Glossary of Game Technology

Address Bus

Like a bus but in a computer, it connects to a series of lines taking information to where it needs to

go.

Binary

A language made up entirely of 1’s and 0’s.

Cache

This stores data for future use.

Capacitor

A capacitor is used in the electrical circuits of the computer, to power it.

Central Processing Unit

The CPU contains information for and about the computer, by performing basic input and output

algorithms.

Data Bus

A computing subsystem for transferring data to the mother board, another computer, or a system

board.

Dual Core Processor

Faster and better than single core processors, this can handle two sets of information twice as fast

and easier.

DVD

DVD stands for digital versatile disk; this uses a laser to transfer data to a computer. Mostly uses for

games, music and movies.

GHz

Giga hertz is how fast data gets round a computer. Giga is faster than megahertz but slower than

terahertz.

Hard Drive

A storage device used most in computing, gaming and machinery.

Input

This is how and where you input information into a computer, e.g. keyboard, mouse and

microphone.

Magnetic Tape

Magnetic tape is a storage technique, using plastic strips and magnetisable coating; it is not really

used as it would take up a lot of space compared to devices such as USB’s and hard drive.

MHz

MHz is much like GHz only at a much slower speed.

Output

Output is the information that you can see or hear, usually through monitor or speakers.

Optical Disk

Optical disk is where you gather information of DVD’s and similar media.

Processing

Processing is where the information is used and sorted so that it is used in the correct way.

RAM

RAM means random access memory; this is where memory is stored temporarily, until saved onto

the hard drive. Once the computer is turned off everything on the computer will be wiped.

Single Core Processor

A single core processor is the slowest and least powerful processor you can get, but it once was on

the most powerful computing components of all time.

Storage Media

Storage media is where you can record any form of energy.

Transistor

A transistor is much like a smaller conductor, where you switch energy’s amplify and power, in the

computer.

UMD

UMD means universal media disk, this is much like a DVD, but only to be used in the handheld device

‘PSP’, so just ignore the universal part.

Quad Core Processor

A quad core processor is a faster processor than a dual core, and even greater than a single core

processor.