Basic Computer and Technical Terms

CPU: Central Processing Unit:

The CPU is often referred to as the "brain of the computer". It is responsible for the interpretation and execution of commands from the hardware and software present in a computer or console system.
Two typical components of the CPU are the Arithmetic logic unit (ALU) which performs calculations and the Control unit (CU) which provides and executes instructions.



RAM: Random Access Memory:

RAM is a type of memory which is accessed by a computer randomly. There are two types of RAM:

DRAM : Dynamic Random Access Memory
SRAM: Static Random Access Memory

The difference between these two is that SRAM is faster and more expensive than DRAM.
RAM is also known to be volatile memory, which means that when power is cut off, the RAM loses all data saved on it.

Pixel Resolution :

A pixel is a the smallest element of an image. The resolution of the image dictates how many pixels can fit on a specified screen. The higher the pixel resolution, the higher the picture quality. Resolution can be defined as a set of two numbers. The first number the width of the picture , or the pixels across columns , and the second number is height of the picture , or the pixels across its width.


Vector Graphics:

Vector based graphics are not made up of pixels. Instead, they are made up of paths with start and end points. The paths can have curves, angles and points as well. Due to the fact that vector graphics do not use pixels, the image quality is not affected by resolution and can be scaled up with no loss in quality.


Buffer:

A buffer contains data that is stored for a short amount of time. This is usually found in RAM, Hard drives and graphics cards. For example: Before a picture is sent on the screen directly it goes in the buffer instead to avoid frames skips or tears in a video.


True 3D graphics:

True 3D graphics are game objects or characters which are made up of polygons and can be manipulated in a 3D environment which use of specialized software such as "Autodesk Maya 2015". In a game using true 3D graphics, the 3D models are rendered in real time (during gameplay) and can be pre rendered to be more detailed (in cut scenes).

GPU:

Graphics processing unit. This is the processor which is responsible for calculations which have anything to do with graphics.

Poly count:

This refers to the amount of polygons which make up a 3D asset. The higher the poly count, the more detail the asset will have, but it will be harder to process.

Quadrangualtion:

To quadrangulate refers to changing the geometry of a 3D model to faces (polygons) which have 4 sides only.

Triangulation:

To triangulate refers to changing the geometry of a 3D model to faces (polygons) which have 3 sides only.

Shading:

Shading refers to applying a darker color to an object (2d or 3d) to show the viewer that there is a light source affecting it.

Normal mapping:

This is a technique used in 3D modelling in which a normal map is extracted from a high poly model and then applied on the same low poly model to provide the illusion of detail.

Raster image:

This is a 2 dimensional image or picture which is resolution dependent and made up of pixels. Very commonly used for photo realistic graphics.

HDMI:

High definition multimedia interface: This is an interface which supports high definition video and multi channel audio transfer at once. HDMI is commonly used with consoles, dvd/blu ray players and other high definition devices or sound systems.

Occlusion:

Occlusion is often used in 3D modelling and refers to the effect that light has when objects and surfaces touch each other. Occlusion darkens significantly the point where different objects touch.

Colour Gradient:

The colour gradient refers to the transition between two different colours. For example the gradient between black and white is from dark grey to light grey.

Stereoscopic 3D:

This can be either active or passive depending on the screen being used. Stereo 3D enables the viewer or player to experience depth in the images or video being watched. This is done by showing each eye slightly different images through special 3D glasses to provide a 3 dimensional experience.

GUI:

Graphical User Interface. This refers to how the user of a device interacts with its applications with different visuals. GUI often include icons like the GUI on the windows operating system.

DLC:

Downloadable content. This is common for video games nowadays. DLC is extra content released for a game which can be purchased and downloaded to be used along with the original game.

Encryption:

Encryption is the process of protection data from unauthorized access by transforming such data into unrecognizable data until it reaches its destination.

FPS:

Frames per second. Used in video and refers to how many images are shown in a single second of video playback. The higher the fps, the smoother the video.

Bit:

Stands for "Binary digit". It is the smallest measurement of data. Contains a single value which is either 0 or 1.


References:

What is Central Processing Unit (CPU)? Webopedia. 2015. What is Central Processing Unit (CPU)? Webopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/C/CPU.html. [Accessed 07 March 2015].
What is Random Access Memory (RAM)? Webopedia. 2015. What is Random Access Memory (RAM)? Webopedia. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/R/RAM.html. [Accessed 07 March 2015].
Pixel Resolution. 2015. Pixel Resolution. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.tutorialspoint.com/dip/Pixel_Resolution.htm. [Accessed 07 March 2015].
 Vector Graphic Definition. 2015. Vector Graphic Definition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://techterms.com/definition/vectorgraphic. [Accessed 07 March 2015].
Buffer Definition. 2015. Buffer Definition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://techterms.com/definition/buffer. [Accessed 08 March 2015].
Key 3D Modeling Terminology You Need to Master. 2015. Key 3D Modeling Terminology You Need to Master. [ONLINE] Available at:http://blog.digitaltutors.com/basic-3d-modeling-terminology/. [Accessed 17 May 2015].
The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary. 2015. The Tech Terms Computer Dictionary. [ONLINE] Available at: http://techterms.com/. [Accessed 23 May 2015].