282cache buffer: A block of memory in a file server used as temporary storage for data beingtransferred to and from a workstation. File server performance is greatlyincreased with cache buffers which allow workstations to access data frommemory rather than disk.capacity: The amount of information that can be stored in a computer’s memory or on astorage device such as a hard disk, diskette, or CD-ROM. Capacity is usuallymeasured in terms of kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). Seealso gigabyte, kilobyte, megabyte.CD (Compact Disc): Audio format in which sound is digitally encoded on a 12 cm disc.An optical laser encodes and decodes the digital data to produce exceptionallypure sound. It’s durable, portable and has random access.CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory): A high-capacity (approximately 600 MB)storage medium that uses laser optics instead of magnetic means for readingdata. The system can read data from these discs, but cannot write data to thediscs.central processing unit (CPU): The chips where all the computing takes place. The CPUis often referred to as the “brain” of the computer. It takes information fromoutside sources, such as memory or keyboard input, processes it and sendsthe results to another device that uses the information.channel: 1) A path for passing information between devices in a computer system. 2) Incommunications, a means of transferring information in analog or digital form.It may consist of a physical link such as a cable or it may use infrared, radio oroptical transmission.character: Any letter, number or symbol you can use on the computer. Some charactersare non-printing characters, such as a paragraph break in a word-processingprogram. A character occupies one byte of computer storage.chassis: A metal frame on which computer components are mounted. Typically a serverhas a main chassis, containing the motherboard and other standardcomponents, to which a number of additional chassis containing optionalcomponents can be connected.
