N-Key Rollover N-key rollover, or “NKRO,” is a feature of high-end keyboards that detects all keystrokes no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously. It ensures every keystroke is recorded and prevents “ghosting,” in which an extra keystroke may be registered when multiple keys are pressed together. In a basic keyboard, the electrical connections from …
NAND NAND is the most common type of flash memory. It is used in several types of storage devices, including SSDs, USB flash drives, and SD cards. NAND memory is non-volatile, meaning it retains stored data even when the power is turned off. What does NAND stand for? Surprisingly, NAND is not an acronym. Instead, …
NAS Stands for “Network Attached Storage.” A typical computer stores data using internal and external hard drives. If the computer is connected to a network, it can share data on its connected hard drives with other systems on the network. While this allows multiple computers to send data back and forth, it requires that each …
Node A node is any computer or other device connected to a network that sends, receives, or redistributes data. For example, computers, file servers, network-connected printers, and routers are all nodes on a local area network. A typical network has two types of nodes — endpoints that both send and receive data, and redistribution points …
Non-Impact Printer Early printers, such as dot matrix and daisywheel printers were called impact printers, since they operated by striking an ink ribbon against the paper. Most modern printers, including inkjet and laser printers, don’t include an ink ribbon and are considered to be non-impact printers. Non-impact printers are generally much quieter than impact printers …
Non-Volatile Memory Non-volatile memory (NVM) is a type of memory that retains stored data after the power is turned off. Unlike volatile memory, it does not require an electric charge to maintain the storage state. Only reading and writing data to non-volatile memory requires power. Storage devices, such as HDDs and SSDs, use non-volatile memory …
Northbridge The northbridge is a chip on some computer motherboards that connects the CPU to other primary system components. A computer’s northbridge directly links the CPU to the primary system memory and several high-speed expansion slots. It also connects to the southbridge, which provides connectivity to other components. Most computers in the 1990s and 2000s …
Optical Drive An optical drive is a computer disc drive that uses a laser to read optical discs like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. Optical drives are available in both internal models that are mounted inside a computer and connected directly to the motherboard, as well as external models in separate enclosures. Most optical drives can …
Optical Media Optical media is a type of data storage that uses lasers to read data from a removable plastic disc. Most optical discs are written to once by stamping encoded data into the underside of a disc’s metal coating. Recordable discs can be written to by a computer’s optical drive, and special rewritable discs …
Output Device Any device that outputs information from a computer is called, not surprisingly, an output device. Since most information from a computer is output in either a visual or auditory format, the most common output devices are the monitor and speakers. These two devices provide instant feedback to the user’s input, such as displaying …