Storage Glossary
What does it all mean?
Bandwidth
A measure of the amount of data that can be moved between two points in a certain period of time.
Binary
Numbering system based on noughts and ones - computing is built on this.
Bit
Binary digit. The smallest piece of data (a 1 or a 0) that a computer will recognise.
Byte
A series of 8 bits.
Cache
Static RAM containing recently used information
CPU
Central processing unit. The main computer chip, primarily responsible for executing instructions.
Cache
A small, fast memory which holds recently accessed data, designed to make it faster to subsequently access the same data. Often used between a processor and main memory, or in a web browser.
Compact Flash
A small flash memory module. The memory chips are enclosed in a plastic case and retain data after they are removed from the system. The most common uses for these are in handheld computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, and MP3 players.
Flash Memory
Flash memory is a memory device that keeps it's data after the power is removed.
Front Side Bus
Bus stands for bi-directional universal switch, and is a way of transferring data in computing. The front side bus connects the CPU with the RAM and video card.
Gigabit
A Gigabit is equal to 1024 Megabits (1,073,741,824 bits) of information. Abbreviated Gb.
Gigabyte
A Gigabyte is equal to 1024 Megabytes (1,073,741,824 bytes) of information. Abbreviated GB.
Latency
The amount of time in nanoseconds between a request to access the memory, and when it is actually performed.
Megabit
A Megabit is equal to 1,048,576 bits of information. (Abbreviated Mb.)
Megabyte
A Megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes of information. (Abbreviated MB.)
Megahertz
A measurement of clock cycles in millions of cycles per second. One hertz is one cycle per second.
Nibble
Usually 4 bits (half a byte).
RAM
Random access memory can access data in different locations without affecting the speed of access - it is like the thinking power of a PC as opposed to the stored files in the hard drive. Data is stored in the RAM memory temporarily while the PC is processing or operating a particular programme, and is volatile, meaning the information is lost when power is turned off.
ROM
Read Only Memory (permanent memory that cannot be changed).
Virtual Memory
This is virtual RAM memory simulated by the hard drive - when all the RAM is being used (eg if there are lots programmes running at the same time) the computer will swap data to the hard drive and back to give the impression that there is more memory.