Complementary refers to the implementation of a push-pull output stage that consists of a parallel N and P channel MOSFET, one connected between power and the output and the other connected between the output and ground. Since only one transistor is on at any one time there is no conduction path between power and ground within the device itself and therefore CMOS dissipates very little power. The only power dissipated is when the input changes and is proportional to the input frequency, however compared to BiPolar devices is probably an order of magnitude less.

CMOS is actually an entire technology of low power semiconductor devices that are the basis for probably 95% of every electronic component that exists. At the time the term CMOS became a "PC" term it was a slow technology that was used only when low power was a requirement as in a battery powered application. Since then it has pretty much become the standard.

Is this geeky enough for you?

You win, but you do it for a living

Pretty much....

Jafo is all geeked-out now...

Totally geekalicious..

I this case "flash" actually refers to a much older form of CMOS chip, you used to delete the data on it by "flashing" it with a UV light pulse through a clear plate on the chip.  The term was later carried over to include chips that were deleted by electric pulses as well, which is what the virus CMOS flasher used to do.

I "delete" stuff all the time in to the trash can, I don't even realize I say it until someone tells me.  

And, of course, I LOL and ROFL and say n00b.

I have one for first thing when I wake up and not a lot is registering: "Don't worry about me, I haven't booted up yet."

Another, when my/mrs starkers puter plays up, the contracted BSOD is expanded and becomes: " (you) Bastard Son Of (a) Derelict!"... and/or DemonSpawn, Doppleganger, etc, etc.....  There are other terms used to express my annoyance, frustration, exasperation, but not in mixed company... or for those with delicate sensibilities.

The other day we were talking about the Hadron Collider (however we spell it.) and I pointed out that on the off chance it created a black hole that sucked earth up, some aliens out there would be like wow they totally just noobed themselves!

Um, the Haldron Collider is one big scam... or should I say conspiracy!  Because Australia is such a great place, it's actually a scheme whereby Europeans can come to Oz quickly, on the cheap and bypass Oz Immigrations.... and the only 'back hole' they're creating (black because they're leaving the lights off so nobody else can see what they are doing) is the one they're digging through the Earth to reach Australia.

Hence, it will be known as the.... wait for it... the Swiss Trojan.

I just realized something. (There goes my 2008 quota.)

I don't actually say it, but I have a tendancy to think of stuff in resolutions. Like pictures in an art gallery. I see a highly detailed painting and think, "Wow! That's a really high-res picture."

Transistors are based in Quantum Mechanics.

Rob seems to have 'got it'... And I believe it was a virus that was being discussed at the time... not much more I could add to the above. In fact, none.

A few years ago, I was driving to lunch off base with a couple of my Navy buddies.  We were heading back to base, and were talking about computers, and I said "I just got a new graphics card in my brain....everything looks so REAL now."  And then when we got closer to the gate, I added "I've done this part.  You have to have a card to get on.  Here...show the guy this (handed him my military ID) and we can get to the next stage."

Well....I guess I'm in the Old Codgers ranks because I have no idea what a lot of these terms mean...though I do look them up when needed...but I've never caught myself talking pc terms...I have a hard enough time trying to understand people that try to speak english! And my daughter sends me these text messages and I have to call her to ask her what the hell she was talking about!

I know what that's all about, and I still don't understand the lingo when I call mine... she has words, terms and phrases I need a interpreter to translate for me... and even then I'm not always sure.  Still can't make my mind up if she's the one from a different planet, or I am.  Either way, I need to invest in a dictionary that was published more recently than the 1960's if I'm to have half a chance.

Hehe, I heard a real pearler earlier today... two guys were arguing and one said to the other: "You are so Apple/Mac!!!"

When they went their separate ways I asked him what he meant by it and he said that it meant "You're so far up yourself"

Just noob and a few other stuff nothing serious, but some of my friends that play WoW have started saying things like terabad and stuff (clearly too much WoW for them)

I always say e-mail when I mean snail-mail it and delete it instead of throw it out

Hm that reminds me, I use e-mail as sort of a joke, like "E-mail me some ice cream!"... yeah, I know.

Told a pal "the checks in the Email" one time. He was joking around about helping me and said Id get his bill.