ROM:  “Read-Only Memory“.  Is a “built-in” memory that is used with computers and other electronic devices.  Data stored in ROM may only be read.  Changes are either extremely difficult, or not at all possible.  ROM is used usually only for firmware updates.  Unlike RAM, ROM is non-volatile, which means it keeps its contents regardless of whether or not it has power.

Firmware:  Data stored in a computer or other hardware device ROM or elsewhere in the circuitry that provides instruction on how that device should operate.  Unlike normal software, firmware cannot be changed or deleted by an end-user without the aid of special programs.  It remains on the device regardless of whether the device is on or off.

Firmware Update:  A software program that can be used to flash update the firmware in those devices.  Firmware updates are made available through the hardware manufacturer.  In some cases computer enthusiast’s websites offer firmware updates to give a device even more capabilities than the manufacturer intended, although these updates are not supported by the manufacturer.

DRAM:  “Dynamic Random Access Memory“.  DRAM is one of the most commonly found memory modules in PC compatible personal computers and worstations.  DRAM stores its information in a cell containing a capacitor and transistor.  Due to this design, these cells must be refreshed with new electricity every few milliseconds allowing the memory to keep its charge and hold the data as long as possible.

Disk Cleanup:  A software utility first introduced with Windows 98 and included in all later Windows versions. It enables users to remove files that are no longer needed or that can be safely deleted.

As seen below, Disk Cleanup can delete temporary internet files, temporary files, old downloaded program files, and empty the recycle bin.

How To Open Microsoft Disk Cleanup

There are 3 ways to do it:

1.  Go to your “Start” menu.  Click “Programs, Accessories, System Tools”.  In “System Tools”, click “Disk Cleanup”.

or

2.  Go to your “Start” menu.  In the “Run” dialogue bar, type “clenmgr”.

or

3.  Go to your “Start” menu.  Click “My Computer”.  Right click the drive you want to run Disk Cleanup on (e.g. “C:Drive”).  Click “Disk Cleanup”.

What To Do In Disk Cleanup

Once Disk Cleanup is open, click or “check” each of the boxes you want to run.  To the right of each option is the disk drive space each of the items are taking on your hard drive.

**NOTE:  We highly recommend that users DO NOT check the option to “Compress Old Files“.  Often this takes up very little disk space, and cleaning it up causes more problems than the extra bit of space is worth.**

Hard Drive:  Often called a “hard disk drive”, “HD” or “HDD”.  A data storage devices which consists of one or more platters inside an air-sealed casing.

Internal Hard Drives reside in a drive bay, and connect to the motherboard.  They are powered by a connection to the PSU (Power Supply Unit).

Task Manager:  A software utility that enables a user to view each of the tasks currently running on the computer.  You can access the Task Manager by pressing “Ctrl + Alt + Del” or “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” on the keyboard.

If a program is “no longer responding” or locked up, you can choose to “End Task” by clicking the specific program, then choose “End Task” at the bottom of the box.  This closes the program without having to restart the computer.

TSRs (Terminate-and-Stay-Resident programs):  A software program that remains in the computer’s memory until it is needed, at which time it performs a specific function.  Eg.  Virus scanner, which must remain in the computer’s memory, in order to help protect your computer from computer viruses.

Startup Programs:  Software programs that run automatically each time a computer boots up.

Background:  When referring to multitasking Operating Systems (OSs), background is the place an active program is running, but not visible to the user.  Eg.  When listening to music while surfing the internet, your music/audio program is running in the background.

Reboot:  The process of restarting a working computer system.  Rebooting is sometimes necessary to recover from an error, or to re-initialize drivers or hardware devices.

A reboot can be broken down into 2 categories:

Cold or Hard:  The power was physically shut off, then turned back on.  **Note:  A hard reboot should only be performed if the computer is completely frozen (does not respond to keyboard/mouse commands), as it may result in damage to hardware components.

Warm or Soft:  The computer was restarted without loss of power.

Your computer will also have a “Restart” option, which means that the operating System (OS) closes all programs, before a warm/soft reboot.