Across
- 2. Basically converts the high AC voltage (usually 110 or 220) that comes from the power supply company to a low DC voltage (usually 5V for most PCs) that can be used by the PC components.
- 5. A component in the computer that hosts most of the PC components on it. It has 2 main jobs: one is to distribute electricity from the Power Supplier to all the components and the 2nd one is to transfer the data sent between the components from one to another.
- 6. A type of Firmware that runs when the computer starts. It’s responsible to check for the well-being of the critical components such as ram, cpu and basic input and output components (keyboard, mouse and screen). Its main job is to initialize all the hardware and make sure it runs properly before the operating system takes control over managing the computer's hardware. Also, it provides the operating system a way to communicate with all the computer's input and output devices.
- 8. A term used to describe parallel communication interface, which means the data flows in few channel simultaneously. It is good for transferring large chunks of data, but for real time transfers serial transfer would be faster and more credible, as the computer won't need to constantly check the order of arrival and synchronize between the parallel channels.
- 10. The brain of your computer. It is responsible for managing and synchronizing all the parts inside the computer to work together (like RAM memory, graphic card, Hard disk and so on).
- 11. A general term for serial communication interface, which means the bits of data goes through it one by one (in contrast to parallel port which they go few at a time).
Down
- 1. A memory that is used by the CPU for quick calculations. It is a memory dedicated to help the CPU remember results of recent calculations to be used later on. This is what makes it possible for the PCU to perform multi-tasking and keeping few programs opened in the same time. It is basically a short term memory and is different than the Hard disk drive, and is deleted when power stops running through it.
- 3. An industry standard that defines the protocols for connection, communication, and power supply between computers and electronic devices.
- 4. A cable designed by Apple in the early 90's. It is an interface standard for a serial bus for high speed communications and real time data transfer. It was used to connect TV to your computer, as well as an interface for charging and managing the first iPod and iPhone devices.
- 7. A card that enables the computer to get inputs and make outputs of audio data (microphone for input, speakers for output). Also, it could be attached to one of the motherboard's PCI slots.
- 8. A slot on the motherboard designed to connect all kinds of peripheral components. Most common uses for it are to connect external Graphic cards , Sound cards and Network cards.
- 9. A port to connect your graphic card to your motherboard, usually to accelerate 3D calculations.
- 12. A 6-pin serial connector used to connect keyboards and mouses to the computer.