Unit 2 Quiz 1

Level 2 cache (L2 cache)

A memory bank built into the CPU chip, packaged within the same module or built on the motherboard.

thrashing

If you do not have enough RAM, the operating system must move data in and out of RAM frequently, which slows performance. The operating system can even spend more time swapping data between RAM and virtual memory than running software, a condition called thrashing. A computer with a thrashing operating system is sluggish or completely unresponsive.

volatile memory

RAM is the most common type of volatile memory, which loses its contents when you turn off the power to the computer.

Firmware

Software that is permanently stored in a chip. The BIOS on a motherboard is an example of firmware.

automatic update

Tool included in most systems and application software for managing updates. It automatically checks for software updates and then downloads them when they are available

electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)

is a type of ROM that is nonvolatile, but can be modified.

service pack

A collection of updates, fixes, or enhancements to a software program delivered as a single file.

cache memory

A type of memory used to temporarily store frequently used data or programs for quick access; similar to RAM but faster.

Software installation

The process by which programs and data are copied to the hard disk of a computer system and otherwise prepared for access and use.

system requirements

The set of minimum storage, memory capacity, and processing standards recommended by the software manufacturer to ensure proper operation of a software application.

Manual Update

you download and install the updates yourself. In some cases, you must visit the software developer's Web site, and then search for the update.

software upgrade

A new version of a software product containing new features and designed to replace the entire earlier version of the product.

heat sink

A piece of metal, with cooling fins, that can be attached to or mounted on an integrated chip (such as the CPU) to dissipate heat.

Software Patch

A piece of software designed to update a computer program in order to fix a software vulnerability or improve the program.

level 1 cache (L1 cache)

Built into the CPU and gives fast access to the most frequently used data. This level cache is the first one accessed by the CPU and built directly into the CPU core

flash memory

Flash memory is a type of ROM that can be updated much more quickly than EEPROM and has largely replaced standard ROM in current computers

RAM

RAM is short-term memory, also called main memory and primary memory. Data, information, and instructions from applications and the operating system are stored temporarily in RAM, which is usually several chips on a circuit board called a memory module that is plugged into the motherboard.

nonvolatile memory

ROM is an example of nonvolatile memory because it is permanent; it does not lose its contents when you turn off the power to the computer.

read-only memory (ROM),

The operating system retrieves the data or programs stored in ROM when it needs them, such as when the computer starts up. Unlike RAM, however, the operating system does not regularly write over the contents of ROM, which is why this type of memory is called read-only memory.

software update

small section of program code that replaces part of the software currently installed