The System Unit

Flash Memory

A rewritable computer chip that can keep its data even without a power supply. This nonvolatile storage can be electronically erased and reprogrammed without being removed from the circuit board.

Graphics Card
Controls the computer monitor by sending pixels to the display. It increase the performance of games and such.

Sound Cards

An expansion card that are either inserted into an internal expansion slot or directly embedded into the motherboard. This hardware interface is responsible for your computer's ability to play and record sound.

Network Interface Card (NIC)
A hardware adapter that allows the linking of computers in a local area network (LAN). Using a mutually-accepted language, networked computers exchange data packets with each other as a way of communication.

Plug & Play

A term used to describe software or hardware that once plugged in, is automatically recognized and started by the computer's operating system. There is no longer a need for user intervention and physical device configuration.

Bus Line

The wires you can see on the back of a circuit board. These conduct electricity inside switchboards and other electrical apparatus. Most bus lines are made of copper but those of higher quality are made from gold.

HDMI

(High-Definition Multimedia Interface) A connection system for digital audio and video that provides a single-cable solution for home theater and consumer electronics equipment.

Cache Memory

A memory meant for quick retrieval and storage. It can be either integrated into a computer's central processing unit or into a separate chip.