GLOSSARY
Look up definitions for rugged and industrial computer terminology.
WORD OF THE DAY
Bit
The smallest unit of stored data on a computer. It can only take one of two values. For simplicity, these values are assigned the numbers 1 or 0. It is similar to a lightbulb that can only be in one of two states: on or off. Bits can be stored in many different ways. Many years ago, computers stored data on paper punch cards. In each location, there would either be a hole punched in the paper or there would be no hole. In hard disk drives, the spinning disks are divided into millions of locations. Each location can either be magnetized or not. In RAM, there are millions of locations where electricity can be stored. Each of these locations can exist in 2 states: either they hold electricity or they don’t.
All Definitions
Peripheral
A device such as a printer, keyboard or an expansion card that connects to a computer. Peripherals add extra functionality, separate from the main functions of a computer.
Panel PC
A computer and a display built together in one unit. A Panel PC is made to stay in one place, whether it is built into a wall, a piece of machinery or a car. This is in contrast with a smartphone or a tablet computer which are made to be moved around.
Processor
The processor is a highly complex microchip. It is like the brain of the computer. It does all of the thinking (which in computer terms, basically means lots and lots of math. millions of calculations per second).