GLOSSARY

A number of different things which work together to fulfill a particular purpose. In the computer world, this would be a number of computer hardware components, peripherals and software.

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).

It is a piece of insulating material such as plastic or fiberglass with copper attached to it. The copper has been etched away to form a highly complex circuit. The motherboard also comes with several different microchips built-in, that perform several different functions. This is the nervous system of the computer. Many other computer components plug into the motherboard. The motherboard routes all information where it needs to go.

1. Original Equipment Manufacturer. There is more than one definition of this term, depending on the industry, background or social circle. This is the one that we use: A company that brings in several components from other sources in order to manufacture a product. Original in this case means “new and different” or “not a copy”. Our customers typically are OEMs. They make a brand new product from several different components, including the computers and displays that we provide them.
2. Another common definition of OEM indicates an arrangement whereby the vendor of a computer or computer component will brand and/or otherwise customize their product for the purchasing party. For instance, New Era Electronics may provide a computer to “Company A”. Company A does not want their end customers to see where their components come from and wants to establish brand awareness. So New Era Electronics could make an OEM branded computer with Company A’s logo on it.

Embedded has 2 meanings that we are concerned with in the computer world.

1. Integrated or made to be integrated into a larger device
2. Adheres to what is called an “embedded lifecycle”. This means that the manufacturer will continue to make the product anywhere from 5-15 years. In contrast to average consumer electronics which can go obsolete within 6 months.

The length of time that a computer part will continue to be manufactured and be available for purchase on the market. The length of time before it goes obsolete.

These are the physical parts of a computer. If you can pick it up and drop it on the floor, it is hardware. They are objects

The “non-physical” parts of the computer. They exist as commands, series of commands, rules, sets of parameters, etc. You can’t pick it up and drop it on the floor. Of course it isn’t literally non-physical. It exists as electricity and physical states within a computer.

Another word for a computer. It is called a box because it is typically shaped like a box. In a lot of cases it will refer to a small box-shaped computer.

An electronic device used for the processing of information. A computer can store data, perform calculations, and carry out processes.