be erased and in most cases should not be erased. Most home computers would not be
able to function without the ROM that is on their system.
2 RAM. Random Access Memory. A computer reads information in and
out of RAM. The easiest way to describe RAM is that it is like an electronic
chalkboard. This information is "Volatile" and can be lost if it is not saved prior to
exiting an application.
(c) Binary. Binary is the simple way in which a computer reads digital
information. The binary code consists of "O's" and "1's". There are eight bits to a byte and
one byte of information is equivalent to one keyboard stroke.
(d) Measurement. The way in which data storage is measured on a computer
system is important for application and system reasons. When working on a system you
need to know if the system has enough storage capacity to run an application or store a
document.
1
Kilobyte 1000 bytes.
2
Megabyte 1,000,000 bytes.
3
Gigabyte 1,000,000,000 bytes.
(e) Storage Devices. Storage devices are a critical
Component of computer systems, especially in the business world. Many times users will wish
to backup and/or store their information on an additional storage device for safety reasons (the
system could crash or be inoperative for a number of reasons).
1 Hard Disk Drive Found on all PC's and many mini-computers. Size
varies greatly depending on the system.
2 CD-ROM A very efficient and portable storage device that is gradually
replacing the floppy disk. These devices can hold up to 1 gigabyte of information.
3 Floppy Disk The mainstay of storage devices and probably the most
recognizable storage device for the last fifteen years. The only negative about this device is that
its capacity is only 1.44 Megabytes.
d.
Computer Terms and Application.
(1) Terms
(2) Definitions / Application
3.
Basic Computer.
a.
Objective
QM 6312
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