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IC3 Unit 1 Chapter 1
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| algorithm: | a procedure that a computer can follow to accomplish a task |
| ASCII: | a standard binary code developed for computers to communicate with each other; the code is an eight-bit code that represents letters, decimal numbers, and special function characters (see byte) on most computers |
| analog: | electrical signal that varies in time in a way that is similar to the thing it represents; converts electrical signals into sound waves |
| analog to digital (A to D) converter: | device that converts analog signals to a series of digital numbers |
| appliance: | computer that is dedicated to one function |
| binary: | numbering system that uses zeros and ones; assigned to electrical devices like switches |
| bit (b): | single digit, 0 or 1, in a binary number |
| booting: | the process of turning on a computer and the computer checking all hardware for availability and copying the necessary operating system files to RAM for the computer to function |
| byte (B): | group of eight bits, which is a common measurement unit for data |
| central processing unit (CPU): | device for processing instructions in a computer; the heart of the computer, also known as the microprocessor |
| clock: | circuit on the computer that emits pulses |
| clock speed: | measurement of the speed of a processor |
| CD/DVD | The two types of optical storage mediums |
| data: | collection of unprocessed facts and figures |
| desktop computer: | personal computer designed to sit on a desk; the system is too large to be portable |
| digital to analog (D to A) converter: | device that takes a digital signal and converts it to an analog electrical signal |
| Dumb/POS terminal | a computer that must be connected to a file server to function; no storage capability |
| e-book: | electronic books that can be read on a computer or a special reading device |
| electronic paper: | type of display used by e-readers that reflects light from the surroundings to make it easier to read in bright light; usually restricted to black-and-white text |
| file server: | A computer that stores and manages database files and is more powerful than a typical workstation or network server |
| flash memory: | similar to RAM but slower and without moving parts; does not require constant power to store data; flash memory devices are usually USB or card slot devices |
| gigabyte: | approximately one billion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity |
| hertz: | measurement of clock pulses (clock speed); 1 pulse per second = 1 hertz |
| information: | data that is organized in a useful and meaningful manner |
| input: | one of the four main functions of a computer; the action of transferring instructions or data into a computer by using devices such as a keyboard or mouse or even touch (smartphones, tablets) |
| laptop computer: | portable or notebook computer that fits on your lap or in a briefcase; uses battery power when a power outlet is not avaialable |
| Linux: | operating system developed based on UNIX that works on a variety of computers and is not owned by a particular company; usually free of charge |
| mainframe computer: | large computer used to process vast amounts of information; they are reliable, secure and provides consistent backup and redundancy |
| megabyte: | one million bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity |
| memory: | integrated circuits designed to store data before and after it is processed by the CPU |
| nanosecond: | one billionth of a second; used as a measurement for the amount of time it takes the processor to read or write data to RAM |
| natural user interface (NUI): | operating system that can interpret touch and voice commands |
| non-volatile memory: | factory programmed and does not need constant power to function (see read-only memory) |
| operating system: | fundamental programming that controls the way computers interact with their parts and with users |
| output: | one of the four main functions of a computer; the results of processing data; output is reported to the user using devices such as the monitor or printer |
| personal computer: | a microcomputer typically operated by one person; customized to match personal perferences |
| petabyte: | over a quadrillion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity |
| pixel: | short for picture element; monitor display is measured in pixels |
| primary storage: | type of storage that is used while the computer is processing data and instructions; also known as memory |
| programmable: | types of computers that can change programs |
| programmer: | people who write programs (software instructions) |
| programming: | the process of translating algorithms into code that a computer can use |
| random access memory (RAM): | volatile memory used to store programs and data while the computer is working; it must have constant power to function |
| read-only memory (ROM): | non-volatile memory that contains instructions used by the computer to communicate with its internal components; it is factory programmed and does not need constant power to function |
| secondary storage: | storage used for the results of processed data that allows for later retrieval of the processed data |
| servers: | powerful, fast computers that run special software to serve specific purposes for many users at once |
| smartphone: | cellular telephone that has a virtual keyboard on a touch screen or a small keypad and provides Internet access |
| solid state drive (SSD): | a large amount of flash memory that does not require constant power to store data; slower than RAM |
| supercomputer: | very large capacity computers characterized by their ability to evaluate complex interactions quickly |
| tablet computer: | a computer with a touch screen designed to allow writing with an inkless pen as a mode of input; may also function as a laptop computer |
| terabyte: | approximately one trillion bytes; a measurement of memory or storage capacity |
| touch pad: | pointing device embedded in the keyboard of a laptop computer that senses motion of a finger |
| Unicode: | code that uses 32- digit binary numbers to represent characters from numerous languages including the older ASCII codes |
| UNIX: | operating system used by medium-sized computers that is independent of a manufacturer |
| volatile memory: | requires constant power to function or data is lost (RAM) |
| Web server: | computer that runs specialized software to support Web pages |
| word: | the unit of data that a processor can work with |
| word size: | the amount of data processed in one operation |
| workstation: | a PC at an organization connected to the company’s network or high-powered computers designed for specific tasks such as graphic design, medicine, games, and engineering. |
Created by:
nicole.anderson
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