AGP.
central Controls the operation of a computer. Contains the logic circuitry that performs the instructions of a computer's
processing unit programs.
(CPU)
chip Chip is short for microchip, the incredibly complex yet tiny modules that store computer memory or provide
logic circuitry for microprocessors.
clock A circuit that sends a consistent, periodic signal used to synchronize the computer and to step information
through the system.
closed A complete circuit. Usually accomplished by placing a jumper over two pins on the system board or a
peripheral card. Also see open and jumper.
compact disc A 4.72 inch circular piece of plastic that can store a maximum of 650 MB of digital data on one side using laser
(CD) technology.
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